EP3103164A1

EP3103164A1 - Connector and corresponding connector assembly

Info

Publication number: EP3103164A1
Application number: EP15704472.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hakan TEZGURLER
Original assignee: Nicomatic SA
Current assignee: Nicomatic SA
Priority date: 2014-02-03
Filing date: 2015-01-26
Publication date: 2016-12-14
Anticipated expiration: 2035-01-26
Also published as: FR3017252A1; EP3103164B1; WO2015113934A1; FR3017252B1; US20170170600A1; US9871320B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (3) capable of being connected to a complementary connector (5) along a plugging axis (I) in order to perform an electrical connection. According to the invention, the connector (3) includes a mechanism (7) for connecting to and disconnecting from the complementary connector (5), which includes: at least one actuator device (41) mounted on said connector (3) so as to move between a connection position and a disconnection position, and capable of being secured to the complementary connector (5); and at least one ejection device (45) capable of being translated by the actuator device (41), the translation movement taking place along the plugging axis (I). The invention further relates to a connector assembly (1) comprising such a connector (3) and to methods for connecting and disconnecting such a connector (3) with a complementary connector (5).

Description

Connector and matching connector assembly

The invention relates to a connector comprising a mechanism for connection and disconnection to a complementary connector. The invention also relates to a connector assembly comprising such a connector.

Such a connector can be used for example for military, aeronautical or aerospace, or medical applications.

In general, a connector assembly comprising two complementary connectors, namely a male connector and a female connector, is commonly used for a removable electrical connection to an electrical circuit, such as a printed circuit.

Typically, the male connector comprises a plurality of connection pins arranged in one or more rows. The female connector comprises, in turn, female electrical contacts adapted to receive the male connection pins and connected to electrical conductors to establish an electrical contact.

Due to the frictional forces existing between the female contacts and the male connection pins, in order to help a user to separate the two female and male connectors, it is known to provide an ejection mechanism movably mounted on the one of the connectors.

According to a known solution, the disconnection mechanism comprises two ejection levers that can be actuated manually, and mounted at the end side walls of one of the connectors, such as the male connector.

Such a lever is for example substantially shaped "L". The lever has a first projection projecting from the shell of the connector carrying the disconnection mechanism, such as the male connector, in the rest position, that is to say when the two complementary connectors are connected. The lever has a second lever foot extension and extends into a cavity of the male connector including the connecting pins.

When a lever is manually operated in a rotary motion, the lever foot pushes the complementary connector, such as the female connector, this complementary connector then being moved vertically by the foot of the ejector lever in order to separate the female connector of the male connector.

According to this solution, the travel of the lever is limited by a stop at an inner wall of the connector, such as the male connector carrying the ejector levers.

However, with such a solution, the movement of the lever foot to push the complementary connector is rotatable, so that the force applied to the complementary connector tilts during the operation of the lever. Disconnection with such a tilted force may not be accurate at the areas of the electrical contacts plugging.

In addition, such a disconnection mechanism is not provided to lock the connection between the two connectors in the connection position.

In addition, according to this known solution, when the two connectors are coupled, the actuating levers occupy a significant space behind the shell of the connector carrying the ejection mechanism. This size of the connector carrying the ejection mechanism, therefore does not allow if it is mounted on an electrical circuit board, the arrangement of other electrical and / or electronic components, such as resistors for example, in this space occupied by the actuating levers.

The invention therefore aims to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, by proposing an alternative connector carrying a mechanism that is ergonomic and allows both:

a reliable and simple connection between the two connectors, and

- Quick and easy disconnection, without damaging the additional electrical contacts.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a connector capable of being connected with a complementary connector according to a plug-in axis for making an electrical connection, characterized in that it comprises a connection and disconnection mechanism to the complementary connector comprising:

at least one actuating device movably mounted on said connector between a connection position and a disconnection position, the actuating device comprising at least a first portion configured to cooperate with the complementary connector to secure the connector to the complementary connector in the connection position, and

- At least one ejection device movable in translation along the axis of insertion in a projecting position in the direction of the complementary connector, the actuating device comprising at least a second portion configured to cooperate in the disconnected position with the device ejection device for driving the displacement of the ejection device in translation in the projecting position, the actuation device and the ejection device being formed by at least two distinct elements of the connector.

The mechanism carried by one of the connectors is thus adapted to engage in the complementary connector to lock the mechanical connection between the two connectors so as to secure the electrical connection between the two connectors. The mechanical engagement of the mechanism to the complementary connector operates in a simple movement in a natural way while ensuring a reliable connection.

In addition, the ejection device makes it possible to push the complementary connector in the direction of plugging of the connection pins carried by one of the connectors into the corresponding electrical contacts carried by the other connector. This makes it possible to avoid damaging the electrical contacts by forcing on the connectors to separate them. It is therefore understood that the disconnection occurs in the alignment of the electrical contacts, including electrical connection pins thus avoiding damaging these pins.

It is thus possible to use pieces of simple shape, such as pins or pushers to perform the ejection function. Such pins can also be easily mounted inside said connector so as to be driven in translation by an associated actuating device.

In this way, a mechanism that always applies a force in the insertion axis is made in a simple manner to allow precise disconnection at the level of the zones. plugging the two connectors.

