EP3382822B1 - Coupling device, method and use - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a plug coupling device for coupling a first RJ plug connector to a second RJ plug connector, a method for producing a coupling between a first RJ plug connector and a second RJ plug connector, and a use of a plug coupling device for coupling a first RJ plug connector with a second RJ connector.

The field of the invention lies in the field of data connection technology, in particular in the field of data connection coupling technology, and in particular in the field of coupling power and data-conducting RJ plug connectors. Many modern electronic devices can be connected with data transmission cables for the transmission of e.g. usage data. Such devices therefore often require a power connection and a data connection, whereby a common power and data cable represents an efficient supply solution. This has already been implemented using Power-over-Ethernet protocols, particularly in the field of twisted-pair cables with RJ connectors. In this case, data conductors are used for power transmission, which limits the maximum power that can be transmitted. Twisted-pair cables with separate conductors require special RJ connectors that have separate data contacts and power contacts. However, such special RJ connectors cannot be coupled to one another with conventional RJ connector couplings.

US 2010/323546 A1 describes systems and methods that include a first registered socket and a link coupled to the first registered socket. These systems and methods also include a first source unit connected to the link and a first layer connected to the link includes at least a portion of the first registered socket, the connection and the first source unit.

EP 2 731 205 A1 describes a connector comprising a plug receptacle into which a plug complementary to the connector can be inserted along an insertion direction; at least one contact element which is designed to make electrical contact with an associated contact of the plug with a contact area in an operating position; at least one connecting element which is designed to make electrical contact with a main circuit board in the operating position with a connecting area; at least one circuit board which electrically connects the at least one connecting element to an associated contact element, the circuit board being arranged essentially parallel to a plane whose normal vector N includes an angle with the insertion direction E that is different from 0 degrees and different from 90 degrees .

JP H10 116667 A describes a connector comprising a modular jack at an input end and a modular jack at an output end, the modular jacks being attached to a circuit board. The modular sockets and a filter unit are enclosed by a housing made of a synthetic resin, which is separated into an upper and a lower part, for example a base and a cover. The base consists of a box with one side left open and provided with windows on both sides around the longitudinal direction to expose the insertion openings in the modular jacks to be enclosed. The cover comprises a box, one side of which is left open and is provided on both sides around the longitudinal direction with windows for exposing the insertion openings in the modular jacks to be enclosed.

WO 2011/083470 A1 describes a modular jack or connector which is mountable on a panel and has two openings. A first opening can receive a standard modular plug and a second opening can allow access to a resilient portion of the conductive contacts within the socket through a conductive element. The conductive element can electrically connect the connector to a second connector. The connector can be separated from the second connector if a Communication plug is inserted into the first opening of the connector.

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a plug-in coupling device for RJ connectors which can couple two RJ connectors with separate current conductors and data conductors to one another.

The invention is defined by the independent claims, while preferred embodiments form the subject of the dependent claims.

One aspect of the invention relates to a plug-in coupling device according to claim 1 for receiving a first RJ plug connector at a first end and a second RJ plug connector at a second end, comprising a data coupling device for connecting a plurality of data conductors of the first RJ plug connector to a A plurality of data conductors of the second RJ plug connector and a power coupling device for connecting a plurality of power conductors of the first RJ plug connector to a plurality of power conductors of the second RJ plug connector, the data coupling device and the power coupling device being designed to be electrically separated from one another .

Here, the first and the second plug connector can be any family member of the RJ plug connector category, the first and the second RJ plug connector preferably belonging to the same RJ plug connector category. In particular, the first RJ connector can be received along a first connection direction at the first end and the second RJ connector can be received along a second connection direction at the second end. In this case, the first and the second connection direction preferably run parallel to one another. However, it is also possible for the first and second connection directions not to run parallel to one another, as a result of which an angled plug-in coupling device is made possible.

The data coupling device is designed to transmit a data stream from the first RJ connector to the second RJ connector and vice versa. For this purpose, the data coupling device can have a first data contact element at the first end for each of the plurality of data conductors of the first RJ connector, each first data contact element being designed to come into contact with exactly one assigned data conductor of the first RJ connector. The data coupling device can also have a second data contact element at the second end for each of the plurality of data conductors of the second RJ connector, each second data contact element being designed with exactly one assigned data conductor of the second RJ connector To get in touch. The data coupling device is also designed to bring each of the first data contact elements crossed with a second data contact element, which enables the data stream to be transmitted from the first RJ connector to the second RJ connector and vice versa. In this sense, "crossed" means that in a planar circuit diagram of the data coupling device, each imaginary straight line connecting a first data contact element and the associated second data contact element, each further imaginary straight line connecting a further first data contact element with the correspondingly assigned second data contact element , crosses. In particular, those skilled in the art are familiar with crossed contacts from cross-cable technology, with certain data contact elements or contact wires being interchanged in a known manner in the case of the first data contact elements or the second data contact elements.

