FR3031633A1 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR MODULE AND SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a module (122a) for a connector cartridge electrical connector system (111), said module (122a) comprising a housing (125) and at least one electrical contact and being pluggable in a connection direction in a longitudinal direction of the housing (125). The module (122a) further comprises a locking member (129) pivotable between two stable positions about a longitudinal axis of the housing (125), wherein a first stable position is provided to allow insertion of the module (122a). in a connection cartridge (111) of an electrical connector system and a second stable position is provided to permit locking of the module (122a) to the connection cartridge (111). The invention also relates to an electrical connector system (100) comprising a base (101), a connection cartridge (111) and at least one plug-in module (122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h).

Description

The present invention relates to a plug-in module for an electrical connector system with a connection cartridge. The present invention also relates to an electrical connector system comprising a base, a connection cartridge and at least one such module. Known electrical connector systems generally include plug-in electrical connectors in complementary electrical connectors. Known systems may in particular comprise plugs, or more generally "modules", pluggable into complementary electronic equipment such as rackmount equipment, electronic cards or other similar devices. Thus, in aeronautics, it is known that the electronic equipment is designed to receive a plurality of plugs which are connected one by one to respective complementary sockets of the electronic equipment. In addition, due to the shocks and intense vibrations to which the embedded systems are subjected, it is necessary to ensure the attachment of cards to complementary electronic equipment to avoid disconnection or bad contact. Retaining means known until now used in aeronautics include the use of a screw passing through the plug in its longitudinal dimension, namely that which corresponds to the direction of connection with the electronic equipment, and making it possible to screw the plug to a corresponding socket of the electronic equipment. The disadvantage of these systems is the need for multiple individual screwing operations for each plug to be connected to the electronic equipment, which results in a considerable loss of time in areas such as aeronautics, where it is often necessary to repeat these operations on a large number of systems.

In addition to being time-consuming, these operations require a systematic tightening torque check and therefore the use of a suitable tool, as well as a subsequent check to confirm that each plug or module is correctly coupled. in the respective socket of the electronic equipment. Among known connector systems in fields other than aeronautics, DE 195 30 335 B4 discloses an electrical connector system comprising two complementary connectors, including a first connector having an external housing in which clips to be connected are clipped. at the second connector. The first connector includes a lock slider that can be inserted into the outer housing, preventing a connection with the second connector as long as it is open, and whose closure locks the plugs and allows the connection. The outer casing 5 of the first connector also comprises an actuating slider having guide slots cooperating with two pins of the second connector and for locking the first connector to the second connector after closing the locking slider. However, in this known system, the first connector and therefore a fortiori also the assembly thereof with the cards are bulky. This known system is also not suitable for connection to rack equipment such as those used in aeronautics. In addition, this known system has a level of complexity for connection and locking, which does not meet the expectations of the aviation industry.

In the aeronautical industry, there is a need to provide an electrical connector system in which the attachment of a plug to electronic equipment does not require tools specially adapted to this operation, in particular a system in which can mount or dismount a plurality of plugs without screwing and control of the tightening torque. In other words, there is a need to provide an electrical connector system in which a plurality of plugs can be connected to or disconnected from complementary electronic equipment in a single operation. An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a system meeting the aforementioned needs, in particular for use in aeronautics. One purpose is to provide a plug and connector system that allows for reliable connection while reducing the operating time required to connect a plurality of plugs in complementary electronic equipment. According to one aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved by a module for a connector cartridge electrical connector system, said module comprising a housing and at least one electrical contact and being pluggable in a direction of connection in a longitudinal direction. of the case. The module further comprises a pivotable locking member between two stable positions about a longitudinal axis of the housing, wherein a first stable position is provided to allow insertion of the module into a connection cartridge of a housing system. electrical connector and a second stable position is provided to allow the locking of the module to the connection cartridge. An advantage of the module according to this aspect of the present invention is to overcome screwing system and therefore specific tooling for mounting a module on a base. A module according to the invention is therefore mounted in a connection cartridge, without specific tools and without the need to control a tightening torque because the module is not screwed. The module is attached to the cartridge by pivoting the locking means from its stable insertion position into its stable locking position. A module according to the invention therefore does not require the use of an additional lock to ensure its attachment to the connection cartridge. It is therefore possible, advantageously, to install a plurality of modules in a connection cartridge. This operation can be done in advance, so that when connecting the modules to a base, it is possible to present an assembly of a connection cartridge comprising a plurality of locked modules and then connect the cartridge to the base, and therefore the modules to complementary jacks of the base, in one operation. Advantageously, the module may further comprise a return means provided for automatically recalling the locking element to a stable position. For example, the module may include a spring-mounted member which, upon pivoting of the locking member, will automatically bias it toward one of its stable positions. In a preferred embodiment, the locking member may comprise at least one longitudinal portion with a central longitudinal segment disposed along an outer wall of said housing, and said at least one central longitudinal segment may terminate in the direction of a plug-in end of the housing by at least one stirrup portion projecting outwardly of the housing substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal segment. It is therefore possible to use the module in combination with a suitable connecting cartridge allowing the passage of a locking bracket which, once the locking means in a stable locking position, abuts in the cartridge so as to lock the module in the cartridge. In a preferred embodiment, the locking member may comprise two longitudinal portions arranged along opposite outer walls of the housing, and the two longitudinal portions may be interconnected by a pivot portion passing through said housing substantially perpendicular to the housing. the longitudinal axis. It is then possible to have stirrups substantially 180 ° from each other, on either side of the module housing, which reinforces the locking to a connection cartridge 5. Advantageously, when the locking means comprises two longitudinal parts on either side of the module housing, the respective stirrup portions of the two longitudinal parts may be of different sizes. It is therefore possible to undo an insertion in the wrong direction of the module in a connection cartridge. In a preferred embodiment, said at least one longitudinal portion may further comprise two lateral longitudinal segments arranged on either side of said central longitudinal segment and oriented at an angle with respect thereto, and the backing of a longitudinal segment lateral to said outer wall then corresponds to a stable position. In this case, each of the two lateral longitudinal segments may advantageously be shorter than the central longitudinal segment in the direction of the plug-in end and may also terminate in a stirrup portion projecting outwardly of the housing substantially perpendicular to the respective lateral longitudinal segment. It is therefore possible to fix the module to a connection cartridge 20 thanks to the difference in level between the central stirrup and the lateral stirrups. According to another aspect, the objective is also achieved by an electrical connector system comprising a connection cartridge comprising pre-cuts adapted to receive a plurality of plug-in modules according to one of the preceding aspects. The connection cartridge further comprises a locking means, in particular a sliding locking means comprising at least one guide slot, for locking the cartridge to a base. Advantageously, the cartridge may further comprise at least one positioning means arranged around each precut. This can allow a game and a self-alignment facilitating the insertion of the modules.

