EP1672401A1 - Adapter for a multicontact connector and said connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The adaptor has a cell placed in line with cavities (7) of an insert (2) and receiving an alignment sleeve to co-operate with a ferrule of an optical contact unit (10). Another cell is disposed in line with the cavities so as to receive an end portion of a female electrical contact unit (11). The latter cell is connected to a tubular portion projecting from one of two faces of the adaptor and opening in that face. Independent claims are also included for the following: (A) a connector including a female electrical contact unit and an adaptor (B) a method for realizing optical and electrical connections.

Description

The subject of the present invention is an adapter for a multicontact connector and such a connector, used in particular in the aeronautical / military field and more generally in a harsh environment.

There are currently optical connectors of the type comprising a housing housing an insert, this insert having a plurality of cavities for each receiving an optical contact element. An additional piece, also called "sleeve holder", is fixed on the insert, this piece having a plurality of cells each extending in the extension of a cavity of the insert. Each cell houses an alignment sleeve for the sleeves, usually referred to as ferrules, of two optical contact elements to be connected.

This type of known connector, exclusively optical, can be one of the connectors of the LuxCis range (registered trademark) sold by the company RADIALL.

In some devices, electrical connections are required in addition to optical connections.

The invention aims, in particular, for this type of device, to simplify the establishment of electrical and optical connections.

• au moins une alvéole d'un premier type agencée pour être disposée dans le prolongement d'une première desdites cavités de l'insert et recevoir un manchon d'alignement, notamment fendu, apte à coopérer avec une ferrule d'un élément de contact optique engagé dans ladite première cavité de l'insert,
• au moins une alvéole d'un deuxième type agencée pour être disposée dans le prolongement d'une deuxième desdites cavités de l'insert de manière à recevoir une portion d'extrémité d'un élément de contact électrique femelle engagé dans ladite deuxième cavité de l'insert.

The invention thus relates to an adapter for multicontact connector of the type comprising at least one insert, the insert having at least two cavities, a first of said cavities being able to receive at least partially an optical contact element, and a second of said cavities being able to at least partially receiving a female electrical contact element, the insert having a front face on which opens said at least two cavities, the adapter being arranged to be disposed, preferably removably, on said front face of the insert , and comprising:

• at least one cell of a first type arranged to be disposed in the extension of a first of said cavities of the insert and receive an alignment sleeve, in particular split, adapted to cooperate with a ferrule of an optical contact element engaged in said first cavity of the insert,
• at least one cell of a second type arranged to be disposed in the extension of a second of said cavities of the insert so as to receive a end portion of a female electrical contact element engaged in said second cavity of the insert.

The adapter according to the invention makes it possible to transform a connector intended exclusively for making optical connections into a mixed optical and electrical connector.

In the case for example of a connector of the LuxCis range mentioned above, the "sleeve holder" part comprises cells that are adapted to optical contact elements.

This connector can not be used to make electrical connections involving male and female electrical contact elements.

By providing an adapter according to the invention, with at least some cells capable of receiving a female electrical contact element, it is possible, using existing inserts, to have, in an economical manner, mixed connectors ensuring both optical and electrical connections.

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to avoid using two separate connectors, one optical and the other electrical.

The cells of first and second types respectively may for example have a shape and / or different dimensions.

The cell of the second type is arranged in such a way as to be able to receive, on the one hand, a female electrical contact element through the first face of the adapter and, on the other hand, at least partially a male electrical contact element. to connect with the female contact element, by the second face of the adapter, the male contact element extending beyond the second face of the adapter, outside the cell, at the end of connection with the female contact element.

Preferably, the adapter comprises a first face, particularly substantially planar, intended to be applied on the front face of the insert and a second face, in particular substantially flat, opposite to the first, the cells extending from the first facing the second face of the adapter.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the cell of the second type is connected to a tubular portion projecting from the second face. Alternatively, the cell of the second type opens on the second side.

Advantageously, the cell of the second type has an internal shoulder, in particular an annular shoulder.

This shoulder serves in particular as a stop for the female contact element and to mechanically protect the input of the female contact element and align the male contact element during its introduction into the female contact element.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the cell of the second type has at least one cylindrical inner wall.

The cell of the second type can lead to the first face of the adapter.

