EP2876745B1 - Electrical connector for safety restraint system - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an electrical connector for a plug-in connection, in particular a pyrotechnic connector, or a primer connector, for a safety restraint system of a motor vehicle, for automatically preventing a bad connection with a conjugate connector. .

It is known that the safety restraint systems present in particular in seat belts or in motor vehicle airbags comprise pyrotechnic devices that can trigger the tightening of a belt or the swelling of an airbag as a function of shock information. or vibrations received by sensors of the vehicle. It is also known that electrical cables connecting a control unit of a sensor to a corresponding pyrotechnic device, or primer, result in an electrical connector, which is generally connected to a conjugate connector socket, or lighter carrier, sometimes also called primer support in the following.

It is further known from the state of the art that pyrotechnic connectors, also known as primer connectors hereafter, may incorporate secondary locking systems or connector position assurance devices, that is, CPA devices. (English "Connector Position Assurance"), to control and maintain a good coupling with the igniter holder in an environment that can be regularly subjected to shocks or vibrations, as is typically the case in a motor vehicle. Pyrotechnic connectors whose secondary lock can use a spring for passing the secondary locking element from a predetermined position to another predetermined position are also known.

The document WO 2012/055719 A1 discloses in particular a pyrotechnic connector as disclosed in the preamble of claim 1 and comprising a secondary locking system assisted by a U-shaped spring-rod, wherein the transverse portion of the "U" is fixed in the connector and the two legs of the "U" have their respective ends in contact with a secondary locking element. In this system, the spring tabs, i.e., its end portions, can move in a direction of insertion of the connector, and the locking member includes deflection surfaces for deflecting the ends of the connectors. legs of the spring in a direction perpendicular to the direction insertion of the connector, that is in a direction away from the legs of the spring from one another. However, at each connection or disconnection of the connector, the tendency to move the tabs of the spring away from each other when passing between the two predetermined positions of the secondary locking member may result in deformation of the spring.

It is furthermore known that car manufacturers are increasingly inclined to standardize their connector elements and thus to provide very precise specifications requiring electrical connector suppliers to provide solutions adapted to the standardized elements. Thus, in the case of safety restraint systems, because of the standardization of igniter supports or counter-pyrotechnic connectors, also called counter-connectors of the primer in what follows, by the car manufacturers, there is a need to provide suitable pyrotechnic connectors. An example of a combined plug, either a primer socket or a standard igniter holder known in the automobile industry, is shown in FIG. Figure 1 in an exploded view.

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved solution compared to the state of the art, respecting in particular the required compactness standards for the pyrotechnic connectors of the automotive industry and to ensure automatically: a on the other hand, that a pyrotechnic connector for a restraint system can not be badly connected to an igniter holder whose standard is imposed by the automobile industry; and, secondly, that a secondary lock is performed as soon as the connector is correctly coupled to the igniter support.

The object of the present invention is achieved by an electrical connector according to claim 1, the connector being mating with a mating electrical connector in a first direction of a mating direction, said electrical connector comprising: a main housing; a locking spring provided in the main housing and expanded in a delivery state of the connector; a connector position assurance element movable to cause a spring tension in a loaded state of the connector in which, when a coupling or connection is made with a conjugate connector, the spring tension is opposed to the coupling as long as the connector and the conjugate connector are not correctly coupled; and at least one main locking element, preferably two main locking elements, provided on the main housing, in a delivery position in the delivery state, and being deflectable during a coupling, the delivery position to lock the connector to the conjugate connector when they are correctly coupled. In other words, the displacement of a connector position assurance device conjugated with at least one locking spring makes it possible, during a coupling of the connector with the conjugate connector, in a first place, to pass the connector from the delivery state to a loaded state in which the spring tension opposes the coupling. The position assurance element of the connector is further configured to prevent deflection of the at least one main locking element into the delivery state.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connector may be a pyrotechnic connector for a safety restraint system of a motor vehicle. The invention is adapted to the field of automotive connection, particularly to the connection of pyrotechnic systems, but other advantageous embodiments are possible for electrical systems whose installation in a small space imposes standards of compactness similar to those pyrotechnic connectors.

The invention advantageously combines the spring lock principle with a connector position assurance element. Thus, according to the invention, a device CPA can serve on the one hand to cause a tension of the locking spring during a phase of contact or approach of a coupling of the connector with a counter-connector, and of on the other hand to ensure the maintenance of the main locking of the connector when it is correctly coupled to the counter-connector.

From a practical point of view, the invention allows the automatic ejection of a connector badly plugged into a counter-connector. In an advantageous embodiment for a pyrotechnic system connection of a motor vehicle, the invention can therefore allow the automatic ejection of a pyrotechnic connector if it is improperly inserted or is not fully inserted in the standard igniter holder conjugate. On the other hand, when the connector is correctly inserted in the conjugate socket, according to the invention, the connector returns to its delivery state in which the at least one element providing the main locking with the conjugate socket, which can be for example a lance lock, can no longer be deflected because it is blocked by the delivery position of the connector position assurance element. Thus, when the counter-connector or conjugate connector is an igniter support, for example for a safety restraint system of a motor vehicle, a preferred embodiment of the invention can provide a suitable pyrotechnic connector that will be ejected automatically if it is improperly plugged in, but whose secondary lock by a CPA device will be activated automatically as soon as the connector is correctly inserted in the support lighter.

A delivery state of the connector may be a state in which the spring, the CPA device and the at least one main locking element are in their delivery position. In other words, in the state of delivery: the spring can be essentially relaxed or is in any case with a minimum tension with respect to a loaded state in which the spring is pushed back, and therefore stretched or loaded, by the deflection of the connector position insurance element; the position assurance element of the connector is in its initial position which is its default position at rest before coming into contact with a contact surface of the counter-connector during a coupling, or just in contact with this one; and said at least one main locking element, which can be deflected during a coupling, is in its non-deflected position which, when the connector is correctly coupled to the conjugate connector, provides the main locking, for example between a pyrotechnic connector and a conjugate lighter support. In the delivery state, the delivery position of the connector position assurance element prevents deflection of the main locking element.

Likewise, a loaded state of the connector may be a state in which the spring is loaded as a result of the displacement of the position assurance element of the connector, particularly in a direction opposing the mating direction of the connector in the connector. the conjugate connector. In a preferred embodiment, a charged state may be a state in which a CPA device of the connector according to the invention is pushed against a contact surface of the counter-connector in a coupling phase, for example a coupling section. counter-connector. The connector position assurance element being moveable between the delivery states and loaded with the connector, a push of the connector in the coupling direction, and thus of its position assurance element, against a surface or section of the connector. coupling of the counter-connector during coupling then moves the position assurance element of the connector, thereby causing the spring load.

Advantageously, in the loaded state, the position assurance element of the connector may allow deflection of the at least one main locking element. It is therefore possible to combine the above advantageous effects with a CPA device that can be configured for, in the loaded state of the connector and once the CPA device sufficiently moved by a push against the counter-connector during a coupling, can allow the deflection of the main locking element of the connector, allowing then to pass to a properly locked state of the connector with the counter-connector if the mating is continued.

In one embodiment of the connector according to the present invention, the locking lances or lances of a pyrotechnic connector can be deflected in a loaded state, allowing then to continue the insertion of the pyrotechnic connector into the lighter carrier. Once the connector is properly inserted into the igniter holder, the locking lances can return to their delivery position, then snapping into spaces provided in the lighter bracket and thus achieving the main lock with it.

Thus, the invention is advantageous with respect to the pyrotechnic connectors known from the state of the art because the tension of the loaded spring allows: when the connector is not fully and correctly inserted into the counter-connector, to eject automatically the connector by performing a reverse thrust of the connector position assurance element on a contact surface of the counter-connector; or, when the connector is properly inserted into the counter-connector, automatically return the connector position assurance element to its delivery position, thereby preventing deflection of the main locking element (s), thereby maintaining lock.

In a preferred embodiment, the connector position assurance element can be movable between the delivery state and the loaded state of the connector, particularly with respect to the main housing, in the mating direction. In particular, the position insurance element can be movable from the delivery state to the loaded state in a second direction, opposite to the first direction of the coupling direction, while the displacement of the element position assurance for returning to the delivery state from the loaded state can take place in the first direction of the coupling direction, ie in the same direction as the insertion direction of the connector in a conjugate connector . This may be advantageous for transmitting the coupling movement to the spring by means of the connector position assurance element in a direct manner.

Advantageously, the locking spring can be partially arranged in the position assurance element of the connector. In particular, in a mode of In a preferred embodiment, the spring can be arranged in a groove provided for this purpose in the position assurance element. A displacement of the position assurance element of the connector during a passage between the delivery states and charged can therefore be directly transmitted to the spring whose load will then oppose the connection, at least as long as the connector is not correctly plugged into its conjugate connector.

In an advantageous embodiment, the locking spring may be a formed wire spring, in particular a wire rod spring formed. In addition, the locking spring may comprise at least one longitudinal portion and a respective end portion, a longitudinal portion being able to form an initial angle with its respective end portion in the delivery state of the connector. Preferably, the initial angle may be essentially a right angle, or at least a slightly acute or obtuse angle close enough to a right angle. A typical helical spring may be possible in some types of connector, but in the case of a pyrotechnic connector whose dimensions must meet the standards of compactness imposed by the automotive industry, it is more advantageous to use a spring in wire spring rod type, whose geometry can be preformed to be adapted to that of the connector housing.

In a preferred variant, the locking spring may further comprise at least one helical portion, and said at least one helical portion may join a longitudinal portion to a respective end portion, the axis of the helical portion then being preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal portion and substantially perpendicular or parallel to the respective end portion. It is therefore also advantageous to employ a wire spring formed combining a helical portion forming a spring pivot between two rod portions so as to enhance the spring effect of the spring locking system.

In another preferred embodiment, the electrical connector according to the present invention may comprise more than one locking spring, in particular two locking springs. Thus, the connector may further comprise a second locking spring, which may preferably be similar in all respects to the first locking spring, and which may in particular be substantially symmetrical to the first locking spring. While a single locking spring is sufficient to achieve the present invention, it is also possible to achieve the same advantageous effects by using more than one locking spring. In particular, in a preferred variant, two Essentially symmetrical springs can be essentially equivalent to a "U" shaped spring.

In an alternative of a preferred embodiment, the spring may be substantially U-shaped with a transverse portion and two side portions may each include an end portion, and the two end portions may be substantially perpendicular. at the side parts. In another variant, the two end portions may form, in the delivery state, an initial angle, in particular a right or an acute angle, with the lateral parts. A formed wire spring can therefore adopt several geometries. In a preferred embodiment, the spring may therefore be a spring similar to those used for mouse traps and may therefore comprise two lateral rods joined at one end by a transverse rod and having, at the other end, tabs essentially perpendicular to the lateral rods. In comparison with this variant, the variant employing two essentially symmetrical locking springs may be substantially equivalent to the U-shaped spring from which the transverse rod has been removed.

In an advantageous variant, the "U" spring may further comprise turns between each lateral portion and its end portion, and the axis of the turns may preferably be substantially perpendicular to the lateral rods and parallel or perpendicular to the parts of end. Thus, the lateral rods can form turns before the tabs of the spring, which has the advantage of increasing the repulsive force generated by the spring when loaded, thus effectively repelling a poorly plugged connector in a socket conjugate. Each lateral rod of the "U" spring can therefore correspond to the longitudinal rod of one of the two symmetrical springs, all these variants being able to be combined with a helical part between the longitudinal / lateral rods and the respective end portions.