The power coupling device is designed to transmit a current for operating an electrical device from the first RJ connector to the second RJ connector and vice versa. For this purpose, the first RJ plug connector and the second RJ plug connector each have separate power conductors for conducting the current, which are formed separately from the data conductors. The power coupling device can have a first power contact element at the first end for each of the plurality of power conductors of the first RJ connector, each first power contact element being designed to come into contact with exactly one assigned power conductor of the first RJ connector. The power coupling device can also have a second power contact element at the second end for each of the plurality of power conductors of the second RJ connector, each second power contact element being designed to come into contact with exactly one assigned power conductor of the second RJ connector. The power coupling device is further designed to bring each of the first power contact elements crossed with a second power contact element, whereby a transmission of the current from the first RJ connector to the second RJ connector and vice versa. "Crossed" in this sense means that in a planar circuit diagram of the power coupling device, each imaginary straight line connecting a first power contact element and the associated second power contact element, each further imaginary straight line connecting a further first power contact element to the correspondingly assigned second power contact element , crosses. In particular, those skilled in the art are familiar with crossed contacts from cross cable technology, with certain power contact elements or line cores being interchanged in a known manner in the first power contact elements or the second power contact elements.

The data coupling device and the power coupling device are designed to be electrically separated from one another. In particular, the power contact elements and the data contact elements are formed separately at the first and the second end, so that data can be transmitted via the data coupling device without operating the power coupling device and vice versa. The separate design of the data coupling device and the power coupling device enables efficient operation of electrical devices that obtain their data and their power via an RJ connector. In addition, it is also possible to couple RJ plug-in connectors with one another without separate power conductors, since the data coupling device can also transmit the data stream without operating the power coupling device. In particular, the first power contact elements and the first data contact elements can be formed on opposite sides of the first end of the plug-in coupling device. In particular, the second power contact elements and the second data contact elements can be formed on opposite sides of the second end of the plug-in coupling device.

In a preferred embodiment, the power coupling device of the plug-in coupling device comprises at least two, preferably exactly two, first Power contact elements at the first end for making electrical contact with the first RJ connector and at least two, preferably exactly two, second power contact elements at the second end for making electrical contact with the second RJ connector. The at least two first power contact elements can be arranged on an opposite side of the first end with respect to the first data contact elements. This means that the first data contact elements are arranged on a first or lower side of the first end, while the first power contact elements are arranged on a second or upper side of the first end, the first side of the first end being the second side of the first end opposite. The at least two second power contact elements can be arranged on an opposite side of the second end with respect to the second data contact elements. This means that the second data contact elements are arranged on a first or lower side of the second end, while the second power contact elements are arranged on a second or upper side of the second end, the first side of the second end being the second side of the second end opposite. Such an arrangement can prevent or reduce possible crosstalk or possible interference between power contact elements and data contact elements. The first side of the first end and the first side of the second end can here be formed on the same side of the plug-in coupling device.

In a further embodiment, the power coupling device is also designed to transmit a power of at least 95W, preferably at least 110W, more preferably at least 145W and / or a maximum of 200W, preferably a maximum of 170W, more preferably a maximum of 150W at at least 48 V DC or AC . The power coupling device can also be designed to transmit a current of at least 2A, preferably at least 2.5A, more preferably at least 3A and / or at most 10A, preferably at most 5A, more preferably at most 4A, at at least 48 V DC or AC.

In a further embodiment, the data coupling device of the plug-in coupling device connects the plurality of data conductors of the first RJ plug connector in a crossed manner with the plurality of data conductors of the second RJ plug connector, the data coupling device connecting data contact elements at the first end for establishing a data connection with the first RJ connector crossed with data contact elements at the second end for establishing a data connection with the second RJ connector.

The power coupling device of the plug-in coupling device connects the multiplicity of power conductors of the first RJ connector in a crossed manner with the multiplicity of power conductors of the second RJ connector, the power coupling device connecting power contact elements at the first end for making electrical contact with the first RJ connector crossed with power contact elements at the second end for making electrical contact with the second RJ connector.

