EP2654131B1 - Connector assembly with multi-terminal connectors with polarisation system by keys - Google Patents

Connector assembly with multi-terminal connectors with polarisation system by keys Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2654131B1
EP2654131B1 EP13164044.3A EP13164044A EP2654131B1 EP 2654131 B1 EP2654131 B1 EP 2654131B1 EP 13164044 A EP13164044 A EP 13164044A EP 2654131 B1 EP2654131 B1 EP 2654131B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
key
housing
connector
fact
keys
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP13164044.3A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2654131A3 (en
EP2654131A2 (en
Inventor
Patrice Becavin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Radiall SA
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Radiall SA
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Publication date
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Publication of EP2654131A2 publication Critical patent/EP2654131A2/en
Publication of EP2654131A3 publication Critical patent/EP2654131A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2654131B1 publication Critical patent/EP2654131B1/en
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/64Means for preventing incorrect coupling
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/465Identification means, e.g. labels, tags, markings
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/639Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/64Means for preventing incorrect coupling
    • H01R13/641Means for preventing incorrect coupling by indicating incorrect coupling; by indicating correct or full engagement
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/64Means for preventing incorrect coupling
    • H01R13/645Means for preventing incorrect coupling by exchangeable elements on case or base
    • H01R13/6453Means for preventing incorrect coupling by exchangeable elements on case or base comprising pin-shaped elements, capable of being orientated in different angular positions around their own longitudinal axes, e.g. pins with hexagonal base

