EP2947727B1 - Tool for inserting a wire into a connector, and method - Google Patents

Tool for inserting a wire into a connector, and method Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2947727B1
EP2947727B1 EP15163255.1A EP15163255A EP2947727B1 EP 2947727 B1 EP2947727 B1 EP 2947727B1 EP 15163255 A EP15163255 A EP 15163255A EP 2947727 B1 EP2947727 B1 EP 2947727B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tool
wire
guide
gripping
gripping means
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP15163255.1A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2947727A1 (en
Inventor
Serge Pittau
Stéphane Bellin
Philippe Tontic
François Bernard
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Airbus Helicopters SAS
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Airbus Helicopters SAS
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Publication of EP2947727A1 publication Critical patent/EP2947727A1/en
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Publication of EP2947727B1 publication Critical patent/EP2947727B1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/20—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for assembling or disassembling contact members with insulating base, case or sleeve
    • H01R43/22—Hand tools
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
    • H01R11/11—End pieces or tapping pieces for wires, supported by the wire and for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal or conductive member
    • H01R11/28—End pieces consisting of a ferrule or sleeve
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
    • H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
    • H01R13/426—Securing by a separate resilient retaining piece supported by base or case, e.g. collar or metal contact-retention clip

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tool for plugging a wire into a connector. More particularly, the invention lies in the field of avionics connectors of an aircraft.
  • Connectors are usually used to connect an avionics wire to another avionics wire or equipment for example.
  • the term "avionics wire” means a wire for the circulation of an electrical signal, electronic or computer.
  • An avionics wire therefore includes an electric wire as such or an optical fiber.
  • An avionics wire conventionally comprises a terminal crimped at one end of the wire. This terminal is provided with an annular lug.
  • a connector comprises an insulating housing delimiting cavities. Each terminal is then inserted into a cavity of the connector.
  • this connector has a retaining means for retaining a terminal in the cavity.
  • the retaining means comprises flexible blades. Each flexible blade then extends from an inner wall delimiting the cavity towards the bottom of the cavity.
  • the pin of the terminal pushes the flexible blades against the wall of the cavity.
  • the lug is in abutment against a seat of the cavity, the lug is no longer in contact with the flexible blades.
  • These flexible blades then return to their initial position insofar as the lug no longer exerts a radial force on these flexible blades.
  • the lug of the terminal is locked in translation between a seat of the cavity and the flexible blades
  • the extraction of the wire outside the cavity becomes impossible without tools.
  • a feather has a channel C grooved along its length to be fitted on a wire.
  • a pen can also be used to introduce a wire into a connector.
  • the document US 4,351,109 presents a feather-type tool.
  • This tool includes a receptacle and a lid each provided with a contact means adapted to cooperate with a lug of a terminal.
  • the lid is articulated to the receptacle by a hinge tolerant axial displacement of the lid relative to the receptacle.
  • the contact means of the receptacle is attached to the lug, the contact means of the cover being set back from the lug.
  • each cavity may include a seal at its entrance. This seal naturally exerts a force on the wire positioned in the cavity. If the effort exerted by an operator during a verification operation is less than a threshold, the seal may prevent the extraction of the wire.
  • the operator may degrade the wire by pinching too strongly to exert a tensile force on the wire.
  • a connector may comprise several tens of cavities hosting son. Therefore, an operator may forget to test at least one wire during a verification step.
  • the document FR 2,731,301 discloses a terminal insertion and tensile test device.
  • This device is provided with a support block to support a connector carrying the housing of a connector.
  • the device comprises a tool provided with a clamp mechanism, an actuating mechanism and a guiding mechanism.
  • the guiding mechanism has a guide rod axially received in a guiding light of the support block.
  • the gripper mechanism has two gripper arms scissor-mounted on a pivot axis of the guide rod.
  • a spacer spring tends to move the clamp arms away from each other.
  • the tool includes a spring element tending to bias the actuating mechanism against the gripper mechanism to couple them through the studs. Nevertheless, a withdrawal force applied to the lever arms exceeding a threshold makes it possible to extract the studs from the clamp arms so as to move the clamp arms away from one another under the effect of a spacer spring. .
  • an operator using this device clamps a wire with the tool to position it in the connector. Then, this operator pulls on the tool. When the withdrawal force exerted by the operator reaches said threshold, the clamp releases the wire.
  • This device is interesting in allowing to test that the wire is properly attached to the connector.
  • this tool requires a support block that can be difficult to implement for testing an aircraft system.
  • the operator must manually pinch the wire by exerting a force on the tool throughout the procedure which can be binding.
  • the pinch effort depends on the operator. The operator must take care not to over tighten the wire to avoid damaging it.
  • the document tool US 4,028,812 has a tubular handle.
  • This handle comprises a gripping cylinder, an intermediate cylinder partially inserted into the gripping cylinder and a guiding cylinder partially inserted into the intermediate cylinder.
  • a cane is inserted into the handle.
  • This rod extends from an inner end in the handle towards a protruding end of the guide cylinder to be inserted into a cavity.
  • An axial spring is further interposed between the inner end and the intermediate cylinder to tend to project the rod outside the guide cavity.
  • the cane has an annular groove.
  • the handle includes a plurality of balls housed in the intermediate cylinder, a plurality of radial springs exerting a radial force to push each ball into the groove of the rod.
  • an operator inserts a wire into a connector through a first face of the connector, possibly with a feather.
  • test tool uses the test tool by inserting it into the cavity by a second face of the connector opposite to the first face to attempt to push the wire out of the cavity.
  • This operator inserts the support end into the cavity.
  • this abutment abuts against a terminal of a wire, the operator continues to push the handle towards the connector.
  • This method involves the presence of a tool to insert a wire, and another tool to test the fixing of the wire. In addition, it is necessary to have access to several faces of a connector.
  • the force exerted on this terminal may risk deforming the male contact in case of approximate use.
  • the document FR 2,711,855 discloses a device and a machine for connecting connection elements in connectors.
  • the present invention therefore aims to provide a tool for inserting a wire into a connector and simultaneously check that the wire is correctly plugged.
  • This tool is used to enter a thread.
  • This wire winds in particular in the tool so that the wire terminal is held by the guide means.
  • the tool is then in a position called "rest position".
  • the skates do not particularly tighten the wire.
  • the operator then moves the tool to insert the terminal in a connector.
  • the guide means is locked in translation. Therefore, the gripping means moves longitudinally with respect to the guide means.
  • the securing means secures the gripping means and the translation guiding means along the longitudinal axis.
  • the translational movement of the gripping means in fact induces an automatic translatory movement of the moving means secured to the gripping means.
  • This traction induces a tensile force on the wire.
  • the operator can then extract the wire from the tool.
  • This tool makes it possible, on the one hand, to insert a wire into a cavity, and on the other hand to test that this insertion is correctly carried out.
  • the operator positions a wire in the tool, then exerts an insertion force to place the terminal in a connector, and finally a withdrawal force to test this insertion and disconnect the tool from the wire.
  • This tool may further include one or more of the following features.
  • the tool may comprise a return spring arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis in the gripping means, this return spring being interposed between the gripping means and the guide means to tend to hold the tool in a rest position.
  • the return spring makes it possible to avoid unnecessary beating of the guide means in the gripping means in the rest position.
  • the return spring tends to secure the gripping means to the guide means in the rest position, as long as the guide means is not immobilized.
  • the gripping means may comprise for example a gripping cylinder closed longitudinally by a plug, the guide means having a support arranged in the gripping cylinder for carrying the pads, the return spring is interposed between the plug and the support.
  • the tool may further comprise a rod extending parallel to the longitudinal axis through the support and the plug, this rod carrying the return spring.
  • the gripping means may comprise a gripping cylinder extended by a guiding cylinder, the guiding means having a support arranged in the gripping cylinder for carrying the pads and a guide shaft extending the support in the guiding cylinder.
  • This guide shaft optionally comprises a guide tube carrying a feather.
  • This feather is then provided with the end of the tool carrying a terminal.
  • a pen is for memory a grooved tubular object sized to grip a terminal of a wire.
  • a feather is also monobloc. Therefore, a feather is not comparable to a device provided with rotatable movable supports for example.
  • the tool optionally comprises an adapter arranged between the guide cylinder and the guide shaft.
  • This adapter can be used to adapt the tool to different kinds of feathers.
  • the securing means comprises at least one recess formed in the guide means vis-à-vis the gripping means, the securing means comprising at least one ball and a displacement spring which are interposed between the means of gripping and guide means, each displacement spring pushing a ball against the guide means, each ball being pushed into a recess in the insertion position, each ball being situated outside each recess when the gripping means is not integral in translation along the longitudinal axis of the guide means.
  • the guide means comprises an annular groove forming at least one recess.
  • a longitudinal displacement of the gripping means relative to the guide means then causes the balls to move towards a recess or outside a recess.
  • the setting of the displacement springs makes it possible to size the force threshold to be applied to release a wire from the tool, and therefore the force exerted on the wire to test the connection of the wire to a connector.
  • the guide means having a support extended by a guide shaft which partially projects from the gripping means, at least one recess is formed on the guide shaft.
  • the recess can also be located on the support of the guide means.
  • clamping means may comprise a spring pad by pad, each setting spring being interposed between a pad and the moving means.
  • the guide means comprises a support forming a radial groove notch. Each pad can then slide while being guided in a radial notch.
  • each setting spring can be arranged in such a notch by being in contact on the one hand with the support, and on the other hand with the moving means.
  • the clamping force of the pads on a wire is thus mastered by a mechanical system whose force is generated by a set of setting springs tending to push the moving means.
  • the clamping force is totally mastered and does not depend on the operator who uses the tool.
  • the diameter range of the son operated by a tool can be compatible with the use of a single type of setting spring.
  • the displacement means may comprise for each pad a so-called “first inclined plane” integral with said gripping means which is not parallel to the longitudinal axis, each first inclined plane being in contact with a so-called “second inclined plane” surface. radially movable which is not parallel to the longitudinal axis, and each second inclined plane being connected to a pad so that a translation of a first plane inclined parallel to the longitudinal axis induces a radial translation of a second plane inclined together with a pad.
  • the first inclined plane and the second inclined plane corresponding and form a conical support.
  • the gripping means comprises a hollow plug, this cap comprising an inner surface facing the guide means, this inner surface having a plurality of internal protuberances, each inner protuberance being provided with a first inclined plane.
  • the invention provides a method for inserting a wire into a connector using this tool, the wire having a terminal to be immobilized in a cavity of said connector.
  • the first direction X is called longitudinal.
  • the term "longitudinal" relates to any direction parallel to the first direction X.
  • the figure 1 presents a tool 10. This tool is useful on the one hand to plug a terminal of an avionics wire into a connector, and other to verify that this terminal is correctly plugged.
  • the tool 10 is provided with a gripping means 20 of tubular shape, and a guide means of tubular shape.
  • the gripping means 20 and the guide means extend along a longitudinal axis 100 acting as a central axis of symmetry that the tool 10.
  • the gripping means may in particular comprise a large diameter cylinder called “gripping cylinder 22".
  • the gripping cylinder 22 has a side called “first side 22 '" which is extended by a small diameter cylinder called “guide cylinder 23”.
  • the schematic gripping means 20 comprises a plug 21.
  • the plug 21 enters the gripping cylinder by a second side 22 "opposite to the first side 22 'of the gripping cylinder.
  • This internal space opens longitudinally on the outside of the tool through an end zone of the guide cylinder 23.
  • this internal space opens radially on the outside of the tool through a groove longitudinal termed an "external longitudinal groove" for convenience.
  • This external longitudinal groove is formed in the plug 21, the gripping cylinder 22 and the guiding cylinder 23.
  • the guiding means 40 is then partially arranged in the internal space of the gripping means 20. In fact, this guiding means protrudes longitudinally towards the outside of the gripping means, and more precisely protrudes from the guiding cylinder 23.
  • the guide means 40 then comprises a support 45 arranged in the gripping cylinder 22 and a guide shaft 42 integral with the support 45 passing right through the guide cylinder.
  • the guiding means comprises a longitudinal groove 15 for arranging a wire along the longitudinal axis 100.
  • the guide means is further provided with an end 41. This end is located on the portion of the guide means protruding outside the gripping means.
  • this guide tube 43 is provided with said end 41.
  • the guide tube 43 carries a feather 44 of the guide shaft. Therefore, this pen 44 can be provided with a fixing means 44 'to be fixed to the guide tube 43.
  • the pen 44 comprises a conventional interlocking means to be engaged in an end section of the tube guide 43.
  • this tool 10 may comprise an adapter 46.
  • the adapter 46 is a C-shaped open ring wedged between the guide cylinder 23 and the guide shaft for maintain the pen 44 in the guide tube 43.
  • the tool 10 comprises a clamping means 60.
  • the clamping means 60 cooperates with a displacement means 70 so that the displacement of the gripping means relative to the guide means induces, on the one hand, the securing of the single-wire tool in a position called “insertion position” and, secondly, the separation of the tool and the wire in a position called “rest position”.
  • the clamping means includes two shoes 61 which are displaceable in opposite directions along the same radial direction 200.
  • Each shoe 61 may have a T-shape.
  • a shoe 61 may comprise a base 62 extending longitudinally, and a guide pin 63 integral with the base and extending radially.
  • the base 62 then encloses a buffer 65 for tightening a wire, this pad being able to be made from an elastomer material.
  • the guiding pin 63 schematically comprises a guide pin 64.
  • each pad 61 is carried by the support 45 of the guide means 40.
  • This support 45 may have a base 45 'forming a C-shaped open ring, and an L-shaped extension 45' 'per pad, each L-shaped extension 45' 'then having a first section secured to the base 45', and a second section cooperating with the clamping means 60 and the moving means 70.
  • such a second section may comprise, on the one hand, a radial groove 48 in which slides a guide pin 63 of a pad and, on the other hand, a radial slot 47 in which slides a guide pin 64 of a skate.
  • the radial lumen 47 can be made in a portion of the support surrounding the radial groove 48.
  • the radial lumen 47 and the guide pin 64 prevent the pad from rotating about the radial direction. Therefore, each pad has only a degree of freedom in translation along a radial direction 200 with respect to the guide means 40.
  • the setting spring may be in abutment against a movable stud 72 of the displacement means 70.
  • This movable stud may comprise a cavity into which the tapping spring penetrates.
  • the movable stud has a surface called "second inclined plane 73". Each second inclined plane 73 is present in a plane crossing the longitudinal axis 100.
  • the setting spring contracts and tends to bring the pad closer to the longitudinal axis 100.
  • the spring of tare is relaxed and tends to move the pad away from the longitudinal axis 100, this distance being favored by the elastic means 102.
  • the gripping means comprises a member of the displacement means 70.
  • each first inclined plane 71 is conically abutting against a second inclined plane 73.
  • the gripping means 20 may perform a translational movement along the longitudinal axis relative to the gripping means to move the pads.
  • the tool 10 may comprise a return spring 92.
  • This return spring 92 thus extends from the inner surface of the plug 21 to the support 45, for example parallel to the longitudinal axis 100.
  • the return spring 92 is disposed on a rod 93. This rod 93 then passes successively through an orifice of the plug 21, the return spring 92 and an orifice of the support 45.
  • the tool 10 comprises a securing means 80.
  • the securing means When the tool is in the insertion position, the securing means is fixed in translation along the longitudinal axis of the guide means 40 and the gripping means 20 However, the guide means 40 is secured to the gripping means 20 by the securing means 80 only if the gripping means is subjected to a tensile force less than a force threshold. If an operator exerts a force greater than a threshold of force to place the tool 10 in its rest position, the securing means disengages the guide means of the gripping means.
  • figure 4 has a housing 85 of a gripping cylinder to cooperate with a recess of the support.
  • such a housing can be closed by a screwing means 86 secured to the gripping means.
  • Each displacement spring 84 then extends radially between a ball 82 and the gripping means, for example between a ball 82 and a screwing means 86.
  • each displacement spring 84 exerts a force on a ball 82 tending to induce a radial displacement of the ball towards the longitudinal axis 100.
  • the securing means secures the guide means to the gripping means in the absence of a force greater than a force threshold.
  • This effort threshold is determined by the setting of the displacement springs 84 in particular.
  • the wire 1 is crimped to a terminal 2 provided with a lug 3.
  • the guide means is immobilized.
  • the operator maintains his effort forward along the arrow F1 to move the gripping means 20 relative to the guide means 40.
  • the gripping means is thus close to the end 41 of the guide means.
  • the return spring 92 is compressed, the rod 93 sinking into the support 45.
  • each first inclined plane of the cap of the gripping means presses a second inclined plane, this second inclined plane inducing the displacement of a pad according to the arrows F11.
  • terminal 2 If terminal 2 is properly locked to connector 2, the wire can not be moved. The operator therefore exerts a rearward pulling force to counter the force exerted on the balls 82 by the displacement springs 84 calibrated.
  • the balls then withdraw from the recesses.
  • the gripping means can be moved relative to the guiding means to return to the rest position.
  • This movement of the gripping means induces a radial displacement of the pads 61 according to the arrows F12 for releasing the wire 1.
  • the operator can pull the tool out of the wire making sure that the terminal is properly locked.