The data coupling device is at least partially formed on a first printed circuit board and the power coupling device is at least partially formed on a second printed circuit board. The first printed circuit board can in particular be designed with to be connected to the first and second data contact elements. In addition, the first printed circuit board can be designed to connect the first and second data contact elements in a crossed manner. The second printed circuit board can in particular be designed to be connected to the first and second power contact elements. In addition, the second printed circuit board can be designed to connect the first and second power contact elements in a crossed manner. Such a structure on two separate printed circuit boards enables a modular production of the plug-in coupling device and furthermore a possible crosstalk or possible interference between the data coupling device and the power coupling device can be prevented or reduced.

In a further embodiment, the plug-in coupling device is designed to be Power-over-Ethernet compatible. For this purpose, the data coupling device is designed to also transmit an operating current for an electrical device and thus partially take over the function of the power coupling device. This makes it possible to also supply devices with electrical power that draw their power via Power-over-Ethernet. For this purpose, the data coupling device is designed to be compatible with at least IEEE 802.3bt. In a further embodiment, the data coupling device is designed to deliver a current of at least 2 A, preferably at least 3 A, most preferably at least 3.75 A and a maximum of 10 A, preferably a maximum of 5 A, most preferably a maximum of 4 A for each at least 45 V DC or 30 V AC, preferably 75 V DC or 50 V AC and a maximum of 150 V DC or 100 V AC, preferably a maximum of 90 V DC or 60 V AC.

In a further embodiment, the plug-in coupling device is designed to couple a first RJ-45 connector and a second RJ-45 connector. Here, the plug-in coupling device is designed in particular to couple the first RJ-45 plug connector and the second RJ-45 plug connector if the first RJ-45 plug connector and the second RJ-45 plug connector are each designed with or without separate power conductors.

In a further embodiment, the plug-in coupling device further comprises a housing, the housing comprising two essentially identical housing shells and the housing or the two housing shells at least partially surrounding the plug-in coupling device or the data coupling device and the power coupling device. “Essentially” in this sense means comprehensively small, manufacturing-related deviations. By designing the two housing shells in the same part, a simplified and cost-effective manufacturing process for the housing is made possible. The housing shells can also be designed to come into engagement with one another in an operating state of the housing shells in which the two housing shells at least partially surround the plug-in coupling device or the data coupling device and the power coupling device in order to block the two housing shells from slipping relative to one another. The two housing shells can also be designed to come into engagement with the plug-in coupling device in the operating state, so that relative slipping between the plug-in coupling device and the housing shell is blocked. The two housing shells can furthermore have at least one latching mechanism which is designed to latch with the plug-in coupling device in the operating state of the housing shells, as defined above, and thus to releasably fasten the housing shells to the plug-in coupling device. This ensures that the housing is securely seated on the plug-in coupling device. The housing can protect the plug-in coupling device from damage and external influences, and electrically isolate the plug-in coupling device from the outside.

In a further embodiment, the plug-in coupling device further comprises a shielding element which at least partially surrounds the plug-in coupling device or the data coupling device and the power coupling device and essentially shields it from external electromagnetic fields. The screen element can consist of a metal or conductive plastic or material, whereby the screen element is Faraday's The cage surrounds the plug-in coupling device or the data coupling device and the power coupling device and thus shields it from the outside. The shield element can be designed in several pieces and at least partially surround the housing. The shield element can come into engagement with the housing and / or the plug-in coupling device in an operating state of the shield element in which the shield element at least partially surrounds the plug-in coupling device or the data coupling device and the power coupling device, in order to prevent the shield element from slipping relative to the plug-in coupling device to block. In a preferred embodiment, the housing is also designed as a shield element, and thus a separate shield element does not have to be provided, as a result of which the manufacturing process of the plug-in coupling device is simplified.

In a further embodiment, the plug-in coupling device further comprises a latching device which is designed to fasten the plug-in coupling device to a complementary latching mechanism of an external fastening frame. The latching device can in particular be formed on the housing and / or the shield element. The external fastening frame can be any object to which the plug-in coupling device is to be fastened, such as a frame, a table socket or a switch box or switch cabinet. The latching device is not limited to a latching mechanism, but can be implemented using any fastening method, such as gluing, clamping, screwing, pressing or some other friction fit.

Another aspect relates to a method according to claim 10 for producing a coupling between a first RJ plug connector and a second RJ plug connector, comprising providing a plug-in coupling device for receiving the first RJ plug connector at a first end and the second RJ plug connector at one end second end, the plug-in coupling device having a data coupling device for connecting a plurality of data conductors of the first RJ connector to a plurality of data conductors of the second RJ connector and a power coupling device for connecting a multiplicity of power conductors of the first RJ connector to a multiplicity of power conductors of the second RJ connector, the data coupling device and the power coupling device being designed to be electrically separated from one another. The method further includes receiving the first RJ connector at the first end and receiving the second RJ connector at the second end.

