EP1371114B1 - Safety device for a plug-in connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a safety device (2) for a plug-in connector comprising a collar shaped housing (2a) which can be fixed in front of the socket connector (1) by securing means (2c), whereby the housing (2a) is configured in such a way that when the plug (3) is inserted into the socket (1), the end of the unlocking clip (3b) protruding from the socket connector (1) comes to rest fully inside the housing (2a). The housing comprises (2a) a keyhole (2d) which is adapted and arranged in relation to the position of the unlocking clip (3b) in such a way that it can be unlocked by a key (5) engaging in the keyhole (2d) of the unclocking clip (3b), whereupon the plug-in connector can be removed.

Description

The invention relates to a securing device for a plug connection according to the Preamble of claim 1, and a connector system with such Securing device. Document US 5,577,855 A1 such a device.

A variety of modular connector systems are known to for example, telephone lines, computer systems or networks connect. For example, the RJ-45 connector is an IEC 60'603-7 standardized and worldwide applied standard for connectors in communication and Data networks. Such a connector comprises a plug and a Socket. The socket is usually in a socket, a rack, or a so-called patch panel.

Modernly equipped buildings have a so-called universal Building cabling (UGV) with a variety of sockets to order as needed analog or digital telephones, fax machines, computers, printers and modems connect with each other.

A disadvantage of the known connectors, or universal Building wiring is the fact that accidental loosening / loosening same connection problems or network errors occur. The Correcting such network errors causes costs, inconvenience, and can in extreme cases lead to the collapse of entire computer systems. It is therefore more central It is important to ensure a reliable, secure plug connection.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a safety device in order to improve the safety and reliability of connectors.

This object is achieved with a safety device with the Features of claim 1 solved. The dependent claims 2 to 9 relate to others Advantageously designed developments of the inventive Protective features. This task is further solved by a Connector system with the features of claim 10.

The task is particularly by a safety device for a Disconnected connector, the plug comprises an unlocking tab, which with the Socket forms a detachable connection, with the securing device has cuff-shaped housing, which with fasteners in front of Socket can be fastened, and wherein the housing with respect to the Plug connection is designed to match that in the socket inserted plug the end of the unlocking tab protruding from the socket comes completely inside the case, and that the case is a Has opening for introducing an unlocking means, which with respect to the Position of the unlocking tab is arranged so that it fits into one Unlocking key engaging the unlocking tab and sliding thereby the connector is detachable.

It was recognized that the most common errors in a UGV or in a Network due to manipulation errors on the connector or on the connector or its cables are caused by hardware errors. In everyday use the problem arises that connectors are separated from unauthorized persons be, for example, when an office workplace is changed, and the computer on is reconnected to the network at a new location. An advantage of the invention Security device is the fact that unauthorized disconnection of the Plug connection is no longer possible, which is the safety and reliability of the Plug connection or the network or the entire Building cabling significantly increased.

A plug socket equipped with the securing device according to the invention has the advantage that an unlocking agent, e.g. in the form of a key, is required to disconnect the connector. This is an unintentional and / or unauthorized one Disconnect excluded. In addition, the unlocking means, e.g. a key, For example, only authorized persons can be assigned, so that the plug connection is operated with the appropriate care and expertise.

The safety device according to the invention has the further advantage that Existing sockets can be easily and quickly upgraded to lock of the existing connector, such as an RJ-45 connector. This allows the security of a network or a UGV with low To significantly improve additional costs.

The safety device according to the invention has a housing which in front of the Socket is attached. The plug has an unlocking tab, which with the socket forms a detachable connection. The housing is designed such that the release tab is completely inside the housing when the plug is in the Socket is inserted. The housing is designed such that the Unlocking tab without a special tool or a key can be operated. The housing has a keyhole into which a appropriately adapted key can be inserted. The keyhole is like this Arranged housing and designed the key so that when you press the Key the unlocking tab is moved, whereby the connector is released and the plug can be removed from the socket.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Steckbuchse sowie einer Sicherungsvorrichtung;

Fig. 1a

eine Frontansicht des Gehäuses der Sicherungsvorrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Steckbuchse mit montierter Sicherungsvorrichtung und einem Stecker;

Fig. 3

die Steckverbindung mit Sicherungsvorrichtung gemäss Fig. 2 und einem Schlüssel;

Fig. 4

die Steckverbindung mit Sicherungsvorrichtung gemäss Fig. 3 und eingefügtem Schlüssel;

Fig. 5

die Steckverbindung mit Sicherungsvorrichtung gemäss Fig. 3 und eingefügtem und teilweise gedrehtem Schlüssel;

Fig. 6

einen schematischen Längsschnitt durch einen Steckverbinder;

Fig. 7

einen schematischen Längsschnitt durch einen Steckverbinder mit Sicherungsvorrichtung;

Fig. 8

einen schematischen Längsschnitt durch den Steckverbinder gemäss Fig. 7 mit eingefügtem Schlüssel;

Fig. 9

einen schematischen Längsschnitt durch den Steckverbinder gemäss Fig. 7 mit eingefügtem und vollständig gedrehtem Schlüssel;

Fig. 10

eine Frontansicht eines weiteren Gehäuses einer Sicherungsvorrichtung;

Fig. 11

eine weitere Sicherungsvorrichtung;

Fig. 12a, 12b, 12c

Einsatzteile für die in Fig. 11 dargestellte Sicherungsvorrichtung;

Fig. 13

einen Schlüssel;

Fig. 14a, 14b, 14c

unterschiedlich ausgestaltete Schlüsselbärte.