In a preferred embodiment, the system may further comprise a base adapted to receive a plurality of plug-in modules, said base including at least one complementary locking means, in particular a pin, adapted to co-operate with the connecting means. locking the connection cartridge. In a preferred embodiment, the system may further comprise at least one module according to one of the preceding aspects. It is therefore possible to use the various advantageous aspects of the invention to lock a plurality of plug-in modules inserted in a base-connection cartridge in a single operation, without the use of screwing means for connecting each module to a module. a complementary socket of the base, and without having to control tightening torque. Compared to known systems, especially in aeronautics, it is therefore possible to gain considerably in operation time while maintaining an assembly at least as reliable. In addition to making it possible to overcome screwing systems, the aspects of the present invention do not require modifying the sockets of the electronic equipment already used. The present invention thus also makes it possible to continue using known electronic equipment. An advantage of the connector system according to the present invention is therefore to allow assembly or disassembly of a plurality of modules in electronic equipment in a single step. The resulting gain in operation and maintenance time is particularly beneficial for applications such as aeronautics. In addition, an additional advantage of a system according to the present invention is to be able to provide preliminary alignment, in particular self-alignment, between the plug-in modules and the base or electronic equipment to which the modules are to be connected. It is therefore possible to avoid damaging the electrical contacts both on the module side and on the side of the electronic equipment as could happen in case of misalignment. In addition, the system according to the present invention makes it possible to prevent a connection as long as all the modules present in the connection cartridge are not correctly aligned with the corresponding contacts of the complementary jacks of the electronic equipment. This also has the advantage of protecting the electrical contacts of the modules as well as those of the outlets of the electronic equipment.