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a connection assembly having multi-contact connectors connected together and keying keys allowing only the desired connection.
  • Patent application is known EP 1 708 313 in the name of the Applicant a connection assembly comprising a first multicontact connector and a second complementary type multicontact connector.
  • Each connector comprises a housing receiving contacts and the connection assembly comprises a cover for locking the first connector and the second connector.
  • connection assembly comprising multicontact connectors, sold by the applicant under the trade name Amphenol-Air LB - 1900 series.
  • the coupling Mechanical connectors is also provided by foolproof keys in the form of hexagon screws F1 and M1 whose end portion is a tongue or a corresponding groove.
  • a hexagonal screw protrudes on each of the two lateral ends of the housing of the male connector and on each of the two lateral ends of the housing of the female connector.
  • Each screw head has a notch made on a pan of the hexagon and which is a first visual coding mark.
  • each housing At each of its two lateral ends of each housing are engraved, near the hexagonal housing complementary to a screw head, a second visual coding mark in the form of a letter A or B and, above each pan. of the hexagonal housing, a third visual coding mark in the form of a number successively from 1 to 6.
  • a housing hexagonal complementary to a lateral end of a housing by matching the first visual coding mark, namely the notch of the screw head with the second and third visual coding marks, namely the letter A or B and one of the numbers 1 to 6.
  • Such a keying system with four foolproof keys distributed individually on each lateral end of a connector housing or female is advantageous because it allows a coding distortion age up to 36 combinations. It is however not completely satisfactory, because it authorizes the visualization of the codes that by the rear face of the boxes and especially it requires the use Systematic extraction tool to remove the foolproof keys from their home. Indeed, each coding key snapped into a connector housing can be disassembled on the side of the connecting face (connector coupling side) necessarily by pressure of the extractor tool.
  • connection assembly described above, sold under the trade name Amphenol-Air LB - 1900 series and further equipped with a sliding cover on one of the boxes and allowing the locking of two multi-contact connectors between them, such as for example that described in the patent application EP 1 708 313 .
  • a cover in its unlocked position, can come only in relation to one of the lateral ends of the boxes, which implies in fact the impossibility of making the keying of this side side by means of the screws as provided in the marketed set.
  • the inventors have come to the conclusion that improving the commercial connection assembly by providing it with a mutual interlocking cap of the connectors involves having a polarization only on one of the two lateral ends of the boxes.
  • this also implies a coding with a limited number equal to 6 combinations.
  • connection assembly comprising two complementary connectors, in particular multi-contact connectors, such as the one sold under the trade name Amphenol-Air LB-1900 Series, in particular with a view to equipping it with a mutual locking cap between connectors and a coding system on one side end with the possibility of coding with a large number of combinations.
  • the present invention aims to meet all or part of the aforementioned needs.
  • connection assembly with multi-contact connectors with a number of important coding combinations while providing it with a mutual interlocking cap between connectors, mounted sliding on a connector box.
  • each key protrudes from only one of the lateral ends of a housing beyond its connection face.
  • an end portion of a key has at its end or on its outer periphery a first visual indicator distinct from that of the other end portion of the same key, each first visual indicator being visible from outside the housing when the corresponding key is fixed in the housing.
  • the end portion of one of the two keys of the pair comprises the same first visual indicator as the end portion of the other of the two keys of the pair with which it is adapted to fit.
  • the first visual indicators are letters (A, B).
  • the first visual indicators are made by engraving on the keys.
  • the etching is derived from a shape made in the mold of the keys when they are made by molding.
  • this engraving may be an operation performed directly on the keys already made themselves.
  • connection face of the housing respectively of the first and the second connector is adapted to allow manual mounting and disassembly of each key.
  • manual assembly and disassembly is meant in the context of the present invention, the possibility of carrying out assembly and disassembly only by hand without the aid of any tool.
  • the manual assembly and disassembly of each key is made from the connection face of the boxes.
  • a key comprises a fastening flange in its central portion between the two end portions, the collar cooperating by snapping with at least one fastening lug, elastically deformable, formed in the housing of the first or the second connector to fix the key in the case.
  • the bracket (s) can be directly molded and integrated into the housing of a connector. This provides a simple and inexpensive fixing system key fooling.
  • the bracket (s) may be similar to what is usually referred to in English as "clips".
  • Each box may further comprise a shoulder against which the rear of the fastening collar is in abutment while the front of the collar is snapped with the (the) tab (s).
  • This is a kind of dual system for positioning and holding a key in the housing: at the front by the or the fastening lugs and back by abutting against the shoulder.
  • the flange advantageously comprises on its outer periphery a plurality of second visual indicators defining the plurality of angular positions of the key relative to the axis (X) and a lateral end of a housing comprises a viewing window for viewing one second visual indicators when the corresponding key is fixed in the box.
  • the flange has a polygonal outer section, transversely to the axis (X1, X2) of the key and the lateral end of the housing delimits around the lug (s) a polygonal internal section housing. , complementary to that of the flange, the housing and the collar cooperating by interlocking complementary polygonal sections to define one of the plurality of given angular positions of the key relative to the axis X of the housing.
  • the outer section of the flange is octagonal.
  • the viewing window can be arranged laterally in the housing. This is advantageous, especially in the factory for manufacturing and assembling harnesses or connectors when an operator tests the connection of the assembly with keying by the keys according to the invention. Indeed, the operator can then easily view on the side of the connectors if the coding code of the second visual indicators is actually the one sought.
  • the plurality of second visual indicators is preferably a successive series of numbers, such as from 1 to 8. It can be achieved by engraving on the keys.
  • the etching is derived from a shape made in the mold of the keys when they are made by molding. Alternatively, this engraving may be an operation performed directly on the keys already made themselves.
  • At least the flanges of the two keys have the same transverse dimensions and the boxes of the first and second connectors are adapted to accommodate either a key portion, male or female type.
  • this first mode it is possible to mount / disassemble one or the other of the two keys on the plug or on the base of the connection assembly. This allows to double the number of coding combinations between the boxes of the two connectors.
  • a key has its two male end portions and the other key has its two end portions of the female type, it is possible to accommodate either a male key in any box of the record or in that of the base and in the same way, one can accommodate indifferently the corresponding female key in the box of the plug or that of the base.
  • At least the flanges of the two keys have different transverse dimensions and the lateral end of the case of the first connector is adapted to house only the female-type portion of the key at the larger flange when engaged by the (the) tab (s) while the housing of the second connector is adapted to prevent said key to the largest flange to be snapped by the (the) tab (s).
  • the assembly may comprise a solid cylinder projecting from the lateral end of the housing of the first connector to prevent a male type portion of key from being housed.
  • the second embodiment eliminates the possibility of mounting either a key in a box of the plug or that of the base.
  • a female key when only a female key must be mounted in a housing of the first connector, such as a plug, its largest collar prevents it from being snapped into the housing of the second connector.
  • the male key can in this case be housed in the first connector, preferably because of the presence of the solid cylinder with which it enters mechanical interference in case of attempted housing.
  • this second embodiment allows an operator to avoid a possible key reversal error between the boxes respectively of the first and the second connector.
  • the first and second visual indicators together define a coding coding according to several combinations (A1 to A8, B1 to B8).
  • the number of coding combinations may be 32.
  • the two end portions of a key are preferably of the male type, while the two end portions of the other key of the pair are preferably of the female type.
  • one key is only of the male type and the other only of the female type.
  • a female-type key portion is constituted by a cylinder inside which is formed a rectilinear groove along the cylinder, while a male-type portion of a key is constituted by a cylinder on which is formed at least one rectilinear rib along the cylinder, complementary to the groove.
  • three rectilinear grooves are formed inside the cylinder being spaced apart from each other in angular positions and three ribs are formed on the cylinder being spaced from each other at the same angular positions as those of the grooves.
  • a number of three grooves and three corresponding ribs is preferred because it allows on the one hand to have a better mechanical guidance when coupling between the two keying keys and on the other hand to have a better mechanical strength for the keys in case of mating error.
  • connection assembly can be adapted to be mounted on a panel.
  • the first and second connectors are advantageously adapted to be mutually locked.
  • the first connector may comprise a cover slidably mounted on the housing between a locking position in which it cooperates with at least one locking pin of the second connector and an unlocking position in which it projects from a lateral end of the opposite housing. to that on which protrudes the corresponding key of coding.
  • connection face is the face on the side of which the connection with the complementary connector 2 is made.
  • connection assembly 1 comprises a first multicontact connector generally designated by 2 and a second multi-contact connector generally designated 3.
  • the multicontact connectors 2 and 3 are of complementary type, the first connector 2 being for example of the male type being in particular a plug, while that the second connector 3 is of the female type, being in particular a base.
  • the first connector 2 is a female plug and the second connector 3 is a male socket.
  • Each multi-contact connector 2, 3 carries optical, electrical or power signals. Alternatively, signals or power of different types can be carried by each of the multi-contact connectors and contacts of different size and type are then simultaneously disposed within them.
  • the contacts may be single or multiple contacts such as coaxial or triaxial contacts, quadrax contacts, RJ45s or any type of high-speed contacts. These contacts may also be optical contacts with lenticular contacts of "expanded beam” type or contacts “physical contact” type ARINC 801 or EN 4531 or optoelectronic contacts.
  • the first multi-contact connector 2 comprises first a housing 4 which is, in the example described, made in one piece of plastic material.
  • the housing 4 comprises a plurality of cells 42, formed in the housing 4, from a rear face 40 to a front face 41, which can also be designated by connection face, facing the second connector 3 when the connectors 2 and 3 are locked.
  • the faces 40 and 41 are parallel and extend perpendicularly to the rectilinear axis X of the cells 42, this straight axis X being called thereafter "connector axis".
  • the housing 4 may comprise two arms 43 extending beyond the connection face 41 on each side thereof, these arms 43 may include guide grooves 44 detailed thereafter.
  • the arms 43 may extend only parallel to the short sides of the casing 4.
  • the casing 4 may be made in one or two parts to facilitate the installation. in place of maintenance parts which will be described below.
  • the first connector 2 may comprise an attachment portion extending in extension of the housing 4 along the X axis from the rear face 40.
  • This attachment portion comprises for example two branches each having a hooked end. removably on the housing 4 and another end connected to a joining portion.
  • the joining portion may define a plurality of attachment areas.
  • each attachment zone may have a semicircular receiving surface on which the cables to which the first connector 2 is connected can be supported and / or fixed.
  • the first connector 2 may comprise a not shown front seal to be arranged on the connection face 41 of the casing 4 and this front seal may comprise passages facing the cells 42 when the seal is in place on the connection face 41.
  • front seal is for example made of silicone.
  • the first connector 2 may comprise a rear seal 4 'to be arranged against the rear face 40 of the casing 4. Similar to the front seal, this rear seal 4' may comprise as many passages as the casing 4 comprises cells 42, the passages of the rear seal coming opposite the cells 42 when the rear seal 4 'is in place on the rear face 40 of the housing.
  • the cells 42 receive a portion of the contacts 45 of the first connector 2. As best illustrated in FIG. Figures 11A to 11C when they are in place in the housing 4, the contacts 45 also extend out of the cells 42, that is to say, where appropriate in the passages of the front seal 30 and cantilevered.
  • the contacts 45 thus comprise a portion received in the cells 42 and a portion projecting beyond the connection face 41 of the housing 4.
  • the portion received in the cells 42 may have a length of between 50 and 75% of the length contacts 45.
  • a not shown holding part may be disposed in each cell 42 near the rear face 40, this holding part being able to ensure the attachment of a contact 45 in the housing 4.
  • the holding parts may be molded and integrated in the housing 4, in particular in the case where the housing 4 is made in two parts.
  • the first connector 2 comprises at one of its lateral ends, an outgrowth 46 forming a housing of cylindrical inner shape over most of its height h2 which constitutes its bottom.
  • Two fastening tabs 47 elastically deformable, are provided, for example being diametrically opposed one to the other, around the housing 46 at the upper end 48 of the outgrowth.
  • the upper end 48 of this protrusion 46 has a polygonal inner cross section, which is octagonal in the example described.
  • a shoulder 49 is formed between the bottom of the housing and the upper end 48 of the protrusion.
  • the second connector 3 of the connection assembly 1 may comprise a housing 5 made in one piece, a cable attachment part not shown and a rear seal 5 ' .
  • the housing 5 comprises a plurality of cells 52, formed from a rear face 50 to a front face 51, which can also be designated by connection face, facing the first connector 2 when the connectors 2 and 3 are locked.
  • the faces 50 and 51 are parallel and extend perpendicularly to the rectilinear axis X of the cells 52, this rectilinear axis X is also called hereinafter "connector axis”.
  • the cells 52 receive unrepresented contacts of the complementary type of the contacts 45, for cells 42 opposite.
  • one or more locking pins 53 may be provided at least on the upper face of the housing 5. Other locking pins may also be provided on the underside of the housing 5. The locking pins 53 are in the examples considered made in one piece with the housing 5.
  • the second connector 3 may comprise means for fixing to a panel that are not shown.
  • the second multi-contact connector 3 also has at one of its lateral ends, a protrusion 54 on which protrudes a guide pin 55 for guiding the connector 3 in an opening of a panel.
  • the second multi-contact connector 3 similarly to the first connector 2, also comprises at the other of its lateral ends, a protuberance 56 forming a cylindrical inner housing on the major part h3 of its height which constitutes its bottom.
  • Two elastically deformable fixing lugs 57 are formed, for example by being diametrically opposite one another, around the housing 56 at the upper end 58 of the protuberance.
  • the upper end 58 of this protrusion 56 has a polygonal inner cross section, which is octagonal in the example described.
  • a shoulder 59 is formed between the bottom of the housing and the upper end 58 of the protrusion.
  • the second connector 3 finally has guide ribs 34 on each side of the front face 51 of the housing to cooperate with the guide grooves 44 of the first connector 2 in order to provide a guide in translation along the X axis of the connectors during their connection. This will be detailed later with reference to Figures 11A to 11C .
  • the two multi-contact connectors 2, 3 of the connection assembly are advantageously configured to be mutually locked. More precisely, a locking cover 6 is slidably mounted transversely relative to the housing 4 of the first connector 2 between a locking position and an unlocking position, and vice versa.
  • this locking cover 6 may have a U-shaped section in a plane perpendicular to the X axis of the connector 2.
  • the cover 6 then has a bottom 60 coming opposite a lateral face 43 of the housing 4 and two branches 61 parallel respectively facing a portion of the upper face of the housing 4 and a portion of the lower face of the housing 4.
  • one or more windows 62 may be formed in one of the branches 61, or in each branch 61. These windows 62 may have, when viewed in plan view or below the case 4, a shape substantially in L. larger dimension measured between two opposite edges of a window 62 defines the amplitude of the sliding movement of the locking cover 6 with respect to the housing 4 as it moves from a locking position to an unlocking position.
  • a first step the first connector 2 with the locking cover 6 in the unlocked position is pushed, for example by hand, to the second connector 3 which has been previously introduced through an opening of a panel and secured to this panel.
  • the locking cover 6 is in contact with the housings 4 and 5.
  • the locking pins 53 of the housing 5 are received in the small portion of the L formed by each groove 62 of the locking cap 6.
  • a force is exerted, for example by hand, perpendicular to the axis X. This force causes the sliding of the locking cover 6 relative to the housings 4 and 5, transversely to the axis X.
  • each pin 53 is abutted against an edge of the groove 62 and blocked in the latter.
  • the cover 6 is then in the locked position, solidarisant one to the other connectors 2 and 3.
  • connection assembly 1 As can be seen on the Figures 11A to 11C the maximum space induced by the connection assembly 1 is in the example described imposed by the distance L between the two growth means 54, 56 of the housing 5 of the second connector 3.
  • connection assembly 1 the length measured along the axis X between the rear face 40 of the housing 4 and the free end of each arm 43 is 25 mm. Still in this example, the height of the housing 4 measured between its upper face and its lower face is 14 mm, the width of the cover 6 is 62 mm and the amplitude according to which the cover 6 moves when it passes from the unlocked position in the locked position and vice versa is 8 mm.
  • the distance L between the two protuberances 54, 56, measured perpendicular to the X axis is 80 mm
  • the height of the housing 5 is 14 mm
  • the length of the housing 5 measured along the X axis between two opposite faces is 23.50 mm.
  • connection assembly 1 further comprises a coding system consisting of a pair of two coding keys 7, 8, each key being of elongate shape along an axis (X1, X2),
  • each key 7, 8 projects at only one of the lateral ends 46, 56 of a housing 4, 5 beyond its connection face 41, 51.
  • each key 7, 8 comprises at each of its ends a portion 70, 71; 80, 81 whose peripheral surface is provided with at least one protruding form 83, 84 and / or recessed 73, 74.
  • each key 7, 8 is adapted to be fixed by one 70, 80 or the other 71, 81 of its end portions to the housing 4 of the first connector 2 and / or the housing 5 of the second connector 3 according to a plurality of given angular positions with respect to the axis (X).
  • the key 7 is a female key that is to say with its two end portions 70, 71 of the female type and the key 8 is of the male type with its two end portions 80, 81 of the male type.
  • the female key 7 comprises an end portion 70 on which is engraved a visual indicator A and a second end portion 71 on which is engraved a visual indicator B.
  • the two end portions 70, 71 are separated by an octagonal section fastening flange 72.
  • a successive series of digits 1 to 8 is engraved on the flange 72. More precisely, a number is engraved on each face of the octagonal section so as to form the successive series. This successive series is visible in ascending order when the key 7 is rotated about its axis in the counter-clockwise direction.
  • the end portion 70 is a cylinder inside which are formed three straight grooves 74 along the cylinder being spaced apart from each other in angular positions.
  • the end portion 71 is a cylinder inside which are formed three grooves 73 rectilinear along the cylinder being spaced apart from each other in angular positions. The spacing between the grooves 73 of the end portion 71 is different from that between the grooves 74 of the end portion 70.
  • two adjacent grooves 74 are spaced from each other by an angle of 90 ° while the third groove 74 is spaced from each of the other two grooves 74 by an angle of 135 °.
  • two adjacent grooves 73 are spaced from each other by an angle of 180 ° while the third groove 73 is spaced from each of the other two grooves 73 by an angle of 90 °.
  • the male key 8 comprises an end portion 80 on which is engraved a visual indicator A and a second end portion 81 on which is engraved a visual indicator B.
  • the two end portions 80, 81 are separated by a flange 82 of octagonal section fastening.
  • a successive series of digits 1 to 8 is engraved on the flange 82. More precisely, a number is engraved on each face of the octagonal section so as to form the successive series. This successive series is visible in ascending order when the key 8 is turned about its axis in the clockwise direction.
  • the end portion 80 is a cylinder on which are formed three ribs 84 rectilinear along the cylinder being spaced apart from each other in angular positions.
  • the end portion 81 is a cylinder on which are formed three ribs 83 rectilinear along the cylinder being spaced apart from each other in angular positions.
  • the spacing between the ribs 83 of the end portion 81 is different from that between the ribs 84 of the end portion 80.
  • the three rectilinear ribs 83 are of complementary shape with the three grooves 73 being spaced apart from each other in the same angular positions.
  • two adjacent ribs 83 are spaced apart from each other at an angle of 180 ° while the third rib 83 is spaced from each of the other two ribs 83 at an angle of 90 °.
  • the three rectilinear ribs 84 are of complementary shape with the three grooves 74 being spaced apart from each other in the same angular positions.
  • two adjacent ribs 84 are spaced from each other by an angle of 90 ° while the third rib 84 is spaced from each of the other two ribs 84 by an angle of 135 ° .
  • FIGS 4A and 4B there is shown a coupling between the end portions 70, 80 complementary keys 7, 8 defining a coding according to eight combinations A1, A2, .... A8.
  • Figures 4A and 4B there is shown a coupling between the end portions 71, 81 complementary keys 7, 8 defining a coding according to eight possible combinations B1, B2, .... B8.
  • each key 7 or 8 has a length 1 of 15 mm and a diameter ⁇ of flange 72, 82, that is to say between two sections of the hex facing each other of the order of 5.5 mm.
  • the housing 46, 56 have a length h of the order of 10 mm.
  • the key 7 or 8 is also positioned according to the desired angular position relative to the axis X.
  • the faces of the octagonal section are positioned according to the number 1 to 8 that the we want to visualize laterally to the case 4 or 5.
  • the key 7 or 8 is inserted in the housing 46 or 56 until its fastening flange 72, 82 comes firstly against the shoulder 49, 59 made in the housing and secondly snap into place with the two brackets 47 or 57.
  • the key 7 or 8 is fixed to the housing 4 or 5 of the connector 2 or 3 selected and the angular positioning determined with respect to the X axis is achieved.
  • FIG. 5 An example of combination A5 is shown in figure 5 .
  • the male key 8 is snapped inside the housing 56 of the second connector 3 so as to show on the one hand laterally the digit 5 which can be visualized by the viewing window 90 provided for this effect in the protrusion 56 and secondly end letter A which can be viewed in connection front view of said second connector.
  • the female key 7 is snapped inside the housing 46 of the first connector 2 so as to show on the one hand laterally the digit 5 which can be visualized by the viewing window 91 provided for this purpose in the protrusion 46 and, on the other hand, laterally the letter A, which can therefore be viewed in side view of said first connector 2.
  • FIG. 1 to 7 a first embodiment according to the invention is shown according to which the mounting of the female key 7 or of the male key 8 indifferently on the first connector 2 or on the second connector 3.
  • This mode is advantageous makes it possible to double the number combinations of coding between the housings 4, 5, up to 32 combinations in the illustrated example.
  • the flanges 72, 82 of the two keys 7, 8 have the same transverse dimensions and each housing 46, 56 of housing 4, 5 can accommodate either an end portion 70, 71 of female key 7 or a portion end 80, 81 of the male key 8 with a possible snap-together indifferently due to the same dimensioning and arrangement of the shoulders 49, 59 and the brackets 47, 57.
  • This first mode may, however, have a disadvantage because it may involve a risk mounting error if inadvertently an operator mounts a male key 8 instead of a female 7 and vice versa.
  • the female key 7 can be mounted in only one connector, the first connector 2 in the example shown.
  • the male key 8 can be mounted in only one connector, the second connector in the example described.
  • the transverse dimensions of the flange 72 of the female key 7 are enlarged relative to that 82 of the male key 8, which prevents the mounting of the female key 7 in the housing 56 of the housing 5 adapted only for housing the male key 8.
  • the transverse dimensions of the end portions 70, 71 of the female key can also be enlarged.
  • the mechanical interference that results between the female key 7 and the housing 56 is represented by figure 9 : in this figure, it is clearly seen that the female key 7 abuts against the periphery of the housing 56 without being able to be housed therein.
  • the bottom of the housing 46 of the housing 4 adapted only to house the female key 7 is equipped with a solid cylinder 9.
  • the solid cylinder 9 enters the interior of one of end portions 70, 71 without posing any mounting problem.
  • the solid cylinder 9 abuts against the male key 8 and thus prevents its attachment by snapping.
  • the mechanical interference between the solid cylinder 9 and the male key 8 is represented in FIG. figure 10 : in this figure, it is clearly seen that the male key 8 abuts against the full cylinder 9.
  • connection steps that is to say of mechanical and electrical connection between connectors 2 and 3 and their contacts and mechanical coupling by the foolproof keys 7, 8 are represented in FIG. Figures 11A to 11C .
  • the boxes 4, 5 of the connectors 2, 3 are aligned along their axis X by facing their connection faces 41, 51.
  • the guide grooves 44 are brought into contact with each other in the arm 43 of the housing 4 first connector 2 with the guide ribs 34 of the housing 5 of the second connector 3, as shown in FIG. figure 11A .
  • connection faces 41, 51 are in plane contact with each other.

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  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un ensemble de connexion comportant des connecteurs multi-contacts connectés ensemble et des clés de détrompage permettant uniquement la connexion souhaitée.The present invention relates to a connection assembly having multi-contact connectors connected together and keying keys allowing only the desired connection.

On connaît de la demande de brevet EP 1 708 313 au nom de la Demanderesse un ensemble de connexion comprenant un premier connecteur multicontacts et un deuxième connecteur multicontacts de type complémentaire. Chaque connecteur comprend un boîtier recevant des contacts et l'ensemble de connexion comprend un capot permettant le verrouillage du premier connecteur et du deuxième connecteur.Patent application is known EP 1 708 313 in the name of the Applicant a connection assembly comprising a first multicontact connector and a second complementary type multicontact connector. Each connector comprises a housing receiving contacts and the connection assembly comprises a cover for locking the first connector and the second connector.