Several embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following figures. Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a socket and a safety device;

Fig. 1a

a front view of the housing of the safety device;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of a socket with mounted fuse device and a plug;

Fig. 3

the plug connection with safety device according to FIG 2 and a key.

Fig. 4

the plug connection with safety device according to FIG 3 and inserted key.

Fig. 5

the plug connection with safety device according to Figure 3 and inserted and partially turned key.

Fig. 6

a schematic longitudinal section through a connector;

Fig. 7

a schematic longitudinal section through a connector with safety device;

Fig. 8

a schematic longitudinal section through the connector of FIG 7 with inserted key.

Fig. 9

a schematic longitudinal section through the connector of FIG 7 with inserted and fully turned key.

Fig. 10

a front view of another housing of a safety device;

Fig. 11

another safety device;

Figures 12a, 12b, 12c

Insert parts for the safety device shown in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13

a key;

14a, 14b, 14c

differently designed key mustaches.

In the following figures, the same items have the same reference numerals designated. A key is generally understood below to mean a tool which cooperates with an opening or a keyhole 2d.

Fig. 1 shows a socket 1 with interior 1a, housing 1b and electrical Connection or wiring part 1c. The socket 1 is usually a standardized Component. The socket 1 shown is part of an RJ-45 connector. The detailed structure of the socket 1 is generally known. The socket 1 is e.g. in a front panel 1d embedded, which has four openings 1e, which as Serve snap openings. The socket can be in a not shown Junction box, a rack or a patch panel.

In front of the socket 1, the safety device 2 is arranged, which a includes cuff-shaped housing 2a. Four in the direction of the socket 1 protruding locking means 2c are firmly connected to the housing 2a. Inside points the housing 2a guide means 2b for a plug 3. In addition, the housing 2a an opening for a key or a keyhole 2d at the bottom.

The front view according to FIG. 1a shows the housing 2a shown in FIG. 1 with a Opening 2f and a threshold 2e.

The latching means 2c can be inserted into the latching openings 1e of the front plate 1d in order to Safety device 2, as shown in Fig. 2, firmly with the socket 1 connect. The plug 3 comprises plug contacts 3a and a resilient one Unlocking tab 3b with stop part. The plug 3 is connected to a cable 4. Fig. 2 also shows the position of the plug 3 shortly before insertion into the Safety device 2 or in the socket 1. The plug 3 is in the Inserted socket 1, the unlocking tab 3b, as in Figures 6 and 7 shown in longitudinal section, in a manner known per se with one in the Socket 1 arranged retaining lug 1f wedged. Thus, the plug 3 is secure in the Socket 1 held. As can be seen from FIG. 6, the connection to the retaining nose 1f can be released by depressing the release tab 3b, and the Plug 3 are pulled out of socket 1.

As can be seen from the longitudinal section according to FIG. 7, the housing 2a is in this way adapted to the unlocking tab 3b that the unlocking tab 3b is completely arranged within the housing 2a when the plug 3 with the Socket 1 is connected. As a result, the unlocking tab 3b is not directly from accessible from outside, and therefore cannot be operated directly.

Fig. 3 shows a plug 3 connected to the socket 1. In the keyhole 2d the safety device 2, a key 5 is inserted in the direction of movement 5a. The key 5 comprises a key bit 5b, a connecting shaft 5c, a bearing part 5d, a connecting part 5e and a handle 5f. The keyhole 2d and / or the on the Surface of the housing 2a arranged bearing 2h form a bearing in which the Key 5 is rotatably mounted about the axis 5a.

FIG. 4 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 3 with the safety device 2 completely inserted key 5. Fig. 8 shows in a longitudinal section the position of the key bit 5b within the housing 2a. The keyhole 2d is such in the Securing device 2 arranged that the main key bit 5b under the Unlocking tab 3b comes to rest in such a way that turning the key 5 or the main key bit 5b, as shown in Fig. 9, a depression the unlocking tab 3b causes so that the connection between the retaining lug 1f and the stop part 3b is released, and the plug 3 on the cable 4 from the socket 1 can be pulled. The height of the threshold 2e is such with respect to the position of the Unlocking tab 3b adapted that the threshold 2e the unlocking tab 3b at Retraction of the plug 3 is not hindered. The inner edge 2m can be designed in this way be that, in addition to the retaining lug 1f, as an additional stop part for the Unlocking tab 3b is used.

