Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
  • H01R13/627—Snap or like fastening
  • H01R13/6275—Latching arms not integral with the housing
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
  • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
  • H01R13/633—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for disengagement only
  • H01R13/635—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for disengagement only by mechanical pressure, e.g. spring force
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
  • H01R13/639—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
  • H01R13/627—Snap or like fastening
  • H01R13/6277—Snap or like fastening comprising annular latching means, e.g. ring snapping in an annular groove
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/73—Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall
  • H01R13/74—Means for mounting coupling parts in openings of a panel
  • H01R13/741—Means for mounting coupling parts in openings of a panel using snap fastening means
  • H01R13/745—Means for mounting coupling parts in openings of a panel using snap fastening means separate from the housing
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R31/00—Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
  • H01R31/06—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter
  • H01R31/065—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter with built-in electric apparatus
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
  • H01R43/26—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device

Definitions

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• US-B2-6,929,501 discloses an interlocking system which reduces the lock and unlock time of a first connector on a second connector.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• document FR-A-2,661,564 describes a device for locking and unlocking a first connector and a second connector.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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
• 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:
• 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
• 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
• 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;
• FIG. 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;
• FIG. 20 is a view similar to that of Figure 19, illustrating the visual indicator of Figure 19 in a rearward position signaling.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. .
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• each "V" leg 94a, 94b is compressed and flexed resiliently to bias the male member 58 rearwardly.
• 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.
• 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.
• the attachment lug 1 02 is elastically deformable to allow its m ise in place.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• the multifunctional spring 84 here constitutes a second elastic means for returning the unlocking member 1 12 to its rear rest position.
• 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
• the multifunctional spring 84 is attached to the male member 58 by means of a bayonet type fitting.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• the male member 58 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.
• the unlocking member 1 12 is driven axially from rear to front from its rear rest position to its unlocking front position.
• 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.
• the first is lock id lock 14 comprises an actuating wheel which allows to drive the unlocking member 1 1 2 in axial sw isme along the axis A, by screwing and unscrewing of the wheel.
• 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.
• the first locking device 14 comprises an additional male element 136 which is carried by a third connector 134.
• 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.
• the additional male element 136 comprises an additional front section 138 of locking whose front end is provided with an additional retaining notch 139.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• each arm 160a, 160b is delimited by a front radial face 162a, 162b respectively.
• the locking tool 152 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• the locking device 14 offers guarantees of connection security.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. .
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• the well 174 comprises an intermediate section 174c which extends axially from the rear section 174a to the front section 174b.
• 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.
• the indicator 172 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.
• 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.
• the signaling device comprises a pawn
• 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.
• the end face of the rearward signaling head 182 is of red color visible axially.
• 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.

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• Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
• Preventing Unauthorised Actuation Of Valves (AREA)
• Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)

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• 2007
  • 2007-05-30 FR FR0755330A patent/FR2916910A1/fr not_active Withdrawn
• 2008
  • 2008-05-14 EP EP08759583A patent/EP2162955B1/de not_active Not-in-force
  • 2008-05-14 DE DE602008004524T patent/DE602008004524D1/de active Active
  • 2008-05-14 AT AT08759583T patent/ATE495563T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2008-05-14 CN CN2008800236515A patent/CN101689729B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2008-05-14 WO PCT/EP2008/055900 patent/WO2008145516A2/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2008-05-14 US US12/602,251 patent/US8360796B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related

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