EP2162955A2

EP2162955A2 - Device for latching a connector device and associated tool

Info

Publication number: EP2162955A2
Application number: EP08759583A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Patrick Daubigney
Original assignee: CoActive Technologies LLC
Current assignee: CoActive Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2007-05-30
Filing date: 2008-05-14
Publication date: 2010-03-17
Anticipated expiration: 2028-05-14
Also published as: FR2916910A1; US8360796B2; WO2008145516A2; US20100323548A1; DE602008004524D1; WO2008145516A3; ATE495563T1; EP2162955B1; CN101689729A; CN101689729B

Abstract

A device for latching a first connector to a complementary second connector. The device including a female element that is fixed to the first connector and delimits a housing open axially rearward, at least one elastically deformable retaining finger that projects radially inside the housing of the female element, a male element that is carried by the second connector and includes a latching front section furnished with a retaining notch, the latching section being adapted to be inserted axially from the rear toward the front into the housing of the female element as far as a front latching position in which the retaining finger is received in the retaining notch to immobilize the first connector axially on the second connector.

Description

"Device for locking a connector device and associated tool"

The invention relates to a device for locking a connector device. The invention also relates to a tool for locking and unlocking the locking device.

More specifically, the invention relates to a device for locking a first connector to a second complementary connector, the device comprising: a female element which is fixed on the first connector and which delimits an open housing; axially rearward;

at least one elastically deformable retaining finger which projects radially inside the housing of the female element; a male element which is carried by the second connector, and which comprises a front portion of a locking device provided with a retaining notch, the locking portion being able to be inserted axially from rear to front in the housing of the female member to a lock-in position in which the retaining finger is received in said retaining notch to axially immobilize the first connector on the second connector.

In general, an electronic device, such as a computer, is connected to at least one peripheral device by means of a connector device for exchanging data with the peripheral device.

The connector device comprises a first connector equipped with a female portion and a second connector equipped with a complementary male portion, which is adapted to be connected with the female portion.

Sometimes, the connector device includes a mechanical lock device of the first connector on the second connector, which is independent of the male and female elements. electrical contact, to prevent an inadvertent disconnection of the latter.

One such locking device is known to lock the first connector on the second connector by means of a screw-nut assembly.

This type of locking device frequently equates connector devices of the "D-Sub" type.

This locking device comprises two nuts which are carried by the first connector and two complementary associated screws that are mounted in rotation on the second connector, so that when each screw is screwed into the associated nut, the first The connector is unlatched on the second connector. Such a locking device is effective.

However, the screwing and unscrewing operation, required for locking and unlocking the connector device, takes a relatively long time, especially since this time is multiplied by the number of connector devices, which i can be high on some devices.

US-B2-6,929,501 discloses an interlocking system which reduces the lock and unlock time of a first connector on a second connector.

According to this document, the first connector comprises a first connection portion that extends towards the rear and the second connector has a second connection portion that is complementary to the first and that extends forwardly.

The first connector comprises two opposite housings which are arranged on either side of the first connection portion in a general plane of symmetry, and are open towards the rear. Each housing comprises an elastically deformable latch plate which extends rearwardly and a rear end of which is provided with a notch. The second connector has two locking tabs which are arranged on either side of the second connection portion.

The locking tabs extend forward and each have a hooking tooth at their end libre. When the first portion of the first connector is connected with the second complementary portion of the second connector, the tooth of each locking tab is received in the notch of the associated lock plate of the first connector to oppose the withdrawal. of the second connector and thus lock the first connector on the second connector.

Each locking plate of the first connector cooperates with an actuating button which, when pressed by a user, toggles the associated lock plate by levering into an unlocking position in which the notch of the latch plate unlocks the tooth of the associated latch leg, so that the first connector and the second connector are unlocked.

A disadvantage of this locking device is the accessibility to the unlocking buttons that are arranged on two opposite sides of the first connector.

Indeed, these buttons are not or not accessible to the hand of the user when the connector is cashed or when it is attached to other connectors. In addition, this locking device is dependent on the connector device that it equips. For example, it is not adapted to be mounted on another existing connector device to replace a locking device of the screw nut type, such as that described above. In the same field, document FR-A-2,661,564 describes a device for locking and unlocking a first connector and a second connector. According to this document, the first connector comprises a first connection portion that extends rearwardly and the second connector has a second connection portion that is complementary to the first portion and that extends forwardly. .

The first connector comprises a first housing and a second opposite housing, which are arranged on either side of the first connection portion in a general plane of symmetry, and each of which extends axially so as to be open to the housing. 'back.

The second connector has a first pin and a second pin, each of which defines a retaining groove.

When the first connector is connected to the associated second connector, the first pin and the second pin are arranged in the first slot and the second slot of the first connector respectively.

The device comprises a pusher, or drawer, which delimits a first light and a second light, and which is mounted radially in the first connector from an unlocking position to a locking position in the first connector. each light of the pusher cooperates with the associated groove of the first pin and the second pin, so as to axially lock the second connector on the first connector. Finally, the pusher comprises an actuating button portion which projects on one side of the first connector and when it is pressed by a user, causes the pusher to slide transversely, from its locked position. to its unlocking position in which the pusher libers the pins, so that the first connector and the second connector are unlocked.

This device for locking and unlocking has the same drawbacks as the device previously described. The invention aims to overcome these disadvantages by proposing a device for locking a first connector on a second connector of the type described above, characterized in that it comprises an unlocking member which is carried by the male element. and which is capable of sliding axially back and forth between the locking section and the finger, between a rear rest position and an unlocking front position in which the unlocking member retracts the retaining finger out of the notch.

