WO2009050653A1

WO2009050653A1 - Connection checking device and connectors provided with such a device

Info

Publication number: WO2009050653A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/054232
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Luc Breheret; Amir Nourdine
Original assignee: G. Cartier Technologies
Priority date: 2007-10-15
Filing date: 2008-10-15
Publication date: 2009-04-23
Also published as: FR2922371A1; FR2922371B1

Abstract

The device according to the invention comprises a primary electrical circuit (14), associated with a first connection element (1a), and a secondary electrical circuit (15), associated with a second connection element (1A). The primary electrical circuit (14) comprises a primary coil (7) and a switching means (17) which generates a pulsed voltage. The secondary electrical circuit (15) comprises a secondary coil (8) and a capacitor (16). The pulsed voltage excites the secondary electrical circuit (15), thereby sending oscillations to the primary coil (7) that depend on the eigenfrequency thereof. An electronic analyzer circuit (23) is used to check that the frequency has the correct value so as to be sure that the connector is correctly connected.

Description

CONNECTION CONTROL DEVICE, AND CONNECTORS PROVIDED WITH SUCH A DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to devices for detecting connection faults, connection omissions, forgetting locks, between two elements of a connector intended to connect two sections of a distribution line in the pneumatic, hydraulic or electric systems.

Connection errors between connector elements, especially in the presence of a large number of different pairs of connector elements, can lead to significant material or body damage, such as pollution, contamination, explosions, destruction. , for example on mobile vehicles such as airplanes, automobiles, boats, as a result of a leak in a fluid conduction line.

A common mistake is to connect two connector elements that are not intended to be connected to each other, producing the connection of two different line segments, such a connection may lead to faults or accidents. Another problem lies in the possibility of faulty connection, the connector elements being for example incompletely engaged to one another.

To avoid these defects, including interversions of connector elements, mechanical keying systems have already been proposed, with particular engaging shapes, which differ from one connector to another, or with different colors. These systems, however, offer only limited security, and make it difficult to manage the maintenance of connections in systems with a large number of connectors. It is indeed necessary to provide a different shape or color for each connector. Some connector systems have a lock which, when actuated, prohibits the separation of connector elements. The optimum safety is then obtained when the two connector elements provided are opposite, when the introduction is complete, and when the locking is performed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the invention is to design an automatic connection control device that can be integrated or closely associated with the elements of fluid or electrical power connector, which makes it possible to secure each connection by ensuring that the connection is well made, and making sure that it is locked if necessary.

The invention also aims to avoid connection errors in the case of multiple connections, for example to avoid forgotten connections or inverted connections.

Preferably, the invention aims at providing connection control without modifying the connection structure itself of the connector elements.

The invention also aims to design such a control device that is little or not sensitive to moisture, shocks, errors or position uncertainties.

Preferably, the invention aims to design such a device which has a small footprint, a low cost to be compatible with extensive use. The control device according to the invention must be flexible and adaptable, transparent vis-à-vis the user.

To achieve these and other goals, the invention provides a connection control device for controlling the connection between at least a first connector element and a second connector element that can be connected to each other, comprising:

a primary electrical circuit capable of being integrated or assembled to the first connector element and comprising a primary coil,

a secondary electric circuit able to be integrated or assembled to the second connector element, and comprising a secondary coil and a capacitor constituting a passive secondary oscillating circuit,

in the primary electrical circuit, a pulse voltage generator capable of generating excitation pulse voltages across the primary coil,

in the primary electric circuit, an analyzer electronic circuit which, during an analysis sequence, scans the resulting electrical signals which appear in the primary electric circuit following the application of a pulse excitation voltage on the primary coil, compares parameters of these resulting electrical signals with reference parameters, and deduces an output signal representative of the state of the connector to be controlled.

The primary and secondary coils are coupled to each other magnetically in the air, because of their proximity. A pulse voltage applied across the primary coil creates a variable magnetic field that is transmitted from the primary coil to the secondary coil and energizes the circuit passive secondary oscillator. Under the effect of this excitation, a damped sinusoidal signal appears in the secondary electrical circuit, which signal generates in return in the primary electrical circuit a resulting electrical signal of damped sinusoidal form. The electrical circuit analyzer can thus analyze the resulting electrical signals, which appear in the primary electrical circuit, and which have a damped sinusoidal shape whose frequency depends on the value of the inductances of the coils and the capacitor of the passive secondary oscillating circuit. By providing for each connector a value different from the capacity of the capacitor, each connector of a set of connectors is assigned a different own oscillation frequency. In this way, the inversion of two connectors leads to the detection of a difference between the normal frequency of a connector and the measured frequency, and can therefore be deduced a reversal connection error.

