JP3174583B2 - Connector device - Google Patents

Abstract

A connector unit 1 comprises a latching shell 3 having three peripheral resilient tongues 4 at substantially 120 DEG from one another each bearing an outwardly projecting latch 5. A catching sleeve 28 also arranged in the connector unit 1 has three peripheral arms 30 at substantially 120 DEG from one another each provided with an inner latch catching groove 31. The peripheral arms 30 of the catching sleeve 28 are located angularly between the resilient tongues 4 of the latching shell 3, whereby the latches 5 are circumferentially alternating with the latch catching grooves 31. <IMAGE>

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a connector device for connecting signal transmission conductor means via a self-fastening mechanism, that is, a meshing means regulated by a self-latching mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Connector devices of the type described above are known and widely used in various areas where very high quality is required in terms of precision and reliability.

The general configuration of these devices consists of two tubular bodies forming a plug and socket device, each of which is connected to a conductor that carries electrical, photon or fluid signals, It is intended to engage each other. As soon as the plug is pushed axially and the plug is inserted into the socket, the self-latching mechanism automatically engages the plug within the socket. If it is necessary to remove the plug body, pulling the outer release sleeve straight in the axial direction will first release the self-latching mechanism, then pull the plug body away from the socket body and disengage the plug body from the socket body. As described above, even if the cable including the signal transmission conductor is pulled or the part of the plug / socket body other than the outer release sleeve is pulled, the connection between the plug body and the socket body cannot be released.

In these known connector devices, a plurality of peripheral elastic tongs are attached to the plug body, and each of the tongs abuts a latch protruding outwardly, so that each latch moves elastically in the radial direction on the plug body. It has become possible. An outer sleeve slidably mounted on the plug body for axial movement on the plug body includes an extension surrounding the peripheral elastic tongs, the extensions being respectively disposed on the protruding latches. A plurality of lateral windows, whereby the sleeve moves axially over the plug body and the window of the extension acts as a ramp forcing the lug radially inward with respect to the plug body. Will do. The socket body has an inner circular groove that catches the protruding latch as soon as the plug body is inserted into the socket body. According to the general operation described above, the connection of the device is achieved by simply inserting the plug body into the socket body, the protruding latches shrink radially into the socket body and then extend into the catch grooves. Thus, the assembly including the plug body and the socket body is locked. Removal of the device can be achieved by pulling the outer sleeve in an axial manner so that the window of the sleeve radially shrinks the protruding latch so that the latch is pulled out of the catch groove and the plug body can be separated from the socket body.

Another version of the connector device described in U.S. Pat.No. 3,160,457 comprises a plurality of peripheral elastic tongs, the tongs having a lug latch, and a lug latch on a release sleeve slidably disposed on the plug body. And the release sleeve comprises a frusto-conical ramp located below the latch. A release space is provided between the latch and the plug body. The socket body has an inner circular groove that catches the protruding latch as the plug body is inserted into the socket body. The connection of the connector device is achieved by pushing the plug body into the socket body, whereby the latch contracts in the release space into the socket body and then extends in the catch groove. In such a configuration, pulling the plug body outside of the release sleeve will cause the frustoconical ramp of the plug body to further bias the latch in the catch groove in the socket body. To release the self-latching assembly, pull the release sleeve,
This can be achieved by retracting the latch in the release space to pull the plug body away from the socket body.

Yet another version of the above-described connector arrangement is described in French patent A-2159701. The plug body includes a plurality of peripheral elastic tongs, and the tongue includes an inwardly projecting latch that is adapted to engage an annular catching groove located around the periphery of the socket body. The release sleeve is mounted for movement over the plug body and is provided with a chamfered portion at one end that is oriented in the direction of the inwardly projecting latch and that can pass under the latch, while the other end hasぷ Equipped with a stop device that cooperates with a snap ring elastically mounted on the lug member. The inner surface of the release sleeve is stepped to block the latch protruding inside the catch groove of the socket body when the stop device is engaged with the retaining ring, and the stop device is released from the retaining ring, thereby chamfering the release sleeve. The latch is extended radially and can be disengaged from the catch groove by passing the cut portion under the latch so that the latch separates and extends radially to release the self-latching connection. .

All of the above connector devices are connected by inserting the plug body into the socket body or by engaging the socket body on the plug body with the operator holding the plug body or the socket body that is to be fitted with each other. Is fail-proof in that it knows or recognizes that it can be done reliably. However, the above configuration alone is not necessarily fail-proof under high stress or in a so-called blind state, such as during military operations, for example. If the operator is embarrassed when holding the plug body or the socket body, it cannot be said that it is fail-proof. Also, such situations can be particularly severe if the coupling must be on loose cables.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the potential for potential failure with a connector device that can eliminate the embarrassment of the operator even under environmentally more adverse conditions. Another object of the invention is to simplify the logistics in the connection of the signal transmission conductor means. Yet another object of the invention is to propose a connector device which is versatile and easy to manufacture.