In the case of a pyrotechnic connector, the standard igniter supports are generally such that the connectors comprise two locking lances arranged on opposite sides of the connector, which snap into receiving spaces of the socket. In one embodiment of the connector according to the present invention, a device CPA of the connector can therefore advantageously comprise two elements arranged so as to avoid a deflection of the locking lances of the connector. In combination with a CPA device that can be moved in a coupling direction, it is therefore advantageous to arrange the lateral rods of a U-shaped spring, or the respective longitudinal rods of two essentially symmetrical springs on the corresponding sides. In combination with a variant in which at least the transverse rod of the "U" spring is arranged in a groove of the device CPA, a displacement of the device CPA following an attempt at coupling will directly exert a pressure on the transverse rod of the spring , which will therefore follow the movement of the CPA device and cause a load at the turns, thus allowing effective transmission of the thrust of the CPA device on the spring in a loaded state relative to a single rod spring. Similarly, in the two-spring variant, each longitudinal rod may be partially received in a groove adapted to the CPA so as to obtain the same advantageous effect. The loaded spring can then exert a force contrary to the coupling, thus promoting the automatic ejection of the connector when it is inserted incorrectly or is not fully coupled with the counter-connector. This variant is advantageous especially in the case of a pyrotechnic connector to meet the needs of the automotive industry in terms of safety during the installation of such connectors, but also in terms of compactness.

In an advantageous variant, the lateral parts may each comprise a recess, in particular in the form of a valley, or for example in the form of a "V", which can form a stop for thrust surfaces of the position assurance element. This variant has been found to be advantageous in the case of a bootstrap connector since the standard primer socket outlets are generally configured such that the connectors comprise two locking lances arranged on opposite sides of the connector. A spring whose lateral rods comprise "V" recesses whose tip is in contact with a thrust surface of the CPA device allows efficient transmission of the thrust of the CPA device on the spring in a loaded state with respect to a spring. simple stems.

In another advantageous variant, in the loaded state, the tension of the spring may be such that the angle between the two end portions and the lateral portions may be greater than the initial angle. The loaded spring can then exert a force contrary to the coupling, thus promoting the automatic ejection of the connector when it is inserted incorrectly or is not fully coupled with the counter-connector. This variant is also advantageous in the case of a starter connector in order to meet the needs of the automotive industry in terms of safety during the installation of such connectors.

In another advantageous variant, said at least one helical portion may be arranged around a member forming a respective axis provided in the main housing. In some embodiments, the axle member may be preferably arranged substantially perpendicular to the lateral rods of the spring and parallel to the end portions or lugs of the spring, or also perpendicular thereto in other embodiments. . This variant has proved particularly advantageous in embodiments in combination with a "mouse trap" type spring, or with two essentially symmetrical springs equivalent to a "U" spring, because it makes it possible in particular to constrain the how the spring can be loaded.

In a preferred embodiment, the position assurance element of the connector may comprise at least one secondary locking element, in particular two secondary locking elements, which can be provided such that a deflection of said at least one element lock is prevented in the delivery condition. A CPA device comprising one or more locking tabs can therefore advantageously be used so that the one or more locking tabs prevent a deflection of the locking lances of a pyrotechnic connector in the delivery state, thus reinforcing a locked state of the connector correctly. coupled. In the loaded state, on the other hand, because of the displacement of the position insurance device, a deflection of the at least one main locking element, for example the locking lances of a pyrotechnic connector, can therefore be authorized so as to allow the insertion or the connector in the counter-connector, or its disengagement if they are coupled and locked. Preferably, said at least one secondary locking element may comprise a portion arranged, in the delivery state, so as to wedge said at least one main locking element and thus prevent a deflection thereof. In an advantageous embodiment, in a connector correctly plugged into a conjugate connector, the locking lances provided for the main locking are generally snapped into spaces of the conjugate connector provided for this purpose. It is therefore only necessary to block a possible bending in a direction allowing a disengagement. This variant of the present invention therefore advantageously makes it possible to use a device CPA, for example having locking tabs, a part of the locking tabs can come directly behind the lances of the main lock, thus preventing any disengagement once the connector plugged into the socket conjugate, especially in case of shocks and / or vibrations.

Advantageously, the position assurance element of the connector, in particular, if appropriate, said at least one secondary locking element, may be provided with at least one bearing surface configured to bear, during a coupling, against a predetermined surface of a coupling section of the conjugate connector, thereby causing the delivery state to change to the loaded state. This variant is preferred in the case of pyrotechnic connectors and is advantageous, for example in combination with a variant in which a device CPA can be moved in the direction of coupling, in order to transmit the mutual thrust of the connector against the counter-connector when a coupling directly to the CPA device and therefore to the spring. In the case of a standard igniter support of the automotive industry, it is therefore possible to provide a pyrotechnic connector whose CPA device can come directly into contact with predetermined surfaces of a coupling section of the retaining element of the automobile. boot support and resting on them. In a preferred embodiment where the connector position assurance element comprises one or more secondary locking elements, for example in the case of a CPA device comprising one or more locking tabs, it is advantageous that the or the locking tabs define at least one bearing surface and therefore come into direct contact with the coupling section of the conjugate connector. The mating section of the conjugate connector may be defined as the face of the conjugate connector which is presented to the connector when mating, which may therefore be the face including apertures or contact openings for the insertion of contact pins of the connector. connector. In general, the mating section may be perpendicular to the direction of insertion or mating direction.

In a preferred and advantageous variant of an embodiment, the position assurance element of the connector may be further configured to, upon coupling, return the connector from the loaded state to the delivery state. under the effect of the load of the locking spring when the connector and the conjugate connector are correctly coupled. A properly coupled and locked connector and counter-connector system can then advantageously comprise only elements essentially at rest. It is therefore possible to advantageously avoid having parts undergoing additional unnecessary stresses when the connector and counter-connector are correctly coupled. Once the connector and the conjugate connector are correctly coupled, that is to say once the main locking is performed by said at least one main locking element, the load of the locking spring can then cause Automatically changing the position assurance element of the connector from the loaded state to the delivery state. The secondary lock can then be activated automatically, maintaining the master lock in a locked state of the connector.

In an advantageous variant, the main housing may further comprise at least one clearance surface configured to disengage said at least one secondary locking element in the loaded state when the connector and the conjugate connector are correctly coupled. The clearance can be done in particular in a direction of clearance substantially perpendicular to the coupling direction. An advantageous application appears in an embodiment in which a CPA device comprises one or more locking lugs to achieve the secondary locking by being wedged behind locking lances of a connector. Once the connector is correctly plugged into a conjugate socket, that is to say once the locking lances make the main locking with the conjugate connector, the displacement of the CPA device, in particular in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion. may have reached a maximum in which the locking tabs, which previously abutted on respective surfaces of the mating section of the conjugate connector, will then be disengaged by means of clearance surfaces, for example lugs provided in the connector. The load of the locking spring can then automatically push the CPA device in the direction of insertion to make it return to its delivery position, then advantageously placing the secondary locking tabs behind the main locking lances.

Preferably, the electrical connector may further comprise a cover attachable to the main housing and including at least one surface limiting displacement of the connector position assurance element in a second direction of the coupling direction, opposite the first sense. Thus, the displacement of a CPA device can be limited inside the main housing of the connector by a stop on one or more surfaces of the cover. The invention can therefore present a solution adapted to the standards of compactness for igniter supports of safety restraint systems in motor vehicles.

In another preferred variant of an embodiment, the cover may further comprise at least one receiving zone making it possible to at least partially accommodate the spring in its loaded state. This variant is also advantageous because it also makes it possible to present a solution adapted to the standards in terms of of compactness for safety restraint system leader sockets in motor vehicles.

In a preferred variant of an embodiment of the present invention, the cover may comprise retention zones provided for housing the two end portions of the locking spring. Alternatively, the end portion (s) may be housed, or wedged, in a retention portion provided in the main housing. This variant has been found to be particularly advantageous in embodiments in combination with two springs or with an equivalent spring of the "mouse trap" type since it makes it possible in particular to keep the legs of the spring essentially fixed in the main housing of the connector. and to constrain how the spring can be loaded as well as to constrain how the spring can be arranged in the main housing.

la Figure 1

illustre schématiquement un exemple de support allumeur standard connu, dans une vue éclatée ;

la Figure 2

illustre schématiquement un exemple d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un connecteur électrique selon la présente invention, dans une vue éclatée ;

la Figure 3

illustre schématiquement un exemple de dispositif d'assurance de position pour le connecteur du mode de réalisation illustré à la Figure 2 ;

les Figures 4A à 4D

illustrent schématiquement une phase d'approche lors d'un accouplement du connecteur selon le mode de réalisation illustré à la Figure 2, dans son état de livraison, avec le support allumeur standard illustré à la Figure 1 ;

les Figures 5A et 5B

illustrent schématiquement une autre phase lors d'un accouplement du connecteur selon le mode de réalisation illustré à la Figure 2, dans un état chargé, avec le support allumeur standard illustré à la Figure 1 ;

les Figures 6A et 6B

illustrent schématiquement une autre phase lors d'un accouplement du connecteur selon le mode de réalisation illustré à la Figure 2, dans un état chargé, avec le support allumeur standard illustré à la Figure 1 ;

les Figures 7A à 7D

illustrent schématiquement un état correctement accouplé et verrouillé du connecteur selon le mode de réalisation illustré à la Figure 2, à l'état de livraison, avec le support allumeur standard illustré à la Figure 1 ;

la Figure 8

illustre schématiquement un exemple d'un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un connecteur électrique selon la présente invention, dans une vue éclatée ;

la Figure 9

illustre schématiquement un exemple de dispositif d'assurance de position pour le connecteur du mode de réalisation illustré à la Figure 8 ;

les Figures 10A et 10B

illustrent schématiquement une phase d'approche lors d'un accouplement du connecteur selon le mode de réalisation illustré à la Figure 8, dans son état de livraison, avec le support allumeur standard illustré à la Figure 1 ;

la Figure 11

illustre schématiquement une autre phase lors d'un accouplement du connecteur selon le mode de réalisation illustré à la Figure 8, dans un état chargé, avec le support allumeur standard illustré à la Figure 1 ;

la Figure 12

illustre schématiquement une autre phase lors d'un accouplement du connecteur selon le mode de réalisation illustré à la Figure 8, dans un état chargé, avec le support allumeur standard illustré à la Figure 1 ;

les Figures 13A à 13C

illustrent schématiquement un état correctement accouplé et verrouillé du connecteur selon le mode de réalisation illustré à la Figure 8, à l'état de livraison, avec le support allumeur standard illustré à la Figure 1 ;

la Figure 14

illustre schématiquement un exemple d'un troisième mode de réalisation d'un connecteur électrique: qui ne fait pas partie de la présente invention, dans une vue éclatée ;

la Figure 15

illustre schématiquement le dispositif d'assurance de position du connecteur du mode de réalisation illustré à la Figure 14 ;

les Figures 16A et 16B

illustrent schématiquement une phase d'approche lors d'un accouplement du connecteur selon le mode de réalisation illustré à la Figure 14, dans son état de livraison, avec la prise standard de support d'amorce illustrée à la Figure 1 ;

la Figure 17

illustre schématiquement une autre phase lors d'un accouplement du connecteur selon le mode de réalisation illustré à la Figure 14, dans un état chargé, avec la prise standard de support d'amorce illustrée à la Figure 1 ;

les Figures 18A et 18B

illustrent schématiquement une autre phase lors d'un accouplement du connecteur selon le mode de réalisation illustré à la Figure 14, dans un état chargé, avec la prise standard de support d'amorce illustrée à la Figure 1 ; et

les Figures 19A à 19C

illustrent schématiquement un état correctement accouplé et verrouillé du connecteur selon le mode de réalisation illustré à la Figure 14, à l'état de livraison, avec la prise standard de support d'amorce illustrée à la Figure 1.

