EP1158620A1 - Electrical connector female element - Google Patents

Electrical connector female element Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1158620A1
EP1158620A1 EP01401292A EP01401292A EP1158620A1 EP 1158620 A1 EP1158620 A1 EP 1158620A1 EP 01401292 A EP01401292 A EP 01401292A EP 01401292 A EP01401292 A EP 01401292A EP 1158620 A1 EP1158620 A1 EP 1158620A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
socket
wire
electrical connector
single wire
female
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01401292A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Fabrice Creze
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hypertac SA
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Hypertac SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hypertac SA filed Critical Hypertac SA
Publication of EP1158620A1 publication Critical patent/EP1158620A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/33—Contact members made of resilient wire
    • 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
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/15—Pins, blades or sockets having separate spring member for producing or increasing contact pressure
    • H01R13/187—Pins, blades or sockets having separate spring member for producing or increasing contact pressure with spring member in the socket
    • 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
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/10—Sockets for co-operation with pins or blades
    • H01R13/11—Resilient sockets
    • H01R13/111—Resilient sockets co-operating with pins having a circular transverse section

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of electrical connectors. More specifically, it concerns the female elements of electrical connectors of the type comprising a socket defining an interior space substantially cylindrical, inside which are wired contact elements intended to flexibly enclose the male element of said connector, which must be inserted into said socket.
  • These connectors are used in aeronautics, military and railway in particular, where the integrity and consistency of contact are absolutely essential, especially when the part that contains them is subject to intense vibrations.
  • These connectors can be produced in extremely diverse dimensions. They can be built to receive male elements with a diameter of around 10 cm or more, but also male elements with a diameter of around 0.3 mm. It is common to make such connectors that can receive male elements with a diameter of 1 to 2 mm.
  • the wireframe elements of the element female of the electrical connector can have a minimum diameter of 85 ⁇ m, this for the smallest connectors available on the market. Number of these wire elements is variable, and commonly reaches five or six wires per connector.
  • the object of the invention is to propose a configuration of elements female electrical connectors of a type functionally analogous to that previously described, but having a manufacturing cost substantially lesser.
  • the invention relates to a female element of electrical connector of the type comprising a socket of conductive material defining a substantially cylindrical interior space open to one of its ends, inside which are arranged wired contact elements of conductive material intended to flexibly enclose the male element of said connector to be inserted into said socket and extending from one end to the other of said cylindrical space, characterized in that said wire elements contacts are formed from a single wire.
  • said single wire is shaped according to a succession of substantially straight parts inclined at an angle ⁇ with respect to to a central axis and whose inner envelope defines an annular space centered on said central axis.
  • said parts substantially straight successive said single wire can be connected by two folded portions separated by a portion located substantially in a plane end of the conformation of said single wire.
  • said parts substantially successive straight lines of said single wire are connected by a single folded portion.
  • the single wire can be kept in said interior space of the sleeve by its only elasticity.
  • the single wire can also be kept in said interior space of the socket by holding means.
  • Said holding means can be constituted by a bolting of the open end of the sleeve.
  • the socket is formed by a single element.
  • the invention essentially consists in replace the multiple wire elements ensuring contact between the element female and male element of known type electrical connectors previously described by a single wire, suitably shaped to flexibly enclose the male element of the connector.
  • This single thread after have been shaped, is inserted into the substantially cylindrical interior space a socket, which can itself now consist of an element unique. This significantly simplifies the manufacture and assembly of different parts making up the female element of the electrical connector.
  • the female electrical connector element comprises, as shown in Figure 1, a socket 1 of a material conductor such as copper or a copper alloy. Contrary to sockets of female elements of prior art electrical connectors to which reference was previously made, this socket 1 is made up, in the example shown, by a single piece. This defines a space interior 2 of substantially cylindrical shape, open to one of its extremities. Externally, this socket 1 can take any shape suitable for its installation in the electrical device to which it is intended, and we have not shown any details in Figure 1.
  • This socket 1 is intended to receive a male element 3 of the electrical connector.
  • This male element 3 has, in the example shown, a generally cylindrical in shape, and can be inserted into space inside 2 of the socket 1. In general, it can have any shape known in itself adapted to this insertion.
