EP3264536A1 - Locking fastening device for axial couplings in two-part electrical connectors - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking device for two-part axial-coupling electrical connectors (1, 2) comprising two male keys (4) and two female keys (3) included in said parts (1, 2). , said polarizers (3, 4) being arranged on either side of the contacts of the two parts (1, 2) of the male (2) and female (1) electrical connector and comprising respectively at least one protuberance (41) and a bore (33) adapted to cooperate axially to achieve the attachment of the parts (1, 2) during a coupling.

Description

The present invention relates to a locking device for two-part axial-coupling electrical connectors. The technical field to which the invention relates is thus primarily a matter of connectivity, and more particularly relates to the fields of secure links related to aeronautical and military applications.

In these areas, the quality and durability of the connection implemented, in this case a mainly electrical connection, are essential, and they first involve mechanical coupling characteristics. It is imperative that the fixing of the two parts of the connectors is guaranteed, that any inadvertent break is prohibited and made almost impossible by the system. It should be noted that the connectors in question also have a foolproof function, which intervenes upstream of the function of perpetuation and security of the link, and may seem less decisive even if it also contributes to security: it In any event, it prevents the establishment of an electrical connection between two incompatible male and female connectors respectively, which could lead to a bad transfer of potentially disastrous signals and ultimately also to the detriment of safety.

The connectors concerned by the present invention are in particular those which obey the strict normative characteristics specific to aeronautics and to military applications whose technical constraints are listed in the EN3545 standard among others.

They involve inter alia the implementation of a mechanical locking of the two parts of the connector when they are coupled and that the electrical connection is in place and functional. The aim is to eliminate any possibility of accidental disconnection, that is to say, unforeseen, unplanned and unrealized by the hand of man.

It is therefore also the primary objective of the locking fastening device of the present invention, which however goes far beyond that in that it proposes innovations overcoming certain disadvantages of existing connectors on the market and making the device very attractive in an industrial perspective.

Thus, in the known connectors, coding is commonly associated with fastening the parts of the connector by screwing, the applicable standard then requiring a control measure of the tightening torque. This is done by a dynamometric tool giving a precise indication of the measured torque, a tool that permanently monopolizes a hand of the operator. The duration of realization of the measure obviously impacts the mounting rates, imposing installation and maintenance times which are anything but negligible, especially with respect to the number of connectors to fix or verify.

The appropriate tools for tightening, such as torque wrenches, use sockets adapted to the mechanical connection to be controlled, which are not uncommon to lose when they accidentally detach from the rest. of the tool. However, especially in the field of aircraft construction, it is absolutely imperative to look for and find a socket that has detached, no risk of damage to the aircraft in flight due to this uncontrollable mechanical part can not be incurred . The search, depending on the configuration of the connection establishment site, may take a long time, also detrimental to assembly rates.

Moreover, the rapid analysis of the connections and their locking is hardly evident with conventional connectors screwed or clipped because the state of the connection is generally not immediately visible and the tightening torques are only rarely viewable and, in the case of quarter-turn systems, the locking may have been done only partially without this being apparent. The control of the exact state of the connections therefore also requires a duration of intervention which is not innocuous, and whose economic impact translated in terms of time is unfavorable.

The invention provides an effective technical solution to the issues raised, in addition particularly judicious in that it is perfectly possible to implement it in the housings of existing connectors, by simple substitution of certain components, which gives the passage an advantage economic consequence.

For the record, the invention applies to electrical connectors in two parts with axial coupling known per se, that is to say having two male keys and two female keyed included in said parts, these polarizers being arranged on the one hand and other contacts of these connectors.

Conventionally, these male and female polarizers respectively comprise at least one protuberance and a bore adapted to cooperate axially to achieve the attachment of the parts during a coupling.

