FR2734088A1 - CONNECTION DEVICE FOR PLUG CONNECTORS - Google Patents

Abstract

A connector device for plug connectors consists of an engaged half (2) housing the male plug (1) and a receiving half (4) housing the female plug (3), which are engaged in each other. 'other and whose reciprocal interlocking position is maintained by a security part (13). The security part (13) is elastically deformable in the axial direction so as to modify its length. More precisely, it comprises at one of its ends a closed and continuous fixing ring (14) and at its other end a closed and rigid safety ring (15), the fixing ring (14) and the ring safety device (15) being connected by a longitudinal segment (16) deformable in the axial direction. The security part (13) is supported by one of its ends, without the possibility of axial displacement, on the engaged half (2) and surrounds by its other end the receiving half (4) of the connection device.

Description

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  The present invention relates to a connection device for

  plug nectors, composed of a first half which receives one of the parts of an electrical connector, male plug or female plug, and, a second half which receives the other plug of the connector, o after assembly of the device of connection, its two halves are engaged one in the other, at least on one

  part of their length, and can be locked by protrusions and recesses

  radial elements provided in their reciprocal overlap zone in order to prevent

  expensive the disassembly of said halves of the connection device, and o the projections and recesses provided alternately on one side or the other are maintained in their position of mutual engagement by an adjustable safety piece

  axially against the pressure of a spring.

  In accordance with known methods of construction of connection devices for electrical plug connectors, composed of two halves, the receiving or covering half is provided with axial extensions in the form of tongues which are normally projecting radially outwards under a certain elastic pressure, although weak, when the device is not assembled. These elastic tabs have at their free end an inwardly oriented nose, which engages after assembly of the device in a radial peripheral groove provided in the half engaged or covered with the connection device in order to form an assembly by sputtering of the two connecting device halves avoiding separation by axial movement. Connection devices for construction plug connectors

  known all have the characteristic that after assembly of the two me-

  tied, the elastic tabs or equivalent elements of the receiving half are secured in their engagement position by a sliding sleeve surrounding the receiving half and undergoing the force of a spiral spring which is supported on a counter-stop disposed on said half receptor. These known types of construction of connection devices have the disadvantage of requiring a particular conformation of the halves of the connection device

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  and of the sliding sleeve, in particular because of their reciprocal radial overlap, in order to be able to guarantee the maintenance of the sliding sleeve on the

  corresponding half of the connection device. In addition, the use of a res-

  spiral spell cooperating with the sliding sleeve implies an increased number of individual parts to manufacture and assemble and makes the assembly of the device

  more difficult connection. Another disadvantage is that the man-

  sliding slide must not only maintain the elastic tabs of the

  receiving half in their position of engagement in the corresponding elements

  dants of the half engaged, but still allow the movement of engagement-

  This poses problems when the connection device is fre-

  only actuated because the tabs may be damaged. Another drawback stems from the fact that the use of a spiral spring cooperating with the sliding sleeve leads to an increase in the length and diameter of the connection device and excludes the possibility that said device has a

  cross section other than circular.

  Consequently, the subject of the present invention is a connection device for electrical plug connectors of the type described above, which consists of the smallest possible number of individual parts linked together without being able to be lost, which can be manufactured at the most cost. reduced

  possible, the halves of which lock automatically when nesting

  which can be disassembled by simple manipulation and which allows their use with existing connection device halves, for example existing halves engaged, provided with a thread or the like.

  assembly means. In addition, the invention aims to propose a device for

  connection which does not necessarily have a circular cross section

  like connection devices of known types.

  To solve these problems, the present invention proposes that the security part be elastically deformable in the axial direction so as to modify its length. It is more particularly intended that the security part is

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  consisting of an elastic piece which can be compressed axially over part of its length. This type of construction of the safety piece of connection devices for plug connectors leads to a simplification of manufacture and widens the field of application of connection devices of this type because the safety piece with the spring element intended to maintain the locking position is in one piece. In most cases, a reduction in the diameter of the connection device must also be obtained since there is no longer any independent spring element. A special advantage

  of the invention resides in the fact that the security part can be used also

  ment for cross-section connection devices of any shape

  conch, for example elliptical or polygonal, which is excluded for

  safety parts of the usual type undergoing the force of spiral springs.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, provision is made for the security part to comprise at one of its ends a closed and continuous fixing ring, and at its other end to a protruding, closed and rigid security ring, The fixing ring and the safety ring being connected by a longitudinal segment elastically deformable in the axial direction. In consideration of the fact that the invention can also be implemented for connection devices whose cross section is not circular, the expression "ring" used in the present text should be understood as including

shapes other than circular.