According to other features of the invention:

the retaining finger extends axially obliquely backwards and forwards towards the inside of the housing, so that the free end of the finger extends opposite a rear radial face of the notch of the male element, when the male element occupies its position before locking,

the male element comprises a first radial front face forming a shoulder from which a head extends rearward, said head of the male element being located outside said housing when the male element occupies its position of locking, and the unlocking member comprises a radially projecting rear section of which a rear radial face bears axially against said first radial front face of the male element, when the unlocking member occupies its rear rest position,

the second connector comprises a radial lug which delimits a through hole in which the male element is slidably mounted axially from rear to front and the device comprises a first elastic means for biasing the male element towards the rear,

the male element comprises a second radial front face which is angularly offset relative to its first radial front face, and the first elastic return means comprises at least one first elastically deformable return leg which is interposed axially between a rear face of the ear of the second connector and said second radial face before the male element, said first return leg having the shape of a "V" bent radially outwards,

the device comprises a second elastic means for returning the unlocking member to its rear rest position,

the second elastic return means comprises at least one second resiliently deformable return tab which is interposed axially between a radial front face of the rear section of the unlocking member and said rear face of the second connector's ear,

the first return leg and said second return leg belong to a multifunctional spring made of folded and cut sheet metal in one piece,

the multifunctional spring is fixed on the male element,

the multifunctional spring comprises at least one attachment lug of the male element on the associated second connector, so that the assembly formed by the male element, the multifunctional spring and the unlocking member is captive relative to the second connector,

the rear section for actuating the unlocking member comprises at least one portion projecting radially with respect to the head of the male element, so that said projecting portion of the actuating section constitutes a pusher for driving the organ unlocking to its position before unlocking,

the device comprises an actuating wheel which is rotatably mounted on the rear head of the male element and which comprises a threaded portion capable of cooperating with a complementary threaded portion of the unlocking member, so that that the unlocking member is adapted to be driven into its position before unlocking by rotation of the wheel,

the assembly formed by the male element, the multifunction spring and the unlocking member, has an axial plane of symmetry,

the locking device comprises a signaling device equipped with a visual indicator to visually indicate that the male element is in its position before locking in the female element, the signaling device comprises:

a pin which extends axially in the housing of the female element,

an axial well opening which is delimited by the male element; the visual indicator which extends axially back and forth in said well, from a visualization rear head to a front head; the pilot being mounted axially sliding in said pu its so that the witness occupies a position before retracted, or concealed, in the well, towards which the witness is elastically recalled by an elastic return means, when the element male occupies its rear position of rest, and in that the witness occupies a rear position of signal isation in which the front head of the witness cooperates with led it pion that i opposes the elastic return of the witness, when the male element occupies its position before locking in the female element, so that the rear signaling head of the witness is visible to a user, the device comprises an additional male element which is fixed on a third intermediate connector, which is interposed between the first connector and the second connector, the additional male element comprising: an additional rear head delimiting an additional housing open axially towards the rear, in which at least one additional retaining finger extends, and in which the front locking section of the male element is capable of being inserted axially from back to front, to a lock position in which the additional retaining finger is received in the retaining notch of the male member to axially immobilize the second connector on the third intermediate connector,

an additional front section of lock which is provided with an additional notch and which is capable of being inserted axially back and forth in the housing of the female element to a lock position in which the retaining finger of the female element is received in said additional retaining slot to axially immobilize the third intermediate connector on the first connector,

an additional unlocking member which is carried by the additional male element and which is capable of sliding axially backwards and forwards between the additional front portion of the locking device and the finger of the female element, between a rear position of rest and a front unlocking position in which the additional unlocking member escamps led it retaining finger outside the additional notch.

The invention also relates to a locking tool for axially driving the male element, characterized in that the locking tool comprises: - a tubular portion which is adapted to be engaged axially around the head of the element male to center the head ite relative to the locking tool, at least one axial arm, one free end of which is capable of pressing axially on a rear radial branch of the first "V" bent return lug, in order to drive the unlocking member into its unlocked front position. The invention also relates to an unlocking tool intended to cooperate with the unlocking device of the device, characterized in that the free end of the unlocking tool comprises a radial edge which is adapted to cooperate by axial support on said pusher the unlocking member, to drive the unlocking member in its unlocking position before.

The invention finally relates to a multifunctional tool, characterized in that it has an overall shape of a rod whose first end comprises a locking tool and whose opposite second end comprises an unlocking tool according to the invention

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended figures among which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded overall view in perspective, illustrating a first locking device and a second locking device, for locking a first connector on a second connector according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, illustrating the first connector in a position connected to the second connector, and the first locking device of which a female element is fixed on the first connector and a male element is carried by the second connector in a rear position of rest;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, illustrating the first connector in a position connected with the second connector, and the male member of the first lock device in a locking front position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2, illustrating the male element of the first locking device in its position before locking;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2, illustrating the male element of the first locking device in its position prior to locking, and an unlocking member in an unlocking front position;

FIG. 6 is a detail view in perspective, illustrating a first stage of axial mounting of a multifunctional spring on the male element;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 6, illustrating a second bayonet mounting step of the multifunctional spring on the male element;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to that of FIG. 6, illustrating a third step of axial mounting of the unlocking member on the male element; - Figure 9 is a detailed perspective view partially broken away, illustrating an assembly formed by the male member, the multifunctional spring and the unlocking member;

- Figure 1 0 is a partial perspective view, illustrating the male element in its position before latching illage; - Figure 1 1 is a perspective view illustrating the first connector in a disconnected position with the second connector;

FIG. 12 is a detail view in perspective, illustrating the multifunctional spring; FIG. 13 is a perspective view, illustrating a second embodiment of the device of FIG. 2, in which an intermediate adapter connector is locked on the female element by means of an additional male element; FIG. 14 is an axial sectional view illustrating the additional male element of the device of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view, illustrating a multifunctional tool comprising a locking tool and a tool for unlocking the device;

FIG. 16 is a detailed perspective view, illustrating the locking tool of FIG. 15;

- Figure 17 is a detail view in perspective, illustrating an alternative embodiment of the multifunctional spring, which comprises two latches;

- Figure 18 is a detail view in perspective, illustrating an alternative embodiment of the unlocking member, the unlocking front end comprises two notches; - Figure 19 is a longitudinal sectional view, illustrating a visual indicator in a forward position retracted into a well of the male element according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 20 is a view similar to that of Figure 19, illustrating the visual indicator of Figure 19 in a rearward position signaling.