Said connector may further comprise one or more of the following features, taken separately or in combination:

the actuating device is pivotally mounted;

an actuating device is fixed to said connector by means of an axle arranged so as to traverse said connector and the actuating device transversely, and the actuating device is mounted to pivot about said axis;

the actuating device is mounted to move in translation substantially transversely to the insertion axis;

- The ejection device is mounted on said connector between a retracted position inside said connector and a position protruding from said connector towards the complementary connector.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connection and disconnection mechanism comprises two actuating devices and two ejection devices respectively associated with an actuating device.

Said connector may extend longitudinally by a first and a second end side wall and the two actuators are for example arranged on the two longitudinally opposite end side walls of said connector.

The connector allows an ergonomic grip, easy to use, and to connect and disconnect in a balanced way, without specific tools and blind.

said connector extends substantially transversely to the insertion axis;

the first part of an actuating device has a holding means at complementary connector, for example made in the form of a hook;

the second part has a contact surface inclined with respect to the insertion axis;

an actuating device is embodied in the form of an actuating lever comprising a first portion and a second portion having a substantially "L" shape;

an actuating device comprises a gripping portion accessible from outside said connector;

the gripping portion is arranged at the end of the actuating device opposite the end configured to cooperate with the complementary connector; an actuating device comprises a wheel having a gripping portion accessible from the outside of said connector and a portion formed inside said connector for cooperating with an associated ejection device; said connector is a female connector adapted to receive corresponding connection pins of a complementary male connector.

The invention also relates to a connector assembly comprising a female connector and a complementary male connector of the female connector, characterized in that at least one of the connectors is as defined above. According to a preferred embodiment, it is the female connector.

According to one aspect of the invention, the connector complementary to the connector carrying the connection and disconnection mechanism has at least one housing configured for the engagement and maintenance of at least one element of the connection and disconnection mechanism.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the two connectors extend longitudinally and the housing is formed by a recess of the longitudinally opposite end walls of the connector complementary to the connector carrying said mechanism.

Alternatively, the housing is formed inside the complementary connector to the connector carrying said mechanism. The complementary connector may comprise a first holding means having a slope and a bearing portion adapted to cooperate with a second complementary holding means carried by the connecting mechanism and disconnection. Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description given by way of example, without limitation, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a connector assembly comprising a complementary female connector and a male connector assembled with each other, and a mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the two connectors according to a first embodiment,

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the male and female connectors of the connector assembly of FIG. 1 disconnected, on which a device for actuating the connection and disconnection mechanism has been pivoted,

FIG. 2b represents the male and female connectors of the connector assembly of FIG. 1 provided with electrical contacts,

FIG. 3a is a view from below of the female connector of FIG. 2a,

FIG. 3b is a sectional view along the axis A-A defined in FIG. 3a, of the male and female connectors in the disconnected state,

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connector assembly showing the male and female connectors disconnected with respect to each other and a mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the two connectors according to a second embodiment, including a device for actuation has been pivoted,

FIG. 5a is a view from below of the female connector of FIG. 4,

FIG. 5b is a sectional view along the axis B-B defined in FIG. 5a, of the male and female connectors in the disconnected state,

FIG. 6a is a perspective view of the connector assembly showing the male and female connectors disconnected relative to one another and a mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the two connectors according to a third embodiment of FIG. production,

FIG. 6b is a sectional view of the connector assembly of FIG. 6a according to the third embodiment showing the two connectors in the assembled state,

FIG. 6c is a sectional view of the connector assembly of FIGS. 6a and 6b in which the connection and disconnection mechanism is in the disconnected state,

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the connection and disconnection mechanism according to the third embodiment, in which an actuating device is made in two parts,

FIGS. 8a to 8c represent different steps of a connection sequence of the two male and female connectors of the connector assembly of FIG. 1, and

FIGS. 9a and 9b show different steps of a connection sequence of the two male and female connectors of the connector assembly of FIG. 6a.

In these figures, substantially identical elements have the same references.

In FIGS. 4 to 5b, the elements corresponding to the elements of FIGS. 1 to 3b bear the same references preceded by the one hundred. In FIGS. 6a to 6c, 9a and 9b, the elements corresponding to the elements of FIGS. same references preceded by the hundred 2.

FIG. 1 shows a connector assembly 1 comprising a female connector 3 and a complementary male connector 5 of the female connector 3. In particular, these are connectors 3, 5 called flat connectors.

Figure 2a illustrates an exploded view of the connector assembly 1, with the female connector 3 and the complementary male connector 5 in the disassembled state. The two connectors 3, 5 are able to be connected to each other in a direction of insertion I to make an electrical connection. The two connectors 3 and 5 are also able to be disconnected from each other along the insertion axis I.

For this purpose, the connector assembly 1 further comprises a connection and disconnection mechanism 7, 107, 207 of the female connector 3 to the male connector 5.

The connection and disconnection mechanism 7, 107 or 207 is described further in detail below, with reference to Figures 1 to 3b for a first embodiment, with reference to Figures 4 to 5b for a second embodiment, and with reference to Figures 6a to 6c for a third embodiment.

The connection and disconnection mechanism 7, 107 or 207 is mounted on one or the other of the connectors 3 or 5. According to the embodiments described herein, the connection and disconnection mechanism 7, 107 or 207 is mounted on the female connector 3.

Furthermore, any appropriate means can be provided to prevent unwanted unwanted actuation of the connection and disconnection mechanism 7, 107 or 207, such as a cover (not shown) disposed around the connector assembly 1. Of course in this case, the cover is advantageously provided with a shaped passage to allow a user to easily access the connection and disconnection mechanism 7, 107, 207. Female connector

Hereinafter, the female connector 3 is described in more detail.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the female connector 3 extends longitudinally substantially transversely to the insertion direction I.