• la protubérance du détrompeur mâle comporte au moins un élément flexible dépassant de sa surface d'abutement au détrompeur femelle, apte à s'insérer axialement dans l'alésage dudit détrompeur femelle et comportant au moins un organe de blocage axial par expansion radiale de l'élément flexible dans ledit alésage ;
• l'alésage du détrompeur femelle comporte un espace d'expansion pour l'élément flexible du détrompeur mâle, doté de moyens de blocage axial du ou des organes de blocage du détrompeur mâle ;
• un poussoir est associé au détrompeur femelle, mobile à l'intérieur de celui-ci et comportant des moyens de guidage entre une position inactive sans blocage axial et une position active de blocage axial des deux détrompeurs par insertion du poussoir dans l'élément flexible du détrompeur mâle pour le repousser radialement, des moyens de guidage actionnant des moyens de verrouillage du blocage axial.

According to the design of the invention:

• the protrusion of the male polarizer comprises at least one flexible element protruding from its abutment surface to the female polarizer, adapted to be inserted axially into the bore of said female polarizer and comprising at least one axial locking member by radial expansion of the flexible element in said bore;
• the bore of the female polarizer comprises an expansion space for the flexible element of the male polarizer, provided with axial locking means or the locking members of the male polarizer;
• a pusher is associated with the female keying element, movable inside thereof and having guide means between an inactive position without axial locking and an active position of axial locking of the two polarizers by insertion of the pusher into the flexible element of the male key to repel radially, guiding means actuating locking means of the axial locking.

This original design allows guiding and locking resulting from the guidance eliminates the need for the use of any tool, and allows the operator to perform the assembly / disassembly with one hand. Time savings and work comfort are greatly improved.

According to one possible configuration, the pusher locking means comprise return means interposed between the female polarizer and the pusher urging the pusher in rotation, the guide means initiating the rotation actuating the locking of the pusher in the female keying.

This is a system that can be described as self-locking insofar as the return means constantly tend to request the pusher in the locked position, and that the manipulation of said pusher in the direction of a axial locking of the actuators automatically actuates said locking due to the action of the guide means.

According to one possibility, said guide means of the pusher in the female keying may consist of radial pads of one cooperating with L-shaped housing of the other, making a bayonet type connection. This type of connection does well involve a combination between a rectilinear type of movement and a rotary movement, in the logic of what has been mentioned before.

According to a configuration of the invention, the flexible element of the axial protuberance of the male polarizer may consist of at least one flexible wall of axial shape of the protuberance, said wall being provided at its free end with a rim protruding towards the outside the protuberance. Said flange then forms the axial locking member of the male key.

According to one possible configuration, the protuberance comprises two flexible elements which consist of the wall of a hollow cylindrical shaft divided in two by axial slots practiced to the vicinity of the surface. of abutment of the male key to the female key. The barrel is then for example provided with an end flange oriented radially towards the outside of the barrel and whose outside diameter does not exceed that of the bore, the flange portions of the half-barrels constituting the flexible elements forming the axial locking members of the male polarizer.

Note that this is not a traditional system of clipping, since the flexible element or elements are not biased in bending during the insertion of the protuberance in the bore, since for example the outer diameter of the collar is less than or equal to the internal diameter of the bore. Axial locking comes from the expansion of said elements, caused in case of activation of the system by the axial displacement of the pusher, which moves the flange in the space provided for this purpose in the female key.

A solution that consists of having at least one elastic element, in this case the wall or walls, which deforms during assembly is also possible and provides an additional function in that it allows pre-holding of the connector before locking.

In practice, the bore of the female polarizer may for example comprise, to allow this expansion, a radial space widening its internal diameter and adapted to accommodate the locking member of each flexible element. This space may then have a projection located at a distance from its abutment surface with the male keying substantially equal to the distance separating the locking members of the abutment surface of the male key. As soon as this distance is covered during the insertion of the axial protrusion of the male key in the bore of the female key, the conditions for possible expansion are met: it is implemented only during the activation of the pusher.

When the pusher is actuated, that is to say it is introduced inside the female keying, the bayonet guide system mentioned above is used. According to a configurational possibility, a torsion spring is interposed between the female key and the pusher, constantly urging the pusher in rotation. Pins radially protruding from the pusher are further guided each in a recess formed in the inner wall of the female key. According to the invention, this notch has for example a locking flank having a first rectilinear portion emerging after a hard point in a rounded portion which loops on a rounded unlocking flank ending in a second rectilinear portion in front of the first .