For the description of the invention, and the clarity of the claims, the vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations according to the reference V, L, T indicated in the figures will be adopted without limitation.

We will also adopt the orientation from back to front which corresponds to a longitudinal direction from left to right according to Figure 2.

In the following description, identical, similar or similar elements will be designated by the same reference numerals. FIG. 1 shows a first front connector 10 and a second complementary rear connector 12 constituting a connector device.

The first connector 10 is carried by a plate 18 which is for example the rear panel of a housing (not shown) of an electrical or electronic apparatus (not shown), such as a rear panel of a computer.

The first connector 10 has a series of long contact pins 20 which are inserted into an insulating body 22 and protrude at the rear and front of the body 22.

The insulating body 22 is surrounded by a metal ring 24 which conforms a first and a second opposite side lug 26a and 26b for the attachment of the first connector 10 to the plate 18. In addition, the bonnet 24 forms a sleeve The rearward connection 25 extends rearwardly from the body 22 through a hole 27 of the plate 18.

The first connector 10 is for example connected to a cable (not shown) consisting of a bundle of electrically conductive wires each of which is connected to a pin 20 of contact.

Complementarily, the second connector 12 comprises a series of contact sleeves 28 each of which is inserted into an insulating body 30 so as to receive an associated contact pin 20 of the first connector 10. The second connector 12 is for example connected to a cable (not shown) consisting of a bundle of electrically conductive wires each of which is connected to a contact bed 28. The insulator body 12 of the second connector 12 is surrounded by a metal clamper 32 which conforms to a first lug 36a and a second opposing side lug 36b and includes a front section 34 to be received in the rear sleeve 25. shield 24 of the first connector 10. The connector device here is of the "D-Sub" type, that is to say that the rear sleeve 25 of the first connector 10 and the front section 34 of the second connector 12 each have a "D" section, constituting a keying means when connecting the connector device.

The connector device, consisting of the two complementary connectors, is equipped with a first locking device 14 and a second locking device 16, for locking the first connector 10 on the second connector 1 2.

The locking devices 14, 16 are structurally independent of the male and female electrical contact elements 28.

The first locking device 14 and the second locking device 16 are identical and are arranged symmetrically according to a first median plane of general symmetry extending longitudinally and vertically.

Therefore, only the first locking device 14 is described in the following description, the description of the second locking device 16 being deduced from that of the first device 14.

According to a first embodiment, the first locking device 14 comprises a female element 38 which is fixed on the first connector 10, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 and more precisely on the ear 26a of the shield 24.

The first locking device 14 has a second longitudinal vertical plane of symmetry which passes through the axis A.

The female element 38 extends longitudinally along the axis A and comprises a front portion 40 of removable attachment to the first connector 10 and a rear section 42 of locking.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the front attachment section 40 is a threaded rod of axis A which extends from a shoulder 44 of the rear locking section 42 through a drilling 46 of the plate 1 8 and through a bore 47 of the first lug 26a of the side of the buckle 24 of the first connector 1 0.

The shoulder 44 is in axial abutment against a rear face 45 of the plate 18 and the fixing front portion 40 cooperates with a washer 48 and a nut 50, whereby the female element 38 is fixed on the first connector 1 0 and maintains the first connector 1 0 on the plate 18.

The rear section 42 for locking the female element 38 is of hollow hexagonal shape, delimiting an indwelling 52 cyl housing of axis A which is open axially rearwards in an orifice 55 which is arranged in a face radial rear 51 of the rear section 42 locking.

The housing 52 comprises a cylindrical 54 cyl indrique A axis that i cooperates with the inner concave wall 57 of the housing 52, douelle 54 is retained axially in the housing 52 by means of an annular rear rib 53 which delimits radially the inlet orifice 55 of the housing 52.

The spring 54 is axially slotted to be inserted into the housing 52 through the inlet port 55 by elastic deformation.

The doublle 54 comprises three trapezoidal retaining fingers 56 which are angularly arranged in a regular manner about the axis A and each of which extends obliquely axially backwards and forwards towards the axis A of the housing 52. as shown in Figure 1 for two of the three fingers 56.

The sleeve 54 is here made of sheet metal and the retaining fingers 56 are made by cutting and by pliage of the bowl 54. FIGS. 2 to 5 show the first connector 10 and the second connector 1 2 in FIG. a connected position, in which the rear sleeve 25 of the first connector 1 0 receives the front section 34 of the second connector 1 2, as shown in FIG. Figure 3, and wherein the contact pins 20 are received in the contact sleeves 28.

In this connected position, the radial front face 1 1 0 of the first lug 36a of the second connector 1 2 is in axial abutment against the rear radial face 51 of the rear section 42 lock unlage of the female element 38, so that the orifice 55 of the housing 52 of the female element 38 is arranged coaxially with the orifice 37a of the first lug 36a of the second connector 1 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first locking device 14 comprises a male element 58 which is intended to be locked in the associated female element 38.

The male element 58, shown in detail in FIGS. 6 to 9, has a generally cylindrical shape along the axis A and comprises a front locking portion 62, a radially projecting rear head 60 and an intermediate section 74. it is interposed axially between the head 60 and the front section lock 62.

The front portion of latch 62 has, at its front end, a notch 66 for retaining the shape of an annular groove cyl indrique about the axis A.