  • the contact between the male element 3 and the element female connector is secured by means of a wire 4 arranged in the space interior 2 of the sleeve 1.
  • this wire 4 provides electrical contact between the male element 3 and the element connector female by flexibly enclosing the male element 3 by wire elements.
  • a single wire 4 is used here to make said wire elements. the way that we will now describe.
  • this single wire 4 is shaped according to a succession of parts of substantially straight orientations, which are inclined at an angle ⁇ with respect to a central axis.
  • the outer envelope of the single wire 4 thus conformed defines a shape such as a cylinder or a shape approaching, making it possible to insert it into the interior space 2 of the socket 1.
  • the single wire 4 thus shaped defines an interior space annular 5 of which the smallest dimension of the section, when the connector is not used, is less than the maximum diameter of the male element 3 of the connector. In this way, when the male element 3 of the connector is inserted in the female element according to the invention, it tends to separate the different parts straight of the wire 4 thanks to the elastic properties of the wire 4 thus shaped.
  • the wire 4 tends to regain its initial shape, the male element 3 is thus enclosed in a manner which is both flexible and firm by the wire 4, analogously to what happens with multiple elements separate cables mounted in the female elements of the connectors electrics of the prior art. So when the connector in the working position is subject to vibration and the male element is likely to become move inside the female element, we are always assured that there will be permanently at least one (and generally several) of the straight parts wire 4 in contact with the male element 3 of the connector, and that the constancy contact at the connector will always be ensured.
  • FIG. 2 represents a first embodiment of wire 4 of the female connector element according to the invention.
  • the wire 4 is shaped so as to include a succession of substantially straight parts 11, 12, which are again inclined of an angle ⁇ with respect to a central axis of the conformation of the wire. But at the difference from the conformation previously described and represented on the Figure 2, these substantially straight parts 11, 12 are connected one to the other by a single folded portion 13.
  • the space interior 5 defined by the conformation of the wire 4 has a cross section practically circular (see Figure 3B). Again, so that the connector electric can be functional, it is necessary that when the female element is not in service, the diameter of this interior space 5 is less than the diameter outside of the male element 3 of the connector intended to be inserted therein.
  • the wire 4 can be held inside the socket 1 by the sole effects of its dimensions and its elasticity, which tend to press it against the wall of the interior space 2 of the socket 1, at least when the male element 3 connector is inserted. But it is also possible to plan in the sleeve 1 of the means for holding the wire in position 4. These means can, for example consist of a rolling of the open end of the sleeve 1, after the insertion of the wire 4. This gluing must reduce the diameter of the open end of the interior space 2 of the socket 1 to a value less than the outside diameter of the shaped wire 4. In this way, we prevent the outlet of the wire 4 from the socket 1. Of course, this diameter of the end open of socket 1 must remain greater than the largest diameter of the male element 3 of the connector.
  • the socket 1 can be made, preferably by a single element, which makes its manufacture particularly economical compared to sockets known in the art which are made up of multiple parts. But of course, it would remain in the spirit of the invention to provide that the socket 1 is constituted by an assembly of several parts. Replacement of the set of wired elements of the connectors of the prior art by a wire single 4 shaped as described is, in itself, an improvement notable, in that it considerably simplifies the manufacture of the element connector female.
  • the number of straight parts of wire 4 can be of the same order of magnitude as the number of wired elements separated from art connectors prior. In the examples shown, the wire 4 has six such parts straight lines (6, 7; 11, 12), but this number is not limiting.
  • the wire can be made of any material known for making wire elements of connectors according to the prior art. We can cite by for example phosphorous bronzes or copper-beryllium alloys. Like him is known, the socket 1 and the wire 4 can be coated with nickel, and also by a thin deposit of gold on their electrically active parts.

Abstract

The electrical plug connector has a socket (1) with an interior space (2). Inside the space are placed wire elements (4). The wire elements connect to a plug unit (3), extend along the space and are formed from a single wire.

Description

L'invention concerne le domaine des connecteurs électriques. Plus précisément, elle concerne les éléments femelles de connecteurs électriques du type comportant une douille définissant un espace intérieur sensiblement cylindrique, à l'intérieur duquel sont disposés des éléments filaires de contact destinés à enserrer de façon souple l'élément mâle dudit connecteur, qui doit être inséré dans ladite douille.The invention relates to the field of electrical connectors. More specifically, it concerns the female elements of electrical connectors of the type comprising a socket defining an interior space substantially cylindrical, inside which are wired contact elements intended to flexibly enclose the male element of said connector, which must be inserted into said socket.

