LOCKABLE CONNECTOR

摘要

The invention relates to a connection assembly (10) which comprises: a socket (12) provided with connection pins (18); a plug (14) provided with matching connection pins (24) and suitable for being inserted on the socket (12); and a means (82) for locking the plug (14) relative to the socket (12) while the matching pins (18, 24) are engaged; in which the locking means comprises: a bolt (80) secured to either the plug (14) or the socket (12), said bolt (80) comprising a barrel (84) provided with balls (86) movable between a locking position in which said balls are projecting in relation to the barrel (84) and a position in which said balls are retracted inside the barrel (84), and a rod (88) for retaining the balls in the locking position thereof, said rod (88) being movable relative to the barrel (84) between a position in which the balls (86) are released and a position in which the balls (86) are retained in the locked and projecting position thereof, a shaft (82) arranged in the other one of the plug (14) or the socket (12), said shaft (82) being suitable for at least partially receiving the bolt (80) and having a groove (122) for receiving the balls (86) in the locked and projecting position thereof, and said shaft comprises a spring (90) for returning the rod (88) towards the ball-retaining position thereof, and the rod (88) has a cam surface (114) suitable for pushing the balls (86) back into the locked position thereof when the spring (90) urges the rod (88) towards the retaining position thereof. The spring (90) is such that, when the rod (88) is moved in order to release the balls (86), the return force exerted by the spring (90) is less than the sum of the separating forces exerted between the plug (14) and the socket (12).