The retention notch 66 is delimited by a radially annular rear face 68 and an axial section 67 of generally increasing rearward section which extends from the rear face 68. As shown in FIG. 6, the rear head 60 of the male element 58 is of cylindrical shape A along the axis A and has a shoulder 72 of which a front radial face 70 is connected to the intermediate section 74.

Intermediate section 74 is of axial section "T", it comprises an axial branch 78 which i is connected to the front section lock 62 and a transverse radial branch 76 which is connected to the shoulder 72 of the rear head 60 , the transverse radial branch 76 radially projecting from both sides relative to the head 60.

The intermediate section 74 at "T" is delimited laterally by a first flat 80a and a second flat 80b, each of the form of a "T", which extend axially parallel and opposite along the axis A. .

Finally, the intermediate section 74 has a first groove 82a and a second groove 82b that are radially opposed. Each groove 82a, 82b forms an arc around the axis A, each of which extends from the first flat 80a to the second flat 80b, at the junction of the transverse branch 76 and the axial branch 78 respectively of the section. intermediary 74 in "T". The male member 58 is carried by the second connector 12 to which it is relied by means of a spring 84 multifunction.

More specifically, the male element 58 is carried by the lug 36a of the buckle 32 of the second connector 1 2 in a rear rest position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 11, in which the front lock portion 62 of the male element 58 extends axially through an orifice 37a of the first lug 36a of the second connector 12.

The male member 58 is slidably mounted from behind forward from its rear rest position to which the male member 58 is resiliently biased constantly by the multifunctional spring to a position prior to latching into the member. female 38.

The multi-function spring 84, shown in detail in FIG. 12, is made of sheet metal which is pleated and cut in one piece and is removably mounted on the male element 58.

For this purpose the spring 84 multifunction comprises a central portion 86 radial which is perforated, so as to imitate a first blade 90a and a second blade 90b of connection with the male element 58.

The connecting blades 90a, 90b extend radially opposite the axis A and each comprise an edge 92a, 92b respectively, in the shape of an arc of a circle around the axis A.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, each edge 92a, 92b cooperates with the groove 82a, 82b respectively of the intermediate section 74 at "T", in order to hold the multifunction spring 84 on the male element 58.

The central portion 86 of the multi-function spring 84 is here axially supported on a radial front face 88 of the transverse branch 76 of the intermediate section 74 at "T".

The multifunctional spring 84 comprises a first tab 94a and a second elastically deformable return tab 94b, constituting a first elastic means for biasing the male element 58 towards the rear.

The first tab 94a and the second return tab 94b are arranged symmetrically and diagonally opposite along the axis A, and they are interposed axially between the intermediate section 74 at "T" and a rear radial face 1 00 of the first part. 36a of the second connector 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first leg 94a and the second leg 94b are each in the form of a radially outwardly curved "V", a rear leg 95a, 95b of which is connected to the central portion 86 of the spring 84 multi-function and a front branch 97a, 97b respectively, is in axial support on the rear radial face 1 00 of the first lug 36a of the second connector 1 2. More specifically, each front branch 97a, 97b is of the form a "U" of which each strand constitutes a foot 98 which is in axial abutment on the rear radial face 1 00 of the first ear 36a. Thus, when the male member 58 is driven forward from its back rest position, each "V" leg 94a, 94b is compressed and flexed resiliently to bias the male member 58 rearwardly. . In addition, the multi-function spring 84 comprises a hooking tab 1 02 of the male element 58 on the second connector 1 2, which is able to oppose the elastic return exerted by the two legs 94a, 94b in "V" in order to retain the male element 58 in its rear rest position, as illustrated in FIG. 11, so that the assembly formed by the multifunctional spring 84 and the male element 58 is captive relative to the second connector 12.

For this purpose, the attachment lug 1 02 extends axially forwardly from the central portion 86 of the multifunctional spring 84, the attachment lug 1 02 being interposed between the two tabs 94a, 94b at "V".

The attachment lug 1 02 comprises a central cut that i imitates a first branch 1 06a and a second leg 1 06b axial attachment, each of which conforms a hook 108a, 108b respectively at its end l ibre.

Each hook 108a, 108b is curved rearwardly so that it is able to cooperate with a radial face before 1 January 0 of the first ear 36a of the second connector 12, as shown in Figure 1 1. Advantageously, the attachment lug 1 02 is elastically deformable to allow its m ise in place.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the male element 58 occupies its rear rest position, its front locking portion 62 extends axially through the orifice 37a of the first lug 36a of the second connector 1 2 and partially in the housing 52 of the female element 38. The head 60 of the male element 58 being arranged at the rear of the ear 36a. Thus, the locking section 62 of the male element 58 is able to be inserted into the housing 52 of the female element 38 from its rear rest position to its locking front position, in order to lock the first connector 10 on the second connector 12.

When the locking section 62 occupies its locking front position, shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 10, the retaining fingers 56, which extend into the housing 52 of the female element 38, deform elastically towards the housing. outside the passage of the locking section 62 before being received in the notch 66 of the locking section 62 of the male element 58.

More specifically, the front free end of each finger 56 is axially supported on the rear face 68 of the notch 66, whereby the fingers 56 oppose the rearward withdrawal of the male element 58.

In addition, the multi-function spring 84 here constitutes a means of catching up clearance between the male element 58 and the female element 38, by constantly biasing the male element 58 elastically towards the rear, whereby the retaining fingers 56 are held in axial support on the rear face 68 of the notch 66.

As can be seen in Figures 2 and 9, the locking device 14 comprises an unlocking member 1 12 which is mounted on the male element 58.

The unlocking member 1 12 is a sheath of generally cylindrical shape complementary to that of the male element 58, which comprises a rear actuating section 1 14 and a front unlocking section 1 16.

