FR2728731A1 - Electrical connector for signal transmission in aeronautical or space applications - Google Patents

Abstract

The electrical connector includes a plug (1) having a screw ring (3) rotating about an axis ( DELTA l) and having a first thread section (311) permitting connection or disconnection of the connector element (1) on a base connector (2). The second connector has a second thread section (202) which is complementary to the first thread section. The first thread section includes an outer ring (30) and nut (31) which are threaded. The nut includes the outer forward shoulder thread section (311) which screws into position on a fixed shoulder (32) on the main connector body. There is a spring (33) between the outer ring and the inner nut section. Thus tightening of the outer ring section is always achieved to the same pressure.

Description

The invention relates to a connection element of the type comprising a screw ring
The invention also relates to a connector comprising such an element.

 A connector usually comprises a first element, called a base, and a second element. called plug, elements intended to be coupled. The connectors can be used in many fields in electricity (energy transport), electronics (signal transmission), optics or optoelectronics. but also in fluidics. To fix ideas. without this being limiting to the scope of the invention. we will consider. hereinafter the applications related to electronics.

 In addition, the devices for coupling or connection of the two constituent elements of a connector The base and the plug, are of various types ratchets, screws, screw ring, etc..

 The invention more particularly relates to a connection element of the screw ring type. Also to fix the ideas. In what follows, it will be considered that the connecting element comprising the screw ring is the plug.

 An example of Connector of the Known Art comprising such an element is illustrated in Figure I appended to this French patent application.

It comprises a plug 1 provided in particular with a screw ring 11, for connection and disconnection on and off the base 2, as will be described below. This ring 11 has a substantially cylindrical shape, longitudinal axis of symmetry. The sheet I also comprises a central body 10 provided. in a back area. a thread 103 for screwing a cover (not shown). The central body 10 comprises a front zone 100 surrounding a cylindrical support 102 in which are plugged electrical contact elements 104, of female type in the example described. These contact elements 104 are usually distributed on rings concentric to the axis . The front area 100 usually has. at the periphery of the keying and indexing members 101. appearing (in the example described) in the form of raised grooves extending in a direction parallel to the axis A1. The screwing ring It is mobile in rotation around this same axis A and comprises. peripherally 110, gripping members 111 for example recessed grooves for a good grip.The screwing ring It is extended by a ring 112 of smaller diameter for the protection of the support 102 of the electrical contacts 104 and the zone having 100 having the foolproofing members 101
The inner surface of this ring 112. and generally a portion of the inner surface of the body of the ring 10 itself. is provided with a thread 113.

 Finally, a pawl system (not shown in FIG. 1) is usually provided to ensure a preponderance of the direction of rotation of the ring 10.

 The base for its part comprises a central body 20 provided with fixing member 200, for example on a panel (not shown). On the front, the central body 20 is extended by a hollow cylindrical zone 201 having a thread 202, complementary thread 113 W inside this area. there are detrumping and indexing members 206 of profiles complementary to the profiles of the members 101 The distribution on the circumference of the front zone 201 is naturally dual to that of the members 101 On the rear, the central body 20 is also extended by a threaded hollow cylindrical zone 203. This is intended to receive a hood (not shown). Within the hollow cylindrical zones 201 and 203, there is a support 204 of electrical contact elements 205 complementary to the contact elements 101 and distributed in a configuration matched to the configuration of the contacts 104.

 The card 1. on the one hand, and the base '. are intended to establish a galvanic contact between two stranded cables (not shown). The electrical contact elements 104 and 205 are connected to the strands of the aforementioned cables in the so-called rear regions of the plug 1 and the base 2, 103 and 204 respectively.

 The arrangements just described allow a correct insertion of the plug 1 on the base 2.

 However screwing systems according to the known art do not solve all the problems.

 Indeed, once the plug 1 has been inserted into its base 2, in appropriate spatial relation thanks to the coding and indexing members, 101 and '06. the actual connection operation is started, by screwing the ring 1 1 onto the thread 202 of the base 2. This operation is continued until complete tightening. However. for various reasons imperfections due to a given precision of manufacture, presence of dust etc. it is not possible to guarantee that the screwing is fully completed. In continuity test between the electrical links to establish will most often show that this continuity is satisfactory.

However, if the cable is subject to vibration or shock, it is not excluded that
Spontaneous screwing of the ring and disconnection of the plug 1 and the socket
In the majority of cases, this situation is not acceptable. For some applications, it can be dangerous. even lead to an accident. This is the case in particular. when the connector is an integral part of safety circuits or the detection of failures or failures.

