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
  • H01R13/648—Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices, e.g. anti-static shielding  
  • H01R13/658—High frequency shielding arrangements, e.g. against EMI [Electro-Magnetic Interference] or EMP [Electro-Magnetic Pulse]
  • H01R13/6591—Specific features or arrangements of connection of shield to conductive members
  • H01R13/6592—Specific features or arrangements of connection of shield to conductive members the conductive member being a shielded cable

Definitions

• the invention relates generally to a rear connector. More particularly, the invention relates to a rear connector capable of connecting an armored harness comprising shielded cables to a connector in a reliable manner and so as to minimize the electromagnetic disturbances. The invention also relates to a completed shielding harness and a connection comprising this rear connector.
• electrical connections are mainly made using electrical harnesses.
• electrical harnesses In aircraft, electrical connections are mainly made using electrical harnesses.
• constraints apply directly or indirectly to electrical harnesses, especially in the engine areas. These constraints can be mechanical, electrical or environmental.
• EMC electromagnetic compatibility
• the electrical connections generally have a shield which makes it possible to attenuate the disturbances received or emitted.
• the shields can be on an individual cable (shield) and / or on the whole of the strand / harness (over-shielding).
• the electromagnetic shielding must cover all the areas of the harness between the boxes containing the equipment. Use of these rear fittings (or “backshells” in English), assembled with the electrical connectors, must be able to meet the electrical and mechanical requirements.
• Application US-A-5052947 discloses a rear connector (shield termination) for an over-shielded harness having shielded cables.
• the rear connector includes a sleeve and a fixing ring.
• the harness armor is connected to a pad at the rear of the sleeve and is secured on the latter by a clamp.
• the cables pass inside the sleeve.
• the ends of the cables have their conductive parts exposed.
• the cable shield terminations pass through the through holes to the outside, and then join a range at the front of the sleeve on which they are secured by means of a cable tie.
• the rear connector also includes a fixing ring mounted to move in rotation at the front end of the sleeve. The assembly forms a completed shielding harness for connection to a connector.
• the object of the present invention is therefore to remedy the aforementioned needs and drawbacks by proposing a rear connection (for shielding termination) for connecting an armored harness comprising shielded cables to a connector, the rear connection comprising a sleeve and a ring.
• the sleeve having a wall of substantially tubular shape defining an internal passage adapted to receive shielded cables, the wall of the sleeve comprising, from its front end towards its rear end, a latching zone adapted to engage on a connector, through holes distributed circumferentially and adapted to receive the terminations of the cable shields from the internal passage, a first external pad adapted to receive the terminations of the shields, an outer shoulder, and a second outer pad adapted to receive the over-armoring of the harness , the fixing ring having a wall of substantially tubular shape defining u n annular passage adapted to receive the sleeve, the wall of the fixing ring comprising, from its front end towards its rear end, a fixing zone suitable for connection to a connector, a first internal pad, and an internal shoulder, the rear connector being arranged so that the fixing ring can slide over the sleeve in a direction from the rear end towards the front end of the sleeve, to a stop position where
• the wall of the sleeve has at the front end a flared part on which the engagement zone and the through holes are formed.
• the through holes are located immediately behind the engagement zone, on a part of the wall up to 20% of the length of the sleeve from its front end.
• the first external area of the sleeve has a larger external diameter than that of the second external area.
• the wall of the sleeve comprises an intermediate section flared between the first external surface and the second external surface.
• the outer shoulder of the sleeve and the inner shoulder of the fixing ring are in the form of a ring.
• the sleeve is in one piece.
• the rear connector comprises at least one clamp adapted to secure the ends of the shields by tightening them around the sleeve.
• the present invention also provides a completed shielded harness comprising a rear connector as described above as well as an over-shielded harness comprising shielded cables, the shielded cables being received by the internal passage of the sleeve, the cable shielding ends passing through. towards the outside of the sleeve through through holes and received on the first external surface of the sleeve while the over-armor is received on the second external surface of the sleeve, and the fixing ring being mounted so as to be able to slide over the sleeve.
• the present invention also provides a connection between a finished shielded harness as described above and a connector, the cables being electrically connected to the connector, the sleeve engagement zone being engaged on a connector engagement zone, and the fixing ring being connected to a connector fixing area, the sleeve and the fixing ring of the rear connector being in a stop position.
• FIG. 1 shows a (partial) sectional view of a completed shielding harness mounted on a rear connector according to a first embodiment of the invention
• FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the rear connector
• FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the rear connector.
• identical references can designate identical or similar elements.
