FR3013912A1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR SECURITY RETENTION SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical connector (200), including a primer connector, mating with a mating connector (100), comprising: a main housing (201); a lock spring (221) expanded in a delivery state; a connector position assurance element (235) movable to cause a spring tension (221), the spring tension (221) opposing the coupling as long as the connector (200) and the conjugate connector (100) are not correctly coupled; and at least one locking member (217, 218) provided in a delivery position and deflectable upon coupling, the delivery position for locking the connector (200) to the conjugate connector (100) when the latter are correctly coupled. The position assurance element of the connector (235) is further configured to prevent deflection of the at least one locking element (217, 218) into the delivery state.

Description

The invention relates to an electrical connector for a plug-in connection, in particular a primer connector for a safety restraint system of a motor vehicle, for automatically preventing a bad connection with a motor vehicle. a conjugate connector. It is known that the safety restraint systems present in particular in seat belts or in motor vehicle airbags comprise pyrotechnic devices that can trigger the tightening of a belt or the swelling of an airbag as a function of shock information. or vibrations received by sensors of the vehicle. It is also known that electrical cables connecting a control unit of a sensor to a corresponding pyrotechnic device, or primer, result in an electrical connector, which is generally connected to a conjugate connector plug, or primer holder. It is further known from the state of the art that the primer connectors may incorporate secondary locking systems or connector position assurance devices, or CPA (Connector Position Assurance) devices, to control and maintain a good coupling with the primer support in an environment that can be regularly subjected to shocks or vibrations, as is typically the case in a motor vehicle. Primer connectors whose secondary lock can use a spring for passing the secondary lock member from a predetermined position to another predetermined position are also known. WO 2012/055719 A1 discloses in particular a primer connector comprising a secondary locking system assisted by a U-shaped spring-rod, wherein the transverse portion of the "U" is fixed in the connector and the two The legs of the "U" have their respective ends in contact with a secondary locking element. In this system, the spring tabs, i.e., its end portions, can move in a direction of insertion of the connector, and the locking member includes deflection surfaces for deflecting the ends of the connectors. tabs of the spring in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the connector, that is in a direction away from the tabs of the spring from one another.

However, at each connection / disconnection of the connector, the tendency to move the tabs of the spring away from one another during the passage between the two predetermined positions of the secondary locking element may result in deformation and thus a weakening of the spring.

It is furthermore known that car manufacturers are increasingly inclined to standardize their connector elements and thus to provide very precise specifications requiring electrical connector suppliers to provide solutions adapted to the standardized elements. Thus, in the case of safety restraint systems, because of the standardization of carrier or counter-initiator connectors by the car manufacturers, there is a need to provide suitable primer connectors. An example of a car industry standard starter socket 100 is shown in Figure 1 in an exploded view. An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved solution with respect to the state of the art, making it possible to automatically ensure: on the one hand, that a starter connector for a restraint system can not be poorly connected to a primer socket outlet, the standard of which is imposed by the automotive industry; and, secondly, that a secondary lock is performed as soon as the connector is properly coupled to the primer socket outlet. The object of the present invention is achieved by an electrical connector, in particular a starter connector for a motor vehicle safety restraint system, connectable with a conjugate electrical connector, said electrical connector comprising: a housing main ; a locking spring, arranged in the main housing and expanded in a delivery state of the connector; a connector position assurance element movable to cause spring tension and, upon mating the connector with the mating connector, to move the connector from the delivery state to a loaded state, wherein the tension of the spring opposes the coupling as long as the connector and the conjugate connector are not correctly coupled; and at least one locking member provided on the main housing in a delivery position and deflectable upon coupling, the delivery position for locking the connector to the conjugate connector when they are correctly coupled. The position assurance element of the connector is further configured to prevent deflection of the at least one locking element into the delivery state.