 In addition. for some applications it is necessary to ensure high reliability This is the case. for example, for aeronautical or space applications. In particular. in this last case. It is impossible to retighten the failed ring and reconnect the circuits.

 Finally, tightening tests at the time of assembly do not completely eliminate the risk of poor screwing. except to exert a torque greater than the maximum allowed torque for a given data connector. This operation would lead. in the majority of cases. to the destruction of the connector. which is obviously not desirable.

 The object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the connection elements of the known element, of the type comprising a face ring, some of which are recalled.

 More specifically, it allows both the reliable connection, by screwing, a connection element of a first type, for example a plug, on a connection element of a second type, for example a base , and nondestructive tightening tests.

 To do this, while retaining the general structure and the essential organs of the connection elements of the prior art, the invention proposes a clamping ring comprising a disengaging member when the maximum tightening of the ring is reached and prohibiting a disengagement spontaneous.

 The invention therefore relates to a connecting element of a first type, comprising a screw ring, rotatable about an axis and provided with a first thread allowing the connection or disconnection of this element on and off. a connecting element of a second type when a tightening or loosening torque is exerted on the ring, the connecting element of the second type being provided with a second threading, complementary to the first. characterized in that said ring comprises at least first and second means movable in rotation about said axis and capable of relative translation movements along the same axis, these first and second means being provided with first and second coupling members with complementary profiles .

The invention will be better understood and other characteristics and advantages will appear on reading the description which follows with reference to the appended figures, and among which
- Figure 1 Illustrates. in perspective, an example of a connector, type a screw ring, according to the known art
- Figure 2 illustrates. in longitudinal section. an example of a connector.

according to a preferred embodiment of the invention
- Figure 3 Illustrates. in partial perspective. a detail of the screw ring according to the invention
- Figs 4a to Ad Illustrate schematically the different phases of connection and disconnection of a plug, on and off. a base.

 Although the invention can not be confined to a particular connection element structure, apart from the fact that it is a connection element of the screw ring type, to fix the ideas. the plug and the base described below are in accordance with the general structure of the fife. Consequently. the elements common to those of this figure 1. or at least similar. carry the same references and will only be rewritten as needed.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a connector according to the invention, comprising a plug 1 and a base 2 containing most of the components that have just been described. To avoid overloading the figure, only the essential components of the connector have been referenced. especially those necessary for a good understanding of the invention
In the example described. the clamping ring being carried by the plug 1,
The base 3 can be provided with a structure strictly identical to that of the base of Figure 1 so there is no need to redecrrite. except that this figure shows one of the electrical contact elements 205, in more detail.Il acts, in this case a male-type element or pin, more precisely the central element. aligns on the A1 axis.

 Likewise the cheat 1. with the exception of the screwing bushing now referenced 3, may be provided with a structure identical to the plug 1 of FIG.

This figure also shows one of the electrical contact elements 104, in more detail. It acts in this case of a female-type element or socket, more precisely of the central element. Aligns on the axis A1 It has also been represented, under the general reference 105. the ratchet means providing a preponderance in the direction of rotation of the ring. These means include one or more springs This provision is common to the Known Art, and it is mutile to describe it further.

 The screwing ring 3, in accordance with the teaching of the invention, essentially comprises four parts: the ring itself, which will be referred to hereinafter as the disengageable locking ring, a connection nut 31, a spring 33 and a stop 32, in the form of a locking ring "circlip" or similar member.

 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the deformable locking ring 30 of substantially cylindrical shape substantially surrounds its length (right rear part in FIG. 9) the nut 31, also of substantially cylindrical shape. and which is coaxial. The nut 31 has a zone (front) threading 311. on its inner face. which plays a similar role to the thread 113 of the ring 11 (Figure 1). according to Known Art. It is complementary to the threading 202.On the front of this assembly [ring 30 - nut 3 1], there is disposed a stop ring 32, precisely surrounding the front of the nut 31 Finally, between this stop 32 and the Before the locking ring 30, a spring 33 is arranged, advantageously a leaf-type spring. This pushes the locking ring 30 towards the back of the plug, along the axis À1.

 According to another important feature of the invention, the ring 30 and the nut 3 1 are provided in areas facing reliefs or teeth with complementary profiles.

 Naturally, the ring 30 can be advantageously provided with gripping members (not shown) similar to the gripping members 111 (Figure 1).

