EP3382821A1 - Protection device for connector, use and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective device (1) for receiving a connector (10), comprising a connector receptacle (2) which is adapted to at least partially receive the connector (10) and an end portion of a cable (11) of the connector (10) the plug receptacle (2) along a center line (M) from a plug opening (3) for at least partially receiving the connector (10) to a cable opening (4) for at least partially receiving the end portion of the cable (11) of the connector (10) the protection device (1) extends, and wherein the connector receptacle (2) has a plurality of cable retaining hooks (6) projecting inwardly into the connector receptacle (2), each of the cable retention hooks (6) spaced from the centerline (M), wherein the distances to the center line (M) of two or more cable holding hooks (6) along the center line (M) from the cable opening (4) in the direction of the plug opening (3) decrease. In addition, the invention further relates to a use of such a protective device and a method for producing a protected connector (10).

Description

The invention relates to a protective device for receiving a connector, a use of such a protective device for protecting a connector and a method for producing a protected connector.

The invention is in the field of connector technology, particularly in the field of connector technology and the field of connector protection technology. The interface between a cable and a connector, which is to be connected to the cable, represents a weak point of the connector system. In particular, it may come at the interface due to physical influences to an impairment of the electrical conductors. Therefore, it is advantageous to protect the interface by a protective device against such influences. Furthermore, connectors can be connected to cables having different cable thicknesses, and it would be advantageous to provide a protection device capable of securely receiving and holding cables of different cable thicknesses.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a protective device for protecting a connector which is capable of securely receiving and holding cables with different cable thicknesses.

This object is achieved in particular by a protective device, a use of the protective device and a method for producing a protected connector according to the independent claims. In particular, the invention is defined by the independent claims, while preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims Make claims.

One aspect relates to a protective device for receiving a connector, comprising a connector receptacle which is designed to at least partially receive the connector and an end portion of a cable of the connector, wherein the connector receptacle along a center line of a connector opening for at least partially receiving the connector to a cable opening for at least partially receiving the end portion of the cable of the connector through the protective device extends. The plug receptacle has a plurality of cable retaining hooks that project inwardly into the plug receptacle, each of the cable retaining hooks being spaced from the centerline, and each cable retaining hook may be configured to engage the end portion of the cable of two or more cable retaining hooks decrease along the center line from the plug opening in the direction of the cable opening.

Here, the plug receptacle is designed as a through opening through the protective device, which has at one end of the protective device, the cable opening and at the other end of the protective device has the plug opening. The plug opening is configured to receive the plug connector and the plug opening may further hold the plug connector in the plug receptacle and / or engage the plug connector. A state of the protective device, in which the plug connector and the end section of the cable are accommodated in the protective device, represents an operating state of the protective device. In this case, the plug connector can protrude at least partially out of the protective device through the plug opening. The plug opening may, in particular, have a sealing means in order to seal the protective device and the plug connector to the outside from, for example, liquid and / or dust in the operating state. In operation, the end portion of the cable is connected to the connector and extends in the operating state of the connector through the connector receptacle to the cable opening. The end portion of the cable extends in particular through the cable opening. The cable opening may in particular have a sealing means in order to operate in the operating state Protective device and the end portion of the cable to the outside of eg liquid and / or dust seal.

The connector may be formed as a male connector or female connector. The connector can be designed as RJ connector and in particular as RJ-45 connector. Alternatively, the connector may be a connector of any other type of connection, e.g. USB, or any other type of connection, e.g. Data transmission and / or power.

The center line of the plug receptacle extends from the cable opening through the plug receptacle to the plug opening, and may in particular represent an axis of the plug receptacle. In particular, in an operating state, the center line may run at least partially substantially parallel to an axis of the end section of the cable. Substantially parallel in the sense of this description means comprehensively small deviations, e.g. can occur due to production. In particular, the axis of the end portion of the cable in the operating state may at least partially correspond to the center line. The centerline may extend from a geometric center of the cable opening to a geometric center of the plug opening.

The plurality of cable retaining hooks project inward in the connector receptacle. The cable holding hooks are in this case designed to engage in the operating state with a cable sheath of the end portion of the cable. The cable retaining hooks can in this case, for example, by frictional engagement with the cable sheath and / or by hooking with the cable sheath and / or by cutting or pressing into the cable sheath with the cable sheath engage. For this purpose, the cable holding hooks may be formed as protruding blocks, wedges or hooks or barbs. In this way, a secure fit of the cable can be ensured in the protection device.