On connait également un ensemble de connexion comprenant des connecteurs multicontacts, commercialisé par la demanderesse sous la dénomination commerciale Amphenol-Air LB - Série 1900. Dans cet ensemble de connexion, outre leur connexion mécanique et électrique assurée par leurs faces de connexion, l'accouplement mécanique des connecteurs est également assuré par des clés de détrompage sous la forme de vis à tête hexagonale F1 et M1 dont la portion d'extrémité est une languette ou une rainure correspondante. Une vis à tête hexagonale fait saillie sur chacune des deux extrémités latérales du boitier du connecteur mâle et sur chacune des deux extrémités latérales du boitier du connecteur femelle. Chaque tête de vis comporte une encoche réalisée sur un pan de l'hexagone et qui constitue un premier repère de codage visuel. A chacune de ses deux extrémités latérales de chaque boitier sont gravés, à proximité du logement hexagonal complémentaire d'une tête de vis, un deuxième repère de codage visuel sous la forme d'une lettre A ou B et, au-dessus de chaque pan du logement hexagonal, un troisième repère de codage visuel sous la forme d'un chiffre successivement de 1 à 6. Ainsi, pour réaliser un codage avec les quatre clés de détrompage sous forme de vis, on insère chacune d'entre elles dans un logement hexagonal complémentaire d'une extrémité latérale d'un boitier, en faisant correspondre le premier repère de codage visuel, à savoir l'encoche de la tête de vis avec les deuxième et troisième repères de codage visuels, à savoir la lettre A ou B et un des chiffres 1 à 6. Un tel système de détrompage avec quatre clés de détrompage réparties individuellement sur chaque extrémité latérale d'un boitier de connecteur ou femelle est avantageux, car il permet un codage de détrompage jusqu'à un nombre égal à 36 combinaisons. Il n'est cependant pas complètement satisfaisant, car il autorise la visualisation des codes que par la face arrière des boitiers et surtout il nécessite l'utilisation systématique d'un outil extracteur pour démonter les clés de détrompage de leur logement. En effet, chaque clé de détrompage encliquetée dans un boitier de connecteur peut être démontée du côté de la face de connexion (côté accouplement des connecteurs) nécessairement par pression de l'outil extracteur.There is also known a connection assembly comprising multicontact connectors, sold by the applicant under the trade name Amphenol-Air LB - 1900 series. In this connection assembly, in addition to their mechanical and electrical connection provided by their connection faces, the coupling Mechanical connectors is also provided by foolproof keys in the form of hexagon screws F1 and M1 whose end portion is a tongue or a corresponding groove. A hexagonal screw protrudes on each of the two lateral ends of the housing of the male connector and on each of the two lateral ends of the housing of the female connector. Each screw head has a notch made on a pan of the hexagon and which is a first visual coding mark. At each of its two lateral ends of each housing are engraved, near the hexagonal housing complementary to a screw head, a second visual coding mark in the form of a letter A or B and, above each pan. of the hexagonal housing, a third visual coding mark in the form of a number successively from 1 to 6. Thus, to perform an encoding with the four keying keys in the form of screws, each of them is inserted into a housing hexagonal complementary to a lateral end of a housing, by matching the first visual coding mark, namely the notch of the screw head with the second and third visual coding marks, namely the letter A or B and one of the numbers 1 to 6. Such a keying system with four foolproof keys distributed individually on each lateral end of a connector housing or female is advantageous because it allows a coding distortion age up to 36 combinations. It is however not completely satisfactory, because it authorizes the visualization of the codes that by the rear face of the boxes and especially it requires the use Systematic extraction tool to remove the foolproof keys from their home. Indeed, each coding key snapped into a connector housing can be disassembled on the side of the connecting face (connector coupling side) necessarily by pressure of the extractor tool.

Les inventeurs ont souhaité proposé un ensemble de connexion décrit ci-dessus, commercialisé sous la dénomination commerciale Amphenol-Air LB - Série 1900 et équipé en outre d'un capot coulissant sur un des boitiers et permettant le verrouillage des deux connecteurs multi-contacts entre eux, tel que par exemple celui décrit dans la demande de brevet EP 1 708 313 . Or, dans sa position déverrouillée, un tel capot ne peut venir qu'en regard d'une des extrémités latérales des boitiers, ce qui implique de fait l'impossibilité de réaliser le détrompage de ce côté latéral au moyen des vis comme prévu dans l'ensemble commercialisé. Autrement dit, les inventeurs sont parvenus à la conclusion qu'améliorer l'ensemble de connexion commercialisé en le dotant d'un capot de verrouillage mutuel des connecteurs implique d'avoir un détrompage uniquement sur un des deux extrémités latérales des boitiers. Or, en conservant le détrompage par les vis tel que réalisé actuellement et décrit ci-dessus, cela implique également un codage avec un nombre limité égal à 6 combinaisons.The inventors have proposed a connection assembly described above, sold under the trade name Amphenol-Air LB - 1900 series and further equipped with a sliding cover on one of the boxes and allowing the locking of two multi-contact connectors between them, such as for example that described in the patent application EP 1 708 313 . However, in its unlocked position, such a cover can come only in relation to one of the lateral ends of the boxes, which implies in fact the impossibility of making the keying of this side side by means of the screws as provided in the marketed set. In other words, the inventors have come to the conclusion that improving the commercial connection assembly by providing it with a mutual interlocking cap of the connectors involves having a polarization only on one of the two lateral ends of the boxes. However, retaining the keying by the screws as currently realized and described above, this also implies a coding with a limited number equal to 6 combinations.

La demande de brevet US 3 582 867 divulgue un ensemble de connexion présentant les caractéristiques du préambule de la revendication 1.The patent application US 3,582,867 discloses a connection assembly having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Il existe donc un besoin pour améliorer un ensemble de connexion comportant deux connecteurs complémentaires, en particulier des connecteurs multi-contacts, tel que celui commercialisé sous la dénomination commerciale Amphenol-Air LB - Série 1900, notamment en vue de l'équiper d'un capot de verrouillage mutuel entre connecteurs et d'un système de détrompage sur une seule extrémité latérale avec la possibilité d'un codage avec un nombre important de combinaisons.There is therefore a need to improve a connection assembly comprising two complementary connectors, in particular multi-contact connectors, such as the one sold under the trade name Amphenol-Air LB-1900 Series, in particular with a view to equipping it with a mutual locking cap between connectors and a coding system on one side end with the possibility of coding with a large number of combinations.

Il existe également un besoin pour supprimer l'utilisation d'outil en cas de démontage d'une clé de détrompage du boitier d'un connecteur, en particulier d'un connecteur multi-contact.There is also a need to eliminate the use of tools in case of disassembly of a fob key of a connector, in particular a multi-contact connector.

La présente invention a pour but de répondre à tout ou partie des besoins précités.The present invention aims to meet all or part of the aforementioned needs.

Elle y parvient, selon l'un de ses aspects, à l'aide d'un ensemble de connexion comportant :

  • un premier connecteur, notamment un connecteur multicontacts et,
  • un deuxième connecteur, notamment un connecteur multicontacts, de type complémentaire au premier connecteur, les premier et deuxième connecteurs comportant chacun un boitier s'étendant selon un axe (X) et comportant une face de connexion, les premier et deuxième connecteurs étant connectés entre eux par leurs faces de connexions,
  • au moins une paire de deux clés de détrompage accouplées entre elles, chaque clé étant de forme allongée selon un axe (X1, X2) et faisant saillie d'un boitier (4, 5) au-delà de sa face de connexion (41, 51),
chaque clé comporte à chacune de ses extrémités une portion dont la surface périphérique est munie d'au moins une forme saillante et/ou en creux, chaque portion d'extrémité d'une des deux clés est adaptée pour s'emboiter par complément de formes avec une seule portion d'extrémité de l'autre des deux clés selon leur axe confondu (X1=X2) et selon une seule position angulaire entre elles, et chaque clé de détrompage est adaptée pour être fixée par l'une ou l'autre de ses portions d'extrémités au boitier du premier et/ou du deuxième connecteur selon une pluralité de positions angulaires données par rapport à l'axe X.It achieves it, according to one of its aspects, using a connection set comprising:
  • a first connector, in particular a multicontact connector and,
  • a second connector, in particular a multicontact connector, of complementary type to the first connector, the first and second connectors each having a housing extending along an axis (X) and having a connection face, the first and second connectors being connected together by their connection faces,
  • at least one pair of two coding keys coupled together, each key being of elongated shape along an axis (X1, X2) and projecting from a housing (4, 5) beyond its connection face (41, 51)
each key has at each of its ends a portion whose peripheral surface is provided with at least one projecting and / or recessed shape, each end portion of one of the two keys is adapted to fit together with additional shapes with only one end portion of the other of the two keys along their coincident axis (X1 = X2) and in a single angular position between them, and each keying key is adapted to be fixed by one or the other from its end portions to the housing of the first and / or second connector at a plurality of given angular positions with respect to the X axis.

Du fait de la réversibilité d'emboitement des portions d'extrémités des deux clés de détrompage, on peut ainsi selon l'invention doubler le nombre de combinaisons de codage sur une même zone de l'ensemble de connexion.Because of the interlocking reversibility of the end portions of the two coding keys, it is thus possible according to the invention to double the number of coding combinations on the same zone of the connection assembly.

Ainsi, grâce à l'invention telle que définie dans la revendication 1, on peut proposer un ensemble de connexion à connecteurs multi-contacts avec un nombre de combinaisons de codage important tout en le dotant d'un capot de verrouillage mutuel entre connecteurs, monté coulissant sur un boitier de connecteur.Thus, thanks to the invention as defined in claim 1, it is possible to propose a connection assembly with multi-contact connectors with a number of important coding combinations while providing it with a mutual interlocking cap between connectors, mounted sliding on a connector box.

Selon un mode de réalisation, chaque clé fait saillie à une seule des extrémités latérales d'un boitier au-delà de sa face de connexion.According to one embodiment, each key protrudes from only one of the lateral ends of a housing beyond its connection face.

Pour identifier aisément le codage, on prévoit avantageusement qu'une portion d'extrémité d'une clé comporte en bout ou sur sa périphérie externe un premier indicateur visuel distinct de celui de l'autre portion d'extrémité de la même clé, chaque premier indicateur visuel étant visible depuis l'extérieur du boitier lorsque la clé correspondante est fixée dans le boitier. Avantageusement, la portion d'extrémité d'une des deux clés de la paire comporte le même premier indicateur visuel que la portion d'extrémité de l'autre des deux clés de la paire avec laquelle elle est adaptée pour s'emboiter.To easily identify the coding, it is advantageously provided that an end portion of a key has at its end or on its outer periphery a first visual indicator distinct from that of the other end portion of the same key, each first visual indicator being visible from outside the housing when the corresponding key is fixed in the housing. Advantageously, the end portion of one of the two keys of the pair comprises the same first visual indicator as the end portion of the other of the two keys of the pair with which it is adapted to fit.

De préférence, les premiers indicateurs visuels sont des lettres (A, B).Preferably, the first visual indicators are letters (A, B).

Selon une caractéristique avantageuse, les premiers indicateurs visuels sont réalisés par gravure sur les clés. De préférence, la gravure est issue d'une forme réalisée dans le moule des clés lorsque celles-ci sont réalisées par moulage. De manière alternative, cette gravure peut-être une opération réalisée directement sur les clés déjà elles-mêmes réalisées.According to an advantageous characteristic, the first visual indicators are made by engraving on the keys. Preferably, the etching is derived from a shape made in the mold of the keys when they are made by molding. Alternatively, this engraving may be an operation performed directly on the keys already made themselves.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux, la face de connexion du boitier respectivement du premier et du deuxième connecteur est adaptée pour permettre le montage et le démontage manuels de chaque clé. Par «montage et démontage manuels », on entend dans le cadre de la présente invention, la possibilité de réaliser le montage et le démontage uniquement à la main sans l'aide d'un quelconque outil. De préférence, le montage et démontage manuels de chaque clé est réalisé depuis la face de connexion des boitiers. Ainsi, un opérateur peut aisément et rapidement réaliser la fixation des clés et leur démontage des boitiers selon une combinaison de codage déterminée.According to an advantageous embodiment, the connection face of the housing respectively of the first and the second connector is adapted to allow manual mounting and disassembly of each key. By "manual assembly and disassembly" is meant in the context of the present invention, the possibility of carrying out assembly and disassembly only by hand without the aid of any tool. Preferably, the manual assembly and disassembly of each key is made from the connection face of the boxes. Thus, an operator can easily and quickly realize the fixing of the keys and disassembly of the boxes in a combination of coding determined.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux, une clé comporte une collerette de fixation dans sa portion centrale entre les deux portions d'extrémité, la collerette coopérant par encliquetage avec au moins une patte de fixation, élastiquement déformable, ménagée dans le boitier du premier ou du deuxième connecteur pour fixer la clé dans le boitier. La(les) patte(s) de fixation peuvent être directement moulés et intégrés au boitier d'un connecteur. On réalise ainsi un système de fixation simple et peu coûteux des clés de détrompage. La(les) patte(s) de fixation peu(ven)t s'apparenter à ce que l'on désigne usuellement en anglais un(des) « clips ».According to an advantageous embodiment, a key comprises a fastening flange in its central portion between the two end portions, the collar cooperating by snapping with at least one fastening lug, elastically deformable, formed in the housing of the first or the second connector to fix the key in the case. The bracket (s) can be directly molded and integrated into the housing of a connector. This provides a simple and inexpensive fixing system key fooling. The bracket (s) may be similar to what is usually referred to in English as "clips".

