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
  • H01R13/64—Means for preventing incorrect coupling
  • H01R13/645—Means for preventing incorrect coupling by exchangeable elements on case or base
  • H01R13/6453—Means for preventing incorrect coupling by exchangeable elements on case or base comprising pin-shaped elements, capable of being orientated in different angular positions around their own longitudinal axes, e.g. pins with hexagonal base
• • 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
  • H01R13/627—Snap or like fastening
  • H01R13/6275—Latching arms not integral with the housing
• • 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
  • H01R13/73—Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall
  • H01R13/74—Means for mounting coupling parts in openings of a panel
  • H01R13/741—Means for mounting coupling parts in openings of a panel using snap fastening means
  • H01R13/745—Means for mounting coupling parts in openings of a panel using snap fastening means separate from the housing
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
  • H01R43/26—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
  • H01R2201/26—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for vehicles

Definitions

• the invention relates to an improved keying device and an electrical connection assembly provided with said improved keying device. [0002] The invention also relates to a method for mounting the improved keying device.
• an electrical connection assembly comprises a so-called fixed connector and a movable connector, called reverse, which can be plugged into the fixed connector to ensure the electrical connection.
• avionics are all the electronic, electrical and computer equipment which helps pilot aircraft and spacecraft in air or extra-planetary space.
• an avionics bay is intended to receive electrical modules installed in a removable manner and intended for the management of the various functions of the aircraft.
• the avionics bay has in particular racks or orientable panels supporting electrical connectors associated with the various modules of the bay.
• the fixed connector is integrated into the panel and the reverse connector is intended to be inserted into the fixed connector to make an electrical connection.
• several fixed connectors are often placed side by side on the same panel and it is therefore necessary to ensure that each reverse connector is connected to the fixed connector which is associated with it.
• the keying device is responsible for preventing the connection between the two connectors.
• the coding device thus makes it possible to secure the electrical connection between two compatible connectors.
• Patent US6394856B1 describes a coding device for a connection assembly with two electrical connectors.
• the device comprises two elements of semi-cylindrical shape.
• the coding element located in the fixed connector can be rotated around the connection axis which makes it possible to ensure that the reverse connector, fitted with the complementary part, will be the one intended. This solution makes it possible to ensure orientable keying.
• Document EP 1437802A2 also presents a keying device for a connector in two parts, male and female, each comprising a tubular portion and being provided with means of mutual snap-fastening.
• Document EP 1732180A1 also discloses a keying device for a connector comprising two sockets of which the removable complementary fixing means can only cooperate in a single predetermined angular position.
• An electrical connection assembly must therefore have the following three functions:
• an improved keying device for an electrical connection assembly comprising a first electrical connector provided with a first body and intended to be fixed on a reception panel and a second electrical connector provided with a second body and intended to be connected to said first connector, said device comprising:
• a first part and a second part which can be removably coupled via a mechanical connection along a main axis
• the first part comprising a first keying member and the second part comprising a second keying member
• the first part comprising first indexing means for taking several distinct orientations around said main axis and positioning said first keying member in a single first position around said main axis
• the second part comprising second indexing means for taking several distinct orientations around said main axis and positioning said second keying member in a single second position around said main axis, said second position of the second keying member being chosen to allow a connection from the second connector to the first connector
• the first part comprising means for securing by fitting the first connector on its reception panel
• the second part comprising first interlocking fixing means arranged to fix said second part on the second connector
• the first part and the second part each comprise second complementary mechanical fastening means, intended to cooperate with each other by interlocking when the first connector and the second connector are coupled, these second complementary fastening means comprise one or more lugs deformable in bending, each ending with a lug, each tab being made on the first part or the second part, and a slot, made respectively on the second part or the first part.
• the first part comprises a first sleeve having a first lateral wall of circular section, said sleeve being provided with a first head which comprises first forms of indexing.
• the first coding member is produced on the first sleeve and has an elongated shape, arranged opposite the first head of the sleeve and forming an extension of its side wall, on a first angular portion of this only
• the securing means comprise one or more first lugs which can be elastically deformable in bending, each having a lug, made on the side wall of the first sleeve, on a second angular portion thereof , distinct from said first angular portion.
• the second part comprises a second sleeve having a second lateral wall of circular section, said second sleeve being provided with a second head which comprises second forms of indexing.