The invention will be explained in more detail in the following by means of advantageous embodiments and by relying on the following accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1

schematically illustrates an example of known standard igniter support, in an exploded view;

Figure 2

schematically illustrates an example of a first embodiment of an electrical connector according to the present invention, in an exploded view;

Figure 3

schematically illustrates an exemplary position assurance device for the connector of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 2 ;

Figures 4A to 4D

schematically illustrate an approach phase during a coupling of the connector according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 2 , in its delivery condition, with the standard igniter bracket shown in Figure 1 ;

Figures 5A and 5B

schematically illustrate another phase during a coupling of the connector according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 2 , in a charged state, with the standard igniter bracket shown at Figure 1 ;

Figures 6A and 6B

schematically illustrate another phase during a coupling of the connector according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 2 , in a charged state, with the standard igniter bracket shown at Figure 1 ;

Figures 7A to 7D

schematically illustrate a correctly coupled and locked state of the connector according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 2 , in the delivery condition, with the standard igniter bracket shown at Figure 1 ;

Figure 8

schematically illustrates an example of a second embodiment of an electrical connector according to the present invention, in an exploded view;

Figure 9

schematically illustrates an exemplary position assurance device for the connector of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 8 ;

Figures 10A and 10B

schematically illustrate an approach phase during a coupling of the connector according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 8 , in its delivery condition, with the standard igniter bracket shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 11

schematically illustrates another phase during a coupling of the connector according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 8 , in a charged state, with the standard igniter bracket shown at Figure 1 ;

Figure 12

schematically illustrates another phase during a coupling of the connector according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 8 , in a charged state, with the standard igniter bracket shown at Figure 1 ;

Figures 13A to 13C

schematically illustrate a correctly coupled and locked state of the connector according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 8 , in the delivery condition, with the standard igniter bracket shown at Figure 1 ;

Figure 14

schematically illustrates an example of a third embodiment of an electrical connector: which is not part of the present invention, in an exploded view;

Figure 15

schematically illustrates the connector position assurance device of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 14 ;

Figures 16A and 16B

schematically illustrate an approach phase during a coupling of the connector according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 14 , in its delivery condition, with the standard primer socket plug shown in the Figure 1 ;

Figure 17

schematically illustrates another phase during a coupling of the connector according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 14 , in a charged state, with the standard primer socket plug shown in the Figure 1 ;

Figures 18A and 18B

schematically illustrate another phase during a coupling of the connector according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 14 , in a charged state, with the standard primer socket plug shown in the Figure 1 ; and

Figures 19A to 19C

schematically illustrate a correctly coupled and locked state of the connector according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 14 , in the delivery condition, with the standard primer socket jack shown in the Figure 1 .

The Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary 100 standard igniter holder, or standard primer holder plug, known for a safety restraint system such as an airbag or seat belt of a motor vehicle. Those skilled in the art will therefore understand that the igniter support 100, which is shown in an exploded view at the Figure 1 , is a socket commonly used by car manufacturers on the side of the safety restraint system and therefore, if applicable, the pyrotechnic device. A control unit of a shock and / or vibration sensor can therefore be connected to a pyrotechnic device by means of electrical cables terminating in a pyrotechnic connector, or primer connector, to be plugged into the igniter holder 100. example of socket or support lighter 100 shown in the Figure 1 do not do therefore not part of the present invention as such but is useful for its understanding.

As illustrated by Figure 1 , a standard igniter support 100 may comprise a base portion 101, also called a gripping part, which is most often cylindrical, in which is fixed a retaining element 102, or retaining ring, for a plug-in connector so as to retain a connector pyrotechnic inserted in the igniter support 100. The interior 105 of the base portion 101 may comprise grooves or notches 103, 104 which are locking zones and which may be for example two grooves 103, 104 in diametrically opposite arc on a circumference of the inner face 105, in which can be housed, for example by snapping, respectively locking lugs 106, 107 and 129, 130 of an outer body 123 of the ring 102 so as to maintain or block it once housed in the base portion 101. The edge 131 of the base portion 101 may also comprise notches 108, 109, which are generally diametrically opposite, in which It can be housed protrusions 110, 111 adapted to the outer body 123 of the ring 102, for example to prevent rotation of the ring 102 in the base portion 101.

The Figure 1 illustrates further that the ring 102, which can also be standard for a car manufacturer, may include an inner body 124 inside the outer body 123 and including two openings or contact ports 112, 113 designed to receive the terminals a pyrotechnic connector conjugated to the contact pins 114, 115 of the igniter support 100 when a pyrotechnic connector is plugged into the igniter support 100, for example in a direction of insertion such as that materialized further by the arrow 300 at the Figure 4A . Similarly, Figure 1 illustrates that the inner body 124 of the ring 102 can define a coupling section 116 which is the section facing a pyrotechnic connector mating with the igniter support 100. Thus, when connecting a pyrotechnic connector to the support 100 igniter, the approach of the connector will be made in a coupling direction substantially perpendicular to the coupling section 116, for example as in the embodiments detailed further ahead with reference to the Figures 4A , 10A or 16A , respectively. Furthermore, the ring 102 may also comprise, still in standard manner, two lateral openings 117, 118, located respectively between the lugs 106, 107 on one side and between the lugs 129, 130 on the other side of the outer body 123 and allowing in particular the deflection of locking elements of a pyrotechnic connector to allow plugging thereof in the igniter holder 100. As is also apparent from the Figure 1 at the openings 117, 118 of the outer body 123, the inner body 124 may comprise a plurality of notches or recesses 119, 120 and 121, 122 respectively, defining a respective rib 125, 126 on each side of the inner body 124. In turn, at the mating section 116, the ribs 125, 126 define surfaces 127, 128 which may be selected to provide contact and bearing surfaces for a connector according to the present invention as in embodiments illustrated below.

The Figure 2 illustrates an example of a first embodiment of a connector 1200 according to the present invention, in an exploded view. In this embodiment, the connector 1200 is a pyrotechnic connector designed to be plugged into the standard igniter holder 100 of the example illustrated in FIG. Figure 1 . The connector 1200 thus makes it possible to connect conductive cables 1203, 1204 such as those visible in FIG. Figure 4C for example from a control unit of a shock and / or vibration sensor for a safety restraint system with a pyrotechnic charge connected to the igniter support 100.

As is apparent from the Figure 2 , the connector 1200 may comprise a main housing 1201 with a main part 1205 of substantially parallelepipedal geometry comprising a housing 1207 for a filtering ferrite 1208 arranged around the cables 1203, 1204, as well as passage openings 1215, 1216 for the cables 1203. , 1204. It is also apparent from Figure 2 that the main housing 1201 may also comprise a connection portion 1206 substantially perpendicular to the main portion 1205 and integral thereto, which may be of geometry adapted to be plugged into the space between the inner body 124 and the outer body 123 of the ring 102 of the igniter support 100, and therefore essentially cylindrical. The connection portion 1206 may in particular comprise two contact openings 1209, 1210 conjugated to the contact openings 112, 113 of the igniter support 100, able to receive the contact terminals 1213, 1214 of the terminals 1211, 1212 terminating the two cables 1203, 1204, the terminals 1213, 1214 being conjugated to the pins 114, 115.

The Figure 2 further illustrates that the connection portion 1206 may comprise at least one primary or primary locking element, here the two locking lances 1217, 1218, one of which is not visible at the Figure 2 but appears to Figures 4A , 5A , 6A and 7A , which can be deflected in a respective deflection space 1219, 1220 in order to allow insertion into the igniter support 100, and can, in their delivery position, that is to say when they are not deflected, perform a primary or primary locking, in particular by snapping, with the locking zones 103, 104 of the jack or standard igniter holder 100 when the connector 1200 is properly inserted therein, as will be detailed further in relation to the Figures 6A and 6B and with Figures 7A to 7D . The dimensions of the locking lances 1217, 1218 can therefore be constrained inter alia by the dimensions of the orifices 117, 118 and locking zones 103, 104 of the standard igniter support 100.

It is also apparent from Figure 2 that the connector 1200 may comprise a lock spring 1221 which may preferably be a formed wire rod spring. So, as always shows Figure 2 , the spring 1221 may preferably be U-shaped and therefore comprise a transverse rod 1222 extended by two lateral rods 1223, 1224, the latter may advantageously end with tabs 1225, 1226 returning towards the inside of the main part 1205 substantially perpendicular to the lateral rods 1223, 1224 when the spring is in its position or its delivery state, namely when the spring is essentially relaxed. Alternatively, a slight voltage may exist in the state of delivery, which is then a minimum voltage with respect to a voltage when the spring 1221 is in a loaded state. In addition, in order to improve the function of the locking spring and the compactness of the connector 1200 with respect to pyrotechnic connectors known from the state of the art, the spring 1221 can also be of the "mouse trap" type and include parts with turns 1227, 1228 between the lateral rods 1223, 1224 and the legs 1225, 1226. The Figure 2 illustrates that the main housing 1201 may comprise elements 1233, 1234 forming a respective transverse axis on each side of the housing 1201 around which can be arranged the turns 1227, 1228 of the spring 1221. In addition, it is possible to preform the spring 1221 of such that the plane of the lateral rods 1223, 1224 and the transverse rod 1222 is inclined downwards with respect to the main part 1205, for example with respect to the plane 1207 of the housing for the filtering ferrite 1208. The connector 1200 can then advantageously be made compact in particular because the cover 1202 can be flat, as illustrated by FIG. Figure 2 .

So the exploded view of the Figure 2 illustrates that the connector 1200 may also comprise a CPA 1235 device, which is illustrated in detail in FIG. Figure 3 . The CPA 1235 device can advantageously be configured to interact with the surfaces 127, 128 of the coupling section 116 defined by the ribs 125, 126 between the notches 119, 120 and 121, 122 of the ring 102 of the standard igniter support 100, while serving as an element to ensure that the locking lances 1217, 1218 of the connector 1200 are not deflected particularly in the delivery state , and more particularly when the connector 1200 is correctly plugged into the igniter holder 100. The CPA device 1235 can therefore comprise a contact surface, defined in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 3 by the two parts 1236, 1239, from which can extend one or more secondary locking elements, here two side lugs 1237, 1238 whose head 1240, 1241 can be slightly folded inwards and whose end can define a contact surface 1242, 1243 respectively configured to serve as a contact surface with the surfaces 127, 128 defined by the ribs 125, 126 between the notches 119, 120 and 121, 122, respectively, during a coupling. In the delivery state, the locking tabs 1237, 1238, in particular the head 1240, 1241 of each tab 1237, 1238, can be arranged behind the locking lances 1217, 1218 so as to wedge them and prevent a deflection of them. This prevention can be reinforced by contact zones 1244, 1245 and 1246, 1247 on each side of the tabs 1237, 1238, respectively, on which can abut, in the delivery state, tabs 1265, 1266, 1267, 1268 provided on the locking lances 1217, 1218, visible at least in part to the Figure 2 .