The cells of the adapter are preferably separate, being in particular separated from each other over their entire length between the first and second faces of the adapter.

Where appropriate, the adapter may comprise at least two cells of the first type and / or at least two cells of the second type.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the cell of the first type comprises at least one holding lip, in particular two holding lips, each disposed at one end of the cell, this or these lips being able to be elastically deformable. or not, in particular annular, and arranged to maintain an alignment sleeve introduced into this cell.

The cell of the first type can be connected at each end to a tubular portion protruding respectively from the first and second faces of the adapter.

In a variant, the cell of the first type opens on the first and second faces of the adapter.

The first and second faces of the adapter may be substantially rectangular or, alternatively, each have a disk shape.

The adapter may have two assembled elements, one defining the first face and the other the second face of the adapter.

This is preferably made of at least one electrically insulating material, in particular a plastic material.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the adapter comprises a housing for receiving a fastener element of the adapter on the insert, the housing in particular being arranged at a central location of the adapter. The fastener can be pre-assembled with the adapter.

• au moins un insert comportant au moins deux cavités, une première desdites cavités pouvant recevoir au moins partiellement un élément de contact optique, et une deuxième desdites cavités pouvant recevoir au moins partiellement un élément de contact électrique femelle, l'insert présentant une face avant sur laquelle débouchent lesdites au moins deux cavités,
• au moins un adaptateur agencé pour être disposé, de préférence de manière amovible, sur ladite face avant de l'insert, l'adaptateur comportant :
  • au moins une alvéole d'un premier type agencée pour être disposée dans le prolongement d'une première desdites cavités de l'insert et recevoir un manchon d'alignement apte à coopérer avec une ferrule d'un élément de contact optique engagé dans ladite cavité de l'insert,
  • au moins une alvéole d'un deuxième type agencée pour être disposée dans le prolongement d'une deuxième desdites cavités de l'insert de manière à recevoir une portion d'extrémité d'un élément de contact électrique femelle engagé dans ladite deuxième cavité de l'insert.

The subject of the invention is also a connector comprising:

• at least one insert having at least two cavities, a first of said cavities being able to at least partially receive an optical contact element, and a second of said cavities able to receive at least partially a female electrical contact element, the insert having a front face on which open said at least two cavities,
• at least one adapter arranged to be arranged, preferably removably, on said front face of the insert, the adapter comprising:
  • at least one cell of a first type arranged to be disposed in the extension of a first of said cavities of the insert and to receive an alignment sleeve adapted to cooperate with a ferrule of an optical contact element engaged in said cavity of the insert,
  • at least one cell of a second type arranged to be disposed in the extension of a second of said cavities of the insert so as to receive an end portion of a female electrical contact element engaged in said second cavity of the insert.

The connector may comprise an outer casing in which is housed said at least one insert.

The housing may have at least one rectangular cross section or at least one circular cross section.

• au moins un manchon d'alignement, notamment fendu, dans l'une des alvéoles de premier type, ce manchon pouvant recevoir une ferrule d'un élément de contact optique, et/ou
• un élément de contact électrique femelle dans l'une des alvéoles de deuxième type, cet élément de contact électrique femelle pouvant recevoir un élément de contact électrique mâle.

The connector can include:

• at least one alignment sleeve, in particular split, in one of the cells of the first type, this sleeve being able to receive a ferrule of an optical contact element, and / or
• a female electrical contact element in one of the cells of the second type, this female electrical contact element being able to receive a male electrical contact element.

This connector can be arranged to be coupled to a conventional complementary connector or base. This complementary connector or this base comprises one or more male electrical contact elements able to engage in cells of the second type of the adapter and in corresponding female electrical contact elements of the connector according to the invention.

To obtain an exclusively optical connector, it is possible to fix, in a conventional manner, the existing piece or "sleeve holder" on the insert.

Advantageously, the adapter comprises at least one attachment element of the adapter on the insert, the fixing element being preferably attached to the insert, and comprising for example a threaded element such as a screw.

• fixer l'adaptateur sur l'un des premier et deuxième inserts,
• monter des éléments de contact optique et des éléments de contact électrique femelles sur l'un des inserts,
• monter des éléments de contact optique et des éléments de contact électrique mâles sur l'autre des inserts,
• accoupler les connecteurs de manière à ce que l'adaptateur soit pris en sandwich entre les inserts, et réaliser des connexions optiques et électriques entre les connecteurs.