Here, the first and the second plug connector can be any family member of the RJ plug connector category, the first and the second RJ plug connector preferably belonging to the same RJ plug connector category. In particular, the first RJ connector can be received along a first connection direction at the first end and the second RJ connector can be received along a second connection direction at the second end. Here, the first connection direction and the second connection direction preferably run parallel to one another. However, it is also possible for the first and second connection directions not to run parallel to one another, as a result of which an angled plug-in coupling device is made possible.

The data coupling device is designed to transmit a data stream from the first RJ connector to the second RJ connector and vice versa. For this purpose, the data coupling device can have a first data contact element at the first end for each of the plurality of data conductors of the first RJ connector, each first data contact element being designed to come into contact with exactly one assigned data conductor of the first RJ connector. The data coupling device can also have a second data contact element at the second end for each of the plurality of data conductors of the second RJ connector, each second data contact element being designed to come into contact with exactly one assigned data conductor of the second RJ connector. The data coupling device is also designed to bring each of the first data contact elements into cross-connection with a respective wide data contact element, as a result of which the data stream can be transmitted from the first RJ connector to the second RJ connector and vice versa. In this sense, "crossed" means that in a planar circuit diagram of the data coupling device, each imaginary straight line connecting a first data contact element and the associated second data contact element, each further imaginary straight line connecting a further first data contact element with the correspondingly assigned second data contact element , crosses. In particular, those skilled in the art are familiar with crossed contacts from cross cable technology, with certain data contact elements or contact wires being interchanged in a known manner in the first data contact elements or the second data contact elements.

The power coupling device is designed to transmit a current for operating an electrical device from the first RJ connector to the second RJ connector and vice versa. For this purpose, the first RJ plug connector and the second RJ plug connector each have separate power conductors for conducting the current, which are formed separately from the data conductors. The power coupling device can have a first power contact element at the first end for each of the plurality of power conductors of the first RJ connector, each first power contact element being designed to come into contact with exactly one assigned power conductor of the first RJ connector. The power coupling device can also have a second power contact element at the second end for each of the plurality of power conductors of the second RJ connector, each second power contact element being designed to come into contact with exactly one assigned power conductor of the second RJ connector. The power coupling device is also designed to bring each of the first power contact elements into cross-connection with a respective second power contact element, thereby enabling the current to be transmitted from the first RJ connector to the second RJ connector and vice versa. "Crossed" in this sense means that in a planar circuit diagram of the power coupling device, each imaginary straight line which connects a first power contact element and the assigned second power contact element, every further imaginary straight line, which each connects a further first power contact element to the correspondingly assigned second power contact element, crosses. In particular, those skilled in the art are familiar with crossed contacts from cross cable technology, with certain power contact elements or power cores being interchanged in a known manner in the first power contact elements or the second power contact elements.

The data coupling device and the power coupling device are designed to be electrically separated from one another. In particular, the power contact elements and the data contact elements are formed separately at the first and the second end, so that data can be transmitted via the data coupling device without operating the power coupling device and vice versa. The separate design of the data coupling device and the power coupling device enables efficient operation of electrical devices that obtain their data and their power via an RJ connector. In addition, it is also possible to couple RJ plug-in connectors with one another without separate power conductors, since the data coupling device can also transmit the data stream without operating the power coupling device.

In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises establishing electrical contact between the plug-in coupling device and the first RJ connector and establishing electrical contact between the plug-in coupling device and the second RJ plug connector. Here, the power coupling device of the plug-in coupling device comprises at least two, preferably exactly two, first power contact elements at the first end for making electrical contact with the first RJ connector and at least two, preferably exactly two, second power contact elements at the second end for making an electrical one Contact with the second RJ connector. The at least two first power contact elements can thereby be arranged on an opposite side of the first end with respect to the first data contact elements. This means that the first data contact elements are arranged on a first or lower side of the first end, while the first power contact elements are arranged on a second or upper side of the first end, the first side of the first end being the second side of the first end opposite. The at least two second power contact elements can be arranged on an opposite side of the second end with respect to the second data contact elements. This means that the second data contact elements are arranged on a first or lower side of the second end, while the second power contact elements are arranged on a second or upper side of the second end, the first side of the second end being the second side of the second end opposite. Such an arrangement can prevent or reduce possible crosstalk or possible interference between power contact elements and data contact elements. The first side of the first end and the first side of the second end can here be formed on the same side of the plug-in coupling device.

In a further embodiment, the data coupling device of the plug-in coupling device connects the plurality of data conductors of the first RJ plug connector in a crossed manner with the plurality of data conductors of the second RJ plug connector.