It is also apparent from Figure 3 that the device CPA 1235 can comprise grooves 1248, 1249, 1250 defining a groove 1251 of geometry similar to that of the "U" formed by the rods 1222, 1223, 1224 of the spring 1221. Thus, the groove 1248 can receive the transverse rod 1222 of spring 1221 at any time. In a maximum relative loaded state, the lateral rods 1223, 1224 of the spring 1221 can then be accommodated in the corresponding lateral grooves 1249, 1250 of the groove 1251, as illustrated by FIGS. Figures 6A and 6B .

In addition, according to an advantageous variant, the inward fold defined by the heads 1240, 1241 of the locking lugs 1237, 1238 makes it possible, once the connector 1200 is correctly plugged into the igniter holder 100, to deflect the tabs 1237, 1238 by means of the lugs 1269, 1270 of the connection portion 1206 of the main housing 1201, and thus to return from a state of maximum relative load in the state of delivery to block the locking lances 1217, 1218 and thus ensure the maintenance of the pyrotechnic connector system lock 100, 1200, as will be detailed further in relation to Figures 6A, 6B and 7A to 7D .

The Figure 2 also illustrates that the connector 1200 may comprise a cover 1202 attachable to the main housing 1201. To do this, the cover 1202 may comprise locking elements such as locking lances 1255, 1256 allowing locking with locking zones 1258. , 1259 associated with the main housing 1201, and a locking zone 1257 that can be locked by an associated locking pin 1260 of the main housing 1201. The cover 1202 can also include contact or abutment surfaces 1271, 1272 limiting a ascent the CPA 1235 device in a busy state, as illustrated by the Figures 6A and 6B . In order to improve the lock spring function and the compactness of the connector 1200, the tabs 1225, 1226 of the spring 1221 can be locked in holding regions 1231, 1232 provided in the cover 1202 of the main housing 1201.

The Figures 4A and 4D , 5A and 5B , 6A and 6B and 7A to 7D illustrate an example of an embodiment of a coupling or branching sequence of the connector 1200 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. Figures 2 and 3 with the igniter support 100 of the example shown in FIG. Figure 1 . In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sequence will be detailed from a step in which the connector 1200 is in the delivery state and comes into contact with the igniter support 100, passing through state steps. loaded with the connector 1200, in particular the spring 1221 under the effect of the displacement of the CPA 1235 device, until a step where the connector 1200 is correctly plugged in, and finally totally locked to the igniter support 100 and is thus returned to the state Delivery.

The Figures 4A to 4D represent a step where the connector 1200, in its delivery state, comes into contact with the standard igniter holder 100. The Figure 4A is a sectional view detailing in particular the interaction of the CPA 1235 device with elements of the connector 1200 and the igniter support 100. Figure 4B is another sectional view of the same step, but particularly detailing the position of the locking spring 1221 as a function of the position of the CPA 1235 device. Figure 4D corresponds to the overview the Figure 4C , in which the base portion 101 and the main housing 1201 have, however, been made transparent so as to see the CPA 1235 device and the ring or retention portion 102. Figures 4A to 4D , the connector 1200 can be inserted into the igniter holder 100 in an insertion direction in a direction indicated by the arrow 300 to the Figures 4A to 4D , being essentially perpendicular to the coupling section 116 of the igniter support 100. In this step, the connector 1200 is not really plugged into the support lighter 100, but rests just in contact with it. At this stage, there is still no electrical contact between the contact pins 114, 115 of the igniter support 100 and the contact terminals 1213, 1214 of the pyrotechnic connector 1200.

In the delivery condition illustrated in Figures 4A to 4D , the spring 1221 is in its relaxed state, visible in particular at the Figure 4B . In particular, in this embodiment the tabs 1225, 1226 of the spring are locked in the areas 1231, 1232 of the cover 1202 of the main housing 1201, as also illustrated by FIG. Figure 4B . The Figure 4B further illustrates that the turns 1227, 1228 of the spring 1221 are arranged around the axes 1233, 1234 provided in the main housing 1201 according to a preferred variant of an embodiment. In variants, the delivery state of the spring may correspond to a minimum relative load state with respect to the loaded states. Thus, in variants, if the spring 1221 is lightly loaded in the delivery condition, its load in the delivery state will then be a minimum relative load less than that of a loaded state like those described further in relation to to the Figures 5A, 5B , 6A and 6B .

The Figures 4A and 4B further illustrate that in the delivery state, the CPA 1235 device is in its rest position, so that its contact surfaces 1244, 1245 and 1246, 1247 rest in contact with the tabs 1265, 1266 and 1267, 1268 of the two lock lances 1217, 1218, respectively, and the side lugs 1237, 1238 of the CPA 1235 device prevent deflection of the locking lances 1217, 1218 in the spaces 117, 118 of the ring 102 and the corresponding spaces 1219, 1220 of the connecting part 1206, which arrives in the ring 102. Thus, since the locking lances 1217, 1218 can not be deflected, the connection portion 1206 can not advance further into the ring 102 because the lances 1217, 1218 will abut against the edge 131 of the base portion 101.

The Figures 4A and 4D also illustrate that at this stage the heads 1240 and 1241 of the locking tabs 1237, 1238 rest in bearing on the coupling section 116 and in particular on the surfaces 127, 128 of the ribs 125, 126 of the ring 102. A force exerted on the connector 1200 in the direction of insertion 300 to continue the coupling will then cause a displacement, in particular a rise, of the CPA device 1235 in an ejection direction 301 contrary to the direction of insertion 300, then passing the 1200 connector in a charged state, as illustrated by Figures 5A and 5B .

The Figures 5A and 5B resume the sectional views of Figures 4A and 4B , respectively, following the continuation of the insertion movement of the connector 1200 in the igniter holder 100. The connection portion 1206 of the connector 1200 thus penetrates a little further in the ring 102 of the igniter holder 100 than in the step illustrated in Figures 4A to 4D . The Figure 5A illustrates that a beginning of electrical contact can then be initiated between the pins 114, 115 and the terminals 1213, 1214 conjugate. At this later stage, as Figures 5A and 5B , and more particularly the Figure 5A , the CPA 1235 device has been moved in the direction 301 and thus goes up along the connection portion 1206 under the action of the thrust exerted by the contact surfaces 1242, 1243 of the locking tabs 1237, 1238 on the surfaces 127 , 128 of the coupling section 116 of the ring 102. The contact surfaces 1244, 1245 and 1246, 1247 of the CPA device 1235 are therefore raised relative to the tabs 1265, 1266 and 1267, 1268 of the locking lances 1217, 1218 In addition, the heads 1240, 1241 of the secondary locking lugs 1237, 1238 are no longer housed behind the locking lances 1217, 1218. Thus, the locking lances 1217, 1218 can be deflected, and the connecting portion 1206 can move forward. further in the ring 102 without the lances 1217, 1218 abut against the base portion 101. The Figure 5A illustrates in particular the deflection and the partial insertion of the locking lances 1217, 1218 in the igniter holder 100.

At the step illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B , the displacement of the CPA 1235 device in the direction 301 of a rise relative to the connection portion 1206 causes a load of the locking spring 1221, the transverse rod 1222 is subjected to a pressure directly transmitted through the groove 1248 of the CPA 1235 device. The spring 1221 is therefore in a loaded state, as is illustrated in particular by the section of FIG. Figure 5B . The transverse rods 1223, 1224 can then be further partially housed in the lateral grooves 1249, 1250 of the groove 1251 provided in the CPA 1235 device as in the delivery state illustrated in particular in FIG. Figure 4B . Thus, if the force exerted on the connector 1200 in the direction 300 is not sufficient to continue the coupling, since the load of the spring 1221 opposes the coupling movement, seeking to relax, the spring 1221 will automatically push the CPA 1235 device in the direction 300, which will result in an automatic ejection of the connector 1200 in the ejection direction 301. A bad connection can thus be avoided automatically.

If, however, the force exerted to insert the connector 1200 in the igniter holder 100 is sufficient to allow further insertion, the CPA 1235 device will be further moved in the direction 301 and will then go up to reach a stop of its surfaces contact 1236, 1239 against the respective contact or abutment surfaces 1271, 1272 of the cover 1202, which therefore limit the recovery of the device CPA 1235, as illustrated by the Figures 6A and 6B . The Figure 6A in particular the view of the Figures 4A and 5A , and the Figure 6B is a cross-section along the coupling direction 300, 301 showing the views of the Figures 4B and 5B . By making a stop for the surfaces 1236, 1239 of the CPA 1235 device, the surfaces 1271, 1272 of the cover 1202 limit the recovery of the CPA 1235 device in the direction 301 and therefore also that of the spring 1221. At this step, the contact pins 114, 115 have advanced further into contact terminals 1213, 1214 with respect to the step illustrated in FIGS. Figures 5A and 5B , as is clear in particular from the Figure 6A .

The Figures 6A and 6B illustrate that in this charged state, which can therefore be a state of maximum relative load of the spring 1221 with respect to intermediate loaded states such as that shown in FIGS. Figures 5A and 5B , the locking lances 1217, 1218, which could have been deflected into the openings 117, 118 and / or the orifices 1219, 1220 at the step illustrated in FIGS. Figures 5A and 5B are now sufficiently advanced to allow the correct insertion of the connection portion 1206 in the ring 102 and the main locking of the locking lances 1217, 1218, now returned to their delivery state, with the locking zones 103, 104 of the base portion 101.

The cross section of the Figure 6A illustrates further that the recovery of the CPA 1235 device was guided by the action of the lugs 1269, 1270 of the connection portion 1206 on the heads 1240, 1241 of the locking tabs 1237, 1238 of the CPA 1235 device. At this step, in the state of maximum relative load, the rise of the device CPA 1235 is thus such that the play of the surfaces at the skew of the heads 1240, 1241 of the locking tabs 1237, 1238 on the surfaces or release lugs 1269, 1270 caused a deflecting the tabs 1237, 1238 in the directions indicated by the arrows 302, 303, respectively, towards the notches 1263, 1264 of the housing 1201. This deflection allows the secondary locking tabs 1237, 1238, in particular to the heads 1240, 1241, to be clear with respect to the contact surfaces 127, 128.

Thus, the connector 1200 is correctly inserted in the igniter support 100, in particular in a state of maximum relative load as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 6A and 6B , the maximum relative load of the locking spring 1221 will now push the CPA 1235 device in the direction 300. The CPA device 1235, which is therefore at this stage no longer blocked by the surfaces 127, 128 of the ribs 125, 126 due to the deflection of the locking lugs 1237, 1238, will be able to slide automatically inside the lighter support 100, and return to its initial state of delivery, as illustrated by the Figures 7A to 7D .

The Figure 7A resumes the view of Figures 4A , 5A and 6A , this time with the 1200 connector properly inserted and completely locked in the 100 lighter bracket. Figure 7B resumes the view of Figures 4B , 5B and 6B , respectively. Finally, the Figure 7C resumes the views of the Figure 4C , and the Figure 7D resume the view of the Figure 7C but by masking the base portion 101, which allows to see that the connector 1200 is returned to its delivery state, as described above. The connector 1200 is therefore essentially in a state which is the same as that described in relation to the Figures 4A to 4D except that it is now physically plugged into and locked in the igniter holder 100. Thus, when the pyrotechnic connector 1200 is correctly plugged and locked in the igniter holder 100, as illustrated by FIGS. Figures 7A to 7D , the main interlocks between the locking lances 1217, 1218 and the locking zones 103, 104 and secondary between the locking tabs 1237, 1238 and the locking lances 1217, 1218 are effectively in place. The correct position of the connector 1200 is thus ensured and an involuntary disconnection due to vibrations or shocks is prevented, in particular because the heads 1240, 1241 of the locking lugs 1237, 1238 are housed behind the locking lances 1217, 1218, which wedges and prevents any deflection and therefore unintentional release and disconnection. However, a voluntary manual disconnection is possible if an operator manually remounts the CPA 1235 device to a fully loaded state such as that illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B and pulls the connector 1200 in the direction 301 in order to disengage the locking lances 1217, 1218 from the locking zones 103, 104.

