EP3799226A1 - Schutzvorrichtung für unipolare oder multipolare verbinder und zugehörige baugruppe - Google Patents

Schutzvorrichtung für unipolare oder multipolare verbinder und zugehörige baugruppe Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3799226A1
EP3799226A1 EP20000343.2A EP20000343A EP3799226A1 EP 3799226 A1 EP3799226 A1 EP 3799226A1 EP 20000343 A EP20000343 A EP 20000343A EP 3799226 A1 EP3799226 A1 EP 3799226A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
protection
connectors
protection device
connector
elements
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP20000343.2A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Marco Pizzato
Simone Zonta
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Pizzato Elettrica SRL
Original Assignee
Pizzato Elettrica SRL
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pizzato Elettrica SRL filed Critical Pizzato Elettrica SRL
Publication of EP3799226A1 publication Critical patent/EP3799226A1/de
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/639—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
    • H01R13/6397—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap with means for preventing unauthorised use
    • 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
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/502—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces
    • H01R13/506—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces assembled by snap action of the parts
    • 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
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/502—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces
    • H01R13/512—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces assembled by screw or screws

Definitions

  • the present invention finds application in the field of electrical devices and particularly relates to a protection device applicable to a multipolar or unipolar connector assembly, as well as a connector assembly of the unipolar or multipolar type provided with this protection device.
  • unipolar or multipolar connectors are particular connection elements whose object is to create an electrical and/or data connection between a first electrical and/or electronic component or circuit and a second electrical and/or electronic component or circuit, or to a power or data network.
  • the unipolar or multipolar connectors currently on the market may differ from each other in various aspects, such as shape, size and number of pins.
  • each connector consists of a first element associated with one of the two components and a second element associated with the other component.
  • connection between the two elements of the connector can be realized by simply inserting the pin or pins of the first male element into the corresponding cavities of the second female element.
  • an external ring nut is also generally provided, which can be threaded or provided with a bayonet coupling, which has the task of making the connection stable for avoiding accidental disconnections.
  • Unipolar or multipolar connectors are also known which allow the connection between more than two electrical and/or electronic components or circuits and which in this case are provided with two or more male elements and/or two or more female elements.
  • connection between the components to be connected is immediate and much simpler than the typical wiring operations, allowing the same to quickly disconnect the parts.
  • a negative aspect related to this simplicity of connection is represented by the ease in performing the separation between the two elements that make up the connector.
  • one of the two devices is a safety device of a machine or plant
  • this type of connection does not prevent an operator from wanting to bypass the safety device by disconnecting it and making an appropriate electrical connection that simulates the presence of the device itself.
  • FR2755798 discloses a protection for multipolar connectors applicable to a specific typology of connectors and which is adapted to prevent accidental openings between the two elements of the connector.
  • US2012/252258A1 discloses a protection for connecting elements of electric cables provided with a rib break system which allows, once it has been pressed, that the connecting ring nuts of the connectors may engage with each other by friction and unscrew.
  • This feature constitutes a limit since, in particular in the connections between a flying connector and a panel connector, the connector could be unscrewed without leaving a trace.
  • US7798837B1 discloses a further protection for connectors formed by two mutually hinged half-shells and which is not provided with an integrated anti-burglary system. To signal a possible break-in, it is instead necessary to provide an adhesive applied at the junction line of the two half-shells once closed.
  • the object of the present invention is to overcome the above drawbacks by providing a protection device for unipolar or multipolar connectors which is characterized by high efficiency and relative cost effectiveness.
  • Still another particular object is to provide a protection device for unipolar or multipolar connectors which can no longer be reapplied, at least in an integral way, if it is removed by an unauthorized person.
  • Still another particular object is to provide a protection device for unipolar or multipolar connectors which may also be applied to pairs of connectors already connected to each other and in conditions of limited space, as in the case of connectors placed against a wall.
  • a protection device for unipolar or multipolar connectors which, according to claim 1, comprises at least one first connector adapted to be connected to a first electrical or electronic component or circuit, at least one second connector adapted to be connected to a second electrical or electronic component or circuit and removably connectable to said at least one first connector to move from an operative coupling condition to a non-operative decoupled condition, a protection device adapted to be applied on a connection portion of said connectors in said operative condition to prevent its detachment and passage into said non-operative condition.
  • the protection device is adapted to move from an open configuration to a closed configuration wherein it defines a seat snugly fitting at least one portion of said connectors, said protection device being also provided with anti-tampering means suitable to provide evidence of the opening thereof starting from said closed configuration.
  • the anti- tampering means may be designed to prevent the restoration of said closed configuration after passing into said open configuration.