Description

La présente invention concerne un outil pour enficher un fil dans un connecteur. Plus particulièrement, l'invention se situe dans le domaine des connecteurs avioniques d'un aéronef.The present invention relates to a tool for plugging a wire into a connector. More particularly, the invention lies in the field of avionics connectors of an aircraft.

Des connecteurs sont usuellement utilisés pour relier un fil avionique à un autre fil avionique ou à un équipement par exemple. On entend par « fil avionique » un fil permettant la circulation d'un signal électrique, électronique ou informatique. Un fil avionique inclut donc un fil électrique en tant que tel ou encore une fibre optique.Connectors are usually used to connect an avionics wire to another avionics wire or equipment for example. The term "avionics wire" means a wire for the circulation of an electrical signal, electronic or computer. An avionics wire therefore includes an electric wire as such or an optical fiber.

Un fil avionique comporte classiquement une borne sertie à une extrémité du fil. Cette borne est munie d'un ergot annulaire.An avionics wire conventionally comprises a terminal crimped at one end of the wire. This terminal is provided with an annular lug.

Par suite, un connecteur comporte un boîtier isolant délimitant des cavités. Chaque borne est alors insérée dans une cavité du connecteur.As a result, a connector comprises an insulating housing delimiting cavities. Each terminal is then inserted into a cavity of the connector.

Pour assurer un maintien de la borne dans le connecteur, ce connecteur comporte un moyen de retenue destiné à retenir une borne dans la cavité.To maintain the terminal in the connector, this connector has a retaining means for retaining a terminal in the cavity.

Par exemple, le moyen de retenue comporte des lames flexibles. Chaque lame flexible s'étend alors d'une paroi interne délimitant la cavité vers le fond de la cavité.For example, the retaining means comprises flexible blades. Each flexible blade then extends from an inner wall delimiting the cavity towards the bottom of the cavity.

Lors de l'insertion de la borne dans la cavité, l'ergot de la borne repousse les lames flexibles contre la paroi de la cavité. Lorsque l'ergot est en butée contre un siège de la cavité, l'ergot n'est plus en contact avec les lames flexibles. Ces lames flexibles retournent alors dans leur position initiale dans la mesure où l'ergot n'exerce plus un effort radial sur ces lames flexibles.When the terminal is inserted into the cavity, the pin of the terminal pushes the flexible blades against the wall of the cavity. When the lug is in abutment against a seat of the cavity, the lug is no longer in contact with the flexible blades. These flexible blades then return to their initial position insofar as the lug no longer exerts a radial force on these flexible blades.

Dès lors, l'ergot de la borne est bloqué en translation entre un siège de la cavité et les lames flexibles L'extraction du fil en dehors de la cavité devient impossible sans outil.Therefore, the lug of the terminal is locked in translation between a seat of the cavity and the flexible blades The extraction of the wire outside the cavity becomes impossible without tools.

Pour enlever le fil du connecteur, un opérateur agence un outil dénommé « plume » sur le fil. Une plume comporte un canal en forme de C rainuré sur toute sa longueur pour être emmanchée sur un fil.To remove the wire from the connector, an operator arranges a tool called "feather" on the wire. A feather has a channel C grooved along its length to be fitted on a wire.

L'opérateur insère alors la plume sur le fil. Cet opérateur fait glisser la plume le long du fil pour introduire cette plume dans la cavité. L'opérateur plaque ainsi une extrémité de la plume contre l'ergot de la borne du fil. Cette plume repousse dès lors les lames flexibles de la cavité. Par suite, l'opérateur serre manuellement la plume sur le fil pour extraire ce fil hors de la cavité du connecteur.The operator then inserts the pen on the wire. This operator slides the feather along the wire to introduce this feather into the cavity. The operator thus plates one end of the pen against the pin of the wire terminal. This feather therefore repels the flexible blades of the cavity. As a result, the operator manually clamps the pen on the wire to extract the wire out of the connector cavity.

Une plume peut aussi être utilisée pour introduire un fil dans un connecteur.A pen can also be used to introduce a wire into a connector.

Le document US 4 351 109 présente un outil de type « plume ». Cet outil comporte notamment un réceptacle et un couvercle munis chacun d'un moyen de contact apte à coopérer avec un ergot d'une borne. Le couvercle est articulé au réceptacle par une articulation tolérant un déplacement axial du couvercle par rapport au réceptacle.The document US 4,351,109 presents a feather-type tool. This tool includes a receptacle and a lid each provided with a contact means adapted to cooperate with a lug of a terminal. The lid is articulated to the receptacle by a hinge tolerant axial displacement of the lid relative to the receptacle.

Lors d'une phase d'insertion, le moyen de contact du réceptacle est accolé à l'ergot, le moyen de contact du couvercle étant en retrait de l'ergot.During an insertion phase, the contact means of the receptacle is attached to the lug, the contact means of the cover being set back from the lug.

A l'inverse, les moyens de contact du réceptacle et du couvercle sont accolés contre l'ergot lors d'une phase d'extraction.Conversely, the contact means of the receptacle and the lid are placed against the lug during an extraction phase.

Cette méthode et cet outil donnent satisfaction.This method and this tool are satisfactory.

