DE202008005461U1 - connection device - Google Patents

Abstract

Connection device (1) for connecting a cable (2) with at least one signal conductor (3, 4) and in particular optical waveguides (3, 4) by means of a plug (6) provided on a housing (5) to a signal connection (7), wherein the Housing (5) is provided with a strain relief (12) to relieve the plug (6) of train, and wherein the plug (6) has a locking mechanism (8) via a relative movement (9) at least one housing part (10 ) of the housing (5) relative to the signal conductor (3, 4) can be unlocked,
the housing (5) being equipped with at least one additional securing device (11) in order to enable detachable attachment of the housing (5) to the signal terminal (7),
characterized,
in that the strain relief device (11) comprises a flexible pulling unit (13) via which the housing (5) can be connected to the cable (2) in order to prevent the relative movement of the at least one housing part (10) of the housing (5) relative to the signal conductor (3 4).

Description

The The invention relates to a connection device for connection a cable, in particular an optical waveguide, to a signal connection, for example to an electrical or optical device. Such a connection device has a housing and a connector provided thereon Insert into a corresponding socket of the signal connector on.

connecting devices for connecting a cable to a signal connector and in particular to a communication device, for example a Computers, a notebook or a telephone system are out of practice known. The plug connected to the cable is thereby in a corresponding Jack plugged into the electrical device.

Known Connecting devices for electrical cables are standard from a cable-side eight-pin connector, in practice as an RJ-45 connector or Western plug is known; and a corresponding device-side Socket. The plug is usually in crimp connection technology connected to the cable, but can also be soldered to this be. The plug is usually by means of a latching arm when plugging in the socket is fixed; However, it can also be connected to the socket or to held the electrical device existing hooks or by means of screws with the electrical device be screwed.

Besides there are also connection devices for optical cables, d. H. for optical fibers. For an optical fiber it is an optical component suitable for transporting light, which often of a variety, in proportion to theirs Length very thin, combined to a bundle individual glass fibers or plastic fibers, in particular polymer fibers, consists; under a fiber optic will be in the following, however also such with a single fiber to be understood. The single ones Glass fibers or plastic fibers are usually of one Surrounded plastic coating. By compared to electrical Signals much higher carrier frequency of the Light can store larger amounts of data the same time or the same amount of data transmitted in a shorter time be as with conventional coaxial cables. Furthermore There are no EMC problems with fiber optic cables. Across from a glass fiber has a polymer fiber much higher Attenuation values and a larger diameter, however, it is inexpensive and easier to install.

There the use of optical fibers has increased, there is a increasing demand for easy-to-use and fast connectable Connection devices for optical fibers (fiber optic connector).

For The connection technology of fiber optic cables there are a variety of standardized connectors that are incompatible with each other are. The most common standard fiber optic connectors are the ST plug, the PC / FC plug and the SC plug, being the latter increasingly interspersed.

Of the SC connector (IEC 874-19) is a fiber optic connector that extends as a polarized push / pull connector due to its small dimensions and high packing density. This plug has a square Design and can be used for multimode fibers and monomode fibers to be used. The connector allows simplex, duplex and multiple connections are established. By its construction is he is twist-proof and has an automatic lock with the corresponding socket.

To the Solving such a fiber optic connector from the corresponding socket, it is required the connector housing axially to pull away by a short distance of about 1 to 2 mm from the socket. This leads to a desired relative displacement of the outer Plug housing opposite to the ferrules receiving Inner housing, allowing the mechanical interlock between the inner housing of the plug and the corresponding Socket is released.

adversely However, here is that the known standard fiber optic connector only be used to a limited extent in harsh industrial environments can.

With the DE 10 2006 000 702 A1 a connection device has become known, by which a secure mechanical protection of the plug and the optical waveguide to be connected is possible. For this purpose, the connection device has a resilient latching means as an additional mechanical safeguard, which is also suitable for receiving and discharging high tensile forces.

Of the present invention is compared with the prior art The task is based on another connection device available to provide also a secure mechanical protection of the Plug and the cable to be connected.

Especially should also be a simple mountability and disassembly of the Plug with a corresponding socket allows become.