With reference to FIGS. 2a to 3b, the female connector 3 has a shell 9. According to a preferred embodiment, the shell 9 is made of a material comprising aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for example made of nickel-plated aluminum.

The shell 9 has for example a substantially parallelepipedal frame shape with two opposite longitudinal walls 11 and two opposite end side walls 13. The end side walls 13 are longitudinally opposite.

According to the embodiments described, the side walls 13 respectively form a support for the connection and disconnection mechanism 7 (FIGS. 1 to 3b) or 107 (FIGS. 4 to 5b) or 207 (FIGS. 6a to 7). To do this, it is possible to provide a recess 14 at each side wall 13 to have at least one element of the connection and disconnection mechanism 7 (FIG. 2a) or 107 (FIG. 4) or 207 (FIGS. 6a to 7).

The female connector 3 may furthermore comprise means 15 for fixing the connection and disconnection mechanism 7 (FIGS. 1 to 2b, and 3b) or 107 (FIGS. 4 and 5b) or again 207 (FIGS. 6a to 7).

The fixing means 15 is for example made using an axis 15 arranged to pass through at least one element of the connection and disconnection mechanism 7 (FIGS. 1 to 3b) or 107 (FIGS. 4 to 5b), 207 (Figure 6a) as will be described in more detail later. The ends of the shaft 15 are received in two complementary holes 17 provided for this purpose on the shell 9 (see Figures 2a and 4), more precisely at the side walls 13.

According to an alternative, provision may be made for the female connector 3 to have an internal guiding means, by way of non-limiting example of the dovetail type, and a fixing means such as a pin for holding at least one element of the connection and disconnection mechanism 207 in the female connector 3.

The female connector 3 further comprises a support 19 of electrical contacts. The support 19 of electrical contacts is for example arranged substantially centrally along the longitudinal axis of the female connector 3. The support 19 of electrical contacts extends for example protruding from both sides of the shell 9 of the female connector 3 in the direction of insertion I, as is best seen in Figures 3b and 5b.

The support 19 of electrical contacts may comprise at least a first orifice 21 or one or more rows of first orifices 21. The support 19 of electrical contacts has for example a generally parallelepipedic block shape, in which the first orifices 21 are arranged to receive first electrical contacts 22 visible in Figure 2b. The first electrical contacts 22 are shaped to allow the insertion of complementary second complementary electrical contacts (described below) carried by the male connector 5.

The number of first orifices 21 is chosen as a function of the number of contacts required for the desired connection.

Furthermore, according to the illustrated example, the first orifices 21 have for example a substantially cylindrical shape. The first electrical contacts 22 may have a substantially cylindrical shape complementary to the cylindrical shape of the first orifices 21.

Male connector

The male connector 5 better visible in Figure 2b, also has a shell 23.

According to a preferred embodiment, the shell 23 is made of a material comprising aluminum or an aluminum alloy. It may be the same material as the material of the female connector 3, for example nickel-plated aluminum.

The shell 23 forms a male housing, of substantially parallelepiped shape having two opposite longitudinal walls 25 and two opposite side walls 27. The end side walls 27 are longitudinally opposite.

A housing 29 (FIGS. 2b, 3b, 4, 5b) or 229 (FIG. 6b) may be provided to at least partially receive at least one element of the connection and disconnection mechanism 7 (FIGS. 1 to 3b) or 107 (FIGS. 5b) or 207 (Figures 6a to 7), as will be detailed later. This housing 29, 229 is also configured for the engagement and maintenance of at least one element of the connection and disconnection mechanism 7, 107 or 207 or 207.

The housing 29 (FIGS. 2b, 3b, 4, 5b) can be produced by a recess for example along the insertion axis I at the end side walls 27 of the shell 23. In a variant, the housing 229 ( FIG. 6b) can be produced inside the male connector 5, for example along the insertion pin I.

The male connector 5 further has a first holding means 31 or 231 shaped to cooperate with the connection and disconnection mechanism 7 (FIGS. 2b and 3b) or 107 (FIGS. 4 and 5b) or 207 (FIGS. 6a to 7), in order to to maintain the connection between the two connectors 3 and 5.

The first holding means 31, 231 has for this purpose a slope 31a, 231a and a bearing portion 3 lb, 23 lb.

The bearing portion 31b is for example accessible from the outside of the male connector 5 according to the examples illustrated in Figures 2b, 3b, 4 and 5b. As a variant, the bearing portion 231b may not be accessible from outside the male connector 5, but on the contrary is provided inside the male connector 5.

The cooperation between the slope 31a, respectively 231a, and the bearing portion 31b, respectively 231b, with at least one element of the connection and disconnection mechanism 7 (FIG. 3b) or 107 (FIG. 5b) or 207 (FIGS. ) will be described in more detail later.

As best seen in FIG. 3b or 5b, the male housing 5 further comprises a base or bottom wall 33 from which the longitudinal walls 25 and the end side walls 27 extend parallel to the direction of the wall. I.

In addition, the male connector 5 also includes a support 35 of electrical contacts (Figures 2a and 2b or 4).

The electrical contact support 35 of the male connector 5 is arranged to face the corresponding support 19 of electrical contacts of the female connector 3 when the two connectors 3, 5 are connected. The support 35 of electrical contacts is for example arranged substantially centrally along the longitudinal axis of the male connector 5.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the longitudinal walls 25 and the end side walls 27 define between them a cavity 36 (Figure 3b or 5b or 6c) in which is formed the support 35 of electrical contacts.