To achieve the above object, the connector device according to the present invention complies with the definition defined in the claims.

Therefore, in the connector unit, the latch means and the latch catching means which are elastically movable are alternately arranged on the circumference, and the first connector unit and the second connector unit are connected to each other by the elastic movement of the first connector unit. The free latch means is inserted into the latch catch means of the second connector unit for self-latching, while the latch catch means of the first connector unit simultaneously receives and catches the latch means of the second connector unit. It is made to mesh with. There is no need to manipulate or search for different elements in one or eight, and there is no need to ask visually, tactilely, or how to handle different elements in operation. All that is required to achieve the coupling of the signal transmission conductor means is a simple insertion of a simple fail rule. Such a connector unit can be used both in a plug body and in a socket body, simplifying the logistics of either the housed type element or the type used to make the cable assembly. Can be.
Regardless of the educational background of the operator, the need to educate the operator can be drastically reduced. The manufacture of such a connector device is also simplified because the number of different elements is reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, such a connector unit is resiliently movable and is provided with latch means arranged at a fixed distance from each other in the circumferential direction, and alternately arranged with the latch means in the circumferential direction. A plurality of latch catches are provided to further facilitate the connection. The latch means can be movable radially or circumferentially.

In the case where a ramp is provided to bias the latch against the elasticity of the latch, the engagement is released without difficulty when the latch is released from the latch catcher.

When the control means is attached to the control sleeve so as to move in the longitudinal direction on the connector unit, the control sleeve can be directly pushed and pulled to self-latch and release the connection. It is possible to attach the control means so as to move in the longitudinal direction on the connector unit with the latch means connected thereto.

It is possible to provide a wall means to urge the latch means to the latched state to enhance the locking state of the latch means in the latch catching means.

Attached to the connector unit is a spring-loaded cylindrical coupling means for reciprocating on the latch means and the latch catching means so as to be firmly fixed, or with the signal transmission conductor means in the connector unit. It is possible to prevent unnecessary contact or to protect the latch means and the latch catch means from environmental attacks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of example,
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates one preferred but illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a connector unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 2 is a view along the line II of FIG.

FIGS. 3 and 4, FIGS. 5 and 6, FIGS. 7 and 8, and FIGS. 9 and 10 are side and plan views, respectively, of details of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector unit of the first embodiment in a state in which the same is engaged with the same connector unit.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector unit of the second embodiment in a state in which the same is engaged with the same connector unit.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The connector unit 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a central tubular body 2 on which a 120
A latch shell 3 (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6) having three peripheral elastic tongs 4 extending at intervals of degrees is attached, each tong having an outwardly projecting latch 5 at its end. The latch has a front surface inclined toward said end of the tongue 4 and a rear abutment surface 7 substantially perpendicular to the tongue 4. The latch shell 3 is provided between the shoulder 8 of the tubular body 2 and the ring 9 fixed to the tubular body 2.
To be fixed.

On the latch shell 3, a slidable sleeve 10 (FIG. 1,
2, 7, 8), the sleeve has at one end three peripheral extension arms 11 arranged on the tongue 4 of the latch shell 3 at an interval of approximately 120 degrees from one another. Each arm
11 is provided with a lateral window 12 arranged on the corresponding latch 5. The sleeve 10 abuts the shoulder 8 of the central tubular body 2 and its rear end 13 is fixed to the control sleeve 14 surrounding the connector unit 1 by, for example, gluing. A chamber 15 is formed in the rear end 13 of the sleeve 10,
A coil spring 16 is disposed in the chamber, and one end of the coil spring abuts against a wall 17 of the chamber 15 and the other end abuts on a ring 18 that is movable in the chamber 15. The rear end of
It comes into contact with the contact wall 19 at the rear end of the control sleeve 14.
The two o-rings 20 and 21 on the ring 18
The sleeve 10 and the central tubular body 2 are securely fixed.

The rear end of the control sleeve 14 slidably abuts the end of the collet nut 22, which engages the threaded end 23 of the central tubular body 2 and a ring.
Contact the rear end of 18. Collet nut 22 holds the signal transmission conductor assembly, which extends within central tubular body 2 and abuts shoulder 37 of central tubular body 2. 0 ring 25
Are securely fixed between the signal transmission conductor assembly 24 and the central tubular body 2. The signal transmission conductor assembly 24 includes:
It is fixed at a certain angle to the central tubular body 2 via studs 26 arranged in grooves 27 of the central tubular body. The signal transmission conductor assembly 24 may be of any type as long as it transmits electrical, photon or fluid signals and does not require further explanation.