The absence of the second connector element causes a significant change in the signal appearing in the primary electrical circuit during excitation, this signal being exponential damped, without oscillation, due to the absence of capacitor. We can then deduce a connection fault by lack of connector.

According to a first embodiment, particularly suitable for controlling and detecting connector reversals:

the reference parameters comprise the normal oscillation frequency of the electrical reference signals which appear in the primary electrical circuit when the first and second connector elements are correctly connected to each other; the analyzer electronic circuit compares to the frequency of normal oscillation the frequency of the electrical signals resulting from the connector to be controlled, and generates an error signal in the event of a difference between said frequencies.

In practice, the electrical analyzer circuit may comprise a comparator circuit adapted to detect the passages at a reference level of the oscillatory voltage component at the terminals of the primary coil, and a counter circuit for measuring the time between the successive detections of passage to the reference level provided by the comparator circuit.

In a second embodiment, the reference parameters may include the normal amplitude of the electrical reference signals that appear in the primary electrical circuit when the first and second connector members are properly connected to each other, and the electronic circuit analyzer can compare to normal amplitude amplitude of electrical signals resulting from the connector to be controlled, and can generate an error signal if there is a difference between the amplitudes.

This embodiment is adapted to detect incomplete connections, in that an incomplete connection generally leads to a removal of the primary and secondary coils from each other. This remoteness somewhat reduces the coupling between the coils, and thus affects the amplitude of the resulting signals.

The error signals generated by the devices as defined above can be used, for example, to generate a warning signal that is perceptible to the user and that is produced by a warning device receiving the error signal, or to excite an actuator which receives the error signal and prohibits the supply of the line where the connector is inserted, or to excite an actuator which receives the error signal and actuates a locking means which prohibits the complete engagement of the elements connector on one another. With regard to the pulse voltage generator, a particularly simple embodiment consists in providing a switching component having an on state and a blocked state, able to periodically switch in series with the primary coil a DC voltage source.

Preferably, the electronic analyzer circuit scans and analyzes the parameters of the resulting electrical signals as the switching component goes from its on state to its off state. The primary electrical circuit is then disconnected from the DC voltage source, which facilitates the analysis of the parameters of the resulting electrical signals.

According to a first application, the primary and secondary electrical circuits can be housed in removable housings shaped to be each reported on one of the respective elements of a connector. In this way, a connection control device according to the invention is added without modifying the connector elements themselves.

Alternatively, according to a second application, there is provided a connector with two connector elements which is provided with a connection control device as defined above, the primary electrical circuit being associated with the first connector element, the electrical circuit secondary being associated with the second connector element.

According to one possibility, the primary and secondary electrical circuits have at least their respective primary and secondary coils which are respectively integrated in the first connector element and in the second connector element. Alternatively, the primary and secondary electrical circuits are housed in respective cases reported and permanently attached to the respective elements of the connector.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic view illustrating the application of a connection control device to a set of two connectors; FIG. 2 is an electrical block diagram of a connection control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a timing diagram illustrating the waveform of a resultant electrical signal, in the case of a connection tip made of a conductive material; FIG. 4 is a timing diagram illustrating the waveform of the resulting electrical signal, in the case of a connection tip connector made of non-conductive material;

- Figure 5 schematically illustrates a control device connection device, in the case of the use of an extension; and FIG. 6 is a schematic electrical diagram of the connection control device in the case of the extender of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the connection control device according to the invention is applied to a set of two connectors 1 and 4 which are each of the male-female type and which allow each of them to be connected. two successive sections of a respective fluid conduction line.

The first connector 1 consists of a first male-type connector element 1a and a second female-type connector member 1A, intended to penetrate one into the other in a sealed manner to ensure continuity of connection of the fluid between a first section of pipe 2 and a second pipe section 3.

Similarly, the second connector 4 comprises a first male-type connector element 4b and a second female-type connector element 4B, to ensure the conduction of fluid between a first duct 5 and a second duct 6. A primary coil 7 is associated with the first connector element 1a, while a secondary coil 8 is associated with the second connector element 1A.