The power coupling device of the plug-in coupling device connects the multiplicity of power conductors of the first RJ connector in a crossed manner with the multiplicity of power conductors of the second RJ connector.

The data coupling device is at least partially formed on a first printed circuit board and the power coupling device is at least partially formed on a second printed circuit board. The first printed circuit board can in particular be designed to be connected to the first and second data contact elements. In addition, the first printed circuit board can be designed to connect the first and second data contact elements in a crossed manner. The second printed circuit board can in particular be designed to be connected to the first and second power contact elements. In addition, the second printed circuit board can be designed to connect the first and second power contact elements in a crossed manner. Such a structure on two separate printed circuit boards enables a modular production of the plug-in coupling device and furthermore a possible crosstalk or possible interference between the data coupling device and the power coupling device can be prevented or reduced.

In a further embodiment, the plug-in coupling device is designed to be Power-over-Ethernet compatible. For this purpose, the data coupling device is designed to also transmit an operating current for an electrical device and thus partially take over the function of the power coupling device. This makes it possible to also supply devices with electrical power that draw their power via Power-over-Ethernet. For this purpose, the data coupling device is designed to be compatible with at least IEEE 802.3bt. In a further embodiment, the data coupling device is designed to have a current of at least 2 A, preferably at least 3 A, most preferably at least 3.75 A and at most 10 A, preferably a maximum of 5 A, most preferably a maximum of 4 A at least 45 V DC or 30 V AC, preferably 75 V DC or 50 V AC and a maximum of 150 V DC or 100 V AC, preferably a maximum of 90 V DC or 60 V AC to be transmitted.

In a further embodiment, the plug-in coupling device is designed to couple a first RJ-45 connector and a second RJ-45 connector. Here, the plug-in coupling device is designed in particular to couple the first RJ-45 plug connector and the second RJ-45 plug connector if the first RJ-45 plug connector and the second RJ-45 plug connector are each designed with or without separate power conductors.

In a further embodiment, the plug-in coupling device furthermore comprises a housing, the housing comprising two essentially identical housing shells and the housing at least partially surrounding the plug-in coupling device. “Essentially” in this sense means comprehensively small, manufacturing-related deviations. By designing the two housing shells in the same part, a simplified and cost-effective manufacturing process for the housing is made possible. The housing shells can furthermore be designed to come into engagement with one another in an operating state of the housing shells in which the two housing shells at least partially surround the plug-in coupling device in order to block mutual slipping of the two housing shells. The two housing shells can also be designed to come into engagement with the plug-in coupling device in the operating state of the housing shells, as defined above, so that relative slipping between the plug-in coupling device and the housing shell is blocked. The two housing shells can furthermore have at least one latching mechanism which is designed to latch with the plug-in coupling device in the operating state and thus to releasably fasten the housing shells to the plug-in coupling device. This ensures that the housing is securely seated on the plug-in coupling device. The housing can protect the plug-in coupling device from damage and external influences, and electrically isolate the plug-in coupling device from the outside.

In a further embodiment, the plug-in coupling device further comprises a shielding element which at least partially surrounds the plug-in coupling device and shields it from external electromagnetic fields. The shield element can consist of a metal or conductive plastic or material, whereby the shield element surrounds the plug-in coupling device as a Faraday cage and thus shields it from the outside. The shield element can be designed in several pieces and at least partially surround the housing. The shield element can come into engagement with the housing and / or the plug-in coupling device in an operating state of the shield element in which the shield element at least partially surrounds the plug-in coupling device in order to block the shield element from slipping relative to the plug-in coupling device. In a preferred embodiment, the housing is also designed as a shield element, and thus a separate shield element does not have to be provided, as a result of which the manufacturing process of the plug-in coupling device is simplified.

In a further embodiment, the method further comprises fastening the plug-in coupling device to a complementary latching mechanism of a fastening frame. For this purpose, the plug-in coupling device further comprises a latching device which is designed to fasten the plug-in coupling device to the complementary latching mechanism of the fastening frame. The latching device can in particular be formed on the housing and / or the shield element. The fastening frame can be any object to which the plug-in coupling device is to be fastened, such as a frame, a table socket or a switch box or switch cabinet. The latching device is not limited to a latching mechanism, but can be implemented using any fastening method, such as gluing, clamping, screwing, pressing or some other friction fit.

Another aspect relates to the use of a plug-in coupling device according to one of the plug-in coupling devices described above for coupling a first RJ connector with a second RJ connector.