Each cable retaining hook is at a distance from the centerline. The distance to the center line results from the minimum of the distances of the amount of Distances of all points on a surface of the respective cable retention hook to all points on the centerline in the connector receptacle. The distance to the center line of all cable holding hooks, which are formed in the connector receptacle, in this case decreases from the cable opening in the direction of the plug opening. This means that each cable holding hook is at a distance from the centerline that is less than or equal to or less than all distances of the cable holding hooks between the respective cable holding hook and the cable opening. This makes it possible in particular to receive end sections of cables of different thickness in the plug receptacle, so that at least one cable holding hook engages with the end section of the cable and thus fixes the same in the plug receptacle. In particular, the plug receptacle may be formed such that an end portion of cables of different thickness is receivable in the plug receptacle with at least one, preferably two or more cable retention hooks engaging the end portion of the cable and holding / holding the end portion. In other words, the plug receptacle is preferably designed such that cables with a plurality of different cable diameters or cable cross-sections in the connector receptacle are connectable or receivable, wherein at least one, preferably two or more cable holding hooks with the end portion of the cable engages / engage and holding / holding the end section. Thus, the end portions of cables of different thicknesses can each be so freed from the respective cable sheaths, so that at least one, preferably at least two of the cable holding hooks engage with the remaining cable sheath of the end portion. In particular, a clamping direction along which the end portion of the cable is inserted into the connector receptacle during manufacture of the operating state may be at an acute angle with a retaining surface of the cable retaining hooks engaging the end portion in the operating condition. As a result, the production of the operating state is simplified by the force required for this purpose is reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, each cable retaining hook is spaced from the centerline which is less than all distances of the cable retaining hooks between the respective cable retaining hook and the cable opening. This will ensures that no two cable holding hooks are equidistant from the center line, thereby ensuring a wide range of possible cable thicknesses of the end section. Alternatively, two or more cable retaining hooks may be equidistant from the centerline, thereby ensuring a particularly secure fit for certain cable thicknesses of the end portion.

In another embodiment, the plurality of cable retention hooks are configured to block movement of the received end portion of the cable relative to the connector receptacle. Here, the cable holding hooks may form a strain relief to block or prevent movement of the end portion along the center line or substantially parallel or along the axis of the end portion in the operating state. In a preferred embodiment, the cable retaining hooks may block or prevent movement of the end portion transverse to the centerline and across the axis of the end portion, respectively, in the operating condition. In a preferred embodiment, the cable retaining hooks can form a rotational lock in order to block or prevent rotation of the end section about the center line or about the axis of the end section in the operating state. Thus, the connector and / or the end portion of the cable can be protected from damage by undesired movements of the end portion.

In another embodiment, the cable retaining hooks are formed on two opposite sides with respect to the center line in the connector receptacle. By engaging the plurality of cable holding hooks from two opposite sides with the end portion of the cable, a secure fit of the end portion can be ensured. In a preferred embodiment, the cable retaining hooks are arranged on two opposite sides of the connector receptacle so that a line between any cable retaining hook on one side of the connector receptacle to any cable retaining hook on the opposite side of the connector receptacle, the center line or the axis of the end portion in an operating condition cuts. Alternatively, the cable retaining hooks on only one Side of the connector receptacle may be formed, whereby a clamping of the end portion in the connector receptacle and a manufacturing process of the protective device is simplified. Alternatively, the cable holding hooks may be formed on three or more opposite sides with respect to the center line in the connector receptacle. This allows a secure and / or centered fit of the end portion of the cable in the connector receptacle are made possible.

In a further embodiment, the cable holding hooks are designed to at least partially circulate the center line or the axis of the end section in the operating state. In this way, the end portion can be fixed and / or centered uniformly from all sides of the connector receptacle by the cable holding hooks. The at least partially encircling cable retaining hooks may define a surface, or be formed spirally along the connector receptacle. Furthermore, each cable holding hook may protrude with a constant length from an inner surface of the plug receptacle into the plug receptacle. The cable retaining hooks may also be designed to adapt to cables with different cable cross-sections. Thus, the cable holding hooks may have straight holding surfaces or holding surfaces, which may, for example, engage with cables having circular or rectangular cable cross-sections. Alternatively, the cable retaining hooks may have curved retaining edges or retaining surfaces which may, for example, engage with cables having circular or oval cable cross-sections.

In a further embodiment, each of the plurality of cable retention hooks has a lotus root along the centerline, and wherein at least two of the lotus roots of the plurality of cable retention hooks are different or at least two of the lotus roots of the plurality of cable retention hooks are the same. The distance between a cable retaining hook and the centerline separates a point of the respective cable retaining hook from a respective midpoint footpoint, which in this sense forms the bottom of the respective cable retaining hook. In an embodiment in which at least two or more solder feet are different from each other, the end portion of the cable may conform to the cable retaining hook, thereby damaging the cable Cable can be reduced or prevented by too deep engaging cable retaining hooks. In an embodiment in which at least two or more solder root points are identical, a particularly secure fit of the end section in the plug receptacle can be ensured.