On connaít dans l'art antérieur des connecteurs électriques dont l'élément femelle se compose :

  • d'une douille définissant un espace intérieur sensiblement cylindrique, dans lequel est destinée à être insérée la partie mâle de la connexion électrique ;
  • d'une multiplicité d'éléments filaires conducteurs dont chacune des extrémités est ancrée à un rebord ménagé à une extrémité différente de l'espace cylindrique intérieur de la douille.
Electrical connectors are known in the prior art, the female element of which consists of:
  • a socket defining a substantially cylindrical interior space, into which the male part of the electrical connection is intended to be inserted;
  • a multiplicity of conductive wire elements each of whose ends is anchored to a flange formed at a different end of the internal cylindrical space of the sleeve.

Il est habituel de décaler angulairement les uns par rapport aux autres les points d'ancrage respectifs des deux extrémités de chaque fil. On obtient ainsi un espace intérieur défini par l'ensemble des fils qui présente une forme bombée (dite « en hyperboloïde »). L'effet de ce bombé est que l'ensemble des fils peut enserrer de façon à la fois ferme et souple l'élément mâle après l'insertion de celui-ci dans l'élément femelle. Lorsque le connecteur est soumis à des chocs ou à des vibrations entraínant des déplacements de l'élément mâle à l'intérieur de l'élément femelle, la multiplicité des fils et la souplesse de leur contact avec l'élément mâle du connecteur assurent que, malgré les déplacements de cet élément mâle, son contact avec au moins certains des fils est assuré en permanence. La fiabilité de la connexion électrique ainsi réalisée est donc garantie. Il est possible, ainsi, d'obtenir que la durée des éventuelles interruptions du contact électrique soit inférieure à 10-9 s, valeur qui correspond au seuil de détectabilité de telles interruptions. De tels connecteurs sont décrits, notamment, dans les documents US 3 023 789, US 3 107 966, US 3 470 527, US 3 557 428 et US 3 858 962.It is usual to offset angularly with respect to each other the respective anchoring points of the two ends of each wire. One thus obtains an interior space defined by the set of wires which has a domed shape (called "in hyperboloid"). The effect of this bulging is that all of the wires can enclose the male element in a manner that is both firm and flexible after the latter has been inserted into the female element. When the connector is subjected to shocks or vibrations causing displacements of the male element inside the female element, the multiplicity of the wires and the flexibility of their contact with the male element of the connector ensure that, despite the displacements of this male element, its contact with at least some of the wires is permanently ensured. The reliability of the electrical connection thus produced is therefore guaranteed. It is thus possible to obtain that the duration of any interruptions of the electrical contact is less than 10 -9 s, a value which corresponds to the detectability threshold of such interruptions. Such connectors are described, in particular, in the documents US 3,023,789, US 3,107,966, US 3,470,527, US 3,557,428 and US 3,858,962.

Ces connecteurs sont utilisés dans les domaines aéronautique, militaire et ferroviaire notamment, où l'intégrité et la constance du contact électrique sont absolument fondamentales, en particulier lorsque la pièce qui les renferme est soumise à d'intenses vibrations. Ces connecteurs peuvent être réalisés selon des dimensions extrêmement diverses. Ils peuvent être construits pour recevoir des éléments mâles de diamètre de l'ordre de 10 cm ou d'avantage, mais aussi des éléments mâles de diamètre de l'ordre de 0,3 mm. Il est courant de réaliser de tels connecteurs pouvant recevoir des éléments mâles de diamètre 1 à 2 mm. Les éléments filaires de l'élément femelle du connecteur électrique peuvent avoir un diamètre minimal de 85 µm, ceci pour les plus petits connecteurs disponibles sur le marché. Le nombre de ces éléments filaires est variable, et atteint couramment cinq ou six fils par connecteur.These connectors are used in aeronautics, military and railway in particular, where the integrity and consistency of contact are absolutely essential, especially when the part that contains them is subject to intense vibrations. These connectors can be produced in extremely diverse dimensions. They can be built to receive male elements with a diameter of around 10 cm or more, but also male elements with a diameter of around 0.3 mm. It is common to make such connectors that can receive male elements with a diameter of 1 to 2 mm. The wireframe elements of the element female of the electrical connector can have a minimum diameter of 85 µm, this for the smallest connectors available on the market. Number of these wire elements is variable, and commonly reaches five or six wires per connector.

