DE202008005100U1 - Plug connection with adapter housings for receiving a plug or a socket arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

Plug-in connection with a first male connector (2) and a second female connector (3), having the following features:
a. the first connector (2) has an outer adapter protective housing arrangement - an adapter housing (4) - into which a plug arrangement (9) for connecting at least optical waveguides and / or electrical conductors is inserted,
b. the second female connector (3) has an outer adapter protective housing assembly - an adapter housing (5) - in which a bushing assembly (10) is inserted,
c. wherein the two adapter housings (4, 5) can be coupled together, in particular can be locked,
d. the bushing assembly (10) further comprising locking means (11) in the adapter housing (5), which are themselves adapted to realize a lockable push-pull connection,
e. and wherein in the adapter housing (4) of the plug-type connector inserted plug assembly (9) further comprises locking means which realize in conjunction with the bushing assembly (9) a locked connection,
characterized in that
f. in the adapter housing (4) of the plug-type connector ...

Description

The The invention relates to a connector according to the preamble of the claim 1.

connectors the generic type allow the Use of the plug-in connectors inserted into the adapter housings and bushing arrangements even in harsh environments - for example in production plants or vehicles - by reaching a compared to the protection class - usually IP20 - the inner plug and socket arrangement higher protection class such as IP65 or IP67.

A first such arrangement for a telephone plug is from the US 4,349,236 (Bell Telephone Laboratories).

The idea of achieving higher requirements from environmental classifications, for example, in the US 6,475,009 B2 and the US 6,595,791 B2 , These documents disclose various adapter plug housings and adapter jack housings which are each suitable for receiving RJ45 plugs or RJ45 jacks. In this context is also the DE 102 36 275 B3 called.

Further optimized solutions show the DE 20 2006 011 910 and the EP 1 848 068 A1 , In these publications, adapter housings are disclosed which are suitable not only for receiving plug and socket assemblies for connecting electrical conductors but also for plug and socket assemblies of other types, in particular for receiving plug and socket assemblies for connecting optical fibers.

there However, another problem may occur. Many plug arrangements for connecting optical fibers, such as SC connectors and socket assemblies, are built as a so-called "push-pull" plug, the have an outer part which is relative to an inner part is displaceable by a limited path. To the Solving such plug arrangements, it is necessary that external Housing the connector assembly to this defined way relative to the inner housing to move, z. B. to one Release the lock between the plug and socket arrangements to be able to.

These Solution has proven itself. need for improvement But there is in terms of the use of such SC connector lower degree of protection such as IP20 in adapter housings for realization a higher degree of protection such as IP65 or more.

After DE 10 2006 000 702 A1 is in order to solve the push-pull connection of the SC plug and socket assembly even with the use of an adapter housing, proposed to form the outer adapter housing for receiving the one connector part in two parts, wherein the two housing parts to a limited travel by stops relative are mutually displaceable. In this way, while the locking of the IP67 adapter housing, the locking of the SC-RJ insert and the locking of an IP20-SC-RJ connector on the IP67 side of a socket for service purposes can be solved, but it is a two-part, limited in itself to realize sliding housing, which is relatively expensive to handle and not very stable.

It was therefore already considered to override the locking of the SC-RJ insert. Among other things, the use of a uniform protective housing for a wide variety of copper and fiber optic applications was considered. In the previously envisaged solution remains one of the two plug assemblies low degree of protection - especially the SC socket arrangement unchanged, so that it is still possible, this part, for example, for testing and service purposes with a "standard" SC plug assembly in the push -Pull standard or according to the standard without outer adapter part to connect.This means that in case of service to the used in an adapter housing SC-socket assembly, which according to the standard IEC 874-19 is constructed, a connector assembly according to this standard can be coupled without adapter housing, wherein the parts z. B. are latched together on a latching hook.