The invention advantageously combines the spring lock principle with a connector position assurance element. Thus, according to the invention, a device CPA can be used on the one hand to drive a tension of the spring during a contact or approach phase of a coupling with a counter-connector, and on the other hand to ensure maintaining the locking of the connector when it is correctly coupled to the counter-connector. In an advantageous embodiment, the invention may allow the automatic ejection of a primer connector if it is improperly inserted or is not fully inserted into the socket of the standard conjugate primer support. When the connector is correctly inserted in the socket of launching support, the connector returns to its state of delivery in which said at least one element ensuring the main lock with the catch of primer, which can be for example a locking lance , can no longer be deflected because it is blocked by the delivery position of the connector position assurance element. Thus, when the counter-connector or conjugate connector is a leader, for example for a safety restraint system of a motor vehicle, a preferred embodiment of the invention can provide a suitable primer connector . A delivery state of the connector may be a state in which the spring, the CPA device and the at least one locking element are in their delivery position. In other words, in the state of delivery: the spring can be essentially relaxed or is in any case with a minimum tension with respect to a loaded state in which the spring is pushed back, and therefore stretched or loaded, by the deflection of the connector position insurance element; the position assurance element of the connector is in its initial position which is its default position at rest before coming into contact with a contact surface of the counter-connector during a coupling; and said at least one main locking member, deflectable upon engagement, is in its non-deflected position which, when the primer connector system is properly coupled, provides primary locking of the primer connector to taking the primer support. In the delivery state, the delivery position of the connector position assurance element prevents deflection of the main locking element. Likewise, a loaded state of the connector may be a state in which the spring is loaded as a result of the displacement of the position assurance element of the connector. In a preferred embodiment, a charged state may be a state in which a CPA device of the connector according to the invention is pushed against a contact surface of the counter-connector in a coupling phase. Since the position insurance element of the connector is movable, a push of the connector, and thus of its position insurance element, against a surface of the counter-connector during the coupling then displaces the insurance element of the connector. connector position, thereby causing the spring load. Advantageously, in the loaded state, the position assurance element of the connector may allow deflection of the at least one locking element. It is therefore possible to combine the above advantageous effects with a CPA device which, in the loaded state of the connector and once sufficiently moved by a push against the counter-connector during a coupling, can allow the deflection of the connector. main locking element of the connector. In one embodiment, the one or more locking lances of a primer connector can thus be deflected into a charged state, thereby allowing insertion of the primer connector into the socket of the primer medium. Once the connector 15 is properly inserted into the socket of the primer holder, the one or more locking lances can return to their delivery position, thereby achieving the master lock with the socket of the primer holder. The invention is advantageous with respect to the primer connectors known from the state of the art because the tension of the loaded spring allows: when the connector is not fully and correctly inserted in the counter-connector, to eject automatically the connector by performing a reverse thrust of the connector position assurance element on a contact surface of the counter-connector; or, when the connector is properly inserted into the counter connector, to automatically return the connector position assurance element to its delivery position, thereby preventing deflection of the main locking element (s), thereby ensuring the maintaining the lock. In a preferred embodiment, the connector position assurance element may be movable relative to the main housing in a mating direction. This may be advantageous for transmitting the coupling movement to the spring by means of the connector position assurance element in a direct manner. In an advantageous embodiment, the locking spring may be a formed wire spring, in particular a wire rod spring formed. A coil spring may be possible in some types of connector, but in the case of a starter connector whose dimensions must meet the standards of compactness imposed by the automotive industry, it is more advantageous to use a spring in formed wire of the spring-rod type.

