EP3776751A1

EP3776751A1 - Plug assembly for data cables

Info

Publication number: EP3776751A1
Application number: EP19728577.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kevin ZECHMANN
Original assignee: Neutrik AG
Current assignee: Neutrik AG
Priority date: 2018-04-06
Filing date: 2019-04-04
Publication date: 2021-02-17
Also published as: ZA202006583B; AU2019248403B2; MX2020010487A; US20210098932A1; RU2020136215A3; CA3095778A1; JP7335894B2; US11515661B2; CN209929554U; BR112020020471A2; JP2021520606A; AU2019248403A1; AT521108A3; KR20200138357A; CN112243552B; AT521108A2; RU2020136215A; AT521108B1; CN112243552A

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug assembly for use with cables (K) with cable plugs (S) comprising a housing (1) for receiving the cable plug (S), a clamping part (5) arranged in the housing (1) and which engages the cable (K), the clamping part clamps the cable (K) in the compressed state, and a clamping sleeve (3) for forming a threaded connection with the housing (1). When the threaded connection is tightened, the clamping part (5) is tensioned in the housing (1) and the cable (K) is clamped in the clamping part (5). The front end of the clamping part (5) facing the cable plug (S) is designed to receive and position the cable plug (S) in a predetermined position at the front end of the clamping part (5) or is provided with at least one stop for the cable plug (S). Thus, when the threaded connection is tightened, the cable plug (S) is also positioned and fixed in a rotationally secure manner with respect to the housing (1) and the clamping part (5).

Description

Plug arrangement for data cables

The invention relates to a plug assembly for use with cables with cable plug, in particular for data cables such as RJ45 cable, optical fiber, power cable and the like., According to the preamble of claim 1, and a connector using such a connector assembly, according to the preamble of claim 14, as well as a clamping part for use in a plug arrangement, according to the preamble of claim 17.

The transmission of electronic data between computing systems via cable is well known. These cables typically have a multi-pole male connector whose configuration is similar to a rectangular telephone jack. A widely used 8-pin connector is known in the art as an "RJ-45" connector. For some applications, the standard RJ-45 connector is prone to damage and failure. For example, it is not well suited for repeated insertion and removal in and out of a chassis jack, in particular; the contacts are slightly bent or shifted by wrong insertion. The plastic latch (spring arm) can tire and break off, so that the plug is then no longer firmly seated in the socket. The cable itself is susceptible to failure by repeated kinking at the point where the cable enters the receptacle. Furthermore, the cable can also be torn out of the plug by longitudinal loading. The plug housing is molded of plastic and is easily deformed or broken when accidentally stepped on, for example. The mentioned disadvantages also apply to other cable connections such as fiber optic cables, power cables and many more.

As protection for the sensitive cable connector therefore an arrangement according to EP 1 317 025 Bl was proposed. Furthermore, NEUTRIK AG markets a cable plug protection for prefabricated RJ45 cable plugs under the designation NE8MC. It consists of housing, stop disc, clamping part, adapter sleeve and anti-kink protection. A housing for receiving the actual cable connector has an external thread to produce together with an internal thread having a clamping bush or cap or clamping nut for forming a threaded connection. Inside the case and partly

CONFIRMATION COPY The clamping sleeve is also fitted with a radially compressible clamping part which surrounds the cable and clamps the cable in the housing in a compressed state. When tightened threaded connection, the clamping sleeve, the clamping part, the housing and the cable are clamped together and clamping sleeve, clamping part and housing form a plug arrangement, which can be connected by mating with a complementary element such as a socket. Depending on the specific execution of the cable connector further additional, adapted to the respective connector adapters between the front end of the collet and the cable connector must be used, which increases the assembly time and the assembly effort in a disadvantageous manner. Moreover, suitable adapter pieces must be kept ready for each type of cable connector.

A collet with protruding fingers for positioning a data plug is also disclosed in CN 204030082 U. One of these fingers also serves to hold down the locking tongue of the data plug. However, the fingers of this embodiment are not designed for receiving and correct positioning also in the longitudinal direction of data plugs of different dimensions. Moreover, the collet can not be used for pre-assembled cables, since it must be pushed from the front to the cable, after which the plug can then be mounted on the cable. Also, no recess is provided in the housing for receiving the locking tongue.

Even the fingers of the collets disclosed in CN 201805068 U do not allow data plugs of different dimensions to be safely and correctly positioned.