In another embodiment, the end portion of the cable is clamped by the cable holding hooks in the connector receptacle. As a result, the end portion of the cable after the operating state of the protective device has been manufactured can be released from the connector receptacle without damaging or destroying the end portion and / or the cable. Thus, the protection device can be replaced at discretion.

In a further embodiment, the plug receptacle comprises two housing shells, which can be locked together by a latching device. The two housing shells can in this case be formed substantially equal parts. Essentially, in this sense, comprehensively means minor deviations which, for example, can occur as a result of production. A gleicheilige training of the two housing shells reduces the cost and complexity of the production of the housing shells. The housing shells can also be designed differently. In particular, a housing shell may have one or more detents which engage with complementary detent lugs on the other housing shell in the operating condition. Alternatively, or in addition to the Verrasteinrichtung the two housing shells can also be connected by other connection means which connect the two housing shells, for example by frictional engagement, pressing, gluing, screwing and / or fusing. In a preferred embodiment, the two housing shells are releasably connected to each other, so that a release of a housing shell of the other housing shell without damage or destruction of one or both housing shells is possible. In a further preferred embodiment, the protective device further comprises a sealing device, which is arranged between the two housing shells and wherein the sealing device is designed to seal the two connected housing shells at least partially outward against eg liquid and / or dust. In a preferred embodiment the two housing shells are connected by a hinge device. The hinge device is in this case designed to store a housing shell foldable on the other housing shell, wherein the hinge device is designed for example as a hinge or swivel joint. As a result, a loss of security of the housing shells is provided, and simplifies a connection process of the two housing shells.

In another embodiment, the protection shields the connector and the end portion of the cable at least partially outwardly from electromagnetic fields. Here, the protective device may be formed as a Faraday cage, which surrounds the connector and the end portion of the cable at least partially in the operating state. In a preferred embodiment, a shield portion of the protective device connects to or overlaps a shield of the connector and the end portion of the cable. In this way, a continuous shielding of the connector and the end portion of the cable can be ensured by the protection device.

In a further embodiment, the protective device further comprises a fixing device, which is connected to the connector. The fixing device comprises at least one positioning element, which engages with the connector receptacle to block movement of the connector within the connector receptacle. The fixing device may in this case be formed as a fixed part of the connector or as releasably connectable to the connector. In particular, the fixing means may comprise one or more latching members which engage the connector to secure the fixing means to the connector. The at least one positioning element may be formed as a projection of the fixing device, which engages in a complementary receiving the connector receptacle in the operating state and thus prevents movement of the connector within the connector receptacle, in particular in a direction along the center line or the axis of the end portion or blocked.

In a further embodiment, the fixing device further Fixierrasthaken, which are designed to lock with the connector receptacle to fix the protection device to the connector. In particular, the fixing device may have at least one, preferably at least two Fixierrasthaken. In particular, when the protection device is formed as two or more housing shells, the fixing ratchet hooks may be configured to fix each of the two or more housing shells to the connector without the two or more housing shells having to be connected together. As a result, the installation of individual housing shells on the protection device is made possible without mounting all housing shells simultaneously. In particular, the fixing device and / or the latching elements and / or the Fixierrasthaken of an electrically conductive material, for example, a metal and / or a conductive plastic and / or a conductive composite material may be formed. In this case, in particular the fixing device and / or the latching elements and / or the Fixierrasthaken may be in electrical contact with a cable shield and / or a connector shield and / or the two housing shells. The cable shield is in this case an electromagnetic shield, which can be provided on cables. The connector shield is an electromagnetic shield which may be provided on connectors to electromagnetically shield the connector. In particular, the fixing device and / or the Fixierrasthaken can be configured as a shielding element (s) to shield the plug receptacle or the connector, in particular the plug receptacle or the connector in a connection region between the end portion of the cable and the connector to the outside of electromagnetic fields ,

In a further embodiment, the protection device has at least one projection which projects outwardly from the protection device in order to protect a latching hook of the connector. The latching hook of the connector can in this case be designed to fix the connector in a complementary connector receptacle for producing a data connection. By means of the at least one projection of the protective device, the latching hook can be protected against damage or accidental breaking off. The protective device can in this case in particular three projections , wherein one of the three projections forms a substantially right angle with each of the further two projections, whereby the latching hook is protected separately along three directions.

In a further embodiment, the plug receptacle or the one or more housing shells of the plug receptacle is formed from a metal and / or a conductive plastic and / or a composite material. In a preferred embodiment, a material of the plug receptacle or the one or more housing shells of the plug receptacle is electrically conductive. The plug receptacle or the one or more housing shells of the plug receptacle can furthermore be produced according to a common production method, e.g. by a die casting process. Preferably, the plug receptacle or the one or more housing shells of the connector receptacle is designed as a metal die-cast. In a preferred embodiment, the plug receptacle or the one or more housing shells of the plug receptacle is designed as a zinc die-cast.