Similarly, a primary coil 9 is associated with the first connector element 4b, while a secondary coil 10 is associated with the second connector element 4B.

An electronic circuit 11 is connected to the primary coils 7 and 9, and drives actuators such as respective solenoid valves 12 and 13 which each control the passage of fluid in the respective first pipe 2 or 5. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. the primary coils 7 and 9 and secondary coils 8 and 10 are respectively associated with the first element and the second element of each connector, and are arranged coaxially on the connector elements.

Alternatively, it is conceivable that the primary coils 7 and 9 and secondary coils 8 and 10 be placed next to the connector elements facing each other without affecting the operation of the control device, such as this will be explained later.

In the connector 1 connection position, the primary coil 7 and secondary 8 are in close proximity to each other; likewise, in the connector 4 connection position, the primary 9 and secondary 10 coils are close to each other.

FIG. 2, on which we find again the first connector element 1a, the second connector element 1A, the primary coil 7 and the secondary coil 8. The figure explains the electrical connections between the coils and the other components of the connection control device.

The primary coil 7 is part of a primary electrical circuit 14, while the secondary coil 8 is part of a secondary electrical circuit 15.

The secondary electrical circuit 15 comprises the secondary coil 8 and a capacitor 16 with which it forms a passive secondary oscillating circuit.

The primary electric circuit 14 comprises the primary coil 7 and in particular a pulse voltage generator capable of applying to the primary coil 7 an excitation pulse voltage.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the pulse voltage generator comprises a switching component 17 such as a transistor, able to switch in series with the primary coil 7 a DC voltage source U connected to the input terminals 18 and 19. A stabilizing resistor 20 and a voltage limiting component

21 are connected in parallel to the primary coil 7. The voltage limiting component 21 can be made for example based on Zener diodes. The sampling of the resulting signals is performed on the terminal 22, that is to say at the terminals of the primary coil 7.

When the switching component 17 is closed, an electric current is progressively established in the primary coil 7. At the opening of the switching component 17, there is an overvoltage at the terminals of the primary coil 7 and an abrupt variation of the current flowing through the primary coil 7, which excites the secondary oscillating circuit 15 which starts to oscillate at its resonant frequency F = Mlπ-jLC, L being the inductance of the secondary coil 8, C being the value of the capacitance of the capacitor 16.

The oscillations appearing in the secondary electrical circuit 15 in turn generate oscillations in the primary electrical circuit 14, oscillations which constitute the resulting electrical signals 100 and which are picked up on the terminal 22.

The primary electric circuit 14 comprises an electronic analyzer circuit 23, able to analyze the waveform of the resulting electrical signals 100 across the primary coil 7, that is to say on the terminal 22. The electronic analyzer circuit 23 compares certain parameters of the resulting electrical signals 100 with values of these same parameters which have previously been stored and which correspond to the values of the same parameters of the resulting electrical signals, or electrical reference signals, which appear when the connector 1 is correctly connected. Figure 3 illustrates the waveform of the resulting electrical signals

100 in the case of a connection tip of conductive material, while Figure 4 illustrates the waveform of the resulting electrical signals 100 in the case of a connection tip of non-conductive material.

In either case, we note the presence of a sinusoidal component, with an amplitude that decreases exponentially.

A first useful parameter for the comparison is the frequency of the sinusoidal component. During a previous step, the frequency of the sinusoidal component of the electrical reference signal obtained in the case of the perfectly connected connector is measured and stored as a normal frequency.

The electrical analyzer circuit can then compare the frequency of the electrical signals with the normal oscillation frequency thus stored. 100 measured results of the same connector whose status is to be controlled. In the event of a difference between the normal and measured frequencies, the analyzer electronic circuit 23 may generate an error signal.

A second reference parameter may be the amplitude of the resulting electrical signal 100. Indeed, it is conceivable that this amplitude depends in particular on the coupling between the primary and secondary coils 7 and 8, and therefore the more or less complete approximation of the two connector elements 1a. and 1 to each other. A difference in the amplitudes thus makes it possible to detect an incomplete or even non-existent connection. A control of the connection can in principle be carried out after a single switching of the switching component 17, which generates a resulting signal 100 whose electrical analyzer circuit 23 can analyze and compare the parameters. However, multiple commutations make it possible, if necessary, to increase the sensitivity of the control, and therefore the range of the system. Considering again Figure 1, we see that the electronic circuit

11 pilot solenoid valves 12 and 13. Each solenoid valve 12 or 13 comprises an actuator that allows to selectively prohibit the supply of the line where is inserted the connector 1 or 2. Receiving an error signal can control the solenoid valve 12 or 13 to prevent the passage of fluid in the connector in which the error has been detected. We can also automatically close the solenoid valve

12 or 13 when the corresponding connection is interrupted.