Ces connecteurs présentent donc une excellente fiabilité, mais ont l'inconvénient d'être très coûteux à réaliser, en particulier les plus petits d'entre eux. Les composants massifs de l'élément femelle du connecteur sont fabriqués par décolletage, et classiquement l'assemblage de trois composants différents est nécessaire pour réaliser une douille autorisant le montage des éléments filaires selon le mode qui a été décrit. Une autre opération difficile et coûteuse est l'accrochage des éléments filaires sur la douille, en particulier pour les connecteurs ayant les dimensions les plus faibles.These connectors therefore have excellent reliability, but have the disadvantage of being very expensive to carry out, in particular the smallest of them. The massive components of the female connector element are manufactured by bar turning, and conventionally the assembly of three components different is necessary to make a socket allowing the mounting of wire elements according to the mode which has been described. Another difficult operation and expensive is the attachment of the wire elements to the socket, in particular for connectors with the smallest dimensions.

Le but de l'invention est de proposer une configuration d'éléments femelles de connecteurs électriques d'un type fonctionnellement analogue à celui précédemment décrit, mais ayant un coût de fabrication sensiblement moindre.The object of the invention is to propose a configuration of elements female electrical connectors of a type functionally analogous to that previously described, but having a manufacturing cost substantially lesser.

A cet effet l'invention a pour objet un élément femelle de connecteur électrique du type comportant une douille en matériau conducteur définissant un espace intérieur sensiblement cylindrique ouvert à l'une de ses extrémités, à l'intérieur duquel sont disposés des éléments filaires de contact en matériau conducteur destinés à enserrer de façon souple l'élément mâle dudit connecteur à insérer dans ladite douille et s'étendant d'une extrémité à l'autre dudit espace cylindrique, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments filaires de contact sont formés à partir d'un fil unique.To this end the invention relates to a female element of electrical connector of the type comprising a socket of conductive material defining a substantially cylindrical interior space open to one of its ends, inside which are arranged wired contact elements of conductive material intended to flexibly enclose the male element of said connector to be inserted into said socket and extending from one end to the other of said cylindrical space, characterized in that said wire elements contacts are formed from a single wire.

Préférentiellement, ledit fil unique est conformé selon une succession de parties sensiblement droites inclinées d'un angle α par rapport à un axe central et dont l'enveloppe intérieure définit un espace annulaire centré sur ledit axe central.Preferably, said single wire is shaped according to a succession of substantially straight parts inclined at an angle α with respect to to a central axis and whose inner envelope defines an annular space centered on said central axis.

Dans une première forme de réalisation, lesdites parties sensiblement droites successives dudit fil unique peuvent être reliées par deux portions pliées séparées par une portion située sensiblement dans un plan d'extrémité de la conformation dudit fil unique .In a first embodiment, said parts substantially straight successive said single wire can be connected by two folded portions separated by a portion located substantially in a plane end of the conformation of said single wire.

Dans une autre forme de réalisation, lesdites parties sensiblement droites successives dudit fil unique sont reliées par une portion pliée unique. In another embodiment, said parts substantially successive straight lines of said single wire are connected by a single folded portion.

Le fil unique peut être maintenu dans ledit espace intérieur de la douille par sa seule élasticité.The single wire can be kept in said interior space of the sleeve by its only elasticity.

Le fil unique peut aussi être maintenu dans ledit espace intérieur de la douille par des moyens de maintien.The single wire can also be kept in said interior space of the socket by holding means.

Lesdits moyens de maintien peuvent être constitués par un bouterollage de l'extrémité ouverte de la douille.Said holding means can be constituted by a bolting of the open end of the sleeve.

Préférentiellement, la douille est formée par un élément unique.Preferably, the socket is formed by a single element.

Comme on l'aura compris, l'invention consiste essentiellement à remplacer les multiples éléments filaires assurant le contact entre l'élément femelle et l'élément mâle des connecteurs électriques du type connu précédemment décrit par un fil unique, conformé de manière adéquate pour enserrer avec souplesse l'élément mâle du connecteur. Ce fil unique, après avoir été conformé, est inséré dans l'espace intérieur sensiblement cylindrique d'une douille, qui peut elle même être à présent constituée par un élément unique. On simplifie ainsi notablement la fabrication et l'assemblage des différentes pièces composant l'élément femelle du connecteur électrique.As will be understood, the invention essentially consists in replace the multiple wire elements ensuring contact between the element female and male element of known type electrical connectors previously described by a single wire, suitably shaped to flexibly enclose the male element of the connector. This single thread, after have been shaped, is inserted into the substantially cylindrical interior space a socket, which can itself now consist of an element unique. This significantly simplifies the manufacture and assembly of different parts making up the female element of the electrical connector.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui suit, donnée en référence aux figures annexées suivantes :