• the second coding member is produced on the second sleeve and has an elongated shape, arranged opposite the second head of the second sleeve and forming an extension of its side wall, on a first portion angular of it only.
• the first interlocking fixing means comprise one or more second lugs which can be elastically deformable in bending, each having a lug, each lug being produced on the second side wall of the second sleeve, on a second angular portion thereof, distinct from the first angular portion.
• the securing means comprise complementary lugs made on the outer face of the first side wall of the first sleeve.
• the first fixing means comprise complementary lugs made on the outer face of the second side wall of the second sleeve.
• the invention also relates to an electrical connection assembly comprising a first connector provided with a first body and a second connector provided with a second body, said assembly comprising a keying device as defined above, said first part of the device being associated with the first connector and said second part of the device being associated with the second connector.
• the first body of the first connector is provided with a first through opening comprising a first counterbore defining a first housing.
• the second body of the second connector is provided with a second through opening comprising a second counterbore defining a second housing.
• the invention also relates to a method of mounting an improved keying device as defined above on the electrical connection assembly as defined above, an assembly phase comprising the following steps: Insertion of the first part of the device through a first opening made through the first body of the first connector, by choosing an orientation of the keying member around the main axis thanks to the indexing means which cooperate with the means of corresponding indexing provided on the first body of the first connector,
• the second complementary fastening means comprising the flexibly deformable tab or lugs and the slot, are fitted together by cooperation between the lug terminating the lug or lugs and mechanically lock the coupling of the electrical connectors.
• FIG. 1 schematically shows an electrical connection assembly whose fixed connector is mounted on a reception panel and shows the improved keying device according to the invention
• FIG. 2 shows, in top view, the fixed connector integrated into its reception panel
• Figure 3 shows, in top view, the reverse connector of the electrical connection assembly
• FIGS. 4A and 4B represent, in perspective, the first part of the improved keying device of the invention, in two separate views;
• FIG. 5 shows, in perspective, the second part of the improved keying device of the invention;
• FIG. 6 illustrates the positioning of the first part of the device of the invention on the body of a fixed connector integrated into its reception panel
• FIG. 7 illustrates the positioning of the second part of the device of the invention on the body of a reverse connector
• FIG. 8 illustrates the principle of mechanical coupling and locking between the two parts of the improved keying device according to the invention
• the invention relates to an improved keying device intended to be associated with an electrical connection assembly.
• the electrical connection assembly conventionally comprises a first connector said fixed connector 1, intended to be fixed on a reception panel P and a second connector said reverse connector 2 intended to be plugged into the fixed connector 1.
• the two connectors can take any possible external shape, cylindrical, square, trapezoidal, etc.
• an axis (X) called the main axis is defined, corresponding to the axis along which the reverse connector 2 is inserted into the fixed connector 1 to achieve their mechanical coupling and therefore the electrical connection.
• the fixed connector 1 and the reverse connector 2 each comprise an external body 10, 20 incorporating one or more pins 11, 21 for electrical connection.
• the electrical connection assembly is in particular intended to be used in an avionics bay (not shown) and makes it possible to ensure a connection of an electrical module.
• the fixed connector 1 of the electrical connection assembly is intended to be integrated into a receiving panel P or rack of the avionics bay and the mobile reverse connector 2 is positioned at the end of a ribbon of wires or harness and is plugged into the fixed connector 1.
• the invention aims to provide a device which enables the following three functions to be fulfilled:
• the device is an improved keying device. It is made in two parts, called first part 3 and second part 4. Each part 3, 4 is in the form of a single piece. In a nonlimiting manner, the two parts could be made of metallic or plastic material. Depending on the material used, any manufacturing solution may be considered, for example machining or molding.
• the keying function fulfilled by the device must be active before any connection between the two connectors 1, 2.
• the device must therefore be arranged so that its keying function prevents the electrical connection between the two connectors, if the reverse connector that is presented is not the correct one or if it is presented in the wrong orientation with respect to the fixed connector.
• the first part 3 is associated with the fixed connector 1 and the second part 4 is associated with the reverse connector 2.
• the first part 3 is intended to be fixed on the body 10 of the fixed connector 1 and the second part 4 is intended to attach to the body 20 of the reverse connector 2.