This is achieved by placing in the associated adapter housing used SC connector assembly a modified design such that the latching hooks of the SC socket arrangement during Plug together with the SC connector in the adapter housing be bent outwards.

at The proposed solution, it may happen that after permanent plugging (over years) of an IP67 plug connection no IP20 connector can be latched for service purposes, because before the Background of the high temperatures in the transceiver the SC retaining clips by widening (overriding) permanently deformed can not and will no longer be engaged. This It is therefore a problem to fix.

The invention has the object to further develop the aforementioned solution in such a way that even after years still a coupling of the recorded in an adapter housing socket assembly with push-pull locking means with a push-pull connector assembly without adapter protective housing is possible. It is This task is not limited to connectors with plug and socket parts in the SC standard but it is generally a beneficial integration of IP20 push-pull connectors (such as the SC or the SC-RJ) in a connector protective housing higher degree of protection (eg IP67), as exemplified by - but not limited to - the industry standard proposals IEC 61076-3-117 or IEC 61076-3-106 are shown. For testing purposes, moreover, a push-pull connection should also be feasible, in which the plug arrangement is not provided with an adapter housing.

The Invention solves this problem by the subject matter of the claim 1.

After that is the in the adapter housing of the male connector used plug assembly designed such that the locking means the socket assembly in the mated state with the corresponding Locking means of the connector assembly cooperate in such a way that a locking is realized which the plug arrangement and the bushing arrangement below a predetermined limit force with each other locked, and which is further designed such that the lock after exceeding a limit operating force by pure axial Auseinaderziehen plug and socket arrangement is solvable.

In order to it remains possible even after years of use, the connector with the two adapter protective housing after unlocking the outer protective housing lock to solve and then to the inner, preferably standardized Socket assembly of the female connector, a connector assembly to set and lock / latch, which in per se known Way over to the locking means, in particular latching hook, corresponding locking means of a push-pull connection which makes tests and the like feasible.

To the unlocking of z. B. designed in the protection IP67 protective housing is alone by axial pulling and the locking of the connector insert (eg SC-RJ) solved. Such an adapter housing be used or realized, which nevertheless for a wide variety of electrical conductors (eg copper: RJ45, USB, ...) and fiber optic inserts (eg SC-RJ, LC duplex, ...) can be used is to high cost of individual protective housing to avoid the bets

An essential advantage of the solution according to the invention is to be seen in the fact that a much more robust and simpler constructed adapter housing is used, as in the DE 10 2006 000 702 A1 proposed. In particular, it is possible to dispense with the relative displaceability of the two housing parts on a cable gland and on the mating face.

moreover it remains possible, the rule of some industry standards according to which the latching of IP20 fiber optic connectors For service purposes also on the IP67 side of flanges / wall ducts and devices must be possible.

It can on a two-piece expensive connector housing with axial Displacement of the two housing parts and the stops be waived.

It is also possible, an identical connector housing for all copper and fiber optic applications. It is possible that an IP20 service plug is still after Years on the IP67 side of a wall duct or one IP67 device securely locked. It will also be a uniform, quick and easy installation from the front without any errors. It also results in a robust design, in which during assembly can not break anything on the items.

Advantageous is also that throwing a fiber loop of up to 2 mm through axial pressure on the back of the screw is avoided. Also one Increase of insertion loss is avoided just as the transferring the displacement force of the sliding sleeve over the fibers can be avoided.

It is also possible, the solution easy on to transfer existing IP67 protective housing variants (same operations) and so a modular concept with to create a variety of uses.

Preferably the latching is so strong that when plugged in of the IP67 connector (with integrated spring loaded ferrules) the spring force the ferrules are safely received and thereby the 2 × SC plug insert and the SCRJ transceiver form a closed force system (The system does not exert any external forces). On the other hand, the locking is designed so that they themselves Release with a defined force when pulling the IP67 connector leaves and remains undamaged. For this purpose, the "Undercut" designed so that a defined force (i. d. R. 22 N per SC connector).

The Lock the two outer adapter housings can in itself in any way or with any locking means be done, so the locking can for example by means of a screw, by means of a bayonet lock or by means of locking means.