One aspect relates to a use of a protective device according to one of the embodiments described above for the protection of a connector. The protective device can in this case have any combination of the above-mentioned features.

One aspect relates to a method of making a protected connector comprising connecting an end portion of a cable to a connector, receiving the connector in a connector receptacle of a protector, and clamping the end portion of the cable in the receptacle, the connector receptacle having a plurality of cable retention hooks which project inwardly into the plug receptacle and wherein a cable jacket of the end portion of the cable is clamped by the plurality of cable retaining hooks, wherein at least two of the cable retaining hooks engage the cable jacket of the end portion, in particular for a plurality of different cable diameters.

The protective device of the method can be any combination have all the above features.

In a further embodiment, connecting the end portion of the cable to the connector comprises trimming the cable sheath of the end portion of the cable, the cable sheath being removed from the end portion of the cable such that at least two of the cable retaining hooks engage the cable sheath of the cable sheath End section engage. The adaptation of the cable sheath can furthermore be carried out in such a way that a maximum of four, preferably a maximum of three, more preferably a maximum of two of the cable holding hooks engage with the cable sheath of the end section. Thus, a clamping of the end portion of the cable in the connector receptacle can be facilitated and a secure fit can be made possible.

In a further embodiment, the clamping of the end section of the cable in the plug receptacle comprises a connection of two housing shells, which can be connected to one another by means of a latching device. The two housing shells can in this case be formed substantially equal parts. Essentially, in this sense, comprehensively means minor deviations which, for example, can occur as a result of production. A gleicheilige training of the two housing shells reduces the cost and complexity of the production of the housing shells. The housing shells can also be designed differently. In particular, a housing shell may have one or more detents which engage with complementary detent lugs on the other housing shell in the operating condition. Alternatively or in addition to the Verrasteinrichtung the two housing shells can also be connected by other connecting means which connect the two housing shells, for example by frictional engagement, pressing, gluing, screwing and / or fusing. In a preferred embodiment, the two housing shells are releasably connected to each other, so that a release of a housing shell of the other housing shell without damage or destruction of one or both housing shells is possible. In a further preferred embodiment, the protective device further comprises a sealing device, which is arranged between the two housing shells and wherein the sealing device is designed, the two connected housing shells seal at least partially outward against eg liquid and / or dust.

In another embodiment, connecting the end portion of the cable to the connector includes connecting the connector to a fixing device configured to block movement of the connector within the connector receptacle. The fixing device may in this case preferably be connected to the connector before the end portion of the cable is connected to the connector. The fixing device comprises at least one positioning element which engages with the connector receptacle. The fixing device may in this case be formed as detachably connectable to the connector. In particular, the fixing means may comprise one or more latching members which engage the connector to secure the fixing means to the connector. The at least one positioning element may be formed as a projection of the fixing device, which engages in a complementary receiving the connector receptacle in the operating state and thus prevents movement of the connector within the connector receptacle, in particular in a direction along the center line or the axis of the end portion or blocked.

In a further embodiment, the plug receptacle or the one or more housing shells of the plug receptacle is formed from a metal and / or a conductive plastic and / or a composite material. In a preferred embodiment, a material of the plug receptacle or the one or more housing shells of the plug receptacle is electrically conductive. The plug receptacle or the one or more housing shells of the plug receptacle can furthermore be produced according to a common production method, e.g. by a die casting process. Preferably, the plug receptacle or the one or more housing shells of the connector receptacle is designed as a metal die-cast. In a preferred embodiment, the plug receptacle or the one or more housing shells of the plug receptacle is designed as a zinc die-cast.

Figur 1A und 1B:

jeweils eine erste Gehäuseschale und eine zweite Gehäuseschale einer Schutzvorrichtung

Figur 2

einen RJ-Steckverbinder mit einer Fixiereinrichtung und einem Endabschnitt eines Kabels

Figur 3

den RJ-Steckverbinder gemäß Figur 2 mit einer montierten ersten Gehäuseschale

Figur 4

den RJ-Steckverbinder gemäß Figur 3 mit einer montierten zweiten Gehäuseschale

Figur 5

eine Querschnittsansicht der ersten Gehäuseschale gemäß Figur 1A

Figur 6

eine Ansicht entlang der Mittellinie der Schutzvorrichtung ohne einen aufgenommenen RJ-Steckverbinder

The invention will be further illustrated by way of example in FIGS Embodiments described. Show it:

FIGS. 1A and 1B:

in each case a first housing shell and a second housing shell of a protective device

FIG. 2

an RJ connector having a fixing device and an end portion of a cable

FIG. 3

the RJ connector according to FIG. 2 with a mounted first housing shell

FIG. 4

the RJ connector according to FIG. 3 with a mounted second housing shell

FIG. 5

a cross-sectional view of the first housing shell according to Figure 1A

FIG. 6

a view along the center line of the protective device without a recorded RJ connector

Figure 1A shows a first housing shell 1A of a protective device 1. The protective device 1 is formed in this exemplary embodiment by two housing shells 1A and 1B . The first housing shell 1A has a plug receptacle 2 , which passes through the first housing shell 1A from a plug opening 3 to a cable opening 4 . The plug opening 3 is in this case in particular formed, an RJ connector 10 (see FIG. 2 and following) in an operating state at least partially surround. The operating state here is the same as previously defined in the description. The plug receptacle 2 is formed in a region which adjoins the plug opening 3 , in particular cuboid, in order to at least partially receive an RJ plug connector 10 . However, the first region is not limited to such a shape, and therefore may be adapted to the respective male RJ connector 10 , in particular.