• the body 10 of the fixed connector 1 has a through opening made along an axis parallel to the main axis (X), provided with a countersink on its rear face, said countersink forming a first housing 12.
• the first housing 12 has forms of indexing 120.
• the body 20 of the reverse connector 2 also has a through opening, along an axis parallel to the main axis (X), provided with a countersink on its rear face, said countersink forming a second housing 22.
• the second housing 22 has forms of indexing 220.
• the two parts are independent of their respective connector and can be associated with any existing electrical connection assembly to provide it with the three functions listed above.
• first part 3 and the second part 4 of the device each have a generally cylindrical sleeve shape, developed respectively around a first axis A1 and a second axis A2.
• Each sleeve 30, 40 has a cylindrical side wall developed around its respective axis and defining an axial central passage.
• the first part 3 comprises a first polarizing member 31 and the second part 4 comprises a second polarizing member 41.
• the first polarizing member 31 and the second polarizing member 41 have complementary shapes which cooperate with each other when the reverse connector 2 and fixed connector 1 are compatible and correctly associated with each other.
• the sleeve 30 of the first part 3 comprises a head 32 provided with forms or indexing notches 320 allowing it to take different possible orientations around its axis A1 when it cooperates with a corresponding housing.
• the head 32 is hexagonal, allowing the first part 3 of the device to take six distinct positions. Any other shape could be envisaged, for example square, octagonal, series of crenellations ...
• the head 32 of the sleeve 30 is intended to cooperate with said first housing 12 having complementary indexing shapes 120 and produced at the rear of the body. 10 of the fixed connector 1.
• the positioning of the first part in said first housing makes it possible, thanks to the complementary indexing forms, to orient the first polarizing member 31 and to give it a single angular position around the axis A1.
• the sleeve 40 of the second part also comprises a head 42 also provided with shapes or indexing notches 420 allowing it to take different possible orientations around its axis A2 when it cooperates with a corresponding housing.
• the head 42 is hexagonal in shape, allowing the second part 4 of the device to take six distinct positions. Any other shape could be considered, for example square, octagonal, series of crenellations ...
• the head 42 of the sleeve 40 is intended to cooperate with the second housing 22 having complementary indexing shapes 220 and produced at the rear of the body 20 of the reverse connector 2.
• the positioning of the second part 4 in said second housing 22 allows , thanks to the complementary indexing forms, to orient the second keying member 41 and to give it a single angular position around the axis A2.
• indexing forms 320, 420 provided for the first part and the second part are advantageously provided identical and the two angular positions of the two polarizing members 31, 41 are chosen in a suitable manner to allow the coupling between the two parts when the two connectors are compatible and the reverse connector 2 is presented with the correct orientation with respect to the fixed connector 1.
• first keying member 31 and the second keying member 41 may have an elongated shape of constant section, for example a wall of semi-circular or semi-cylindrical section.
• the sleeve 30 of the first part 3 and the sleeve 40 of the second part 4 integrates two functions. Their wall is divided into two distinct sections, for example each of semicircular shape.
• the wall of the sleeve 30 is extended to form the first keying member 31 which stands opposite its head 32.
• the wall of the sleeve 30 comprises at its top, opposite its head, one or more tabs 33 each carrying a lug 330.
• three lugs 330 are shown, forming a first row.
• the lugs 330 are oriented towards the outside and are intended to come to rest on the front face of the reception panel P of the fixed connector 1.
• the reception panel P is then held between the head 32 and the lugs 330 of the first part 3 of the operative part.
• the distance between the head and the lugs is of course adapted to the thickness of the assembly made up of the body 10 of the fixed connector 1 and of the panel P at this location.
• the wall of the sleeve 40 is extended to form the second keying member 41 which stands opposite its head 42.
• the wall of the sleeve 40 has at its top, on the opposite of its head 42, one or more tabs 43 each carrying a lug 430.
• three lugs 430 are shown, forming a first row.
• the lugs 430 are oriented outwardly and are intended to come to rest on the front face of the reverse connector 2, to secure the second part 4 to the body 20 of the connector 2.
• the distance between the head 42 and the lugs 430 is indeed of course adapted to the thickness of the body of the reverse connector at this location.