  According to a first mode of construction, the safety part according to the invention is supported by one of its ends, without the possibility of axial displacement, on the engaged half of the connection device and is provided at its other end with '' a rigid longitudinal segment surrounding the

  half receiving the connection device.

  The security part can be produced in practice in the most diverse ways.

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  According to a first embodiment of the invention, the longitu-

  dinal of the security part, which is elastically deformable, consists of a multitude of cross-shaped spirals, arranged at a distance from each other, connecting the fixing ring and the security ring. The crossmembers may have a cross section, in particular a thickness, which varies over

their length.

  According to a second embodiment of the invention, the longitu-

  dinal of the security part, which is elastically deformable, consists of a multitude of substantially axial crosspieces, connecting the fixing ring and the security ring, deformable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the

security room.

  According to a third embodiment of the invention, the longitu-

  dinal of the security part, which is elastically deformable, consists of a thin-walled longitudinal segment, disposed between the fixing ring and the security ring, deformable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the

security room.

  Regardless of the preferred embodiment described above, which is chosen for the deformable longitudinal segment of the safety piece, the latter is always in one piece and made of synthetic material.

adapted.

  Still according to the invention, the one-piece security part can be manufactured by a so-called two-component process from two materials.

different synthetics.

  It can also be provided that the one-piece security part, made of a synthetic material adapted to give it the desired deformability qualities, comprises for example a fixing ring and / or a

  safety ring provided with an inner armor made of rigid material.

  So that the safety piece is arranged captively on one of the halves of the connection device, it is advantageously provided that

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  the inner periphery of the fixing ring of the safety piece is for

  view of a profiling, at least on a part of its periphery, which cooperates with a peripheral profiling complementary to the engaged half of the device

  connection. In more detail, it can be expected that the inner periphery of the an-

  fixing part of the security part is provided with a continuous groove which cooperates with a continuous radial projection of the engaged half of the connection device.

  Regarding the locking means of the two halves of the device

  positive connection, it is provided according to a first embodiment, intended for new connection devices, that said locking means consist, on the one hand, of a continuous peripheral groove provided in the engaged half of the connection device , and, on the other hand, a continuous peripheral bead provided on the receiving half, having a cross section of shape complementary to that of the groove of the half engaged, the receiving half of the connection device being made of an elastically deformable material at

less within certain limits.

  According to a second embodiment of the locking means of the two halves of the connection device, also intended for new connection devices, provision may be made for said locking means to consist, on the one hand, of a continuous peripheral groove provided in the engaged half of the device and, on the other hand, bulging-shaped protrusions, formed on elastic axial tongues of the receiving half, having a cross section of shape complementary to that of the groove of the half engaged. According to another advantageous characteristic proposed by the invention, it can be provided, in order to ensure that the interlocking of the two halves or of the plugs (male plug or female plug) that they house necessarily takes place in the correct position , that the two halves of the connection device are provided, at least over part of their reciprocal overlap area,

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  alternatively of an axial cross member, projecting radially and of a complementary recess, said cross member and said recess being aligned on a coding

  existing plugs housed in the two halves of the connection device.

  In order to be able to assemble a half of a connection device equipped with a safety piece according to the invention with a half of existing connection device of the usual type, for example a fixing flange or

  of a similar part, it is provided according to a particularly important characteristic.

  bearing the invention that the security piece is associated with the receiving half

  connection device on which it is supported by one of its ends

  mites by being axially indeplaceable and captive. The locking means

  The two halves of the connection device then consist, on the one hand, of projections formed on elastic axial tongues of the receiving half of the connection device and having a cross section in the shape of a nose or hook, and, on the other hand, from an existing peripheral profiling, such as continuous peripheral crosspieces or a thread, so that the

  projections in the form of a nose or hook engage behind the peripheral profiling

  existing risk of the engaged half of the connection device. Thanks to this conformation of the receiving half provided with a security part conforming to

  the invention, it becomes possible to equip almost all of the communication devices

  existing nexion by transforming them into so-called fast connection devices, this

  which only requires a limited cost because only one of the halves of the device

nexion must be exchanged.