The above-mentioned advantages as well as other advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly hereinafter by means of advantageous embodiments described below, relying in particular on the following accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 schematically illustrates an overall perspective view of an electronic equipment in an exemplary embodiment of an aspect of the invention; FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an overall perspective view of a connection cartridge and a plurality of plug-in modules in an exemplary embodiment of an aspect of the invention; FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an overall perspective view of an electrical connector system in an exemplary embodiment of an aspect of the invention, in which the cartridge and the modules illustrated in FIG. 2 are presented. for connection with the electronic equipment illustrated in FIG. 1; FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate a view detailing steps of an approach phase for connecting a module according to an aspect of the invention to the connection cartridge; FIGS. 5A and 5B schematically illustrate a view detailing further steps of connection of the module to the connection cartridge; - Figure 6 schematically illustrates a view detailing the module according to one aspect of the invention locked to the connecting cartridge; FIGS. 7A to 7G schematically illustrate cross-sectional views of steps of the connection of the assembly of the connection cartridge 25 comprising the modules to the electronic equipment, as well as the locking of the assembly, in particular of cartridge, electronic equipment; FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an overall perspective view of the electrical connector system illustrated in the preceding figures, in which the modules are connected to the respective outlets of the electronic equipment and locked to it by means of the connecting cartridge.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an electronic equipment 101 in an example of an embodiment of a base of an electrical connector system according to one aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment, the electronic equipment 101 is composed of standard rack equipment of the type used in aeronautics and is provided with a plurality of dual sockets 102a, 102d, 102e, 102h and quads 102b, 102c , 102f, 102g each having, respectively, two or four blocks of electrical contacts protruding perpendicularly therefrom from a front face 105 of the housing 106 of the equipment 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the blocks 103a, 103b referenced the electrical contact blocks of the dual jacks 102a, 102d, 102e, 102h, while the blocks 104a, 104b reference double blocks of electrical contacts of the quadruple jacks 102b, 102c, 102f, 102g. In addition, the jacks 102a, 102d, 102e, 102h and 102b, 102c, 102f, 102g are arranged in two parallel rows, respectively with the jacks 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d and with the jacks 102e, 102f, 102g, 102h, these rows being aligned in the longitudinal direction of the front face 105. In other embodiments, it will be understood that different tap configurations than those illustrated in FIG. 1 may also be used. For example, electronic equipment could only include dual jacks or only quad jacks. Likewise, it is possible to provide electronic equipment with a different arrangement of outlets than that illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 also illustrated that, as a standard, the contact blocks 103a, 103b of each of the taps 102a, 102d, 102e, 102h are arranged on either side of a threaded hole 107 provided for screwing a standard plug or "plug-in module" when the plug is plugged into the socket, following standard known procedures of connection and screwing for the mounting of plugs in rack-mountable electronic equipment of connector systems used in aeronautics. Likewise, the double contact blocks 104a, 104b of the quadruple taps 102b, 102c, 102f, 102g are also arranged on either side of such threaded holes 107. It is therefore possible to plug in and in particular to screw cards known from the state of the art in each of the jacks 102a, 102d, 102e, 102h and 102b, 102c, 102f, 102g. In addition, FIG. 1 illustrates that lugs 109a, 109b, 109c, 109d, each comprising a pin 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d at its free end, are arranged on either side of the front face 105, in protuberance substantially perpendicular to the front face 105. In this embodiment, the tabs 109a, 109b, 109c, 109d are set in pairs on two opposite longitudinal walls 108a, 108b of a frame 108 of the housing 106, a main face of which can be confused with the front face 105 of the equipment 101. As will be explained below, the pins 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d are provided to cooperate with a connection cartridge of the electrical connector system. according to the present invention. Therefore, the tabs 109a, 109b, 109c, 109d are provided on the opposite longitudinal walls 108a, 108b but not on the side walls 108c, 108d of the frame 108, so as to allow the locking operation of the connection cartridge.

In other embodiments, it is also conceivable to have only one leg on each side of the opposite walls 108a, 108b, or to provide more than two legs, for example if the planned electronic equipment comprises more catches than the equipment 101 and is therefore of longitudinal dimension greater than this one. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a circuit board or cartridge 111, in one example of an embodiment of an electrical connector system according to one aspect of the present invention, which is adapted to accommodate a plurality of dual plugs 122a, 122d, 122e, 122h and quadruple 122b, 122c, 122f, 122g to respectively connect to the jacks 102a, 102d, 102e, 102h and 102b, 102c, 102f, 102g of the electronic equipment 101. As will be detailed later, the cartridge 111 allows, in a single operation, and without individual screwing of the plugs, to connect the plurality of pins 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h to the jacks 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102h complementary electronic equipment 101 and lock the assembly to avoid disconnection. It will also be detailed later that the cartridge 111 also makes it possible to ensure the protection of the contacts 25. As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge 111 comprises a frame 112 with two opposite longitudinal walls 112a, 112b and two opposite side walls 112c, 112d, 30 and a first longitudinal main face forming a bottom 113 whose outer side is presented towards the electronic equipment 101 during a connection sequence, as illustrated in FIG. 3 and the sequence illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7G. The second main longitudinal face 114 opposite the bottom 113 is open to allow the insertion of the pins 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h. respective complementary electrical plugs 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h, on the one hand, and outlets 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102h, on the other hand.