The combined movement for locking is provided by the locking side of the notch, the locking becoming effective after the passage through the threshold constituted by the hard point and the slight subsequent withdrawal of the pusher in the rounded flank due to the return means classical axial of this kind of connection, grover washer type. It should be noted that the elastic properties of joints interposed between the parts of the connectors also play a role in this respect.

Additionally, according to the invention, a device for retaining the pusher in the female keying device such as a rod surrounds the periphery of the pusher. This ring is movable for example in a cylindrical peripheral recess of the female polarizer delimited on one side by a flange into which the notches open, and the other by a shoulder located at a distance from the flange close to the axial length of said notches. The axial displacement is thus provided so that the assembly can be on the one hand in the inactive position of disconnection without the pusher is free to detach from the female key, and secondly in the active position of axial blocking and locked keyed, and therefore both parts of the connector equipped with a device according to the invention.

According to a possible non-limiting design of the invention, the torsion spring can be disposed in an annular housing of the body of the pusher, between a central cylindrical core whose free end is provided to push the flexible elements and a cylindrical peripheral wall . The branches of said spring are then for example housed one in an axial hole of the female key and the other in an axial slot made in the periphery of the wall, and in the retaining ring housed in a peripheral recess of the body of the pusher adjacent to the wall and finally in the portion of said body adjacent to the other side of said recess and which exceed the studs.

The torsion spring therefore relies on both the female keying device, on one of the walls of the axial orifice which receives one of the branches, and on the pusher on a wall opposite to the rotation of the slot described above.

• la figure 1 est une vue partielle en coupe axiale d'un dispositif de connexion selon l'invention ;
• les figure 2 à 5 en représentent, en vue perspective, les différents composants, à savoir respectivement, le détrompeur mâle (figure 2), le détrompeur femelle (figure 3), le poussoir (figure 4) et le ressort de torsion (figure 5) ;
• la figure 6 est une vue agrandie en coupe de l'interaction entre les détrompeurs en position non bloquée et non verrouillée ; et
• la figure 7 montre une vue équivalente à la figure 6 représentant l'interaction entre les détrompeurs en position bloquée et verrouillée.

The invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended figures, for which:

• the figure 1 is a partial view in axial section of a connection device according to the invention;
• the figure 2 to 5 represent, in perspective view, the different components, namely respectively, the male polarizer ( figure 2 ), the female polarizer ( figure 3 ), the pusher ( figure 4 ) and the torsion spring ( figure 5 );
• the figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the interaction between the polarizers in the unlocked and unlocked position; and
• the figure 7 shows a view equivalent to the figure 6 representing the interaction between the keys in locked and locked position.

With reference to Figures 1 to 5 , the device of the invention applies to secure electrical connectors comprising a female part 1 provided with female polarizers 3 (only one of which is visible in the partial view) and a male part 2 provided with male polarizers 4 (of which only one is visible for the same reason). The male polarizer 4 comprises a cylindrical main body 40 of which axially protrudes 41 consists of two flexible elements 42, 43. In practice, the protuberance 41 consists of a hollow shaft divided into said flexible elements 42, 43 by removal of two portions of the peripheral wall of the barrel 41 to the base of the latter, at the abutment surface 44 of the male key 4. At the free end of the flexible elements 42, 43, portions 45, 46 of FIG. an outer flange of the barrel extend outwardly thereof in a substantially radial direction. The polarizer 4 also has a hexagonal head 47 housed in a recess 21 of corresponding shape of the male part 2 of the connector preventing relative rotation.

A ring 22 is disposed in a peripheral recess 48 of the polarizer 4, for purposes of axial retention of the latter in the part 2. Axial locking also results from a nut 23 and a locking washer 24.