FIG. 5 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 4 with the key 5 partially rotated.

FIG. 10 shows a front view and FIG. 11 shows a perspective view Another embodiment of a housing 2a of a safety device 2. In In contrast to the safety device 2 shown in FIG. 1, this has one Bracket 2n, into which an insert part 2i can be inserted in direction A. each of the three insert parts 2i shown in FIGS. 12a, 12b, 12c is different designed keyhole 2d with recess 2l. In addition, the insert has one protruding nose 2k. The insert part 2i can be inserted into the holder 2n, so that Keyhole 2d comes to lie next to the bearing point 2h, and the nose 2k in the Breakthrough 2g space. Figures 14a, 14b, 14c show key beards 5b with a substantially teardrop-shaped, on the unlocking tab 3b acting surface and a key adjacent 5g. The 5 keys are corresponding to the key holes 2d shown in FIGS. 12a, 12b, 12c adapted so that each insert 2i with keyhole 2d and one Key 5 with key main bit 5b and key side bit 5g in pairs belong together. In a preferred embodiment, they belong together Insert parts 2i and key 5 with the same identifier and preferably marked with the same color. So the insert parts 2i and associated key 5 be made of a plastic of the same color. From the FIG. 10 shows that the nose 2k of a colored insert 2i in the Opening 2g is arranged and thus the color from the front view of the Security device 2 is recognizable. So only the key 5 with the same must Color can be selected, and with this key 5 the connector can be disconnected become. This allows safety devices 2 with in a simple manner different keys 5 can be equipped. Also those in FIGS. 1 to 9 The safety device 2 shown can be designed differently Key holes 2d be provided so that to disconnect the connector accordingly differently designed keys 5 are required. This too Securing devices 2 and 5 keys can with a label such as one Color.

13 shows a top view of a key 5 with a main key bit 5b and a key neighboring 5g, a shaft 5c, a bearing part 5d, a connecting part 5e and a handle 5f.

In an advantageous embodiment, the securing device 2 can have a seal which, for example, is arranged in the opening 2f, around the interior to seal the housing 2a from the outside, or from moisture or dust protect.

As can be seen from FIG. 1a, the safety device 2 can have one on the left and one on the right Bearing point 2h and arranged next to it have a keyhole 2d, so that the Key 5 can be inserted into the safety device 2 from the left or from the right.

Claims (10)

1. Safety device (2) for a plug connection with a socket connector (1) and an RJ-45 plug (3), whereby the RJ-45 plug (3) comprises an unlatching clip (3b) which forms a releasable lock-in connection by means of a holding projection (1f) on the socket connector (1), wherein the Safety device (2) has a sleeve-shaped housing (2a), which can be secured in front of the socket connector (1) by means of securing elements (2c), whereby the housing (2a) is designed in such a manner that when a plug (3) is locked-in to the socket connector (1), the end of the unlatching clip (3b) which protrudes out of the socket connector (1) lies completely within the housing (2a), and that the housing (2a) has a keyhole disposed on the side, said keyhole being arranged with respect to the position of the unlatching clip (3b) such, that by means of a key engaging in to the keyhole (2d), the unlatching clip (3b) is movable and thus the plug connection is releasable, and the housing (2a) further comprises a resting position (2a) and/or a keyhole (2d) which are designed such that the key (5) is rotatably lodged within the keyhole (2d) around an axis (5a).
2. Safety device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the key (5) has a key bit designed to suit the diameter of the keyhole (2d), whereby the main key bit (5b) has a surface which interacts with the unlatching clip (3b).
3. Safety device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in the case of differently designed keyholes (2d) and appendant keys (5) the Safety device (2) and the appendant key (5) are marked with a code, especially with a colour code.
4. Safety device (2) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the keyhole (2d) is arranged within an insertion part (2i), and the housing (2a) comprises retaining means (2n) for receiving the insertion part (2i).
5. Safety device (2) according to claim 4, characterized by a plurality of insertion parts (2i) having differently designed keyholes (2d), and having a plurality of keys (5) with key bits appropriately designed to suit the keyholes (2d).
6. Safety device (2) according to claim 5, wherein the insertion parts (2i) as well as the keys (5) are marked with a code, and that mutually compatible insertion parts (2i) and keys (5) are marked with the same code, especially with the same colour.
7. Safety device (2) according to claim 6, wherein an aperture (2g) is arranged in the housing (2a) such that the code marking of the insertion part (2i) may be seen from the outside.
8. Safety device (2) according to claim 7, wherein the insertion part (2i) has a nose-like protrusion (2k), which is designed in such a manner that it comes to lie in the aperture (2g) and that the protrusion (2k) has the code marking.
9. Safety device (2) according to one of the previous claims, wherein said Safety device comprises a gasket (6) in order to seal off the inner space of the housing (2a) from the outside.
10. Plug-in connector system comprising a Safety device (2) according to one of the previous claims, a socket connector (1), in particular an RJ-socket connector, a plug (3) and a key (5).

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