Further advantageous embodiments are the dependent claims remove.

following The invention will be described with reference to the drawing based on embodiments explained in more detail, wherein also further advantages of the invention become clear. It shows:

1a a first perspective view of a first connector with an adapter housing with a novel plug assembly inserted therein;

1b a second perspective view of the arrangement 1 ;

1c an explosive view of an adapter housing of the connector 1a and 1b ;

2 a section through a section of the connecting portion between the male connector according to the type 1 inserted in a second corresponding female connector;

3a a section through the connection area between the female connector 2 with an SC service connector assembly without an adapter protective housing;

3b an excerpt from 3a ; and

4a an SC connector assembly having a subframe and two inserts;

4b one of the inserts 4a ;

4c the subframe off 4a ; and

5a Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the function of locking the straightener assembly to the bushing assembly.

2 shows a section through a portion of a connector 1 with a first male connector 2 ( 1 ) and a second, female connector 3 ,

The first connector 2 has an outer adapter protective housing assembly - hereinafter referred to as adapter housing 4 referred to - in which an inner connector assembly 9 is inserted, something in the direction of the mating face from the adapter housing 4 protrudes.

The bushing arrangement 3 also has an outer adapter protective housing arrangement - hereafter briefly as an adapter housing 5 referred to - in which an inner bushing arrangement 10 is used.

An explosive view of the adapter housing 4 is in 1c displayed.

The multipart adapter housing of 1c Although advantageous, but the invention is in principle not only for this but also for differently constructed one or more parts adapter housing. It is advantageous that the adapter housing 4 Although it is multi-part, but that is not a housing part to the cable gland and a housing part is to be determined on the mating face, which are relatively displaceable. In that regard, the housing is robust, although it may also have quite displaceable parts such as a locking sleeve or the like. To locking means of a push-pull lock between the adapter housings 4 . 5 to realize.

The adapter socket housing 5 of the 2 to 4 are formed as a flange housing, ie, they have a flange 18 with mounting holes, which can be penetrated by screws, for example, to attach the flange housing, for example, on a housing wall on which a passage is realized.

The two adapter housings 4 . 5 can be coupled together, they can be connected and detachable in the manner of a push-pull connection. By locking the two adapter housings, a connection in the high protection class such as IP67 is created. For this purpose, the two adapter housing 4 . 5 inter alia locking means 6 . 7 as well as seals 8th and other functional elements.

The two adapter housings 4 . 5 are designed to each of the plug assembly 9 and the bushing order 10 Protected, which are designed in a relative to the high protection class of the adapter housing such as IP65 or higher lower protection class such as IP 20.

The adapter housing 4 . 5 are - as far as the above functions are realized - in itself largely arbitrarily ausgestaltbar. In this respect, reference is made to the prior art mentioned above.

Be the connectors 2 . 3 coupled or mated, is a photoconductive or electrically conductive connection between corresponding contact areas of the connector assembly 9 and the bushing arrangement 10 created. The adapter housing 4 . 5 are also coupled together and preferably locked together.

The adapter housing 4 . 5 are preferably - but not necessarily - designed so that they accommodate a variety of plug or socket assemblies 9 . 10 are formed, which may include RJ45 and other systems for connecting electrical conductors and various systems for connecting optical fibers.

The adapter housing 4 . 5 are at least designed such that they accept plug arrangements 9 or socket arrangements 10 are formed, which serve for the coupling of optical waveguides. The adapter housing 4 . 5 are preferably designed such that in them plug arrangements 9 and bushing arrangements 10 z. B. in the so-called RJ45 standard, LC duplex or 2SC at a distance of a SC-RJ can be used.

In the connector according to the invention is preferred in the adapter housing 5 of the female connector 3 a bushing arrangement 10 used for optical waveguides, the coupling means, in particular at least one or more latching hooks, 11 to realize a lockable push-pull connection. In particular, the bushing arrangement 10 in the second adapter housing 5 is used, designed as a so-called SC, in particular as a SCRJ socket arrangement.