The electrical contact support 35 comprises at least one orifice 37 provided with a second electrical contact 39 configured to connect to the complementary female connector 3 via a first orifice 21 and an associated first electrical contact 22 of the female connector 3.

The number and arrangement of orifices 37, and thus second electrical contacts 39, depend on the number and arrangement of the first orifices 21. associated with the female connector 3. In other words, the male connector 5 has the same number of orifices 37 as the female connector 3 and these orifices 37 are arranged so as to face the associated orifices 21 of the female connector 3 when the two connectors 3 and 5 are connected to each other. According to the illustrated example, the male connector 5 comprises several rows of orifices 37 provided with second electrical contacts 39.

According to the example illustrated in FIG. 2b, the second electrical contacts 39 of the male connector 5 have shaped connection pins for plugging into the first electrical contacts 22 in the associated orifices 21 of the female connector 3. The connection pins present for example a substantially cylindrical general shape complementary to the cylindrical shape of the first orifices 21 of the female connector 3 and of the substantially cylindrical shape of the first electrical contacts 22. Connection / disconnection mechanism

The connection and disconnection mechanism 7 (FIGS. 1 to 3b) or 107 (FIGS. 4 to 5b) or 207 (FIGS. 6a to 7) is arranged on one of the connectors described above, here the female connector 3.

In this case, if the male connector 5 is for example arranged on an electrical circuit board, it does not manipulate this male connector 5 which is on the electrical circuit board to actuate the connection and disconnection mechanism 7, 107, 207, but the complementary female connector 3. The location on the electrical circuit board around the male connector 5 can be left free to connect other electrical and / or electronic components.

The connection and disconnection mechanism 7 (FIGS. 1 to 3b) or 107 (FIGS. 4 to 5b) or 207 (FIGS. 6a to 7) is arranged more precisely at the level of the end lateral walls 13 of the shell 9 of the associated connector.

The connection and disconnection mechanism 7, 107, 207 comprises:

at least one actuating device 41, 141, 241 movably mounted on said connector 3 between a connection position and a disconnection position, the actuating device 41, 141, 241 comprising at least a first portion 41a, 141a, 241a configured to cooperate in the connection position with the complementary connector 5 to fix the connector 3 to the complementary connector 5, in particular using a second holding means 43, and - at least one ejection device 45 movable in translation along the insertion axis I in a projecting position in the direction of the complementary connector 5, the actuating device comprising at least a second part 41b, 141b, 241b configured to cooperate in the disconnected position with the ejection device 45 to cause the translational movement of the ejection device 45 in the protruding position

the actuating device and the ejection device 45 being formed by at least two distinct elements of the connector 3.

According to the embodiments illustrated, the connection and disconnection mechanism 7, 107, 207 comprises two actuating devices 41, 141, 241 and two ejection devices 45 respectively associated with an actuating device 41, 141, 241.

More specifically, the connection and disconnection mechanism 7 (FIGS. 1 to 3b) or 107 (FIGS. 4 to 5b) or again 207 (FIGS. 6a to 7) comprises:

two actuating devices 41 or 141 or 241 respectively movable between the connection position between the two female and male connectors 3, 5 and the disconnection position of the two connectors 3 and 5,

at least one second holding means 43, 143, 243 of the female 3 and male 5 connectors in the assembled state, and

- Two ejection devices 45 respectively capable of being driven in translation along the insertion axis I, by an actuating device 41 or 141 or 241 corresponding.

Actuating device First embodiment According to the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3b, the actuating devices 41 are pivotably mounted around the axis 15, from one of the side walls 13 of the shell 9 of the associated connector, for example the female connector 3. The axis 15 therefore acts as a fastening axis but also a pivot axis.

More specifically, with reference to the orientation of the figures, a first actuating device 41 on the left in FIG. 3b is able to pivot from the connection position towards the disconnection position in a counterclockwise direction shown by the arrow F and a second actuating device 41 on the right in FIG. 3b is able to pivot in a clockwise direction represented by the arrow F '. The two actuators 41 pivot outwardly from the connector 3 from the connection position to the disconnected position. In Figure 3b, only one of the actuators 41 (on the right with reference to the orientation of the figures) is illustrated in a position after pivoting to the disconnected position.

The actuating devices 41 are for example made in the form of two actuating levers 41 mounted on the shell 9 of one of the connectors, here the female connector 3, at the end side walls 13 of the latter .

The actuating levers 41 can be made by way of non-limiting example of stainless material.

With reference to FIG. 3b, the actuating devices 41 comprise respectively:

at least a first part 41a carrying for example a second holding means 43 and able to be received in the complementary connector, such as the male connector 5 in this example,

- At least a second portion 41b adapted to cooperate with an associated ejection device 45.

The actuating devices 41 advantageously comprise at least a third portion 41c of gripping accessible from the outside of said connector 3.

The three parts 41a, 41b, 41c of an actuating lever 41 are in the example illustrated made in one piece. According to the illustrated example, the first portion 41a extends longitudinally in a first direction and the second portion 41b extends in a second direction different from the first direction.

The first part 41a extends for example substantially parallel to the side wall 13 on which the actuating lever 41 is mounted in the first connection position, the side wall 13 extending parallel to the insertion axis I in this example, that is to say substantially vertically with reference to the orientation of Figure 1 or 3b.