The invention also relates to a method for making optical and electrical connections, using a first connector comprising a first insert with cavities, a second connector capable of being coupled to the first, comprising a second insert with cavities, and an adapter as mentioned above, the method comprising the following steps:

• attach the adapter to one of the first and second inserts,
• mounting optical contact elements and female electrical contact elements on one of the inserts,
• mounting optical contact elements and male electrical contact elements on the other of the inserts,
• connect the connectors so that the adapter is sandwiched between the inserts, and make optical and electrical connections between the connectors.

The first and second inserts may be standard.

• la figure 1 représente, schématiquement et partiellement, en perspective, différents éléments d'un connecteur conforme à l'invention,
• la figure 2 représente, schématiquement et partiellement, en coupe suivant II-II, les éléments de la figure 1, assemblés,
• la figure 3 est une vue, schématique et partielle, en coupe suivant III-III, de l'adaptateur de la figure 1,
• la figure 4 est une vue, schématique et partielle, en perspective, d'un élément de contact électrique femelle et un élément de contact électrique mâle,
• la figure 5 représente, schématiquement et partiellement, en perspective, deux éléments d'un connecteur conforme à un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, et
• la figure 6 représente, schématiquement et partiellement, avec arrachement partiel de matière, l'adaptateur du connecteur de la figure 5.

The invention can be better understood on reading the following detailed description, non-limiting examples of implementation of the invention, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• FIG. 1 represents, schematically and partially, in perspective, various elements of a connector according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 represents, schematically and partially, in section along II-II, the elements of FIG. 1, assembled,
• FIG. 3 is a schematic and partial view, in section along III-III, of the adapter of FIG. 1;
• FIG. 4 is a schematic and partial perspective view of a female electrical contact element and a male electrical contact element,
• FIG. 5 represents, diagrammatically and partially, in perspective, two elements of a connector according to another example of implementation of the invention, and
• FIG. 6 shows, schematically and partially, with partial tearing of the material, the adapter of the connector of FIG.

FIG. 1 shows various elements of a connector according to the invention generally designated by the reference 1, among which are an insert 2 and an adapter 3.

The insert 2 has a substantially parallelepipedal shape, with front faces 4 and rear 5.

The insert 2 further comprises a plurality of cavities 7 extending parallel to an axis X, between the rear faces 5 and front 4.

In the example considered, the cavities 7 are all identical. Alternatively, it is possible to provide on the insert 2 at least two cavities having different shapes.

Each cavity 7 receives a retaining ring 8 provided with one or more elastically deformable tabs 9, as illustrated in FIG.

The insert 2 further comprises a bore 23 for receiving fastening elements 24 of the adapter 3 on the insert 2.

These fastening elements 24 comprise, for example, an internally threaded sleeve 25 into which a first screw 26 can be fixed at one end and a second screw 27 at an opposite end.

The cavities 7 can indifferently receive an optical contact element 10 or a female electrical contact element 11.

Each optical contact element 10 comprises a body 12 in which is mounted a ferrule 13 carrying an optical fiber 14.

The fitting of the ferrule 13 in the body 12 is made with an axial floating.

The insert 2 and the optical contact elements 10 may be of the type used in the connectors of the LuxCis range marketed by RADIALL, in particular EPXA and B type connectors.

The female electrical contact element 11 comprises an electrically conductive body 16, with an end portion 15 formed by tabs resiliently deformable 17 and defining a housing 18 for receiving a male electrical contact element 20, as can be seen in particular in Figures 2 and 4.

A sleeve 19 is inserted around the body 16, at the level of the tabs 18.

The body 16 has, at the end opposite the portion 15, an additional housing 21 for crimping one or more strands of an electric cable on the contact element 11.

The adapter 3 according to the invention has a first face 30 intended to be applied against the front face 4 of the insert 2 and a second face 31 opposite the first face 30.

In the example, the faces 30 and 31 are substantially planar and have a substantially rectangular shape.

The adapter 3 comprises two elements 32 and 33 assembled, the element 32 defining the first face 30 and the element 33 the second face 31.

In the example considered, the elements 32 and 33 are made of an electrically insulating material, in particular a plastic material.

