1. Field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to sealable squib connectors, in particular for use in SRS
(Safety Restraint System) systems.
2. Background of the invention
[0002] The squib connectors according to the prior art are commonly formed of injection
molded plastic parts and usually consist of a plug connector and a corresponding female
counter connector. In many applications it is necessary to protect the electrical
connection between a connector and its counter connector against moisture and / or
dust. This is in particular true for electrical connections having important safety
functions, like for example the electrical connections between a squib connector and
the counter connector of an airbag ignition system. The sealing of the connection
respectively of these two connectors parts has to be reliable on the one hand and
should on the other hand not impair the assembly of the two connectors.
[0003] Sealable squib connectors according to (
WO 2006/131140), corresponding to the preamble of claims 1 and 2 consist for example of a plug connector
and a corresponding connector receptacle. The seal, like for example a sealing ring,
is arranged around the top rim of the connector receptacle, such that when the plug-connector
is inserted into the receptacle the sealing element is firmly compressed between the
upper rim of the receptacle and a correspondingly shaped sealing surface provided
on the plug-connector. However, this arrangement has several disadvantages. For one,
the sealing ring is very often exposed to the environment and therefore subjected
to mechanical, chemical or physical stresses, like for example exposure to light and
UV-radiation. Further, the sealing acts against the plug-in direction of the connectors
thereby increasing the necessary insertion force. Further, such a sealing arrangement
produces a biasing force in coupled condition which acts to urge the connector out
of the receptacle of the counter connector. This biasing force of the seal can lead
over time to a weakening of the mechanical connection of plug and counter connector
ultimately leading to an unsatisfactory sealing effect.
[0004] As a result, there exists a need in the art for an improved sealable squib connector,
which offers a reliable sealing action which at the same time does not or barely affect
the connecting process. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide
a sealable connector, in particular for airbag ignition systems, which reduces or
minimizes at least one of the above described problems and/or disadvantages.
3. Summary of the invention
[0005] According to the invention a sealable squib connector or a sealable squib connector
system is provided, in particular for airbag ignition systems for example of passenger
vehicles, which comprises a connector housing comprising a plug-in projection, which
plug-in projection has a mating face at its distal end. In other words, in its broadest
sense the invention relates to a plug connector device. The connector further comprises
a seal expansion element and a resilient sealing ring, which ring is provided at the
mating face of the plug-in projection such that it is arranged between the mating
face and the seal expansion element. Preferably, the mating face has a corresponding
sealing surface onto which the sealing ring is pressed in the fully mated condition
of the connector with its counter connector. The seal expansion element is being movable
against the mating direction towards the mating face from a first or open position
to a second or closed position thereby expanding the sealing ring. Due to this expansion
of the sealing ring it is possible to increase the outer diameter of the ring and
to establish a reliable seal against moisture and / or dust when the squib connector
is mounted in a corresponding connector receptacle. By means of the movable seal expansion
element the seal is thus only established after the insertion of the plug-in projection
into the receptacle is almost or fully completed. As a result, the sealing does not
impair the insertion process.
[0006] Preferably, the sealing ring is arranged around the seal expansion element. In other
words, a portion of the seal expansion element respectively the seal expansion element
itself protrudes through the opening defined by the sealing ring. In one embodiment
the seal expansion element comprises a portion having a diameter larger than the inner
diameter of the unexpanded sealing ring. This portion is positioned outside the interior
of the sealing ring in the first position of the seal expansion element. In this position
of the seal expansion element the sealing ring is preferably not or only very slightly
expanded by the expansion element. In the second position of the expansion element
the larger portion is arranged in the interior of the sealing ring, thereby expanding
the sealing ring.
[0007] In one aspect, the seal expansion element comprises an essentially cylindrical portion
having a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the unexpanded sealing ring, which
cylindrical portion is positioned outside the interior of the sealing ring in the
first position of the expansion element and which portion is arranged in the interior
of the sealing ring in the second position, thereby expanding this sealing ring.
[0008] In a further embodiment the seal expansion element has a portion in the shape of
a truncated cone. This portion can be part of an essentially cylindrical portion.