The unlocking front section 1 16 is a cylinder which is opened through by means of an axial slit 1 to allow the release member 1 12 to be mounted on the male element 58, by elastic axial spacing. of the front unlocking section 1 16. The rear axial end of the unlocking front section 1 16 comprises a first axial notch 1 18a and a second axial notch 1 18b which are symmetrical and diametrically opposed, and which receive between them the intermediate portion 74 "T" of the element male 58, as shown in Figure 9.

The notches 1 18a and 1 18b are delimited by a first axial leg 120a and a second axial leg 120b diametrically opposed which cooperate with the first flat 80a and the second flat 80b respectively of the intermediate portion 74 at "T", whereby the unlocking member 1 12 is rotatably connected with the male member 58 about the axis A.

The rear actuating portion 1 14 of the unlocking member 1 12 extends rearwardly from the first axial leg 120a and the second axial leg 120b of the unlocking front section 1 16.

The rear actuating section 1 14 conforms to a fork, a first leg 122a and a second leg 122b extend axially rearwardly and each form an "L".

Each branch 122a, 122b at "L" of the fork is shaped by a radial portion 124a, 124b and a rear axial portion 126a, 126b.

Each radial portion 124a, 124b is connected to the unlocking front section 1 16 and has a rear radial face 125a, 125b bearing axially against the front radial face 70 of the shoulder 72 of the head 60 of the male element 58.

Each rear axial portion 126a, 126b of the branches 122a, 122b in "L" of the fork has an inner concave face which cooperates with the convex face 127 complementary to the cylindrical head 60 of the male element 58.

Thus, each rear axial portion 126a, 126b protrudes radially relative to the head 60 and constitutes a pusher 126a, 126b for driving the unlocking member 1 12 axially forward, as described below.

For this purpose, the unlocking member 1 12 is mounted to slide axially on the male element 58 between a rear rest position, shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 9, and an unlocking front position shown in FIG. which the unlocking member 1 12 unlocks the first connector 10 of the second connector 12.

More specifically, during the movement of the unlocking member 1 12 to its unlocking front position, the unlocking front portion 1 16 slides between the retaining fingers 56 and the locking section 62 of the male element 58 so as to to retract the fingers 56 of the notch 66 radially outwardly, so that the fingers 56 no longer cooperate with the notch 66 and no longer oppose the removal of the male element 58 towards the rear.

When the unlocking member 1 12 occupies its unlocking position before, the free end front of the unlocking portion 1 16 is axially supported on the rear face 68 of the notch 66, which is then closed, so that the section before unlocking 1 16 is interposed radially between the fingers 56 and the notch 66.

The multifunctional spring 84 here constitutes a second elastic means for returning the unlocking member 1 12 to its rear rest position.

For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 12, the multifunctional spring 84 comprises a third tab 128a and a fourth return leg 128b which are shaped in the rear branch 95a of the first leg 94a in "V" and in the rear branch 95b of the second leg 94b in "V" respectively.

The third leg 128a and the fourth leg 128b of return are elastically deformable, they extend radially- They are axially offset by 90 ° with respect to the first blade 90a and the second blade 90b for connecting the multi-function spring 84. As shown in Figures 2, 4 and 5, the third leg

1 28a and the fourth return lug 1 28b are in axial abutment against a front radial face 129a of the first branch 122a and a radial front face 1 29b of the second branch 1 22b of the unlocking member 1 1 2 respectively, to remind the unlocking member 1 1 2 constantly backward.

In the following description, an example of the operations to be learned to lock the first connector 1 0 on the second connector 1 2 by means of the first locking device 14 is described. These locking operations are identical for the second device 1 6 locking.

In the event that the various elements of the first lock device 14 are not assembled together, a preliminary assembly operation is necessary. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 to 8, the multifunctional spring 84 is attached to the male member 58 by means of a bayonet type fitting.

For this purpose, the multi-function spring 84 is engaged axially along the front locking portion 62 of the male element 58 through the central radial portion 86 of the spring 84, as shown in FIG. 6.

The spring 84 is rotated a quarter of a turn about the axis A, so that the first blade 90a and the second spring connecting blade 90b 84 cooperate with the groove 82a, 82b respectively of the intermediate portion 74 in "T" of the male element 58, in order to maintain the multi-function spring 84 on the male element 58, as can be seen in FIG. Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the unlocking member 1 12 is engaged axially on the front locking portion 62 of the male element 58 until the unlocking member 1 2 reaches its position. rear rest shown in Figure 9, wherein the third lug 1 28a and the fourth leg 128b of abseil are in axial support against the radial portions 1 24a, 1 24b respectively of the first branch 1 22a and the second 122b branch "L" of the unlocking member 1 12. After this preliminary installation operation, the assembly formed by the male member 58, the unlocking member 1 12 and the spring 84 multifunction is mounted on the second connector 1 2 by means of the hooking tab 1 02 of the spring 84 multifunction, so that the male member 58 occupies its rear rest position.

For this purpose, the front lock portion 62 of the male element 58 is engaged axially partly in the hole 37a of the first lug 36a of the second connector 1 2, and the lug 1 02 of the spring 84 multifunctional is arranged so that each of its two hooks January 08a, January 08b cooperates with the radial face before 1 1 0 of the first ear 36a, as shown in Figure 1 1.

The female element 38 is fixed on the first connector 1 0, in a manner such as that described above in the description.

After connecting the first connector 10 and the second connector 1 2 to each other, the male member 58 is driven axially back and forth from its rearward rest position to its forward lock position, in which the first connector 10 is then locked on the second connector 1 2.

To unlock the first connector 1 0 of the second connector 1 2, the unlocking member 1 12 is driven axially from rear to front from its rear rest position to its unlocking front position.

Pu is, the assembly formed by the male element 58 and the unlocking member 1 1 2 is resiliently biased backwards by the first leg 94a and the second leg 94b spring return

84 multi-function, until the male member 58 occupies its rear rest position.