Néanmoins, un opérateur doit s'assurer lors d'une opération de vérification que chaque fil est correctement fixé dans la cavité d'un connecteur. A cet effet, l'opérateur tire manuellement sur le fil pour vérifier que ce fil ne puisse pas être extrait d'une cavité.Nevertheless, an operator must ensure during a verification operation that each wire is correctly fixed in the cavity of a connector. For this purpose, the operator manually pulls on the wire to check that this wire can not be extracted from a cavity.

Cependant, chaque cavité peut comporter un joint d'étanchéité à son entrée. Ce joint exerce naturellement un effort sur le fil positionné dans la cavité. Si l'effort exercé par un opérateur lors d'une opération de vérification est inférieur à un seuil, le joint peut empêcher l'extraction du fil.However, each cavity may include a seal at its entrance. This seal naturally exerts a force on the wire positioned in the cavity. If the effort exerted by an operator during a verification operation is less than a threshold, the seal may prevent the extraction of the wire.

Ainsi, un opérateur risque de considérer que le fil est correctement engagé dans le connecteur alors que ce fil est simplement bloqué par le joint d'une cavité.Thus, an operator may consider that the wire is properly engaged in the connector while the wire is simply blocked by the seal of a cavity.

A l'inverse, si l'effort exercé par l'opérateur est trop important cet effort risque de dégrader le fil, ou la liaison du fil à une borne par exemple.Conversely, if the effort exerted by the operator is too important this effort may degrade the wire, or the connection of the wire to a terminal for example.

En outre, l'opérateur risque de dégrader le fil en le pinçant trop fortement pour exercer un effort de traction sur ce fil.In addition, the operator may degrade the wire by pinching too strongly to exert a tensile force on the wire.

Plus simplement, un opérateur peut oublier de tirer sur un fil. En effet, un connecteur peut comporter plusieurs dizaines de cavités accueillant des fils. Dès lors, un opérateur peut oublier de tester au moins un fil durant une étape de vérification.More simply, an operator can forget to pull on a wire. Indeed, a connector may comprise several tens of cavities hosting son. Therefore, an operator may forget to test at least one wire during a verification step.

En outre, l'insertion approximative d'un fil peut néanmoins autoriser un contact électrique. Dès lors, le test d'un système avionique complet peut ne pas faire apparaître le positionnement approximatif d'un fil de ce système dans un connecteur. Par contre, ce contact électrique risque de disparaître lors de l'utilisation du système suite à des vibrations par exemple.In addition, the approximate insertion of a wire may nevertheless allow electrical contact. Therefore, testing a complete avionics system may not reveal the approximate positioning of a wire of this system in a connector. By cons, this electrical contact may disappear when using the system following vibration for example.

Sur un véhicule, cette situation peut être problématique. Dès lors, un constructeur d'aéronef peut au moins doubler certaines installations jugées vitales.On a vehicle, this situation can be problematic. Therefore, an aircraft manufacturer can at least double some facilities deemed vital.

Le document FR 2 731 301 décrit un dispositif d'insertion de bornes et d'essai de traction.The document FR 2,731,301 discloses a terminal insertion and tensile test device.

Ce dispositif est muni d'un bloc support pour supporter un connecteur portant le boîtier d'un connecteur.This device is provided with a support block to support a connector carrying the housing of a connector.

De plus, le dispositif comporte un outil muni d'un mécanisme à pince, d'un mécanisme d'actionnement et d'un mécanisme de guidage.In addition, the device comprises a tool provided with a clamp mechanism, an actuating mechanism and a guiding mechanism.

Le mécanisme de guidage possède une tige de guidage reçue axialement dans une lumière de guidage du bloc support.The guiding mechanism has a guide rod axially received in a guiding light of the support block.

Le mécanisme à pince comporte deux bras de pince montés à la manière de ciseaux sur un axe de pivot de la tige de guidage. Un ressort d'écartement tend à écarter les bras de pince l'un de l'autre.The gripper mechanism has two gripper arms scissor-mounted on a pivot axis of the guide rod. A spacer spring tends to move the clamp arms away from each other.

De plus, le mécanisme d'actionnement est pourvu de bras de levier pivotant et coulissant sur l'axe de pivot. Chaque bras de levier est relié à un bras de pince par des goujons permettant le coulissement relatif des bras de levier par rapport aux bras de pince le long de l'axe de pivot.In addition, the actuating mechanism is provided with pivoting and sliding lever arms on the pivot axis. Each lever arm is connected to a clamp arm by studs allowing relative sliding of the lever arms relative to the clamp arms along the pivot axis.

En outre, l'outil inclut un élément à ressort tendant à rappeler le mécanisme d'actionnement contre le mécanisme à pince pour les accoupler par le biais des goujons. Néanmoins, une force de retrait appliquée aux bras de levier dépassant un seuil permet d'extraire les goujons des bras de pince de manière à écarter ces bras de pince l'un de l'autre sous l'effet d'un ressort d'écartement.In addition, the tool includes a spring element tending to bias the actuating mechanism against the gripper mechanism to couple them through the studs. Nevertheless, a withdrawal force applied to the lever arms exceeding a threshold makes it possible to extract the studs from the clamp arms so as to move the clamp arms away from one another under the effect of a spacer spring. .

Dès lors, un opérateur utilisant ce dispositif serre un fil à l'aide de l'outil pour le positionner dans le connecteur. Ensuite, cet opérateur tire sur l'outil. Lorsque la force de retrait exercée par l'opérateur atteint ledit seuil, la pince relâche le fil.Therefore, an operator using this device clamps a wire with the tool to position it in the connector. Then, this operator pulls on the tool. When the withdrawal force exerted by the operator reaches said threshold, the clamp releases the wire.

Ce dispositif est intéressant en permettant de tester que le fil est correctement fixé au connecteur. Cependant, cet outil nécessite un bloc support qui peut être délicat à mettre en oeuvre pour tester un système d'aéronef.This device is interesting in allowing to test that the wire is properly attached to the connector. However, this tool requires a support block that can be difficult to implement for testing an aircraft system.

En outre, l'opérateur doit pincer manuellement le fil en exerçant un effort sur l'outil durant toute la procédure ce qui peut s'avérer contraignant. De plus, l'effort de pincement dépend de l'opérateur. L'opérateur doit donc prendre soin ne pas trop serrer le fil pour ne pas l'abimer.In addition, the operator must manually pinch the wire by exerting a force on the tool throughout the procedure which can be binding. In addition, the pinch effort depends on the operator. The operator must take care not to over tighten the wire to avoid damaging it.

Le document US 4 028 812 décrit un outil fonctionnant selon un autre principe. Cet outil ne vise pas à tirer sur un fil inséré dans un connecteur, mais au contraire propose de pousser un fil en dehors d'une cavité.The document US 4,028,812 describes a tool operating according to another principle. This tool is not intended to pull a wire inserted into a connector, but instead proposes to push a wire outside a cavity.

L'outil du document US 4 028 812 comporte une poignée tubulaire.The document tool US 4,028,812 has a tubular handle.

Cette poignée comporte un cylindre de préhension, un cylindre intermédiaire partiellement inséré dans le cylindre de préhension et un cylindre de guidage partiellement inséré dans le cylindre intermédiaire.This handle comprises a gripping cylinder, an intermediate cylinder partially inserted into the gripping cylinder and a guiding cylinder partially inserted into the intermediate cylinder.

Une canne est insérée dans la poignée. Cette canne s'étend d'une extrémité interne présente dans la poignée vers une extrémité d'appui saillant du cylindre de guidage pour être insérée dans une cavité. Un ressort axial est en outre interposé entre l'extrémité interne et le cylindre intermédiaire pour tendre à faire saillir la canne en dehors de la cavité de guidage.A cane is inserted into the handle. This rod extends from an inner end in the handle towards a protruding end of the guide cylinder to be inserted into a cavity. An axial spring is further interposed between the inner end and the intermediate cylinder to tend to project the rod outside the guide cavity.

Par ailleurs, la canne comporte une gorge annulaire. Par suite, la poignée inclut une pluralité de billes logées dans le cylindre intermédiaire, une pluralité de ressorts radiaux exerçant un effort radial pour pousser chaque bille dans la gorge de la canne.In addition, the cane has an annular groove. As a result, the handle includes a plurality of balls housed in the intermediate cylinder, a plurality of radial springs exerting a radial force to push each ball into the groove of the rod.

Dès lors, un opérateur insère un fil dans un connecteur au travers d'une première face du connecteur, éventuellement à l'aide d'une plume.Therefore, an operator inserts a wire into a connector through a first face of the connector, possibly with a feather.

Ensuite, un opérateur utilise l'outil de test en l'insérant dans la cavité par une deuxième face du connecteur opposée à la première face pour tenter de pousser le fil en dehors de la cavité.Next, an operator uses the test tool by inserting it into the cavity by a second face of the connector opposite to the first face to attempt to push the wire out of the cavity.

Cet opérateur insère donc l'extrémité d'appui dans la cavité. Lorsque cette extrémité d'appui bute contre une borne d'un fil, l'opérateur continue de pousser la poignée vers le connecteur.This operator inserts the support end into the cavity. When this abutment abuts against a terminal of a wire, the operator continues to push the handle towards the connector.

Dès qu'un effort de test taré par le ressort axial atteint un seuil, les billes sortent de la gorge annulaire.As soon as a test force calibrated by the axial spring reaches a threshold, the balls leave the annular groove.

Si le fil testé n'est pas extrait du connecteur à ce stade, l'opérateur en déduit que le fil est correctement positionné.If the wire under test is not removed from the connector at this point, the operator deduces that the wire is correctly positioned.

Ce procédé suppose la présence d'un d'outil pour insérer un fil, et d'un autre outil pour tester la fixation du fil. En outre, il convient d'avoir accès à plusieurs faces d'un connecteur.This method involves the presence of a tool to insert a wire, and another tool to test the fixing of the wire. In addition, it is necessary to have access to several faces of a connector.

Par ailleurs, lorsque la borne d'un fil comporte un contact mâle, l'effort exercé sur cette borne peut risquer de déformer le contact mâle en cas d'utilisation approximative.Furthermore, when the terminal of a wire has a male contact, the force exerted on this terminal may risk deforming the male contact in case of approximate use.

Le document FR 2 711 855 décrit un dispositif et une machine pour brancher des éléments de connexion dans des connecteurs.The document FR 2,711,855 discloses a device and a machine for connecting connection elements in connectors.

On connaît aussi un outil décrit dans une note technique publié à l'adresse interne suivante : http://www.oceta.com/Documents/Notice%20technique% 20Outils%20OCE.pdf.There is also a tool described in a technical note published at the following internal address: http://www.oceta.com/Documents/Notice%20technique%20Tools%20OCE.pdf .

Les documents US 3605234 (l'état de la technique le plus proche), US 3538585 , US 6067705 et US 3811168 sont aussi connus.The documents US 3605234 (the closest state of the art), US 3538585 , US 6067705 and US 3811168 are also known.

La présente invention a alors pour objet de proposer un outil permettant d'enficher un fil dans un connecteur et de vérifier simultanément que ce fil est correctement enfiché.The present invention therefore aims to provide a tool for inserting a wire into a connector and simultaneously check that the wire is correctly plugged.

L'invention vise donc un outil pour enficher un fil dans un connecteur, cet outil comprenant un moyen de préhension tubulaire et un moyen de guidage tubulaire qui s'étendent le long d'un axe longitudinal, le moyen de guidage étant inséré partiellement dans le moyen de préhension et saillant longitudinalement du moyen de préhension.The invention therefore relates to a tool for inserting a wire into a connector, this tool comprising a tubular gripping means and a tubular guide means which extend along a longitudinal axis, the guide means being inserted partially into the gripping means and protruding longitudinally gripping means.