The object of the invention has been found, while avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art, a simple design and quick-to-install device for protecting a kabelstecker of any kind and for any type of cables to provide, through which the risk of damage during insertion in a corresponding socket while it is inserted into the socket and can be avoided or reduced when pulling out of the socket.

This object is achieved by a device according to claims 1 and 14 as well as using an element according to claim 17. Further features of the invention can be taken from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. The device according to the invention is for solving the above object characterized in that the cable connector facing the front end of the clamping member for receiving and positioning the cable connector in a predetermined position - both about the longitudinal axis of the connector assembly and in the longitudinal direction thereof - at the front end of the clamping part is formed or provided with at least one stop for the cable connector, wherein when tightened threaded connection of the cable connector against the housing and the clamping member is positioned against rotation and preferably also fixed in the longitudinal axis direction at a defined position. This results in a robust, durable connector system for a harsh environment where the cable connectors are protected against damage and which provides strain relief for the cable. Preferably, this system is mounted on an existing, standard cable connector conventionally located at one end of a data cable. Alternative applications include connection plugs of optical cables or power cables, in all cases also for use with single contacts instead of cable plugs combining several contact elements.

In this case, a plug arrangement is preferred in which at least one cross-sectional constriction is arranged in the interior of the housing as a stop for the front end of the clamping part in the longitudinal axis direction. At least when the threaded connection is tightened in the longitudinal axis direction, the clamping part braces against the cross-sectional constriction and is thus precisely positioned in the longitudinal axis direction of the housing. In addition to precise positioning, this guarantees optimum connection of the cable connector with its counterpart.

According to a further embodiment according to the invention, the plug arrangement is characterized in that, at least when the threaded connection is tightened, the clamping part is clamped between the cross-sectional constriction and the clamping sleeve or an element cooperating therewith and thus accurately positioned in the longitudinal axis direction of the housing. This also contributes significantly to the production of an optimal connection of the cable connector while maintaining very good mechanical protection. In this case, the clamping part within the housing is preferably guided so that it can be rotated about its longitudinal axis, as a result of which an even quicker and simpler installation can be achieved and combined with optimum fixation and positioning of the cable connector in the assembled state of the plug arrangement.

In order to ensure the torsional safety of the tensioning part in the housing with the simplest possible and functionally reliable means and nevertheless to obtain a simple longitudinal displacement, according to another optional feature of the invention at least one guide for the tensioning part running parallel to the longitudinal axis direction is provided inside the housing - orders. This advantageously cooperates with a complementary structure on the clamping part, possibly also with the cable connector itself, in particular with its side edges, and thus leads to the desired longitudinal guidance without rotation of the clamping part.

Preferably, it is provided that the guide for the clamping part and the complementary structure are formed on the clamping part as parallel to the longitudinal axis direction of the housing extending web and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis direction of the housing groove.

According to an advantageous inventive embodiment, a plurality of circumferentially distributed around the central longitudinal axis and parallel orien- ted fingers are designed as a receptacle or stop for the cable connector and as a stop for the cross-sectional constriction of the housing at the front end of the tensioning part, which at festgezogener threaded connection to this Cross-sectional constriction abut. This ensures a simple, rapid, accurate and still secure positioning as well as fixation of the cable connector, which is still easy to insert into the front end of the clamping part.

In this case, at least one of the fingers is preferably designed laterally in the circumferential direction-with respect to the longitudinal axis direction of the plug arrangement-as a receptacle or stop for the cable plug. At the latest when the threaded connection is tightened, the rear end of the cable connector rests against at least one of the shoulders or alternatively is held up between the fingers and thus securely positioned. On the position and depth of the shoulder, preferably a plurality of stepped shoulders arranged, al lenfalls combined with a different rotational position of the clamping part to the Kabellän- gsachse, a different dimensioning of Aufiiahmebereiches for the cable connector be offered. Thus, a clamping part designed in this way and a plug arrangement comprising this clamping part are suitable for receiving cable plugs of different dimensions, the exact and secure positioning within the housing of the plug arrangement being guaranteed for all types of cable plugs.

According to an advantageous further embodiment of the erfmdungsgemässen Steckeranord- tion at least one of the fingers a radially inwardly projecting web is formed. About these webs increased stability of the clamping part and in particular the fingers can be achieved.