Figur 1:

Datenkontaktelemente und Leistungskontaktelemente einer Steckkupplungs-vorrichtung in einem unmontierten Zustand;

Figur 2:

Steckkupplungsvorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 mit verbindendem PCB in einem unmontierten Zustand;

Figur 3:

Steckkupplungsvorrichtung mit montierten Datenkontaktelementen, Leistungskontaktelementen und verbindendem PCB;

Figur 4A und

Steckkupplungsvorrichtung gemäß Figur 3 mit einem und mit zwei

4B:

montierten Gehäuseschalen;

Figur 5:

Steckkupplungsvorrichtung gemäß Figur 4B mit montiertem Schirmelement.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Show it:

Figure 1:

Data contact elements and power contact elements of a plug-in coupling device in an unassembled state;

Figure 2:

Plug-in coupling device according to Figure 1 with connecting PCB in an unassembled state;

Figure 3:

Plug-in coupling device with mounted data contact elements, power contact elements and connecting PCB;

Figure 4A and

Plug-in coupling device according to Figure 3 with one and with two

4B:

mounted housing shells;

Figure 5:

Plug-in coupling device according to Figure 4B with mounted screen element.

Figure 1 shows the arrangement of first data contact elements 3A and second data contact elements 3B, as well as first power contact elements 2A and second power contact elements 2B of a plug-in coupling device 1. In this exemplary embodiment, the plug-in coupling device 1 is designed in particular to connect a first RJ-45 connector (not shown) to a second RJ-45 connectors (not shown) to couple. The first and second data contact elements each have data contacts 3A ₁ to 3As and 3B ₁ to 3B ₈ , which are exemplified in FIG Figure 1 are shown with reference to FIGS. 3A ₁ and 3B ₁ . The first and second data contact elements 3A, 3B are arranged on a base plate 4 of the connector, the base plate 4 defining a lower side of the plug-in coupling device 1. The base plate 4 consists of an electrically insulating material, preferably an electromagnetically insulating material, the base plate being designed to electrically isolate the first data contact elements 3A from the second data contact elements 3B . The base plate 4 can preferably be formed in one piece and can also have position elements 4A which are used for positioning a printed circuit board 5 (see FIG Figure 2 and following) are received in complementary position element receptacles 5A of the printed circuit board 5 . The first data contact elements 3A are arranged at a first end of the plug-in coupling device 1 and are designed to come into contact with data conductors of the first RJ-45 connector. For this purpose, the first data contact elements 3A are also at least partially resilient in order to ensure good contact with the data conductors of the first RJ-45 connector. The second data contact elements 3B are arranged at a second end of the plug-in coupling device 1 and are designed to come into contact with data conductors of the second RJ-45 connector. For this purpose, the second data contact elements 3B are also at least partially resilient in order to ensure good contact with the data conductors of the second RJ-45 connector.

The first and second power contact elements 2A, 2B are shown in FIG Figure 1 shown floating, since these are connected to the printed circuit board 5 , which is shown in Figure 2 and the following is shown. In particular, the first and second power contact elements 2A, 2B in the embodiment shown are not physically connected to the base plate 4 , but are separated from the base plate 4 by an insulating gas or air in order to ensure good insulation of the first and second power contact elements 2A, 2B within the To ensure plug-in coupling device 1. In further embodiments, the first and second power contact elements 2A, 2B can also be stored in the base plate 4 in order to increase the structural stability of the plug-in coupling device 1. The first power contact elements 2A are arranged at a first end of the plug-in coupling device 1 and are designed to come into contact with power conductors of the first RJ-45 connector. For this purpose, the first power contact elements 2A are also at least partially resilient, in particular as resilient contact clips, in order to ensure good contact with the power conductors of the first RJ-45 connector. The resilient contact clips of the first power contact elements 2A are formed on an upper side of the plug-in coupling device 1 . Thus, the first resilient data contact elements 3A and the first resilient power contact elements 2A preferably formed on opposite sides, in each case the lower and upper side of the plug-in coupling device 1 , so that after the first RJ-45 connector has been received, a spring action of the first data contact elements 3A counteracts a spring action of the first power contact elements 2A , whereby a secure fit of the first RJ-45 45 connector and good contact is guaranteed. The second power contact elements 2B are arranged at a second end of the plug-in coupling device 1 and are designed to come into contact with power conductors of the second RJ-45 connector. For this purpose, the second power contact elements 2B are also at least partially resilient, in particular as resilient contact clips, in order to ensure good contact with the power conductors of the second RJ-45 connector. The resilient contact clips of the second power contact elements 2B are formed on an upper side of the plug-in coupling device 1 . Thus, the second resilient data contact elements 3B and the second resilient power contact elements 2B are preferably formed on opposite sides of the plug-in coupling device 1 , so that after the second RJ-45 connector has been received, a spring action of the second data contact elements 3B counteracts a spring action of the second power contact elements 2B , whereby a secure fit of the second RJ-45 connector and good contact is guaranteed.