In an alternative of a preferred embodiment, the spring may be substantially U-shaped with a transverse portion and two side portions may each include an end portion, and preferably a coil portion, and both portions. end can form, in the delivery state, an initial angle, in particular right or acute, with the lateral parts. A formed wire spring can adopt several geometries. In a preferred embodiment, the spring may be a spring essentially of the type used for mouse traps and may therefore comprise two lateral rods joined at one end by a transverse rod and having, at the other end, essentially perpendicular legs. at least to the lateral stems. In an even more advantageous variant, the lateral rods may form turns before the lugs of the spring, so as to increase the force of the spring. In an advantageous variant, the lateral parts may each comprise a recess, in particular in the form of a valley, or for example in the form of a "V", which can form a stop for thrust surfaces of the position assurance element. This variant has been found to be advantageous in the case of a bootstrap connector since the standard primer socket outlets are generally configured such that the connectors comprise two locking lances arranged on opposite sides of the connector. In one embodiment, a CPA device of a connector according to the invention can therefore advantageously comprise two elements arranged so as to avoid a deflection of the locking lances. In combination with a CPA device that can be moved in a mating direction, it is therefore advantageous to arrange the lateral rods of a U-shaped spring on the corresponding sides. A spring whose lateral rods comprise "V" recesses whose tip is in contact with a thrust surface of the CPA device allows efficient transmission of the thrust of the CPA device to the spring in a loaded state relative to a rod spring. simple. In another advantageous variant, in the loaded state, the tension of the spring may be such that the angle between the two end portions and the lateral portions may be greater than the initial angle. The loaded spring can then exert a force contrary to the coupling, thus promoting the automatic ejection of the connector when it is inserted incorrectly or is not fully coupled with the counter-connector. This variant is advantageous especially in the case of a starter connector to meet the needs of the automotive industry in terms of safety during the installation of such connectors.

In another advantageous embodiment, the two coil portions may be arranged around a respective axis forming member provided in the main housing and the end portions may be accommodated in a retention portion provided in the main housing. This variant has been found to be particularly advantageous in combination with a spring of the "mouse trap" type, since it makes it possible in particular to keep the legs of the spring essentially fixed in the main casing of the connector and to constrain the way in which the spring can be loaded. . Advantageously, the position assurance element of the connector may be provided with at least one support surface that can be configured to bear, during a coupling, against a respective predetermined support surface of the conjugate connector, resulting in thus the transition to the loaded state. This variant is preferred in the case of primer connectors and is advantageous, for example in combination with a variant in which a CPA device can be moved in a coupling direction, in order to transmit the mutual thrust of the connector against the counter- connector when coupling directly to the CPA device and therefore to the spring. In the case of a socket of standard primer support of the automotive industry, it is therefore possible to provide a primer connector whose CPA device can come into contact with surfaces of the retaining element of the socket and in support of these. In a preferred and advantageous variant of an embodiment, the position assurance element of the connector may be further configured to, upon coupling, return the connector from the loaded state to the delivery state. when the connector and the conjugate connector are correctly coupled. A properly coupled and locked connector and counter-connector system can then advantageously comprise only elements at rest. It is therefore possible to advantageously avoid having parts under unnecessary stresses when the connector and counter-connector are correctly coupled. Preferably, the electrical connector may further comprise a cover attachable to the main housing and including a receiving area for accommodating the spring in its loaded state, and further comprising a surface limiting movement of the insurance element. position of the connector. The invention can therefore provide a solution adapted to the standards of compactness for the starting support outlets of safety restraint systems in motor vehicles. The invention will be explained in more detail in the following by way of advantageous embodiments and with reference to the following accompanying figures, in which: FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a standard support socket of FIG. primer, in an exploded view; Figure 2 schematically illustrates an example of an embodiment of an electrical connector according to the present invention, in an exploded view; Figure 3 schematically illustrates the connector position assurance device of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2; Figures 4A-4B schematically illustrate an approach phase when mating the connector according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, in its delivery state, with the standard socket of primer support shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 5 schematically illustrates another phase when mating the connector according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, in a loaded state, with the standard primer socket tap shown in Figure 1; Figures 6A-6B schematically illustrate another phase when mating the connector according to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, in a loaded state, with the standard primer socket tap shown in Figure 1; Figs. 7A-7C schematically illustrate a properly coupled and locked state of the connector according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, in the delivery state, with the standard socket of primer support shown in Fig. 1.