  In order to be able to fix one of the halves of the connection device on a machine housing or on a similar element, the invention proposes that the receiving half of the connection device be as a whole made of an elastically deformable material at least in certain limits, in particular in synthetic material, and comprises at its end opposite to that into which the other half of the connection device engages, a support ring and, at a

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  certain distance from it, a carabiner that allows the attachment of the

  half receiver on a housing part.

  The invention will be described in more detail using the exemplary embodiments

  shown in the drawings attached without limitation.

  Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a connection device for

  plug connectors according to a first embodiment of the invention.

  Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a safety piece for a connection device for connectors to

plugs according to figure 1.

  Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the half engaged of a connection device for connectors to

plugs according to figure 1.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the receiving half of a connection device for connectors

with plugs according to figure 1.

  Figure 5 is a longitudinal section of a connection device for

  plug connectors according to a second embodiment of the invention.

  Figure 6 is a schematic section of a second embodiment of a safety piece for a connection device for connectors to

plugs according to figure 1.

  Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view of a third embodiment of a safety piece for a connection device for connectors to

plugs according to figure 1.

  In accordance with the embodiments of a connection device for electrical plug connectors shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a first

  connector part, for example the male plug (1), is housed in a pre-

  first half (2) engaged of the connection device and connected to an electric cable

  trique (not shown in detail in Figure 1), and, the second part of con-

  nector, for example the female plug (3), is housed without the possibility of moving

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  neither axial nor rotational, in the second half (4) receiving the connection device. The area of the half engaged (2) of the connection device housing the male plug (1) has essentially the shape of a cylindrical socket and its free end is provided with a housing intended for a sealing ring ( 5) in O. According to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the longitudinal zone of the receiving half (4) of the connection device housing the female plug (3), also essentially has the form d '' a socket whose sealing relative to a housing (6) is ensured by a sealing ring

  (7) in O. The receiving half (4) of the connection device is fixed in the recess.

  the corresponding housing (6) thanks to a fixing composed of a ring

support (8) and a carabiner (9).

  The locking means provided alternately on the two halves (2), (4) of the connection device, consist, with regard to the engaged half (2), of a groove (10) continuous over the entire periphery, of rounded cross section, provided in the external face of the longitudinal segment of the half (2) having the shape of a cylindrical sleeve, arranged according to the embodiment shown in a continuous thickening (11) over the entire

  periphery. With regard to the receiving half (4) of the connection device

  connection, the locking means consist of a bead (12), arranged in the region of the free end of the half (4), continuous over the entire periphery, projecting radially inwards, of cross section complementary to that of the groove (10). According to this embodiment, the receiving half (4) of the connection device is made of synthetic material, and the region of its end

  free is elastically deformable, within certain limits, so that the bour-

  relet (12) projecting radially inwards can engage in the groove (10) of the half (2) of the connection device when the two fit together

halves (2), (4) of the device.

  The consolidation of the mutual engagement of the radial locking means (10), (12) is ensured by a safety piece (13) which, according to the example

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  shown in Figures 1 and 2, consists of a rigid fixing ring (14) and a safety ring (15) also rigid, as well as an elastically deformable longitudinal segment (16), consisting of many

  crosspieces (17) in the form of spirals, arranged at a distance from each other.

  According to the embodiment shown, the crosspieces (17) have a cross section varying over their length, in particular a variable thickness, so that their thickness is less in their areas of connection with the fixing ring (14) and the safety ring (15) only in their middle zone. When the safety piece (13) is in the normal position, that is to say in the locked position, the safety ring (15) surrounds the free end of the receiving half (4) of the connection device and thus consolidates the position

  reciprocal engagement of the bead (12) and the groove (10).

  The locking means of the two halves (2), (4) of the connection device

  connection according to the embodiment presented in FIG. 4, consist, on the one hand, of a groove (11) formed in the engaged half (2) of the connection device, continuous over the entire periphery, and, on the other hand, protrusions (18) in the form of bulges, provided on axial tongues (27) of the receiving half (4) of the connection device and having a cross section of

  shape complementary to that of the groove (11) in the half (2).