Figure 2 shows the plug-in coupling device 1 according to Figure 1 with mounted printed circuit board 5, according to an example that is not part of the invention. The printed circuit board 5 has position element receptacles 5A, which are designed to accommodate the position elements 4A of the base plate 4 and thus to block or prevent the printed circuit board 5 from slipping within the plug-in coupling device 1. Position elements 4A and position element receptacles 5A can also be designed to be connected by frictional engagement, as a result of which the printed circuit board 5 is fastened to the base plate 4. Printed circuit board 5 and base plate 4 can either be arranged directly next to one another or separated from one another by a separating layer, for example a protective layer and / or an insulating layer and / or a lacquer layer. The data contact elements 3A, 3B are connected to the printed circuit board 5 , which connects the data contact elements 3A to the data contact elements 3B in a crossed manner.

This is shown by way of example using the data contact elements 3A ₁ and 3B ₁ , the data contact elements 3A ₁ and 3B _{1 being connected in a} crossed manner by the printed circuit board 5. The data contact elements 3A, 3B and their connection on the circuit board 5 form the data coupling device 3. The power contact elements 2A, 2B are connected to the circuit board 5 , which connects the power contact elements 2A to the power contact elements 2B in a crossed manner. The power contact elements 2A, 2B and their connection on the printed circuit board 5 form the power coupling device 2.

Figure 3 shows the plug-in coupling device 1 according to Figure 2 with mounted structural element 6. Structural element 6 is formed on printed circuit board 5 and designed to guide and / or support power contact elements 2A, 2B. For this purpose, structural element 6 can be formed from the same material as base plate 4 or another electrically insulating material. The structural element 6 can be connected to the printed circuit board 5 and / or the base plate 4 by, for example, gluing, clamping or locking. The structural element 6 also has four guide rails 6A , which are designed to support the housing shells 7 (see FIG Figures 4A and 4B ) to lead on the plug-in coupling device 1 and to block the housing shells 7 from slipping on the plug-in coupling device in at least one direction. The structural element 6 also has latching lugs 6B , which are designed to be connected to complementary latching elements 7B (see FIG Figures 4A and 4B ) the housing shells 7 to come into engagement and thus to fix the housing shells 7 on the plug-in coupling device 1.

Figure 4A shows a plug-in coupling device 1 according to Figure 3 with a mounted housing shell 7. The housing shell 7 is designed to at least partially surround the plug-in coupling device 1 and to isolate it from the outside and to protect it from damage. For this purpose, the housing shell 7 can consist, for example, of an insulating plastic or a composite material. The housing shell 7 also has rail receptacles 7A in order to receive the guide rails 6A of the structural element 6 . The housing shell 7 further comprises _Einrastelemente 7B, which with the locking lugs 6B of the Structural element 6 can come into engagement in order to fix the housing shell 7 on the structural element 6 of the plug-in coupling device 1. Latching elements 7A and latching lugs 6A can, however, also be replaced by other fixing elements, such as, for example, by an adhesive section or a clamping section. The housing shell 7 is designed to at least partially surround the plug-in coupling device 1 together with an identical housing shell 7. This simplifies a manufacturing process for the housing shells 7. The housing shell 7 each has at least one housing shell projection 7C and at least one housing shell recess 7D , the housing shell projections 7C and the housing shell recesses 7D of two housing shells being designed to engage with one another in order to block the housing shells from slipping on the plug-in coupling device 1. Figure 4B shows such an arrangement in which the two housing shells 7 are arranged on the plug-in coupling device and are in engagement with one another. The housing shells 7 also have a plug connector latching lug receptacle 7E which is designed to accommodate the latching mechanism of a conventional RJ-45 plug connector. The housing shells 7 each form a connector receptacle 8 at the first and the second end, each for receiving an RJ-45 connector. Figure 5 shows a plug-in coupling device 1 according to Figure 4B with the shield element 9 installed. The shield element 9 is designed to protect the plug-in coupling device 1 from external electromagnetic fields and is designed as a Faraday cage which at least partially surrounds the plug-in coupling device 1. For this purpose, the screen element 9 can be formed from a metal or a conductive plastic. The shield element 9 can furthermore be designed to additionally protect the plug-in coupling device 1 from damage.