FIG. 2 further illustrates that the cartridge 111 comprises a sliding locking means 115, in which two longitudinal rods 115a, 115b can slide through two slots 116a, 116b provided at the junction of the walls 112a and 112c as well as 112b and 112b. 112c, respectively, of the frame 112, by actuation of a handle 115c. As shown in FIG. 2, the rods 115a, 115b can slide inside the frame 112, along the respective inner faces of the longitudinal walls 112a, 112b. In addition, each of the rods 115a, 115b comprises a pair of guide slots 117a, 117b and 117c, 117d respectively spaced the same distance as a pair of pins 109a, 109b or 109c, 109d from the electronic equipment 101 and provided to cooperate therewith to lock the cartridge 111 to the electronic equipment 101. Advantageously, a rod 115a, 115b thus comprises as many guide slots as the equipment comprises pins. In order to allow the pins 109a, 109b and 109c, 109d to be inserted into the respective guide slots 117a, 117b and 117c, 117d, the latter are accessible in the open position of the slide lock 115 shown in FIG. through slots 118a, 118b and 118c, 118d provided for this purpose on either side of the frame 112, on the longitudinal walls 112a, 112b and partially overlapping the bottom 113. The closure of the sliding lock 115 can then be done, as it will be detailed further, once the cartridge 111 positioned on the equipment 101 with the pins 109a, 109b and 109c, 109d in the corresponding guide slots 117a, 117b and 117c, 117d, by actuating the handle 115c until abutting against the wall 112c so as to fully insert the rods 115a, 115b into the frame 112. Figure 2 further illustrates exemplary embodiments of plugs or plug-in modules 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122 h according to one aspect of the present invention. The pins 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h are complementary to the jacks 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102h of the electronic equipment 101, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the plugs 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122b each comprise a housing, that of the double plugs 122a, 122d, 122e, 122b being referenced 125 while that of the quadruple plugs 122b, 122c, 122f, 122g is referenced 126. A housing 126 is comparable to two housings 125 contiguous. The outer casing 125, 126 may be adapted from the casing of a known plug-in module compatible with the electronic equipment 101 to minimize equipment requalification activities. Thus, in a similar manner and complementary to the jacks 102a, 102d, 102e, 102h of the electronic equipment 101, the double jacks 122a, 122d, 122e, 122h each comprise two arrivals of electrical conductor bundles 127a, 127b at one end. of the housing 125, whose electrical contacts are arranged in two blocks referenced 123a and 123b, at the other end of the housing 125. Similarly, in a manner analogous and complementary to the sockets 102b, 102c, 102f, 102g, the quadruple plugs 122b , 122c, 122f, 122g comprise, at one end of the housing 126, four arrivals of electrical conductor bundles 128a, 128b, 128c, 128d, the electrical contacts of which are arranged in double blocks referenced 124a and 124b.

Compared to known prior art plugs designed to be screwed to the electronic equipment 101, a plug 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h according to the present invention does not include In contrast, as shown in FIG. 2, each of the plugs 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122b includes a locking means 129. pivotable between two stable positions, a stable position allowing the partial insertion of a plug 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h in a precut 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d, 119e, 119f, 119g, 119h of the cartridge 111, and the other stable position, once the plug 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h properly housed in the precut 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d, 119e, 119f, 119g, 119h, to lock the plug 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h to the cartridge 111. As illustrated by equal In FIG. 2, the pre-cuts 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d, 119e, 119f, 119g, 119b of the cartridge 111 are preferably arranged such that the resulting arrangement of the plugs 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f , 122g, 122h, 25 when properly housed in the cartridge 111, corresponds precisely to the arrangement of the outlets 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102h of the electronic equipment 101. Thus, the pre-cuts 119a , 119d, 119e, 119h are designed to allow partial insertion of double plugs 122a, 122d, 122e, 122h, while pre-cuts 119b, 119c, 119f, 119g are designed to allow partial insertion of quadruple plugs 122b, 122c, 122f, 122g. As already seen in FIG. 2, the locking means 129 of each plug 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122b can pivot about a central axis in each plug 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h aligned with the direction of connection of a plug to a plug, which is in the same direction, and particularly in the same direction, that the insertion of a plug 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h in a precut 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d, 119e, 119f, 119g, 119h. The locking means 129 thus passes through the housing 125, 126 of a plug 122a, 122d, 122e, 122h or 122b, 122c, 122f, 122g, respectively, by a slot 5 designated by the sign 130 in both types of plug. In FIG. 2, the sheets 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h are respectively housed and locked in the pre-cuts 119c, 119d, 119e, 119f, 119g, 119h of corresponding size of the cartridge 111. They therefore represent the means locking 129 in its stable locking position. The pins 122a, 122b are shown outside the cartridge 111 and are provided for insertion into a respective precut 119a, 119b of the cartridge 111 in the direction of insertion shown by the arrow 11. FIG. An exemplary embodiment of a connector system 100 according to one aspect of the present invention, comprising the electronic equipment 101 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, as well as the cartridge 111 and the sheets 122a, 122b, 122c , 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2. With respect to the case illustrated in the figure, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, all the sheets 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h are housed and locked in respective pre-cuts 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d, 119e, 119f, 119g, 119h of the cartridge 111 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. equipped can be approached towards the electronic equipment 101 in the direction of insertion embodied by the arrow 12. It is understood that in other embodiments, an electrical connector system 100 according to one aspect of the present invention may comprise a a number of plugs different from that illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, a connector system 100 could be an assembly comprising between one and all the plugs 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h mounted ( s) in the cartridge 111. Various advantages of the present invention will be detailed in the following figures, which illustrate on the one hand the assembly of a plug 122a to the cartridge 111, and on the other hand the connection of the assembly comprising the cartridge 111 and the plugs 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h mounted and locked thereto to the electronic equipment 101.