According to the illustrated example, it is the first part 41a of an actuating lever 41 which receives the pivot axis 15.

The first portion 41a is shaped to be received in the complementary connector, such as the male connector 5 in this example. More specifically, the first part 41a is received at the recess 29 of an end side wall 27 of the complementary connector, here the male connector 5, when the two connectors 3 and 5 are connected to each other.

According to the first embodiment illustrated, the first part 41a and the second part 41b of the actuating lever 41 have a substantially "L" shape. The second portion 41b extends from the first portion 41a at the axis 15 towards the inside of the shell 9 of the associated connector, in the illustrated example of the female connector 3. For this purpose, a side wall 13 of the female connector 3 in this example, forming a support of the connection mechanism and disconnection 7 has an opening for receiving the second portion 41b of the actuating lever 41. This opening is for example formed in the lower part of the shell 9, it is that is the opposite part to the part opposite the complementary connector 5.

In addition, the second portion 41b has a contact surface 47 with an associated ejection device 45. The contact surface 47 is in the illustrated example formed by a slope inclined relative to the insertion axis I. The angle of inclination of the contact surface 47 is chosen so as to drive the ejection device 45 in displacement when the second portion 41b pivots about the axis 15, until the ejection device 45 protrudes from the plane of the connector 3, so as to push the complementary connector 5 in vis-à-vis and allow to uncouple the two connectors 3 and 5.

The third gripping portion 41c allows for manual actuation of the actuating lever 41 to uncouple the two connectors 3 and 5.

According to the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 to 3b, the gripping portion 41c is formed in the form of a longitudinal extension at the end of the first portion 41a of the actuating lever 41. In this example, the part gripper 41c has a progressive thickness, the thickness at the end of the gripping portion 41c being chosen sufficient to allow a good grip by a user.

In addition, a second holding means 43 (FIG. 3b) is for example arranged at the end of the first part 41a of each drive means 41.

A second holding means 43 is able to cooperate with a first complementary holding means 31 provided on the male connector 5 to which the female connector 3 must be connected.

Maintaining the connection between the female and male connectors 3, 5 is for example by snapping.

Thus, a second holding means is for example formed in the form of a hook 43 shaped to cooperate with a first holding means 31 of the complementary connector 5.

The hook 43 has for this purpose a shape complementary to the shape of the slope 31a and the bearing portion 31b. This allows the establishment and maintenance of a part (here the first part 41a) of the actuating device 41 at the recess 29 of the male connector 5. Indeed, when the female connector 3 is moved along the axis I plug to connect to the male connector 5, the hook 43 is slidable against the slope 31a to exceed this slope 31a and come to rest against the bearing portion 31b.

The hook 43 is for example formed on the side of the first portion 41a of the actuating device facing the inside of the female connector 3. Second embodiment

According to the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 5b, the actuating devices 141 are also pivotably mounted around the axis 15, starting from one of the side walls 13 of the shell 9 of the associated connector. , for example the female connector 3.

The actuating device 141 comprises a first portion 141a having a second holding means 143, substantially similar to the first portion 41a of an actuating lever 41 according to the first embodiment. This first part 141a is therefore not described again.

The actuating device 141 according to the second embodiment may further comprise a cam or wheel 141b, 141c provided at the end of the first portion 141a. The wheel presents:

a part 141c which is accessible from the outside of the connector 3 and which forms the gripping part, and

- A non-accessible portion 141b formed inside the connector 3 and having a contact surface 147 adapted to cooperate with an associated ejection device 45.

As previously, an opening is made at the side walls 13 of the connector carrying the connection and disconnection mechanism 107, here the female connector 3, for housing the portion 141b of the wheel inside the female connector 3.

According to the second embodiment, the second 141b and third 141c parts of the actuating device 141 are formed by the wheel.

As for the first embodiment, the contact surface 147 provided on the wheel forms a slope inclined with respect to the insertion axis I. The angle of inclination of the contact surface 147 is chosen so as to cause the ejection device 45 moving when the wheel, actuated manually, pivots about the axis 15, until the ejection device 45 protrudes from the plane of the female connector 3, so as to push the connector complementary 5 vis-à-vis and allow to uncouple the two connectors 3 and 5. In addition, it is possible to provide means for facilitating handling of the gripping means, such as a toothing 148 provided on the external surface of the gripping means 141c, for example in the form of a wheel as shown in FIGS. and 5b.

Third embodiment

In contrast to the first or second embodiment, the actuators 241, according to the third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6a, are movably mounted in translation between a connection position illustrated in FIG. 6b and a disconnection position illustrated on FIG. Figure 6c.

More specifically, with reference to the orientation of FIGS. 6b and 6c, a first actuating device 241 on the right is movable from the connection position to the disconnection position according to the arrow Fi and a second actuating device 241 on the left. is movable from the connection position to the disconnection position according to the arrow F ₂ . The two actuators 241 slide inwardly of the connector 3 from the connection position to the disconnection position.

The actuating devices 241 are made at least in part of an elastically deformable material.

Similarly to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the actuating devices 241 comprise respectively:

at least one first part 241a carrying for example a second holding means 243, and able to be received in the complementary connector, such as the male connector 5 in this example,

- At least a second portion 241b adapted to cooperate with an associated ejection device 45.

As for the first and second embodiments, the actuating devices 241 advantageously comprise at least a third gripping portion 241c accessible from the outside of said connector 3.