  • the protection device will be constantly positioned on the connection portion of the connectors to prevent access thereto, so as to avoid accidental detachment thereof.
  • the presence of the anti-tampering means will prevent the two connectors from being uncoupled and possibly their subsequent re-coupling without there being evidence of such an action.
  • the protection device will prevent the two connectors from being deliberately decoupled and in particular will make inaccessible the threaded ring nut, which in common connectors has the task of mechanically locking the connection between the two connectors.
  • the protection device can be applied in an absolutely identical manner also to connector assemblies of the unipolar type.
  • the connector assembly may be of any type and for any application, both within civil and industrial systems, for the connection of any type of component, device, circuit or electrical and/or electronic system.
  • the assembly may be designed both for the connection between two or more electrical and/or electronic devices and/or equipment and for the connection of two or more electrical and or electronic cables.
  • the multipolar connector assembly in its most general form, comprises a first connector 2 suitable for being connected to a first electrical or electronic component or circuit C, and a second connector 3 suitable for being connected to a second component or electric or electronic circuit, not shown, and connectable in a known manner in a removable manner to the first connector 2 to move from an inoperative uncoupled condition to an operative condition of coupling wherein the two connectors 2, 3 define a connection portion 4.
  • the first connector 2 constitutes the male element of the coupling while the second connector 3 defines the female element.
  • this definition is only an example since it will also be possible to realize different coupling modes between the two connectors 2, 3.
  • one of the two connectors 2, 3 is provided with a ring nut 5, for example of the threaded type or with bayonet coupling, the purpose of which will be to make stable the mechanical coupling between the two connectors 2, 3 once the pin or the pins of the first male connector 2 have been inserted into the cavities of the second female connector 3, according to known methods and therefore not described in more detail.
  • the connectors 2, 3 comprise respective substantially cylindrical end portions to define a connection portion 4 also substantially cylindrical.
  • connectors of different shapes for example with a quadrangular section or other prismatic shape.
  • Fig. 1 shows a first preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the protection device, globally indicated with 100, suitable to be applied on the connection portion 4 of the connectors 2, 3 so that, in the operating condition, it covers and makes inaccessible the possible ring nut 5 to prevent the release thereof and prevent the detachment of the connectors 2, 3 and the passage of the assembly 1 in the open non-operative condition.
  • the protection device 100 comprises a first protection element 101 and a second protection element 102 provided with respective mutual coupling means.
  • the two protection elements 101, 102 are mutually joined by means of a flexible band 103 which allows them to be separated without complete detachment.
  • the two protection elements 101, 102 are designed to define, when coupled as in Fig. 2 , a seat 104 for the snugly fitting of at least one portion of the connectors 2, 3 and in particular of the connection portion 4 provided of the ring nut 5 defined above, so that the device 100 in the closed condition completely wraps the connection portion 4.
  • the mutual coupling means are also provided with anti-tampering means adapted to provide evidence of their possible removal starting from the closed configuration and of a possible detachment of the two protection elements 101, 102.
  • the anti-tampering means will be designed to prevent their re-insertion after their removal and the consequent restoration of the closed configuration following the passage of the device 100 into the open configuration.
  • the two protection elements 101, 102 are shaped to define, once coupled, a housing seat 104 for the connection portion 4 of the male 2 and female 3 connectors.
  • Each of the two protection elements 101, 102 has a circular recess 105 on each of its side walls to follow the profile of the connectors 2, 3 in the closed operating condition.
  • the coupling means are defined by a tab 106 associated with one of the two protection elements 101 and by a slot 107 provided in the other protection element 102 and adapted to receive and hold the tab 106 preventing its removal without damaging at least one of the two hooking elements or other part of the device 100.
  • the anti-tampering means may be integral with the two coupling elements 106, 107 and be defined by pairs of teeth adapted to cooperate with each other to block the coupling.
  • Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of the protection device, generally indicated with 200 which consists of two protection elements 201, 202 designed to be completely separated from each other when they are in the open condition.
  • This configuration will have the advantage of allowing the application of the protection device even in conditions of limited space, such as in the case of connectors placed against a wall.
  • the protection device 200 comprises a first protection element 201 and a second protection element 202 provided with respective mutual coupling means to be mutually joined and move from the open to the closed operating condition of Fig. 4 wherein they will cover the connection portion 4 of the assembly 1, possibly provided with the ring nut 5, as shown in Fig. 6 .
  • the two protection elements 201, 202 are designed to define, when coupled, a seat 204 for snugly fitting the connection portion 4 provided with the ring nut 5 defined above.
  • the coupling means are defined by a pair of tabs 206 and by a pair of slots 207 associated with each of the two protection elements 201, 202 so that each tab 206 is inserted into the opposite slot 207.
  • the mutual coupling means are provided with anti-tampering means suitable to provide evidence of their possible removal starting from the closed configuration and of a possible detachment of the two protection elements 201, 202, always preventing their re-insertion after their removal and consequent restoration of the closed configuration after the passage of the device 200 into the open configuration.
  • the anti-tampering means comprise, for each tab, a slot 208 adapted to be snapped into place by a corresponding tooth 209 provided in the corresponding slot 207 so that it cannot be removed without damaging one of the parts.