Further, at least one of the fingers is further positioned and dimensioned such that a possible spring arm of the cable connector is held by this finger in a pressed position to the housing of the cable connector. Thus, the spring arm does not obstruct the only accomplished by the connector assembly coupling and locking the connector and must not be removed manually in an additional, complex operation at risk of damaging the cable connector.

An easy-to-manufacture and robust embodiment of the clamping part is characterized in that the clamping part has a cylindrical central part adjoining the fingers of the front end and a rear end which is opposite to the fingers and preferably tapered.

In order to ensure the best possible strain relief, the conically tapered rear end of the clamping part preferably has at least two radially compressible fingers, whose surfaces facing the cable are designed for increased form or frictional engagement with the cable.

A very robust embodiment of the plug arrangement has, according to a further optional feature of the invention, a housing formed of die-cast metal or plastic. Of course, the use of other materials is conceivable. A further embodiment of the plug arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that furthermore a recess in the housing is provided for receiving a possible spring arm of the cable plug and / or a finger of the tensioning part, wherein if appropriate the spring arm is held in the recess in the pressed-down position is.

A plug arrangement with a clamping part, which has an axially parallel longitudinal slot extending over the length of the clamping part, wherein the clamping part can be pulled apart elastically in the circumferential direction and slid onto the cable ensures rapid and secure mounting of the plug arrangement on the cable with cable plug , with a small number of components.

To achieve the object stated at the outset, plug-in connection is also provided, using a plug arrangement according to one of the preceding paragraphs.

This connector is according to the invention characterized in that for the formation of at least one electrical connection weiters a female connector for the corresponding receptacle of the connector assembly is provided. This ensures optimum protection of the sensitive cable plug even in a harsh environment.

A preferred embodiment according to the invention provides that the housing and the plug socket are provided with complementary structures for longitudinal guidance of the housing in the plug socket in order to ensure alignment of the plug arrangement with respect to the plug socket when inserting the plug arrangement into the socket.

Preferably, the housing is provided with a longitudinal groove and the socket is provided with a corresponding counter-longitudinal rib to ensure the alignment of the plug assembly with respect to the socket when inserting the plug assembly into the socket.

A further optional embodiment of such a connector additionally provides a snap-action latch for the detachable connection of the plug arrangement with the socket in order to reliably prevent the unwanted removal of the cable plug. The latch engages in a recess on the outside of the housing. A further subject of the invention is finally a clamping part for use in a plug arrangement for use with cables with cable plug, said plug arrangement and the clamping part being designed according to one of the above paragraphs. These plug arrangements and chip parts are used, in particular, for data cables such as RJ45 cables, but also for light guides, power cables and the like.

For a better understanding of the invention, this will be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

In each case, in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

1 shows a connector assembly according to the prior art in an exploded view.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a plug arrangement according to the invention, likewise in exploded view, with illustration of the cable plug; FIG.

FIG. 3 shows the plug arrangement of FIG. 2 from a different direction and with the cable plug resting against the tensioning part in the installed position and the cable; FIG.

4 shows a longitudinal section along the cable axis through an assembled plug arrangement, without cables and cable plug;

5 shows a clamping part in an embodiment according to the invention in a slightly perspective side view;

6 shows the clamping part of FIG. 5 in a view from the front, from the direction of the cable connector;

Fig. 7 is a side view of the clamping member of Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 is a rotated by 90 degrees side view of the clamping part of Fig. 7; 9 is a side view rotated by 45 degrees of the clamping part of Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a section along the line X-X of Fig. 9;

11 is a view of the clamping part of Figure 7 on the rear end ..;

Fig. 12 is a longitudinal section through the clamping part of Fig. 7 along the line XII-XII of

Fig. 10 in the direction of the small arrows;

13 is a longitudinal section through the clamping part of Fig. 7 along the line XII-XII of

Fig. 10 against the direction of the small arrows;

Fig. 14 is a 90 degree rotated longitudinal section through a connector assembly as in

Fig. 4, but with inserted cable connector;

15 shows a longitudinal section along the cable axis according to FIG. 4, now with inserted and cable plug, but without cable;

Fig. 16 is a front view of the connector assembly of Fig. 14;

Fig. 17 is a front view of a clamping member with an inserted cable connector;

Fig. 18 is a front view corresponding to Figure 17, with a cable connector inserted different dimension.