The cable opening 4 is located at one of the plug opening 3 opposite end of the first housing shell 1A and is in particular designed, an end portion of a male cable 11 (see FIG. 2 and following). The plug receptacle 2 is in a second region, which adjoins the cable opening 4 , in particular cuboid, to the end portion of the At least partially accommodate cable 11 . However, the second area is not limited to such a shape, and therefore may be adapted to the particular end portion of the cable 11 to be respectively received.

Figure 1A further shows an example of a course of a center line M through the first housing shell 1A. The center line M is in this case designed in particular as a straight line which connects a center of the plug opening 3 with a center of the cable opening 4 . It should be indicated that FIGS. 1A and 1B each show an exemplary housing shell 1A and 1B , and thus the center of the plug opening 3 and the center of the cable opening 4 are defined with respect to the operating state. In particular, the center line M is not limited to a straight line, but in particular may have one or more bends or one or more bends. Further, the center line M may extend through the plug receptacle 2 from any point of the plug opening 3 to any point of the cable opening 4 .

The exemplified embodiment further comprises a plurality of cable retaining hooks 6 projecting inwardly in the connector receptacle 2 , and wherein the cable retaining hooks 6 are formed to engage a cable jacket 13 of the end portion of the cable 11 . In particular, six cable holding hooks 6 are shown in the embodiment shown, only three of these cable holding hooks 6 are provided with the corresponding reference numerals to obtain the clarity of the figure. The cable holding hooks 6 are in this case in particular wedge-shaped and are in the connector receptacle 2 of a respective first side 5A and a second, opposite side 5B (see FIG. 1 B) in front. The cable holding hooks 6 may be distributed uniformly or arbitrarily on both sides 5A and 5B . The cable holding hooks 6 can in this case in particular be designed to block or prevent a movement of the end section of the cable 11 along an axis of the cable. For this purpose, one or more cable holding hooks 6 can each be designed to block or prevent movement in two respectively opposite directions. Cable retaining hooks 6 on opposite sides 5A and 5B of the connector receptacle 2 can be arranged offset in particular along the center line M. Here, the end portion of the cable 11 in bend the operating state via the cable holding hooks 6 , whereby undesired damage to the end portion of the cable 11 is avoided.

The cable holding hooks 6 are in particular designed to protrude differently far into the plug receptacle 2 . Here, a distance of each cable holding hook 6 as the shortest distance from the amount of all distances between an arbitrary point on the surface of the respective cable holding hook 6 and an arbitrary point on the center line M can be defined. Cable holding hooks 6 with a shorter distance are therefore further in the connector receptacle 2 than cable holding hooks 6 with a longer distance. In the in Figure 1A illustrated exemplary embodiment, this is realized by the cable holding hooks 6 different degrees from the respective sides 5A and 5B understand. Alternatively or additionally, the sides 5A and 5B can also be arranged at an angle. The cable holding hooks 6 are additionally arranged in such a way in the connector receptacle 2 , so that any cable holding hook 6 has a distance which is shorter than the respective distances of all cable holding hooks 6 which are arranged between the arbitrary cable holding hook 6 and the cable opening 4 in the connector receptacle 2 . Thus, the cable holding hooks 6 form an inner plug receptacle that at least partially tapers in the direction of the plug opening 3 along the center line M , whereby end sections of cables 11 having different diameters can be accommodated and securely held.

Latches 7A a Verrasteinrichtung 7 (see FIG. 4 ) of the two housing shells 1A and 1B are formed along an outer surface of the first housing shell 1A . The latching lugs 7A of the latching device 7 are designed here, with complementary latching hooks 7B (see FIG. 1B and following) of the latching device 7 on the second housing shell 1B in the operating state to engage and thus fix the two housing shells 1A and 1B to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, four detents 7A are formed, however, any number of detents 7A may be disposed on the housing shells 1A and 1B . In addition, locking lugs 7A and complementary locking hooks 7B on the housing shells 1A and 1B can be interchanged, so that the first housing shell 1A any number of locking lugs 7A and Has Verrasthaken 7B , which are designed to engage in each case with complementary Verrasthaken 7B and locking lugs 7A of the second housing shell 1B in the operating state. Further, in particular instead of the Verrasteinrichtung 7 shown other connection means may be formed, which connect the housing shells 1A and 1B, for example by gluing, welding, pressing, etc. A combination of different connection devices can also be realized on the housing shells 1A and 1B , for example a compression device and a fusion device.