The smallest diameter of the truncated cone is smaller than the inner diameter of
the sealing ring and the largest diameter of the truncated cone is larger than the
inner diameter. In this way, the sealing ring can be expanded by means of the slanted
surface of the cone when the expansion element and the mating face are moved towards
each other.
[0009] It should be noted, that in certain aspects it makes no difference for the invention,
whether the seal expansion element is moved towards the plug-in projection or whether
the plug-in projection is moved towards the seal expansion element as long as a relative
movement between expansion element and plug-in projection, respectively the mating
face, takes place. In one aspect of the invention the seal expansion element is moveably
mounted on the plug-in projection, such that it can be moved along the axis of mating
direction.
4. Brief description of the preferred embodiments
[0010] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitatively in the
accompanying figures like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective three-dimensional view of one connector according to the present
invention;
Fig. 2 is a partially cut view of the connector of figure 1 showing the connector
in a pre-assembled condition with a plug receptacle;
Fig. 3 corresponds to figure 2 and shows the connector shortly before it is fully
locked with its counter connector together with an enlarged view of a detail of the
connector;
Fig. 4 is a partially cut three-dimensional view showing the connector in its fully
mated condition together with an enlarged view of a detail of the connector; Fig 4'
is a partially cut three-dimensional view showing an alternative solution of this
connector in its fully mated condition together with an enlarged view of a detail
of the connector;
Fig. 5 shows a lateral cross-section of a connector according to the invention as
it is being inserted into a counter connector;
Fig. 6 corresponds to the view of figure 5 with the connector somewhat more inserted
into its counter connector;
Fig. 7 corresponds to figures 5 and 6 showing a pre-locked condition of the connector;
and
Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector in its fully locked condition.
5. Description of the preferred embodiments
[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective three-dimensional view of a SRS connector system according
to the present invention. It comprises a sealable squib connector 10 and a counter
connector 40. The connector is provided with a plug-in projection 11, a seal expansion
element 20 and a sealing ring 30. The sealing ring 30 is may be an O-ring seal. It
may be an elastomer made from synthetic rubber. In one aspect, the connector housing
is provided with a base part for the reception of connector cables and the plug-in
projection extends perpendicular from the base part of the housing.
[0012] Due to the expansion of the sealing ring it is possible to establish a reliable sealing
when the plug-in projection is inserted in a mating connector receptacle. In this
case the sealing ring will be dimensioned such that it will be firmly and sealingly
pressed against the inner walls of the mating receptacle.
[0013] As was mentioned above, the sealable squib connector according to the present invention
is preferably part of the electrical circuitry of an SRS ignition system, for example
of a passenger vehicle. The sealing ring preferably enables a waterproof connection
between the connector and a mated connector in its expanded condition, when the squib
connector is locked with its counter connector.
[0014] The plug-in projection 11 can be inserted into the counter connector 40, which is
shown in the figures in a form of a squib receptacle 40. In the embodiment shown,
the connector 10 is further provided with a base part 13 for the reception of connector
cables 14. The base part 13 has a generally rectangular shape and the plug-in projection
11 extends perpendicular from the same. Further, the plug-in projection 11 is provided
with latching arms 12 on opposite sides thereof to provide for a mechanical fastening
of the connector 10 with the receptacle 40.
[0015] Figure 2 shows the connector of figure 1 in a partially cut view. As can be seen
from the figure, the receptacle 40 is provided with two contact pins 41 and the plug-in
projection of connector 10 is provided with two corresponding contact sleeves 19,
to establish an electrical connection between connector 10 and pins 41. Further, the
receptacle 40 is provided with a latching groove 42 which may act together with the
latching arms 12 of the plug-in projection to mechanically couple connector 10 and
counter connector. Further, it can be seen from figure 2 that the expansion element
20 is provided with openings 21 through which the contact pins 41 can pass. The plug-in
projection 11 is provided with a mating face 16 at its distal end. The mating face
16 is generally perpendicular to the mating direction. Further, it is provided with
an opening 15 for the insertion of the contact pins 41 and with openings 17 (see fig.