Figure 1 illustrates an example of a standard primer socket socket 100 for a safety restraint system such as an airbag or seat belt of a motor vehicle. Those skilled in the art will therefore understand that the plug 100, which is shown in an exploded view in Figure 1, is a socket commonly used by vehicle manufacturers on the side of the safety restraint system and therefore, where appropriate, of the pyrotechnic device. A control unit of a shock and / or vibration sensor can thus be connected to a pyrotechnic device by means of electrical cables terminating in a primer connector to be plugged into the primer carrier socket 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a standard socket 100 of a primer support may comprise a socket portion 101 which is most often cylindrical, in which a retaining element 102 is fixed so as to retain a primer connector inserted in the catch portion 101 may comprise grooves or notches 103, 104, which are locking zones and which may be for example two diametrically opposed arches on a circumference of its inner face 105, in which lugs may be housed 106, 107 of an outer contact body 123 of the retaining member 102 so as to lock it in translation once housed in the grip portion 101. The grip portion 101 may also include notches 108, 109 extending in a direction parallel to the central axis of the engagement part 101, in which are housed protuberances 110, 111 adapted to the outer body 123 of the retaining element 102. FIG. In addition, the retaining element 102, which may also be standard for an automobile manufacturer, may comprise an internal body 124 fixed inside the outer contact body 123 and comprising in particular two contact openings 112, 113 designed to receive the terminals of a primer connector conjugated to the contact pins 114, 115 of the socket 100 when a primer connector is plugged into the socket 100, for example in an insertion direction such as that materialized more away by the arrow 300 in Figure 4A. Similarly, Figure 1 illustrates that the inner body 124 of the retainer 102 may define a mating section 116 which is the section facing a primer connector mating with the receptacle 100. In addition, , the retaining element 102 may also comprise, still in standard manner, two lateral openings 118, 119, situated between the lugs 106, 107 of the outer body 123 and allowing the deflection of locking elements of a primer connector. . As also apparent from Figure 1, at the openings 118, 119 of the outer body 123, the inner body 124 may comprise a plurality of notches 119, 120 and 121, 122 respectively. Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a connector 200 according to the present invention, in an exploded view. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 200 is a primer connector to be plugged into the standard primer socket jack 100 of the example shown in FIG. 1. The connector 200 thus makes it possible to connect conductive cables. 203, 204 from for example a control unit of a shock and / or vibration sensor for a safety restraint system with a pyrotechnic charge connected to the socket of primer support 100.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, the connector 200 may comprise a main housing 201 with a main portion 205 of substantially parallelepipedal geometry comprising a housing 207 for a filtering ferrite 208 arranged around the cables 203, 204, as well as through openings. 215, 216 for the cables 203, 204. It also emerges from Figure 2 that the main housing 201 may also comprise a connection portion 206 substantially perpendicular to the main portion 205, of geometry adapted to be plugged into the space between the internal body 124 and the outer body 123 of the retaining element 102 of the socket 100, and therefore essentially cylindrical. The connection portion 206 may in particular comprise two contact openings 209, 210 conjugated to the contact openings 112, 113 of the socket 100, able to receive the contact terminals 213, 214 of the terminals 211, 212 of the two cables 203, 204, the 213, 214 being conjugated to the pins 114, 115. Figure 2 further illustrates that the connecting portion 206 may comprise at least one locking element, here two locking lances 217, 218 (one of which is not visible in Figure 2 but appears in Figures 6B and 7C), which can be deflected in a deflection space 219, 220 respectively to allow insertion into the socket 100, and can, in their delivery position, that is ie when not deflected, perform a master lock with the locking zones 103, 104 of the standard plug 100 when the connector 200 is properly inserted therein. The dimensions of the locking lances 217, 218 can therefore be constrained inter alia by the dimensions of the orifices 117, 118 and the locking zones 103, 104 of the standard plug 100. It can also be seen from FIG. 2 that the connector 200 can comprise a locking spring 221 which may preferably be a wire rod spring formed. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, the spring 221 may preferably be U-shaped and therefore comprise a transverse rod 221 extended by two lateral rods 223, 224, the latter of which may advantageously be terminated by tabs 225, 226. substantially perpendicular to the lateral rods 223, 224 when the spring is in its position or its delivery state, ie when the spring is essentially relaxed. Alternatively, a voltage may exist in the delivery state, which is then a minimum voltage with respect to a voltage when the spring 221 is in a loaded state. In addition, in order to improve the locking spring function, the tabs 225, 226 of the spring 221 can be locked by retaining zones 231, 232 of the main casing 201. Still in order to improve the locking spring function, the spring 221 may also be of the "mouse trap" type and include coil portions 227, 228 between the lateral rods 223, 224 and the tabs 225, 226. FIG. 2 illustrates that the main housing 201 may comprise elements 233 , 234 forming a respective axis on each side of the housing 201 around which are arranged the turns 227, 228 of the spring 221.