The bushing arrangement 10 is so in the adapter housing 5 added that it is possible to type them according to 3 with the plug arrangement 9 ' to couple, which is formed in the same industry standard, ie in particular also as a so-called SC connector assembly, in particular as a SCRJ connector assembly, which corresponding coupling means, in particular at least one or more recesses 12 and a sliding housing part 35 has to unlock for the realization of the push-pull connection.

This arrangement (see the reference numeral 9 ' ) is in 3 shown. In this way, the first connector part with a standard connector part 9 ' without an external adapter protective housing, the push-pull coupling or locking means acting ( 3 ).

In the first adapter housing 4 the plug-type connector 2 on the other hand is a plug arrangement 9 used ( 2 ), although the connector assembly 9 ' with respect to the mating face corresponds, but which is configured differently with respect to the locking means for locking on the bushing arrangement.

To 1 to 4 has the plug assembly 9 the plug-type connector 2 in the adapter housing 4 is inserted, two 2SC inserts 13 on that in a subframe 14 at a distance from a SC-RJ connector held in the adapter housing 4 is held. The 2SC bets 13 take ferrules each 33 ( 1 ) on top of a spring 34 at the SC use 13 are supported.

It is therefore useful if the holding forces / cogging forces are dimensioned so that it is prevented from the sprung Ferrules force across the transceiver at one PCB act on the other hand, the latch is dimensioned so that when plugged in the IP67 connector (with integrated sprung Ferrules) the spring force of the ferrules is safely absorbed and thereby the 2 × SC-Steckereinsatz and the SCRJ transceiver forming a closed force system (acting out of the system no external forces). In addition, it is achieved that the locking when pulling the IP67 connector with a defined Release effort and undamaged remains.

This is at the SC deployment 13 one locking edge each 31 is formed, which is the latching hook 11 engages behind in the assembled state. This locking edge 31 but perpendicular to the axial direction X has a lower height than the locking edge 12 the connector assembly 9 ' out 3 ,

The latching means are configured such that the push-pull coupling means, in particular the at least one or the latching hooks 11 the bushing arrangement 10 when plugged together or in the assembled state of the connector 2 and 3 although behind a locking edge 31 the connector assembly 9 locked, additionally secured by a locking hook 11 opposite surface 32 on a subframe 14 However, this latching is dimensioned such that it by axially pulling apart the socket assembly and the plug assembly 10 . 9 solve again (see 5a c).

For this purpose, the holding force on the locking edge 31 z. B. designed so that a defined force (usually 22 N per SC connector) is held.

The holding force is determined by the height and the "sharp edge" of the substantially perpendicular to the axial direction or plug-in direction extending locking edge 31 , The locking edge 31 (Hinterrastungskontur) can also be realized by a hump

The cogging forces can be increased by the latching hook 11 of the SCRJ transceiver or jack assembly 10 at a deflection by the in the assembled state relative to the latching hook 11 outer support surface 32 is prevented.

This the latch hook 11 securing or on the deflection hindering support surface 32 is by a slope or a relative to the axial direction X oblique projection 36 formed on the zinc die-cast adapter of the IP67 connector. The slope runs - relative to the insertion direction X in 2 - with increasing X from outside to inside. The angle α is z. Between 5 and 65 ° ( 5a ).

Here are the support surfaces 32 or the projections 36 dimensioned and designed so that they on the one hand hold the latching hook in the position, on the other hand release the latching hook with sufficient tensile forces on the plug part in the direction X.

To 4 are a total of four projections 36 with support surfaces 32 - per ferrule two each - provided.

Preferably, at least one support surface 32 bevelled at an angle to the insertion direction X formed. With appropriate tensile force, the oblique projection-like support surface performs a horizontal movement, which releases the way for the latching hook due to the slope in the vertical direction; ie it forms a gap, which is closed immediately, because the latch hook 11 on the sloping surface 32 slides. Such a support surface 32 is known per se. However, it is designed according to the prior art so that it either bends the latching hook, so that it is completely out of action or such that a total of just not releasable by axial pulling on the plug part latching is realized. According to the prior art is in plug assemblies on the type of 3 First, pushing back a housing portion of the connector assembly required to solve the latch can.