3) to receive guiding beams 25 provided on the expansion element. The sealing ring
30 rests on a sloped surface of the expansion element 20 and is not yet expanded,
such that the connector 10 can easily be inserted into the receptacle 40 without having
to overcome any frictional forces between sealing ring and inner side walls of the
receptacle.
[0016] Figure 3 shows the arrangement of figure 2, when the connector 10 is further pushed
into the receptacle 40. In the condition shown in figure 3 the expansion element 20
rests on the bottom of the receptacle, however it is still in its first position and
the sealing ring is not yet expanded.
[0017] In the following, the expansion element 20 will be described in more detail under
reference of the enlarged view of figure 3. The element 20 comprises a generally cylindrical
portion 22 having an outer diameter which is larger than the inner diameter of the
ring 30. Above the cylindrical portion 22 a portion in the shape of a truncated cone
23 is provided. As can be seen from the enlarged view, the smallest diameter of the
truncated cone 23 is smaller than the inner diameter of ring 30 and its largest diameter
is larger than the inner diameter of the ring 30 (and has at the same time the same
diameter as portion 22). Thus, when the expansion element 20 and the mating face 16
of the plug-in projection 11 are moved relative towards each other, the truncated
cone portion 23 moves into and through the opening of the ring pressing the ring radially
outward, thereby expanding the same. In the embodiment shown, the expansion of the
ring is stopped by the inner sidewalls of the receptacle, so that the ring 30 is firmly
pressed between the inner wall of the receptacle and a surface of the mating face
16 and the expansion element. In this way a very reliable seal is provided, which
protects the electrical connection from moisture and dust.
[0018] Figure 4 shows the connector 10 in its end position, and the expansion element in
its so called second position. As can best be seen from the enlarged view of figure
4, the connector 10 and its parts are dimensioned such that the expansion element
20 abuts the mating face of the plug-in projection and the sealing ring 30 is firmly
pressed against the inner sidewall of the receptacle. Further, the cylindrical portion
22 of the expansion element is arranged in the interior of the sealing ring, i.e.
inside of the opening defined by the ring. Since the outer diameter of the cylindrical
portion 22 is larger than the inner diameter of the unexpanded ring, the ring 30 is
radial pressed outwards by the expansion element. Without the inner walls of the receptacle,
the sealing ring would be expanded even further, i.e. the outer diameter of the sealing
ring would be enlarged. However, due to the rigid structure of the receptacle 40,
the expansion of the ring is stopped and the ring is deformed and firmly pressed against
the walls of receptacle, mating surface 16 and expansion element, thereby providing
a reliable and secure sealing.
[0019] The shape of the expansion element 20 is only exemplarily. It should be clear, that
the expansion element could be provided with a shape of a truncated cone only, without
the cylindrical portion 22. On the other hand, the truncated cone 23 is not absolutely
necessary, since the cylindrical portion 22 is sufficient for the expansion effect.
However, the above described shape, in which the essentially cylindrical portion of
the seal expansion element merges in a portion in the shape of a truncated cone, is
a particularly advantageous embodiment, since it facilitates the insertion or movement
of the expansion element into the interior, i.e. opening, of the sealing ring.
[0020] Figures 5 to 8 show the same connector arrangement as figures 1 to 4 in a cross sectional
view. Therefore, like elements are denoted with the same reference number and not
explained further in any detail. Figure 5 shows connector 10 halfway inserted into
receptacle 40. The sealing ring 30 is not expanded and does only slightly contact
the inner walls of receptacle 30, thus almost no frictional force has to be overcome
when inserting connector 10 in receptacle 40. It can be seen that connector 10 and
its elements are formed such that the sealing ring can establish an effective sealing
against the inner walls of the receptacle 40 when it is expanded. The expansion element
20 is shown in its first position. In figure 6, expansion element 20 is still in its
first position and rests on the bottom of receptacle 40. Connector 10 is not yet fully
locked. The expansion element 20 has two guiding beams 25 extending along the axis
of mating direction through openings in the mating face 16 into the plug-in projection
to guide the movement of the seal expansion element. The guiding beams 25 are provided
with stop members 26 (see figure 6) engaging a stop face provided on the plug-in projection
to prevent an unintentional loss of the seal expansion element. As can be seen from
figure 6, the inner diameter D
1 of the unexpanded sealing ring 30 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter D
2 of the cylindrical portion 22 respectively the largest diameter of the truncated
cone portion 23. Further, the outer diameter D
3 of the unexpanded sealing ring is slightly smaller than the inner diameter D
4 of receptacle 40.