  • la figure 1 qui représente schématiquement, vu de manière partiellement évidée, un exemple de réalisation d'un élément femelle de connecteur électrique selon l'invention, ainsi que l'élément mâle du connecteur prêt à y être inséré ;
  • la figure 2 qui montre, vue de profil (figure 2A), vue de dessus (figure 2B) et vue en perspective (figure 2C), une première forme de réalisation du fil unique destiné à enserrer l'élément mâle du connecteur électrique ;
  • la figure 3 qui montre, vue de profil (figure 3A), vue de dessus (figure 3B) et vue en perspective (figure 3C), une deuxième forme de réalisation du fil unique destiné à enserrer l'élément mâle du connecteur électrique.
The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the following appended figures:
  • FIG. 1 which schematically represents, seen in a partially hollowed out manner, an embodiment of a female element of an electrical connector according to the invention, as well as the male element of the connector ready to be inserted therein;
  • Figure 2 which shows, side view (Figure 2A), top view (Figure 2B) and perspective view (Figure 2C), a first embodiment of the single wire intended to grip the male element of the electrical connector;
  • Figure 3 which shows, side view (Figure 3A), top view (Figure 3B) and perspective view (Figure 3C), a second embodiment of the single wire intended to enclose the male element of the electrical connector.

L'élément femelle de connecteur électrique selon l'invention comporte, comme représenté sur la figure 1, une douille 1 en un matériau conducteur tel que le cuivre ou un alliage de cuivre. Contrairement aux douilles d'éléments femelles des connecteurs électriques de l'art antérieur auquel il a été précédemment fait référence, cette douille 1 est constituée, dans l'exemple représenté, par une pièce unique. Celle-ci définit un espace intérieur 2 de forme sensiblement cylindrique, ouvert à l'une de ses extrémités. Extérieurement, cette douille 1 peut prendre toute forme appropriée à son installation dans le dispositif électrique auquel elle est destinée, et on n'en a pas représenté les détails éventuels sur la figure 1.The female electrical connector element according to the invention comprises, as shown in Figure 1, a socket 1 of a material conductor such as copper or a copper alloy. Contrary to sockets of female elements of prior art electrical connectors to which reference was previously made, this socket 1 is made up, in the example shown, by a single piece. This defines a space interior 2 of substantially cylindrical shape, open to one of its extremities. Externally, this socket 1 can take any shape suitable for its installation in the electrical device to which it is intended, and we have not shown any details in Figure 1.

Cette douille 1 est destinée à recevoir un élément mâle 3 du connecteur électrique. Cet élément mâle 3 a, dans l'exemple représenté, une forme générale sensiblement cylindrique, et est insérable dans l'espace intérieur 2 de la douille 1. De manière générale, il peut avoir toute forme connue en elle-même adaptée à cette insertion.This socket 1 is intended to receive a male element 3 of the electrical connector. This male element 3 has, in the example shown, a generally cylindrical in shape, and can be inserted into space inside 2 of the socket 1. In general, it can have any shape known in itself adapted to this insertion.

Selon l'invention, le contact entre l'élément mâle 3 et l'élément femelle du connecteur est assuré au moyen d'un fil 4 disposé dans l'espace intérieur 2 de la douille 1. Conformément à l'art antérieur précédemment décrit, ce fil 4 assure le contact électrique entre l'élément mâle 3 et l'élément femelle du connecteur en enserrant de manière souple l'élément mâle 3 par des éléments filaires. Mais, à la différence des connecteurs de l'art antérieur, on utilise ici pour réaliser lesdits éléments filaires un fil 4 unique conformé de la manière que l'on va à présent décrire.According to the invention, the contact between the male element 3 and the element female connector is secured by means of a wire 4 arranged in the space interior 2 of the sleeve 1. In accordance with the prior art previously described, this wire 4 provides electrical contact between the male element 3 and the element connector female by flexibly enclosing the male element 3 by wire elements. But, unlike the connectors of the prior art, a single wire 4 is used here to make said wire elements. the way that we will now describe.