The Figure 8 illustrates an example of a second embodiment of a connector 2200 according to the present invention, in an exploded view. In this embodiment, the connector 2200 is a pyrotechnic connector intended to be plugged into the standard igniter holder 100 of the example illustrated in FIG. Figure 1 . The connector 2200 thus makes it possible to connect conductive cables 2203, 2204 as those visible in FIG. Figure 8 for example from a control unit of a shock sensor and / or vibrations for a safety restraint system with a pyrotechnic charge connected to the igniter support 100.

As is apparent from the Figure 8 the connector 2200 may comprise a main housing 2201 with a main portion 2205 of substantially parallelepipedic geometry comprising a housing 2207 for a filter ferrite 2208 arranged around the cables 2203, 2204, and passage openings 2215, 2216 for the cables 2203. , 2204. It is also apparent from Figure 8 that the main housing 2201 may also comprise a connecting portion 2206 substantially perpendicular to the main portion 2205 and integral thereto, which may be of geometry adapted to be plugged into the space between the inner body 124 and the outer body 123 of the ring 102 of the igniter support 100, and therefore essentially cylindrical. The connection portion 2206 may in particular comprise two contact openings 2209, 2210 conjugated to the contact openings 112, 113 of the igniter support 100, which can receive the contact terminals 2213, 2214 of the terminals 2211, 2212 finishing the two cables 2203, 2204, the terminals 2213, 2214 being conjugated to the pins 114, 115.

The Figure 8 further illustrates that the connecting portion 2206 may comprise at least one primary or primary locking element, here the two locking lances 2217, 2218, one of which is not visible at the Figure 8 but appears to Figures 12 and 13C , which can be deflected in a respective deflection space 2219, 2220 so as to allow insertion into the igniter support 100, and which can, in their delivery position, that is to say when they are not deflected, perform a primary or primary locking, in particular by snapping, with the locking zones 103, 104 of the socket or standard igniter holder 100 when the connector 2200 is correctly inserted therein, as will be detailed further in connection with the Figures 12 and 13A to 13C . The dimensions of the locking lances 2217, 2218 can therefore be constrained inter alia by the dimensions of the orifices 117, 118 and the locking zones 103, 104 of the standard igniter support 100.

It is also apparent from Figure 8 that the connector 2200 may include a lock spring 2221 which may preferably be a formed wire rod spring. So, as always shows Figure 8 , the spring 2221 may preferably comprise a longitudinal rod 2224 extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the main portion 2205 of the housing 2201 and may advantageously terminate with a tab 2226 substantially perpendicular to the rod 2224 when the spring is in its position or its delivery condition, ie when the spring is essentially relaxed. According to the embodiments, the angle between the rod 2224 and the tab 2226 in the delivery state may be slightly different from a right angle and may therefore be slightly acute or obtuse, as also illustrated by Figure 8 . Alternatively, a slight voltage may exist in the delivery state, which is then a minimum voltage with respect to a voltage when the spring 2221 is in a loaded state. In addition, in order to improve the locking spring function and the compactness of the connector 2200 with respect to pyrotechnic connectors known from the state of the art, the spring 2221 can also be of the "mouse trap" type and comprise a portion with turns or a helical portion 2228 between the longitudinal rod 2224 and the tab 2226. The axis of the helical portion 2228 can therefore be substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the directions of the rod 2224 and the tab 2226.

As further illustrated by Figure 8 in a preferred embodiment, the connector 2200 may also include a second spring 2222, which may be substantially symmetrical to the spring 2221, and thus symmetrically arranged therein in the main housing 2201. Thus, the second spring 2222 may also be a wire rod spring formed and include elements in all respects similar and having the same advantages as those of the spring 2221. Therefore, the spring 2222 may also comprise a helical portion 2227 extended at one end by a longitudinal rod 2223 and ending with a tab 2225 at its other end, the axis of the helical portion 2227 can then also be perpendicular to a plane defined by the directions of the rod 2223 and the tab 2225.

It will be clear, however, to one skilled in the art that only one of the two springs 2221, 2222 is sufficient to realize the spring lock functionality in a connector according to the present invention with essentially the same advantages as in the other modes of the invention. described above and hereafter in relation to the Figures 2 to 7D or to Figures 14 to 19C . Nevertheless, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8 it is advantageous to use the two springs 2221, 2222 to obtain a repulsive force substantially equivalent to that of the "U" shaped springs of the two other embodiments. In particular, with particular reference to the first embodiment, and more particularly to the Figure 2 it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the two springs 2221, 2222 may be substantially equivalent to the spring 1221 from which the transverse rod 1222 would have been omitted. Similarly, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that in variants, the two springs 2221, 2222 could be equivalent to the spring 3221 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 14 from which the transverse rod 3222 would have been removed. In particular, the configuration of the transverse or lateral rods 2223, 2224 and tabs 2225, 2226 can be interchangeable between the embodiments. Therefore, most of the features described for the other embodiments and their advantages with respect to the springs, their arrangement and their interaction with the systems described, more particularly the advantages of the spring lock and ejection functionality. automatic locking of the connector incorrectly locked, are also valid for the combination of springs 2221, 2222 of the second embodiment, as will become apparent in what follows.

The Figure 8 illustrates further that the main housing 2201 may comprise elements 2233, 2234 forming a respective transverse axis on each side of the housing 2201 around which can be arranged the turns 2227, 2228 of the springs 2221, 2222. In addition, it is possible to preform the springs 2221, 2222 so that the longitudinal rods 2223, 2224 are slightly inclined downward relative to the main portion 2205, for example relative to the plane 2207 of the housing for the filter ferrite 2208. The connector 2200 can then advantageously be compacted in particular because the cover 2202 can be flat, as illustrated by FIG. Figure 8 . Finally, the tabs 2225, 2226 may be wedged against respective zones 2231, 2232 of the main portion 2205 of the housing 2201, behind the axes 2233, 2234.

So the exploded view of the Figure 8 illustrates that the connector 2200 may also include a CPA 2235 device, which is illustrated in detail in FIG. Figure 9 . The CPA 2235 device can advantageously be configured to interact with the surfaces 127, 128 of the coupling section 116 defined by the ribs 125, 126 between the notches 119, 120 and 121, 122 of the ring 102 of the standard igniter support 100, while serving as an element to ensure that the locking lances 2217, 2218 of the connector 2200 are not deflected particularly in the delivery state, and more particularly when the connector 2200 is correctly plugged into the igniter holder 100. The CPA 2235 device may therefore comprise a contact surface, defined in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 9 by the two parts 2236, 2239, from which can extend one or more secondary locking elements, here two side tabs 2237, 2238 whose head 2240, 2241 can be slightly folded inwards and whose end can define a contact surface 2242, 2243 respectively configured to serve as a contact surface with the surfaces 127, 128 defined by the ribs 125, 126 between the notches 119, 120 and 121, 122, respectively, at a coupling. In the delivery state, the locking tabs 2237, 2238, in particular the head 2240, 2241 of each tab 2237, 2238, can be arranged behind the locking lances 2217, 2218 so as to wedge them and prevent a deflection of them. This prevention can be reinforced by contact zones 2244, 2245 and 2246, 2247 on each side of the tabs 2237, 2238, respectively, on which can abut, in the delivery state, tabs 2265, 2266, 2267, 2268 provided on the locking lances 2217, 2218, visible at least in part to the Figure 8 .

It is also apparent from Figure 9 that the CPA 2235 device may comprise lateral grooves 2249, 2250 defining two grooves, comparable to the groove 1221 of the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 3 , but without the transverse groove 1248, and therefore adapted to receive the longitudinal rods 2223, 2224 of the springs 2221, 2222 in the second embodiment. Thus, at any moment, the respective longitudinal rods 2223, 2224 of the springs 2221, 2222 can be accommodated in the lateral grooves 2249, 2250, as illustrated in the following figures, and more particularly in FIGS. Figures 12 and 13C .

In addition, according to an advantageous variant, the inward fold defined by the heads 2240, 2241 of the locking tabs 2237, 2238 makes it possible, once the connector 2200 is correctly plugged into the igniter holder 100, to deflect the tabs 2237, 2238 by means of the lugs 2269, 2270 of the connection portion 2206 of the main housing 2201, and thus to return from a state of maximum relative load in the state of delivery to block the locking lances 2217, 2218 and thus ensure the maintenance of the pyrotechnic connector system lock 100, 2200, as will be detailed further in relation to Figures 12 and 13A to 13C .

The Figure 8 also illustrates that the connector 2200 may comprise a cover 2202 attachable to the main housing 2201. To do this, the cover 2202 may include locking elements such as locking lances 2255, 2256 allowing locking with locking zones 2258. , 2259 associated with the main housing 2201, as well as a locking zone 2257 that can be locked by an associated locking pin 2260 of the main housing 2201. The cover 2202 can also include contact or abutment surfaces 2271, 2272 limiting a ascent of the CPA 2235 device in a loaded state, as well as grooves 2252, 2253 allowing, also in a loaded state, to receive the rods 2223, 2224, as illustrated by FIG. Figure 12 .

The Figures 10A and 10B , 11 , 12 and 13A to 13C illustrate an example of an embodiment of a coupling or branching sequence of the connector 2200 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. Figures 8 and 9 with the igniter support 100 of the example shown in FIG. Figure 1 . In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sequence will be detailed from a step in which the connector 2200 is in the delivery state and comes into contact with the igniter support 100, passing through state steps. loaded with the connector 2200, in particular the spring 2221 under the effect of the displacement of the CPA 2235 device, until a step where the connector 2200 is correctly plugged in, and finally totally locked to the igniter support 100 and is thus returned to the state Delivery.

The Figures 10A and 10B represent a step where the connector 2200, in its delivery state, comes into contact with the standard igniter holder 100. The Figure 10B corresponds to the overview the Figure 10A , in which the base portion 101 and the main housing 2201 have, however, been made transparent so as to see the CPA 2235 device and the ring or retention portion 102. Figures 10A and 10B the connector 2200 may be inserted into the igniter holder 100 in an insertion direction in a direction indicated by the arrow 300, which may be substantially perpendicular to the coupling section 116 of the igniter holder 100. At this step, the connector 2200 is not really plugged into the support lighter 100, but rests just in contact with it. At this stage, there is still no electrical contact between the contact pins 114, 115 of the igniter support 100 and the contact terminals 2213, 2214 of the pyrotechnic connector 2200.

In the delivery condition illustrated in Figures 10A and 10B the springs 2221, 2222 are in their relaxed state. In particular, in this embodiment the tabs 2225, 2226 of the springs 2221, 2222 are keyed by the zones 2231, 2232 of the main housing 2201, and at least the end of the rod 2223, 2224 of each spring 2221, 2222 is housed in a respective groove 2249, 2250 of the CPA 2235 device. The turns 2227, 2228 of the springs 2221, 2222 are arranged around the axes 2233, 2234 provided in the main housing 2201 according to a preferred variant of an embodiment. In variants, the delivery state of the springs may correspond to a minimum relative load state with respect to the loaded states. Thus, in variants, if the springs 2221, 2222 are lightly loaded in the delivery condition, the load in the delivery state will then be a minimum relative load less than that of a loaded state such as those described above. in relation to Figures 11 and 12 .