[0021] In figure 7, the connector 10 is pushed even further into the receptacle, thereby
pushing the sealing ring 30 along the truncated cone portion 23 over the cylindrical
portion 22 of the expansion element 20 to some extend. In this way, the sealing ring
30 is expanded slightly and pushed outwardly, as indicated by the horizontal arrows
in the sealing ring 30. The expansion element 20 is now in a position between the
first and the second position and the sealing is not yet fully established.
[0022] In figure 8, connector 10 is fully inserted in receptacle 40 and the latching arms
12 are latched in the respective latching groove 42. Expansion element 20 is in its
second position and its portion with the larger diameter than the inner diameter of
the sealing ring (in its unexpanded condition) is arranged in the interior of the
sealing ring, thereby expanding the sealing ring. Due to the inner walls of the receptacle
30, the expansion of the sealing ring is stopped by said walls, so that the sealing
ring is firmly pressed against its surrounding surfaces.
[0023] It should be noted, that usually the receptacle 40 is provided by a different manufacturer
than the connector 10. The receptacle 40 is usually standardized and the manufacturer
of the connector 10 has no influence on the shape and form of the same. Therefore,
the provision of a reliable seal between connector and receptacle is particularly
difficult, since the manufacturer of connector 10 has very limited design alternatives
since he has to consider the given shape of the receptacle 40. With the present invention,
a very reliable sealing is provided which may be applied with a number of different
counter connectors, i.e. connector receptacles, by simply choosing an appropriate
size for sealing ring and expansion element. Further, since the seal is provided inside
of the receptacle it is surrounded on all sides by material, such that it is securely
protected from outside influences, like for example mechanical damages. The sealing
surfaces and the sealing act partly in the horizontal plane in the figures, i.e. perpendicular
to the mating direction of the connectors. Since during the insertion of the connector
10 into the receptacle 40 the sealing ring 30 does not or only slightly contact the
inner side walls of the receptacle, the mating of the connectors is not impaired by
high frictional forces between sealing member and receptacle walls.
[0024] In order to ensure the sealing between the ring 30 and the top connector 10 a minimum
axial sealing pressure is required.
[0025] To this end, in a preferred embodiment, in the closed position of the seal expansion
element 20 tip 27' of a flexible arm 27 is clinched under a complementary part (not
shown) of the cover top connector 10, such a way the sealing pressure is transmitted
from the expansion element 20 to the connector 10 through the tip 27', such a way
the latching arm 12 remains without axial tension.
[0026] Alternatively, the sealing pressure is transmitted through the latching arm 12 to
the latching groove 42 of receptacle 40 and back to the expansion element 20.
[0027] In an alternative solution, as can be seen in Fig.4', the receptacle element can
have a cavity for receiving the sealing ring 30, this cavity having the shape of the
former expansion element 20.
1. Sealable squib connector system, in particular for SRS ignition systems, comprising
- a connector housing comprising a plug-in projection (11), having a mating face (16)
at its distal end;
- a counter connector for receiving the plug-in projection (11);
- a resilient sealing ring (30);
characterized in that the connector system further comprises a seal expansion element (20) having its largest
diameter larger than the inner diameter of the ring (30) so that the seal expansion
element is capable to press radially outwards the sealing ring thereby expanding the
same.
2. Sealable squib connector, in particular for SRS ignition systems, comprising
- a connector housing comprising a plug-in projection (11), which plug-in projection
is intended to be mated in a counter connector and has a mating face (16) at its distal
end;
- a resilient sealing ring (30);
characterized in that the connector further comprises a seal expansion element (20) having its largest
diameter larger than the inner diameter of the ring (30) so that the seal expansion
is capable to press radially outwards the sealing ring thereby expanding the same.