De manière générale ce fil unique 4 est conformé selon une succession de parties d'orientations sensiblement droites, qui sont inclinées d'un angle α par rapport à un axe central. L'enveloppe extérieure du fil unique 4 ainsi conformé définit une forme telle qu'un cylindre ou une forme approchante, rendant possible son insertion dans l'espace intérieur 2 de la douille 1. De même, le fil unique 4 ainsi conformé définit un espace intérieur annulaire 5 dont la plus faible dimension de la section, lorsque le connecteur n'est pas utilisé, est inférieure au diamètre maximal de l'élément mâle 3 du connecteur. De cette façon, lorsque l'élément mâle 3 du connecteur est inséré dans l'élément femelle selon l'invention, il tend à écarter les différentes parties droites du fil 4 grâce aux propriétés élastiques du fil 4 ainsi conformé. Comme, du fait de son élasticité, le fil 4 tend à retrouver sa forme initiale, l'élément mâle 3 est ainsi enserré de manière à la fois souple et ferme par le fil 4, d'une manière analogue à ce qui se produit avec les multiples éléments filaires séparés montés dans les éléments femelles des connecteurs électriques de l'art antérieur. Ainsi, lorsque le connecteur en position de travail est soumis à des vibrations et que l'élément mâle est susceptible de se déplacer à l'intérieur de l'élément femelle, on est toujours assuré qu'il y aura en permanence au moins une (et généralement plusieurs) des parties droites du fil 4 en contact avec l'élément mâle 3 du connecteur, et que la constance du contact au niveau du connecteur sera toujours assurée. In general, this single wire 4 is shaped according to a succession of parts of substantially straight orientations, which are inclined at an angle α with respect to a central axis. The outer envelope of the single wire 4 thus conformed defines a shape such as a cylinder or a shape approaching, making it possible to insert it into the interior space 2 of the socket 1. Likewise, the single wire 4 thus shaped defines an interior space annular 5 of which the smallest dimension of the section, when the connector is not used, is less than the maximum diameter of the male element 3 of the connector. In this way, when the male element 3 of the connector is inserted in the female element according to the invention, it tends to separate the different parts straight of the wire 4 thanks to the elastic properties of the wire 4 thus shaped. As, due to its elasticity, the wire 4 tends to regain its initial shape, the male element 3 is thus enclosed in a manner which is both flexible and firm by the wire 4, analogously to what happens with multiple elements separate cables mounted in the female elements of the connectors electrics of the prior art. So when the connector in the working position is subject to vibration and the male element is likely to become move inside the female element, we are always assured that there will be permanently at least one (and generally several) of the straight parts wire 4 in contact with the male element 3 of the connector, and that the constancy contact at the connector will always be ensured.

La figure 2 représente un premier mode de réalisation du fil 4 de l'élément femelle de connecteur selon l'invention.FIG. 2 represents a first embodiment of wire 4 of the female connector element according to the invention.

Selon cette variante, qui est celle donnée en exemple également sur la figure 1, deux parties sensiblement droites successives 6, 7 du fil 4 sont reliées par deux portions pliées 8, 9, reliées elles-mêmes l'une à l'autre par une portion 10 située sensiblement dans un plan d'extrémité de la conformation du fil 4. Avec ce type de conformation, l'espace intérieur 5 défini par le fil 4 a une section de forme sensiblement polygonale, comme on le voit sur la figure 2B. Cette conformation du fil 4 présente de nombreuses analogies avec le montage en hyperboloïde des fils multiples qui équipent les connecteurs électriques de l'art antérieur tels que décrits dans les documents précédemment cités.According to this variant, which is that given as an example also in FIG. 1, two successively substantially straight parts 6, 7 of the wire 4 are connected by two folded portions 8, 9, themselves connected to each other by a portion 10 located substantially in an end plane of the wire conformation 4. With this type of conformation, the interior space 5 defined by wire 4 has a section of substantially polygonal shape, as can be seen in Figure 2B. This conformation of wire 4 presents numerous analogies with the hyperboloid mounting of the multiple wires which equip the electrical connectors of the prior art as described in the documents previously cited.

Selon une deuxième variante de réalisation de l'invention, représentée sur la figure 3, le fil 4 est conformé de manière à comporter une succession de parties sensiblement droites 11, 12, qui sont là encore inclinées d'un angle α par rapport à un axe central de la conformation du fil. Mais à la différence de la conformation précédemment décrite et représentée sur la figure 2, ces parties sensiblement droites 11, 12 sont connectées l'une à l'autre par une portion pliée 13 unique. Cela a pour conséquence que l'espace intérieur 5 défini par la conformation du fil 4 possède une section transversale pratiquement circulaire (voir figure 3B). Là encore, pour que le connecteur électrique puisse être fonctionnel , il faut que lorsque l'élément femelle n'est pas en service, le diamètre de cet espace intérieur 5 soit inférieur au diamètre extérieur de l'élément mâle 3 du connecteur destiné à y être inséré.According to a second alternative embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 3, the wire 4 is shaped so as to include a succession of substantially straight parts 11, 12, which are again inclined of an angle α with respect to a central axis of the conformation of the wire. But at the difference from the conformation previously described and represented on the Figure 2, these substantially straight parts 11, 12 are connected one to the other by a single folded portion 13. This means that the space interior 5 defined by the conformation of the wire 4 has a cross section practically circular (see Figure 3B). Again, so that the connector electric can be functional, it is necessary that when the female element is not in service, the diameter of this interior space 5 is less than the diameter outside of the male element 3 of the connector intended to be inserted therein.