FIG. 1B shows a second housing shell 1 B, which is designed to be connected to the first housing shell 1A , to form the connector receptacle 2 . In this case, the second housing shell 1A further forms the plug opening 3 and the cable opening 4 in the operating state .

The second housing shell 1 B further has, in particular, six cable holding hooks 6 , which are formed on the first side 5A and second side 5B of the plug receptacle 2 . Here, the cable holding hooks 6, which are arranged on the first side 5A in the first housing shell 1A , in the operating state, in particular directly to cable holding hooks 6, which are arranged on the first side 5A in the second housing shell 1B , adjacent or with respect to this along a direction be offset parallel to the center line M. Further, the cable holding hooks 6, which are arranged on the second side 5B in the first housing shell 1A , in the operating state, in particular directly to cable holding hooks 6, which are arranged on the second side 5B in the second housing shell 1B , or with respect to this along a direction be offset parallel to the center line M.

The second housing shell 1B further comprises detent hooks 7B, which engage with the detents 7A of the first housing shell 1A in the operating state. The second housing shell 1B further has a recess 9 , which is designed in the operating state, a latching hook 18 (see FIG. 2 and following) of the RJ connector 10 . In this way, such a latching hook 18 can be protected in particular from damage, without a necessary freedom of movement for a use of the latching hook 18th to reduce. The latching hook 18 is further protected by projections 8 which protrude on an outer side of the second housing shell 1B and the protective device 1 . In this case, a plurality of projections 8 can be formed in order to protect the latching hook 18 along several directions.

The first housing shell 1A and the second housing shell 1B also each have at least one bearing surface, which are designed to come into contact with each other in the operating state. In this case, the first housing shell 1A may in particular have at least one shell wall, which at least partially surrounds the at least one bearing surface of the first housing shell 1A . The second housing shell 1B may in particular have at least one wall receptacle which at least partially surrounds the at least one bearing surface of the second housing shell 1B . The at least one shell wall and the at least one wall receptacle are in this case designed to engage in one another in the operating state, and thus to block or prevent movement of the first housing shell 1A relative to the second housing shell 1B . In particular, each of the two housing shells 1A and 1B may have any combination of shell walls and wall mounts.

FIG. 2 1 shows an RJ connector 10 with a fixing device 14 and an end portion of a cable 11. The RJ connector 10 is hereby formed as a male RJ-45 connector 10 , the RJ connector 10 is not limited to RJ-45 connector 10 , but can be designed as any connector, such as USB or circular connector. The RJ connector 10 may further be formed as a male or female connector. The RJ connector 10 includes a latching hook 18 formed on one side of the RJ connector 10 and configured to secure the RJ connector 10 to a complementary RJ connector. The RJ connector 10 is connected to data conductors in a cable core 12 of one end portion of the cable 11 . The cable core 12 is surrounded by a cable sheath 13 or an insulating cable sheath 13 . At a junction between the RJ connector 10 and the end portion of the cable 11 , the fixing device 14 is formed. The Fixing device 14 in this case comprises latching elements 16, which are designed to engage with complementary latching elements of the RJ connector 10 in order to fix the fixing device 14 to the RJ connector 10 . The latching elements 16 of the fixing device 14 may be formed on at least two opposite sides of the RJ connector 10 . The fixing device 14 may alternatively or additionally be connected to the cable core 12 or the end section of the cable 11 .

The fixing device 14 further comprises at least one, in particular four positioning elements 15. The positioning elements 15 may in this case be formed on at least two opposite sides of the fixing device 14 . The positioning elements 15 are designed to engage with the plug receptacle 2 and / or the housing shells 1A and / or 1B and thus block or prevent movement of the RJ plug connector 10 along the center line M in the operating state. The positioning members 15 may further be configured to engage the connector receptacle 2 and / or the housing shell 1A and / or 1B and thus block or prevent movement of the RJ connector 10 across the centerline M in the operative condition.

The fixing device 14 further comprises at least one, in particular four Fixierrasthaken 17. The Fixierrasthaken 17 are designed to engage with the connector receptacle 2 and the housing shells 1A and / or 1B in engagement, and thus the RJ connector 10 on the connector receptacle 2 and to hold the housing shells 1A and / or 1B . More specifically, the four fixing gripping hooks 17 are formed to connect the RJ connector 10 to the first housing shell 1A and / or the second housing shell 1B without arranging both housing shells 1A and 1B in the operating state. The fixing device 14 and / or the latching elements 16 and / or the positioning elements 15 and / or the Fixierrasthaken 17 may in this case be designed in particular as shielding elements to the connector receptacle 2 and the connector 10, in particular the connector receptacle 2 and the connector 10 in one Connecting portion between the end portion of the cable 11 and the connector 10, to the outside of electromagnetic Shield fields.