On the sleeve 10 and the central tubular body 2 there is a capture sleeve 28
(FIGS. 1, 2, 9 and 10) are attached and the capture sleeve is secured to the central tubular body 2 by screws 29.
The acquisition sleeve 28 comprises three peripheral arms 30 which are arranged approximately 120 degrees apart from each other and which are located between the elastic tongs 4 of the latch shell 3 and the windowed arm 11 of the sleeve 10. Each of the peripheral arms 30 is provided with an inner latch catching groove 31 having a shape substantially the same as but opposite to that of the latch 5. The latch 5 and the window 12 thus alternate circumferentially with the latch catch groove 31.

The front end of the control sleeve 14 extends slightly behind the front end of the peripheral arm 30 of the capture sleeve 28, and
A slidable cylindrical shaft coupling 32 (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4) is attached between the control sleeve 14 and the O-ring 33 at the front end of the cylindrical shaft coupling 32. Will be accommodated.
The rear end of the cylindrical coupling 32 is provided with a slot at 34 so that screws 29 provide longitudinal positioning and angled guidance, while the cylindrical coupling
A spring 35 disposed between the rear end of the control sleeve 14 and the inner abutment wall 36 of the control sleeve 14 urges the tubular coupling 32 forward on the front end of the peripheral arm 30 of the capture sleeve and on the latch 5 of the latch shell 3 forward. are doing. An O-ring 38 securely secures between the tubular coupling 32 and the control sleeve 14.

The operation of the connector will be described below with reference to FIG. The two identical connector units 1 are positioned face-to-face with each other and pressed against each other, and the O-ring 33 of the cylindrical coupling 2 securely fixes the two connectors at that position. When the cylindrical coupling 32 retracts into the control sleeve 14 against the bias of the spring 35,
The peripheral arm 30 of each capture sleeve 28 of the connector unit 1
Are inserted between the peripheral arms 30 of the capture sleeve 28 of the other connector unit. The window 12 of the latch 5 and the latch shell 3 and the sleeve 10 of each connector unit 1 engage below the peripheral arm 30 of the capture sleeve 28 of the other connector unit 1, respectively. The resilient tongue 4 biases the latch 5 into the corresponding latch catching groove 31 and the rear abutment surface 7 of the latch 5 against the corresponding opposite shape of the latch catching groove 31. Therefore, the assembly of the two connector units 1 is securely fixed. When the cable (not shown) connected to the collet nut 22 or the signal transmission conductor assembly 24 is arbitrarily pulled, the cable 5 is pulled through the central tubular body 2, the latch shell 3, the elastic tongue 4 and the screw 29 and the latch catch groove 31.
And the connector unit 1 assembly remains securely fixed.

Disassembly is achieved by simply pulling on one or both of the control sleeves 14 of the connector unit 1 and the connector unit 1 is retracted against the bias of the spring 16. When the control sleeve 14 retreats against the bias of the spring 16, the sleeve
10 is pulled, the extension arm 11 of the sleeve 10 drives the window 12 along the inclined surface 6 of the latch 5, and the latch 5 is disengaged from the latch catch groove 31. Thus, while the connector units 1 are separated from each other, the tubular coupling 32 is fixed by the spring 35 to the latch 5, the peripheral arm 30 of the capture sleeve 28 and the signal transmission conductor assembly.
It is pushed on 24.

The second embodiment shown in FIG. 12 comprises a connector unit having a central tubular body 40, which
It has three peripheral arms 41 extending at 120 degree intervals and each terminating in an upwardly inclined wall 42. A latch shell 43 is slidably provided on the central tubular body 40,
The shell has on the arm 41 three peripheral elastic tongs 44 each extending at 120 degrees from each other. The forward movement of the latch shell 43 is limited by the shoulder 50 of the central tubular body 40, and the latch shell 43 is fixed at an angle to the central tubular body 40 via a stud and a groove structure (not shown). The elastic tongs 44 are each terminated by a latch 45 projecting upward,
The latch has a front inwardly facing surface 47 that abuts a rear latch surface 46 and an inclined surface 42 of the arm 41. A chamber 49 is formed in a rear portion 48 of the latch shell 43, and a coil spring 51 is disposed in the chamber. One end of the coil spring abuts on the front wall of the chamber 49, and the other end of the coil spring 51 is in contact with the chamber 49. It abuts a ring 52 movably within chamber 49 and over central tubular body 40. The rear end of the ring 52 surrounds the connector unit 39 and abuts against a contact wall 53 at the rear end of the control sleeve 54 fixed to the latch shell 43 at a position 55 by gluing or the like. Two O-rings are ring 52, latch shell 43
And the central tubular body 40 is firmly fixed.