3. Sealable squib connector according to claim 2, wherein seal expansion element (20)
is movable in the mating direction from a first position to a second position thereby
expanding the sealing ring (30).
4. Sealable squib connector according to claim 3, wherein the seal expansion element
(20) is movably mounted on the plug-in projection (11), such that it can be moved
along the axis of mating direction relative to the mating face (16) of the plug-in
projection (11).
5. Sealable squib connector according to any of the claims 2-4, wherein the seal expansion
element (20) has at least one guiding beam (25) extending along the axis of mating
direction of the connector through an aperture (17) in the mating face (16) into the
plug-in projection (11) to guide the movement of the seal expansion element.
6. Sealable squib connector according to claim 5, wherein the at least one guiding beam
(25) is provided with at least one stop member (26) engaging a stop face provided
on the plug in-projection to prevent an unintentional loss of the seal expansion element.
7. Sealable squib connector according claims 2-6, wherein the sealing ring (30) is arranged
around the seal expansion element (20).
8. Sealable squib connector according claims 2-7, wherein the seal expansion element
(20) comprises a portion having a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the unexpanded
sealing ring (30), which portion is positioned outside the interior of the sealing
ring in the first position of the seal expansion element and which portion is arranged
in the interior of the sealing ring in the second position, thereby expanding the
sealing ring.
9. Sealable squib connector according to claim 2-8 , wherein the seal expansion element
(20) comprises an essentially cylindrical portion (22) having a diameter (D2) larger than the inner diameter (D1) of the unexpanded sealing ring (30), which cylindrical portion is positioned outside
the interior of the sealing ring in the first position of the seal expansion element
and which cylindrical portion is arranged in the interior of the sealing ring in the
second position, thereby expanding the sealing ring.
10. Sealable squib connector according to claim 2-9, wherein the essentially cylindrical
portion (22) of the seal expansion element (20) has a portion (23) in the shape of
a truncated cone, wherein the smallest diameter of the truncated cone (23) is smaller
than the inner diameter of the sealing ring and the largest diameter (D2) of the truncated cone (23) is larger than the inner diameter (D1) of the unexpanded sealing ring, whereby the sealing ring is expanded by means of
said truncated surface (23) when the plug-in projection is mated in the counter connector.
1. Abdichtbares Squib-Verbindersystem, insbesondere für Zündungssysteme von Sicherheitsrückhaltsystemen
(SRS), umfassend:
ein Verbindergehäuse umfassend einen Steckvorsprung (11), mit einem Steckgesicht (16)
an seinem distalen Ende;
ein Gegenverbinder zur Aufnahme des Steckvorsprungs (11);
einen nachgiebigen Dichtring (30); dadurch gekennzeichnet,
dass das Verbindersystem weiter ein Dichtexpansionselement (20) umfasst, dessen größter
Durchmesser größer ist als der innere Durchmesser des Rings (30), so dass das Dichtexpansionselement
in der Lage ist, den Dichtungsring radial nach außen zu pressen, wodurch derselbe
gedehnt wird.
2. Abdichtbarer Squib-Verbinder, insbesondere für Zündsysteme von Sicherheitsrückhaltsystemen,
umfassend:
ein Verbindergehäuse, umfassend einen Steckvorsprung (11),
welcher Steckvorsprung eingerichtet ist, um mit einem Gegenverbinder gesteckt zu werden
und ein Steckgesicht (16) an seinem distalen Ende aufweist;
ein nachgiebiger Dichtring (30);
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Verbinder weiter ein Dichtexpansionselement (20) aufweist, dessen größter Durchmesser
größer ist als der innere Durchmesser des Rings (30), so dass das Dichtexpansionselement
in der Lage ist, den Dichtring radial nach außen zu pressen, wodurch derselbe gedehnt
wird.
3. Abdichtbarer Squib-Verbinder gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei das Dichtexpansionselement (20)
in der Steckrichtung von einer ersten Position zu einer zweiten Position bewegbar
ist, wodurch der Dichtring (30) gedehnt wird.