The three parts 241a, 241b, 241c of an actuating lever 241 are according to the third embodiment illustrated in Figures 6a to 6c made in one piece.

Moreover, the first portion 241a and the third portion 241c have a substantially "L" shape, the first portion 241a extending substantially parallel to the insertion axis I and the third portion 421c extending substantially transversely to the I plug axis to the outside of the shell 9 of the associated connector, in the illustrated example of the female connector 3. The third portion 241c thus protrudes relative to the shell 9 of the connector 3.

The second portion 241b is similar to the second portion 41b described with reference to the first embodiment and is therefore not described again.

The third embodiment also differs from the first or second embodiment in that the attachment pin 15 no longer functions as a pivot axis for the first portion 241a.

In addition, the hook 243 carried by the first part 241a according to the third embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 6a to 6c, differs from the first or second embodiment in that it is for example formed on the side of the first portion 241a of the actuating device facing outwardly of the female connector 3.

According to an alternative illustrated in FIG. 7, the actuating lever 241 is for example made in two parts:

on the one hand, the first part 241a carrying the second holding means 243, and able to be received in the complementary male connector 5, and

on the other hand the second part 241b able to cooperate with an associated ejection device 45 and the third part 241c of gripping accessible from the outside of said connector 3. The second and third parts 241b and 241c are according to this alternative made of one piece.

According to this alternative, the first portion 241a is advantageously pivotably mounted about a pivot axis 244 on the third portion 241c of the actuating lever 241. By way of example, the first portion 241a is mounted on a spring 246 advantageously to allow mobility of the first portion 241a between: a first rest position in which the first part 241a is substantially parallel to the insertion axis I and

a second position (represented in dotted lines in FIG. 7) in which the first part 241a is inclined with respect to the insertion axis I.

This makes it easier to snap between the first and second holding means 231 and 243 carried by the two connectors 3 and 5, during the plugging of the two connectors 3 and 5.

Furthermore, the actuating device 241 movable in translation according to the third embodiment and made in one piece according to the variant of Figures 6a to 6c or in two parts according to the variant shown in Figure 7, may comprise a means of anti-rotation 255. The anti-rotation means 255 makes it possible to work only in the axis of translation of the actuating device 241.

It is also possible to provide a stop enabling the stroke of the actuating device 241 to be limited. According to the illustrated example, the anti-rotation means 255 also provides the stop function in the rest position or in the maximum position of translation of the actuating device 241.

By way of illustrative and non-limiting example, the anti-rotation means 255 is for example made in a substantially oblong form.

It can further be provided that the anti-rotation means 255 is adapted to receive a fastening means such as a pin (not visible in the figures) mounted on both sides of the shell 9.

Ejection device

The ejection device 45 is distinct from the actuating device 41 or 141 or

241 associate. More specifically, the ejection device 45 and the actuating device 41, 141, 241 associated are made by two separate parts.

The ejection devices 45 are mounted movably in translation in the direction of insertion I of the female and male connectors 3, 5, between a rest position and an ejection position in which they are able to exert a force. on the complementary connector 5 opposite so as to uncouple the connector assembly.

According to the embodiment described, in the rest position, an ejection device 45 is retracted inside the connector, for example the female connector 3. The surface of the ejection device 45 is then located below, or, is flush with the surface of the associated connector, in the example described of the female connector 3.

In the ejection position, the ejection device 45 protrudes from the surface of the associated connector, in the described example of the female connector 3.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 3b or 5b, one of the ejection devices 45 (on the left in the figures) is illustrated in the rest position while the other ejection device 45 (on the right in the figures) is illustrated in the ejection position.

The ejection devices 45 are for example made in the form of pins or pushers 45.

The pins 45 are, for example, made of a material capable of absorbing the impact, for example of stainless material, for example passivated, or alternatively of plastic material to avoid damaging the shell 23 of the complementary connector 5. on which the pins 45 are intended to apply a force. As a variant or in addition, it is possible to provide protection means, for example made in the form of complementary pins, provided on the complementary connector 5, at the level of the impact with the ejection devices 45.

The pins 45 may have a head 49 slidable on the corresponding contact surface 47, 147, 247 and a body 51 adapted to push the complementary connector, such as the male connector 5, when it projects in the position d 'ejection. The body 51 extends along the insertion axis I of the two connectors 3 and 5, so as to allow disconnection of the connectors 3 and 5, in the same direction as for the connection and plugging of the two connectors 3, 5. The head 49 and the body 51 of a pin 45 can be made in one piece.

It is further possible to provide a return means 53 for each ejection device 45 in the rest position. This is for example a return spring 53 such as a compression spring. Only a return spring 53 is illustrated in Figures 3b and 5b. The force exerted by an actuating device 41 to disconnect the two connectors 3, 5 must be greater than the restoring constant of the spring 53. The spring 53 is arranged so that the axis of the spring 53 is substantially parallel to the insertion pin I of the female and male connectors 3, 5.

Connection method

First and second embodiments

The method of connecting the male and female connectors 5, 3 as described above is carried out as follows with reference to FIGS. 8a to 8c and 1.

Figures 8a to 8c show a connection sequence of the connectors 3 and 5, one of which carries a connection and disconnection mechanism 7 according to the first embodiment. Of course, the connection sequence is similar for a connection and disconnection mechanism 107 according to the second embodiment.