Finally, the unlocking member 1 1 2 is released, then it is resiliently returned to its rear rest position by the third leg 28a and the fourth leg 28b of the return spring 84 multifunction.

Therefore, it is possible to disconnect the first connector 1 0 of the second connector 1 2 or to lock again the first connector 10 on the second connector 1 2. According to a variant of real isation (not shown) of the first embodiment of real isation, the first is lock id lock 14 comprises an actuating wheel which allows to drive the unlocking member 1 1 2 in axial sw issement along the axis A, by screwing and unscrewing of the wheel. For this purpose, the rear axial portion 1 26a of the third leg 1 22a and the rear axial portion 126b of the fourth leg 122b of the unlocking member 1 12, each comprise a threaded external convex face which is adapted to cooperate with a internal concave face complementary threaded wheel.

The wheel is rotatably mounted on the head 60 of the male element 58 about the axis A, so that when it is driven in rotation, for example a quarter of a turn, the unlocking member 1 1 2 is driven axially forward or backward.

According to a second embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 3 and 14, the first locking device 14 comprises an additional male element 136 which is carried by a third connector 134.

For clarity, the term "additional" will be used later to designate the various elements of the additional male element 136.

The third connector 134 is of the so-called "adapter" type, through which the first connector 10 is connected with the second connector 12, for example in the event that the first connector 10 and the second connector 12 are both connectors. male connectors or both female connectors.

In the same way as for the male element 58 described above, the additional male element 136 comprises an additional front section 138 of locking whose front end is provided with an additional retaining notch 139.

Unlike the male element 58, the additional male element 136 comprises an additional rear head 140 which delimits an additional housing 142 open axially rearward along the axis A. The additional housing 142 comprises an additional socket 144 conformant three additional retaining fingers 148 which are angularly arranged in a regular manner about the axis A and each of which extends axially obliquely backwards and forwards towards the axis A of the additional housing 142.

Thus, the front 62 locking portion of the male element 58 is adapted to be inserted axially back and forth in the additional housing 142 to a locking position, in which the additional retaining fingers 148 are each received in the notch 66 for retaining the male element 58 to axially immobilize the second connector 12 on the third connector 134. Similarly, the additional front section 138 of locking is adapted to be inserted axially back and forth in the housing 52 of the female element 38 to a locking position shown in Figure 14, in which the fingers 56 of retention of the female element 38 are received in the additional retaining notch 139 for axially immobilizing the third connector 134 on the first connector 10.

Finally, an additional unlocking member 146 is axially slidably mounted on the additional male element 136 between the additional front section 138 for locking and the retaining fingers 56 of the female element 38, between a rear rest position and a front position. release device in which the additional unlocking member 146 retracts the retaining fingers 56 outside the additional notch 139, in order to unlock the third connector 134 of the first connector 10.

According to an alternative embodiment of the embodiments described above, the multi-function spring 84 comprises a first and a second attachment tabs 102a, 102b of the male element 58 on the second connector 12.

According to this variant, shown in Figure 17, the first and the second attachment tabs 102a, 102b are interposed between the feet 98 of the front legs 97a, 97b of the two tabs 94a, 94b at "V" respectively.

The free end of each latching lug 102a, 102b is in the form of a hook 108a, 108b respectively which is able to cooperate with the radial face before 1 10 of the first lug 36a of the second connector 12. As a non The multifunctional spring 84 may comprise three attachment tabs, including a hooking tab 102 which is interposed between the two tabs 94a, 94b in "V" and two hooking tabs 102a, 102b which are interposed between the feet 98 of the front legs 97a, 97b of the two tabs 94a, 94b in "V" respectively.

According to an alternative embodiment of the unlocking member 112, shown in Figure 18, the forward axial end of the unlocking front section 116 is substantially decreasing axial section forward, so that the front end of the section the unlocking device 116 is able to bear axially on the rear face 68 of the notch 66.

In addition, the unlocking front section 116 comprises a first notch 117a and a second notch 117b which are symmetrical about the axis A and each of which extends axially rearwards from the front end of the unlocking front section 116, to allow the assembly of the unlocking member 112 on the male element 58 by elastic axial separation of the front unlocking section 116.

According to another embodiment of the unlocking member 112 shown in Figure 18, the edges 92a, 92b of the connecting blades 90a, 90b respectively, are each of a domed shape towards the inside of the central portion 86 openwork .

Each edge 92a, 92b is adapted to cooperate with a complementary portion (not shown) of the intermediate portion 74 "T" of the male element 58, to maintain the spring 84 multifunction on the male element 58. According to another aspect , the first locking device 14 is equipped with a multifunctional tool 150, shown in FIG.

The multifunctional tool 150 is in the form of a rod whose first axial end comprises a locking tool 152 of the male element 58 and whose second axial end comprises an unlocking tool 154 of the male element 58.

As shown in FIG. 16, the locking tool 152 has a cylindrical tubular portion 156 having a axial opening 157 and a concave inner wall 158 is adapted to cooperate with the convex face 127 of the head 60 of the male element 58, in order to center the head 60 with respect to the locking tool 152. In addition, the locking tool 152 comprises a fork having a first arm 160a and a second arm 160b which are diametrically opposed extend axially forward from an outer face of the tubular portion 156.

The free end of each arm 160a, 160b is delimited by a front radial face 162a, 162b respectively.

When the male element 58 occupies its rest position, the locking tool 152 is engaged axially forwards around the head 60 of the male element 58, so that the front radial face 162a, 162b of the arms 160a 160b is axially against the rear legs 95a, 95b the first tab 94a and the second leg 94b "V" of the spring 84, which is fixed on the male element 58.

Thus, the male member 58 is driven axially forward to its locking front position by means of the locking tool 152 and through the spring 84.