• the different parts shown in the figures are not necessarily shown on a uniform scale, in order to make the figures more legible.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the rear connection 50. It allows the shielding of a harness 16 to be completed, forming together with the latter “a completed shielding harness”, 70, suitable for being connected to an electrical connector 80 to make a connection 100.
• the connector 80 is of known type, often used in an aircraft.
• FIGS 2 and 3 illustrate only the main elements of the rear connector 50, namely a sleeve 20 and a fixing ring 40, in perspective and in cross section respectively, to facilitate understanding of the invention.
• the rear connector 50 is connected to an over-shielded harness 16 comprising shielded cables 12. It comprises a sleeve 20 and a fixing ring 40, illustrated with the fixing ring 40 slipped over the sleeve 20.
• the sleeve 20 comprises a wall 25 of substantially tubular shape (of circular cross section) extending along a longitudinal axis, and defining an internal passage 27.
• the wall 25 of the sleeve comprises, from its front end 21 (left side in the figures) towards its rear end 29, an interlocking zone 22, through holes 24 distributed in a circumferential manner, a first external pad 26, an external shoulder 28, an intermediate section 32, a first flange 34, a second pad outer 36, and a second flange 38.
• the sleeve 20 is in one piece, and made of an electrically conductive material, typically metal.
• the sleeve 20 is linked to a harness 16.
• the harness 16 is of known type and comprises individual shielded cables 12 which are grouped in strand, the latter being surrounded by a shield 17 to protect it from EM disturbances.
• the cables 12 and the harness 16 may also include layers of insulation in a manner known per se.
• a connector 80 this harness must be prepared.
• the harness 16 is stripped and shielded towards one end, which consists in locally removing the external insulation and the shield 17 of the harness 16.
• the shielded cables 12 of the harness 16 are stripped and unshielded in another place closer towards the end so as to expose the conductive part 13 of the cables 12, while keeping the ends of the shields 14 of the de-shielded cables (/ pigtails) attached to the harness 16.
• shielded cables 12 of the harness 16 are received in the internal passage 27 of the sleeve 20.
• the conductive parts 13 of the cables 12 visible towards the end of the harness 16 are intended to be inserted into the contacts from connector 80 to electrically connect cables 12 to connector 80.
• the endings of shields 14 are inserted through the through holes 24 towards the outside of the sleeve, and are then returned towards the rear of the sleeve, and lengthened on the first external area 26 generally aligned substantially with the longitudinal axis.
• the first area 26 of the sleeve 20 is intended for the resumption of terminations of the shields 14. It has a generally cylindrical external surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. The ends of the shields 14 are secured there with an attachment element 33, for example a clamp 33. It is possible that axial grooves are provided to better receive the ends of the shields 14.
• the outer shoulder 28 Towards the rear of the first track 26 is the outer shoulder 28, which is in the form of a ring, projecting radially from the wall 25 of the sleeve 20. This outer shoulder 28 is intended to come into abutment with the fixing ring 40 to prevent it from exceeding it , as discussed later in the description.
• the second external area 36 of the sleeve 20 is intended for the recovery of the armor 17 of the harness. Like the first patch, it has a generally cylindrical outer surface on which the armor plating can be received. This second external area 36 also extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, and allows the security of the over-armor 17 with an attachment element, for example a clamp. The over-armoring 17 of the harness 16 is not received in the internal passage 27 of the sleeve 20, but directly on the second external pad 36.
• the first flange 34 located in front of the second external area 36, is designed mainly as a stop for the over-armor 17, so that it does not exceed it.
• a second flange 38 is provided behind the second area 36, and more precisely at the rear end 29 of the sleeve 20.
• the first outer area 26 has a larger outer diameter than that of the second outer area 36.
• the diameter of the first area 26 is approximately 1.5 times that of the second area 36.
• the wall 25 of the sleeve comprises a flared intermediate section 32 between the first zone 26 and the second zone 36, increasing in diameter towards the front end 21 of the sleeve 20.
• the wall 25 of the sleeve 20 comprises another flared part 23 at its front end 21, of increasing diameter from the first outer surface 26 towards the front end 21 of the sleeve 20.
• the engagement zone 22 as well as the through holes 24 are located on this flared part 23.
• the through holes 24 being located on the flared part 23 are therefore inclined, facing towards the front and are also at a diameter greater than the first area 26. Consequently, not only is it easier to handle the terminations of the shields 14 during insertion into the through holes 24, which moreover, they elongate more naturally on the first pad 26 in alignment with the longitudinal axis. This therefore allows a more uniform distribution of the endings of the shields 14 on the sleeve 20.
• the through holes 24 are located just behind the engagement zone 22, that is to say just behind the crown of teeth 22. This is in a region starting at the front end 21 of the sleeve 20 to 20%, even just preferably 10%, of the length of the sleeve 20.
• the first advantage of being located in this region is that the shields can be left on each cable 12 closer to the connector 80. In other words , only the parts of the cables 12 to be inserted in the connector 80 are unshielded, which limits crosstalk between the conductive parts 13 of the harness 16 ensuring good EMC as much as possible.
• the second advantage is that the ends of the shields 14 surround the sleeve 20 until it connects with the connector 80, thus improving the EM protection of the cables 12 within the latter. Finally, being closer to the front end 21 of the sleeve 20, the ends of the shields 14 are also easier to see and to handle during the insertion into the through holes 24, compared to the case where the holes are deeper in the muff.