Thus, in order to mechanically and electrically connect the two disassembled female and male connectors 3, 5 as shown in FIG. 8a, during a first step, the two connectors 3 and 5 are positioned in facing relation. More specifically, the electrical contact supports 19 and 35 respectively of the female connector 3 and the male connector 5 are placed opposite one another.

The two connectors 3, 5 are plugged in the direction of insertion I, so that the actuating devices 41 or 141 carried by a connector 3, fit at least partially in corresponding housings on the other connector 5, and are fixed in the other connector 5.

More specifically, the first portions 41a (or 141a) of the actuating devices 41 (or 141) carried by a connector, such as the female connector 3, fit into the housings 29, for example made by recesses 29, provided on the other connector, such as the male connector 5. This is shown schematically in Figure 8b.

The plugging of the two connectors 3, 5 along the axis I, causes the holding hook 43 (or 143) provided at the end of each actuating device 41 (or 141) to slide on the slope 31a of the first means. holding 31 of the connector complementary, here the male connector 5, so that each actuating device 41 (or 141) pivots slightly outwardly of the connector 3 as shown schematically in Figure 8c by the arrows F and F ', but without pivoting sufficiently for driving the ejection devices such as pins 45 in translation to a position protruding from the shell 9 of the female connector 3.

Continuing the plugging of the two connectors 3 and 5 along the axis I, the hooks 43 (or 143) protrude from the slope 31a and bear against the corresponding support portions 31b provided at the complementary connector, such as the male connector 5, as shown schematically in Figure 1.

The two connectors 3 and 5 are thus kept connected by virtue of the latching of the actuating devices 41 (or 141) carried by a connector, such as the female connector 3, on the other complementary connector, such as the male connector 5. .

In this plugged position of the two connectors 3 and 5, the second electrical contacts 39 (see FIG. 2) carried by the male connector 5 are received in the first complementary electrical contacts 22 carried by the female connector 3.

There may be an additional step of covering the connector assembly 1 to prevent inadvertent actuation of the connection and disconnection mechanism 7 (or 107 or 207).

Third embodiment

With reference to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the method of connecting the connectors 3 and 5, one of which carries a connection and disconnection mechanism 207 according to the third embodiment, differs in that the first parts 241a of the actuating devices 241 carried by a connector, such as the female connector 3, fit into the housings 229 made inside the complementary connector, such as the male connector 5.

Starting from the disassembled position of the two connectors 3 and 5 illustrated in FIG. 9a, the insertion of the two connectors 3, 5 along the axis I drives the holding hook 243 provided at the end of each actuating device 241. in sliding on the slope 231a of the first holding means 231 of the complementary connector, here the male connector 5. This sliding causes a displacement in translation of the actuating levers 241 to the inside of the connector, here female 3, so that the device ejection 45 is also slidably driven on the substantially inclined contact surface 247 of the third portion 241c of each actuating lever 241, without however being driven to a position protruding from the shell 9 of the female connector 3.

Continuing the plugging of the two connectors 3 and 5 along the axis I, the hooks 243 are found against the first holding means 231 associated complementary connector, here male 5, as shown in Figure 9b, to exceed respectively the corresponding slope 231a and abut against the bearing portions 231b of the first complementary holding means 231, as shown schematically in Figure 6b.

In addition or alternatively, the actuating device 241 can be made at least partially in an elastically deformable material, in particular at the second holding means 243.

According to another alternative of the actuating device 241 in two parts, shown schematically in FIG. 7, during the plugging of the two connectors 3, 5 along the axis I, the sliding of the holding hook 243 against the slope 231a of the first holding means 231 of the complementary connector, here the male connector 5, causes the pivoting of the first portion 241a of the actuating lever 241 towards the inside of the connector, here female 3, before coming to bear against the portions support 231b of the first complementary holding means 231 of the male connector 5.

Disconnection process

First and second embodiments

With regard to the first or the second embodiment, in order to disconnect the two connectors 3 and 5 plugged as shown in FIG. rotates at least one actuating device 41, 141 carried by one of the connectors, in the illustrated examples the female connector 3, towards the disconnection position, so that the associated ejection device 45 is driven in translation according to the I plug axis in the direction of the other complementary connector 5, so as to push the complementary connector 5 vis-à-vis to uncouple the two connectors 3, 5.

According to the illustrated embodiments, for example, the two actuating devices 41 (FIG. 3b) or 141 (FIG. 5b) are rotated manually on either side of the associated connector carrying them, such as the female connector 3.

When pivoting an actuating device 41 or 141 towards the disconnection position, the associated ejection device, such as a pin 45, is driven in translation along the axis of insertion I by the device. actuating 41 or 141. More specifically, the ejection device 45, for example the head 49 of the pin 45, slides on the contact surface 47 or 147 of the associated actuating device 41 or 141 and the ejection device 45, for example the body 51 of the pin 45, moves in translation along the insertion axis I in the direction of the other complementary connector, such as the male connector 5 (upwards with reference to the orientation of FIGS. 5b).

The ejection devices 45, more precisely the bodies 51 of the pins 45 in this example, are found projecting relative to the plane defined by the connector 3 carrying the connection and disconnection mechanism 7 or 107, so as to push the complementary connector 5 vis-à-vis and thus cause the separation of the electrical contacts 22, 39 of the male connector 5 and the female connector 3.

Third embodiment

The method of disconnecting connectors 3 and 5, one of which carries a connection and disconnection mechanism 207 according to the third embodiment, differs in that to disconnect the two connectors 3 and 5 plugged in as shown in FIG. more pivots the actuators 41, 141 but instead pushes the actuators 241 according to the arrows Fi and F ₂ on either side of the connector 3, to the disconnected position, namely inwardly the connector female 3, as shown schematically in Figure 6c.