FIGS. 4A and 4B, as well as FIGS. 5A and 5B and FIG. 6 represent different phases of the insertion and locking of a plug 122a in a precut 119a of the cartridge 111. It is understood that the insertion and the respective locking of the other plugs 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122b in the other precuts 119b, 119c, 119d, 119e, 119f, 119g, 119b is essentially the same. Figures 4A and 4B illustrate in particular, in the same perspective, a view of the approach of the plug 122a towards the precut 119a. In these views, the longitudinal wall 112a of the frame 112 and the rods 115a, 115b of the slide lock 115 of the cartridge 111 are masked.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate in particular that the locking means 129 may comprise at least one longitudinal portion 131 with a central longitudinal segment 131a arranged essentially along an outer wall 125a of the housing 125, and that the central longitudinal segment 131a may terminate in the direction of the plug-in end of the plug 122a by at least one stirrup portion 132a projecting outwardly from the housing 125 substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal segment 131a. A locking means 129 with a longitudinal portion 131 pivotable on one side of the housing 125 is in principle sufficient to achieve the present invention and allows locking of the plug 122a in the precut 119a. However, according to a more preferred variant, the pivotable latch 129 may also comprise a second longitudinal portion substantially symmetrical to the longitudinal portion 131 visible in FIGS. 4A and 4B, arranged along the outer wall 125b of the housing 125 opposite to the visible wall. 125a, the two longitudinal portions 131 being interconnected by a pivot portion 136 extending through said housing 125 through the slot 130 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing 125 corresponding to the direction of insertion. . A locking means 129 such as that of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B is preferred in order to further improve the retention of the plug 122a inserted in the precut 119a with respect to an embodiment with a single longitudinal portion 131. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, as well as in the following figures, the pivotable latch 129 is substantially saddle-shaped or inverted U-shaped, with two longitudinal tabs 131 (one of which is not visible in the FIGS. ) substantially symmetrical and respectively backed against opposite longitudinal walls 125a, 125b of the housing 125 of the plug 122a, the two tabs each ending with at least one stirrup 132a substantially perpendicular thereto.

Figures 4A and 4B show the pivotable latch 129 in its stable position for inserting the plug 122a into the precut 119a in the connection direction of the plug 122a. Thus, the position of a stirrup 132a corresponds to that of a notch 133a, 133b on either side of the precut 119a. As illustrated in FIG. 4B and the detailed views of FIGS. 5A and 5B, in the stable insertion position, the passage of the main yoke 132a through a notch 133a, 133b of the precut 119a is possible. In order to deter a possible wrong connection direction, it is possible to provide that the stirrups 132a of each of the longitudinal portions 131 on either side of the plug 122a are in fact of different sizes. In this case, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the corresponding notches 133a, 133b of the precut 119a are of sizes adapted to that of a stirrup 132a and therefore different from each other. Thus a plug 122a inserted in the wrong direction will see one of its stirrups 132a too large to pass into the notch 133a of smaller dimensions. The user will immediately know that he must return the plug 122a to place it in the right direction, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B. FIGS. 4A and 4B further illustrate that, according to a preferred embodiment of one aspect of the invention, the connection cartridge 111 may comprise a longitudinal central inner wall 137 separating the two rows of pre-cuts 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d and 119e, 119f, 119g, 119h, and being perpendicular to the bottom 113 and 20 parallel to the walls 112a, 112b of the frame 112 of the cartridge 111. At one of the two ends of each of the pre-cuts 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d and 119e, 119f, 119g, 119h in the longitudinal direction, a respective tab 139 can be machined, in particular precut, in the wall 137 and arranged to protrude from the wall 137 substantially parallel to the walls 112c, 112d of the frame 112 of the cartridge 111. At the other end of each precut 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d and 119e, 119f, 119g, 119h, another tab 138 can be this time machined from the fon d 113 of the cartridge 111 and folded towards the inside of the cartridge 111, also parallel to the walls 112c, 112d. It is therefore possible to provide a kind of frame between a tab 138 and a tab 139 making it easy to align each plug 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h when inserted into a respective precut. 119a, 119b, 119c, 119d and 119e, 119f, 119g, 119h. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, FIG. 4B illustrates in particular that the tabs 138, 139 and the dimensions of the precut 119a can allow a degree of play to the plug 122a in the plane of the precut 119a during 3031633 14 insertion. The plug 122a is first inserted in abutment against the tab 138, then to allow the passage of the stirrup 132a through the notch 133a as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the plug 122a is actually pushed slightly Against the tab 139. Once the stirrup 132 has passed the other side of the bottom 113 of the cartridge 111, a degree of flexibility of the tab allows 139 to bring the plug 122a into abutment against the tab 138. It is then possible to pass the latch 129 in the locking position as illustrated in FIG. 6. In a variant of a preferred embodiment, FIGS. 4A and 4B also illustrate that the longitudinal portion 131 of the latch 129 can comprise two other longitudinal segments 131b, 131c on either side of the segment 131a and capable of forming an angle therewith. Thus, in this variant, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, in the stable position for insertion or removal of the plug 122a in the precut 119a, the segment 131c is backed to the outer wall 125a. Similarly, as shown in Figure 6, in the stable position locking the plug 122a in the precut 119a, it is this time the segment 131b is backed to the outer wall 125a. In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the lateral segments may be shorter than the central segment 131a, and they may also terminate in the direction of the plug-in portion of the plug 122a also by a respective bracket 132b, 132c . The two secondary stirrups 132b, 132c are then offset with respect to the locking stirrup 132a which is the only one to pass through the precut 119a and to pass on the other side of the bottom 113, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. . In a variant such as that illustrated here, in which the latch 129 in fact comprises a second non-visible longitudinal portion 131 leaned against the wall 125b of the housing 125 of the plug 122a, the second non-visible longitudinal portion 131 may be designed so as to similar to the visible longitudinal portion 131, except that, as indicated above, the size of its main yoke 132a may be different in order to deter the direction of insertion. As explained above, FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the passage of a stirrup 132a in the respective notch 133a of a precut 119a. It follows that the main stirrup 132a is the only one to cross the bottom 113 by the precut 119a 30 because of the adapted geometry thereof. In addition, in addition to the clearance or float in the plane permitted by tabs 138, 139, FIGS. 5A and 5B also illustrate that the spacing between the secondary stirrups 132b, 132c and the main locking stirrup 132a may be slightly greater. large than the thickness of the bottom 113 of the cartridge 111.