The subframe 14 also has a partition between the inserts 19 on and an upper and a lower cover wall 20 . 21 wherein the partition protrudes toward the mating face over the cover walls. The projections 36 with the support surface 21 are here depending on the upper and the lower cover wall 20 . 21 formed.

In addition, one or two each receiving geometries, preferably grooves 15 in (preferably facing away from each other) surfaces of the cover walls 20 . 21 the SC missions 13 formed, with one or more counter-geometries, preferably webs 16 or the like., in recording areas 17 of the subframe 14 for the SC missions 13 cooperate to set the SC inserts on the subframe in the axial direction - ie in the insertion direction.

It should be noted that in 1c shown adapter housing a basic housing section 22 has, over the one here two-piece locking sleeve 23 is pluggable, which for realizing a push-pull function in conjunction with the adapter housing 5 serves. Several latch hook arrangements 24 serve to determine the connector assembly, in which case a free space in the basic housing section 22 is designed so large that in the basic housing section 22 before the insertion of the connector assembly previously an intermediate frame 30 can be used, which for receiving the actual connector assembly 9 serves. At the base housing section 22 is also a Kabelverschraubungsabschnitt 25 formed, with the cable gland still elements 26 . 27 and 28 belong. It is advantageous that the actual basic housing section 22 does not have a plurality of relatively displaceable parts, so that the housing is particularly stable and easy to handle.

Will be the first connector 2 with the second connector 3 put together, on the one hand come to the effect of means which a lock between the adapter housings 4 . 5 realize and also means which a lock between the connector assembly 9 and the bushing arrangement 10 realize, but this is dimensioned in contrast to the lock on the adapter housings such that the connector assembly 9 and the bushing assembly are separable by pulling only.

By a narrower version of the inclined support surface 32 or the projection and the Hinterrastungskontur 11 . 31 Alternatively, an offset arrangement of these two contours could be achieved (not shown here). By offset in the area of the latching hook contour of the SCRJ transceiver and only partially existing, inclined support surfaces 32 and stop edges 31 , could the locking hook twist in itself; Thus, the locking hook could escape without blocking by the inclined support surface. This avoids damage to the latching hook (not shown here).

1

connector

2, 3

Connectors

4, 5

Adapter housing (plug, flange)

6 7

locking means

8th

seals

9

plug assembly

9 '

plug assembly

10

socket order

11

Latch hook, locking means

12

recesses

13

SC inserts

14

subframe

15

recording geometries

16

against geometries

17

receiving areas

18

flange

19

partition wall

20 21

cover wall

22

Basic housing section

23

locking sleeve

24

Latch hook assemblies

25

Kabelverschraubungsabschnitt

26 27 and 28

elements

29

housing wall

30

intermediate frame

31

catch edge

32

area

33

ferrules

34

feather

35

housing part

36

head Start

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 4349236 [0003]
• - US 6475009 B2 [0004]
• US 6595791 B2 [0004]
• - DE 10236275 B3 [0004]
• - DE 202006011910 [0005]
• - EP 1848068 A1 [0005]
• - DE 102006000702 A1 [0008, 0017]

Cited non-patent literature

• - IEC 874-19 [0009]
• - IEC 61076-3-117 [0012]
• - IEC 61076-3-106 [0012]

Claims (14)