 Figure 3 illustrates. in partial and enlarged perspective. the zones opposite the locking ring 30 and the nut 30 have been provided with the ring 30, in the periphery. of a tooth 300 having a ramp with a gentle slope 3000 on one side and a steep profile 3001 on the other side. The nut is provided with a tooth 310, peripherally. having a central groove of complementary profile to the tooth 300, that is to say having a ramp 3100 gently sloping on one side, and a steep profile 3110 on the other side. The end of the tooth 310. adjacent to the ramp 3100.

is also constituted by a ramp 3101 gently sloping. Finally the other end has a steep profile 3111
X the gear state or condition that can be described as normal. the two teeth, 300 and 310, are engaged in one another. In the deboned state, both teeth are disengaged.

 FIGS. 4a to 4d will now show in greater detail the main phases of connection and disconnection of plug 1 in its base 2.

 In figure Aa. the initial state of the different constituent members of the ring 3 has been represented, that is to say when it is begun to screw it on the thread 202 (FIG. 2) of the base 2. The spring 33, blocked on one side by the stop 32, exerts on the locking ring 30 a repulsion force F. in a direction parallel to the axis A1. The amplitude of the latter increases at the end of screwing.

 During this first phase. the two teeth 300 and 310 are engaged one inside the other. The ring 30 therefore drives the nut 3 1 in rotation about the axis A1. which allows to continue the screwing operation.

 The torque C1 which is exerted on the disengageable locking ring 30 is a function, in particular, of the force F., but also of the angle α that forms the ramps, 3000 and 3100 with a plane orthogonal to the axis A1. Other parameters also interpenetrate the threads. insertion force of the contact elements, etc.

 When the plug body 100 comes into contact 106 on the base body 20, the clamping reaches its maximum and the two teeth, 300 and 310, begin to slide on one another and the two parts. the ring 30 and the nut 3 t, deviate from each other, as shown more particularly in Figure 4b. The repulsion force is then equal to F with F2> F. The torque C2 exerted on the ring 30 no longer depends on the angle cc.

 Then, if we continue to turn the ring 30, in the direction of screwing, the tooth 300 passes over the tooth 3 10, as shown more particularly in Figure 4c. The force F3, exerted on the ring 30, is then zero. at least if the spring 33 can resume a rest position (spring relaxed). Just provide sufficient space between the stop 32 and the ring 30. when the latter is in the position shown in Figure 4c. It is the same of the C3 couple exercising in this state.

In summary, at the end of connection (Figure Ab) C2 couple exerted on the ring 30, releases and makes "crazy" (Figure 4c), this on less than a full turn. The ring 30, after the complete screwing is now in the state that can be described as "floating" (ring "crazy")
When it is desired to operate the disconnection of the plug 1 of the base 2, it will drive the ring 30 in rotation in the opposite direction of the unscrewing direction.

Following the initiice unscrewing action, the two parts, ring 30 and nut 31 will move closer to each other. The tooth 310 is provided with a ramp 3101 gently sloping on the end facing the tooth 300. This ramp forms an angle ss with a plane orthogonal to the axis A1. The tooth 300 driven by the rotation of the ring 30 will therefore approach the ramp 3101 above and can slide on it. As illustrated more particularly by the figure Ad. To facilitate this sliding, the end of the abrupt profile 3001 of the tooth 300 is endowed with a rounding or. preferentially. a terminal ramp 3002 of the same inclination as the ramp 3101
The torque C4 now exerted on the ring 30 is a function, in particular. Firstly . the repulsive force exerted by the spring and on the other hand. from the angle p. The force exerted by the spring is variable.It depends on its compression and varies from the minimum value F = 0 (Figure c) to the maximum value F2 (Figure Ab). At the end of slip. the torque C4 is again maximum, since the force exerted by the spring 33 is also maximum and equal to F
It is necessary that the torque C4 is less than the resistive torque of the connector at the disconnection, a resistive torque that depends on different friction parameters of the threads. force of withdrawal of the elements of contacts, etc.

When this phase is over. the teeth 300 and 310 are engaged again in one another. The profiles facing, 3001 and 3110, being complementary and especially steep. the ring 30 rotates the nut 31, without the possibility that the tooth 300 passes over the tooth 310 by sliding on one another
The provisions that were recalled also prohibit spontaneous deboning. because it is necessary to exert a minimal loosening torque before the teeth. 300 and 3 10, take their place (snap into each other) and rotate the ring 30 to initiate the unscrewing operation and, therefore, disconnection.

 It is readily apparent from reading the foregoing description that the invention perfectly fulfills the goals it has set for itself.

 It allows safe and reliable locking of one of the connection elements of a connector. for example the plug 1. on the other connection element, for example the base 2 When 'connection operation is completed, the locking ring 30 disengages and this action is perfectly noticeable from the operator performing the screwing. The locking ring 30 then becomes "tolle". As a result, any vibrations or shocks will not result in spontaneous deboning, since it is necessary to exert a minimum counter-torque to re-engage the aforementioned ring.