Chaque boitier peut comporter en outre un épaulement contre lequel l'arrière de la collerette de fixation est en butée tandis que l'avant de la collerette est encliquetée avec la(les) patte(s). On réalise ainsi en quelque sorte un double système de positionnement et de maintien d'une clé dans le boitier : à l'avant par la ou les pattes de fixation et l'arrière par mise en butée contre l'épaulement.Each box may further comprise a shoulder against which the rear of the fastening collar is in abutment while the front of the collar is snapped with the (the) tab (s). This is a kind of dual system for positioning and holding a key in the housing: at the front by the or the fastening lugs and back by abutting against the shoulder.

La collerette comporte avantageusement sur sa périphérie externe une pluralité de deuxièmes indicateurs visuels définissant la pluralité de positions angulaires de la clé par rapport à l'axe (X) et une extrémité latérale d'un boitier comporte une fenêtre de visualisation pour visualiser l'un des deuxièmes indicateurs visuels lorsque la clé correspondante est fixée dans le boitier.The flange advantageously comprises on its outer periphery a plurality of second visual indicators defining the plurality of angular positions of the key relative to the axis (X) and a lateral end of a housing comprises a viewing window for viewing one second visual indicators when the corresponding key is fixed in the box.

Selon une variante avantageuse, la collerette a une section externe polygonale, transversalement à l'axe (X1, X2) de la clé et l'extrémité latérale du boitier délimite autour de la (des) patte(s) un logement de section interne polygonale, complémentaire à celle de la collerette, le logement et la collerette coopérant par emboitement des sections polygonales complémentaires pour définir une de la pluralité des positions angulaires données de la clé par rapport à l'axe X du boitier. Autrement dit, selon cette variante, on bloque avantageusement en rotation autour de leurs axes, les clés de détrompage dans la position angulaire donnée puisque les faces de la section polygonale de la collerette bloquées par celles complémentaires du logement.According to an advantageous variant, the flange has a polygonal outer section, transversely to the axis (X1, X2) of the key and the lateral end of the housing delimits around the lug (s) a polygonal internal section housing. , complementary to that of the flange, the housing and the collar cooperating by interlocking complementary polygonal sections to define one of the plurality of given angular positions of the key relative to the axis X of the housing. In other words, according to this variant, it advantageously locks in rotation around their axes, key fooling in the given angular position since the faces of the polygonal section of the flange blocked by those complementary housing.

Selon une caractéristique avantageuse, la section externe de la collerette est octogonale.According to an advantageous characteristic, the outer section of the flange is octagonal.

La fenêtre de visualisation peut être ménagée latéralement dans le logement. Cela est avantageux, notamment en usine de fabrication et d'assemblage des harnais ou des connecteurs lorsqu'un opérateur teste la connexion de l'ensemble avec le détrompage par les clés conformes à l'invention. En effet, l'opérateur peut alors facilement visualiser sur le côté des connecteurs si le code de détrompage des deuxièmes indicateurs visuels est effectivement celui recherché.The viewing window can be arranged laterally in the housing. This is advantageous, especially in the factory for manufacturing and assembling harnesses or connectors when an operator tests the connection of the assembly with keying by the keys according to the invention. Indeed, the operator can then easily view on the side of the connectors if the coding code of the second visual indicators is actually the one sought.

La pluralité de deuxièmes indicateurs visuels est de préférence, une série successive de chiffres, telle que de 1 à 8. Elle peut être réalisée par gravure sur les clés. De préférence, la gravure est issue d'une forme réalisée dans le moule des clés lorsque celles-ci sont réalisées par moulage. De manière alternative, cette gravure peut-être une opération réalisée directement sur les clés déjà elles-mêmes réalisées.The plurality of second visual indicators is preferably a successive series of numbers, such as from 1 to 8. It can be achieved by engraving on the keys. Preferably, the etching is derived from a shape made in the mold of the keys when they are made by molding. Alternatively, this engraving may be an operation performed directly on the keys already made themselves.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation, au moins les collerettes des deux clés ont les mêmes dimensions transversales et les boitiers du premier et du deuxième connecteur sont adaptés pour loger indifféremment une portion de clé, de type mâle ou de type femelle. Autrement dit, selon ce premier mode, on peut monter/démonter indifféremment l'une ou l'autre des deux clés sur la fiche ou sur l'embase de l'ensemble de connexion. Cela permet encore de doubler le nombre de combinaisons de codage entre les boitiers des deux connecteurs. Ainsi, si une clé comporte ses deux portions d'extrémité mâle et l'autre clé comporte ses deux portions d'extrémité de type femelle, on peut loger indifféremment une clé mâle dans n'importe quel boitier de la fiche ou dans celui de l'embase et de la même manière, on peut loger indifféremment la clé femelle correspondante dans le boitier de la fiche ou dans celui de l'embase.According to a first embodiment, at least the flanges of the two keys have the same transverse dimensions and the boxes of the first and second connectors are adapted to accommodate either a key portion, male or female type. In other words, according to this first mode, it is possible to mount / disassemble one or the other of the two keys on the plug or on the base of the connection assembly. This allows to double the number of coding combinations between the boxes of the two connectors. Thus, if a key has its two male end portions and the other key has its two end portions of the female type, it is possible to accommodate either a male key in any box of the record or in that of the base and in the same way, one can accommodate indifferently the corresponding female key in the box of the plug or that of the base.

Selon un deuxième mode de réalisation, en alternative du premier mode, au moins les collerettes des deux clés ont des dimensions transversales différentes et l'extrémité latérale du boitier du premier connecteur est adaptée pour loger uniquement la portion de type femelle de la clé à la plus grande collerette lorsqu'encliquetée par la(les) patte(s) tandis que le boitier du deuxième connecteur est adapté pour empêcher ladite clé à la plus grande collerette d'être encliquetée par la(les) patte(s).According to a second embodiment, as an alternative to the first embodiment, at least the flanges of the two keys have different transverse dimensions and the lateral end of the case of the first connector is adapted to house only the female-type portion of the key at the larger flange when engaged by the (the) tab (s) while the housing of the second connector is adapted to prevent said key to the largest flange to be snapped by the (the) tab (s).

Selon ce deuxième mode, l'ensemble peut comporter un cylindre plein faisant saillie de l'extrémité latérale du boitier du premier connecteur pour empêcher une portion de type mâle de clé d'être logée. Le deuxième mode de réalisation permet de supprimer la possibilité de monter indifféremment une clé dans un boitier de la fiche ou dans celui de l'embase. Ainsi, lorsque seule une clé femelle doit être montée dans un boitier du premier connecteur, tel qu'une fiche, sa plus grande collerette l'empêche d'être encliquetée au boitier du deuxième connecteur. Et la clé mâle ne peut dans ce cas être logée dans le premier connecteur, de préférence du fait de la présence du cylindre plein avec lequel il entre en interférence mécanique en cas de tentative de logement. Autrement dit, ce deuxième mode de réalisation permet à un opérateur d'éviter une erreur possible d'interversion de clés entre les boitiers respectivement du premier et du deuxième connecteur.According to this second mode, the assembly may comprise a solid cylinder projecting from the lateral end of the housing of the first connector to prevent a male type portion of key from being housed. The second embodiment eliminates the possibility of mounting either a key in a box of the plug or that of the base. Thus, when only a female key must be mounted in a housing of the first connector, such as a plug, its largest collar prevents it from being snapped into the housing of the second connector. And the male key can in this case be housed in the first connector, preferably because of the presence of the solid cylinder with which it enters mechanical interference in case of attempted housing. In other words, this second embodiment allows an operator to avoid a possible key reversal error between the boxes respectively of the first and the second connector.

Selon une caractéristique avantageuse, les premiers et deuxième indicateurs visuels définissent ensemble un codage de détrompage selon plusieurs combinaisons (A1 à A8, B1 à B8). Le nombre de combinaisons du codage peut être égal à 32.According to an advantageous characteristic, the first and second visual indicators together define a coding coding according to several combinations (A1 to A8, B1 to B8). The number of coding combinations may be 32.

Les deux portions d'extrémité d'une clé sont de préférence de type mâle, tandis que les deux portions d'extrémité de l'autre clé de la paire sont de préférence de type femelle. On définit ainsi avantageusement pour une paire de deux clés selon l'invention, une clé uniquement de type mâle et l'autre clé uniquement de type femelle.The two end portions of a key are preferably of the male type, while the two end portions of the other key of the pair are preferably of the female type. Advantageously, for a pair of two keys according to the invention, one key is only of the male type and the other only of the female type.

Selon une variante de réalisation avantageuse, une portion de type femelle de clé est constituée par un cylindre à l'intérieur duquel est ménagée une rainure rectiligne le long du cylindre, tandis qu'une portion de type mâle de clé est constituée par un cylindre sur lequel est ménagée au moins une nervure rectiligne le long du cylindre, complémentaire à la rainure.According to an advantageous embodiment, a female-type key portion is constituted by a cylinder inside which is formed a rectilinear groove along the cylinder, while a male-type portion of a key is constituted by a cylinder on which is formed at least one rectilinear rib along the cylinder, complementary to the groove.

De préférence, trois rainures rectilignes sont ménagées à l'intérieur du cylindre en étant espacées les unes des autres selon des positions angulaires et trois nervures sont ménagées sur le cylindre en étant espacées les unes des autres selon les mêmes positions angulaires que celles des rainures. Définir un nombre de trois rainures et trois nervures correspondantes est préféré car cela permet d'une part d'avoir un meilleur guidage mécanique lors de l'accouplement entre les deux clés de détrompage et d'autre part d'avoir une meilleure résistance mécanique pour les clés en cas d'erreur d'accouplement.Preferably, three rectilinear grooves are formed inside the cylinder being spaced apart from each other in angular positions and three ribs are formed on the cylinder being spaced from each other at the same angular positions as those of the grooves. Define a number of three grooves and three corresponding ribs is preferred because it allows on the one hand to have a better mechanical guidance when coupling between the two keying keys and on the other hand to have a better mechanical strength for the keys in case of mating error.

L'ensemble de connexion selon l'invention peut être adapté pour être monté sur un panneau.The connection assembly according to the invention can be adapted to be mounted on a panel.

Les premier et deuxième connecteurs sont avantageusement adaptés pour être verrouillés mutuellement. Ainsi, le premier connecteur peut comporter un capot monté coulissant sur le boitier entre une position de verrouillage dans laquelle il coopère avec au moins un pion de verrouillage du deuxième connecteur et une position de déverrouillage dans laquelle il fait saillie depuis une extrémité latérale du boitier opposée à celle sur laquelle fait saillie la clé de détrompage correspondante.The first and second connectors are advantageously adapted to be mutually locked. Thus, the first connector may comprise a cover slidably mounted on the housing between a locking position in which it cooperates with at least one locking pin of the second connector and an unlocking position in which it projects from a lateral end of the opposite housing. to that on which protrudes the corresponding key of coding.

L'invention pourra être mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre d'exemples non limitatifs de mise en oeuvre de celle-ci et à l'examen du dessin annexé sur lequel :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un ensemble de connexion selon un premier exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, cet ensemble comprenant un premier connecteur multicontacts et un deuxième connecteur multicontacts et une paire de clés de détrompage avant leur fixation respective avec un des connecteurs multi-contacts,
  • la figure 2 est une autre vue en perspective de l'ensemble de connexion selon la figure 1 mais avec les clés de détrompage fixées chacune à l'un des connecteurs multi-contacts,
  • les figures 3A et 3B sont des vues en perspective montrant un exemple de mise en oeuvre de deux clés de détrompage selon l'invention, selon deux orientations différentes et non accouplées entre elles,
  • les figures 4A et 4B sont des vues en perspective et en coupe des deux clés de détrompage selon les figures 3A et 3B mais accouplées entre elles,
  • la figure 5 est une vue de côté des deux connecteurs selon les figures 1 et 2 avec des clés de détrompage selon l'invention fixées chacune à un boitier de connecteur et en configuration avant accouplement selon une combinaison de codage déterminée,
  • la figure 6 est une vue de détail en perspective montrant la fixation d'une des clés de détrompage à un boitier d'un connecteur,
  • la figure 7 est une vue en perspective similaire à celle de la figure 2 mais en coupe partielle montrant la fixation de chacune des deux clés de détrompage à un boitier d'un connecteur,
  • la figure 8 est similaire à la figure 7 mais selon un deuxième exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention
  • les figures 9 et 10 sont des vues de de détail en perspective et en coupe partielle de l'exemple de mise en oeuvre selon la figure 8 et montrant l'impossibilité du montage indifférent des clés de détrompage dans l'un ou l'autre des boitiers de connecteurs,
  • les figures 11A à 11C représentent différentes étapes lors de la connexion des connecteurs et du détrompage avec les clés d'un ensemble de connexion selon l'invention.
The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of non-limiting examples of implementation thereof and on examining the appended drawing in which:
  • the figure 1 is a perspective view of a connection assembly according to a first exemplary implementation of the invention, this assembly comprising a first multicontact connector and a second multicontact connector and a pair of keying keys before their respective attachment with one of the multi-contact connectors,
  • the figure 2 is another perspective view of the connection set according to the figure 1 but with the keying keys each fixed to one of the multi-contact connectors,
  • the Figures 3A and 3B are perspective views showing an example of implementation of two keying keys according to the invention, according to two different orientations and not coupled to each other,
  • the Figures 4A and 4B are views in perspective and in section of the two keying keys according to the Figures 3A and 3B but coupled together,
  • the figure 5 is a side view of the two connectors according to the Figures 1 and 2 with keying keys according to the invention, each fixed to a connector housing and in the configuration before coupling according to a determined coding combination,
  • the figure 6 is a detailed perspective view showing the fixing of one of the keying keys to a housing of a connector,
  • the figure 7 is a perspective view similar to that of the figure 2 but in partial section showing the fixing of each of the two keying keys to a housing of a connector,
  • the figure 8 is similar to the figure 7 but according to a second example of implementation of the invention
  • the Figures 9 and 10 are views of detail in perspective and in partial section of the example of implementation according to the figure 8 and showing the impossibility of indifferent mounting of keying keys in one or other of the connector housings,
  • the Figures 11A to 11C represent different steps when connecting the connectors and keying with the keys of a connection assembly according to the invention.