Les variantes de conformation du fil 4 qui viennent d'être décrites et sont représentées sur les figures ne sont, bien entendu, que des exemples de mise en oeuvre de l'invention. On peut imaginer, en demeurant dans l'esprit de l'invention, d'autres variantes de conformation du fil 4 pouvant assurer les fonctions qui ont été citées.The variants of conformation of the wire 4 which have just been described and are shown in the figures are, of course, only examples of implementation of the invention. One can imagine, staying in the spirit of the invention, other variants of conformation of the wire 4 which can ensure the functions that have been cited.

Le fil 4 peut être maintenu à l'intérieur de la douille 1 par les seuls effets de ses dimensions et de son élasticité, qui tendent à le plaquer contre la paroi de l'espace intérieur 2 de la douille 1, au moins lorsque l'élément mâle 3 du connecteur y est inséré. Mais il est également possible de prévoir dans la douille 1 des moyens de maintien en position du fil 4. Ces moyens peuvent, par exemple consister en un bouterollage de l'extrémité ouverte de la douille 1, après l'insertion du fil 4. Ce bouterollage doit réduire le diamètre de l'extrémité ouverte de l'espace intérieur 2 de la douille 1 à une valeur inférieure au diamètre extérieur du fil 4 conformé. De cette façon, on empêche la sortie du fil 4 de la douille 1. Bien entendu, ce diamètre de l'extrémité ouverte de la douille 1 doit demeurer supérieur au plus grand diamètre de l'élément mâle 3 du connecteur.The wire 4 can be held inside the socket 1 by the sole effects of its dimensions and its elasticity, which tend to press it against the wall of the interior space 2 of the socket 1, at least when the male element 3 connector is inserted. But it is also possible to plan in the sleeve 1 of the means for holding the wire in position 4. These means can, for example consist of a rolling of the open end of the sleeve 1, after the insertion of the wire 4. This gluing must reduce the diameter of the open end of the interior space 2 of the socket 1 to a value less than the outside diameter of the shaped wire 4. In this way, we prevent the outlet of the wire 4 from the socket 1. Of course, this diameter of the end open of socket 1 must remain greater than the largest diameter of the male element 3 of the connector.

Comme on l'a décrit et représenté, la douille 1 peut être constituée, de préférence, par un élément unique, ce qui rend sa fabrication particulièrement économique par rapport aux douilles connues dans l'art antérieur qui sont constituées par un assemblage de multiples pièces. Mais bien entendu, il resterait dans l'esprit de l'invention de prévoir que la douille 1 soit constituée par un assemblage de plusieurs pièces. Le remplacement de l'ensemble d'éléments filaires des connecteurs de l'art antérieur par un fil unique 4 conformé comme on l'a décrit constitue, à lui seul, une amélioration notable, en ce qu'elle simplifie très sensiblement la fabrication de l'élément femelle du connecteur.As described and shown, the socket 1 can be made, preferably by a single element, which makes its manufacture particularly economical compared to sockets known in the art which are made up of multiple parts. But of course, it would remain in the spirit of the invention to provide that the socket 1 is constituted by an assembly of several parts. Replacement of the set of wired elements of the connectors of the prior art by a wire single 4 shaped as described is, in itself, an improvement notable, in that it considerably simplifies the manufacture of the element connector female.

Le nombre de parties droites du fil 4 peut être du même ordre de grandeur que le nombre d'éléments filaires séparés des connecteurs de l'art antérieur. Dans les exemples représentés, le fil 4 comporte six telles parties droites (6, 7 ; 11, 12), mais ce nombre n'est pas limitatif.The number of straight parts of wire 4 can be of the same order of magnitude as the number of wired elements separated from art connectors prior. In the examples shown, the wire 4 has six such parts straight lines (6, 7; 11, 12), but this number is not limiting.