• the ends of the shields 14 are therefore also uniformly distributed around the sleeve 20.
• the through holes 24 are advantageously located in the same plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. For practical reasons of inserting the ends of the shields 14, a small part of each of these through holes 24 can be formed in the first area 26.
• crown of teeth 22 is whole, that is to say that it makes a complete circle. No gap is present, and no missing teeth. When this ring of teeth 22 is engaged on that of the connector 80, a good connection is obtained with minimum electrical resistance and uniform electrical continuity.
• the fixing ring 40 comprises a wall 45 of substantially tubular shape extending along the longitudinal axis, defining an annular passage 47.
• the wall 45 of the fixing ring 40 comprising, from its front end 41 towards its rear end 49, a fixing zone 43, an internal pad 46, and an internal shoulder 48.
• the fixing ring 40 is in one piece, and made of an electrically conductive material, typically metal.
• the fixing ring 40 is mounted around the sleeve 20, the two being oriented in the same direction with the sleeve 20 received in the annular passage 47 of the fixing ring 40.
• I t is arranged so that it can slide over the sleeve 20, in a direction from the rear end 29 towards the front end 21 of the sleeve, this up to a stop position (illustrated) where the internal shoulder 48 of the fixing ring 40 abuts with the external shoulder 28 of the sleeve 20.
• the internal shoulder 48 is in the form of a ring, projecting radially from the wall 45 of the fixing ring 40.
• the ring of fixing 40 is illustrated in front of a connector 80 for its connection to the latter.
• the internal area 46 of the fixing ring 40 covers the first external area 26 of the sleeve 20. Consequently, the ends of the shields 14 are entirely covered by the fixing ring 40, this which provides protection against EM disturbances. Unlike the prior art, electromagnetic interference cannot enter through openings or through holes in the sleeve.
• the assembly comprising the internal pad 46, the internal shoulder 48 and the fixing zone 43 of the fixing ring 40 surrounds the ends of the shields 14, and beyond the front end 21 of the sleeve 20.
• the rear connector 50 is arranged so that a once connected to the connector 80, the fixing ring completely surrounds the terminations of the shields 14, the engagement zone 22 of the sleeve 20 and the engagement zone 82 of the connector 80 as well as its attachment zone 83.
• the fact that the fixing ring 40 can slide relative to the sleeve 20 allows it to be removed when the ends of the shields 14 are inserted into the through holes 24, then replaced.
• O-rings 44 are advantageously used. They are provided just next to the internal shoulder 48, and in front of the internal area 46 of the fixing ring 40. If necessary, circumferential internal grooves can be provided to accommodate the O-rings 44. These O-rings 44 are arranged to be interposed between the fixing ring 40 and the sleeve 20, and between the fixing ring 40 and the connector 80. In addition, a protective sheath (boot) 54 can cover the sleeve 20 from its first flange 34, beyond its rear end 29 to a part of the harness 16. The assembly comprising the O-rings 44 and the protective sheath 54 make it possible to seal the connection.
• the rear connector 50 of the invention is more efficient than the known rear connectors, above all allowing a reliable connection 100 to be made between an armored harness 16 comprising shielded cables and a connector 80.
• the ends of the shields 14 of the cables 12 are uniformly distributed around the sleeve 20 and arrive very close to the front end 21 of the sleeve 20. Furthermore, they are completely covered by the fixing ring 40 when it is in the stop position.
• the rear connector 50 is made of two main elements which are each in one piece.
• the sleeve 20 comprises an entire crown of teeth 22.
• the overlays of the shield 17 and of the ends of the shields 14 on the sleeve 20 prevent the forces from being applied directly to the conductive parts 13 plugged into the connector 80.
• the distribution as well as the positioning of the ends of the shields 14 on the rear connector 50 ensure better continuity electrical and reduced transfer impedance. Having only two main elements, the rear connector 50 is easier to install on a harness 16, and less likely to be lost.
• the connection of the shield 17 and the shields 14 (to the connector) is provided by a single conductive part, having much better electrical continuity than a sleeve made of several parts. As a result, the rear connector 50 is more efficient in terms of EMC.
• the invention has been described in connection with an over-armored harness comprising shielded cables. However, it is also suitable for other cables, for example an unshielded harness with shielded cables, or even a single shielded cable.
• the invention can be used at the same time as other known means of protection against EM disturbances.
• the rear connector of the invention can be retro-adapted (or “retrofitted” in English) to the connections already existing on the aircraft.
• the intermediate section can be a flange perpendicular to the axis and integrate, if necessary, the outer shoulder of the sleeve.

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• Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

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ID=66641051

Family Applications (1)

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Family Cites Families (17)

• 2018
  • 2018-12-17 FR FR1873100A patent/FR3090223B1/fr active Active
• 2019
  • 2019-12-13 US US17/413,753 patent/US11721941B2/en active Active
  • 2019-12-13 EP EP19845587.5A patent/EP3878061B1/de active Active
  • 2019-12-13 WO PCT/FR2019/053060 patent/WO2020128254A1/fr unknown
  • 2019-12-13 CN CN201980083221.0A patent/CN113243062B/zh active Active

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