Plug connection with a first plug-type connector ( 2 ) and a second, female connector ( 3 ), having the following characteristics: a. the first connector ( 2 ) has an outer adapter protective housing arrangement - an adapter housing ( 4 ) - into which a plug assembly ( 9 ) is used for connecting at least of optical waveguides and / or electrical conductors, b. the second female connector ( 3 ) has an outer adapter protective housing arrangement - an adapter housing ( 5 ) - into which a socket arrangement ( 10 ), c. where the two adapter housings ( 4 . 5 ) coupled to each other, in particular lockable, are, d. the bushing arrangement ( 10 ) in the adapter housing ( 5 ) locking means ( 11 ), which per se are designed to realize a lockable push-pull connection, e. and wherein in the adapter housing ( 4 ) of the plug-type connector inserted connector assembly ( 9 ) further comprises locking means, in cooperation with the bushing arrangement ( 9 ) realize a locked connection, characterized in that f. into the adapter housing ( 4 ) of the plug-type connector inserted connector assembly ( 9 ) is designed such that the locking means ( 11 ) of the bushing arrangement ( 10 ) in the assembled state with the corresponding locking means ( 31 . 32 ) of the plug arrangement ( 9 ) cooperate in such a way that a locking is realized, which the plug arrangement ( 9 ) and the bushing arrangement ( 10 ) is locked together below a predetermined limit force, and which is further designed such that the lock after exceeding a Grenzbetätigungskraft by pure axial pulling apart of plug and socket assembly ( 10 . 9 ) are detachable. Plug connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter housing ( 4 . 5 ) are at least designed such that they are suitable for receiving plug assemblies ( 9 ) or socket arrangements ( 10 ), which are used to couple standard optical waveguides ( 9 ' ) serve. Plug connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the adapter housing ( 5 ) of the female connector ( 3 ) a bushing arrangement ( 10 ) is used for an optical fiber connection, which as the locking means at least one or more latching hooks ( 11 ) for realizing a push-pull connection. Plug connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bushing arrangement ( 10 ) in the adapter housing ( 5 ) a plug arrangement ( 9 ' ) without adapter housing ( 4 ) attachable to the locking means ( 11 ) of the bushing arrangement ( 10 ) and coupling with these locking means, in particular one or more latching recesses or locking edges ( 12 ), having. Plug connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bushing arrangement ( 10 ) in the second adapter housing ( 5 ) is used as SC, in particular as a SCRJ socket arrangement ( 10 ) is trained. Plug connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug arrangement ( 9 ' ) at least one or more recesses ( 12 ) and a relative to the optical waveguides movable housing part ( 35 ) for realizing the push-pull connection. Plug connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug arrangement ( 9 ) of the plug-type connector ( 2 ) in the adapter housing ( 4 ), one or more, in particular two 2SC inserts ( 13 ) located in the subframe ( 14 ) are kept at the distance of an SC-RJ connector, which in the adapter housing ( 4 ), the 2SC inserts ( 13 ) each ferrule ( 33 ) received via a spring ( 34 ) on the SC insert ( 13 ) are supported. Plug connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the subframe ( 14 ) at least one or more locking edge (s) ( 31 ) is / are formed, which in each case one of the latching hooks ( 11 ) engages behind in the assembled state. Plug connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one latching edge ( 31 ) and the at least one latching hook ( 11 ) are formed in such a way and with a support surface ( 32 ) on the subframe ( 14 ) cooperate such that the latch can be solved by purely axial pulling apart of the socket assembly and the connector assembly again. Plug connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support surface ( 32 ) relative to the respective latching hook ( 11 ) is in the assembled state outside of the subframe. Plug connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support surface ( 32 ) is designed as obliquely to the direction of insertion X angled surface Plug connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching hook ( 11 ) securing or deflecting on the support surface 32 by a slope or a relative to the axial direction X oblique projection ( 36 ) on the subframe ( 14 ) is formed. Plug connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support surface ( 32 ) is so narrow that the latching hook ( 11 ) when pulling apart plug and socket arrangement ( 9 . 10 ) can be released by twisting from the Verrastungsstellung. Plug connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more receiving geometries ( 15 ) in areas of SC missions ( 13 ) formed with one or more counter-geometries ( 16 ) in reception areas ( 17 ) of the subframe ( 14 ) for the SC missions ( 13 ) work together to complete the SC missions ( 13 ) to the subframe in the axial direction - ie in the insertion direction - set.