Fig. 19 is a view of the housing from the side of the clamping sleeve forth; and

20 is an illustration of an overall system with cable, cable connector according to the invention and complementary socket in one device.

By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the embodiments described differently, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or the same component designations. in which the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied mutatis mutandis to the same parts with the same reference numerals or identical component designations. The position information selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc. are also related to the directly described and illustrated figure, and these position data are to be transferred analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position.

The plug arrangement shown in FIG. 1 as a cable plug protection for in particular prefabricated RJ45 cable plug consists of a housing 1 which is designed to be plugged into a socket and whose rear end is provided with an external thread 2. The cable plug is accommodated and fixed in the interior of this housing 1 in the assembled state of the plug arrangement. From behind, i. from the cable side, a clamping sleeve 3 can be screwed onto the housing 1 and thus a threaded connection can be formed. For this purpose, an internal thread 4 is arranged at the front, the housing 1 facing the end of the clamping sleeve 3. At the latest as soon as this threaded connection is formed, a radially compressible clamping part 5, which encompasses the data cable, is thereby also compressed, thereby clamping the cable in the clamping part 5 and thus also in the plug arrangement.

When tightened threaded connection so the clamping sleeve 3, the clamping part 5, the housing 1 and the cable are clamped together.

In order to position and fix the cable connector S in the housing 1, according to the prior art shown in FIG. 1, at least two adapter pieces 6 are provided which must be placed around the cable connector and inserted into the front end of the tensioning member 5 with a rear heel , This entire arrangement must then be manually inserted into the housing 1 in this configuration in which it must be manually held by the user. The plug arrangement is supplemented by a sealing ring 7 which is inserted between housing 1 and clamping sleeve 3 and which ensures dust and water-tightness. This connector assembly as discussed above evaluates a conventional cable connector, such as an RJ45 connector, to an extremely robust and lockable solution. For different types of cable plug the adapter pieces 6 are to be selected accordingly.

A further improved solution with fewer components and easier assembly is shown in FIGS. 2 to 17. The erfmdungsgemässe plug assembly is for all Types of cable plugs and cables applicable, in particular for data cables and RJ45 cable plugs, but also for optical fibers and their correspondingly designed plug-in connections, for power cables and many more. Instead of cable connectors with several contact elements, individual contacts can also be used. The invention will be explained below with reference to embodiments of data cables with RJ45 cable plug-in connectors, which, however, should not be considered restrictive.

As can be seen in Fig. 2, within the preferably cylindrical and open on both sides of the housing 1 and the preferably tapered rear clamping sleeve 3, only one clamping member 5 is used, but according to the invention on the housing 1 facing front end even to Recording and positioning of a cable connector S with a spring arm F - the cable is not shown here for the sake of clarity - is designed in a predetermined position within the housing 1. The housing 1 is preferably made of die-cast metal, in particular zinc diecasting, preferably with a coating, in particular made of nickel or chromium. Also housing 1 made of plastic are of course possible. The clamping part 5, preferably made of polyacetal (POM) or polyamide (PA), while it is freely rotatable about the central cable axis, as long as it is outside the housing 1 and the threaded connection between the housing 1 and clamping sleeve 3 - in Fig. 4th is a sectional view of a plug assembly of housing 1, clamping sleeve 3 and clamping part 5 shown in longitudinal section is not yet made. It can thereby be applied in any position on the cable in the course of assembly of the connector assembly. Only after insertion into the housing 1, the tensioning part 5 is held against rotation therein via guide structures explained below, and thus the cable connector is also positioned, clamped and fixed relative to the housing 1.

At the front end of the clamping part 5, which is shown in FIGS. 5 to 13 in different views and sections, a plurality of circumferentially distributed around the central longitudinal axis and oriented parallel thereto fingers 8 and 8a are formed extending from the central portion 11 of the clamping member 5 to the insertion of the housing 1 to extend. Preferably, three fingers 8, 8a are formed and extend over up to approximately one third of the total length of the tensioning part 5. The cable connector S is - as shown in FIG. 3 - inserted between the fingers 8, 8a and is then at the latest tightened threaded connection of the housing 1 with the clamping sleeve 3 between the fingers 8, 8 a recorded and then due the guide of the clamping part 5 in the housing 1 and the clamping between the clamping part 5 and within the housing 1 safely positioned in a well-defined position and fixed by the clamping between the housing 1 and the clamping part 5 securely in the connector assembly, both in terms on the direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis direction, as well as in the longitudinal direction of the plug assembly.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which a clamping part 5 is designed for use with cable S plug S of different external dimensions. This can be achieved, for example, by virtue of the fact that at least one shoulder 9 or a shoulder is formed on at least one of the fingers 8, 8a in the circumferential direction and in the longitudinal direction of the tensioning part 5 as a stop face for the cable connector S of differently dimensioned cable plug S , This can be clearly seen in FIG. In this case, the cable connector S is then not directly on the center piece 1 of the clamping part 5, but only on the heels 9 of the fingers 8, 8a.