Each of the lateral rods 223, 224 may further comprise a recess area 229, 230, which may be substantially valley-like, or V-shaped, which will contact a contact surface 269, 270 on a respective slope. the position assurance device of the connector or CPA device 235 also visible in Figure 2 and detailed in Figure 3.

Thus, the exploded view of Figure 2 illustrates that the connector 200 may also include a CPA 235, illustrated in detail in Figure 3. The CPA 235 may advantageously be configured to interact with the notches 119, 120, 121, 122 of the retaining element 102 of the standard socket 100, while serving as an element ensuring that the locking lances 217, 218 are not deflected particularly in the delivery state, and more particularly when the connector 200 is correctly The CPA 235 device may thus comprise a contact surface 236 from which extend two tabs 237, 238 each comprising pins 239, 240 and 241, 242 configured to serve as contact surfaces with the notches 119. , 120 and 121, 122, respectively, during a coupling. In the delivery state, the tabs 237, 238 are arranged behind the locking lances 217, 218 and prevent deflection thereof. This prevention can be reinforced by contact zones 243, 244 and 245, 246 on each side of the tongues 237, 238, respectively, on which, in the delivery state, abutments 265, 266, 267, 268 locking lances 217, 218. The contact surface 236 may also comprise recesses 247, 248 defining locking zones allowing, together with lugs 261, 262 of the housing 201, to limit the movement of the CPA 235 device essentially to a translation along the connection portion 206, that is substantially in a coupling direction or insertion direction 300 of the connector 200 with the socket 100, as illustrated in the following figures. It is also apparent from FIG. 3 that the device CPA 235 may comprise internal grooves 249, 250 ending in oblique surfaces 251, 252 making it possible, in a loaded state, once the connector 200 is correctly plugged into the socket 100, deflect the tongues 237, 238 by means of the lugs 263, 264 of the connecting portion 206 of the main housing 201, and thus return to the delivery state to block the locking lances 217, 218 and thus ensure the maintenance of the locking of the primer connector system 100, 200, as will be detailed further in connection with Figures 6B and following. Figure 2 also illustrates that the connector 200 may comprise a cover 202 that can be attached to the main housing 201. To do this, the cover 202 may include locking elements such as locking lances 255, 256 for locking with zones. 258, 259 lock associated with the main housing 201, and a locking zone 257 can be locked by an associated locking pin 260 of the main housing 201. The cover 202 may also include a retaining tab 254 for the filter ferrite 208, as well as a receiving zone 253 limiting a movement of the spring 221 when it is loaded, as well as contact surfaces 271, 272 limiting a rise of the CPA device 235 in a loaded state. FIGS. 4A-4B, 5, 6A-6B and 7A-7C illustrate a coupling sequence from a step in which the connector 200 is in the delivery state and comes into contact with the socket 100, passing through steps of charged states of the connector 200, in particular the spring 221 under the effect of the displacement of the CPA device 235, until a step where the connector 200 is correctly plugged and locked to the socket 100 and thus is returned to the state Delivery.