Dans l'ensemble de la présente demande, les termes « avant », « arrière », « supérieure » et « inférieure » sont à considérer en référence à un ensemble de connexion selon l'invention avec les deux connecteurs 2, 3 connectés mutuellement. Ainsi, la face avant du connecteur 3, que l'on peut également désigner par face de connexion, est la face du côté de laquelle la connexion avec le connecteur complémentaire 2 est réalisée.Throughout the present application, the terms "before", "back", "upper" and "bottom" are to be considered with reference to a connection assembly according to the invention with the two connectors 2, 3 connected to each other. Thus, the front face of the connector 3, which can also be referred to as the connection face, is the face on the side of which the connection with the complementary connector 2 is made.

On a représenté aux figures 1, 2, 7 et 8 un ensemble de connexion désigné globalement par 1 selon un premier exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention. Cet ensemble de connexion 1 comprend un premier connecteur multicontacts désigné globalement par 2 et un deuxième connecteur multicontacts désigné globalement par 3. Les connecteurs multicontacts 2 et 3 sont de type complémentaire, le premier connecteur 2 étant par exemple de type mâle étant notamment une fiche, tandis que le deuxième connecteur 3 est de type femelle, étant notamment une embase.Representatives Figures 1, 2 , 7 and 8 a connection assembly designated generally by 1 according to a first example of implementation of the invention. This connection assembly 1 comprises a first multicontact connector generally designated by 2 and a second multi-contact connector generally designated 3. The multicontact connectors 2 and 3 are of complementary type, the first connector 2 being for example of the male type being in particular a plug, while that the second connector 3 is of the female type, being in particular a base.

Dans l'ensemble des figures décrites, le premier connecteur 2 est une fiche femelle et le deuxième connecteur 3 est une embase mâle.In all the figures described, the first connector 2 is a female plug and the second connector 3 is a male socket.

Chaque connecteur multi-contacts 2, 3 véhicule des signaux optiques, électriques ou de la puissance. En variante, des signaux ou de la puissance de type différent peuvent être véhiculés par chacun des connecteurs multi-contacts et des contacts de taille et de type différents sont alors simultanément disposés en leur sein.Each multi-contact connector 2, 3 carries optical, electrical or power signals. Alternatively, signals or power of different types can be carried by each of the multi-contact connectors and contacts of different size and type are then simultaneously disposed within them.

Les contacts peuvent être des contacts simples ou multiples comme des contacts coaxiaux ou triaxiaux, des contacts quadrax, des RJ45 ou tout type de contacts haut débit. Ces contacts peuvent également être des contacts optiques avec des contacts lentillés de type « expanded beam » ou des contacts « physical contact » de type ARINC 801 ou EN 4531 ou encore des contacts optoélectroniques.The contacts may be single or multiple contacts such as coaxial or triaxial contacts, quadrax contacts, RJ45s or any type of high-speed contacts. These contacts may also be optical contacts with lenticular contacts of "expanded beam" type or contacts "physical contact" type ARINC 801 or EN 4531 or optoelectronic contacts.

Le premier connecteur multi-contacts 2 comporte tout d'abord un boîtier 4 qui est, dans l'exemple décrit, réalisé d'une seule pièce en matière plastique.The first multi-contact connector 2 comprises first a housing 4 which is, in the example described, made in one piece of plastic material.

Le boitier 4 comporte une pluralité d'alvéoles 42, ménagée dans le boîtier 4, depuis une face arrière 40 jusqu'à une face avant 41, que l'on peut désigner également par face de connexion, en regard du deuxième connecteur 3 lorsque les connecteurs 2 et 3 sont verrouillés.The housing 4 comprises a plurality of cells 42, formed in the housing 4, from a rear face 40 to a front face 41, which can also be designated by connection face, facing the second connector 3 when the connectors 2 and 3 are locked.

Dans l'exemple décrit, les faces 40 et 41 sont parallèles et s'étendent perpendiculairement à l'axe rectiligne X des alvéoles 42, cet axe rectiligne X étant appelé par la suite « axe de connecteur ».In the example described, the faces 40 and 41 are parallel and extend perpendicularly to the rectilinear axis X of the cells 42, this straight axis X being called thereafter "connector axis".

Le boîtier 4 peut comporter deux bras 43 s'étendant au-delà de la face de connexion 41 de chaque côté de celle-ci, ces bras 43 pouvant comporter des rainures de guidage 44 détaillées par la suite. Lorsque le boîtier présente en section perpendiculairement à l'axe X une forme rectangulaire, les bras 43 peuvent ne s'étendre que parallèlement aux petits côtés du boîtier 4. Le boîtier 4 peut être réalisé en une partie ou en deux parties pour faciliter la mise en place de pièces de maintien qui seront décrites ci-après.The housing 4 may comprise two arms 43 extending beyond the connection face 41 on each side thereof, these arms 43 may include guide grooves 44 detailed thereafter. When the casing has a rectangular shape in section perpendicular to the X axis, the arms 43 may extend only parallel to the short sides of the casing 4. The casing 4 may be made in one or two parts to facilitate the installation. in place of maintenance parts which will be described below.

Bien que non représenté, le premier connecteur 2 peut comporter une partie d'attache s'étendant en prolongement du boîtier 4 selon l'axe X depuis la face arrière 40. Cette partie d'attache comporte par exemple deux branches ayant chacune une extrémité accrochée de façon amovible sur le boîtier 4 et une autre extrémité reliée à une partie de jonction. La partie de jonction peut définir une pluralité de zones d'attache. Bien que non représentée, chaque zone d'attache peut présenter une surface de réception semi-circulaire sur laquelle les câbles auxquels le premier connecteur 2 est relié peuvent être appuyés et/ou fixés.Although not shown, the first connector 2 may comprise an attachment portion extending in extension of the housing 4 along the X axis from the rear face 40. This attachment portion comprises for example two branches each having a hooked end. removably on the housing 4 and another end connected to a joining portion. The joining portion may define a plurality of attachment areas. Although not shown, each attachment zone may have a semicircular receiving surface on which the cables to which the first connector 2 is connected can be supported and / or fixed.

Le premier connecteur 2 peut comporter un joint avant non représenté à disposer sur la face de connexion 41 du boîtier 4 et ce joint avant peut comporter des passages venant en regard des alvéoles 42 lorsque le joint est en place sur la face de connexion 41. Le joint avant est par exemple réalisé en silicone.The first connector 2 may comprise a not shown front seal to be arranged on the connection face 41 of the casing 4 and this front seal may comprise passages facing the cells 42 when the seal is in place on the connection face 41. front seal is for example made of silicone.

Le premier connecteur 2 peut comporter un joint arrière 4' à disposer contre la face arrière 40 du boîtier 4. Similairement au joint avant, ce joint arrière 4' peut comprendre autant de passages que le boîtier 4 comporte d'alvéoles 42, les passages du joint arrière venant en regard des alvéoles 42 lorsque le joint arrière 4' est en place sur la face arrière 40 du boîtier.The first connector 2 may comprise a rear seal 4 'to be arranged against the rear face 40 of the casing 4. Similar to the front seal, this rear seal 4' may comprise as many passages as the casing 4 comprises cells 42, the passages of the rear seal coming opposite the cells 42 when the rear seal 4 'is in place on the rear face 40 of the housing.

Les alvéoles 42 reçoivent une partie des contacts 45 du premier connecteur 2. Comme mieux illustré en figures 11A à 11C, lorsqu'ils sont en place dans le boîtier 4, les contacts 45 s'étendent également hors des alvéoles 42, à savoir le cas échéant dans les passages du joint avant 30 et en porte-à-faux. Les contacts 45 comportent ainsi une partie reçue dans les alvéoles 42 et une partie faisant saillie au-delà de la face de connexion 41 du boîtier 4. La partie reçue dans les alvéoles 42 peut avoir une longueur comprise entre 50 et 75 % de la longueur des contacts 45.The cells 42 receive a portion of the contacts 45 of the first connector 2. As best illustrated in FIG. Figures 11A to 11C when they are in place in the housing 4, the contacts 45 also extend out of the cells 42, that is to say, where appropriate in the passages of the front seal 30 and cantilevered. The contacts 45 thus comprise a portion received in the cells 42 and a portion projecting beyond the connection face 41 of the housing 4. The portion received in the cells 42 may have a length of between 50 and 75% of the length contacts 45.

Une pièce de maintien non représentée, peut être disposée dans chaque alvéole 42 à proximité de la face arrière 40, cette pièce de maintien pouvant assurer la fixation d'un contact 45 dans le boîtier 4. En variante, les pièces de maintien peuvent être moulés et intégrés au boîtier 4, notamment dans le cas où le boîtier 4 est réalisé en deux parties.A not shown holding part may be disposed in each cell 42 near the rear face 40, this holding part being able to ensure the attachment of a contact 45 in the housing 4. Alternatively, the holding parts may be molded and integrated in the housing 4, in particular in the case where the housing 4 is made in two parts.

Selon l'invention, le premier connecteur 2 comporte à l'une de ses extrémités latérales, une excroissance 46 formant un logement de forme intérieure cylindrique sur la majeure partie h2 de sa hauteur qui constitue son fond. Deux pattes de fixation 47, élastiquement déformables, sont ménagées, par exemple en étant diamétralement opposées l'une à l'autre, autour du logement 46 à l'extrémité supérieure 48 de l'excroissance. L'extrémité supérieure 48 de cette excroissance 46 a une section transversale interne polygonale, qui est octogonale dans l'exemple décrit. Un épaulement 49 est réalisé entre le fond du logement et l'extrémité supérieure 48 de l'excroissance.According to the invention, the first connector 2 comprises at one of its lateral ends, an outgrowth 46 forming a housing of cylindrical inner shape over most of its height h2 which constitutes its bottom. Two fastening tabs 47, elastically deformable, are provided, for example being diametrically opposed one to the other, around the housing 46 at the upper end 48 of the outgrowth. The upper end 48 of this protrusion 46 has a polygonal inner cross section, which is octagonal in the example described. A shoulder 49 is formed between the bottom of the housing and the upper end 48 of the protrusion.

Les fonctions du logement de l'excroissance 46, des pattes de fixation 47 et de l'épaulement 49 seront détaillées par la suite.The functions of the housing of the protrusion 46, the brackets 47 and the shoulder 49 will be detailed later.

Similairement au premier connecteur 2 qui vient d'être décrit, le deuxième connecteur 3 de l'ensemble de connexion 1 peut comporter un boîtier 5 réalisé d'une seule pièce, une partie d'attache de câbles non représentées et un joint arrière 5'.Similarly to the first connector 2 which has just been described, the second connector 3 of the connection assembly 1 may comprise a housing 5 made in one piece, a cable attachment part not shown and a rear seal 5 ' .

Le boitier 5 comporte une pluralité d'alvéoles 52, ménagée depuis une face arrière 50 jusqu'à une face avant 51, que l'on peut désigner également par face de connexion, en regard du premier connecteur 2 lorsque les connecteurs 2 et 3 sont verrouillés.The housing 5 comprises a plurality of cells 52, formed from a rear face 50 to a front face 51, which can also be designated by connection face, facing the first connector 2 when the connectors 2 and 3 are locked.

Dans l'exemple décrit, les faces 50 et 51 sont parallèles et s'étendent perpendiculairement à l'axe rectiligne X des alvéoles 52, cet axe rectiligne X étant également appelé par la suite « axe de connecteur ».In the example described, the faces 50 and 51 are parallel and extend perpendicularly to the rectilinear axis X of the cells 52, this rectilinear axis X is also called hereinafter "connector axis".

Les alvéoles 52 reçoivent des contacts non représentés de type complémentaire des contacts 45, pour des alvéoles 42 en regard.The cells 52 receive unrepresented contacts of the complementary type of the contacts 45, for cells 42 opposite.

Comme mieux représenté sur les figures 1 et 2, un ou plusieurs pions de verrouillage 53 peuvent être ménagés au moins sur la face supérieure du boîtier 5. D'autres pions de verrouillage peuvent également être ménagés sur la face inférieure du boîtier 5. Les pions de verrouillage 53 sont dans les exemples considérés réalisés d'une seule pièce avec le boîtier 5.As best represented on the Figures 1 and 2 , one or more locking pins 53 may be provided at least on the upper face of the housing 5. Other locking pins may also be provided on the underside of the housing 5. The locking pins 53 are in the examples considered made in one piece with the housing 5.