The Figure 10A further illustrates that in the delivery state, the CPA 2235 device is in its rest position, so that its contact surfaces 2244, 2245 and 2246, 2247 rest in contact with the tabs 2265, 2266 and 2267, 2268 two lock lances 2217, 2218, respectively, and the side tabs 2237, 2238 of the CPA 2235 device prevent deflection of the locking lances 2217, 2218 in the spaces 117, 118 of the ring 102 and the corresponding spaces 2219, 2220 of the connecting part 2206, which arrives in the ring 102. Thus, since the locking lances 2217, 2218 can not be deflected, the connecting portion 2206 can not advance further into the ring 102 because the lances 2217, 2218 will abut against the edge 131 of the base portion 101.

The Figure 10B illustrates also that at this stage the heads 2240 and 2241 of the locking tabs 2237, 2238 rest in bearing on the coupling section 116 and in particular on the surfaces 127, 128 of the ribs 125, 126 of the ring 102. A force exerted on the connector 2200 in the direction of insertion 300 to continue the coupling will then cause a displacement, in particular a rise, of the CPA 2235 device in an ejection direction 301 contrary to the direction of insertion 300, then passing the 2200 connector to a charged state, as shown in Figure 11 .

The Figure 11 resume the view of the Figure 10A following the continuation of the insertion movement of the connector 2200 into the igniter holder 100. Those skilled in the art will understand that a sectional view of the step illustrated in FIG. Figure 11 would be similar to that of the Figure 5A of the first embodiment and has therefore been omitted. The connection portion 2206 of the connector 2200 thus penetrates a little further in the ring 102 of the igniter holder 100 than at the step illustrated in FIGS. Figures 10A and 10B . At the step illustrated in Figure 11 , a beginning of electrical contact can then be initiated between the pins 114, 115 and the terminals 2213, 2214 conjugates, as in the step illustrated in the Figure 5A for the first embodiment. At this stage, as is apparent from the Figure 11 , the CPA 2235 device has been moved in the direction 301 and thus goes up along the connection portion 2206 under the action of the thrust exerted by the contact surfaces 2242, 2243 of the locking tabs 2237, 2238 on the surfaces 127 , 128 of the coupling section 116 of the ring 102. The contact surfaces 2244, 2245 and 2246, 2247 of the CPA 2235 device are thus raised relative to the tabs 2265, 2266 and 2267, 2268 locking lances 2217, 2218 In addition, the heads 2240, 2241 of the secondary locking tabs 2237, 2238 are no longer housed behind the locking lances 2217, 2218. Thus, the locking lances 2217, 2218 can be deflected, and the connection portion 2206 can advance further in the ring 102 without the lances 2217, 2218 abut against the base portion 101. The locking lances 2217, 2218 are deflected and partially inserted into the igniter support 100.

At the step illustrated in Figure 11 , the displacement of the CPA 2235 device in the direction 301 of a rise relative to the connection portion 2206 causes a load of the locking springs 2221, 2222, whose respective longitudinal rods 2223, 2224 undergo a pressure directly transmitted by the intermediate of the grooves 2249, 2250 of the CPA 2235 device. The springs 2221, 2222 are therefore in a loaded state equivalent to that of the spring 1221 at the step illustrated in FIGS. Figures 5A and 5B in the case of the first embodiment. In particular, the longitudinal rods 2223, 2224 are then more partially housed in the lateral grooves 2249, 2250 provided in the CPA 2235 device than in the delivery state illustrated in FIGS. Figures 10A and 10B . Thus, if the force exerted on the connector 2200 in the direction 300 is not sufficient to continue the coupling, since the load of each spring 2221, 2222 opposes the coupling movement, seeking to relax , each spring 2221, 2222 will automatically push the CPA 2235 device in the direction 300, which will result in an automatic ejection of the connector 2200 in the ejection direction 301. A bad connection can thus be avoided automatically. Those skilled in the art will understand here that the combined load of the springs 2221, 2222 may be equivalent to that of the single spring 1221 or 3221 of the first and third embodiments, but that only one of the two springs 2221, 2222 is sufficient to perform the automatic ejection.

If, however, the force exerted to plug the connector 2200 into the igniter holder 100 is sufficient to allow further insertion, the CPA 2235 device will be further moved in the direction 301 and will then go up to reach a stop of its surfaces contact 2236, 2239 against the respective contact or abutment surfaces 2271, 2272 of the cover 2202, which therefore limit the rise of the CPA 2235 device, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. Figure 12 . Note that the Figure 12 in particular a view similar to that of the Figure 6A illustrating an equivalent step for the first embodiment. By making a stop for the surfaces 2236, 2239 of the CPA 2235 device, the surfaces 2271, 2272 of the cover 2202 limit the recovery of the CPA 2235 device in the direction 301 and therefore also that of the springs 2221, 2222, whose rods 2223, 2224 may also be partially received in stop in the receiving grooves 2252, 2253 of the cover 2202. In this step, the contact pins 114, 115 have advanced further into the contact terminals 2213, 2214 with respect to the step illustrated in FIG. Figure 11 as is apparent from Figure 12 .

The Figure 12 further illustrates that in this charged state, which can therefore be a state of maximum relative load of the springs 2221, 2222 with respect to intermediate charged states such as that shown in FIG. Figure 11 , the CPA 2235 device having been pushed against the cover 2202, the locking lances 2217, 2218, which could have been deflected in the openings 117, 118 and / or in the orifices 2219, 2220 at the step illustrated in FIG. Figure 11 are now sufficiently advanced to allow the correct insertion of the connection portion 2206 in the ring 102 and the main locking of the locking lances 2217, 2218, now returned to their delivery state, with the locking zones 103, 104 of the base portion 101.

The cross section of the Figure 12 illustrates further that the recovery of the CPA 2235 device was guided by the action of the lugs 2269, 2270 of the connection portion 2206 on the heads 2240, 2241 of the locking tabs 2237, 2238 of the CPA 2235 device. At this step, in the state of maximum relative load, the recovery of the CPA 2235 device is therefore such that the play of the slanting surfaces of the heads 2240, 2241 of the locking tabs 2237, 2238 on the surfaces or release lugs 2269, 2270 caused a deflection of the tabs 2237, 2238 in the directions indicated by the arrows 302, 303, respectively, towards the notches 2263, 2264 of the housing 2201. This deflection allows the secondary locking tabs 2237, 2238, in particular to the heads 2240, 2241, to be clear with respect to the contact surfaces 127, 128.

Thus, the connector 2200 is correctly inserted in the igniter holder 100, in particular in a state of maximum relative load as illustrated in FIG. Figure 12 , the maximum relative load of the locking springs 2221, 2222 will now automatically push the CPA 2235 device in the direction 300. The CPA 2235 device, which is therefore at this point no longer blocked by the surfaces 127, 128 of the ribs 125, 126 due to the deflection of the locking tabs 2237, 2238, will be able to slide automatically inside the support lighter 100, and return to its initial state of delivery, as illustrated by the Figures 13A to 13C .

The Figure 13A resumes the view of Figures 10A and 11 , this time with the 2200 connector properly inserted and completely locked into the lighter bracket 100. The Figure 13B resume the view of the Figure 13A but by masking the base portion 101, which allows to see that the connector 2200 is returned to its delivery state, as described above. Finally, the Figure 13C corresponds to Figures 13A and 13B but in the same cross section as that of the Figure 12 . The connector 2200 is therefore essentially in a state which is the same as that described in relation to the Figures 10A and 10B except that it is now physically plugged into and locked in the igniter holder 100. Thus, when the pyrotechnic connector 2200 is correctly plugged and locked into the igniter holder 100, as illustrated by FIGS. Figures 13A to 13C , the main locking between the locking lances 2217, 2218 and the locking zones 103, 104 and the secondary locking between the locking lugs 2237, 2238 and the locking lances 2217, 2218 are effectively in place. The correct position of the connector 2200 is thus ensured and an involuntary disconnection due to vibrations or shocks is prevented, in particular because the heads 2240, 2241 of the locking tabs 2237, 2238 are housed behind the locking lances 2217, 2218, which wedges and prevents any deflection and therefore unintentional release and disconnection. However, a voluntary manual disconnection is possible if an operator manually remounts the CPA 2235 device to a fully loaded state such as the one shown in Figure 12 and pulling the connector 2200 in the direction 301 to disengage the locking lances 2217, 2218 from the locking zones 103, 104.

The Figure 14 illustrates an example of a third embodiment of a connector 3200 which does not form part of the present invention, in an exploded view. In this embodiment, the connector 3200 is a primer connector to be plugged into the standard primer socket jack 100 of the example shown in FIG. Figure 1 . The connector 3200 thus makes it possible to connect conductive cables 3203, 3204 originating, for example, from a control unit of a shock and / or vibration sensor for a safety retaining system to a pyrotechnic charge connected to the support socket. of primer 100.

As is apparent from the Figure 14 the connector 3200 may comprise a main housing 3201 with a main portion 3205 of substantially parallelepipedal geometry comprising a housing 3207 for a filtering ferrite 3208 arranged around the cables 3203, 3204, and passage openings 3215, 3216 for the cables 3203. , 3204. It is also apparent from Figure 14 that the main housing 3201 may also comprise a connection portion 3206 essentially perpendicular to the main portion 3205, of geometry adapted to be plugged into the space between the inner body 124 and the outer body 123 of the retaining element 102 of the socket 100, and therefore essentially cylindrical. The connection portion 3206 may in particular comprise two contact openings 3209, 3210 conjugated to the contact openings 112, 113 of the socket 100, able to receive the contact terminals 3213, 3214 of the terminals 3211, 3212 of the two cables 3203, 3204, the terminals 3213, 3214 being conjugated to the pins 114, 115.

The Figure 14 further illustrates that the connecting portion 3206 may comprise at least one locking member, here two locking lances 3217, 3218 (one of which is not visible at the Figure 14 but appears to Figures 18B and 19C ), which can be deflected in a respective deflection space 3219, 3220 so as to allow insertion into the socket 100, and which can, in their delivery position, that is to say when they are not deflected, perform a main locking with the locking zones 103, 104 of the standard plug 100 when the connector 3200 is correctly inserted therein. The dimensions of the locking lances 3217, 3218 can therefore be constrained inter alia by the dimensions of the orifices 117, 118 and locking zones 103, 104 of the standard socket 100.

It is also apparent from Figure 14 that the connector 3200 may comprise a locking spring 3221 which may preferably be a formed wire rod spring. So, as always shows Figure 14 , the spring 3221 may preferably be U-shaped and therefore comprise a transverse rod 3222 extended by two lateral rods 3223, 3224, the latter being advantageously terminated by tabs 3225, 3226 substantially perpendicular to the lateral rods 3223, 3224 when the spring is in its position or state of delivery, ie when the spring is essentially relaxed. Alternatively, a voltage may exist in the state of delivery, which is then a minimum voltage with respect to a voltage when the spring 3221 is in a loaded state. In addition, in order to improve the locking spring function, the tabs 3225, 3226 of the spring 3221 can be locked by holding areas 3231, 3232 of the main housing 3201. Still in order to improve the locking spring function, the spring 3221 may also be of the "mousetrap" type and comprise turn parts 3227, 3228 between the lateral rods 3223, 3224 and the tabs 3225, 3226. Figure 14 illustrates that the main housing 3201 may comprise elements 3233, 3234 forming a respective axis on each side of the housing 3201 around which are arranged the turns 3227, 3228 of the spring 3221. Each of the rods Lateral 3223, 3224 may further comprise a recess area 3229, 3230, which may be substantially valley-like, or V-shaped, which will contact a respective sloped contact surface 3269, 3270 of the housing. positional assurance of the connector or CPA 3235 device also visible to the Figure 14 and detailed to the Figure 15 .