Preferably, two or more shoulders 9 are provided. The rear side of a cable plug S inserted between the fingers 8, 8a then comes into contact with one of the shoulders 9, depending on the dimensions of the cable plug. This is shown in a front view for two different cable connectors S in FIGS. 16 and 17. As soon as the clamping sleeve 3 is then screwed onto the housing 1 and the threaded connection is tightened, the rear end of the cable connector S is then held between the fingers 8, 8a, bears against at least one end face of one of the shoulders 9 and is thus securely inside. positioned and fixed half of the housing 1. For safe and well-defined positioning as well as for guiding the cable connector S during insertion into the clamping part 5 are advantageously in cross-section tooth-shaped guide ridges 8b formed on the fingers 8, 8a, which come into contact with the outside of the cable connector S and lead and hold ,

Furthermore, as can be clearly seen in FIGS. 2, 6, 10, 13, 16 and 17, at least one of the fingers 8a can be formed with a radially inwardly projecting web 10, in order thereby to ensure the stability of this finger 8a and thus of the finger entire clamping part 5 to increase significantly. This is particularly advantageous when this holding arm 8a is intended and designed to a spring tongue F of the cable connector S in the direction of the cable connector housing hold deformed position, so that the spring tongue F obstructs neither the assembly of the plug arrangement, nor the manufacture and release of the connector with the counterpart of the inventive connector assembly. The locking and unlocking of the connector is accomplished by other mechanisms on or in the plug assembly and not by the spring tongue F of the cable connector S.

The holding arm 8a for the spring tongue F can be made in one piece, but it could be made split in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the clamping part 5, the dividing area extending only over the length of the receiving area of a cable plug S. The or each web 10 can also be used to guide the cable connector S in the longitudinal axis direction when inserting it into the clamping part 5, as well as contribute to the secure positioning of the cable connector S in the circumferential direction of the connector assembly by making a stop for one of the longitudinal edges the cable connector S forms, which stop a - further - rotation of this cable connector S inside and relative to the clamping part 5 is prevented.

Similar to the known embodiment of the clamping part 5, this has a cylindrical middle part 11 adjoining the fingers 8, 8a of the front end and a rear end 12 opposite the fingers 8, 8a, preferably tapered.

This rear end 12, in turn, has at least two radially compressible fingers 13, whose faces facing the cable K are designed for increased molding or frictional engagement with the cable K. For example, these surfaces may be sawtooth-profiled, so that compress the fingers 13 in the course of tightening the threaded connection between the housing 1 and clamping sleeve 3, the tips of the saw teeth in the plastic envelope of the cable and thus the clamping between cable K and Cause clamping part 5. As a result, tensile stresses of the cable K are separated from the cable connector S and instead transmitted via the clamping part 5 on the housing 1 and received by this or by the connector between the housing 1 and the corresponding socket.

The tensioning part 5 is preferably also made in one piece and, in order to be able to apply it simply and quickly to the cable, has a longitudinal slit 15 extending over the length of the tensioning part 5. This offers the possibility of the clamping part 5 in the circumferential direction pull it apart, after which it can then be easily pushed onto the cable K. In the groove formed between the two longitudinal sides of the slot 15 of the clamping member 5 engages a projecting from the inner wall of the plug housing 1, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the same extending a longitudinal web. Longitudinal groove of the clamping sleeve and longitudinal web cooperate and form a guide or a rotation and cause the exact alignment of the clamping sleeve in the circumferential direction of the plug housing

However, the clamping part 5 can also be designed to be completely closed in the circumferential direction and is then pushed onto the cable K in its longitudinal direction before the cable connector S is attached. For the torsion-proof guide, corresponding structures are then to be formed on the clamping part 5 and in the housing 1, for example a longitudinal groove which does not penetrate the entire material thickness of the clamping part 5 or protrusions arranged longitudinally in the longitudinal axis in or on the clamping part 5 for receiving a longitudinal rib in the housing 1 or for engaging in a longitudinal groove in the housing 1, so that the Verdrehsiche- tion of the clamping part 5 is ensured in the housing 1.