These Task is solved by the connection device with the features of claim 1. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further preferred Features of the invention will be in the embodiment specified.

The Connecting device according to the invention for connection a cable with at least one signal conductor and in particular at least one optical fiber comprises one on a housing provided connector and is used for connection to a signal connector. The signal connection can be, for example, an optical or electrical Be device. The housing is equipped with a strain relief device provided to relieve the plug of train. The plug points a locking mechanism, which via a relative movement at least one housing part or at least a portion of the housing opposite the signal conductor is unlockable. In this case, the housing is at least equipped with an additional safety device, to a releasable attachment of the housing to the Signal connection to allow.

The Strain relief device comprises a flexible traction unit, via which the housing is connectable to the cable to the Relative movement of the at least one housing part of the housing opposite to enable the signal conductor.

The Connecting device according to the invention has many Advantages. A considerable advantage of the invention Connecting device is the high load capacity on train, as a additional safety device is provided with the the connection device can be attached to a signal connection. Thus, according to the invention, two latches are provided, namely, on the one hand, the locking mechanism of the plug and on the other hand, the additional security device for transmission great forces, with the housing on the signal terminal can be fastened. This will also at higher occurring forces damage the connection device avoided. Also, a release of the plug can be reliable be prevented.

One Another significant advantage is the simple and inexpensive Construction. The flexible tractor unit ensures that in the pulling direction Forces from the train unit are transferable, so Tensile forces on the cable reliable and secure be transferred to the housing. on the other hand the train unit is flexible so that it does not suitable for the transmission of compressive forces. That means, that a relative movement of at least one housing part of the housing opposite the signal conductor in a Direction is possible, causing an unlocking of the locking mechanism of the plug is enabled.

The flexible traction unit can be a single flexible and tensile element or consist of several flexible and tensile elements consist.

The Relative movement for unlocking is here in particular a movement of the housing part in the direction of the cable, so a movement of the housing part away from the signal terminal in the direction of the connection point of the cable with the flexible and tensile strength Element or with the flexible tractor unit.

Preferably the housing comprises at least one fixed housing part and at least one at least partially flexible housing part.

Preferably is due to a relative movement of the fixed housing part of the housing opposite the signal conductor of the locking mechanism of the plug unlocked. In particular, the unlocking is done by a movement of the fixed housing parts of the housing towards the flexible housing part. Such a movement becomes possible after the additional security device was solved. Then the connection is still going through secured by the locking mechanism of the plug, the first through the relative movement is unlocked.

The flexible housing part can be designed as a flexible tractor unit be or serve as such. It is possible that the flexible housing part, for example as a rope-reinforced Cuff is executed, which is up to the tension of the contained Ropes a flexible movement in the axial direction of the connection element allowed. When the ropes in the cuff are stretched a tensile connection, in the pulling forces on the cable be derived safely. In the opposite direction, however, is one axial displacement possible to unlock the Locking mechanism of the plug can be used.

Possible it is also that a fixed housing part is provided, which at one end by a flexible rubber cuff to the cable is completed, the stiffness of the rubber so is dimensioned that effective strain relief possible is while at the same time for unlocking and locking allows the locking mechanism necessary relative movement becomes. The flexible housing element can support or reinforcing fibers to the tensile bond to enable.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cable comprises support elements and esp special supporting fibers surrounding the signal conductor (s).

In Particularly preferred development is the flexible tractor unit formed by the supporting fibers of the cable. this is a particularly advantageous embodiment, since this solution a simple and inexpensive realization allowed.

Preferably In this case, the flexible traction unit is replaced by the supporting fibers the cable is formed while at the end of the case A flexible cuff is provided which is not for transmission of tensile forces or the like, but only for Sealing the housing and the signal conductor received therein serves. For this purpose, the flexible housing part in the form of, for example a cuff made of rubber or the like on a suitable Connecting means connected to the cable to prevent the entry of water and to prevent dirt.

Preferably is the flexible support formed from the flexible fibers Traction unit releasably attached to the housing. For example the flexible traction unit can be attached to the housing by a Clamping connection and in particular fastened by a screw connection be what an easy-to-use and secure connectivity is.