4. Abdichtbarer Squib-Verbinder gemäß Anspruch 3, wobei das Dichtexpansionselement (20)
beweglich an dem Steckvorsprung (11) montiert ist, so dass es entlang der Steckrichtungachse
relativ zu dem Steckgesicht (16) des Steckvorsprungs (11) bewegt werden kann.
5. Abdichtbarer Squib-Verbinder gemäß einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 4, wobei das Dichtexpansionselement
(20) zumindest einen Führungssteg (25) aufweist, der sich entlang der Steckrichtungsachse
des Verbinders durch eine Öffnung (17) in dem Steckgesicht (16) in den Steckvorsprung
(11) erstreckt, um die Bewegung des Dichtexpansionselements zu führen.
6. Abdichtbarer Squib-Verbinder gemäß Anspruch 5, wobei der zumindest eine Führungssteg
(25) mit zumindest einem Anschlagsteil (26) versehen ist, welches eine Anschlagsfläche
angreift, die an dem Steckvorsprung vorgesehen ist, um ein unbeabsichtiges Lösen des
Dichtexpansionselements zu verhindern.
7. Abdichtbarer Squib-Verbinder gemäß Ansprüchen 2 bis 6, wobei der Dichtungsring (30)
um das Dichtexpansionselement (20) herum angeordnet ist.
8. Abdichtbarer Squib-Verbinder gemäß Ansprüchen 2 bis 7, wobei das Dichtexpansionselement
(20) einen Teil umfasst, der einen Durchmesser hat, der größer ist als der innere
Durchmesser des nicht gedehnten Dichtungsrings (30), welcher Teil außerhalb des Inneren
des Dichtungsrings in der ersten Position des Dichtexpansionselements positioniert
ist und welcher Teil in dem Inneren des Dichtungsrings in der zweiten Position angeordnet
ist, wodurch der Dichtungsring gedehnt wird.
9. Abdichtbarer Squib-Verbinder gemäß einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 8, wobei das Dichtexpansionselement
(20) einen im Wesentlichen zylindrischen Teil (22) umfasst, der einen Durchmesser
(D2) hat, der größer ist als der innere Durchmesser (D1) des nicht gedehnten Dichtungsrings (30), welcher zylindrische Teil außerhalb des
Inneren des Dichtungsrings in der ersten Position des Dichtexpansionselements positioniert
ist und welcher zylindrische Teil in dem Inneren des Dichtungsrings in der zweiten
Position angeordnet ist, wodurch der Dichtungsring gedehnt wird.
10. Abdichtbarer Squib-Verbinder gemäß einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 9, wobei der im Wesentlichen
zylindrische Teil (22) des Dichtexpansionselements (20) einen Teil (23) in der Form
eines Kegelstumpfs aufweist, wobei der kleinste Durchmesser des Kegelstumpfs (23) kleiner ist als der innere Durchmesser des Dichtungsrings und der größte Durchmesser
(D2) des Kegelstumpfs (23) größer ist als der innere Durchmesser (D1) des nicht gedehnten Dichtungsrings, wobei der Dichtungsring mittels der Kegelstumpffläche
(23) gedehnt wird, wenn der Steckvorsprung mit dem Gegenverbinder gesteckt ist.
1. Système de connecteur d'amorce apte à être scellé, destiné en particulier à des systèmes
de déclenchement de coussins gonflables, comprenant :
- un boîtier de connecteur comprenant une projection enfichable (11) ayant une face
d'appariement (16) à son extrémité distale ;
- un contre-connecteur destiné à recevoir la projection enfichable (11) ;
- une bague d'étanchéité élastique (30) ;
caractérisé en ce que le système de connecteur comprend en outre un élément d'expansion de joint d'étanchéité
(20) ayant son plus grand diamètre plus grand que le diamètre intérieur de la bague
(30) de sorte que l'élément d'expansion de joint d'étanchéité soit capable d'exercer
une pression radiale vers l'extérieur sur la bague d'étanchéité, étendant ainsi celle-ci
2. Connecteur d'amorce apte à être scellé, destiné en particulier à des systèmes de déclenchement
de coussins gonflables, comprenant :
- un boîtier de connecteur comprenant une projection enfichable (11), laquelle projection
enfichable est destinée à être appariée dans un contre-connecteur et a une face d'appariement
(16) à son extrémité distale ;
- une bague d'étanchéité élastique (30) ;
caractérisé en ce que le connecteur comprend en outre un élément d'expansion de joint d'étanchéité (20)
ayant son plus grand diamètre plus grand que le diamètre intérieur de la bague (30)
de sorte que l'élément d'expansion de joint d'étanchéité soit capable d'exercer une
pression radiale vers l'extérieur sur la bague d'étanchéité, étendant ainsi celle-ci.