Cet outil est notamment remarquable en ce que :

  • le moyen de guidage comporte une extrémité saisissant une borne d'un fil pour la guider vers une cavité d'un connecteur,
  • le moyen de préhension et le moyen de guidage comportent chacun une rainure longitudinale permettant l'insertion d'un fil dans l'outil pour le disposer le long dudit axe longitudinal,
  • le moyen de préhension contient un moyen de serrage d'un fil pourvu de deux patins mobiles le long d'une même direction radiale orthogonale à l'axe longitudinal, le moyen de préhension comportant un moyen de déplacement en appui sur le moyen de serrage pour qu'une translation longitudinale du moyen de préhension par rapport au moyen de guidage induise automatiquement une translation radiale desdits patins,
  • le moyen de guidage et le moyen de préhension étant mobiles en translation l'un par rapport à l'autre, l'outil comporte un moyen de solidarisation solidarisant en translation le long de l'axe longitudinal le moyen de préhension et le moyen de guidage dans une position d'insertion jusqu'à un seuil d'effort donné suite à un rapprochement du moyen de préhension de l'extrémité, lesdits patins serrant un fil suite audit rapprochement et ne serrant plus ledit fil suite à un éloignement du moyen de préhension de ladite extrémité obtenu à partir de la position d'insertion en appliquant un effort supérieur audit seuil.
This tool is particularly remarkable in that:
  • the guiding means comprises an end grasping a terminal of a wire to guide it towards a cavity of a connector,
  • the gripping means and the guiding means each comprise a longitudinal groove allowing the insertion of a wire into the tool to arrange it along said longitudinal axis,
  • the gripping means contains a wire clamping means provided with two movable pads along the same radial direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the gripping means comprising a displacement means bearing on the clamping means for that a longitudinal translation of the gripping means relative to the guide means automatically induces a radial translation of said pads,
  • the guiding means and the gripping means being movable in translation relative to one another, the tool comprises a securing means solidarisant in translation along the longitudinal axis the gripping means and the guiding means in an insertion position up to a given force threshold following a combination of the gripping means of the end, said pads tightening a wire following said approximation and no longer tightening said wire following a removal of the gripping means of said end obtained from the insertion position by applying a force greater than said threshold.

Cet outil permet de saisir un fil. Ce fil serpente notamment dans l'outil afin que la borne du fil soit tenue par le moyen de guidage. L'outil est alors dans une position dite « position au repos ». Les patins ne serrent notamment pas le fil.This tool is used to enter a thread. This wire winds in particular in the tool so that the wire terminal is held by the guide means. The tool is then in a position called "rest position". The skates do not particularly tighten the wire.

Durant une phase d'insertion, l'opérateur déplace alors l'outil pour insérer la borne dans un connecteur. Lorsque la borne arrive en butée, le moyen de guidage est bloqué en translation. Dès lors, le moyen de préhension se déplace longitudinalement par rapport au moyen de guidage.During an insertion phase, the operator then moves the tool to insert the terminal in a connector. When the terminal comes to a stop, the guide means is locked in translation. Therefore, the gripping means moves longitudinally with respect to the guide means.

Cette manoeuvre induit le rapprochement du moyen de préhension vers l'extrémité du moyen de guidage. Par conséquent, l'outil se rétracte jusqu'à atteindre une position dite « position d'insertion ».This maneuver induces the approximation of the gripping means towards the end of the guide means. As a result, the tool retracts to a position called "insertion position".

A ce stade, le moyen de solidarisation solidarise le moyen de préhension et le moyen guidage en translation le long de l'axe longitudinal.At this stage, the securing means secures the gripping means and the translation guiding means along the longitudinal axis.

En parallèle, le mouvement translatif du moyen de préhension induit de fait un mouvement translatif automatique du moyen de déplacement solidaire du moyen de préhension.In parallel, the translational movement of the gripping means in fact induces an automatic translatory movement of the moving means secured to the gripping means.

Le moyen de déplacement provoque une translation radiale des patins. Ces patins serrent le fil entre eux dans la position d'insertion. Par exemple le moyen de déplacement comporte un moyen d'appui conique.The displacement means causes a radial translation of the pads. These pads clamp the thread between them in the insertion position. For example the moving means comprises a conical support means.

L'opérateur tire alors vers lui l'outil pour le dégager du connecteur.The operator then pulls the tool towards him to release it from the connector.

Cette traction induit un effort de traction sur le fil.This traction induces a tensile force on the wire.

Si la borne n'est pas correctement insérée dans le connecteur, cette borne s'échappe du connecteur.If the terminal is not properly inserted into the connector, this terminal will come out of the connector.

A l'inverse, si la borne est correctement solidarisée au connecteur, l'effort de traction exercé par l'opérateur atteint à court terme le seuil d'effort du moyen de solidarisation.Conversely, if the terminal is properly secured to the connector, the tensile force exerted by the operator reaches in the short term the effort threshold of the securing means.

A partir de ce seuil d'effort, le moyen de préhension s'éloigne du moyen de guidage. L'outil retourne dans sa position au repos, les patins desserrant de fait le fil.From this effort threshold, the gripping means moves away from the guide means. The tool returns to its rest position, the shoes loosening the wire.

L'opérateur peut alors extraire le fil de l'outil.The operator can then extract the wire from the tool.

Cet outil permet d'une part d'insérer un fil dans une cavité, et d'autre part de tester que cette insertion est correctement réalisée.This tool makes it possible, on the one hand, to insert a wire into a cavity, and on the other hand to test that this insertion is correctly carried out.

A cet effet, les patins permettent de serrer le fil. L'effort exercé sur le fil ne dépend pas d'un opérateur mais du déplacement prévu de ces patins. Par suite, l'outil tend à limiter les risques de dégradation du fil.For this purpose, the pads make it possible to tighten the thread. The force exerted on the wire does not depend on an operator but on the planned displacement of these pads. As a result, the tool tends to limit the risk of degradation of the wire.

En résumé, l'opérateur positionne un fil dans l'outil, puis exerce un effort d'insertion afin de placer la borne dans un connecteur, et enfin un effort de retrait pour tester cette insertion et désolidariser l'outil du fil.In summary, the operator positions a wire in the tool, then exerts an insertion force to place the terminal in a connector, and finally a withdrawal force to test this insertion and disconnect the tool from the wire.

Par suite, l'opérateur n'a pas à effectuer une opération spécifique éventuellement à l'aide d'un outil spécifique pour tester la connexion d'un fil à un connecteur.As a result, the operator does not have to perform a specific operation possibly using a specific tool to test the connection of a wire to a connector.

Par ailleurs, l'outil ne risque pas de déformer la borne d'un fil.Moreover, the tool is not likely to deform the terminal of a wire.

Cet outil peut de plus comporter une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes.This tool may further include one or more of the following features.

Par exemple, l'outil peut comporter un ressort de rappel agencé parallèlement à l'axe longitudinal dans le moyen de préhension, ce ressort de rappel étant interposé entre le moyen de préhension et le moyen de guidage pour tendre à maintenir l'outil dans une position de repos.For example, the tool may comprise a return spring arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis in the gripping means, this return spring being interposed between the gripping means and the guide means to tend to hold the tool in a rest position.

Dans la position au repos, le moyen de préhension est mobile par rapport au moyen de guidage suite au blocage du moyen de guidage.In the idle position, the gripping means is movable relative to the guiding means following the locking of the guiding means.

Le ressort de rappel permet d'éviter un battement non nécessaire du moyen de guidage dans le moyen de préhension dans la position au repos. Ainsi, le ressort de rappel tend à solidariser le moyen de préhension au moyen de guidage dans la position au repos, tant que le moyen de guidage n'est pas immobilisé.The return spring makes it possible to avoid unnecessary beating of the guide means in the gripping means in the rest position. Thus, the return spring tends to secure the gripping means to the guide means in the rest position, as long as the guide means is not immobilized.

En outre, le moyen de préhension pouvant comporter par exemple un cylindre de préhension obturé longitudinalement par un bouchon, le moyen de guidage présentant un support agencé dans le cylindre de préhension pour porter les patins, le ressort de rappel est interposé entre le bouchon et le support.In addition, the gripping means may comprise for example a gripping cylinder closed longitudinally by a plug, the guide means having a support arranged in the gripping cylinder for carrying the pads, the return spring is interposed between the plug and the support.

L'outil peut de plus comporter une tige s'étendant parallèlement à l'axe longitudinal en traversant le support et le bouchon, cette tige portant le ressort de rappel.The tool may further comprise a rod extending parallel to the longitudinal axis through the support and the plug, this rod carrying the return spring.

Par ailleurs, le moyen de préhension peut comporter un cylindre de préhension prolongé par un cylindre de guidage, le moyen de guidage présentant un support agencé dans le cylindre de préhension pour porter les patins et un arbre de guidage prolongeant le support dans le cylindre de guidage.Furthermore, the gripping means may comprise a gripping cylinder extended by a guiding cylinder, the guiding means having a support arranged in the gripping cylinder for carrying the pads and a guide shaft extending the support in the guiding cylinder. .

Cet arbre de guidage comporte éventuellement un tube de guidage portant une plume. Cette plume est alors munie de l'extrémité de l'outil portant une borne. Une plume est pour mémoire un objet tubulaire rainuré dimensionné pour saisir une borne d'un fil. Une plume est en outre monobloc. Dès lors, une plume n'est pas assimilable à un dispositif muni de supports mobiles en rotation par exemple.This guide shaft optionally comprises a guide tube carrying a feather. This feather is then provided with the end of the tool carrying a terminal. A pen is for memory a grooved tubular object sized to grip a terminal of a wire. A feather is also monobloc. Therefore, a feather is not comparable to a device provided with rotatable movable supports for example.

Cette plume peut comprendre un moyen de fixation pour fixer de manière réversible la plume au tube de guidage. Le moyen de fixation comprend par exemple un moyen d'emboitement usuel, tel qu'une excroissance périphérique à emboiter dans une gorge de l'arbre de guidage.This pen may comprise a fixing means for reversibly fixing the pen to the guide tube. The fixing means comprises for example a conventional interlocking means, such as a peripheral protrusion to fit into a groove of the guide shaft.

En outre, l'outil comporte éventuellement un adaptateur agencé entre le cylindre de guidage et l'arbre de guidage. Cet adaptateur peut être utilisé pour adapter l'outil à différentes sortes de plumes.In addition, the tool optionally comprises an adapter arranged between the guide cylinder and the guide shaft. This adapter can be used to adapt the tool to different kinds of feathers.

Par ailleurs, le moyen de solidarisation comporte au moins un renfoncement ménagé dans le moyen de guidage en vis-à-vis du moyen de préhension, le moyen de solidarisation comportant au moins une bille et un ressort de déplacement qui sont interposés entre le moyen de préhension et le moyen de guidage, chaque ressort de déplacement poussant une bille contre le moyen de guidage, chaque bille étant poussée dans un renfoncement dans la position d'insertion, chaque bille étant située en dehors de chaque renfoncement lorsque le moyen de préhension n'est pas solidaire en translation le long de l'axe longitudinal du moyen de guidage.Furthermore, the securing means comprises at least one recess formed in the guide means vis-à-vis the gripping means, the securing means comprising at least one ball and a displacement spring which are interposed between the means of gripping and guide means, each displacement spring pushing a ball against the guide means, each ball being pushed into a recess in the insertion position, each ball being situated outside each recess when the gripping means is not integral in translation along the longitudinal axis of the guide means.