Preferably is a free length of the flexible tractor and in particular a free length of the support fibers larger as necessary for unlocking the locking mechanism Relative movement. When to unlock the locking mechanism For example, an axial relative movement of one or two millimeters is needed, so can the free length of the supporting fibers or supporting veins or the like 10 or 20% be greater than the required relative movement.

Possible It is also that a much larger free Length is present, for example, be twice as large can be like the required relative movement. It's important, that the possible occurring tensile forces safely from transmitted to the cable via the flexible traction unit to the housing from where they go about the extra security device be transmitted to the signal terminal, for example designed as an optical or electrical device is.

In In all embodiments, it is preferred that the plug at least one has two-part connector housing. In particular, includes the connector housing a first connector housing part and a second connector housing part. Here is the signal conductor or it is the signal conductors in the first connector housing part while the second connector housing part in coupled connection with the housing. That means, that in a relative movement of the second connector housing part opposite the first connector housing part in at least one direction an unlocking of the locking mechanism takes place.

Of the Locking mechanism includes locking elements on the first Plug housing part which are unlocked when the second plug housing part relative to the first connector housing part in a unlocking direction is moved.

Preferably is at a movement of the second connector housing part, which in particular as an outer connector housing part is executed, away from the signal connection, the unlocking causes, while the first plug housing part, which is designed in particular as an inner plug housing part, remains relatively stationary. Stand after the relative movement the ferrules with the first connector housing part of the second connector housing part out forward.

In In all embodiments it is preferred that the additional Safety device as a screw backup or as a safety catch or the like is executed. A screw fuse can for example be designed as a union nut be, preferably axially movable and captive on the Housing is added.

A captive recording causes, for example, that after a Loosen the union nut and retract the union nut moves the housing with and thus the second connector housing part opposite the first connector housing part moves, whereby the locking mechanism of the plug is released.

In All configurations is at the coupling of the housing preferably provided on the cable a seal.

Preferably One of the input mentioned plug types is used on the connection device. Particularly preferred is an SC plug is used.

One Embodiment of the invention is in the drawings shown purely schematically and is closer below described.

In show the figures:

1 an overall perspective view of a connecting device according to the invention;

2 the connection device after 1 before insertion into a signal connector;

3 the connection device after 1 in an exploded view;

4 a vertical section through the connecting device according to 1 ; and

5 a horizontal section through the connecting device according to 1 in the connected state.

With reference to the 1 to 5 will be an embodiment of the connecting device according to the invention in the following 1 explained.

In 1 is a perspective view of the connection device 1 shown here on a signal connector 7 is connected, which may represent, for example, an optical or electrical component or device or is connected to such.

The connection device 1 is with a cable 2 connected, that in the present embodiment, two signal conductors 3 and 4 contains, which are designed as optical light guides or optical fibers. The signal conductors 3 and 4 are surrounded by a sheath to the signal conductors 3 and 4 to protect against damage and harmful environmental influences.

The unillustrated end of the cable 2 protrudes into the connection device 1 into where the ends of the signal conductors 3 and 4 are stripped and with ferrules 20 (see. 3 ) connected in a plug 6 arranged in the socket of the signal terminal 7 is introduced to establish the signal connection.

The connection device 1 includes a housing 5 which is at least one fixed part 10 has, with which the plug 6 or a part of the plug is firmly connected. At the other end of the case 5 an at least partially flexible housing part is provided, which is a sleeve 14 comprises, which consists of a flexible material. The cuff surrounds the cable 2 and is via a fastening device 16 on the cable 2 attached.

The cuff 14 allows relative movement of the cable here 2 to the cuff and thus a relative movement of the signal conductors 3 and 4 to the fixed housing part 10 ,

For mechanical protection in harsh environments where also greater tensile forces on the cable 2 can be exercised, here is the safety device 11 provided that a union nut 21 has to the connecting device 1 with the signal connection 7 firmly connect. The signal connection points to this 7 a corresponding thread on which the union nut 21 is screwed on. By screwing on the union nut 21 to the signal connector 7 becomes a firm connection of the housing 5 with the signal connection 7 produced. This in turn causes a tensile connection of the cable 2 via a flexible traction unit on the housing 5 and on the signal connector 7 he follows. Even large forces are reliably from the cable 2 on the signal connection 7 or transmit the electrical or optical device.