The rear end of the control sleeve 54 slidably abuts the end of a collet nut 57, which is a central tubular body.
Engage with the threaded end 58 of 40 and ring 52
Abuts the rear end of the The collet nut 57 holds the signal transmission conductor assembly 59, which extends and is fixed in the central tubular body 40 in the longitudinal direction and at a constant angle as in the first embodiment. O-ring 60 is a signal transmission conductor assembly 59
And the central tubular body 40 is firmly fixed.

A capture sleeve 61 fixed to the central tubular body 40 via screws 62 is mounted on the latch shell 43 and the central tubular body 40. The acquisition sleeve 61 has three peripheral arms 63 arranged at 120 degrees apart from each other and having a fixed angle between the elastic tongue 44 of the latch shell 43 and the peripheral arm 41 of the central tubular body. It is arranged in. Each peripheral arm 63 of the capture sleeve 61 is provided with an inner latch capture groove 64 which is substantially identical to the shape of the latch 45 but is arranged in the opposite direction. The latch 45 and the arm 41 are therefore circumferentially alternated with the latch catch grooves 64.

The front end of the control sleeve 54 extends slightly rearward of the peripheral arm 63 of the capture sleeve 61, and a slidable cylindrical joint is provided between the capture sleeve 61 and the control sleeve 54. The rear end of the cylindrical coupling 65 that accommodates the O-ring 66 is provided with a slot at a portion 67, and is positioned in the longitudinal direction and at a fixed angle by the screw 62. A spring 68 positioned between the rear end and the inner abutment wall 69 of the control sleeve 54 catches the cylindrical coupling 65 and the peripheral arm 63 of the capture sleeve 61.
, The latch 45 and the arm 41 are urged forward. The O-ring 70 securely fixes the space between the cylindrical coupling 65 and the control sleeve 45.

The operation of the above embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.
The two identical connector units 39 are positioned face-to-face with each other and are pushed towards each other while the O-ring 66 at that level achieves a secure fixation of both connectors. The cylindrical coupling 65 is retracted in the control sleeve 54 against the bias of the spring 68 so that the peripheral arms 63 of the respective capture sleeves 61 of the connector unit 39 are respectively connected to the peripheral arms of the capture sleeve 61 of the other connector unit 39. It is inserted in 63. In this manner, the latch 45 and the arm 41 of each connector unit 39 engage below the peripheral arm 63 of the other connector unit 39, respectively. By the bias of the elastic tongs 44,
While the latch 45 engages with the corresponding latch catch groove 64,
The rear latch surface 46 of the latch abuts the corresponding surface of the latch catch groove 64. The assembly consisting of the two connector units 39 is then securely fixed. Cable connected to collet nut 57 or signal transmission conductor assembly 59 (not shown)
Is arbitrarily pulled and transmitted to the central tubular body, and the peripheral arm 41 and the inclined wall 42 of the tubular body urge the latch 45 into the latch catching groove 64, and the assembly of the connector unit 39 is firmly fixed. Will remain. The connector unit can be disassembled by simply pulling one or both of the control sleeves 54 of the connector unit 39. When the control sleeve 54 is retracted against the bias of the spring 51, the latch shell 43 is pulled, and the latch 45 of the shell is biased along the inclined wall 42 or the peripheral arm by the wall of the latch capture groove, and the latch capture groove 64 is provided.
Is to be withdrawn. Thus, while the connector units are separated from each other, the cylindrical coupling 65 is pushed by the spring 68 on the latch 45 and the end of the signal transmission conductor assembly and the peripheral arm 63 of the capture sleeve 61.

A description will be given of possible modifications. For example, the number of latched tongs, latch catching arms and related elements may be at least or more than three, and importantly they are circumferentially staggered so that the connector unit is different from another identical connector unit. It is possible to mesh with each other. The latch may protrude inward, in which case the associated elements also need to be repositioned accordingly.