Thus, a game or a float in the direction of insertion or the zenith direction with respect to the directions in the plane of the bottom 113, is also allowed. Figure 6 illustrates the plug 122a locked in the precut 119a. The pivoting of the locking means 129 towards this locking position can be enabled and facilitated by the arcuate portions 134a, 134b along the notches 133a, 133b in the precut 119a. Pivoting as such can be achieved simply by directly actuating a longitudinal portion 131 or by turning the pivot portion 136, manually or by means of a screwdriver inserted into the axial cavity 140 of the housing 125 of the plug 122a. A spring return means 135, arranged in the housing 125 and visible through the slot 130, makes it possible to maintain this stable position as long as a user does not pass the latch 129 in the insertion / withdrawal position of the precut 119a. by manual actuation or by turning the pivoting portion 136 by means of a screwdriver or other similar object insertable in the axial cavity 140 of the housing 125. In any case, the invention makes it possible to overcome a screwing operation and an associated tightening torque control operation. Indeed, the locking means 129 is pivotable by manual operation or simply by turning the central pivot portion 136 accessible manually or with the aid of a screwdriver through the axial orifice 140. The return means 135 allows by spring mounting, the automatic passage or return, ie self-locking, of the locking means 129 to the nearest stable position. It is understood that the description of the insertion and locking of the plug 122a in the precut 119a is valid for all the other double or quadruple plugs 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h and the precuts 119b, 119c , 119d, 119e, 119f, 199g, 199h remaining of the connection cartridge 111. With regard to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, 5A and 5B, as well as in Figure 6, the man of the art will appreciate that the invention eliminates the need for specialized tools. Pivoting of the locking means 129 can be done manually or possibly using a simple screwdriver, but does not require screwing operations or controlling the tightening torque. In addition, the use of a return means 135 advantageously allows self-locking of the pivotable latch 129 in its two stable positions.