In 2 the disconnected state is shown before the plug 6 the connection device 1 into the socket of the signal connection 7 is introduced.

The plug 6 has a connector housing 25 with a first connector housing part 26 and a second connector housing part 27 on. Here is the first connector housing part 26 designed as an inner connector housing part, while the second connector housing part 27 the inner plug housing part 26 outside surrounds. Both plug housing parts 26 and 27 are arranged in the axial direction against each other movable.

As the exploded view after 3 can be removed includes the plug 6 a locking mechanism 8th , the locking elements 28 on the inner plug housing part 26 and cut-outs or windows 30 on the outer plug housing part 27 having. The locking elements act here 28 with the windows 30 together to lock the plug 6 in a socket of a connection part 7 to enable.

Such a plug 6 For example, it can be designed as an SC plug.

The cable 2 enters the interior of the connection device from behind 1 one. The stripped signal conductors 3 and 4 be with the ferrules 20 connected and in the inner connector housing 26 introduced. In the cable are the signal conductors 3 and 4 surrounded by support elements to the signal conductors 3 and 4 to support and relieve at occurring tensile forces. The particular as supporting fibers 15 running support elements are led out of the cable and over a free length 19 forwarded before they are folded and how 4 can be removed, can at a clamp connection 17 , here as a screw connection 18 executed is to be recorded firmly. This will make the support fibers 15 here in the embodiment, the flexible tractor unit 13 Here's a train on the cable 2 allows the transfer of significant forces. Because the supporting fibers 15 on the housing 5 be fastened, one arises continuous tensile connection of the cable 2 over the supporting fibers 15 on the case 5 , which over the union nut 21 with the signal connection 7 is screwed.

The support fibers listed in particular as aramid fibers 15 make a flexible train unit 13 available that can absorb and transmit large forces in the pulling direction. Conversely, a relative movement of the cable on the plug 6 to be done when a compressive force is applied to the end of the cable towards the plug. Then the cuff moves 14 towards the interior of the connection device 1 to and the end of the cable 2 can be up to twice the amount of free length 19 to be moved to the plug.

This allows the solid housing part 10 , which with the outer plug housing part 27 is connected after loosening the union nut 21 can be withdrawn, whereby a relative movement of the outer connector housing 27 to the inner connector housing 26 takes place and the locking mechanism 8th of the plug 6 is disengaged. Consequently, the plug becomes 6 released and can from the socket of a signal connector 7 be removed if previously the safety device 11 with the union nut 21 was solved. Instead of the union nut, a security device with snap hooks or the like can be used.

In the 4 and 5 are vertical and horizontal cuts through the connecting device 1 shown. It can clearly be seen that the support fibers 15 as a flexible train unit 13 serve and with the screw connection 18 with the housing 5 and in particular with the fixed part 10 the housing are connected, creating a consistently high-tensile connection of the cable 2 over the supporting fibers 15 on the housing and on the lock nut 21 on the signal connection 7 will be produced.

Instead of a screw connection 18 can also have another clamp connection 17 be provided, or there are other compounds of the supporting fibers 15 with the housing 5 possible, which are common in the prior art for connecting fibers or ropes or the like with other components.

Overall, it is possible the cable 2 opposite the housing 5 maximum by twice the amount of free length 19 to move to unlock the connector 6 to effect.

Instead of using supporting fibers as flexible traction unit, it is also possible that the cuff 14 is reinforced with tension elements or is executed in such a stable that the cuff 14 can serve as a strain relief device. Then it is particularly possible, the cable with the cuff connected thereto to a certain point of the fixed housing part 10 to remove, but when reaching the intended level, a tensile connection is formed, so that an effective strain relief of the cable 2 is guaranteed.

For example, the cuff 14 be provided with tensile ropes or other elements that produce a tensile strength connection upon reaching a designated relative movement distance. With such a tensile cuff but it is also possible that cable 2 to a certain extent in the housing 5 or in the fixed housing part 10 introduce, allowing a relative movement of the cable 2 to the housing 5 within a certain extent is possible.