Par exemple, le moyen de guidage comporte une gorge annulaire formant au moins un renfoncement.For example, the guide means comprises an annular groove forming at least one recess.

Un déplacement longitudinal du moyen de préhension par rapport au moyen de guidage provoque alors un déplacement des billes vers un renfoncement ou en dehors d'un renfoncement.A longitudinal displacement of the gripping means relative to the guide means then causes the balls to move towards a recess or outside a recess.

De plus, le tarage des ressorts de déplacement permet de dimensionner le seuil d'effort à appliquer pour libérer un fil de l'outil, et donc l'effort exercé sur le fil pour tester la connexion du fil à un connecteur.In addition, the setting of the displacement springs makes it possible to size the force threshold to be applied to release a wire from the tool, and therefore the force exerted on the wire to test the connection of the wire to a connector.

Eventuellement, le moyen de guidage comportant un support prolongé par un arbre de guidage qui saille partiellement du moyen de préhension, au moins un renfoncement est ménagé sur l'arbre de guidage.Optionally, the guide means having a support extended by a guide shaft which partially projects from the gripping means, at least one recess is formed on the guide shaft.

Le renfoncement peut aussi être localisé sur le support du moyen de guidage.The recess can also be located on the support of the guide means.

Par ailleurs, le moyen de serrage peut comporter un ressort de tarage par patin, chaque ressort de tarage étant interposé entre un patin et le moyen de déplacement.Furthermore, the clamping means may comprise a spring pad by pad, each setting spring being interposed between a pad and the moving means.

Par exemple, le moyen de guidage comporte un support ménageant une encoche radiale par patin. Chaque patin peut alors coulisser en étant guidé dans une encoche radiale.For example, the guide means comprises a support forming a radial groove notch. Each pad can then slide while being guided in a radial notch.

De plus, chaque ressort de tarage peut être agencé dans une telle encoche en étant en contact d'une part avec le support, et d'autre part avec le moyen de déplacement.In addition, each setting spring can be arranged in such a notch by being in contact on the one hand with the support, and on the other hand with the moving means.

L'effort de serrage des patins sur un fil est ainsi maitrisé par un système mécanique dont l'effort est généré par un ensemble de ressorts de tarage tendant à repousser le moyen de déplacement. L'effort de serrage est totalement maitrisé et ne dépend pas de l'opérateur qui utilise l'outil.The clamping force of the pads on a wire is thus mastered by a mechanical system whose force is generated by a set of setting springs tending to push the moving means. The clamping force is totally mastered and does not depend on the operator who uses the tool.

En effet, la plage de diamètre des fils manoeuvrés par un outil peut être compatible avec l'utilisation d'un seul type de ressort de tarage. Toutefois, il est possible remplacer un ressort de tarage par un autre ressort pour manoeuvrer des fils de caractéristiques différentes.Indeed, the diameter range of the son operated by a tool can be compatible with the use of a single type of setting spring. However, it is possible to replace a calibration spring with another spring to manipulate wires of different characteristics.

Le moyen de déplacement peut comporter pour chaque patin une surface dite « premier plan incliné » solidaire dudit moyen de préhension qui n'est pas parallèle à l'axe longitudinal, chaque premier plan incliné étant en contact avec une surface dite « deuxième plan incliné » mobile radialement qui n'est pas parallèle à l'axe longitudinal, et chaque deuxième plan incliné étant relié à un patin pour qu'une translation d'un premier plan incliné parallèlement à l'axe longitudinal induise une translation radiale d'un deuxième plan incliné conjointement avec un patin.The displacement means may comprise for each pad a so-called "first inclined plane" integral with said gripping means which is not parallel to the longitudinal axis, each first inclined plane being in contact with a so-called "second inclined plane" surface. radially movable which is not parallel to the longitudinal axis, and each second inclined plane being connected to a pad so that a translation of a first plane inclined parallel to the longitudinal axis induces a radial translation of a second plane inclined together with a pad.

Le premier plan incliné et le deuxième plan incliné correspondant forment ainsi un appui conique.The first inclined plane and the second inclined plane corresponding and form a conical support.

Par exemple, le moyen de préhension comporte un bouchon creux, ce bouchon comprenant une surface interne en regard du moyen de guidage, cette surface interne ayant une pluralité de protubérances internes, chaque protubérance interne étant munie d'un premier plan incliné.For example, the gripping means comprises a hollow plug, this cap comprising an inner surface facing the guide means, this inner surface having a plurality of internal protuberances, each inner protuberance being provided with a first inclined plane.

Outre un outil, l'invention vise un procédé pour enficher un fil dans un connecteur en utilisant cet outil, le fil comportant une borne à immobiliser dans une cavité dudit connecteur.In addition to a tool, the invention provides a method for inserting a wire into a connector using this tool, the wire having a terminal to be immobilized in a cavity of said connector.

Selon ce procédé :

  • on insère le fil dans l'outil au travers des rainures longitudinales, ladite borne étant saisie par ladite extrémité du moyen de guidage,
  • on déplace ledit outil le long de l'axe longitudinal pour disposer ladite borne dans ladite cavité,
  • lorsque ladite extrémité est bloquée suite à l'insertion de la borne dans ladite cavité, on exerce un effort vers l'avant pour déplacer le long de l'axe longitudinal ledit moyen de préhension vers l'extrémité du moyen de guidage pour atteindre une position d'insertion de l'outil, ledit moyen de serrage solidarisant ledit outil au fil dans cette position d'insertion
  • lorsque ladite position d'insertion est atteinte, on exerce un effort sur le fil tendant à extraire ce fil de ladite cavité en exerçant un effort vers l'arrière sur le moyen de préhension pour éloigner le moyen de préhension de ladite extrémité, ledit moyen de serrage désolidarisant ledit outil du fil dès que ledit effort vers l'arrière atteint un seuil.
According to this method:
  • the wire is inserted into the tool through the longitudinal grooves, said terminal being grasped by said end of the guide means,
  • said tool is moved along the longitudinal axis to dispose said terminal in said cavity,
  • when said end is blocked following the insertion of the terminal into said cavity, a forward force is exerted to move along said longitudinal axis said gripping means towards the end of the guide means to reach a position insertion of the tool, said clamping means solidarisant said tool to the wire in this insertion position
  • when said insertion position is reached, a force is exerted on the wire tending to extract this wire from said cavity by exerting a rearward force on the gripping means to move the gripping means away from said end, said means of clamping disengaging said tool from the wire as soon as said backward force reaches a threshold.

L'invention et ses avantages apparaîtront avec plus de détails dans le cadre de la description qui suit avec des exemples donnés à titre illustratif en référence aux figures annexées qui représentent :

  • la figure 1, un schéma en trois dimensions d'un outil,
  • la figure 2, une vue d'un bouchon de l'outil,
  • la figure 3, un schéma présentant notamment un moyen de guidage, et
  • les figures 4 à 6, des schémas explicitant le procédé mis en oeuvre par ledit outil.
The invention and its advantages will appear in more detail in the context of the description which follows with examples given by way of illustration with reference to the appended figures which represent:
  • the figure 1 , a three-dimensional diagram of a tool,
  • the figure 2 , a view of a plug of the tool,
  • the figure 3 , a diagram including a guide means, and
  • the Figures 4 to 6 , diagrams explaining the process implemented by said tool.

Les éléments présents dans plusieurs figures distinctes sont affectés d'une seule et même référence.The elements present in several separate figures are assigned a single reference.

On note que trois directions X, Y et Z orthogonales les unes par rapport aux autres sont représentées sur certaines figures.Note that three directions X, Y and Z orthogonal to each other are shown in some figures.

La première direction X est dite longitudinale. Le terme « longitudinal » est relatif à toute direction parallèle à la première direction X. The first direction X is called longitudinal. The term "longitudinal" relates to any direction parallel to the first direction X.

La deuxième direction Y est dite transversale. Enfin, la troisième direction Z est dite en élévation. Le terme « radial » est relatif à toute direction présente dans un plan parallèle au plan défini par la deuxième direction Y et la troisième direction Z. The second direction Y is called transverse. Finally, the third direction Z is said in elevation. The term "radial" is relative to any direction present in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the second direction Y and the third direction Z.

La figure 1 présente un outil 10. Cet outil est utile d'une part pour enficher une borne d'un fil avionique dans un connecteur, et d'autre pour vérifier que cette borne est correctement enfichée.The figure 1 presents a tool 10. This tool is useful on the one hand to plug a terminal of an avionics wire into a connector, and other to verify that this terminal is correctly plugged.

L'outil 10 est muni d'un moyen de préhension 20 de forme tubulaire, et d'un moyen de guidage de forme tubulaire. Le moyen de préhension 20 et le moyen de guidage s'étendent le long d'un axe longitudinal 100 faisant office d'axe de symétrie central ce l'outil 10.The tool 10 is provided with a gripping means 20 of tubular shape, and a guide means of tubular shape. The gripping means 20 and the guide means extend along a longitudinal axis 100 acting as a central axis of symmetry that the tool 10.

Le moyen de préhension peut notamment comporter un cylindre de grand diamètre dit « cylindre de préhension 22 ». Le cylindre préhension 22 comporte un côté dit « premier côté 22' » qui est prolongé par un cylindre de petit diamètre dit « cylindre de guidage 23 ».The gripping means may in particular comprise a large diameter cylinder called "gripping cylinder 22". The gripping cylinder 22 has a side called "first side 22 '" which is extended by a small diameter cylinder called "guide cylinder 23".

De plus, le moyen de préhension 20 schématisé comporte un bouchon 21. Le bouchon 21 pénètre dans le cylindre de préhension par un deuxième côté 22" opposé au premier côté 22' de ce cylindre de préhension.In addition, the schematic gripping means 20 comprises a plug 21. The plug 21 enters the gripping cylinder by a second side 22 "opposite to the first side 22 'of the gripping cylinder.

Le bouchon 21, le cylindre de préhension 22 et le cylindre de guidage 23 délimitent alors conjointement un espace interne creux du moyen de préhension.The stopper 21, the gripping cylinder 22 and the guide cylinder 23 then jointly define a hollow internal space of the gripping means.

Cet espace interne débouche longitudinalement sur l'extérieur de l'outil par le biais d'une zone extrémale du cylindre de guidage 23. De plus, cet espace interne débouche radialement sur l'extérieur de l'outil par le biais d'une rainure longitudinale 15 qualifiée de « rainure longitudinale externe » par commodité. Cette rainure longitudinale externe est ménagée dans le bouchon 21, le cylindre de préhension 22 et le cylindre de guidage 23. Ainsi, un fil peut être inséré dans le moyen de préhension 20, ce fil traversant le moyen de préhension de part en part longitudinalement en étant agencé le long de l'axe longitudinal 100.This internal space opens longitudinally on the outside of the tool through an end zone of the guide cylinder 23. In addition, this internal space opens radially on the outside of the tool through a groove longitudinal termed an "external longitudinal groove" for convenience. This external longitudinal groove is formed in the plug 21, the gripping cylinder 22 and the guiding cylinder 23. Thus, a wire can be inserted into the gripping means 20, this wire passing through the gripping means from one side to the other longitudinally. being arranged along the longitudinal axis 100.