  • the second connector 3 has a groove 6 which delimits the connecting portion 4 on one side and which is designed to receive one of the semicircular recesses 205 of the protection elements 201, 202 .
  • Figs. 11 to 13 shows a third embodiment of the protection device according to the invention, globally indicated with 300, which differs from the previous one essentially in that it has a larger axial dimension in order to be applied to a connector assembly composed of connectors 2, 3 of the flying type.
  • the protection device 300 consists of two protection elements 301, 302 designed to be completely separated from each other when they are in the open condition and provided with respective mutual coupling means to be mutually joined and move from the open condition of Fig. 13 to the closed operative one of Fig. 14 in which they will cover the connection portion 4 of the assembly 1, possibly provided with the ring nut 5.
  • the two protection elements 301, 302 are designed to define, when coupled, a seat 304 for snugly fitting the connection portion 4.
  • the coupling means are defined by a pair of tabs 306 provided with respective slots 308 and by a pair of slots 307 having respective teeth 309 adapted to be inserted into the corresponding slots 307 to operate as anti-tampering means.
  • the second connector 3 has a groove 6 which delimits the connecting portion 4 on one side and which is designed to receive one of the semicircular recesses 305 of the protection elements 301, 302.
  • Fig. 15 shows a fourth embodiment of the protection device, indicated globally with 400, which comprises two protection elements 401, 402 adapted to be applied around the connection portion 4 and each having a shaped recess 409 so that, when the protection device 400 is in assembled condition, the recesses 405 entirely envelop the connection portion 4, as visible in Fig. 16 .
  • the two protection elements 401, 402 are designed to define, when coupled, a seat 404 for snugly fitting the connection portion 4.
  • Each of the two protection elements 401, 402 is also provided with both coupling means and centering means to allow a stable but removable coupling.
  • removable coupling it is meant that the two protection elements 401, 402 may be decoupled from each other in order to be subsequently coupled again; moreover, in the event that the anti-tampering means are not applied, the coupling and uncoupling between the two protection elements 401, 402 may also be carried out for a large number of times without the device 400 being damaged.
  • one of the two protection elements 401 comprises two pins 410 adapted to fit into corresponding blind holes 411 of the other coupling element 402 to operate as centering element during the closing step.
  • the coupling means are defined by a further pair of holes 412, 413, one for each of the protection elements 401, 402, at least one of which will be pass through, and by a screw 414 or similar fastening member suitable for inserting into the holes 412, 413.
  • the two holes 412, 413 are adapted to be aligned with each other along a direction transverse to the axial direction L defined by the connection portion 4 of the connectors 2, 3 for the insertion of the screw 414 always in the radial direction.
  • the holes 412, 413 may extend axially to insert the screw 414 also in an axial position, i.e. parallel to the main development of the connectors 2, 3.
  • the anti-tampering means comprise an anti-tampering cap 415 designed to be inserted to measure in the through hole 412 at its open end facing outwards to close it and prevent access to the corresponding fastening member 414 from the outside.
  • the anti-tampering cap 415 may be inserted at measure in the corresponding through hole 412 so as not to present any element that may facilitate its extraction, as more clearly visible from Fig. 18 .
  • the anti-tampering cap 415 may be designed to break or be damaged if it should be removed, so as to prevent its re-insertion or in any case give immediate evidence of the attempted removal.
  • the anti-tampering cap 415 may be internally hollow to also insert a connection member having a non-flat head and larger in size than in the figures.
  • the second connector 3 has a groove 6 which delimits the connection portion 4 on one side and which is designed to accommodate the semicircular recesses 405 of the protection elements 401, 402.
  • the groove 6 will define a constraint means for relative sliding between the protection device 400 and the connectors 2, 3 to block or limit the sliding of the protection device 400 on the connection portion 4 along the axial direction L.
  • Fig. 21 shows a fifth preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the protection device, globally indicated with 500, associated with the same multipolar connector 1 of the previous embodiment.
  • Fig. 21 shows the device 500 in the inoperative position
  • Fig. 22 the protection device 500 is illustrated in the assembled operating configuration.
  • the protection device 500 consists of two protection elements 501, 502 adapted to be placed above the connectors 2, 3 to completely wrap the connection portion 4, defining a housing seat 504 for the connection portion 4.
  • Each protection element 501, 502 is provided with coupling means and anti-tampering means.
  • a first protection element 501 comprises a pair of tabs 506 adapted to snap into corresponding slots 507 present in the other protection element 502.
  • each of the tabs 506 comprises a first retaining tooth 518 adapted to interact with a corresponding second retaining tooth 519 present in the corresponding slot 507 to define the anti-tampering means.
  • the tabs 506 and/or the internal walls of the slots 507 may be designed to break following their bending if there is an attempt to disengage the pairs of retaining teeth 518, 519, for example by means of a screwdriver or similar tool.
  • each of the protection elements 501, 502 will be provided with a semicircular recess 505 which will enter the groove 6 present in the second connector 3 to operate as a means of limiting the relative sliding between the protection device 500 and connectors 2, 3.
  • the position of the connectors 2, 3 may also be inverted with respect to the figures and that the groove 6 may also be made on the first connector 2.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
EP20000343.2A 2019-09-25 2020-09-25 Schutzvorrichtung für unipolare oder multipolare verbinder und zugehörige baugruppe Pending EP3799226A1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102019000017225A IT201900017225A1 (it) 2019-09-25 2019-09-25 Dispositivo di protezione per connettori unipolari o multipolari ed assieme connettore comprendente il dispositivo