According to another embodiment, not illustrated in the figures, it is possible to provide an actuator which receives the error signal and which actuates a locking means preventing the engagement of the connector elements 1a and 1A to one on the other. In this way, the user can not mechanically connect the erroneous connector elements to each other, for example in the case of a reversal of two female connector elements 1A and 4B.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, there is constituted a connector element 1 with two connector elements 1a and 1A, the primary electrical circuit 14 being associated with the first connector element 1a, while the secondary electrical circuit 15 is associated with the second connector member 1A.

In this same case, the primary coils 7 and 9 are integrated in the first connector elements 1a and 4b, while the secondary coils 8 and 10 are integrated in the second connector elements 1A and 4B. Alternatively, it can be provided that the primary and secondary electrical circuits 14 are housed in housings shaped to be attached to the respective elements 1a and 1A of the same connector 1.

In the perfect connection position, it is arranged that the primary coils 7 and 8 respective secondary are in the immediate vicinity of one another, promoting between them a good magnetic coupling.

In the case where the connector 1 (or 4) comprises a lock actuated by the user for securing the connector elements relative to each other in the connection position, it is advantageous that the lock actuates an electrical switch that closes the primary 14 or secondary electrical circuit

15 of the connector element (1a, 1A) where the lock is located.

It can also be provided that the secondary coil 8 moves with a movable locking portion. It is thus in front of the primary coil 7 only when the system is locked. FIGS. 5 and 6 which illustrate an embodiment with an extension 30 are now considered.

The essential elements of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 are found, namely the first connector element 1a, the second connector element 1A, the solenoid valve 12, the electronic circuit 11, the primary coil 7, the secondary coil 8 An extender 30 includes a first end member 31 and a second end member 32.

The first end member 31 is adapted to be connected to the first connector member 1a, and carries a first coupling coil 31a. The second end member 32 is connectable to the second connector member 1A, and carries a second coupling coil 32a.

The coupling coils 31a and 32a are electrically connected in series by an electrical line 33 with each other in the extension 30.

The electrical diagram of FIG. 6 also includes the essential elements of the electrical diagram of FIG. 2, the same elements being marked with the same reference numerals.

The difference lies in the presence of the extension 30, which inserts between the first connector element 1a and the second connector element 1A the two coupling coils 31a and 32a electrically connected to each other by the electrical line 33. L The excitation produced by the opening of the switching component 17 excites the secondary electrical circuit 15 via the couplings of the coils 7, 31a, 32a and 8, whereas the sinusoidal oscillations of the secondary electrical circuit 15 propagate towards the circuit electric primary 14 by coupling the same four coils and are detected and controlled by the electric analyzer circuit 23. The operation is therefore similar to that of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

It is understood that the connection control device according to the invention can be easily applied to electrical connectors on which it is not desired to add anti-error constraint.

The device also has excellent sealing, cleanliness, and a low risk of damage by mechanical contact.

The control device according to the invention can be added to standard parts or to equipment already produced. The presence of the device is completely transparent to the user.

The connectors can be differentiated by different own oscillation frequencies, resulting from the choice of different values of the capacitance of the capacitor 16. The resonant frequency can be selected and adjusted by the user, and stored using a programming equipment permanently or reprogrammable.

In the context of a definitive programming, it is advantageous to perform the programming by breakdown of tracks on a printed circuit initially putting in parallel a network of capacities of the same value or network architecture with multiple capacities of 2.

In the case of reprogrammable type programming, the maintenance constraints are reduced since there is only one type of connector or connection control device. The electronics remain unchanged, as well as the primary and secondary coils. The secondary circuit is programmable by modifying the capacitor 16.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have been explicitly described, but it includes the various variants and generalizations thereof within the scope of the claims below.