Similarly to the first or second embodiment, the associated ejection device 45, more precisely the head 49, then slides on the contact surface 247 of the associated actuating device 241 and the ejection device 45, for example the body 51 of the pin 45, moves in translation along the insertion axis I towards the other complementary connector, such as the male connector 5 (upwards with reference to the orientation of Figure 6c). The ejection device 45 then pushes the complementary connector 5 vis-à-vis which allows to uncouple the two connectors 3, 5.

Thus, it is therefore understood that with such a connection and disconnection mechanism 7, 107 or 207, for the connection (or coupling) of the two connectors 3 and 5, the actuating devices 41, 141, 241 are fixed by example by snap-fitting, in a simple way to the complementary connector 5. No particular manipulation is required. In addition, return springs 53 may allow the actuators 41, 141 to remain in the locked-off position.

Regarding the uncoupling or disconnection of the two connectors 3 and 5, it is sufficient to exert pressure on the gripping portions 41c, 241c according to the first and third embodiments, or a rotary movement of the rollers 141c according to the second embodiment, to drive the two pins 45, so as to push the connector vis-à-vis and disconnect the connection.

In conclusion, the connection and disconnection mechanism 7, 107, 207 according to the invention makes it possible to couple and uncouple the two connectors 3 and 5 in complete safety, without tools and blind. Indeed, the simplicity of the connection and disconnection mechanism 7, 107, 207 and the absence of the need for specific tooling allows to disconnect the two connectors 3 and 5 even without seeing them.

In addition, it allows to disconnect the two connectors 3 and 5 in the direction of insertion I, in alignment with the connection pins without damaging them, without random movements and without pulling the cables.

The connector assembly 1 is therefore ergonomic and easy to use, with a intuitive connection or disconnection.

Claims

CORRECTED CLAIMS

1. Connector (3) adapted to be connected with a complementary connector (5) along a plug-in axis (I) to make an electrical connection,

characterized in that it comprises a connection and disconnection mechanism (7, 107, 207) to the complementary connector (5) comprising:

at least one actuating device (41, 141, 241) movably mounted on said connector (3) between a connection position and a disconnection position, the actuating device (41, 141, 241) comprising at least one first portion (41a, 141a, 241a) configured to cooperate with the complementary connector (5) to secure the connector (3) to the complementary connector (5) in the connection position, and

- At least one ejection device (45) movable in translation along the insertion axis (I) in a position projecting towards the complementary connector (5), the actuation device comprising at least a second part ( 41b, 141b, 241b) configured to cooperate in the disconnected position with the ejection device (45) to cause the translational movement of the ejection device (45) in the protruding position,

the actuating device and the ejection device (45) being formed by at least two distinct elements of the connector (3).

2. Connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the actuating device (41, 141) is pivotally mounted.

3. Connector according to the preceding claim, wherein an actuating device (41, 141) is fixed to said connector (3) by means of an axis (15) arranged to cross transversely said connector (3) and the actuating device (41, 141), and wherein the actuating device (41, 141) is pivotally movable about said axis (15).

4. The connector of claim 1, wherein the actuating device

FLEI LLE OF REM PLACEM ENT (REG 26) (241) is movably mounted in translation substantially transversely to the insertion axis (I).

Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ejection device (45) is mounted on said connector (3) between a retracted position inside said connector (3) and a protruding position relative to said connector (3) towards the complementary connector (5).

Connector according to one of the preceding claims, in which the connection and disconnection mechanism (7, 1 07, 207) comprises two actuating devices (41, 141, 241) and two ejecting devices (45). respectively associated with an actuating device (41, 141, 241).

Connector according to the preceding claim, wherein said connector (3) extends longitudinally through a first and a second end side wall (13) and wherein the two actuating devices (41, 141, 241) are arranged on the two longitudinally opposite end lateral walls (13) of said connector (3).

8. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (41a, 141a, 24 la) of an actuating device (41, 141. 241) has a., Holding means (43, 143 , 243) to the complementary connector (5), in the form of a hook (43, 1 43, 243).

9. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second portion (41b, 141b, 241b) has a contact surface (47, 147, 247) inclined relative to the insertion pin (I). .

10. Connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an actuating device (41, 141, 241) comprises a gripping portion (41c, 141c, 241c) accessible from the outside of said connector (3). .

1 1. Connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the gripping portion (41c, 141c, 241c) is arranged at one end of the actuating device (41, 141, 241) opposite an end bearing the first part (41a, 141c, 241c). , 141 a, 241 a)

FLEI LLE OF REM PLACEM ENT (REG 26) configured to cooperate with the complementary connector (5).

12. A connector according to claim 10 or 11, wherein an actuating device (141) comprises a wheel having a gripping portion (141c) accessible from the outside of said connector (3) and a portion (141 b) arranged at the inside of said connector (3) to cooperate with an associated ejection device (45).

13. Connector assembly (1) comprising a female connector (3) and a male connector (5) complementary to the female connector (3), characterized in that at least one of the connectors is in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.

14. Connector assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the complementary connector (5) to the connector (3) carrying the connection and disconnection mechanism (7, 107, 207) has at least one housing (29) configured for engagement and maintaining at least one element of the connection and disconnection mechanism (7, 107, 207).

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)