The adapter 3 comprises a plurality of cells 35 of a first type intended to receive an alignment sleeve 37, split, known per se, adapted to cooperate with a ferrule 13 of an optical contact element 10, as illustrated in Figure 3.

Each cell 35 has at each of its ends a holding lip 40 making it possible to hold the alignment sleeve 37 in the cell 35.

Each holding lip 40 is formed on a tubular portion 39 projecting from the first face 30 or the second face 31.

The adapter 3 also has a plurality of cells 36 of a second type.

Each cell 36 has a cylindrical internal wall 41 of X axis connected to a tubular portion 42 of smaller internal diameter and projecting on the front face 31 of the adapter 3, as can be seen in FIG.

Each cell 36 has an internal shoulder 43 at the base of the tubular portion 42, substantially perpendicular to the axis X.

Each cell 36 opens directly onto the first face 30.

The cells 35 and 36 are intended to be arranged each in the extension of a cavity 7 of the insert 2.

In the example considered, the cells of first type 35 and second type 36 are respectively six in number, these being arranged in three rows of four cells each.

In a variant, the cells 35 and 36 may be more or less numerous, the adapter 3 possibly comprising, for example, a single cell 35 and a single cell 36.

The adapter 3 has a housing 45 for receiving the head 46 of the screw 27.

In the example considered, the housing 45 is disposed at a central location of the adapter 3.

The head 46 has a flange 47 trapped in a shoulder portion 48 of the housing 45.

The head 46 of the screw 27 can be put into place in the housing 45 at the time of assembly of the elements 32 and 33 of the adapter 3.

The adapter 3 is assembled with the insert 2 by screwing the screw 27 on the sleeve 25.

After mounting, an optical contact element 10 can be introduced into a cavity 7 associated with a cell 35 of the first type so that the ferrule 13 of the optical contact element 10 is engaged in the sleeve 37, as can be seen in FIG. see figure 2.

It is possible to insert into a cavity 7 associated with a cell 36 of the second type a female electrical contact element 11 so that its end portion 15 engages in this cell 36.

The connector 1 is intended to be coupled to a complementary connector (not shown) having an insert identical to the insert 2 receiving optical contact elements and male electrical contact elements.

It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the adapter is used with a circular connector.

There is shown in Figures 5 and 6 an adapter 3 'used with a circular connector or plug 50, known per se, arranged to be mounted on a base (not shown).

The connector 50 may be of the MIL-DTL-38999 Series III type marketed by RADIALL.

The adapter 3 'has a circular cross section.

In the example considered, the adapter comprises two cells 35 of the first type and two cells 36 of the second type arranged around the axis of symmetry Y of the adapter 3 '. These cells 35 and 36 open on first and second disc-shaped surfaces 51 and 52 of the adapter 3 '.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the implementation examples which have just been described.

Claims (22)