Le moyen de guidage 40 est alors partiellement agencé dans l'espace interne du moyen de préhension 20. En effet, ce moyen de guidage saille longitudinalement vers l'extérieur du moyen de préhension, et plus précisément saille du cylindre de guidage 23.The guiding means 40 is then partially arranged in the internal space of the gripping means 20. In fact, this guiding means protrudes longitudinally towards the outside of the gripping means, and more precisely protrudes from the guiding cylinder 23.

Le moyen de guidage 40 comporte alors un support 45 agencé dans le cylindre de préhension 22 et un arbre de guidage 42 solidaire du support 45 traversant de part en part le cylindre de guidage.The guide means 40 then comprises a support 45 arranged in the gripping cylinder 22 and a guide shaft 42 integral with the support 45 passing right through the guide cylinder.

A l'instar du moyen de préhension, le moyen de guidage comporte une rainure longitudinale 15 pour permettre d'agencer un fil le long de l'axe longitudinal 100.Like the gripping means, the guiding means comprises a longitudinal groove 15 for arranging a wire along the longitudinal axis 100.

Dès lors, le support 45 et l'arbre de guidage 42 comporte chacun une rainure longitudinale qualifiée de « rainure longitudinale interne », la rainure longitudinale interne étant radialement en vis-à-vis de la rainure longitudinale externe.Therefore, the support 45 and the guide shaft 42 each comprises a longitudinal groove described as "internal longitudinal groove", the inner longitudinal groove being radially opposite the outer longitudinal groove.

Pour saisir la borne d'un fil, le moyen de guidage est en outre muni d'une extrémité 41. Cette extrémité est située sur la partie du moyen de guidage qui saille en dehors du moyen de préhension.To enter the terminal of a wire, the guide means is further provided with an end 41. This end is located on the portion of the guide means protruding outside the gripping means.

Ainsi, l'arbre de guidage peut comporter un tube de guidage 43 solidaire du support 45.Thus, the guide shaft may comprise a guide tube 43 integral with the support 45.

Selon une variante, ce tube de guidage 43 est muni de ladite extrémité 41.According to a variant, this guide tube 43 is provided with said end 41.

Selon une variante alternative, le tube de guidage 43 porte une plume 44 de l'arbre de guidage. Dès lors, cette plume 44 peut être munie d'un moyen de fixation 44' pour être fixée au tube de guidage 43. Par exemple, la plume 44 comporte un moyen d'emboitement usuel pour être emboitée dans une section d'extrémité du tube de guidage 43.According to an alternative variant, the guide tube 43 carries a feather 44 of the guide shaft. Therefore, this pen 44 can be provided with a fixing means 44 'to be fixed to the guide tube 43. For example, the pen 44 comprises a conventional interlocking means to be engaged in an end section of the tube guide 43.

Si la plume n'est pas totalement adaptée à l'outil 10, cet outil 10 peut comporter un adaptateur 46. L'adaptateur 46 est un anneau ouvert en forme de C coincé entre le cylindre de guidage 23 et l'arbre de guidage pour maintenir la plume 44 dans le tube de guidage 43.If the pen is not fully adapted to the tool 10, this tool 10 may comprise an adapter 46. The adapter 46 is a C-shaped open ring wedged between the guide cylinder 23 and the guide shaft for maintain the pen 44 in the guide tube 43.

Par ailleurs, l'outil 10 comporte un moyen de serrage 60. Le moyen de serrage 60 coopère avec un moyen de déplacement 70 pour que le déplacement du moyen de préhension par rapport au moyen de guidage induise, d'une part, la solidarisation de l'outil à un fil dans une position dite « position d'insertion » et, d'autre part, la désolidarisation de l'outil et du fil dans une position dite « position au repos ».Furthermore, the tool 10 comprises a clamping means 60. The clamping means 60 cooperates with a displacement means 70 so that the displacement of the gripping means relative to the guide means induces, on the one hand, the securing of the single-wire tool in a position called "insertion position" and, secondly, the separation of the tool and the wire in a position called "rest position".

En référence à la figure 3, le moyen de serrage inclut deux patins 61 qui sont déplaçables selon des sens antagonistes le long d'une même direction radiale 200.With reference to the figure 3 the clamping means includes two shoes 61 which are displaceable in opposite directions along the same radial direction 200.

Chaque patin 61 peut avoir une forme en T. En effet, un patin 61 peut comprendre une base 62 s'étendant longitudinalement, et un pion de guidage 63 solidaire de la base en s'étendant radialement. La base 62 enserre alors un tampon 65 destiné à serrer un fil, ce tampon pouvant être réalisé à partir d'un matériau en élastomère. Par ailleurs, le pion de guidage 63 schématisé comporte un ergot de guidage 64.Each shoe 61 may have a T-shape. Indeed, a shoe 61 may comprise a base 62 extending longitudinally, and a guide pin 63 integral with the base and extending radially. The base 62 then encloses a buffer 65 for tightening a wire, this pad being able to be made from an elastomer material. Furthermore, the guiding pin 63 schematically comprises a guide pin 64.

Dès lors, chaque patin 61 est porté par le support 45 du moyen de guidage 40.Therefore, each pad 61 is carried by the support 45 of the guide means 40.

Ce support 45 peut posséder un socle 45 ' formant un anneau ouvert en forme de C, et une extension 45" en forme de L par patin. Chaque extension 45" en forme de L possède alors un premier tronçon solidarisé au socle 45', et un deuxième tronçon coopérant avec le moyen de serrage 60 et le moyen de déplacement 70.This support 45 may have a base 45 'forming a C-shaped open ring, and an L-shaped extension 45' 'per pad, each L-shaped extension 45' 'then having a first section secured to the base 45', and a second section cooperating with the clamping means 60 and the moving means 70.

En effet, un tel deuxième tronçon peut comprendre, d'une part, une rainure radiale 48 dans laquelle coulisse un pion de guidage 63 d'un patin et, d'autre part, une lumière radiale 47 dans laquelle coulisse un ergot de guidage 64 d'un patin. La lumière radiale 47 peut être réalisée dans une partie du support entourant la rainure radiale 48. La lumière radiale 47 et l'ergot de guidage 64 permettent d'empêcher une rotation du patin autour de la direction radiale. Dès lors, chaque patin possède uniquement un degré de liberté en translation le long d'une direction radiale 200 par rapport au moyen de guidage 40.Indeed, such a second section may comprise, on the one hand, a radial groove 48 in which slides a guide pin 63 of a pad and, on the other hand, a radial slot 47 in which slides a guide pin 64 of a skate. The radial lumen 47 can be made in a portion of the support surrounding the radial groove 48. The radial lumen 47 and the guide pin 64 prevent the pad from rotating about the radial direction. Therefore, each pad has only a degree of freedom in translation along a radial direction 200 with respect to the guide means 40.

De plus, le moyen de serrage peut comporter un moyen élastique 102 par patin tendant à écarter le patin de l'axe longitudinal 100. Ce moyen élastique 102 s'étend alors entre un siège 45''' d'une extension 45" et un épaulement du pion de guidage 63. Un tel épaulement peut être matérialisé par un moyen d'agrafage élastique 101 solidarisé au pion de guidage.In addition, the clamping means may comprise an elastic means 102 per pad tending to move the pad away from the longitudinal axis 100. This elastic means 102 then extends between a seat 45 '"of an extension 45" and a shoulder of the guide pin 63. Such a shoulder may be materialized by an elastic stapling means 101 secured to the guide pin.

En outre, le moyen de serrage peut comporter un ressort de tarage 103 par patin 61. Chaque ressort de tarage s'étend alors entre un épaulement du pion de guidage 63 du patin et un organe du moyen de déplacement 70.In addition, the clamping means may comprise a setting spring 103 per shoe 61. Each tensioning spring then extends between a shoulder of the guide pin 63 of the shoe and a member of the displacement means 70.

Par exemple, chaque ressort de tarage 103 est en appui sur le moyen d'agrafage élastique 101. Ce moyen d'agrafage élastique 101 est alors par exemple coincé dans une gorge du pion de guidage 63, entre le moyen élastique 102 et le ressort de tarage 103.For example, each setting spring 103 bears on the elastic stapling means 101. This elastic stapling means 101 is then for example wedged in a groove of the guiding pin 63, between the elastic means 102 and the spring of FIG. setting 103.

De plus, le ressort de tarage peut être en appui contre un plot mobile 72 du moyen de déplacement 70. Ce plot mobile peut comporter une cavité dans laquelle pénètre le ressort de tarage. A l'opposé de cette cavité, le plot mobile comporte une surface dite « deuxième plan incliné 73 ». Chaque deuxième plan incliné 73 est présent dans un plan traversant l'axe longitudinal 100.In addition, the setting spring may be in abutment against a movable stud 72 of the displacement means 70. This movable stud may comprise a cavity into which the tapping spring penetrates. In contrast to this cavity, the movable stud has a surface called "second inclined plane 73". Each second inclined plane 73 is present in a plane crossing the longitudinal axis 100.

Le plot mobile est par exemple partiellement agencé dans une rainure radiale du support. Une translation du plot mobile 72 selon une direction radiale 200 induit alors une translation du patin taré par le ressort de tarage.The mobile block is for example partially arranged in a radial groove of the support. A translation of the movable stud 72 in a radial direction 200 then induces a translation of the pad calibrated by the setting spring.

Par exemple, lorsque le plot mobile 72 se rapproche de l'axe longitudinal 100, le ressort de tarage se contracte et tend à rapprocher le patin de l'axe longitudinal 100. A l'inverse, lorsque le plot mobile 72 s'éloigne de l'axe longitudinal 100, le ressort de tarage se détend et tend à éloigner le patin de l'axe longitudinal 100, cet éloignement étant favorisé par le moyen élastique 102.For example, when the movable stud 72 approaches the longitudinal axis 100, the setting spring contracts and tends to bring the pad closer to the longitudinal axis 100. Conversely, when the movable stud 72 moves away from the longitudinal axis 100, the spring of tare is relaxed and tends to move the pad away from the longitudinal axis 100, this distance being favored by the elastic means 102.

Pour déplacer chaque plot mobile, le moyen de préhension comporte un organe du moyen de déplacement 70.To move each mobile block, the gripping means comprises a member of the displacement means 70.

En référence à la figure 2, le moyen de déplacement 70 comporte pour chaque patin 61 une surface dénommée « premier plan incliné 71 » solidaire dudit moyen de préhension 20. Chaque premier plan incliné 71 est par exemple intégré au bouchon 21 du moyen de préhension 20. Chaque premier plan incliné 71 est présent dans un plan traversant l'axe longitudinal 100.With reference to the figure 2 , the displacement means 70 comprises for each pad 61 a surface called "first inclined plane 71" integral with said gripping means 20. Each first inclined plane 71 is for example integrated in the cap 21 of the gripping means 20. Each first inclined plane 71 is present in a plane crossing the longitudinal axis 100.