Le fil peut être réalisé en tout matériau connu pour la réalisation des éléments filaires des connecteurs selon l'art antérieur. On peut citer par exemple les bronzes phosphoreux ou les alliages cuivre-béryllium. Comme il est connu, la douille 1 et le fil 4 peuvent être revêtus par du nickel, et aussi par un mince dépôt d'or sur leurs parties électriquement actives.The wire can be made of any material known for making wire elements of connectors according to the prior art. We can cite by for example phosphorous bronzes or copper-beryllium alloys. Like him is known, the socket 1 and the wire 4 can be coated with nickel, and also by a thin deposit of gold on their electrically active parts.

On peut ainsi réaliser un élément femelle de connecteur électrique selon l'invention correspondant aux dimensions habituelles des connecteurs connus dans l'art antérieur.It is thus possible to produce a female electrical connector element according to the invention corresponding to the usual dimensions of the connectors known in the prior art.

Claims (8)

Elément femelle de connecteur électrique du type comportant une douille (1) en matériau conducteur définissant un espace intérieur (2) sensiblement cylindrique ouvert à l'une de ses extrémités, à l'intérieur duquel sont disposés des éléments filaires de contact en matériau conducteur destinés à enserrer de façon souple l'élément mâle (3) dudit connecteur à insérer dans ladite douille (1) et s'étendant d'une extrémité à l'autre dudit espace (2) cylindrique, caractérisé en ce que lesdits éléments filaires de contact sont formés à partir d'un fil unique (4).Female electrical connector element of the type comprising a socket (1) made of conductive material defining an interior space (2) substantially cylindrical open at one of its ends, inside which are wired contact elements made of conductive material to flexibly enclose the male element (3) of said connector to be inserted into said socket (1) and extending from one end to the other of said cylindrical space (2), characterized in that said wired contact elements are formed from a single wire (4). Elément femelle de connecteur électrique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit fil unique (4) est conformé selon une succession de parties sensiblement droites (6, 7 ;11, 12) inclinées d'un angle (α) par rapport à un axe central et dont l'enveloppe intérieure définit un espace annulaire (5) centré sur ledit axe central.Female electrical connector element according to claim 1, characterized in that said single wire (4) is shaped according to a succession of substantially straight parts (6, 7; 11, 12) inclined at an angle (α) relative to a central axis and the inner envelope of which defines an annular space (5) centered on said central axis. Elément femelle de conducteur électrique selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que lesdites parties sensiblement droites (6, 7) successives dudit fil unique (4) sont reliées par deux portions pliées (8, 9) séparées par une portion (10) située sensiblement dans un plan d'extrémité de la conformation dudit fil unique (4).Female electrical conductor element according to claim 2, characterized in that said substantially straight parts (6, 7) successive of said single wire (4) are connected by two folded portions (8, 9) separated by a portion (10) located substantially in an end plane of the conformation of said single wire (4). Elément femelle de conducteur électrique selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que lesdites parties sensiblement droites (11, 12) successives dudit fil unique sont reliées par une portion pliée (13) unique.Female electrical conductor element according to claim 2, characterized in that said substantially straight portions (11, 12) successive of said single wire are connected by a single folded portion (13). Elément femelle de connecteur électrique selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que le fil unique (4) est maintenu dans ledit espace intérieur (2) de la douille (1) par sa seule élasticité.Female electrical connector element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the single wire (4) is held in said interior space (2) of the socket (1) by its only elasticity. Elément femelle de connecteur électrique selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que le fil unique (4) est maintenu dans ledit espace intérieur (2) de la douille (1) par des moyens de maintien.Female electrical connector element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the single wire (4) is held in said interior space (2) of the socket (1) by holding means. Elément femelle de connecteur électrique selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de maintien sont constitués par un bouterollage de l'extrémité ouverte de la douille (1).Female electrical connector element according to claim 6, characterized in that said holding means consist of a snap-fastening of the open end of the socket (1). Elément femelle du connecteur électrique selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que la douille (1) est formée par un élément unique.Female element of the electrical connector according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the socket (1) is formed by a single element.
EP01401292A 2000-05-22 2001-05-17 Electrical connector female element Withdrawn EP1158620A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0006522 2000-05-22
FR0006522A FR2809238B1 (en) 2000-05-22 2000-05-22 FEMALE ELEMENT OF ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR

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EP1158620A1 true EP1158620A1 (en) 2001-11-28

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FR (1) FR2809238B1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2809238A1 (en) 2001-11-23
US20020016108A1 (en) 2002-02-07
FR2809238B1 (en) 2003-11-28
US6471555B2 (en) 2002-10-29

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