• the first part 3 of the device thus comprises means for securing the fixed connector 1 on its reception panel P, these securing means operating by interlocking, or in other words by clipping.
• the second part 4 of the device comprises for its part fixing means by interlocking, in other words by clipping, arranged to allow it to be fixed on the body 20 of the reverse connector 2.
• the first part 3 and the second part 4 of the device also each comprise additional fixing means making it possible to join together to achieve a stable mechanical connection and thus ensure the maintenance and locking of the electrical connection between the two connectors 1, 2.
• these fixing means are in the form of one or more tabs 44 arranged on the second part 4, each provided with a terminal lug 440 and rising at the top of a wall arranged at inside the sleeve and culminating above the first row of lugs 430 dedicated to fixing the second part 4 on its connector 2.
• a slot 34 or complementary groove is made through the wall forming the keying member 31, this slot 34 being intended to receive said lugs 440 of the second part in order to make a fitting of the second part on the first part.
• FIG. 8 illustrates the principle of interlocking between the two parts of the device to lock the connection.
• the legs 33, 43, 44 made on the first part 3 as well as on the second part 4 are of course designed to deform in bending elastically around their base, in order to pivot sufficiently during 'a fitting by fitting or during dismantling and to return to an initial state after bending.
• the operating principle is as follows:
• Step 1 The first part 3 of the device is associated with the fixed connector 1. It is inserted through the rear of the body 10 of the fixed connector 1, through the opening made through the body of the connector along its axis A1, oriented parallel to the main axis (X), its head 32 being lodged in abutment in the first complementary housing 12, by choosing a first orientation around the main axis (X), thanks to the forms of indexing 320 of its head and those of the corresponding accommodation.
• Step 2 The first part 3 is pushed into the first housing up to its head 32, the complementary indexing forms cooperating with one another to block the rotation around the axis.
• Step 3 Maintaining said orientation, the first part 3 of the device is engaged by its end opposite its head in a corresponding hole in the reception panel P, until it engages on the panel, holding the panel P between the body 10 of connector 1 and the lugs 330 of the first part of the device.
• Step 4 The second part 4 of the device is inserted through the rear of the body 20 of the reverse connector 2, its axis A2 being oriented parallel to the main axis (X), until its head 42 is inserted into the second housing 22
• the engagement is carried out by orienting the second part 4 around the main axis (X) in a manner adapted to correspond to the orientation given to the first part 3 of the device and fulfill the keying function.
• Step 5 while maintaining the chosen orientation, the second part 4 is pushed through the body of the connector until it engages between its lugs 430 and the body 20 of the connector.
• Step 6 In operation (FIG. 8), when the reverse connector 2 is approached to the fixed connector 1, with the correct orientation, the keying device authorizes coupling.
• the second part 4 of the device fits into the first part 3 by cooperation between the lugs 440 and the slot 34, thus making it possible to mechanically lock the coupling and therefore the electrical connection.
• several improved keying devices according to the invention can be used for the same electrical connection assembly.
• At least one distinct improved keying device can be associated with each electrical connection assembly, the keying devices each being configured differently, with different indexes to give different orientations to their coding device and thus avoid any connection error.
• first part and / or the second part of the device additional fasteners, completing their first row of tabs + lugs. It may for example be a bead or lugs made on the outer face of the wall of the sleeve.
• the disassembly of the device is also easy. It can be implemented by introducing a tube along the axis A1 in the first part 3, in order to retract the lugs 440 of the second part 4 and to dislodge them from the slot 34.
• the material used for the two parts is chosen according to the mechanical characteristics sought for the application. Any material with properties consistent with the environment of the connector (temperature, pressure) and the compatibility constraints of this material (resistance to fluids, galvanic torque) can be used to make each of the two parts of the device.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
• Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=72560668

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (5)

Family Cites Families (6)

• 2020
  • 2020-04-20 FR FR2003934A patent/FR3109474B1/fr active Active
• 2021
  • 2021-04-15 US US17/996,390 patent/US20230216247A1/en active Pending
  • 2021-04-15 WO PCT/EP2021/059837 patent/WO2021213897A1/fr unknown
  • 2021-04-15 EP EP21717485.3A patent/EP4154360A1/de active Pending
  • 2021-04-15 CA CA3175441A patent/CA3175441A1/fr active Pending

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