The latch can be elastically movable in the circumferential direction instead of the radial direction as shown, and the arm with the window and the peripheral arm with the lamp are moved in the circumferential direction so as to operate in the lateral direction. Is positioned in correspondence with. The illustrated generally triangular latch can be other shapes and can be replaced with a ball. The cylindrical shaft couplings 32 and 65 are
It can be omitted, especially when it is not necessary to secure or protect the latch and associated components, the latch capture element and the signal transmission conductor assembly. The tubular couplings 32, 65 can include a semi-lunar lid protruding forward of the front end of the coupling to further facilitate engagement.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-6-203915 (JP, A) JP-A-5-266947 (JP, A) JP-A-59-139580 (JP, A) 84686 (JP, U) JP-A 6-21170 (JP, U) JP-A 5-57775 (JP, U) JP-A 63-84884 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H01R 13/639 H01R 24/18

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A connector device for connecting signal transmission conductor means (24) via a meshing means regulated by a self-latching mechanism, wherein the connector units (1) are arranged at the same distance from each other in a circumferential direction. Each is a projection latch (5)
A central tubular body (2) secured to a latch shell (3) having a plurality of resilient tongs (4) having latches; and latch catch means (31) adapted to alternate with said latch (5) in the circumferential direction. And a control sleeve (14) attached movably in the longitudinal direction on the connector unit (1). A sleeve (10) slidably mounted on said latch shell (3) has, at one end, each extending along said tongs (4) and each having a corresponding elasticity of a corresponding latch (5). A plurality of peripheral extension arms (11) having ramp means (12) for biasing said latch (5) against said armatures, said catching sleeves (28) being arranged circumferentially at the same distance from each other. Together with the ton A plurality of peripheral arms (30) arranged at a fixed angle between (4) and the extension arm (11), each having said latch catching means (31), and said control sleeve (14) Self-latching and releasing between the connector unit (1) and the second identical connector unit, secured to the slidable sleeve (10), is achieved by directly pushing and pulling the control sleeve (14). A connector device characterized in that: 2. The tongue (4) and the projection latch (5).
The connector device according to claim 1, wherein the connector is movable in a radial direction. 3. The slidable sleeve (10) is provided in a chamber (1).
5), wherein a spring (16) is arranged in the chamber, the spring abutting at one end against the wall (17) of the chamber and at the other end the wall (19) of the control sleeve (14) The connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that it abuts on a part (22) of the central tubular body (2). 4. The other end of the spring (16) is free to move within the chamber (15) and abuts the wall (19) and the part (22) of the central tubular body (2). Touching ring (1
8) and two O-rings (20, 21) on the ring (18) form the ring (18), the sleeve (1).
The connector device according to claim 3, characterized in that the connector device is securely fixed between 0) and the central tubular body (2). 5. The connector according to claim 4, wherein said control sleeve has a rear end slidably abutting said portion of said central tubular body. apparatus. 6. A connector device for connecting signal transmission conductor means (59) via engagement means regulated by a self-latching mechanism, wherein the connector units (39) are arranged at the same circumferential distance from each other, Each is a projection latch (45)
A central tubular body (40) fixed to a latch shell (43) having a plurality of resilient tongs (44) having latches; and latch catching means ( A connector comprising a capture sleeve (61) secured to the central tubular body (40) having a control sleeve (54) mounted movably in a longitudinal direction on the connector unit (39). In the apparatus, said central tubular body (40) extends along said tongs (44), respectively, and ramp walls (42) each biasing a corresponding latch (45) into said latch catching means (64). And a plurality of peripheral arms (41) having
Are arranged circumferentially at the same distance from each other, and the tongue (44) and the peripheral arm (4) of the central tubular body (40) are
1) comprising a plurality of peripheral arms (63) arranged at an angle with respect to each other and each having said latch capturing means (64), wherein said latch shell (43) is provided with said central tubular body (40).
The control sleeve (54) is slidably mounted thereon and the control sleeve (54) is fixed to the latch shell (43), and the self-latching and release of the connector unit (39) and the second identical control unit is performed by the control unit. A connector device which is achieved by directly pushing and pulling a control sleeve (54). 7. The tongue (44) and the projection latch (45).
The connector device according to claim 6, wherein the connector is movable in a radial direction. 8. The latch shell (43) includes a chamber (49), and a spring (51) is disposed in the chamber, the spring abutting at one end against a wall of the chamber (49), The connector device according to claim 6, characterized in that the other end abuts on a wall (53) of the control sleeve (54) and a part (57) of the central tubular body (40). 9. The other end of the spring (51) is movable within the chamber (49) and abuts the wall (53) and the portion (57) of the central tubular body (40). Touching ring (5
2) and the two O-rings (56) on the ring (52) ensure that there is no gap between the ring (52), the latch shell (43) and the central tubular body (40). The connector device according to claim 8, wherein the connector device is fixed. 10. The connector according to claim 9, wherein said control sleeve has a rear end slidably abutting said portion of said central tubular body. apparatus.