 Finally, it allows non-destructive tightening tests, since once the maximum torque is reached. the locking ring 30 disengages.

 It should be clear that the invention is not limited to the only examples of precisely described embodiments. especially in relation to FIGS. 7 to Ad.

 As it was indicated. the invention has been described in a particular example of a connector structure. It can be implemented for any connector whose connection and locking members use a screw ring, ring associated with a connection element of a first type. It is also arbitrarily that the screw ring has been associated with the connection element denominated generally plug It would have just as well be associated with the element denomme base.

 The materials usable in the context of the invention depend essentially on the application envisaged. They do not differ from the materials used in the field of connectivity. Their selection is a technological choice within the reach of Setier's Man.

 The spring function 33 can be provided by all types of suitable springs, in particular by leaf springs. elastic washers, etc. The stiffness of the spring is determined as a function of the maximum torque to be obtained taking into account the other parameters to be taken into account, which have been recalled at angles c and ss ramps, insertion forces of the contact elements. etc. These parameters are specific to each type of connector. It can be calculated. be determined by experience.

 The invention applies to connectors. type screw ring, but all kinds of electrical connectors. fluidic or for optoelectronic components.

 Finally. although particularly suitable for aeronautical or space applications. which requires great reliability, we can not confine the invention to this type of applications.

Claims (3)

RENENDIC.NTION S  1 connection element of a first type (1), comprising a screw ring (3). movable in rotation about an axis (A1) and provided with a first thread (311) allowing the connection or disconnection of this element (1) on and off a connection element of a second tnpe (2) when a tightening or loosening torque is exerted on the ring (3), the connecting element of the second type (') being provided with a second thread (' 0 '). complementary to the first, characterized in that said ring (3) comprises at least first (30) and second means (31), rotatable about said axis (A1) and capable of relative translation movements along the same axis (A1 ), these first (30) and second (31) means being provided with first (300) and second (310) coupling members with complementary profiles.  2. Connection element according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises elastic means (33) exerting a thrust on said first means (30) in a direction parallel to said axis (A1) so as to maintain these first means ( 30) pressed against the second means (31), the coupling members (300, 3 10) being engaged one into the other in a first "glowing" state for which the first means (30) rotate the second means (3 1), so as to maintain said first engaged state until said tightening torque exceeds a first threshold.  3. Connection elements according to claim 2, characterized in that, for a tightening torque greater than said first determined threshold, the coupling members (300,310) are engaged in a second state. says "disengaged"  4. Connection element according to claim 3 characterized in that said elastic means (33) allow. from said second "disengaged" state, to return to said first "engaged" state when a loosening torque exceeds a second determined threshold, so as to initiate the unscrewing of said ring (3).  5. Connection element according to claim 1, characterized in that said first means are constituted by a locking ring (30) having substantially the shape of a hollow cylinder, of axis of symmetry coinciding with said axis (A1 ), in that said second movens are constituted by a connection nut (31) having substantially the shape of a hollow cylinder, coaxial with said locking ring (30) and endows said first thread (311) on its inner wall , said locking ring (30) and said nut (3 1) having screwed zones provided with said coupling members (300, 310) with complementary profiles. said elastic means exerting pressure on the locking ring (30)  Connection element according to claim 5, characterized in that said coupling members with complementary profiles are teeth (300, 310) arranged in said zones facing each other, in that the first tooth (300) carried by said locking ring (30) comprises a ramp (3000) gently sloping on a first side. and a steep profile (3001). on a second side, in that the second tooth (310) has a central groove of complementary profile to said first tooth (300), also equipped with a ramp (3100) and a steep profile (3110), in such a way that the teeth (300, 310) are interlocked into one another in said first engaged state and slide on one another until disengagement. to reach said second disengaged state, when said tightening torque a exceeds said first determined threshold.  Connection element according to claim 4, characterized in that said second tooth (310) is provided with a steep profile first end (3111) and a second gently sloping ramp end (3101), in that said steep profile (3001) of the first tooth (300) is extended by a ramp (3002) of the same slope as the ramp (3001) of said second end so as to allow the passage of said second disengaged state to said first state engaged by reengagement of said first (300) and second (310) teeth in one another and the rotational drive of said connection nut in 1) for operating the unscrewing of said ring (3).  Connection element according to one of the preceding claims. characterized in that the resilient means is a leaf spring (33).  9 connection element according to claim, characterized in that it further comprises a stop ring (32) disposed between one end of said connection nut (3 1) and said leaf spring (33).