3. Connecteur d'amorce apte à être scellé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel l'élément
d'expansion de joint d'étanchéité (20) est mobile dans la direction d'appariement
d'une première position à une seconde position, étendant ainsi la bague d'étanchéité
(30).
4. Connecteur d'amorce apte à être scellé selon la revendication 3, dans lequel l'élément
d'expansion de joint d'étanchéité (20) est monté de manière mobile sur la projection
enfichable (11), de sorte qu'il puisse être déplacé le long de l'axe de la direction
d'appariement relative à la face d'appariement (16) de la projection enfichable (11).
5. Connecteur d'amorce apte à être scellé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2
à 4, dans lequel l'élément d'expansion de joint d'étanchéité (20) a au moins une poutre
de guidage (25) s'étendant le long de l'axe de la direction d'appariement du connecteur
à travers une ouverture (17) dans la face d'appariement (16) vers la projection enfichable
(11) afin de guider le mouvement de l'élément d'expansion de joint d'étanchéité.
6. Connecteur d'amorce apte à être scellé selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le ou
les poutres de guidage (25) sont pourvues d'au moins un membre d'arrêt (26) en prise
avec une face d'arrêt située sur la projection enfichable afin d'empêcher une perte
non intentionnelle de l'élément d'expansion de joint d'étanchéité.
7. Connecteur d'amorce apte à être scellé selon les revendications 2 à 6, dans lequel
la bague d'étanchéité (30) est disposée autour de l'élément d'expansion de joint d'étanchéité
(20).
8. Connecteur d'amorce apte à être scellé selon les revendications 2 à 7, dans lequel
l'élément d'expansion de joint d'étanchéité (20) comprend une partie ayant un diamètre
plus grand que le diamètre intérieur de la bague d'étanchéité non étendue (30), ladite
partie étant positionnée en dehors de l'intérieur de la bague d'étanchéité à la première
position de l'élément d'expansion de joint d'étanchéité et ladite partie étant disposée
à l'intérieur de la bague d'étanchéité à la seconde position, étendant ainsi la bague
d'étanchéité.
9. Connecteur d'amorce apte à être scellé selon les revendications 2 à 8, dans lequel
l'élément d'expansion de joint d'étanchéité (20) comprend une partie essentiellement
cylindrique (22) ayant un diamètre (D2) plus grand que le diamètre intérieur (D1) de la bague d'étanchéité non étendue (30), ladite partie cylindrique étant positionnée
en dehors de l'intérieur de la bague d'étanchéité à la première position de l'élément
d'expansion de joint d'étanchéité et ladite partie cylindrique est disposée à l'intérieur
de la bague d'étanchéité à la seconde position, étendant ainsi la bague d'étanchéité.
10. Connecteur d'amorce apte à être scellé selon les revendications 2 à 9, dans lequel
la partie essentiellement cylindrique (22) de l'élément d'expansion de joint d'étanchéité
(20) a une partie (23) présentant la forme d'un cône tronqué, le plus petit diamètre
du cône tronqué (23) étant plus petit que le diamètre intérieur de la bague d'étanchéité
et le plus grand diamètre (D2) du cône tronqué (23) étant plus grand que le diamètre intérieur (D1) de la bague d'étanchéité non étendue, la bague d'étanchéité étant étendue au moyen
de la surface tronquée (23) lorsque la projection enfichable est appariée dans le
contre-connecteur.