FIGS. 7A-7G show, in detail, an embodiment illustrating different phases of the connection of the plugs 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h once they are all locked in the cartridge. 111 at the sockets 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102h of the electronic equipment 101, as well as the locking of the connector system 100. The connection sequence illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7G details in particular the connection of the cartridge 111 in which the pins 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h are locked to the electronic equipment 101 by actuation of the sliding lock 115 of the cartridge 111 and cooperation between the pins 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d of the electronic equipment 101 and the guide slots 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d of the rods 115a, 115b sliding latch 115. However, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that, in other embodiments, it is equal It is also possible to lock the empty cartridge 111, i.e. without plugs 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h, to the electronic equipment 101. It is also clear that in Still other embodiments, it would also be possible that some of the cards are not necessary and therefore that the cartridge 111 is not full. FIG. 7A shows a partial side view of an approach phase, continuing that illustrated in FIG. 3, and of alignment of the connection operation, in which the cartridge 111 is presented with the bottom 113 in front. in the direction of the electronic equipment 101, so as to align the slots 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d of the cartridge 111 essentially in front of the pins 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d of the electronic equipment 101, which allows alignment Preliminary Fig. 7B shows the same view as in Fig. 7A, but masking the longitudinal wall 112a of the frame 112 of the cartridge 111, as well as the tab 109a and corresponding pin 110a thereof. electronic equipment. FIG. 7B illustrates in particular that the visible tab or shank 115a of the sliding latch 115 can comprise two longitudinal slits or slides 141a, 141b allowing it to slide by cooperating with respective pins 141a, 141b of the frame 112, the two pins 142a. , 142b being visible in Figure 7A, but the pin 142a being hidden in Figure 7B. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the side rod 115b, visible for example in Figure 2, may include the same slide system.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate that in this approach and alignment phase, the slide lock 115 in the open position, that is to say that the handle 115c is in its furthest position from the wall 112c . Otherwise, the rods 115a, 115b are maximally extended through the slots 116a, 116b, the slides 141a, 141b abut with the pins 142a, 142b, and the opening of each slot 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d of the Sliding latch 115 is in front of a slot 118a, 118b, 118c, 118d respectively of frame 112 of cartridge 111. There is no physical contact between the plugs 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f , 122g, 122h and the jacks 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102h. In particular, there is no electrical contact between the contacts of the plugs 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h and those of the sockets 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g , 102h counterparts. The insertion or connection movement is continued, bringing the cartridge 111 closer to the electronic equipment 101. Figs. 7C-7G are views similar to the section of Fig. 7B but refocused further towards the end of the cartridge. 111 including the handle 115c of the slide lock 115 and detailing the connection of the plug 122a to the socket 102a. Those skilled in the art will understand the other connections effortlessly by simple analogy. Figure 7C illustrates a stall phase of the cartridge 111 and pins 122a, 20 pins 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d are just at the beginning of the guide slots 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d. In the part visible in FIG. 7C, the pin 110c enters a first step 1171a of the guide slot 117a. During staggering, the first physical contact between a plug 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h and an outlet 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102b associated with the equipment 101 is at blocks 103a, 103b or 104a, 104b surrounding the electrical contacts and thus protecting them. FIG. 7C illustrates for example that the blocks 123a, 123b are in contact with the blocks 103a, 103b. However, the electrical contacts 143a, 143b of the plug 122a, slightly set back in the blocks 123a, 123b, are not in contact with the homologous electrical contacts 144a, 144b of the socket 102a, also slightly set back in the blocks 103a. , 103b. Once all the pins 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d of the electronic equipment 101 inserted in the first step 1171a respective of the guide slot 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d associated, it is possible to actuate the sliding lock 115 in the meaning of 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h with the equipment 101 and the jacks 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102h. A first physical contact has taken place, and the locking 3031633 18, namely to return the lateral rods 115a, 115b in the frame 112 of the cartridge 111. Figures 7C to 7F materialize the direction of locking by an arrow V Figure 7D illustrates a phase in which the sliding of the sliding latch 115 will cause the pin 110a to pass through a second bearing 1172a of the guide slot 117a, further toward the slide 141a, and in doing so, will bring the cartridge 111 of the electronic equipment 101. The clearance in the plane mentioned, in particular with reference to FIG. 4B, may also be advantageous in this phase since it facilitates the guiding of the blocks 123a, 123b and 124a, 124b of the various plugs 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h for correct positioning on the homologous blocks 103a, 103b and 104a, 104b of the outlets 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102h. Fig. 7C illustrates that the electrical contacts 143a, 143b of the plug 122a are now well aligned with the counterpart electrical contacts 144a, 144b of the socket 102a. Actuation of the slide lock 115 continues continuously.

Figure 7E illustrates an insertion phase of the electrical contacts, wherein the electrical contacts 144a, 144b of the receptacle 102a, which are shown as male contacts, are received in the female contacts 143a, 143b of the plug 122a. It is understood that in other embodiments, the contacts 143a, 143b could be the male contacts while the contacts 144a, 144b would be the female contacts. There is an electrical connection. The actuation of the sliding lock 115 continues. Note that the multi-bearing cam profile 1171a, 1172a, 1173a of the guide slots 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d advantageously allows, during cooperation with the pins 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, to provide a multi-bearing cam system. which makes it possible to save the forces to be applied on the handle 115c during its actuation throughout the connection operation. FIG. 7F illustrates a compression and sealing phase of the interfaces between the jacks 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h and the jacks 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102h. Actuation of the slide lock 115, of which the lateral rods 115a, 115b are now further forward within the frame 112 of the cartridge 111, has advanced the pin 110a into a third bearing 1173a of the guide slot. 117a so as to further plug the plug 122a into the socket 102a. As illustrated in FIGS. 7C to 7F, because of the tolerance tolerances and the different gaps existing between each part, the electrical connection, but also the compression and sealing of the interfaces between the plugs 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h and the jacks 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102h do not occur exactly at the same time. Thus, FIG. 7F notably illustrates that the interface between the plug 122b and the plug 102b is already sealed, while the connection 5 is not completely terminated between the plug 122a and the plug 102a. A slight elastic deformation of the stirrup 132a as well as the clearance mentioned with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B allows the floating necessary for the electrical connection, but also the compression. FIG. 7G illustrates the system 100 connected and completely locked. Figure 8 illustrates the same state as that of Figure 7G, but in an overall perspective view. Actuation of the slide lock 115 has led the pins 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d to the stop in the bottom of the last step 1173a of the guide slots 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d. This also corresponds to the full insertion position of the slide lock 115 in the cartridge 111 so that the handle 115c abuts against the wall 112c. All the plugs 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h are therefore sealed at the interfaces with the jacks 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102h. The profile of the guide slots 117a, 117b, 117c, 117d avoids accidental disconnection of the system. In some embodiments, it is also possible to provide additional security on the handle 115c. Although the phases described with reference to Figures 7A-7G and their respective advantages are presented in detail as a series of steps, those skilled in the art will know that this is in fact a single operation. conducted by continuously and non-stepwise actuation of the slide lock 115 once the cartridge 111 is aligned with the electronic equipment 101. Those skilled in the art will thus be able to appreciate the advantage of the invention which allows connection / locking or disconnecting / unlocking with ease and in a single operation of a plurality of pins 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h to an electronic equipment 101, which presents This saves time and increases operational efficiency compared to plug-in module systems known in the state of the art, while ensuring the reliability of the connection, even in environments subject to intense vibrations or shocks. and sealing the interfaces of the array of leads 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, 122f, 122g, 122h with outlets 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g, 102b. The actuation of the sliding lock 115 continues.