Claims

1 - Connection control device for controlling the connection between at least a first connector element (1 a) and a second connector element (1A) able to be connected to each other, comprising: - an electrical circuit primary element (14), suitable for being integrated or assembled to the first connector element (1a), and comprising a primary coil (7),

- a secondary electrical circuit (15) adapted to be integrated or assembled to the second connector element (1A), and comprising a secondary coil (8) and a capacitor (16) constituting a passive secondary oscillating circuit, - in the primary electrical circuit (14), a pulse voltage generator capable of generating excitation terminals at the terminals of the primary coil (7),

in the primary electrical circuit (14), an analyzer electronic circuit (23) which, during an analysis sequence, scans the resulting electrical signals (100) which appear in the primary electrical circuit (14) at the following the application of an excitation pulse voltage on the primary coil (7), compares parameters of these resulting electrical signals (100) with reference parameters, and derives therefrom an output signal representative of the state of the connector to be checked. 2 - Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that:

the reference parameters comprise the normal oscillation frequency of the electrical reference signals that appear in the primary electrical circuit (14) when the first (1a) and second (1A) connector elements are correctly connected to each other; other,

the electronic analyzer circuit (23) compares the frequency of the resulting electrical signals (100) of the connector to be tested with the normal oscillation frequency, and generates an error signal in the event of a difference between said frequencies.

3 - Control device according to claim 2, characterized in that the electric analyzer circuit (23) comprises a comparator circuit adapted to detect the passages at a reference level of the oscillatory voltage component at the terminals of the primary coil (7) , and a counter circuit for measuring the time between the successive detections of passage at the reference level provided by the comparator circuit. 4 - Control device according to any one of claims 1 to

3, characterized in that: the reference parameters comprise the normal amplitude of the electrical reference signals which appear in the primary electrical circuit (14) when the first (1a) and second (1A) elements of the connector are correctly connected to each other, the electronic analyzer circuit (23) compares the amplitude of the resulting electrical signals (100) of the connector to be controlled with the normal amplitude, and generates an error signal in the event of a difference between the amplitudes.

5 - Control device according to any one of claims 1 to

4, characterized in that it comprises a warning device which receives the error signal and which generates a warning signal perceptible by the user.

6 - Control device according to any one of claims 1 to

5, characterized in that it comprises an actuator (12) which receives the error signal and which prohibits the supply of the line (2, 3) in which the connector is inserted.

7 - Control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises an actuator which receives the error signal and which actuates a locking means prohibiting the complete engagement of the connector elements (1a , 1A) one on the other.

8 - Control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the pulse voltage generator comprises a switching component (17) having an on state and a blocked state, able to periodically switch in series with the primary coil (7) a DC voltage source (U).

9 - Control device according to claim 8, characterized in that the electronic analyzer circuit (23) scans and analyzes the parameters of the resulting electrical signals (100) when the switching component (17) switches from its on state to its off state .

10 - Control device according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that it comprises a stabilizing resistor (20) and a voltage limiting component (21) on the primary coil (7). 11 - Control device according to any one of claims 1 to

10, characterized in that the primary (14) and secondary (15) electrical circuits are housed in respective removable housings shaped to be attached to the respective elements of a connector (1a, 1A).

12 - Connector with two connector elements (1 a, 1A), characterized in that it is provided with a control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the primary electrical circuit (14) being associated with the first connector element (1a), the secondary electrical circuit (15) being associated with the second connector element (1A).

13 - A connector according to claim 12, characterized in that the primary (14) and secondary (15) electrical circuits have at least their respective primary (7) and secondary (8) coils which are respectively integrated in the first connector element ( 1a) and in the second connector element (1A).

14 - connector according to claim 12, characterized in that the primary (14) and secondary (15) electrical circuits are housed in respective housings which are reported and permanently attached to the respective elements of the connector (1a, 1A).

15 - connector according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, in the connection position of the connector, the primary coil (7) and secondary (8) are in proximity to each other. 16 - connector according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a lock operable by the user to lock the connector elements (1a, 1A) to each other in the connection position , the latch actuating an electrical switch that closes the primary (14) or secondary (15) electrical circuit of the connector element (1a, 1A) where the latch is located.

17 - connector according to claim 16, characterized in that the secondary coil (8) moves with a movable locking portion, so that it is opposite the primary coil (7) only when the system is locked. 18 - Connector according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that it further comprises an extension (30) having:

a first end element (31), able to be connected to the first connector element (1a), and having a first coupling coil (31a),

a second end element (32) adapted to be connected to the second connector element (1A) and having a second coupling coil (32a),

- The coupling coils (31a, 32a) being electrically connected in series with each other in the extension (30).