The locking tool 152 here makes it possible to drive the male element 58 precisely along the axis A of the housing 52 of the female element 38.

The unlocking tool 154 of the multifunctional tool 150 comprises a cylindrical tubular portion 164 having an axial opening 166 and a concave inner wall 168 is adapted to cooperate with the convex face 127 of the head 60 of the male element 58, as shown in Figure 5.

The axial opening 166 is delimited by a radial edge 170 which cooperates with the free end of each pusher 126a, 126b of the unlocking member 1 12 to drive the unlocking member 1 12 axially forward to its unlocking position. In addition, the multifunction tool 150 is an extension through which the locking and unlocking of the device 14 is facilitated, for example when the device 14 is cashed and inaccessible. Finally, the locking device 14 offers guarantees of connection security.

Indeed, the locking device 14 is designed so that the male element 58 can not be locked in the female element 38 if the first connector 10 and the second connector 12 are not connected to each other, or plugged in, correct way.

Similarly, the user can easily verify that the male element 58 is locked in the female element 38, and thus that the first connector 10 and the second connector 12 are correctly connected, by a visual control of the position of the head rear 60 of the male element 58 relative to the second connector 12 or by a visual check of the state of the spring 84.

The control of the connection can also be achieved by auditory control of the noise produced by the fingers 56 of the female element 38 when the latter "fall" into the notch 66 for retaining the male element 58.

Finally, if the multifunctional spring 84 breaks, the male element 58 remains locked in the female element 38.

According to a variant embodiment not shown, the multi-function spring 84 comprises a first hooking lug which extends axially forwardly and which is interposed transversely between the two U-shaped legs 98 of the front branch 97a of the first lug 94a. .

Similarly, the multi-function spring 84 comprises a second hooking lug which extends axially forwardly and which is interposed transversely between the two U-shaped legs 98 of the front branch 97b of the second lug 94a.

According to another variant embodiment of the invention, represented in FIGS. 19 and 20, the locking device 14 comprises a signaling device, allowing the user to visually verify that the male element 58 occupies its locking position in the female element 38.

The signaling device comprises a visual indicator 172 which extends longitudinally along the axis A in an opening axial well 174 delimited by the male element 58.

The well 174 comprises a rear section 174a which opens out axially rearwardly at a rear end of the head 60 of the male element 58, and which is delimited forwards by a rear radial seat 176.

In addition, the well 174 comprises a front section 174b which opens out axially forwardly at a front end of the front locking section 62 of the male element 58, and which is delimited rearward by a front radial seat 178. Finally, the well 174 comprises an intermediate section 174c which extends axially from the rear section 174a to the front section 174b.

Complementarily, the control 172 is in the form of a rod whose rear axial end conforms to a rearward signaling head 182, and a front end conforms to a front drive head 184, each head 182, 184 projecting radially from each other. compared to the rod 180.

The control 172 is slidably mounted axially in the well 174 of the male element 58, between a retracted position shown in FIG. 19, and a signaling position represented in FIG. 20.

When the indicator 172 occupies its retracted position, the rearward signaling head 182 is axially supported forwards on the rear seat 176, so that the rearward signaling head 182 is hidden, or concealed, and the front head 184 is located generally at the front end of the locking front section 62 of the male element 58. The indicator 172 is biased axially in its retracted position by means of a helical spring 186 which is interposed axially between the front radial seat 178 of the male element 58 and the front head 184 of the control 172. Conversely, when the control 172 occupies its signaling position, the rearward signaling head 182 projects substantially axially rearwardly with respect to the rear section 174a of the well 174, so that the user is able to see the rear head 182 of the control 172. For this purpose, the signaling device comprises a pawn

188 which extends axially at the bottom of the housing 52 of the female element 38, so that a rear axial end of the pin 188 is arranged opposite the front head 184 of the control 172.

Thus, when the male element 58 is driven forward from its rear rest position to its locking front position, the pin 188 opposes the movement of the control 172, so that the spring 186 compresses and so that the control 172 occupies its signaling position when the male element 58 occupies its locking position. For example, the end face of the rearward signaling head 182 is of red color visible axially.

According to one variant, the lateral face of the rear head 182 is green in color, it is not visible in the rear signaling position and it is visible in the forward position retracted through a window provided for this purpose.

Claims

1. Device (14) for locking a first connector (10) on a complementary second connector (12), each connector comprises a series of male (20) and female (28) electrical contact elements able to be connected between them, the locking device (14) comprising:

- a female element (38) which is fixed on the first connector (10) and which delimits a housing (52) open axially rearwardly;

at least one elastically deformable retaining finger (56) projecting radially inside the housing (52) of the female element (38);

- a male element (58) which comprises a front locking section (62) provided with a retaining slot (66), the locking section (62) being able to be inserted axially back and forth in the housing ( 52) of the female member (38) to a locking front position in which the retaining finger (56) is received in said retaining notch (66) to axially immobilize the first connector (10) on the second connector (12), characterized in that the male element (58) is carried by the second connector (12), the male element (58) being slidably mounted backwards and forwards with respect to the second connector (12) for a rearward position of rest to its locking front position in the female element (38), and in that the device (14) comprises an unlocking member (1 12) which is carried by the male element (58) and which is axially slidable back and forth between the locking section (62) and the finger (56), between a rear rest position and an unlocking front position in which the unlocking member (1 12) retracts the retaining finger (56) outside the notch (66).

2. Device (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining finger (56) extends obliquely axially backwards and forwards towards the inside of the housing (52), so that the end free of the finger (56) extends opposite a rear radial face (68) of the notch (66) of the male element (58), when the male element (58) occupies its position before locking.