Figs. 4A and 4B show a step where the connector 200, in its delivery state, makes contact with the standard primer socket jack 100. Fig. 4B corresponds to the view of Fig. 4A, in which the socket portion 101 and the main housing 201 have, however, been made transparent so as to see the CPA 235 and the retention portion 102. As can be seen from FIGS. 4A and 4B, the connector 200 can be inserted into the socket 100 in a direction of insertion in a direction shown by the arrow 300 in Figure 4A. At this stage, the connector 200 is not really plugged into the socket 100, but rests just in contact with it. At this stage, there is still no electrical contact between the contact pins 114, 115 of the plug 100 and the contact terminals 213, 214 of the primer connector 200. In the state of delivery illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the spring 221 is in its relaxed state. In particular, the tabs 225, 226 of the spring are locked in the zones 231, 232 of the main housing 201, and the recesses 229, 230 rest on the slopes 269, 270 of the CPA 235. FIG. 4A also illustrates that the turns 227 , 228 of the spring 221 are arranged around the axes 233, 234 of the main housing 201. In variants, the delivery state of the spring can correspond to a minimum relative load state compared to the loaded states. Thus, in variants, if the spring 221 is slightly loaded in the delivery state, its load is then in all cases lower than that of a loaded state such as those described in relation to Figures 5, 6A and 6B. FIG. 4A further illustrates that, in the delivery state, the CPA 235 is in its rest position, so that its contact surfaces 243, 244 and 245, 246 are in contact with the tabs 265, 266 and 267 , 268 of the two lock lances 217, 218, and the lateral tabs 237, 238 of the CPA 235 device prevent a deflection of the locking lances 217, 218 in the spaces 117, 118 of the retaining element 102 and the spaces 219, 220 of the connecting portion 206, which arrives in the retaining element 102. Figure 4B illustrates that at this stage the lugs 239, 240 and 241, 242 of the tongues 237, 238 bear against the notches 119, 120 and 121, 122 of the retainer 102. A force exerted on the connector 200 in the direction of insertion 300 to continue the coupling will then cause a displacement, in particular a rise, of the CPA 235 device in a direction of 301 ejection contrary to the insertion direction 300, then passing the connector r 200 to a loaded state, as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows the full view of Figure 4A, following the continuation of the insertion movement of the connector 200 in the socket 100. The connection portion 206 of the connector 200 thus penetrates a little further in the retaining element 102 of the socket 100 than in the step illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B. At this stage, as is apparent from FIG. 5, the CPA device 235 is displaced in the direction 301 and thus goes up along the connection portion 206 under the action of the pushing of the lugs 239, 240 and 241, 242 of the tongues 237, 238 on the notches 119, 120 and 121, 122 of the retaining element 102. The contact surfaces 243, 244 and 245, 246 of the CPA 235 device are thus raised relative to the tabs 265, 266 and 267, 268 locking lances 217, 218, but not yet enough to release them and allow deflection. In addition, the tongues 237, 238 are always housed behind the locking lances 217, 218.

Thus, since the locking lances 217, 218 can not be deflected, the connecting portion 206 can not advance further into the retainer 102 because the lances 217, 218 abut against the grip portion 101. the step illustrated in Figure 5, the displacement of CPA 235 in the direction 301 of a rise relative to the connecting portion 206 causes a load of the locking spring 221, whose recesses 229, 230 undergo a transmitted pressure by the surfaces 269, 270 of the CPA 235. The spring 221 is therefore in a loaded state. Thus, if the force exerted on the connector 200 in the direction 300 is not sufficient to continue the coupling, since the load of the spring 221 opposes the coupling movement, by relaxing the spring 221 will push back the CPA 235 device in the direction 300, which will result in an automatic ejection of the connector 200 in the direction 301. A bad connection can thus be avoided automatically. If, however, the force exerted on the connector 200 makes it possible to continue the insertion, the CPA 235 device will be further moved in the direction 301 and will then go up to reach a stop of its upper contact surface 236 against the contact surfaces. 271, 272 of the cover 202, which therefore limit the rise of the CPA 235 device, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B. FIG. 6A shows in particular the view of FIGS. 4A and 5, and FIG. 6B is a cross section along the coupling direction 300, 301. The receiving zone 253 of the cover 202 also limits the raising of the spring 221, in particular it can realize a stop for the transverse rod 222 of the spring 221. In this step, the contact pins 114, 115 are received in the contact terminals 213, 214, as shown in Figure 6B. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate that, in this charged state, which can therefore be a state of maximum relative load of the spring 221 with respect to intermediate charged states such as that represented in FIG. 5, the CPA 235 device having been pushed back against the 202, the tabs 265, 266 and 267, 268 have been completely disengaged and the tabs 237, 238 no longer prevent a deflection of the locking lances 217, 218. Thus, the locking lances 217, 218 could be deflected in the openings 117, 118 and / or in the orifices 219, 220, which has therefore allowed the correct insertion of the connection portion 206 in the retaining element 102 and the main locking of the locking lances 217, 218, returned in their delivery state after the deflection, with the locking zones 103, 104 of the grip portion 101. The cross section of Fig. 6B further illustrates that the raising of the CPA 235 device has been guided by the displacements. relative to the pins 263, 264 of the connection portion 206 in the grooves 249, 250 of the CPA 235. At this stage, in the state of maximum relative load, the rise of the CPA 235 device is such that the play of the surfaces 251, 252 at the end of the grooves 249, 250 on the pins 263, 264 have caused a deflection of the tongues 237, 238 in the directions indicated by the arrows 302, 303. This deflection allows the tongues 237, 238, particularly pins 239, 240, 241, 242, to overcome the notches 119, 120, 121, 122. Thus, when the connector 200 is correctly inserted into the socket 100, in particular in a state of maximum relative load as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the spring load 221 will automatically push the CPA 235 in the direction 300. The CPA 235, which is at this point no longer blocked by the notches 119, 120, 121, 122 because of the deflection tongues 237, 238, will be able to slide at the in the interior of the socket 100, and return to its initial state of delivery, as illustrated in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C. Figure 7A shows the view of Figures 4A, 5 and 6A, this time with the connector 200 properly inserted and locked in the socket 100. Figure 7B shows the view of Figure 7A, but hiding the socket portion 101, which allows to see that the connector 200 is returned to its state of delivery, as described above. Figure 7C corresponds to Figures 7A and 7B, but in a cross-section similar to that of Figure 6B. Thus, when the primer connector 200 is properly plugged and locked into the primer socket jack 100, as shown in FIGS. 7A through 7C, the primary and secondary locks are in place. The correct position of the connector 200 is thus ensured and an involuntary disconnection due to vibrations or shocks is prevented. Voluntary manual disconnection, however, remains possible if an operator manually raises the CPA 235 device to a fully loaded state such as that illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B and pulls on the connector 200 in the direction 301 to disengage the locking lances 217, 218 locking zones 103, 104.