FIG. 3 shows the RJ connector 10 according to FIG. 2 with a mounted first housing shell 1A. In particular, in this case the RJ connector 10 is received in the connector receptacle 2 and the plug opening 3 . The end portion of the cable 11 is received in the connector receptacle 2 and extends through the cable opening 4. In addition, two Fixierrasthaken 17 of the fixing device 14 are in engagement with the first housing shell 1A and hold the same on the RJ connector 10th

Three of the cable holding hooks 6 are formed on the second side 5B of the connector receptacle 2 . In this case, the cable sheath 13 of the end section of the cable 11 is in particular adapted or shortened such that two of the cable holding hooks 6 have come into engagement with the cable sheath 13 . The third cable retaining hook 6 on the second side 5B of the connector receptacle 2 does not represent this with the cable sheath 13 or the cable core 12 in engagement. The two cable holding hooks 6, which have come into engagement with the cable sheath 13 , provide strain relief of the end portion of the cable 11, and prevent movement of the end portion of the cable 11 along an axis of the end portion of the cable 11 and along the center line M, respectively ,

FIG. 4 shows the RJ connector 10 according to FIG. 3 with a mounted second housing shell 1B. The first housing shell 1A and the second housing shell 1B are arranged in the operating state, wherein the latching lugs 7A and latch hooks 7B are engaged with each other. The protective device 1 in this case surrounds the RJ connector 10 and the end portion of the cable 11 at least partially. The protection device 1 can thus in particular shield the RJ connector 10 and the end portion of the cable 11 to the outside from electromagnetic fields.

The latching hook 18 of the RJ connector 10 is disposed in the recess 9 and is protected by this against accidental breaking off the latching hook 18 . The latching hook 18 is further protected by three projections 8 . Projections 8 can also be used for positioning the protective device 1 in one connected state of the RJ connector 10 , wherein the connected state of the RJ connector 10 represents a state in which the RJ connector 10 is connected to a complementary RJ connector or a complementary socket.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the first housing shell 1A. In particular, in this case the course of the center line M is represented by the connector receptacle 2 , wherein the center line M extends through a center of the plug opening 3 and the cable opening 4 . On the first side 5A , the three cable holding hooks 6 ₂ , 6 ₄ and 6 _{6 are} formed, which project into the connector receptacle 2 . On the second side 5B , the cable holding hooks 6 ₁ , 6 ₃ and 6 _{5 are} formed and also project into the connector receptacle 2 . The cable holding hooks 6 ₁ to 6 ₆ are wedge-shaped. The cable holding hooks 6 ₁ to 6 ₅ are in this case designed in a wedge-like manner in order to prevent or block a movement of the end section of the cable 11 along the center line M in the direction of the cable opening 4 . The cable holding hook 6 ₆ is formed like a wedge to prevent movement of the end portion of the cable 11 along the center line M in the direction of the plug opening 3 or block. The cable holding hooks 6 can therefore be designed to block or prevent movement of the end section of the cable 11 in two directions, in particular in two opposite directions. In addition, the cable holding hook 6 _{6 form} a stop surface for the cable sheath 13 .

Each cable holding hooks 6 ₁ to 6 ₆ each have a distance A ₁ to A ₆ to the center line M. The respective distance A ₁ to A ₆ results here from the shortest distance between the respective cable holding hook 6 ₁ to 6 ₆ to the center line M. In the exemplary embodiment shown have cable holding hooks 6 ₁ to 6 ₃ an equal distance A ₁ to A ₃ on and cable retaining hooks 6 ₄ to 6 ₆ have an equal distance A ₄ to A ₆ . As a result, in particular end sections of a cable 11 with different diameters can be securely held, wherein in each case either the cable holding hooks 6 ₁ to 6 ₃ or 6 ₄ to 6 ₆ engage with the end section of the cable 11 . In addition, each distance A ₁ to A ₆ of the respective cable holding hook 6 ₁ to 6 ₆ forms a Fußlotpunkt on the center line M, wherein the Fußlotpunkte the cable holding hooks 6 ₁ to 6 ₆ in the embodiment shown are different from each other. Of these, however, two or more may have a same footing point.