3. Device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the male element (58) comprises a first radial front face (70) forming a shoulder (72) from which a head (60) s' extends rearwardly, said head (60) of the male member (58) being located outside said housing (52) when the male member (58) is in its locking position, and in that the unlocking member (1 12) comprises a rear section (1 14) projecting radially, a rear radial face (125a, 125b) bears axially against said first radial front face (70) of the male element (58), when the unlocking member (1 12) occupies its rear rest position.

4. Device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second connector (12) comprises a radial lug (36a) which delimits a passage hole (37a) in which the male element (58) is slidably mounted axially from rear to front, and in that the device (14) comprises a first elastic return means (94a, 94b) of the male element (58) towards the rear.

5. Device (14) according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the male element (58) comprises a second radial front face (88) which is offset angularly with respect to its first radial front face (70), and in that the first elastic return means (94a, 94b) comprises at least a first elastically deformable return lug (94a, 94b) which is interposed axially between a rear face (100) of the ear (36a) of the second connector (12) and said second radial forward face (88) of the male member (58), said first return leg (94a, 94b) having the shape of a "V" bent radially to the 'outside.

6. Device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second elastic return means (128a, 128b) of the unlocking member (1 12) to its rear rest position.

7. Device (14) according to claims 3, 5 and 6, characterized in that the second elastic return means (128a,

128b) comprises at least one second resiliently deformable return lug (128a, 128b) which is interposed axially between a front radial face (129a, 129b) of the rear section (1 14) of the unlocking member (1 12) and said rear face (100) of the ear (36a) of the second connector (12).

8. Device (14) according to claims 5 and 7, characterized in that said first lug (94a, 94b) and said second return lug (128a, 128b) belong to a spring (84) multifunction folded sheet metal and cut into one piece.

9. Device (14) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the spring (84) is multifunctional fixed on the male element (58).

10. Device (14) according to any one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the spring (84) multifunction comprises at least one latching lug (102) of the male element (58) on the second connector (12) associated, so that the assembly formed by the male member (58), the spring (84) multifunctional and the unlocking member (1 12) is captive relative to the second connector (12).

1 1. Device (14) according to claim 3, characterized in that the rear actuating section (1 14) of the unlocking member (1 12) comprises at least one projecting portion (126a, 126b) radially to the head (60) of the male member (58), so that said projecting portion (126a, 126b) of the actuating portion (114) constitutes a pusher (126a, 126b) for driving the unlocking member (112) towards its unlocking front position.

12. Device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (14) comprises an actuating wheel which is rotatably mounted on the head (60) rear of the male element (58). ) and which comprises a threaded portion adapted to cooperate with a complementary threaded portion of the unlocking member, so that the unlocking member (112) is adapted to be driven into its unlocking position before rotation of the wheel.

13. Device (14) according to claim 8, characterized in that the assembly formed by the male element (58), the spring (84) multifunctional and the unlocking member (112) has an axial plane of symmetry. .

14. Device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a signaling device equipped with a visual indicator (172) to visually indicate that the male element (58) occupies its front position. locking in the female element (38).

15. Device (14) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the signaling device comprises: - a pin (188) which extends axially in the housing

(52) of the female element (38),

- a well (114) axial opening which is delimited by the male element (58),

the visual indicator (172) extending axially back and forth in said well (114), from a rear display head (182) to a front driving head (184), the control (172) ) being axially slidably mounted in said well (114) so that the indicator (172) occupies a forward position retracted, or concealed, in the well (1 14), towards which the witness (172) is resiliently biased by an elastic return means (186), when the male element (58) occupies its rear rest position, and the witness (172) occupies a signaling rear position in which the front head (184) of the witness (172) cooperates with said pin (188) which opposes the elastic return of the witness (172), when the element male (58) occupies its locking front position in the female element (38), so that the rearward signaling head (182) of the witness (172) is visible to a user.

16. Device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an additional male element (136) which is fixed on a third connector (134) intermediate, which is interposed between the first connector (10) ) and the second connector (12), the additional male element (136) comprising:

an additional rear head (140) delimiting an additional housing (142) open axially towards the rear, in which at least one additional retaining finger (148) extends, and in which the front locking section (62) of the male element (58) is adapted to be axially inserted from rear to front, to a locking position in which the additional retaining finger (148) is received in the retaining slot (66) of the male member (58) for axially immobilizing the second connector (12) on the third intermediate connector (134),

- an additional front section (138) of locking which is provided with an additional slot (139) and which is adapted to be inserted axially back and forth in the housing (52) of the female element (38) until at a locking position in which the retaining finger (56) of the female member (38) is received in said additional retaining groove (139) for axially immobilizing the third intermediate connector (134) on the first connector (10),

- an additional unlocking member (146) which is carried by the additional male element (136) and which is able to slide axially back and forth between the additional front section (138) and the locking finger (56) of the female element (38), between a rear rest position and an unlocking front position in which the additional unlocking member (146) retracts said retaining finger (56) out of said additional slot (139).

Locking tool (152) for axially driving the male element (58) according to claims 5 and 9, characterized in that the locking tool (152) comprises:

a tubular portion which is capable of being engaged axially around the head (60) of the male element (58) in order to center said head (60) with respect to the locking tool (152),

at least one axial arm (160a, 160b), one free end of which is capable of pressing axially on a rear radial branch (95a, 95b) of the first "V" angled return leg (94a, 94b), to drive the unlocking member (1 12) in its unlocking position before.

18. Unlocking tool (154) for cooperating with the unlocking member (1 12) of the device (14), according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the free end of the unlocking tool (154) comprises a radial edge (170) which is adapted to cooperate by axial support on said pusher (126a, 126b) of the unlocking member (1 12), in order to drive the unlocking member (1 12) in its position before unlocking.

19. Multifunctional tool (150), characterized in that it has the overall shape of a rod whose first end comprises a locking tool (152) according to claim 17 and a second opposite end of which comprises an unlocking tool ( 154) according to claim 18.