Overall, it is possible either via the supporting fibers 15 or supporting wires or the like, a flexible tractor unit 13 to provide the cable 2 tensile strength with the housing connects.

Alternatively, it is also possible the cuff 14 in such a way that it is a high-tensile connection of the cable 2 with the housing 5 allows.

The invention provides a low-cost and secure connection device that is easy to operate and the plug containing 6 Reliably protects against damage caused by external influences and against moisture and dirt.

1

connection device

2

electric wire

3

signal conductor

4

signal conductor

5

casing

6

plug

7

signal connection

8th

locking mechanism

9

relative movement

10

solid housing part

11

safety device

12

strain relief

13

flexible tractor

14

cuff

15

supporting fibers

16

cable ties

17

clamp connection

18

screw

19

free length

20

ferrule

21

Nut

22

unlocking

25

plug housing

26

Plug housing part

27

Plug housing part

28

locking elements

30

window

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

• DE 102006000702 A1 [0010]

Claims (13)

Connection device ( 1 ) for connecting a cable ( 2 ) with at least one signal conductor ( 3 . 4 ) and in particular optical fibers ( 3 . 4 ) by means of a housing ( 5 ) provided plug ( 6 ) to a signal connector ( 7 ), the housing ( 5 ) with a strain relief device ( 12 ) is provided to the plug ( 6 ) of Zug, and wherein the plug ( 6 ) a locking mechanism ( 8th ), which via a relative movement ( 9 ) at least one housing part ( 10 ) of the housing ( 5 ) opposite the signal conductor ( 3 . 4 ) is unlockable, wherein the housing ( 5 ) with at least one additional safety device ( 11 ) is fitted to a detachable mounting of the housing ( 5 ) at the signal terminal ( 7 ), characterized in that the strain relief device ( 11 ) a flexible train unit ( 13 ), over which the housing ( 5 ) with the cable ( 2 ) is connectable to the relative movement of the at least one housing part ( 10 ) of the housing ( 5 ) opposite the signal conductor ( 3 . 4 ). Connection device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the housing ( 5 ) a fixed housing part ( 10 ) and an at least partially flexible housing part ( 14 ). Connection device ( 1 ) according to claim 2, wherein by a relative movement of the fixed housing part ( 10 ) of the housing ( 5 ) opposite the signal conductor ( 3 . 4 ) the locking mechanism ( 8th ) of the plug ( 6 ) is unlocked. Connection device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the flexible housing part ( 14 ) as a flexible train unit ( 13 ) is executed. Connection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable ( 2 ) Supporting elements and in particular supporting fibers ( 15 ). Connection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible traction unit ( 13 ) by the supporting fibers ( 15 ) of the cable ( 2 ) is formed. Connection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible traction unit ( 13 ) on the housing ( 5 ) is releasably attached. Connection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible traction unit ( 13 ) on the housing ( 5 ) by a clamping connection ( 17 ), in particular by a screw connection ( 18 ) is attached. Connection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a free length ( 19 ) of the flexible train unit ( 13 ) and in particular the supporting fibers ( 15 ) is greater than that for unlocking the locking mechanism ( 8th ) required relative movement ( 9 ). Connection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug ( 6 ) an at least two-part connector housing ( 25 ) and wherein in particular in the first connector housing part ( 26 ) the at least one signal conductor ( 3 . 4 ) is received and the second connector housing part ( 27 ) in coupled connection with the housing ( 5 ) stands. Connection device ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism ( 8th ) Locking elements ( 28 ) on the first connector housing part ( 26 ), which are unlocked when the second plug housing part ( 27 ) relative to the first connector housing part ( 26 ) in a unlocking direction ( 22 ) is moved. Connection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the unlocked position of the plug ( 6 ) the ferrules ( 20 ) forward out of the plug ( 6 ) protrude. Connection device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the additional securing device ( 11 ) is designed as a screw backup and in particular a union nut ( 21 ) and preferably axially movable and captive on the housing ( 5 ) is recorded.