The invention is therefore of interest in the field of automotive connectors, and in particular for safety restraint systems comprising primer plug connectors in standard primer carrier outlets of a car manufacturer.

One advantage over the state of the prior art is the integration of a spring locking system allowing automatic ejection of a primer connector if it is not correctly plugged into a socket. primer support. In an advantageous embodiment of a connector according to the present invention, it is possible to use a "U" -shaped locking spring, in which case the invention has the advantage that the spring is arranged in a position more advantageous than the known springs for primer connectors of the state of the art. Indeed, the coupling movement can be directly transmitted to the spring, which will go from a delivery state to a loaded state, without however risk of deformation or weakening of the spring. Once the connector is correctly plugged and locked in its counter-connector, either in the socket of primer support, the invention has the advantage that the connector, in particular the spring, returns to its state of delivery, in which all its movable or deflectable elements are at rest. The invention also makes it possible to combine the automatic ejection functionality with the position assurance feature of the connector and thus the secondary locking of the connector when correctly plugged into the counter-connector. Indeed, a CPA device of a connector according to the present invention will be used both for: transmitting a coupling movement directly to the spring, passing it from its delivery state to a loaded state, and therefore to push back automatically, under the effect of the load of the spring, the connector of the conjugate connector as long as they are not correctly inserted into one another; and to maintain the primary lock by a secondary lock by ensuring that the main lock members of the connector can not be deflected once the connector is properly plugged into its counter connector. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the various advantages of variations of the embodiments of the present invention described above can be combined with one another.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNALS 100 primer socket 101 connector socket 102 connector retention element 103 locking zone 104 locking zone 105 internal surface 106 locking pin 107 locking pin 108 notch 109 notch 110 protrusion 111 protrusion 112 opening contact 113 contact opening 114 contact pin 115 contact pin 116 coupling section 117 connector locking element deflection opening 118 connector locking element deflection opening 119 bearing surface 120 surface of contact support 121 support surface 122 support surface 123 external contact body 124 internal body 200 primer connector 201 main housing 202 cover 203 cable 204 cable 205 main part 206 connection part 207 ferrite housing 8 filter ferrite 209 opening contact 210 contact opening 211 electrical terminal 212 electrical terminal 213 contact terminal 214 terminal contact 215 cable opening 216 cable opening 217 locking lance 218 locking lance 219 hole allowing deflection 220 port allowing deflection 221 spring 222 cross rod 223 side rod 224 side rod 225 spring tab 226 spring tab 227 turns 228 turns 229 recess 230 recess 231 holding zone 232 holding zone 233 axis member 234 axis member 235 CPA 236 device contact surface 237 side tab 238 side tab 239 pin 240 pin 241 pin 242 pin 243 contact surface 17 244 surface contact surface 245 contact surface 246 contact surface 247 locking area 248 locking area 249 internal groove 250 internal groove 251 deflection surface 252 deflection surface 253 spring receiving area 254 ferrite retaining tab 255 locking lance 256 lance lock 257 lock zone 258 worm area rusting 259 locking zone 260 locking pin 261 locking pin 262 locking pin 263 deflection pin 264 deflection pin 265 lance bracket 266 spear bracket 267 spear bracket 268 spear bracket 269 contact surface 270 surface contact 271 contact surface 272 contact surface 300 insertion direction, insertion direction 301 insertion direction, ejection direction 302 deflection direction, deflection direction of 237 303 deflection direction, deflection direction of 238