When assembling the inventive connector assembly, the clamping sleeve 3 is first pushed over the end of the cable with the cable connector. Thereafter, the clamping part 5 can be applied to the cable, wherein the cable is guided through the longitudinal slot 15 to the longitudinal central axis of the clamping part 5 out. The tensioning part 5 is then pushed forwards onto the cable connector, which thereby comes to rest between the fingers 8 and is supported by the shoulders 9 thereof. The entire arrangement of cable, cable connector and clamping part 5 is then inserted into the housing 1.

Preferably, a cross-sectional constriction in the form of a perforated partition wall 16 is arranged in the housing 1, which forms a stop for the front end of the fingers 8. At least the two fingers 8 directly adjoining the longitudinal edge of the longitudinal slot 15 of the clamping part 5 form with their end faces the stops for the longitudinal positioning of the clamping part 5 in the housing 1. Through the opening in the dividing wall 16 protrudes, as in Fig. 14 in longitudinal section is shown, the front end of the cable connector S therethrough, which projects beyond the end faces of the fingers 8, 8a of the clamping member 5 towards vome out. The opening is shaped in accordance with the cross-sectional profile of the cable connector S and possibly with a recess. for receiving the front area of the spring arm F of the cable connector S. Its rear region is held in a depressed position, preferably by the finger 8a. Preferably, the recess in the partition wall 16 is dimensioned such that the front end of the finger 8 a and taken the partition wall 16 can pass through to hold the spring arm F safely in depressed position. In this case, the end face of the first shoulder 9 of the finger 8a is provided as a stop on the dividing wall 16. At most, could also have the partition 16 has a longitudinal axis extending recess for receiving the finger 8a.

At most, the function of depressing the spring arm F can also be effected by a correspondingly dimensioned recess in the partition wall 16. The partition wall 16 is disposed within the housing 1 at a longitudinal location selected to obtain the desired positioning of the cable plug S in the housing 1 and with respect to the receptacle to ensure optimum plug connection. For this case, an embodiment of the clamping part 5 is provided, in which no longer the spring arm F-cross-long finger 8a is present, but all fingers 8 have substantially the same length.

In the housing 1 of the inventive connector assembly can also be on the clamping sleeve 3 facing side of the partition 16 Längsführungsnuten lb or longitudinal guide rails worked out which are aligned with the corners of the opening in the partition 16 and the correct direction in the circumferential direction of the cable connector S when inserted into the Housing 1 serve. Longitudinal grooves la on the counterpart of the housing 1 in the plug socket facing side of the partition 16 are mainly used for indexing to prevent confusion with other, similarly constructed connector types. Optionally, they can also serve as guides for circumferentially correct merging to produce the plug connection.

To complete the inventive connector assembly, the clamping sleeve 3 is screwed onto the housing 1, so that the threaded connection between the external thread 2 of the housing 1 and the internal thread 4 of the clamping sleeve 3 is produced. As a result, on the one hand the rear fingers 13 of the clamping part 5 are pressed onto the cable K and thus the Clamping part 5 clamped on the cable K. At the same time, the clamping part 5 is thereby brought into abutment with the dividing wall 16 with its fingers 8 and possibly also 8a, or clamped between the clamping sleeve 3 and the dividing wall 16, so that all the components are braced against each other and the cable connector S is secure and protected in the housing 1 is positioned and fixed. It is ensured by the clamping of the clamping part 5 and the recording of the cable connector S in or on the front side of a very accurate positioning in the longitudinal axis direction as well as in the circumferential direction of the connector assembly. On the other hand, the elasticity of the material of the clamping part 5 and a slight clearance, ie a small gap 16a, between the inner wall of the recess in the partition wall 16 and the cable connector S, offer the possibility that the cable connector S is inclined at least in the direction at least by a small angle one of the two main axes of the recess in the partition wall 16 can be pivoted. In this way, small tolerances and differences in the alignment of the plug arrangement and its counterpart can be compensated, whereby the connection of the two complementary modules for establishing the connection between two cable ends or a cable end and a device is considerably simplified.