A la différence du premier connecteur 2, le deuxième connecteur 3 peut comporter des moyens de fixation à un panneau qui ne sont pas représentés.Unlike the first connector 2, the second connector 3 may comprise means for fixing to a panel that are not shown.

Egalement à la différence du premier connecteur 2, et comme mieux visible aux figures 11A à 11C, le deuxième connecteur 3 multi-contacts comporte également à l'une de ses extrémités latérales, une excroissance 54 sur laquelle fait saillie un pion de guidage 55 permettant de guider le connecteur 3 dans une ouverture d'un panneau.Also unlike the first connector 2, and as better visible to Figures 11A to 11C , the second multi-contact connector 3 also has at one of its lateral ends, a protrusion 54 on which protrudes a guide pin 55 for guiding the connector 3 in an opening of a panel.

Selon l'invention, de manière similaire au premier connecteur 2, le deuxième connecteur 3 multi-contacts comporte également à l'autre de ses extrémités latérales, une excroissance 56 formant un logement de forme intérieure cylindrique sur la majeure partie h3 de sa hauteur qui constitue son fond. Deux pattes de fixation 57, élastiquement déformables, sont ménagées, par exemple en étant diamétralement opposées l'une à l'autre, autour du logement 56 à l'extrémité supérieure 58 de l'excroissance. L'extrémité supérieure 58 de cette excroissance 56 a une section transversale interne polygonale, qui est octogonale dans l'exemple décrit. Un épaulement 59 est réalisé entre le fond du logement et l'extrémité supérieure 58 de l'excroissance.According to the invention, similarly to the first connector 2, the second multi-contact connector 3 also comprises at the other of its lateral ends, a protuberance 56 forming a cylindrical inner housing on the major part h3 of its height which constitutes its bottom. Two elastically deformable fixing lugs 57 are formed, for example by being diametrically opposite one another, around the housing 56 at the upper end 58 of the protuberance. The upper end 58 of this protrusion 56 has a polygonal inner cross section, which is octagonal in the example described. A shoulder 59 is formed between the bottom of the housing and the upper end 58 of the protrusion.

Les fonctions du logement de l'excroissance 56, des pattes de fixation 57 et de l'épaulement 59 seront détaillées par la suite.The functions of the housing of the protrusion 56, the brackets 57 and the shoulder 59 will be detailed later.

Le deuxième connecteur 3 comporte enfin des nervures de guidage 34 de chaque côté de la face avant 51 du boitier pour coopérer avec les rainures de guidage 44 du premier connecteur 2 afin de réaliser un guidage en translation selon l'axe X des connecteurs lors de leur connexion. Cela sera détaillé par la suite en référence aux figures 11A à 11C.The second connector 3 finally has guide ribs 34 on each side of the front face 51 of the housing to cooperate with the guide grooves 44 of the first connector 2 in order to provide a guide in translation along the X axis of the connectors during their connection. This will be detailed later with reference to Figures 11A to 11C .

Les deux connecteurs multi-contacts 2, 3 de l'ensemble de connexion sont avantageusement configurés pour être verrouillés mutuellement. Plus précisément un capot de verrouillage 6 est monté coulissant transversalement par rapport au boîtier 4 du premier connecteur 2 entre une position de verrouillage et une position de déverrouillage, et réciproquement.The two multi-contact connectors 2, 3 of the connection assembly are advantageously configured to be mutually locked. More precisely, a locking cover 6 is slidably mounted transversely relative to the housing 4 of the first connector 2 between a locking position and an unlocking position, and vice versa.

Comme mieux représenté sur les figures 1 et 2, ce capot de verrouillage 6 peut présenter une forme en U en section dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe X du connecteur 2. Le capot 6 comporte alors un fond 60 venant en regard d'une face latérale 43 du boîtier 4 et deux branches 61 parallèles venant respectivement en regard d'une partie de la face supérieure du boîtier 4 et d'une partie de la face inférieure du boîtier 4.As best represented on the Figures 1 and 2 , this locking cover 6 may have a U-shaped section in a plane perpendicular to the X axis of the connector 2. The cover 6 then has a bottom 60 coming opposite a lateral face 43 of the housing 4 and two branches 61 parallel respectively facing a portion of the upper face of the housing 4 and a portion of the lower face of the housing 4.

Comme représenté sur les figures 1 et 2, une ou plusieurs fenêtres 62 peuvent être ménagées dans une des branches 61, voire dans chaque branche 61. Ces fenêtres 62 peuvent présenter, lorsqu'elles sont observées en vue de dessus ou de dessous du boitier 4, une forme sensiblement en L. La plus grande dimension mesurée entre deux bords opposés d'une fenêtre 62 définit l'amplitude du mouvement de coulissement du capot de verrouillage 6 par rapport au boîtier 4 lorsqu'il passe d'une position de verrouillage à une position de déverrouillage.As shown on Figures 1 and 2 , one or more windows 62 may be formed in one of the branches 61, or in each branch 61. These windows 62 may have, when viewed in plan view or below the case 4, a shape substantially in L. larger dimension measured between two opposite edges of a window 62 defines the amplitude of the sliding movement of the locking cover 6 with respect to the housing 4 as it moves from a locking position to an unlocking position.

Comme représenté sur les figures 1 et 2, pour réaliser le verrouillage mutuel entre le premier connecteur 2 et le deuxième connecteur 3, on procède de la manière suivante.As shown on Figures 1 and 2 to achieve the mutual interlocking between the first connector 2 and the second connector 3, the procedure is as follows.

Lors d'une première étape, le premier connecteur 2 avec le capot de verrouillage 6 en position déverrouillée est poussé, par exemple à la main, vers le deuxième connecteur 3 qui a été préalablement introduit à travers une ouverture d'un panneau et solidarisé à ce panneau. A l'issue de cette étape, le capot de verrouillage 6 est au contact des boîtiers 4 et 5. Toujours à l'issue de cette étape, les pions de verrouillage 53 du boîtier 5 sont reçus dans la petite portion du L formé par chaque rainure 62 du capot de verrouillage 6.In a first step, the first connector 2 with the locking cover 6 in the unlocked position is pushed, for example by hand, to the second connector 3 which has been previously introduced through an opening of a panel and secured to this panel. At the end of this step, the locking cover 6 is in contact with the housings 4 and 5. Still at the end of this step, the locking pins 53 of the housing 5 are received in the small portion of the L formed by each groove 62 of the locking cap 6.

Lors d'une étape ultérieure, une force est exercée, par exemple à la main, perpendiculairement à l'axe X. Cette force provoque le coulissement du capot de verrouillage 6 par rapport aux boîtiers 4 et 5, transversalement à l'axe X.In a subsequent step, a force is exerted, for example by hand, perpendicular to the axis X. This force causes the sliding of the locking cover 6 relative to the housings 4 and 5, transversely to the axis X.

Le coulissement du capot 6 provoque l'avancée de chaque pion 53 le long de la grande portion du L de chaque rainure 62. A l'issue de cette étape, chaque pion 53 est en butée contre un bord de la rainure 62 et bloqué dans cette dernière. Le capot 6 est alors en position verrouillée, solidarisant l'un à l'autre les connecteurs 2 et 3.The sliding of the cover 6 causes the advance of each pin 53 along the large portion of the L of each groove 62. At the end of this step, each pin 53 is abutted against an edge of the groove 62 and blocked in the latter. The cover 6 is then in the locked position, solidarisant one to the other connectors 2 and 3.

Comme on peut le voir sur les figures 11A à 11C, l'encombrement maximal induit par l'ensemble de connexion 1 est dans l'exemple décrit imposé par la distance L entre les deux moyens excroissances 54, 56 du boitier 5 du deuxième connecteur 3.As can be seen on the Figures 11A to 11C the maximum space induced by the connection assembly 1 is in the example described imposed by the distance L between the two growth means 54, 56 of the housing 5 of the second connector 3.

Dans un exemple de réalisation de l'ensemble de connexion 1 selon l'invention, la longueur mesurée le long de l'axe X entre la face arrière 40 du boîtier 4 et l'extrémité libre de chaque bras 43 est de 25 mm. Toujours dans cet exemple, la hauteur du boîtier 4 mesurée entre sa face supérieure et sa face inférieure est de 14 mm, la largeur du capot 6 est de 62 mm et l'amplitude selon laquelle le capot 6 se déplace lorsqu'il passe de la position déverrouillée à la position verrouillée et réciproquement est de 8 mm.In an exemplary embodiment of the connection assembly 1 according to the invention, the length measured along the axis X between the rear face 40 of the housing 4 and the free end of each arm 43 is 25 mm. Still in this example, the height of the housing 4 measured between its upper face and its lower face is 14 mm, the width of the cover 6 is 62 mm and the amplitude according to which the cover 6 moves when it passes from the unlocked position in the locked position and vice versa is 8 mm.

Concernant le deuxième connecteur 3, la distance L entre les deux excroissances 54, 56, mesurée perpendiculairement à l'axe X est de 80 mm, la hauteur du boîtier 5 est de 14 mm, la longueur du boîtier 5 mesurée le long de l'axe X entre deux faces opposées est de 23,50 mm.Regarding the second connector 3, the distance L between the two protuberances 54, 56, measured perpendicular to the X axis is 80 mm, the height of the housing 5 is 14 mm, the length of the housing 5 measured along the X axis between two opposite faces is 23.50 mm.

Les valeurs des distances ci-dessus ne sont bien entendu données qu'à titre indicatif, les valeurs pouvant dans d'autres exemples être inférieures ou supérieures à celles-ci-dessus.The values of the above distances are of course only given as an indication, the values being able in other examples to be lower or higher than those above.

L'ensemble de connexion 1 selon l'invention comporte en outre un système de détrompage constitué par une paire de deux clés de détrompage 7, 8, chaque clé étant de forme allongée selon un axe (X1, X2),The connection assembly 1 according to the invention further comprises a coding system consisting of a pair of two coding keys 7, 8, each key being of elongate shape along an axis (X1, X2),

Selon l'invention, chaque clé 7, 8 fait saillie à une seule des extrémités latérales 46, 56 d'un boitier 4, 5 au-delà de sa face de connexion 41, 51.According to the invention, each key 7, 8 projects at only one of the lateral ends 46, 56 of a housing 4, 5 beyond its connection face 41, 51.

Selon l'invention également, chaque clé 7, 8 comporte à chacune de ses extrémités une portion 70, 71 ; 80, 81 dont la surface périphérique est munie d'au moins une forme saillante 83, 84 et/ou en creux 73, 74.According to the invention also, each key 7, 8 comprises at each of its ends a portion 70, 71; 80, 81 whose peripheral surface is provided with at least one protruding form 83, 84 and / or recessed 73, 74.

Selon l'invention encore, chaque portion d'extrémité 70, 71 d'une des deux clés 7 est adaptée pour s'emboiter par complément de formes avec une seule portion d'extrémité, respectivement 80, 81, de l'autre des deux clés 8 selon leur axe confondu (X1=X2) et selon une seule position angulaire entre elles.According to the invention, each end portion 70, 71 of one of the two keys 7 is adapted to fit in shape complement with a single end portion, respectively 80, 81, the other of the two keys 8 along their axis coincide (X1 = X2) and in a single angular position between them.

Selon l'invention enfin, chaque clé de détrompage 7, 8 est adaptée pour être fixée par l'une 70, 80 ou l'autre 71, 81 de ses portions d'extrémités au boitier 4 du premier connecteur 2 et/ou au boitier 5 du deuxième connecteur 3 selon une pluralité de positions angulaires données par rapport à l'axe (X).Finally, according to the invention, each key 7, 8 is adapted to be fixed by one 70, 80 or the other 71, 81 of its end portions to the housing 4 of the first connector 2 and / or the housing 5 of the second connector 3 according to a plurality of given angular positions with respect to the axis (X).

Dans l'ensemble des figures décrites, la clé 7 est une clé femelle c'est-à-dire avec ses deux portions d'extrémité 70, 71 de type femelle et la clé 8 est de type mâle avec ses deux portions d'extrémité 80, 81 de type mâle.In all the figures described, the key 7 is a female key that is to say with its two end portions 70, 71 of the female type and the key 8 is of the male type with its two end portions 80, 81 of the male type.

Comme illustré aux figures 3A et 3B, la clé femelle 7 comporte une portion d'extrémité 70 sur laquelle est gravée un indicateur visuel A et une deuxième portion d'extrémité 71 sur laquelle est gravée un indicateur visuel B.As illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B , the female key 7 comprises an end portion 70 on which is engraved a visual indicator A and a second end portion 71 on which is engraved a visual indicator B.

Les deux portions d'extrémités 70, 71 sont séparées par une collerette 72 de fixation de section octogonale. Une série successive de chiffres de 1 à 8 est gravée sur la collerette 72. Plus précisément, un chiffre est gravé sur chaque face de la section octogonale de sorte à former la série successive. Cette série successive est visible dans l'ordre croissant lorsqu'on tourne la clé 7 autour de son axe dans le sens anti-horaire.The two end portions 70, 71 are separated by an octagonal section fastening flange 72. A successive series of digits 1 to 8 is engraved on the flange 72. More precisely, a number is engraved on each face of the octagonal section so as to form the successive series. This successive series is visible in ascending order when the key 7 is rotated about its axis in the counter-clockwise direction.