Adapter (3; 3 ') for a multicontact connector (1; 50) of the type comprising at least one insert (2), the insert comprising at least two cavities (7), a first of said cavities being able to receive at least partially an element of optical contact (10), and a second of said cavities able to at least partially receive a female electrical contact element (11), the insert (2) having a front face (4) on which said at least two cavities open, the adapter being arranged to be arranged, preferably removably, on said front face of the insert, characterized in that it comprises: - A first face (30), in particular substantially planar, intended to be applied on the front face (4) of the insert and a second face (31), in particular substantially flat, opposite to the first, the cells extending from the first face to the second face of the adapter, - At least one cell (35) of a first type arranged to be disposed in the extension of a first of said cavities of the insert and receive an alignment sleeve, in particular split, adapted to cooperate with a ferrule (13) an optical contact element (10) engaged in said first cavity (7) of the insert, at least one cell (36) of a second type arranged to be arranged in the extension of a second of said cavities (7) of the insert so as to receive an end portion (15) of an element of female electrical contact (11) engaged in said second cavity of the insert, and in that the cell (36) of the second type is connected to a tubular portion (42) projecting from the second face (31) or opens on the second face (52). Adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a first face (30), in particular substantially flat, intended to be applied on the front face (4) of the insert and a second face (31), in particular substantially flat, opposite to the first, the cells extending from the first face to the second face of the adapter. Adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cell (36) of the second type comprises an internal shoulder (43), in particular annular. Adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cell (36) of the second type has at least one cylindrical inner wall (41). Adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cell (36) of the second type opens onto the first face (30; 51) of the adapter. Adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least two cells (35) of the first type and / or at least two cells (36) of the second type. Adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cell (35) of the first type comprises at least one holding lip (40), in particular two holding lips, each disposed at one end of the cell , this or these lips being in particular annular, and arranged to maintain an alignment sleeve (37) introduced into this cell. Adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cell (35) of the first type is connected at each end to a tubular portion (39) projecting respectively from the first and second faces of the adapter. Adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cell (35) of the first type opens on the first and second faces of the adapter. Adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second faces (30; 31) of the adapter are substantially rectangular. Adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first and second faces (51; 52) each have a disc shape. Adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of at least one electrically insulating material, in particular a plastic material. Adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a housing (45) for receiving an element of attachment (27) of the adapter on the insert, the housing being in particular arranged at a central location of the adapter. Adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two assembled elements (32; 33), one defining the first face and the other the second face of the adapter. Adapter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cells are separated from each other over their entire length between the first and second faces of the adapter. Connector characterized by the fact that it comprises: at least one insert comprising at least two cavities, a first of said cavities being able to receive at least partially an optical contact element, and a second of said cavities able to receive at least partially a female electrical contact element, the insert having a front face on which the said at least two cavities open, at least one adapter defined in any one of claims 1 to 15. Connector according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises an outer casing in which is housed said at least one insert. Connector according to Claim 17, characterized in that the housing has at least one rectangular cross-section. Connector according to Claim 17, characterized in that the housing has at least one circular cross-section. Method for making optical and electrical connections, using a first connector having a first insert with cavities, a second connector adapted to be coupled to the first, having a second insert with cavities, and an adapter according to the any one of claims 1 to 15, the method comprising the steps of: - fix the adapter on one of the first and second inserts, - Mount optical contact elements and female electrical contact elements on one of the inserts, - Mount optical contact elements and male electrical contact elements on the other inserts, - couple the connectors so that the adapter is sandwiched between the inserts, and make optical and electrical connections between the connectors. Adapter (3; 3 ') for a multicontact connector (1; 50) of the type comprising at least one insert (2), the insert comprising at least two cavities (7), a first of said cavities being able to receive at least partially an element of optical contact (10), and a second of said cavities able to at least partially receive a female electrical contact element (11), the insert (2) having a front face (4) on which said at least two cavities open, the adapter being arranged to be arranged, preferably removably, on said front face of the insert, characterized in that it comprises: - A first face (30), in particular substantially planar, intended to be applied on the front face (4) of the insert and a second face (31), in particular substantially flat, opposite to the first, the cells extending from the first face to the second face of the adapter, - At least one cell (35) of a first type arranged to be disposed in the extension of a first of said cavities of the insert and receive an alignment sleeve, in particular split, adapted to cooperate with a ferrule (13) an optical contact element (10) engaged in said first cavity (7) of the insert, at least one cell (36) of a second type arranged to be arranged in the extension of a second of said cavities (7) of the insert so as to receive an end portion (15) of an element of female electrical contact (11) engaged in said second cavity of the insert, and in that the adapter has two elements (32; 33) assembled, one defining the first face and the other the second face of the adapter. Adapter (3; 3 ') for a multicontact connector (1; 50) of the type comprising at least one insert (2), the insert comprising at least two cavities (7), a first of said cavities being able to receive at least partially an element of optical contact (10), and a second of said cavities able to at least partially receive a female electrical contact element (11), the insert (2) having a front face (4) on which said at least two cavities open, the adapter being arranged to be arranged, preferably removably, on said front face of the insert, characterized in that it comprises: - At least one cell (35) of a first type arranged to be disposed in the extension of a first of said cavities of the insert and receive an alignment sleeve, in particular split, adapted to cooperate with a ferrule (13) an optical contact element (10) engaged in said first cavity (7) of the insert, at least one cell (36) of a second type arranged to be arranged in the extension of a second of said cavities (7) of the insert so as to receive an end portion (15) of an element of female electrical contact (11) engaged in said second cavity of the insert, - At least one fastening element of the adapter on the insert having at least one screw (27).

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