The female key 3 comprises a first hexagonal portion 31 which blocks it in rotation in a housing 11 of the part 1 constituting the female connector. A hollow barrel 32 has an internal bore 33 and an annular recess 34 intended to receive an axial retaining ring 12 clipping on a shoulder 13 of the part 1. The hexagonal portion 31 of the polarizer 3 also has L-shaped notches 35 for the bayonet type connection, arranged opposite each other and only one of which is visible in figure 3 .

The pusher 5 comprises a cylindrical core 51 delimiting with a peripheral wall 52 a housing 50 for the spiral body 61 of the spring 6. The pusher 5 further comprises a peripheral annular recess 53 for a retaining ring 54. A single stud 55 among two opposite from each other is visible in figure 4 , said pads 55 being provided to cooperate with the notches 35 of the female key 3 in the bayonet guide link. A grip handle 56 allows manipulation by the operator, which does not require a tool. An axial slot 57 is used to accommodate one of the branches 62, 63 of the torsion spring 6.

In the state of the figure 1 , the connection is not finalized, it is neither locked axially nor locked, it is in the same state as in the figure 6 , that is to say with the core 51 of the pusher located in the vicinity of the flexible elements 42, 43 of the male polarizer 4. In the Figures 6 and 7 the small circle corresponds to the axial blocking zone, and the large circle corresponds to the locked zone in the locked position. The state of the link is intermediate, it is in an activation state that is started, an axial thrust of the pusher 5 having already been initiated.

By first examining the area represented by the small circle in figure 6 , the outer flange 45, 46 of the flexible elements 42, 43 is not yet pushed radially in the expansion space 36 provided in the female key 3. As can be seen, in this inactivated state, because the diameter outside these flanges 45, 46 is not greater than the inner diameter d of the bore 33, no axial locking is still possible.

In the lower part "covered" by the large circle, the studs 55 are already engaged in the straight portion of the indentations 35, below the hard points 37 marking the change of direction of the pusher 5. The latter is urged in rotation from the beginning of the movement by the torsion spring 6 which is compressed between the slot 57 of the pusher 5 and an orifice (not shown) inside the female key 3, but it can not turn when it is upstream of the hard points 37 The ring 54 does not oppose the movement, it is movable in a cylindrical peripheral recess 38 of the female key 3 closed by a flange 39a into which the notches 35, and limited in the upper part by a shoulder 39b. The distance between them is close to the axial length of the notches 35, which ensures that when the device is inactivated, the pusher 5 is retained so that the pads 55 are ready to be activated, and are located at the entrance of the indentations 35, allowing at the same time the accumulation of energy in the spring 6. In the unlocking phase, which involves the excursion of the pusher 5 furthest inside the female key 3, the stop formed by the shoulder 39b does not oppose the upward movement of the ring 54.

With reference to the figure 7 , the connection is activated, that is to say that the parts 1 and 2 of the connector are locked axially and locked. The displacement in the axial direction of the pusher 5 in the female key 3 triggers the self locking as explained below. Referring to the area covered by the small circle, referring more particularly to the axial blocking function, the latter results from the fact that the core 51 of the pusher 5 has moved sufficiently axially to move the flexible elements 42, 43 away. such that the flange portions 45, 46 are now in the space 36, with a surface facing a projection 136 of the expansion space 36 which prevents any axial withdrawal of one of the pieces 1, 2 with respect to the other 2, 1.

At the same time, since the pads 55 have reached the level of the hard spots 37, the pusher 5 is rotated by the spring 6 which releases its energy at the entrance of the studs 55 in the non-rectilinear portions of the notches 35. beyond the hard points 37, said pads slightly lower in the rounded openings, locking the connection by releasing an axial energy for example by an elastic seal interposed between the two parts 1, 2 of the connector of the invention. The unlocking is done very simply by printed reverse rotation and a pull of the pushers (to lock them in the non-locking area) by the operator.

The configuration described with reference to the figures is of course not exhaustive of the invention, which on the contrary encompasses the variants of shape and structure which relate to the different components and organize the same functions, insofar as they enter the definition of claims.