La portion d'extrémité 70 est un cylindre à l'intérieur duquel sont ménagées trois rainures 74 rectilignes le long du cylindre en étant espacées les unes des autres selon des positions angulaires.The end portion 70 is a cylinder inside which are formed three straight grooves 74 along the cylinder being spaced apart from each other in angular positions.

La portion d'extrémité 71 est un cylindre à l'intérieur duquel sont ménagées trois rainures 73 rectilignes le long du cylindre en étant espacées les unes des autres selon des positions angulaires. L'espacement entre les rainures 73 de la portion d'extrémité 71 est différent de celui entre les rainures 74 de la portion d'extrémité 70.The end portion 71 is a cylinder inside which are formed three grooves 73 rectilinear along the cylinder being spaced apart from each other in angular positions. The spacing between the grooves 73 of the end portion 71 is different from that between the grooves 74 of the end portion 70.

Dans l'exemple illustré, deux rainures adjacentes 74 sont espacées l'une de l'autre d'un angle de 90° tandis que la troisième rainure 74 est espacée de chacune des deux autres rainures 74 d'un angle de 135°.In the illustrated example, two adjacent grooves 74 are spaced from each other by an angle of 90 ° while the third groove 74 is spaced from each of the other two grooves 74 by an angle of 135 °.

Dans l'exemple illustré, deux rainures adjacentes 73 sont espacées l'une de l'autre d'un angle de 180° tandis que la troisième rainure 73 est espacée de chacune des deux autres rainures 73 d'un angle de 90°.In the illustrated example, two adjacent grooves 73 are spaced from each other by an angle of 180 ° while the third groove 73 is spaced from each of the other two grooves 73 by an angle of 90 °.

Comme illustré aux figures 3A et 3B, la clé mâle 8 comporte une portion d'extrémité 80 sur laquelle est gravée un indicateur visuel A et une deuxième portion d'extrémité 81 sur laquelle est gravée un indicateur visuel B.As illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B , the male key 8 comprises an end portion 80 on which is engraved a visual indicator A and a second end portion 81 on which is engraved a visual indicator B.

Les deux portions d'extrémités 80, 81 sont séparées par une collerette 82 de fixation de section octogonale. Une série successive de chiffres de 1 à 8 est gravée sur la collerette 82. Plus précisément, un chiffre est gravé sur chaque face de la section octogonale de sorte à former la série successive. Cette série successive est visible dans l'ordre croissant lorsqu'on tourne la clé 8 autour de son axe dans le sens horaire.The two end portions 80, 81 are separated by a flange 82 of octagonal section fastening. A successive series of digits 1 to 8 is engraved on the flange 82. More precisely, a number is engraved on each face of the octagonal section so as to form the successive series. This successive series is visible in ascending order when the key 8 is turned about its axis in the clockwise direction.

La portion d'extrémité 80 est un cylindre sur lequel sont ménagées trois nervures 84 rectilignes le long du cylindre en étant espacées les unes des autres selon des positions angulaires.The end portion 80 is a cylinder on which are formed three ribs 84 rectilinear along the cylinder being spaced apart from each other in angular positions.

La portion d'extrémité 81 est un cylindre sur lequel sont ménagées trois nervures 83 rectilignes le long du cylindre en étant espacées les unes des autres selon des positions angulaires. L'espacement entre les nervures 83 de la portion d'extrémité 81 est différent de celui entre les nervures 84 de la portion d'extrémité 80.The end portion 81 is a cylinder on which are formed three ribs 83 rectilinear along the cylinder being spaced apart from each other in angular positions. The spacing between the ribs 83 of the end portion 81 is different from that between the ribs 84 of the end portion 80.

Les trois nervures 83 rectilignes sont de forme complémentaire avec les trois rainures 73 en étant espacées les unes des autres selon les mêmes positions angulaires. Ainsi, dans l'exemple illustré, deux nervures adjacentes 83 sont espacées l'une de l'autre d'un angle de 180° tandis que la troisième nervure 83 est espacée de chacune des deux autres nervures 83 d'un angle de 90°.The three rectilinear ribs 83 are of complementary shape with the three grooves 73 being spaced apart from each other in the same angular positions. Thus, in the illustrated example, two adjacent ribs 83 are spaced apart from each other at an angle of 180 ° while the third rib 83 is spaced from each of the other two ribs 83 at an angle of 90 °.

Les trois nervures 84 rectilignes sont de forme complémentaire avec les trois rainures 74 en étant espacées les unes des autres selon les mêmes positions angulaires. Ainsi, dans l'exemple illustré, deux nervures adjacentes 84 sont espacées l'une de l'autre d'un angle de 90° tandis que la troisième nervure 84 est espacée de chacune des deux autres nervures 84 d'un angle de 135°.The three rectilinear ribs 84 are of complementary shape with the three grooves 74 being spaced apart from each other in the same angular positions. Thus, in the illustrated example, two adjacent ribs 84 are spaced from each other by an angle of 90 ° while the third rib 84 is spaced from each of the other two ribs 84 by an angle of 135 ° .

Autrement dit, un emboitement par compléments de formes est possible seulement entre les nervures 73 et rainures 83 définissant un codage B et entre les nervures 74 et rainures 84 définissant un codage A.In other words, fitting by complementary shapes is possible only between the ribs 73 and grooves 83 defining a coding B and between the ribs 74 and grooves 84 defining a coding A.

En figures 4A et 4B, on a représenté un accouplement entre les portions d'extrémité 70, 80 complémentaires des clés 7, 8 définissant un codage selon huit combinaisons A1, A2,....A8. De même, en figures 4A et 4B, on a représenté un accouplement entre les portions d'extrémité 71, 81 complémentaires des clés 7, 8 définissant un codage selon huit combinaisons possibles B1, B2,....B8.In Figures 4A and 4B , there is shown a coupling between the end portions 70, 80 complementary keys 7, 8 defining a coding according to eight combinations A1, A2, .... A8. Similarly, Figures 4A and 4B , there is shown a coupling between the end portions 71, 81 complementary keys 7, 8 defining a coding according to eight possible combinations B1, B2, .... B8.

Comme expliqué par la suite, en fonction de la position angulaire relative des clés 7, 8 par rapport à l'axe X des boitiers 4, 5 des connecteurs 2, 3, on peut définir un codage donné associé à la lettre A ou B et un chiffre donné 1 à 8 selon un nombre maximal de 32 combinaisons.As explained below, as a function of the relative angular position of the keys 7, 8 with respect to the X axis of the boxes 4, 5 of the connectors 2, 3, it is possible to define a given coding associated with the letter A or B and a given number 1 to 8 according to a maximum number of 32 combinations.

Dans un exemple de réalisation de l'ensemble de connexion 1 selon l'invention, chaque clé 7 ou 8 a une longueur 1 de 15 mm et un diamètre Ø de collerette 72, 82, c'est-à-dire entre deux pans de l'hexagone en regard l'un de l'autre de l'ordre de 5,5 mm. Les logements 46, 56 ont quant à eux une longueur h de l'ordre de 10 mm.In an exemplary embodiment of the connection assembly 1 according to the invention, each key 7 or 8 has a length 1 of 15 mm and a diameter Ø of flange 72, 82, that is to say between two sections of the hex facing each other of the order of 5.5 mm. The housing 46, 56 have a length h of the order of 10 mm.

Les valeurs des distances ci-dessus ne sont bien entendu données qu'à titre indicatif, les valeurs pouvant dans d'autres exemples être inférieures ou supérieures à celles-ci-dessus.The values of the above distances are of course only given as an indication, the values being able in other examples to be lower or higher than those above.

On va maintenant décrire le montage manuel des clés de détrompage 7, 8 dans les boitiers 4, 5 des deux connecteurs 2, 3.We will now describe the manual mounting of keying keys 7, 8 in the boxes 4, 5 of the two connectors 2, 3.

On prend manuellement une des clés 7 ou 8 en la positionnant d'une part selon la portion d'extrémité 70 ou 71, 80 ou 81 qu'il souhaite loger dans le logement 46 ou 56 formés par l'une des excroissances de boitiers 4 ou 5. Cette orientation permet donc de visualiser l'un A ou l'autre B des premiers indicateurs visuels que l'on souhaite apparent une fois le montage réalisé.One manually takes one of the keys 7 or 8 by positioning on the one hand according to the end portion 70 or 71, 80 or 81 he wishes to accommodate in the housing 46 or 56 formed by one of the outgrowths of boxes 4 or 5. This orientation therefore allows visualize one or the other B of the first visual indicators that one wishes apparent after the editing.

On positionne également la clé 7 ou 8 selon la position angulaire souhaitée par rapport à l'axe X. En d'autres termes, selon l'exemple décrit, on positionne les faces de la section octogonale selon le chiffre 1 à 8 que l'on souhaite visualiser latéralement au boitier 4 ou 5.The key 7 or 8 is also positioned according to the desired angular position relative to the axis X. In other words, according to the example described, the faces of the octagonal section are positioned according to the number 1 to 8 that the we want to visualize laterally to the case 4 or 5.

Puis, on insère la clé 7 ou 8 dans le logement 46 ou 56 jusqu'à ce que sa collerette de fixation 72, 82 vienne d'une part en butée contre l'épaulement 49, 59 réalisé dans le logement et d'autre part s'encliqueter avec les deux pattes de fixation 47 ou 57.Then, the key 7 or 8 is inserted in the housing 46 or 56 until its fastening flange 72, 82 comes firstly against the shoulder 49, 59 made in the housing and secondly snap into place with the two brackets 47 or 57.

Une fois, cette étape d'encliquetage réalisée, la clé 7 ou 8 est fixée au boitier 4 ou 5 du connecteur 2 ou 3 choisi et le positionnement angulaire déterminé par rapport à l'axe X est réalisé.Once this snap step performed, the key 7 or 8 is fixed to the housing 4 or 5 of the connector 2 or 3 selected and the angular positioning determined with respect to the X axis is achieved.

On réalise les mêmes étapes pour l'autre clé 8 ou 7 avec l'autre boitier 5 ou 4 de l'autre connecteur 3 ou 2 en veillant à respecter le positionnement correspondant de portion d'extrémité 71 ou 70, 81 ou 80 dans le logement 56 ou 46 et le positionnement angulaire correspondant autour de l'axe X.The same steps are performed for the other key 8 or 7 with the other housing 5 or 4 of the other connector 3 or 2, taking care to respect the corresponding positioning of the end portion 71 or 70, 81 or 80 in the housing 56 or 46 and the corresponding angular positioning around the axis X.

Pour procéder au démontage manuel de chacune des deux clés 7, 8 il suffit d'exercer un effort de traction manuellement sur celle-ci de l'arrière vers l'avant du connecteur 2, 3 dans laquelle elle est logée. Un simple effort de traction est en effet suffisant pour enlever l'encliquetage des pattes de fixation 47, 57 sur la collerette 72, 82 de la clé 7, 8.To proceed to the manual disassembly of each of the two keys 7, 8 it is sufficient to exert a traction force manually on it from the rear to the front of the connector 2, 3 in which it is housed. A simple traction force is indeed sufficient to remove the snap-fastening tabs 47, 57 on the flange 72, 82 of the key 7, 8.

Un exemple de combinaison A5 est montré en figure 5. Sur cette figure, on voit que la clé mâle 8 est encliquetée à l'intérieur du logement 56 du deuxième connecteur 3 de sorte à faire apparaître d'une part latéralement le chiffre 5 qui peut être visualisé par la fenêtre de visualisation 90 prévue à cet effet dans l'excroissance 56 et d'autre part en bout la lettre A qui peut donc être visualisée en vue de face de connexion dudit deuxième connecteur. De manière similaire, on voit sur cette figure 5 que la clé femelle 7 est encliquetée à l'intérieur du logement 46 du premier connecteur 2 de sorte à faire apparaître d'une part latéralement le chiffre 5 qui peut être visualisé par la fenêtre de visualisation 91 prévue à cet effet dans l'excroissance 46 et d'autre part latéralement la lettre A qui peut donc être visualisée en vue de côté dudit premier connecteur 2. Ainsi, un opérateur réalisant en usine le montage des clés de détrompage 7, 8 dans leur connecteur respectif 2, 3 peut facilement visualiser et donc contrôler le code correct selon la combinaison déterminée, comme le code A5 sur la figure 5.An example of combination A5 is shown in figure 5 . In this figure, we see that the male key 8 is snapped inside the housing 56 of the second connector 3 so as to show on the one hand laterally the digit 5 which can be visualized by the viewing window 90 provided for this effect in the protrusion 56 and secondly end letter A which can be viewed in connection front view of said second connector. Similarly, we see on this figure 5 that the female key 7 is snapped inside the housing 46 of the first connector 2 so as to show on the one hand laterally the digit 5 which can be visualized by the viewing window 91 provided for this purpose in the protrusion 46 and, on the other hand, laterally the letter A, which can therefore be viewed in side view of said first connector 2. Thus, an operator making at the factory the mounting of the coding keys 7, 8 in their respective connector 2, 3 can easily visualize and therefore control the correct code according to the determined combination, as the code A5 on the figure 5 .