So the exploded view of the Figure 14 illustrates that the connector 3200 may also include a CPA 3235 device, illustrated in detail in FIG. Figure 15 . The CPA device 3235 can advantageously be configured to interact with the notches 119, 120, 121, 122 of the retaining element 102 of the standard socket 100, while serving as an element ensuring that the locking lances 3217, 3218 are not not deflected especially in the delivery state, and more particularly when the connector 3200 is correctly plugged into the socket 100. The CPA 3235 device may therefore comprise a contact surface 3236 from which extend two tabs 3237, 3238 each comprising pins 3239, 3240 and 3241, 3242 configured to serve as contact surfaces with the notches 119, 120 and 121, 122, respectively, during a coupling. In the delivery state, the tabs 3237, 3238 are arranged behind the locking lances 3217, 3218 and prevent a deflection thereof. This prevention can be reinforced by contact areas 3243, 3244 and 3245, 3246 on each side of the tongues 3237, 3238, respectively, which abut, in the delivery state, tabs 3265, 3266, 3267, 3268, Locking lances 3217, 3218. The contact surface 3236 may also comprise recesses 3247, 3248 defining locking zones allowing, in conjunction with lugs 3261, 3262 of the housing 3201, to limit the movement of the CPA 3235 device essentially to a translation. along the connection portion 3206, that is, substantially in a coupling direction or insertion direction 300 of the connector 3200 with the socket 100, as illustrated in the following figures.

It is also apparent from Figure 15 that the device CPA 3235 can comprise internal grooves 3249, 3250 ending in oblique surfaces 3251, 3252 allowing, in a loaded state, once the connector 3200 correctly plugged into the socket 100, to deflect the tabs 3237, 3238 to means 3263, 3264 pins 3206 connecting part of the main housing 3201, and thus return to the delivery state to block the locking lances 3217, 3218 and thus ensure the maintenance of the locking connectors primer connectors 100, 3200, as will be detailed further in relation to the Figures 18B and following.

The Figure 14 also illustrates that the connector 3200 may comprise a cover 3202 that can be attached to the main housing 3201. To do this, the cover 3202 may include locking elements such as locking lances 3255, 3256 allowing locking with locking zones 3258 , 3259 associated with the main housing 3201, as well as a locking zone 3257 that can be locked by an associated locking pin 3260 of the main housing 3201. The cover 3202 can also include a retaining tab 3254 for the filter ferrite 3208, and a receiving area 3253 limiting movement of the spring 3221 when loaded, as well as contact surfaces 3271, 3272 limiting a rise of the CPA 3235 device in a loaded state.

The Figures 16A and 16B , 17 , 18A and 18B and 19A to 19C illustrate a coupling sequence from a step in which the connector 3200 is in the delivery state and comes into contact with the plug 100, passing through loaded state stages of the connector 3200, in particular the spring 3221 under the effect of the displacement of the CPA 3235 device, until a step where the connector 3200 is correctly plugged and locked to the socket 100 and thus is returned to the delivery state.

The Figures 16A and 16B represent a step where the 3200 connector, in its delivery state, makes contact with the standard primer socket 100. Figure 16B corresponds to the view of the Figure 16A in which the engagement portion 101 and the main housing 3201 have, however, been made transparent so as to view the CPA 3235 and the retention portion 102. As can be seen from FIGS. Figures 16A and 16B , the connector 3200 can be inserted in the socket 100 in an insertion direction in a direction indicated by the arrow 300 at the Figure 16A . At this stage, the connector 3200 is not really plugged into the socket 100, but rests just in contact with it. At this stage, there is still no electrical contact between the contact pins 114, 115 of the plug 100 and the contact terminals 3213, 3214 of the primer connector 3200.

In the delivery condition illustrated in Figures 16A and 16B the spring 3221 is in its relaxed state. In particular, the tabs 3225, 3226 of the spring are locked in the zones 3231, 3232 of the main casing 3201, and the recesses 3229, 3230 rest on the slopes 3269, 3270 of the CPA 3235 device. Figure 16A also illustrates that the turns 3227, 3228 of the spring 3221 are arranged around the axes 3233, 3234 of the main housing 3201. In variants, the delivery state of the spring can correspond to a minimum relative load state compared to the loaded states. Thus, in variants, if the spring 3221 is lightly loaded in the delivery condition, its load is then in all cases lower than that of a loaded state like those described in relation to Figures 17 , 18A and 18B .

The Figure 16A further illustrates that in the delivery state, the CPA 3235 device is in its rest position, so that its contact surfaces 3243, 3244 and 3245, 3246 are in contact with the tabs 3265, 3266 and 3267, 3268 of the two locking lances 3217, 3218, and the lateral tabs 3237, 3238 of the CPA 3235 device prevent deflection of the locking lances 3217, 3218 in the spaces 117, 118 of the retaining element 102 and the spaces 3219, 3220 of the connection portion 3206, which arrives in the retainer 102. The Figure 16B illustrates that at this stage the lugs 3239, 3240 and 3241, 3242 tongues 3237, 3238 are in abutment against the notches 119, 120 and 121, 122 of the retaining element 102. A force exerted on the connector 3200 in the insertion direction 300 to continue the coupling will then cause a displacement, in particular a rise, of the CPA 3235 device in an ejection direction 301 contrary to the direction of insertion 300, then passing the connector 3200 to a loaded state, as illustrated by Figure 17 .

The Figure 17 takes the full view of the Figure 16A , following the continuation of the insertion movement of the connector 3200 into the socket 100. The connection portion 3206 of the connector 3200 thus penetrates a little further in the retaining element 102 of the socket 100 than in the step illustrated in Figures 16A and 16B . At this stage, as is apparent from the Figure 17 , the CPA 3235 device is moved in the direction 301 and thus goes up along the connection portion 3206 under the action of the push pins 3239, 3240 and 3241, 3242 of the tongues 3237, 3238 on the notches 119, 120 and 121, 122 of the retaining element 102. The contact surfaces 3243, 3244 and 3245, 3246 of the CPA 3235 device are thus raised relative to the tabs 3265, 3266 and 3267, 3268 locking lances 3217, 3218, but not still enough to clear them and allow deflection. In addition, the tabs 3237, 3238 are always housed behind the locking lances 3217, 3218. Thus, since the locking lances 3217, 3218 can not be deflected, the connecting portion 3206 can not advance further into the lugs. retaining element 102 because the lances 3217, 3218 abut against the grip portion 101.

At the step illustrated in Figure 17 , the displacement of the CPA 3235 device in the direction 301 of a rise relative to the connection portion 3206 causes a load of the locking spring 3221, whose recesses 3229, 3230 undergo a pressure transmitted by the surfaces 3269, 3270 of the device CPA 3235. The spring 3221 is in a busy state. Thus, if the force exerted on the connector 3200 in the direction 300 is not sufficient to continue the coupling, since the load of the spring 3221 opposes the coupling movement, by relaxing the spring 3221 will push back the CPA 3235 device in the direction 300, which will result in an automatic ejection of the 3200 connector in the direction 301. A bad connection can thus be avoided automatically.

If, however, the force exerted on the connector 3200 makes it possible to continue the insertion, the CPA 3235 device will be further moved in the direction 301 and will then go up to reach a stop of its upper contact surface 3236 against the contact surfaces. 3271, 3272 of the cover 3202, which therefore limit the recovery of the CPA 3235 device, as illustrated by the Figures 18A and 18B . The Figure 18A in particular the view of the Figures 16A and 17 , and the Figure 18B is a cross-section along the coupling direction 300, 301. The receiving zone 3253 of the cover 3202 also limits the raising of the spring 3221, in particular it can realize a stop for the transverse rod 3222 of the spring 3221. step, the contact pins 114, 115 are received in the contact terminals 3213, 3214, as shown in FIG. Figure 18B .

The Figures 18A and 18B illustrate that in this charged state, which can therefore be a state of maximum relative load of the spring 3221 with respect to intermediate loaded states such as that shown in FIG. Figure 17 , the CPA 3235 device having been pushed against the cover 3202, the tabs 3265, 3266 and 3267, 3268 have been completely disengaged and the tongues 3237, 3238 no longer prevent a deflection of the locking lances 3217, 3218. Thus, the lances 3217, 3218 could be deflected in the openings 117, 118 and / or in the orifices 3219, 3220, which allowed the correct insertion of the connection portion 3206 in the retaining element 102 and the locking main locking lances 3217, 3218, returned to their delivery state after the deflection, with the locking zones 103, 104 of the grip portion 101.

The cross section of the Figure 18B further illustrates that the reassembly of the CPA 3235 device has been guided by the relative displacement of the pins 3263, 3264 of the connection portion 3206 in the grooves 3249, 3250 of the CPA 3235 device. At this step, in the state of relative load maximum, the recovery of the CPA 3235 device is such that the play of the angled surfaces 3251, 3252 at the end of the grooves 3249, 3250 on the pins 3263, 3264 have caused a deflection of the tongues 3237, 3238 in the directions indicated by the arrows 302 , 303. This deflection allows the tongues 3237, 3238, particular pins 3239, 3240, 3241, 3242, to overcome the notches 119, 120, 121, 122.

Thus, when the connector 3200 is correctly inserted into the socket 100, in particular in a state of maximum relative load as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 18A and 18B , the load of the spring 3221 will automatically push the CPA 3235 device in the direction 300. The CPA 3235 device, which is at this point no longer blocked by the notches 119, 120, 121, 122 due to the deflection of the tongues 3237 , 3238, will be able to slide inside the socket 100, and return to its initial state of delivery, as illustrated by the Figures 19A, 19B and 19C .

The Figure 19A resumes the view of Figures 16A , 17 and 18A , this time with the 3200 connector properly inserted and locked into the socket 100. The Figure 19B resume the view of the Figure 19A , but by hiding the part taken 101, which allows to see that the connector 3200 is returned to its delivery state, as described above. The Figure 19C corresponds to Figures 19A and 19B but in a cross section similar to that of the Figure 18B . Thus, when the primer connector 3200 is properly plugged and locked into the primer socket jack 100, as shown in FIGS. Figures 19A to 19C , the main and secondary locks are in place. The correct position of the 3200 connector is thus ensured and an involuntary disconnection due to vibrations or shocks is prevented. However, a voluntary manual disconnection is possible if an operator manually remounts the CPA 3235 device to a fully loaded state such as that illustrated in Figures 18A and 18B and pulls the connector 3200 in the direction 301 to disengage the locking lances 3217, 3218 from the locking zones 103, 104.

The invention is therefore of interest for plug-in connectors in sockets arranged in restricted spaces and can be subjected to vibrations and / or shocks. The invention is advantageous in the field of automotive connector technology, in particular for safety restraint systems comprising pyrotechnic connectors plug in standard ignition brackets of a car manufacturer.