FIG. 6 shows a view along the center line M of an exemplary protection device 1. Here, the first housing shell 1A and the second housing shell 1B are fixed to each other. Through the cable opening 4 cable retaining hooks 6 can be seen in the connector receptacle 2 . In particular, the cable holding hooks 6 ₁ and 6 ₅ can be seen, since they have a different distance A ₁ and A ₅ to the center line M. In addition, the cable holding hooks 6 ₁ and 6 _{5 have} an oblique holding edge or holding surface, which form an acute angle with an insertion direction E of the cable. The insertion direction E is heirbei defined as the direction along which the cable is inserted and clamped in the connector receptacle 2 . By such a design of the cable retaining hooks 6 , a force required to clamp the end portion of the cable 11 in the connector receptacle 2 can be reduced. In addition, thereby the end portion of the cable 11 can already be centered during the terminals in the connector receptacle 2 .

The invention is not limited to one or more of the above-mentioned and illustrated embodiments. On the contrary, the person skilled in the art can realize a protective device or a use of such a protective device or a method for producing a protected RJ connector, which has any combination of the features mentioned and shown above and in the figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

guard

1A

first housing shell

1B

second housing shell

2

plug receptacle

3

plug opening

4

cable opening

5A

first page

5B

second page

6

Cable retaining hooks

6 ₁ to 6 ₆

Cable retaining hooks

7

latching device

7A

locking lugs

7B

Verrasthaken

8th

head Start

9

recess

10

Connector or RJ connector

11

End portion of the cable

12

cable core

13

cable sheath

14

fixing

15

positioner

16

latching element

17

Fixierrasthaken

18

latch hook

A ₁ to A ₆

distance

e

insertion

M

center line

Claims (15)

Protective device (1) for receiving a connector (10), comprising: a connector receptacle (2) adapted to at least partially receive the connector (10) and an end portion of a cable (11) of the connector (10), the connector receptacle (2) extending along a center line (M) of a connector opening (3 ) for at least partially receiving the connector (10) to a cable opening (4) for at least partially receiving the end portion of the cable (11) of the connector (10) through the protective device (1) extends; and the plug receptacle (2) having a plurality of cable holding hooks (6) projecting inwardly into the plug receptacle (2), each of the cable holding hooks (6) spaced from the center line (M), wherein the distances to the center line (M) of two or more cable holding hooks (6) along the center line (M) from the cable opening (4) in the direction of the plug opening (3) decrease. A protective device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of cable holding hooks (6) are adapted to block movement of the received end portion of the cable (11) relative to the plug receptacle (2); and or
wherein the plug receptacle (2) is formed so that an end portion of cables (11) of different thickness in the plug receptacle (2) is receivable, wherein at least one cable holding hook (6) engages with the end portion of the cable (11). Protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable holding hooks (6) on two opposite sides (5A, 5B) with respect the center line (M) in the connector receptacle (2) are formed. A protective device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of cable holding hooks (6) has a solder root point along the center line (M), and
wherein at least two of the solder root points of the plurality of cable retaining hooks (6) are different from each other, or at least two of the solder root points of the plurality of cable retaining hooks (6) are equal. Protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the end portion of the cable (11) by the cable holding hooks (6) in the connector receptacle (2) is clamped. Protective device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug receptacle (2) as two housing shells (1A, 1B) is formed, which can be locked together by a Verrasteinrichtung (7). Protective device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective device (1) at least partially shields the plug connector (10) and the end section of the cable (11) from electromagnetic fields. Protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective device (1) further comprises a fixing device (14) which is connectable to the connector (10), and wherein the fixing device (14) comprises at least one positioning element (15), which is adapted to engage with the connector receptacle (2) to block movement of the connector (10) within the connector receptacle (2). Protective device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the fixing device (14) further comprises fixing gripping hooks (17) which are designed to lock with the plug receptacle (2) in order to fix the protective device (1) to the plug connector (10). Protective device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective device (1) has at least one projection (8) which projects outwardly from the protective device (1) to protect a latching hook (18) of the connector (10). Protective device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable axis of an end portion of the cable (11) received in the protector (1) is substantially parallel to the center line (M) and, optionally, the cable axis is the center line (M). equivalent. Protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector receptacle (2) is formed from a metal and / or a conductive plastic and / or a composite material; or
wherein the plug receptacle (2) is designed as a metal die-cast, preferably a zinc die casting. Protective device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug receptacle (2) has at least three cable holding hooks (6), wherein the distances from the center line (M) of the at least three cable holding hooks (6) along the center line (M) of the cable opening (4 ) in the direction of the connector opening (3). Use of a protective device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13 for protecting a connector (10). A method of making a protected connector (10) comprising: Connecting an end portion of a cable (11) to a connector (10); Receiving the connector (10) in a connector receptacle (2) of a protective device (1); Clamping the end portion of the cable (11) in the plug receptacle (2), the plug receptacle (2) having a plurality of cable retaining hooks (6) projecting inwardly into the plug receptacle (2) and a cable sheath (13) of the end portion of the cable (11) is clamped by the plurality of cable holding hooks (6), wherein at least two of the cable retaining hooks (6) engage with the cable jacket (13) of the end portion of the cable (11).

Images