  The security part (13) conforms to the two embodiments pre-

  felt in Figures I to 3 and in Figure 4, is fixed in a non-removable manner, without

  possibility of axial displacement, on the engaged half (2) of the connection device

  nexion; for this purpose, the inner periphery of its fixing ring (14) is provided at least partially with a profiling and a groove (19) continuous around its entire periphery, cooperating with a continuous radial projection (20), provided on the

  outer periphery of the engaged half (2) of the connection device.

  The connection device for plug connectors according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is intended for use with existing devices so that a receiving device half (4a)

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  connection provided with a security part (13) according to the invention can

  be assembled with an existing engaged half (2a) of the

  usual type of connection, for example of a connection device closable by a fixing flange. For this purpose, provision is made for the safety part (13) to be associated with the receiving half (4a) of the connection device, on which it is supported by one of its ends without the possibility of axial displacement and so captive. Provision is also made for the locking means of two halves (2a), (4a) of the connection device to consist, on the one hand, of projections (21) formed on elastic axial tabs (27a) of the receiving half (4 ), having a cross section in the shape of a nose or hook, and, on the other hand, of an existing peripheral profiling, such as continuous crosspieces (22) or a thread (23), of the half engaged (2a) of the connection device, so that the projections (21) in the shape of a nose or hooks can engage behind the peripheral profiling (22), (23) existing of the engaged half (2a) of the

connection device.

  In Figures 6 and 7 are shown alternative embodiments of the safety piece (13). The safety piece (13) according to FIG. 6 comprises a elastically deformable longitudinal segment (16), consisting of a thin wall segment (25), deformable perpendicular to its longitudinal axis,

  disposed between the fixing ring (14) and the safety ring (15).

  According to the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7, provision is made for the longitudinal segment (16a) of the safety piece (13), which is elastically deformable, to consist of a multitude of crosspieces (24) arranged between the fixing ring (14) and the safety ring (15), having a substantially axial orientation, and which are elastically deformable perpendicularly

  to the longitudinal axis of the safety piece (13).

  In accordance with the embodiments shown in the figures, it is provided that the halves (2), (4) of the connection device are provided, at least over part of their reciprocal overlap area, alternately with a cross member (28 ) axial, projecting radially, and from a complementary recess, said cross member and said recess being aligned on an existing coding of the plugs

  housed in the two halves of the connection device.

  Regardless of the embodiment chosen for the longi-

  tudinal (16) of the security part (13), which is elastically deformable, said

  safety piece is in one piece and in a suitable synthetic material.

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Claims (11)