One advantage over the known state of the art is the integration of a spring lock system combined with the secondary lock allowing on the one hand an automatic ejection of a pyrotechnic connector if it is not correctly inserted in an igniter holder, and secondly an automatic transition to the state completely locked the connector as previously described. In an advantageous embodiment of a connector according to the present invention, it is possible to use a "U" -shaped locking spring, in which case the invention has the advantage that the spring is arranged in a position more advantageous than the known springs for pyrotechnic connectors of the state of the art. The same advantageous effects can be obtained by using other locking spring geometries. While a single spring is sufficient to achieve the present invention, it is also possible to obtain the same advantageous effects by using more than one locking spring, in particular, in a preferred variant, two essentially symmetrical springs that can be equivalent. the "U" spring which does not include the transverse rod, and therefore can also advantageously combine a helical geometry with rods perpendicular to the axis of the helical portion. Indeed, the coupling movement can be directly transmitted from the CPA device to the spring, which will go from a delivery state to a loaded state, without however risk of deformation or weakening of the spring. Once the connector is properly plugged and locked in its counter-connector, or in the igniter holder, the invention has the advantage that the connector, in particular the spring, returns to its delivery state, in which all its movable or movable elements. that can be deflected are essentially at rest or in a state of minimum relative tension.

The invention advantageously combines the automatic ejection functionality with the automation of the position assurance feature of the connector and thus the secondary locking of the connector when correctly plugged into the counter-connector. Indeed, a CPA device of a connector according to the present invention will be used both for: transmitting a coupling movement directly to the spring, passing it from its delivery state to a loaded state, and therefore to push back automatically, under the effect of the load of the spring, the connector vis-à-vis the conjugate connector as the force exerted to couple them is not sufficient to properly fit one into the other; and to maintain the primary lock by a secondary lock by automatically ensuring that the main locking elements of the connector can not be deflected once the connector is properly plugged into its counter connector.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the advantageous features of the various embodiments of the present invention described above can be modified or combined to form other variants always advantageous, without however altering the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

100

lighter carrier, primer holder socket

101

base part, part taken

102

ring, connector retainer

103

lock zone

104

lock zone

105

internal surface

106

locking spigot

107

locking spigot

108

nick

109

nick

110

protuberance

111

protuberance

112

contact opening

113

contact opening

114

contact pin

115

contact pin

116

mating section

117

Connector lock element deflection opening

118

Connector lock element deflection opening

119

recess

120

recess

121

recess

122

recess

123

outer body

124

internal body

125

rib

126

rib

127

bearing surface

128

bearing surface

129

locking spigot

130

locking spigot

131

edge

1200

pyrotechnic connector

1201

main housing

1202

lid

1203

cable

1204

cable

1205

main part

1206

connection part

1207

ferrite housing

1208

filter ferrite

1209

contact opening

1210

contact opening

1211

electrical terminal

1212

electrical terminal

1213

contact terminal

1214

contact terminal

1215

cable opening opening

1216

cable opening opening

1217

lock lance

1218

lock lance

1219

orifice allowing deflection

1220

orifice allowing deflection

1221

spring

1222

cross rod

1223

lateral stem

1224

lateral stem

1225

spring tab

1226

spring tab

1227

turns

1228

turns

1231

locking spring tab holding area

1232

locking spring tab holding area

1233

pin element for locking spring

1234

pin element for locking spring

1235

CPA device

1236

contact surface

1237

secondary locking side tab

1238

secondary locking side tab

1239

contact surface

1240

locking tab head

1241

locking tab head

1242

contact surface

1243

contact surface

1244

contact surface

1245

contact surface

1246

contact surface

1247

contact surface

1248

transverse groove

1249

lateral groove

1250

lateral groove

1251

groove for locking spring

1255

lock lance

1256

lock lance

1257

lock zone

1258

lock zone

1259

lock zone

1260

locking spigot

1263

nick

1264

nick

1265

spear

1266

spear

1267

spear

1268

spear

1269

deflection lug

1270

deflection lug

1271

contact surface

1272

contact surface

300

insertion direction, insertion direction

301

direction of insertion, direction of ejection

302

direction of deflection, direction of deflection of 1237, 2237, 3237

303

direction of deflection, direction of deflection of 1238, 2238, 3238

2200

pyrotechnic connector

2201

main housing

2202

lid

2203

cable

2204

cable

2205

main part

2206

connection part

2207

ferrite housing

2208

filter ferrite

2209

contact opening

2210

contact opening

2211

electrical terminal

2212

electrical terminal

2213

contact terminal

2214

contact terminal

2215

cable opening opening

2216

cable opening opening

2217

lock lance

2218

lock lance

2219

orifice allowing deflection

2220

orifice allowing deflection

2221

spring

2222

spring

2223

lateral stem

2224

lateral stem

2225

spring tab

2226

spring tab

2227

helical part

2228

helical part

2231

locking spring tab holding area

2232

locking spring tab holding area

2233

pin element for locking spring

2234

pin element for locking spring

2235

CPA device

2236

contact surface

2237

secondary locking side tab

2238

secondary locking side tab

2239

contact surface

2240

locking tab head

2241

locking tab head

2242

contact surface

2243

contact surface

2244

contact surface

2245

contact surface

2246

contact surface

2247

contact surface

2249

lateral groove

2250

lateral groove

2252

spring receiving groove

2253

spring receiving groove

2255

lock lance

2256

lock lance

2257

lock zone

2258

lock zone

2259

lock zone

2260

locking spigot

2263

nick

2264

nick

2265

spear

2266

spear

2267

spear

2268

spear

2269

deflection lug

2270

deflection lug

2271

contact surface

2272

contact surface

3200

primer connector

3201

main housing

3202

lid

3203

cable

3204

cable

3205

main part

3206

connection part

3207

ferrite housing

3208

filter ferrite

3209

contact opening

3210

contact opening

3211

electrical terminal

3212

electrical terminal

3213

contact terminal

3214

contact terminal

3215

cable opening opening

3216

cable opening opening

3217

lock lance

3218

lock lance

3219

orifice allowing deflection

3220

orifice allowing deflection

3221

spring

3222

cross rod

3223

lateral stem

3224

lateral stem

3225

spring tab

3226

spring tab

3227

turns

3228

turns

3229

recess

3230

recess

3231

holding area

3232

holding area

3233

axis element

3234

axis element

3235

CPA device

3236

contact surface

3237

side tab

3238

side tab

3239

lug

3240

lug

3241

lug

3242

lug

3243

contact surface

3244

contact surface

3245

contact surface

3246

contact surface

3247

lock zone

3248

lock zone

3249

inner groove

3250

inner groove

3251

deflection surface

3252

deflection surface

3253

spring receiving area

3254

ferrite holding tab

3255

lock lance

3256

lock lance

3257

lock zone

3258

lock zone

3259

lock zone

3260

locking spigot

3261

locking spigot

3262

locking spigot

3263

deflection lug

3264

deflection lug

3265

spear

3266

spear

3267

spear

3268

spear

3269

contact surface

3270

contact surface

3271

contact surface

3272

contact surface

Claims (12)

1. Electrical squib connector (2200) for a safety restraint system of a motor vehicle that can be mated with a mating electrical connector (100) in a first direction (300) of a mating direction (300, 301), said electrical connector (2200) comprising:

   a main housing (2201);

   a locking spring (2221), provided in the main housing (2201) and relaxed in a delivery state of the connector (2200);

   a connector position assurance member (2235), movable so as to cause a tension of the spring (2221) passing the connector (2200) from the delivery state into a loaded state in which, upon mating of the connector (2200) with the mating connector (100), the tension of the spring (2221) opposes the mating as long as the connector (2200) and the mating connector (100) are not correctly mated; and

   at least one main locking member (2217, 2218) provided on the main housing (2201), in a delivery position in the delivery state of the connector (2200), and deflectable during mating, the delivery position allowing locking of the connector (2200) with the mating connector (100) when they are correctly mated,

   characterized in that

   the connector position assurance member (2235) comprises at least one secondary locking member (2237, 2238), in particular two secondary locking members (2237, 2238), having a head portion (2240, 2241) arranged, in the delivery state, behind said at least one main locking member (2217, 2218) so as to wedge and prevent deflection of said at least one main locking member (2217, 2218), and in that

   an end of said head portion (2240, 2241) of said at least one secondary locking member (2237, 2238) of the connector position assurance member (2235) further defines a bearing surface (2242, 2243) arranged for bearing, upon mating, against a predetermined surface (127, 128) defined by ribs (125, 126) of a coupling section (116) of the mating connector (100), thereby causing the passage from the delivery state to the loaded state, such that, in the loaded state, said head portion (2240, 2241) is no longer housed behind said at least one main locking member (2217, 2218), whereby said at least one main locking member (2217, 2218) can be deflected.
2. Electrical connector (2200) according to claim 1, wherein the connector position assurance member (2235) is movable between the delivery state and the loaded state, in particular relative to the main housing (2201), along the mating direction (300, 301), in particular from the delivery state into the loaded state in a second direction (301) opposite to the first direction (300) and from the loaded state into the delivery state in the first direction (300).
3. Electrical connector (2200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring (2221) is partially arranged in the connector position assurance member (2235), in particular in a groove (2249, 2250) of the connector position assurance member (2235).
4. Electrical connector (2200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking spring (2221) is a formed wire spring, in particular a formed wire rod spring, comprising at least one longitudinal portion (2224) and a respective end portion (2226), and wherein said at least one longitudinal portion (2224) forms an initial angle, in particular is nearly right-angled, with the respective end portion (2226) in the delivery state.
5. Electrical connector (2200) according to claim 4, wherein the locking spring (2221) further comprises at least one helical portion (2228), and wherein said at least one helical portion (2228) joins a longitudinal portion (2224) to a respective end portion (2226), the axis of the helical portion (2228) being preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal portion (2224) and substantially perpendicular or parallel to the end portion (2226).
6. Electrical connector (2200) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second locking spring (2222), symmetrical to the first locking spring (2221).
7. Electrical connector (1200) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the spring (1221) is substantially U-shaped with a transverse portion (1222) joining two longitudinal portions (1223, 1224).
8. Electrical connector (2200) according to claim 5, taken alone or in combination with any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein said at least one helical portion (2228) is arranged about a respective member (2234) forming an axis provided in the main housing (2201), arranged perpendicular to said at least one longitudinal portion (2224) and parallel or perpendicular to said respective end portion (2226).
9. Electrical connector (2200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main housing (2201) further comprises at least one disengagement surface (2269, 2270) arranged such that, in a loaded state of the locking spring (2221), said head portion (2240, 2241) of said at least one secondary locking member (2237, 2238) of the connector position assurance member (2235) is deflected by said at least one disengagement surface (2269, 2270) such that said at least one secondary locking member (2237, 2238) is deflected in a disengaging direction (302, 303) perpendicular to the mating direction (300, 301), whereby, in a state of relative maximum load of the locking spring (2221), said head portion (2240, 2241) is disengaged with respect to said predetermined surface (127, 128) when the connector (2200) and the mating connector (100) are correctly mated, thereby returning the connector (2200) from the loaded state to the delivery state under the load of the locking spring (2221) when the connector (2200) and the mating connector (100) are correctly mated.
10. Electrical connector (2200) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover (2202) attachable to the main housing (2201) and comprising at least one surface (2271, 2272) limiting a movement of the connector position assurance member (2235) in a second direction (301) of the mating direction (300) opposite the first direction (300), by abutment against a respective contact surface (2236, 2239) of the connector position assurance member (2235).
11. Electrical connector (2200) according to claim 10, wherein the cover (2202) further comprises at least one receiving area (2252) allowing to at least partially accommodate the locking spring (2221) in a loaded state.
12. Electrical connector (2200) according to claim 4, taken alone or in combination with any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein said end portion (2226) is accommodated in a retention area (2232) provided in the main housing (2201) or in the cover (1202).

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