Sur les figures 1 à 7, on a représenté un premier mode de réalisation selon l'invention selon lequel le montage de la clé femelle 7 ou de la clé mâle 8 indifféremment sur le premier connecteur 2 ou sur le deuxième connecteur 3. Ce mode est avantageux permet de doubler le nombre de combinaisons de codage entre les boîtiers 4, 5, jusqu'à 32 combinaisons dans l'exemple illustré.On the Figures 1 to 7 a first embodiment according to the invention is shown according to which the mounting of the female key 7 or of the male key 8 indifferently on the first connector 2 or on the second connector 3. This mode is advantageous makes it possible to double the number combinations of coding between the housings 4, 5, up to 32 combinations in the illustrated example.

Selon ce premier mode, les collerettes 72, 82 des deux clés 7, 8 ont les mêmes dimensions transversales et chaque logement 46, 56 de boitier 4, 5 peut loger indifféremment une portion d'extrémité 70, 71 de clé femelle 7 ou une portion d'extrémité 80, 81 de clé mâle 8 avec un encliquetage possible indifféremment du fait du même dimensionnement et agencement des épaulements 49, 59 et des pattes de fixation 47, 57. Ce premier mode peut cependant avoir un inconvénient car il peut entraîner un risque d'erreur au montage si par inadvertance un opérateur monte une clef mâle 8 en lieu et place d'une femelle 7 et vice-versa.According to this first embodiment, the flanges 72, 82 of the two keys 7, 8 have the same transverse dimensions and each housing 46, 56 of housing 4, 5 can accommodate either an end portion 70, 71 of female key 7 or a portion end 80, 81 of the male key 8 with a possible snap-together indifferently due to the same dimensioning and arrangement of the shoulders 49, 59 and the brackets 47, 57. This first mode may, however, have a disadvantage because it may involve a risk mounting error if inadvertently an operator mounts a male key 8 instead of a female 7 and vice versa.

Sur les figures 8 à 10, on a représenté un deuxième mode de réalisation qui permet de supprimer l'inconvénient du premier mode. Autrement dit, selon ce deuxième mode de réalisation, la clé femelle 7 ne peut être montée que dans un seul connecteur, le premier connecteur 2 dans l'exemple illustré. De même, la clé mâle 8 ne peut être montée que dans un seul connecteur, le deuxième connecteur dans l'exemple décrit.On the Figures 8 to 10 there is shown a second embodiment which makes it possible to eliminate the disadvantage of the first mode. In other words, according to this second embodiment, the female key 7 can be mounted in only one connector, the first connector 2 in the example shown. Similarly, the male key 8 can be mounted in only one connector, the second connector in the example described.

Selon ce deuxième mode, les dimensions transversales de la collerette 72 de la clé femelle 7 sont agrandies par rapport à celle 82 de la clé mâle 8, ce qui empêche le montage de la clé femelle 7 dans le logement 56 du boitier 5 adapté uniquement pour loger la clé mâle 8. Selon ce deuxième mode, les dimensions transversales des portions d'extrémité 70, 71 de la clé femelle peuvent être également agrandies. L'interférence mécanique qui résulte entre la clé femelle 7 et le logement 56 est représentée en figure 9 : sur cette figure, on voit clairement que la clé femelle 7 vient buter contre la périphérie du logement 56 sans pourvoir y être logé.In this second embodiment, the transverse dimensions of the flange 72 of the female key 7 are enlarged relative to that 82 of the male key 8, which prevents the mounting of the female key 7 in the housing 56 of the housing 5 adapted only for housing the male key 8. According to this second mode, the transverse dimensions of the end portions 70, 71 of the female key can also be enlarged. The mechanical interference that results between the female key 7 and the housing 56 is represented by figure 9 : in this figure, it is clearly seen that the female key 7 abuts against the periphery of the housing 56 without being able to be housed therein.

Selon ce deuxième mode également, le fond du logement 46 du boitier 4 adapté uniquement pour loger la clé femelle 7 est équipé d'un cylindre plein 9. Lorsqu'on introduit la clé femelle 7 dans le logement 46, le cylindre plein 9 pénètre à l'intérieur d'une de des portions d'extrémité 70, 71 sans poser de problème de montage. En cas de tentative de logement de la clef mâle 8 dans le logement 46, le cylindre plein 9 vient buter contre la clé mâle 8 et empêche ainsi sa fixation par encliquetage. L'interférence mécanique entre le cylindre plein 9 et la clé mâle 8 est représentée en figure 10 : sur cette figure, on voit clairement que la clé mâle 8 vient buter contre le cylindre plein 9.According to this second mode also, the bottom of the housing 46 of the housing 4 adapted only to house the female key 7 is equipped with a solid cylinder 9. When the female key 7 is inserted in the housing 46, the solid cylinder 9 enters the interior of one of end portions 70, 71 without posing any mounting problem. In case of an attempt housing of the male key 8 in the housing 46, the solid cylinder 9 abuts against the male key 8 and thus prevents its attachment by snapping. The mechanical interference between the solid cylinder 9 and the male key 8 is represented in FIG. figure 10 : in this figure, it is clearly seen that the male key 8 abuts against the full cylinder 9.

Il va de soi que si dans les figures 8 à 10, on a représenté l'impossibilité du montage respectivement de la clé femelle 7 dans le deuxième connecteur 3 (embase), et de la clé mâle 8 dans le premier connecteur 2 (fiche), on peut tout aussi prévoir l'inverse.It goes without saying that if in Figures 8 to 10 , it is shown the impossibility of mounting respectively the female key 7 in the second connector 3 (base), and the male key 8 in the first connector 2 (plug), we can also provide the opposite.

Les étapes de connexion, c'est-à-dire de connexion mécanique et électrique entre connecteurs 2 et 3 et leurs contacts et d'accouplement mécanique par les clés de détrompage 7, 8 sont représentées en figures 11A à 11C.The connection steps, that is to say of mechanical and electrical connection between connectors 2 and 3 and their contacts and mechanical coupling by the foolproof keys 7, 8 are represented in FIG. Figures 11A to 11C .

Tout d'abord, on aligne les boitiers 4, 5 des connecteurs 2, 3 selon leur axe X en mettant en regard leurs faces de connexion 41, 51. Lors de cet alignement, on vient mettre en contact les rainures de guidage 44 dans les bras 43 du boitier 4 premier connecteur 2 avec les nervures de guidage 34 du boitier 5 du deuxième connecteur 3, comme représenté en figure 11A.Firstly, the boxes 4, 5 of the connectors 2, 3 are aligned along their axis X by facing their connection faces 41, 51. In this alignment, the guide grooves 44 are brought into contact with each other in the arm 43 of the housing 4 first connector 2 with the guide ribs 34 of the housing 5 of the second connector 3, as shown in FIG. figure 11A .

Puis, tout en faisant coulisser les boitiers 4, 5 l'un vers l'autre grâce aux rainures 44 et nervures 34 de guidage jusqu'à ce qu'on vienne mettre en contact les deux clés de détrompage 7, 8, comme représenté en figure 11B.Then, while sliding the boxes 4, 5 towards one another through the grooves 44 and guide ribs 34 until it comes into contact with the two keying keys 7, 8, as shown in FIG. Figure 11B .

Si l'emboitement des deux portions d'extrémité en regard 70, 80 ou 71, 81 des deux clés de détrompage 7, 8 est possible alors on continue à faire coulisser les boitiers 4, 5 l'un vers l'autre, ce qui permet de continuer la connexion entre boitiers 4, 5 et l'accouplement mécanique entre clés de détrompage 7, 8, comme représenté en figure 11C.If the interlocking of the two opposite end portions 70, 80 or 71, 81 of the two coding keys 7, 8 is possible then the casings 4, 5 are continued to slide towards each other, which makes it possible to continue the connection between boxes 4, 5 and the mechanical coupling between coding keys 7, 8, as represented in FIG. figure 11C .

Lorsque la connexion est finie, les faces de connexion 41, 51 sont en contact plan l'une contre l'autre.When the connection is finished, the connection faces 41, 51 are in plane contact with each other.

L'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples qui viennent d'être décrits.The invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

L'expression « comportant un » doit être comprise comme signifiant « comportant au moins un », sauf lorsque le contraire est spécifié.The expression "comprising a" shall be understood as meaning "containing at least one", except when the opposite is specified.

Claims (14)

  1. A connection assembly (1) comprising:
    · a first connector, in particular a multi-contact connector (2);
    · a second connector, in particular a multi-contact connector (3), of type complementary to the first connector, the first and second connectors each comprising a housing (4,5) extending along an axis (X) and having a connection face, the first and second connectors being connected together via their connection faces; and
    • at least one coupled-together pair of two polarizing keys (7,8), each key being of elongate shape along an axis (X1, X2) and projecting from one of the housings beyond its connection face (41, 51),
    each key including at each one of its ends a portion (70, 71; 80, 81) with a peripheral surface that is provided with at least one projecting and/or hollow shape,
    each polarizing key being adapted to be fastened via one or the other of its end portions to the housing of the first and/or the second connector in a plurality of given angular positions relative to the axis (X),
    characterized by the fact that each end portion of one of the two keys is adapted to engage via complementary shapes with a single end portion of the other of the two keys along their coinciding axes (X1 = X2) and in only one relative angular position between them.
  2. A connection assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it includes a pair of two coupled-together polarizing keys, each key projecting from only one of the lateral ends (46, 56) of a housing (4, 5) beyond the connection face (41, 51) of the housing.
  3. A connection assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that one end portion (70 or 71; 80 or 81) of a key includes at its end or on its outer periphery a first visual indicator (A or B) that is distinct from the visual indicator (B or A) of the other end portion of the same key, each first visual indicator being visible from outside the housing when the corresponding key is fastened in the housing.
  4. A connection assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the end portion (70 or 71; 80 or 81) of one of the two keys (7, 8) of the pair has the same first visual indicator (A or B) as the end portion of the other one of the two keys of the pair with which it is adapted to engage.
  5. A connection assembly (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by the fact that the first visual indicators are letters (A, B).
  6. A connection assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that the housings (4, 5) of the first and second connectors, respectively, are adapted to enable each key to be installed and removed manually.
  7. A connection assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that a key (7, 8) includes a fastener collar (72, 82) in its central portion between its two end portions (70,71; 80, 81), the collar co-operating by snap-fastening with at least one elastically deformable fastener tab (47, 57) arranged in a housing of the first or second connector in order to fasten the key in the housing (4,5).
  8. A connection assembly (1) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the collar (72, 82) includes on its outer periphery a plurality of second visual indicators, such as digits 1 to 8, defining a plurality of angular positions of the key relative to the axis (X), and by the fact that a lateral end (46, 56) of a housing (4, 5) includes a viewing window (90, 91) for viewing one of the second visual indicators when the corresponding key is fastened in the housing.
  9. A connection assembly (1) according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized by the fact that the collar (72, 82) is of polygonal external section transversely to the axis (X1, X2) of the key, and by the fact that the housing defines around the tab(s) a recess of polygonal internal section complementary to the section of the collar, the housing and the collar co-operating by mutual engagement of the complementary polygonal sections in order to define one of the plurality of given angular positions for the key relative to the axis X of the housing.
  10. A connection assembly (1) according to claim 8 or claim 9, characterized by the fact that the plurality of second visual indicators is a succession of digits, such as 1 to 8.
  11. A connection assembly (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by the fact that at least the collars (72, 82) of the two keys have the same transverse dimensions, and by the fact that the housings (4, 5) of the first and second connectors are adapted to receive equally well a portion of a key (7, 8) of male type or of female type.
  12. A connection assembly (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized by the fact that at least the collars (72, 82) of the two keys are of transverse dimensions that are different, and by the fact that the housing (4) of the first connector (2) is adapted to receive only the female type portion of the key (7) having the larger collar when snap-fastened by the tab(s), while the housing (5) of the second connector (3) is adapted to prevent said key (7) having the larger collar from being snap-fastened by the tab(s).
  13. A connection assembly (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 4 in combination with any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized by the fact that the first and second visual indicators together define a polarizing code having a plurality of combinations (A1 to A8, B1 to B8).
  14. A connection assembly (1) according to any one of preceding claims, characterized by the fact that a key portion of female type (70, 71) is constituted by a cylinder having at least one rectilinear slot (74, 73) formed therein along the cylinder, whereas a key portion of male type (80, 81) is constituted by a cylinder having at least one rectilinear spline (84, 83) formed thereon along the cylinder, complementary to the slot (74, 73).
EP13164044.3A 2012-04-18 2013-04-17 Connector assembly with multi-terminal connectors with polarisation system by keys Active EP2654131B1 (en)

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FR1253575A FR2989846B1 (en) 2012-04-18 2012-04-18 CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY WITH MULTICONTACT CONNECTORS WITH KEY DETROMPING SYSTEM

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CN (1) CN103378488B (en)
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WO2012155338A1 (en) * 2011-05-17 2012-11-22 Harting Electronics Gmbh & Co. Kg System for preventing mating errors between electrical connectors
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CN103378488A (en) 2013-10-30
US20130280950A1 (en) 2013-10-24
FR2989846B1 (en) 2014-05-23
EP2654131A3 (en) 2014-11-12
ES2552005T3 (en) 2015-11-25
EP2654131A2 (en) 2013-10-23
US8911263B2 (en) 2014-12-16
FR2989846A1 (en) 2013-10-25
CN103378488B (en) 2017-04-12

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