  1. Connection device for plug connectors, composed of a first half which receives one of the parts of an electrical connector, male plug or female plug, and, of a second half which receives the other plug of the connector , o after assembly of the connection device, its two halves are engaged one in the other, at least over part of their length, and can be locked by projections and radial recesses provided in their reciprocal overlap area so to prevent disassembly by an axial movement of said halves of the connection device, and o the projections and recesses provided alternately on one side or the other are maintained in their position of mutual engagement by a safety piece axially adjustable to against the pressure of a spring, characterized in that the safety piece (13) is elastically deformable in the axial direction so as to modify its length.   2. Connection device for plug connectors according to claim 1   characterized in that the security part (13) consists of an elastic part   can be compressed axially over part of its length.   3. Connection device for plug connectors according to claims 1   and 2 characterized in that the safety piece (13) comprises at one of its ends a closed and continuous fixing ring (14), and at its other end a protruding, closed and rigid safety ring (15), the fixing ring (14) and   The safety ring (15) being connected by a longitudinal segment (16) deformed   movable elastically in the axial direction.   4. Connection device for plug connectors according to claims 1 to   3 characterized in that the security part (13) is supported by one of its 13 2734088   ends, without possibility of axial displacement, on the engaged half (2) of the   connection device and is provided at its other end with a long segment   rigid tudinal surrounding the receiving half (4) of the connection device.   5. Connection device for plug connectors according to claims 1 to   4 characterized in that the longitudinal segment (16) of the safety piece (13), which is elastically deformable, consists of a multitude of crosspieces (17) in the form of spirals, arranged at a distance from one of the other, connecting the ring   fixing (14) and the safety ring (15).   v Connection device for plug connectors according to claims 1 to   4 characterized in that the longitudinal segment (16) of the security piece (13), which is elastically deformable, consists of a multitude of substantially axial crosspieces (27), connecting the fixing ring (14) and the 'safety ring (15), deformable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the part security (13).   7. Connection device for plug connectors according to claims 1 to   4 characterized in that the longitudinal segment (16) of the safety piece (13), which is elastically deformable, consists of a thin-walled longitudinal segment (25), disposed between the fixing ring (14) and the safety ring (15),   deformable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the safety piece (13).   8. Connection device for plug connectors according to one of the claims   cations 1 to 7 characterized in that the safety piece (13) which is in one   piece, is made of suitable synthetic material.   Connection device for plug connectors according to one of the claims   cations 1 to 7 characterized in that the safety piece (13) which is in one 14 2734088   part, is made by a two-component process from two   different synthetic materials.   , Connection device for plug connectors according to one of the claims   cations 1 to 9 characterized in that the safety piece (13) which is in one piece, is made of suitable synthetic material and that the fixing ring and / or the safety ring (15) are provided with an inner armor made of rigid material.   il Connection device for plug connectors according to one of the claims   cations 1 to 10 characterized in that the inner periphery of the fixing ring (14) of the safety piece (13) is provided with profiling at least on   part of its circumference, which cooperates with a complete peripheral profiling   of the engaged half of the connection device.   12. Connection device for plug connectors according to one of the claims   cations 1 to 11 characterized in that the inner periphery of the fixing ring (14) of the safety piece (13) is provided with a continuous groove (19) which cooperates with a continuous radial projection (20) of the half engaged (2) of connection device.   13. Connection device for plug connectors according to one of the claims.   tions 1 to 12 characterized in that the locking means of the two halves (2), (4) of the connection device consist, on the one hand, of a continuous peripheral groove (10) provided in the engaged half (2 ) of the connection device, and, on the other hand, of a continuous peripheral bead (12) provided on the receiving half (4), having a cross section of shape complementary to   that of the groove (10) of the half engaged (2), the receiving half (4) of the device 2734088   positive connection being at least one elastically deformable material within certain limits.   14, Connection device for plug connectors according to one of the claims.   tions 1 to 12 characterized in that the locking means of the two halves (2), (4) of the connection device consist, on the one hand, of a continuous peripheral groove (11) provided in the engaged half (2 ) of the connection device, and, on the other hand, bulging projections (18), formed on elastic axial tongues (27) of the receiving half (4), having a cross section of shape complementary to that of the groove (11) of the half engaged (2).   , Connection device for plug connectors according to one of the claims   tions 1 to 14 characterized in that the safety piece (13) which is formed over part of its length of an elastically deformable segment, is supported by   one of its ends, being axially non-displaceable, on the receiving half   trice (4) of the connection device, provided with radial projections.   16. Connection device for plug connectors according to one of the claims   tions 1 to 12 characterized in that the locking means of the two halves (2a), (4a) of the connection device consist, on the one hand, of projections (21) formed on elastic axial tongues (27a) of the receiving half and having a cross section in the shape of a nose or hook, and, on the other hand,   an existing peripheral profiling, such as contiguous peripheral crosspieces   bare (22) or a thread (23), so that the nose or hook-shaped projections (21) engage behind the existing peripheral profiling of half   engaged (2a) of the connection device. 16 2734088   17, Connection device for plug connectors according to one of the claims.   tions 1 to 15 characterized in that the two halves (2), (4) of the connection device   nexion are provided, at least over part of their overlapping area   converse, alternatively of an axial cross member, projecting radially and a complementary recess, and that said cross member and said recess are aligned with an existing coding of the plugs housed in the two halves of the connection device.   18. Connection device for plug connectors according to one of the claims.   tions 1 to 15 characterized in that the receiving half of the connection device is as a whole made of an elastically deformable material at least within certain limits, in particular of synthetic material, and comprises at its end opposite to that in which engages the 'other half of the connection device, a support ring (8) and, at a certain distance from it, a carabiner (9), which allow the fixing of the receiving half on a part housing (6).