Claims (9)

Locking fastening device for two-part electrical connectors (1, 2) with axial coupling, comprising two male keys (4) and two female keys (3) included in said parts (1, 2), said polarizers (3, 4 ) being arranged on either side of the contacts of the two parts (1, 2) of the male (2) and female (1) electrical connector and respectively comprising at least one protuberance (41) and a bore (33) capable of cooperating axially for fixing the parts (1, 2) during a coupling, characterized in that : - The protuberance (41) of the male keyway (4) comprises at least one flexible element (42, 43) protruding from its abutment surface (44) to the female key (3), adapted to be inserted axially into the bore (33) said female key (3) and having at least one axial locking member (45, 46) by radial expansion of the flexible member (42, 43) in said bore (33); the bore (33) of the female polarizer (3) comprises an expansion space (36) for the flexible element (42, 43) of the male polarizer (4), provided with axial locking means (136) of the or blocking members (45, 46) of the male key (4); - A pusher (5) is associated with the female key (3), movable inside thereof and guided between an inactive position without axial locking and an active position of axial locking of the two polarizers (3, 4) by insertion. of the pusher (5) in the flexible element (42, 43) of the male polarizer (4) to push it radially, guiding means actuating means for locking the axial locking. Locking fastening device for electrical connectors according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking means comprise return means (6) interposed between the female key (3) and the pusher (5) urging the pusher (5) by rotation, the guide means initiating the rotation actuating the locking of the pusher (5) in the female key (3). Locking fastening device for electrical connectors according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said guide means of the pusher (5) in the female key (3) consist of radial pads (55) of one cooperating with housings in L (35) on the other, making a bayonet type connection. Locking fastening device for electrical connectors according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible element of the protuberance consists of at least one flexible wall of axial shape of the protuberance (41), said wall being provided with its free end of a flange protruding outwardly of the protuberance (41), said flange forming the axial locking member of the male key (4). Locking fastening device for electrical connectors according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the protuberance (41) comprises two flexible elements (42, 43) which consist of the wall of a hollow cylindrical barrel divided in two by axial slits formed to the vicinity of the abutment surface (44) of the male key (4) to the female key (3), said barrel being provided with a collar of end oriented radially outwardly of the barrel and whose outside diameter does not exceed that of the bore, the flange portions (45, 46) of the half-barrels constituting the flexible elements forming the axial locking members of the polarizer male (4). Locking fastening device for electrical connectors according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bore (33) of the female polarizer (3) comprises a space (36) of radial appearance widening its internal diameter and able to accommodate the locking member (45, 46) of each flexible element (42, 43), said space (36) having a projection (136) located at a distance from its abutment surface with the male key (4) substantially equal at the distance separating the locking members (45, 46) from the abutment surface (44) of the male polarizer (4). Locking fastening device for electrical connectors according to one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that a torsion spring (6) is interposed between the female polarizer (3) and the pusher (5), permanently driving the pusher (5) in rotation, studs (55) protruding radially from the pusher (5) being each guided in a notch (35) formed in the inner wall of the female key (3), said notch (35) having a locking flank having a first rectilinear portion emerging after a hard point (37) in a rounded portion which loops on a rounded release flank ending in a second straight portion opposite the first. Locking fastening device for electrical connectors according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a ring (54) is arranged around the pusher (5), movable in a cylindrical peripheral recess (38) of the female polarizer (3) delimited by one side by a flange (39a) in which the notches (35) open, and the other by a shoulder (39b) located at a distance from the flange (39a) adjacent to the axial length of said notches (35). Locking fastening device for electrical connectors according to one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the torsion spring (6) is placed in an annular housing (50) of the pusher body (5) between a central cylindrical core (51) whose free end is intended to push the flexible member (s) (42, 43) and a cylindrical peripheral wall (52), branches (62, 63) of said spring (6) being housed one in an axial hole of the female key (3) and the other in an axial slot (57) formed in the periphery of the wall (52), as well as in a retaining ring (54) housed in a peripheral recess (53) of the body of the pusher (5) adjacent the wall (52) and finally in the portion of said body adjacent to the other side of said recess (53) and which exceed the pads (55).

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