En outre, chaque premier plan incliné 71 est en appui conique contre un deuxième plan incliné 73.In addition, each first inclined plane 71 is conically abutting against a second inclined plane 73.

Dès lors, le bouchon 21 est notamment un bouchon creux présentant une surface interne 31 en regard du moyen de guidage 40, Cette surface interne 31 comporte alors une protubérance interne 32 par patin, chaque protubérance interne 32 étant munie d'un premier plan incliné 71.Therefore, the plug 21 is in particular a hollow plug having an inner surface 31 facing the guide means 40, This inner surface 31 then comprises an internal protrusion 32 per pad, each inner protuberance 32 being provided with a first inclined plane 71 .

Par ailleurs et en référence à la figure 1, le moyen de préhension 20 peut effectuer un mouvement translatif le long de l'axe longitudinal par rapport au moyen de préhension pour déplacer les patins.By the way and with reference to the figure 1 , the gripping means 20 may perform a translational movement along the longitudinal axis relative to the gripping means to move the pads.

Notamment, l'outil peut se trouver dans une position dite « position au repos ». Dans cette position au repos, la distance séparant l'extrémité 41 du moyen de préhension est maximale. La position au repos correspond à un état étiré de l'outil. De plus, les patins ne sont pas en mesure de serrer un fil dans cette position au repos.In particular, the tool can be in a position called "rest position". In this position at rest, the distance separating the end 41 of the gripping means is maximum. The rest position corresponds to a stretched state of the tool. In addition, the pads are not able to tighten a wire in this position at rest.

A l'inverse, l'outil peut se trouver dans une position dite « position d'insertion POS2 ». Dans cette position d'insertion, la distance séparant l'extrémité 41 du moyen de préhension est minimale. La position d'insertion correspond à un état rétracté de l'outil. De plus, dans cette position, les patins serrent un éventuel fil introduit dans l'outil 10.Conversely, the tool can be in a position called "POS2 insertion position". In this insertion position, the distance separating the end 41 of the gripping means is minimal. The insertion position corresponds to a retracted state of the tool. In addition, in this position, the pads tighten a possible wire introduced into the tool 10.

L'outil 10 peut aussi comporter un moyen pour limiter la faculté de déplacement du moyen de préhension par rapport au moyen de guidage dans la position d'insertion, voire dans la position au repos.The tool 10 may also include means for limiting the ability of the gripping means to move relative to the guide means in the insertion position, or even in the rest position.

Ainsi, l'outil 10 peut comprendre un ressort de rappel 92.Thus, the tool 10 may comprise a return spring 92.

Ce ressort de rappel 92 est alors disposé dans le moyen de préhension et le moyen de guidage pour tendre à positionner l'outil dans la position au repos.This return spring 92 is then disposed in the gripping means and the guide means for tending to position the tool in the rest position.

Ce ressort de rappel 92 s'étend ainsi de la surface interne du bouchon 21 au support 45, par exemple parallèlement à l'axe longitudinal 100.This return spring 92 thus extends from the inner surface of the plug 21 to the support 45, for example parallel to the longitudinal axis 100.

Selon la réalisation de la figure 1, le ressort de rappel 92 est disposé sur une tige 93. Cette tige 93 traverse alors successivement un orifice du bouchon 21, le ressort de rappel 92 et un orifice du support 45.According to the realization of the figure 1 , the return spring 92 is disposed on a rod 93. This rod 93 then passes successively through an orifice of the plug 21, the return spring 92 and an orifice of the support 45.

Par ailleurs, l'outil 10 comprend un moyen de solidarisation 80. Lorsque l'outil se trouve dans la position d'insertion, le moyen de solidarisation solidarise en translation selon l'axe longitudinal le moyen de guidage 40 et le moyen de préhension 20. Néanmoins, le moyen de guidage 40 est solidarisé au moyen de préhension 20 par le moyen de solidarisation 80 seulement si le moyen de préhension est soumis à un effort de traction inférieur à un seuil d'effort. Si un opérateur exerce un effort supérieur à un seuil d'effort pour placer l'outil 10 dans sa position au repos, le moyen de solidarisation désolidarise le moyen de guidage du moyen de préhension.Furthermore, the tool 10 comprises a securing means 80. When the tool is in the insertion position, the securing means is fixed in translation along the longitudinal axis of the guide means 40 and the gripping means 20 However, the guide means 40 is secured to the gripping means 20 by the securing means 80 only if the gripping means is subjected to a tensile force less than a force threshold. If an operator exerts a force greater than a threshold of force to place the tool 10 in its rest position, the securing means disengages the guide means of the gripping means.

Un tel moyen de solidarisation 80 peut comprendre au moins un renfoncement 81 ménagé dans le moyen de guidage 40.Such a securing means 80 may comprise at least one recess 81 formed in the guide means 40.

Ce renfoncement peut comprendre selon l'exemple de la figue 1 une gorge ménagée dans l'arbre de guidage 42. Cependant, au moins un renfoncement peut être ménagé en complément ou de manière alternative sur le support 45 du moyen de guidage. Les figures 4 à 6 illustrent une telle variante.This recess may comprise, according to the example of FIG. 1, a groove formed in the guide shaft 42. However, at least one recess may be provided in addition or alternatively on the support 45 of the guide means. The Figures 4 to 6 illustrate such a variant.

Par ailleurs et en référence à la figure 1, le moyen de solidarisation comporte au moins une bille 82 et un ressort de déplacement 84 qui sont solidaires du moyen de préhension en translation selon l'axe longitudinal 100. Par exemple, au moins une paire de billes est utilisée, deux billes d'une paire étant diamétralement opposées.By the way and with reference to the figure 1 , the securing means comprises at least one ball 82 and a displacement spring 84 which are integral with the translational gripping means along the longitudinal axis 100. For example, at least one pair of balls is used, two balls of a pair being diametrically opposed.

Par exemple, chaque bille 82 est logée dans un carter du moyen de préhension. Ce carter est alors porté par le cylindre de guidage 23 pour coopérer avec le renfoncement de l'arbre de guidage.For example, each ball 82 is housed in a housing of the gripping means. This housing is then carried by the guide cylinder 23 to cooperate with the recess of the guide shaft.

Par contre, la figure 4 présente un carter 85 d'un cylindre de préhension pour coopérer avec un renfoncement du support.On the other hand, figure 4 has a housing 85 of a gripping cylinder to cooperate with a recess of the support.

En référence à la figure 1, un tel carter peut être obturé par un moyen de vissage 86 solidaire du moyen de préhension.With reference to the figure 1 such a housing can be closed by a screwing means 86 secured to the gripping means.

Chaque ressort de déplacement 84 s'étend alors radialement entre une bille 82 et le moyen de préhension, par exemple entre une bille 82 et un moyen de vissage 86.Each displacement spring 84 then extends radially between a ball 82 and the gripping means, for example between a ball 82 and a screwing means 86.

De plus, une plaque 83 peut être interposée entre un ressort de déplacement 84 et une bille 82.In addition, a plate 83 can be interposed between a displacement spring 84 and a ball 82.

Dès lors, chaque ressort de déplacement 84 exerce un effort sur une bille 82 tendant à induire un déplacement radial de la bille vers l'axe longitudinal 100.Therefore, each displacement spring 84 exerts a force on a ball 82 tending to induce a radial displacement of the ball towards the longitudinal axis 100.

Lorsque les billes 82 se trouvent dans un renfoncement du moyen de guidage, le moyen de solidarisation solidarise le moyen de guidage au moyen de préhension en l'absence d'effort supérieur à un seuil d'effort. Ce seuil d'effort est déterminé par le tarage des ressorts de déplacement 84 notamment.When the balls 82 are in a recess of the guide means, the securing means secures the guide means to the gripping means in the absence of a force greater than a force threshold. This effort threshold is determined by the setting of the displacement springs 84 in particular.

En référence à la figure 4, l'outil 10 est utilisé pour enficher un fil 1 dans un connecteur 5.With reference to the figure 4 , the tool 10 is used to plug a wire 1 into a connector 5.

Le fil 1 est serti à une borne 2 pourvue d'un ergot 3.The wire 1 is crimped to a terminal 2 provided with a lug 3.

Par ailleurs, le connecteur 5 comporte un boîtier 6 délimitant une cavité 7. Des lames flexibles 9 s'étendent dans la cavité 7, en amont d'un siège 8 de la cavité.Furthermore, the connector 5 comprises a housing 6 delimiting a cavity 7. Flexible blades 9 extend into the cavity 7, upstream of a seat 8 of the cavity.

L'outil 10 permet alors d'insérer la borne dans la cavité, en coinçant l'ergot 3 de la borne 2 entre le siège 8 et les lames flexibles 9.The tool 10 then makes it possible to insert the terminal into the cavity, by wedging the lug 3 of the terminal 2 between the seat 8 and the flexible blades 9.

A cet effet, un opérateur insère le fil 1 dans l'outil 10. Cet opérateur manipule le fil pour le faire passer au travers des rainures longitudinales 15 du moyen de préhension 20 et du moyen de guidage 40.For this purpose, an operator inserts the wire 1 into the tool 10. This operator manipulates the wire to pass through the longitudinal grooves 15 of the gripping means 20 and the guide means 40.

A ce stade, l'outil 10 se trouve dans sa position au repos POS1 visible sur la figure 4 par exemple. Par suite, les billes 82 ne sont pas agencées dans les renfoncements 81, et les patins 61 ne serrent pas le fil. Le ressort de rappel 92 tend à maintenir l'outil 10 dans cette position au repos.At this stage, the tool 10 is in its idle position POS1 visible on the figure 4 for example. As a result, the balls 82 are not arranged in the recesses 81, and the pads 61 do not grip the wire. The return spring 92 tends to hold the tool 10 in this rest position.

L'opérateur insère ensuite la borne 2 dans l'extrémité 41 de l'outil. Cette extrémité pince la borne, en étant de plus en appui contre l'ergot 3.The operator then inserts the terminal 2 in the end 41 of the tool. This end pinches the terminal, while being in support against the pin 3.

L'opérateur déplace alors l'outil vers l'avant selon la flèche F1 pour introduire la borne 2 dans la cavité 7.The operator then moves the tool forward along the arrow F1 to introduce the terminal 2 into the cavity 7.

En référence à la figure 5, ce mouvement translatif de l'outil 10 permet à la borne 2 d'écarter les lames flexibles 9 et d'atteindre le siège 8 du connecteur.With reference to the figure 5 this translational movement of the tool 10 allows the terminal 2 to move the flexible blades 9 and reach the seat 8 of the connector.

Par suite, le moyen de guidage est immobilisé.As a result, the guide means is immobilized.

Dès lors, l'opérateur maintient son effort vers l'avant selon la flèche F1 pour déplacer le moyen de préhension 20 par rapport au moyen de guidage 40. Le moyen de préhension est ainsi rapproché de l'extrémité 41 du moyen de guidage. En parallèle, le ressort de rappel 92 est comprimé, la tige 93 s'enfonçant dans le support 45.Therefore, the operator maintains his effort forward along the arrow F1 to move the gripping means 20 relative to the guide means 40. The gripping means is thus close to the end 41 of the guide means. In parallel, the return spring 92 is compressed, the rod 93 sinking into the support 45.

Les billes 82 sont aussi déplacées vers l'avant conjointement avec le moyen de préhension 20.The balls 82 are also moved forwardly together with the gripping means 20.