3031633 20 LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNALS 101 electronic equipment 102a-h sockets 103a-b electric contact blocks 5 104a-b double-blocks of electrical contacts 105 front face 106 housing 107 threaded hole 108 frame 10 108a-d frame walls 109a-b d tab 110a-d pin 111 platen / cartridge 112 cartridge frame 15 112a-d cartridge frame walls 113 first longitudinal main face / bottom of cartridge 114 second longitudinal main face (open) of cartridge 115 latch slider 115a-b slider lock side rods 20 115c slider lock handle 116a-b slits 117a-d slits 118a-d slits 119a-h slits for plug housing 25 120a-b slotted notches for slat 121a -b 122a-h arc-shaped prongs plug-in plugs / modules 123a-b 124a-b electrical contact blocks double-blocks of electrical contacts 30 125 plug housing 125a-b external walls oppo 126 socket housing 127a-b conductor bundle arrays 128a-d conductor bundle arrays 3031633 21 129 bistable pivotable latch 130 slot 131 longitudinal portion 131a central longitudinal segment 131b-c longitudinal side segments 132a main locking bracket 132b- c secondary locking calipers 133a-b main locking yoke passage notches 134a-b circular arc cutting 10 135 spring biasing means 136 pivoting part 137 cartridge center wall 138 stop tab 139 positioning tab 140 axial cavity 141a-b slides 142a-b pins 143a-b contacts 144a-b contacts 1171a, 1172a, 1173a guide slot bearings

Claims (11)

REVENDICATIONS1. A module (122a) for a connector cartridge electrical connector system (111), said module (122a) comprising a housing (125) and at least one electrical contact and being pluggable in a direction of connection in a longitudinal direction of the housing ( 125), characterized in that the module (122a) further comprises a locking element (129) pivotable between two stable positions about a longitudinal axis of the housing (125), wherein a first stable position is provided to allow the insertion of the module (122a) into a connection cartridge (111) of an electrical connector system and a second stable position is provided to allow locking of the module (122a) to the connection cartridge (111). 2. Module according to claim 1, wherein the module (122a) further comprises a return means (135) provided for automatically recalling the locking element (129) to a stable position. 3. Module according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the locking element (129) comprises at least one longitudinal portion (131) with a central longitudinal segment (131a) arranged along an outer wall ( 125a) of said housing (125), wherein said at least one central longitudinal segment (131a) terminates towards a plug-in end of the housing (125) by at least one yoke portion (132a) projecting outwardly housing (125) substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal segment (131a). 4. Module according to claim 3, wherein the locking element (129) comprises two longitudinal parts (131) arranged along opposite outer walls of the housing (125a, 125b), and in which the two longitudinal parts (131). are interconnected by a pivot portion (136) extending through said housing (125) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 5. Module according to claim 4, wherein the respective stirrup portions (132a) of the two longitudinal portions (131) are of different sizes. 3031633 23 6. Module according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said at least one longitudinal portion (131) further comprises two lateral longitudinal segments (131b, 131c) arranged on either side of said central longitudinal segment (131a). ) and oriented at an angle thereto, and wherein the backing of a lateral longitudinal segment (131b, 131c) to said outer wall (125a) corresponds to a stable position. 7. Module according to claim 6, wherein each of the two lateral longitudinal segments (131b, 131c) is shorter than the central longitudinal segment (131a) in the direction of the plug-in end and ends with a stirrup portion (132b). , 132c) projecting outwardly from the housing (125) substantially perpendicular to the respective lateral longitudinal segment (131b, 131c). An electrical connector system (100) comprising: a connection cartridge (111) including precuts (119a-h) adapted to receive a plurality of plug-in modules (122a-h) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 the connecting cartridge (111) further comprising locking means (115), in particular sliding locking means including at least one guide slot (117a-d), for locking the cartridge (111) 20 to a base (101). 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the cartridge (111) further comprises at least one positioning means (138, 139) arranged around each precut (119a-h). 10. System according to one of claims 8 or 9, further comprising: a base (101) adapted to receive a plurality of plug-in modules (122a-h), said base (101) comprising at least one additional locking means (109a-d, 110a-d), in particular a pin, adapted to cooperate with the locking means (115) of the connection cartridge (111). The system of any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising at least one module (122a-h) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.