List of reference symbols

1

Plug-in coupling device

2

Power coupling device

2A

first power contact elements

2 B

second power contact elements

3

Data coupling device

3A

first data contact elements

3A1 to 3A8

Data contact elements of the first data contact elements

3B

second data contact elements

3B1 to 3B8

Data contact elements of the second data contact elements

4th

Base plate

4A

Position element

5

Printed circuit board

5A

Position element holder

6th

Structural element

6A

Guide rail

6B

Locking lug

7th

Housing shell

7A

Rail mount

7B

Snap-in element

7C

Housing shell protrusion

7D

Housing shell recess

7E

Connector snap-in lug receptacle

8th

Connector receptacle

9

Shield element

Claims (11)

1. A plug-in coupling device (1) for receiving a first RJ connector at a first end, and a second RJ connector at a second end, comprising:

   a data coupling apparatus (3) for connecting a plurality of data conductors of the first RJ connector to a plurality of data conductors of the second RJ connector; and

   a power coupling apparatus (2) for connecting a plurality of power conductors of the first RJ connector to a plurality of power conductors of the second RJ connector, characterized in that the plug-in coupling device comprises a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board, and the power coupling apparatus (2) cross-connects the plurality of power conductors of the first RJ connector to the plurality of power conductors of the second RJ connector, wherein the power coupling apparatus (2) cross-connects, power contact elements (2A) at the first end for producing an electrical contact with the first RJ connector to power contact elements (2B) at the second end for producing an electrical contact with the second RJ connector,

   wherein the data coupling apparatus (3) and the power coupling apparatus (2) are designed to be electrically separate from each other,

   wherein the data coupling apparatus (3) is at least partially formed on the first printed circuit board, and

   wherein the power coupling apparatus (2) is at least partially formed on the second printed circuit board.
2. The plug-in coupling device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the power coupling apparatus (2) comprises:

   at least two power contact elements (2A) at the first end for producing an electrical contact with the first RJ connector; and

   at least two power contact elements (2B) at the second end for producing an electrical contact with the second RJ connector.
3. The plug-in coupling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data coupling apparatus (3) comprises:

   at least two data contact elements (3A) at the first end for producing a datalink with the first RJ connector; and

   at least two data contact elements (3B) at the second end for producing a datalink with the second RJ connector.
4. The plug-in coupling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data coupling apparatus (3) cross-connects the plurality of data conductors of the first RJ connector to the plurality of data conductors of the second RJ connector,
   wherein the data coupling apparatus (3) cross-connects data contact elements (3A) at the first end for producing a datalink with the first RJ connector to data contact elements (3B) at the second end for producing a datalink with the second RJ connector.
5. The plug-in coupling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug-in coupling device (1) is designed to be power-over-Ethernet compatible.
6. The plug-in coupling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug-in coupling device (1) is designed to couple a first RJ-45 connector and a second RJ-45 connector.
7. The plug-in coupling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug-in coupling device (1) furthermore comprises a housing, wherein the housing comprises two housing shells (7) with basically the same parts, and the housing at least partially surrounds the data coupling apparatus (3) and the power coupling apparatus (2).
8. The plug-in coupling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug-in coupling device (1) furthermore comprises a shielding element (9) that at least partially surrounds the data coupling apparatus (3) and the power coupling apparatus (2) and substantially shields from external electromagnetic fields.
9. The plug-in coupling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug-in coupling device (1) furthermore comprises a latching apparatus that is designed to attach the plug-in coupling device (1) to a complementary engaging mechanism of an external attachment frame.
10. A method for producing a coupling between a first RJ connector and a second RJ connector, comprising:
    providing a plug-in coupling device (1) for receiving the first RJ connector at a first end, and the second RJ connector at a second end, comprising:

    a data coupling apparatus (3) for connecting a plurality of data conductors of the first RJ connector to a plurality of data conductors of the second RJ connector; and

    a power coupling apparatus (2) for connecting a plurality of power conductors of the first RJ connector to a plurality of power conductors of the second RJ connector, wherein the power coupling apparatus (2) cross-connects the plurality of power conductors of the first RJ connector to the plurality of power conductors of the second RJ connector, wherein the power coupling apparatus (2) cross-connects power contact elements (2A) at the first end for producing an electrical contact with the first RJ connector to power contact elements (2B) at the second end for producing an electrical contact with the second RJ connector,

    wherein the data coupling apparatus (3) and the power coupling apparatus (2) are designed to be electrically separate from each other,

    wherein the data coupling apparatus (3) is at least partially formed on the first printed circuit board, and

    wherein the power coupling apparatus (2) is at least partially formed on a second printed circuit board;

    receiving the first RJ connector at the first end; and receiving the second RJ connector at the second end.
11. A use of a plug-in coupling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 for coupling a first RJ connector to a second RJ connector.

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