Par ailleurs, le moyen de déplacement 70 induit le déplacement radial des patins 61 vers le fil. En effet, chaque premier plan incliné du bouchon du moyen de préhension presse un deuxième plan incliné, ce deuxième plan incliné induisant le déplacement d'un patin selon les flèches F11.Furthermore, the displacement means 70 induces the radial displacement of the pads 61 towards the wire. Indeed, each first inclined plane of the cap of the gripping means presses a second inclined plane, this second inclined plane inducing the displacement of a pad according to the arrows F11.

Ce déplacement vers l'avant s'achève lorsque les billes 82 pénètrent dans un renfoncement 81. Ce déplacement radial des billes peut générer un son audible par l'opérateur. L'outil se trouve alors dans sa position d'insertion POS2.This forward movement is completed when the balls 82 enter a recess 81. This radial displacement of the balls can generate an audible sound by the operator. The tool is then in its POS2 insertion position.

Désormais, les patins 61 serrent le fil, ce fil 1 devenant solidaire de l'outil 10.Now, the pads 61 tighten the wire, this wire 1 becoming integral with the tool 10.

En référence à la figure 6, l'opérateur exerce alors un effort vers l'arrière selon la flèche F2.With reference to the figure 6 , the operator then exerts a force backwards along the arrow F2.

Les patins 61 serrant le fil 1, l'outil 10 génère une traction systématique sur le fil 1.The pads 61 tightening the wire 1, the tool 10 generates a systematic pull on the wire 1.

Si la borne 2 est correctement verrouillée au connecteur 2, le fil ne peut pas être déplacé. L'opérateur exerce donc un effort de traction vers l'arrière jusqu'à contrer l'effort exercé sur les billes 82 par les ressorts de déplacement 84 tarés.If terminal 2 is properly locked to connector 2, the wire can not be moved. The operator therefore exerts a rearward pulling force to counter the force exerted on the balls 82 by the displacement springs 84 calibrated.

Les billes se retirent alors des renfoncements. Le moyen de préhension peut être déplacé par rapport au moyen de guidage pour retourner vers la position au repos.The balls then withdraw from the recesses. The gripping means can be moved relative to the guiding means to return to the rest position.

Ce mouvement du moyen de préhension induit un déplacement radial des patins 61 selon les flèches F12 permettant de libérer le fil 1.This movement of the gripping means induces a radial displacement of the pads 61 according to the arrows F12 for releasing the wire 1.

L'opérateur peut extraire l'outil du fil en étant certain que la borne est correctement verrouillée.The operator can pull the tool out of the wire making sure that the terminal is properly locked.

A l'inverse, lorsque le contact n'est pas correctement verrouillé, l'effort exercé sur les billes 82 par les ressorts de déplacement 84 tarés n'est pas contré. Le fil 1 recule directement avec l'outil 10. La borne est alors extraite de la cavité 7 ce qui empêche le maintien d'une borne mal insérée dans la cavité 7.Conversely, when the contact is not properly locked, the force exerted on the balls 82 by the displacement springs 84 calibrated is not countered. The wire 1 backs directly with the tool 10. The terminal is then extracted from the cavity 7 which prevents the maintenance of a badly inserted terminal in the cavity 7.

Naturellement, la présente invention est sujette à de nombreuses variations quant à sa mise en oeuvre. Bien que plusieurs modes de réalisation aient été décrits, on comprend bien qu'il n'est pas concevable d'identifier de manière exhaustive tous les modes possibles. Il est bien sûr envisageable de remplacer un moyen décrit par un moyen équivalent sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention.Naturally, the present invention is subject to many variations as to its implementation. Although several embodiments have been described, it is well understood that it is not conceivable to exhaustively identify all the possible modes. It is of course conceivable to replace a means described by equivalent means without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (14)

  1. Tool (10) for inserting a wire (1) into a connector (5), said tool (10) comprising a tubular gripping means (20) and a tubular guide means (40) which extend along a longitudinal axis (100), said guide means (40) being partially inserted into said gripping means (20) and projecting longitudinally from the gripping means (20),
    wherein:
    - said guide means (40) comprises an end (41) gripping a terminal (2) of a wire (1) to guide it towards a cavity (7) of a connector (5),
    - said gripping means (20) and said guide means (40) each comprise a longitudinal slot (15) enabling the insertion of said wire (1) into the tool (10) to arrange it along said longitudinal axis (100),
    - said gripping means (20) contains a clamping means (60) for clamping a wire provided with two shoes (61) movable along a same radial direction (200) orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (100), said gripping means (20) comprising a displacement means (70) bearing on the clamping means (60) so that a longitudinal translation of the gripping means (20) relative to the guide means (40) automatically induces a radial translation of said shoes (61),
    - said guide means and said gripping means being movable in translation relative to one another, said tool comprises a securing means (80) securing in translation along the longitudinal axis (100) the gripping means (20) and the guide means (40) in an insertion position (POS2) up to a given force threshold following an approaching of the gripping means (20) to said end (41), said shoes (61) clamping a wire following said approaching and no longer clamping said wire (1) following a distancing of the gripping means (20) from said end (41) obtained from the insertion position (POS2) by applying a force greater than said threshold.
  2. Tool according to claim 1,
    characterised in that said gripping means (20) comprises a gripping cylinder (22) extended by a guide cylinder (23), said guide means (40) having a support (45) arranged in said gripping cylinder (22) for carrying said shoes (61) and a guide shaft (42) extending said support (45) in said guide cylinder (23).
  3. Tool according to claim 2,
    characterised in that said guide shaft (42) comprises a guide tube (43) carrying a nib (44).
  4. Tool according to claim 3,
    characterised in that said nib (44) comprises a fastening means (44') for reversibly fastening said nib (44) to said guide tube (43).
  5. Tool according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
    characterised in that said tool (10) comprises an adapter (46) arranged between said guide cylinder (23) and said guide shaft (42).
  6. Tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
    characterised in that said securing means (80) comprises at least one recess (81) formed in the guide means (40) facing the gripping means (20), said securing means (80) comprising at least one ball (82) and a displacement spring (84) which are interposed between the gripping means (20) and the guide means (40), each displacement spring (84) pushing a ball (82) against the guide means (40), each ball (82) being pushed into a recess (81) in the insertion position (POS2), each ball (82) being situated outside each recess (81) when the gripping means (20) is not secured in translation along the longitudinal axis (100) to the guide means (40).
  7. Tool according to claim 6,
    characterised in that said guide means (40) comprising a support (45) extended by a guide shaft (42) which projects partially from the gripping means (20), at least one recess (81) is formed on said guide shaft (42).
  8. Tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
    characterised in that said tool (10) comprises a return spring (92) arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis (100) in the gripping means (20), said return spring (92) being interposed between the gripping means (20) and the guide means (40) for tending to maintain said tool in a rest position (POS1).
  9. Tool according to claim 8,
    characterised in that said gripping means (20) comprising a gripping cylinder (22) closed longitudinally by a plug (21), said guide means (40) having a support (45) arranged in said gripping cylinder (22) for carrying said shoes (61), said return spring (92) is interposed between said plug (21) and said support (45).
  10. Tool according to claim 9,
    characterised in that said tool (10) comprises a rod (93) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (100) while passing through said support (45) and said plug (21), said rod (93) carrying said return spring (92).
  11. Tool according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
    characterised in that said clamping means (60) comprises one calibration spring (103) per shoe (61), each calibration spring (103) being interposed between a shoe (61) and said displacement means (70).
  12. Tool according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
    characterised in that said displacement means (70) comprises for each shoe (61) a surface called a "first inclined plane (71)" secured to said gripping means (20) which is not parallel to the longitudinal axis, each first inclined plane (71) being in contact with a surface called a "second inclined plane (73)" movable radially which is not parallel to the longitudinal axis, each second inclined plane being connected to a shoe (61) so that a translation of a first inclined plane (71) parallel to the longitudinal axis (100) induces a radial translation of a second inclined plane (73) together with a shoe (61).
  13. Tool according to claim 12,
    characterised in that said gripping means (20) comprises a hollow plug (21), said plug (21) comprising an inner surface (31) facing the guide means (40), said inner surface (31) having a plurality of inner protuberances (32), each inner protuberance (32) being provided with a first inclined plane (71).
  14. Method for inserting a wire (1) into a connector (5) using a tool (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, said wire (1) comprises a terminal (2) to be immobilised in a cavity (7) of said connector (5),
    characterised in that:
    - said wire (1) is inserted into said tool (10) through said longitudinal slots (15), said terminal (2) being gripped by said end (41) of the guide means (40),
    - said tool (10) is displaced along the longitudinal axis (100) to arrange said terminal (2) in said cavity (7),
    - when said end (41) is blocked following the insertion of the terminal (2) into said cavity (7), a forward force (F1) is exerted to displace along the longitudinal axis (100) said gripping means (20) towards the end (41) of the guide means (40) to reach an insertion position (POS2) of the tool, said clamping means (60) securing said tool (10) to the wire (1) in this insertion position (POS2),
    - when said insertion position (POS2) is reached, a force is exerted on the wire (1) tending to extract this wire (1) from said cavity (7) by exerting a rearward force (F2) on the gripping means (20) to distance the gripping means (20) from said end (41), said clamping means (60) separating said tool (10) from the wire (1) as soon as said rearward force (F2) reaches a threshold.
EP15163255.1A 2014-05-21 2015-04-10 Tool for inserting a wire into a connector, and method Active EP2947727B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1401150A FR3021464A1 (en) 2014-05-21 2014-05-21 TOOL FOR DISPLAYING A WIRE IN A CONNECTOR, AND METHOD

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2947727A1 EP2947727A1 (en) 2015-11-25
EP2947727B1 true EP2947727B1 (en) 2016-09-07

Family

ID=51518829

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15163255.1A Active EP2947727B1 (en) 2014-05-21 2015-04-10 Tool for inserting a wire into a connector, and method

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2947727B1 (en)
FR (1) FR3021464A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3069966B1 (en) * 2017-08-02 2021-04-09 Souriau VERIFICATION OF THE LOCKING OF AN ELECTRIC WIRE IN A CONNECTOR AND TOOL ENABLING ITS IMPLEMENTATION

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3538585A (en) * 1968-01-12 1970-11-10 Robert B Hendry Contact insertion-removal tool
BE759306A (en) * 1969-11-24 1971-04-30 Burndy Corp CONTACT INSERTION AND TEST TOOL
US3811168A (en) * 1972-12-29 1974-05-21 Burndy Corp Positive locking contact insertion and testing tool
US4028812A (en) 1976-01-21 1977-06-14 Fieberg Russell F Contact retention test tool
US4351109A (en) 1980-06-20 1982-09-28 Balmar Crimp Tool Corp. Contact insertion/removal tool
FR2711855B1 (en) 1993-10-22 1995-12-29 Eurocopter France Device and machine for plugging connection elements into connectors.
FR2731301B1 (en) 1995-03-03 1998-09-11 Amp France MACHINE FOR INSERTING CONDUCTOR TERMINALS IN CONNECTOR HOUSINGS
US6067705A (en) * 1997-12-02 2000-05-30 Lucent Technologies, Inc. Header contact pin extraction tool and method of pin extraction

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR3021464A1 (en) 2015-11-27
EP2947727A1 (en) 2015-11-25

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