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EP3799226A1 true EP3799226A1 (de) 2021-03-31

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EP20000343.2A Pending EP3799226A1 (de) 2019-09-25 2020-09-25 Schutzvorrichtung für unipolare oder multipolare verbinder und zugehörige baugruppe

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IT (1) IT201900017225A1 (de)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US804387A (en) * 1905-02-18 1905-11-14 Ralph E Davis Locking device for incandescent-lamp bulbs.
FR2755798A3 (fr) 1996-11-11 1998-05-15 Ilme Spa Dispositif de blocage pour connecteurs electriques multipolaires
GB2343302A (en) * 1998-09-16 2000-05-03 Graham Pielow Watertight connector cover
US20090233476A1 (en) * 2008-03-17 2009-09-17 Tyco Electronics Corporation Tamper evident connector system
US7798837B1 (en) 2009-04-03 2010-09-21 Ohaus Corporation Connector security cover
US20100255724A1 (en) 2009-04-03 2010-10-07 Tyco Electronics Corporation Locking clip for an electrical connector assembly
EP2360050A2 (de) * 2010-02-23 2011-08-24 Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd. Stromversorgungssteuervorrichtung
US20120252258A1 (en) 2011-03-28 2012-10-04 Dean Solon Guard for connection point of adjoined wire connectors

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US804387A (en) * 1905-02-18 1905-11-14 Ralph E Davis Locking device for incandescent-lamp bulbs.
FR2755798A3 (fr) 1996-11-11 1998-05-15 Ilme Spa Dispositif de blocage pour connecteurs electriques multipolaires
GB2343302A (en) * 1998-09-16 2000-05-03 Graham Pielow Watertight connector cover
US20090233476A1 (en) * 2008-03-17 2009-09-17 Tyco Electronics Corporation Tamper evident connector system
US7798837B1 (en) 2009-04-03 2010-09-21 Ohaus Corporation Connector security cover
US20100255724A1 (en) 2009-04-03 2010-10-07 Tyco Electronics Corporation Locking clip for an electrical connector assembly
EP2360050A2 (de) * 2010-02-23 2011-08-24 Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd. Stromversorgungssteuervorrichtung
US20120252258A1 (en) 2011-03-28 2012-10-04 Dean Solon Guard for connection point of adjoined wire connectors

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