Claims (11)

REVENDICATIONS1. An electrical connector (200), in particular a motor vehicle safety restraint system leader connector, connectable to a mating electrical connector (100), said electrical connector (200) comprising: a main housing (201) ; a locking spring (221) arranged in the main housing (201) and expanded in a delivery state of the connector (200); a connector position assurance element (235) movable to cause a spring tension (221) and, upon engagement of the connector (200) with the conjugate connector (100), to pass the connector ( 200) from the delivery state to a loaded state, wherein the tension of the spring (221) opposes the coupling as long as the connector (200) and the conjugate connector (100) are not correctly coupled; and at least one locking element (217, 218) provided on the main housing (201) in a delivery position and deflectable upon coupling, the delivery position for locking the connector (200) to the conjugate connector (100) when properly coupled, characterized in that the position assurance element of the connector (235) is further configured to prevent deflection of the at least one locking member (217, 218) in the delivery condition. An electrical connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein, in the loaded state, the position assurance element of the connector (235) allows deflection of the at least one locking element (217, 218). ). An electrical connector (200) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the position assurance element of the connector (235) is movable relative to the main housing (201) in a mating direction ( 300). An electrical connector (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking spring (221) is a formed wire spring, in particular a wire rod spring formed. An electrical connector (200) according to claim 4, wherein the spring (221) is substantially U-shaped with a transverse portion (222) and two side portions (223, 224) each having an end portion (225, 226), and preferably a coil portion (227, 228), and wherein the two end portions (225, 226) form, in the delivery condition, an initial angle, in particular straight or acute , with the side parts (223, 224). The electrical connector (200) according to claim 5, wherein the side portions (223, 224) may each comprise a recess (229, 230), in particular valley-shaped, forming a stop for thrust surfaces (269). 270) of the position insurance element (235). The electrical connector (200) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein, in the loaded state, the spring tension is such that the angle between the two end portions (225, 226) and the lateral portions (223, 224) is greater than the initial angle. The electrical connector (200) according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the two coil portions (227, 228) are arranged around a respective pin member (233, 234) provided in the housing. (201) and the end portions (225, 226) are accommodated in a respective retention portion (231, 232) provided in the main housing (201). An electrical connector (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector position assurance element (235) is provided with at least one support surface (239, 240, 241, 242). configured to bear, upon coupling, against a respective predetermined bearing surface (119, 120, 121, 122) of the conjugate connector (100), thereby causing the transition to the loaded state. The electrical connector (200) of any preceding claim, wherein the connector position assurance element (235) is further configured to mate the connector (200) upon coupling the loaded state to the delivery state when the connector (200) and the conjugate connector (100) are correctly coupled. An electrical connector (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover (202) attachable to the main housing (201) and including a receiving area (253) for accommodating the spring (221). ) in a loaded state, and further comprising at least one surface (271, 272) limiting the displacement of the position assurance element of the connector (235).