If necessary, latching projections 8c - see FIG. 7 - for fixing the clamping part 5 within the housing 1 may be formed on the end faces of the fingers 8, 8a in order to fix the clamping part 5 in the housing 1 and to secure it against being pulled out or sliding out. Latching projections 1 la, which engage in complementary structures in or on the inside of the housing 1, could possibly also be positioned on the peripheral surface of the clamping part 5, in the region of the fingers 8, 8a or the center part 11, as shown in Fig. 5 by way of example ,

By using a plug arrangement as described above, a particularly robust plug connection can be realized by providing a socket B for the corresponding accommodation of the plug arrangement 1, 3, 5. The housing 1 can possibly be provided with a longitudinal groove and the socket B, which is installed, for example, as a built-in connector in a device G (see Fig. 20), may be provided with a corresponding mating longitudinal rib to the alignment of the connector assembly with respect to the socket B during insertion of the plug assembly into the socket to ensure. In order to prevent the unintentional removal of the cable plug, can be used as op- tional further feature additionally a snap-action pawl or spring latch for releasably connection of the connector assembly to the socket can be provided. This spring latch then preferably engages in a recess 17 on the outside of the housing 1.

The embodiments and the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings disclose possible embodiments, but the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments. Rather, various combinations of the individual embodiments are possible with each other and are these variations on the basis of the teaching of the subject invention in the can of the person working in this technical field.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 housing

la longitudinal groove

lb guide groove

2 external threads

3 clamping sleeve

4 internal threads

5 clamping part

6 adapter piece

7 sealing ring

8 front finger

8 a spring arm fingers

8b footbridge

8c latching projection

9 shoulder

10 footbridge

11 middle part

lla latching projection

12 conical rear end

13 Back finger

14 sawtooth structure

15 longitudinal groove

16 partition

16a recess

l6b space

17 deepening

K cable

S cable connector

F spring arm

B socket

G device

Claims

Patent claims

A connector assembly for use with cables (K) with cable connectors (S), in particular for data cables such as RJ45 cables, optical fibers, power cables and the like, comprising:

a) a housing (1) for receiving the cable connector (S), with a arranged on one of its surfaces thread (2);

b) a radially compressible clamping part (5) encompassing the cable (K) and accommodated in the housing (1), which clamps the cable (K) in a compressed state; c) a threaded sleeve (4) having a clamping sleeve (3) for forming a threaded connection with the thread (2) on the housing (1);

wherein, when the threaded connection is tightened, the clamping sleeve (3), the clamping part (5), the housing (1) and the cable (K) are clamped together,

characterized in that

that the cable connector (S) facing the front end of the clamping part (5) for receiving and positioning the cable connector (S) in a predetermined position at the front end of the clamping part (5) formed or provided with at least one stop for the cable connector (S),

wherein when tightened threaded connection of the cable connector (S) relative to the housing (1) and the clamping part (5) against rotation and / or positioned and fixed in the longitudinal axis direction.

2. Plug arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that in the interior of the housing (1) at least one cross-sectional constriction (16) is arranged as a stop for the front end of the clamping part (5) in the longitudinal axis direction, wherein the clamping part (5) at least when tightened threaded connection is supported in the longitudinal axis direction of the cross-sectional constriction (16) and thus accurately positioned in the longitudinal axis direction of the housing (1).

3. Plug arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the clamping part (5) at least when tightened threaded connection between the cross-sectional constriction (16) and the clamping sleeve (3) or a cooperating element clamped and thus accurately positioned in the longitudinal axis direction of the housing (1) ,

4. Plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the clamping part (5) inside the housing (1) is guided against rotation about its longitudinal axis.

5. Connector assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that in the interior of the housing (1) at least one parallel to the longitudinal axis direction extending guide for the clamping part (5) is arranged, said guide having a complementary structure on the clamping part (5) or with the cable connector (S) cooperates itself.

6. Plug arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the guide for the clamping part (5) and the complementary structure on the clamping part as sen parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing (1) extending web and as parallel to the longitudinal axis direction of the housing (1) extending groove are formed.

7. Plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at the front end of the clamping part (5) a plurality circumferentially distributed around the central longitudinal axis and parallel thereto oriented fingers (8, 8a) as a receptacle or stop for the cable plug ( S) and as a stop for the cross-sectional constriction (16) of the housing (1) are formed, which bear against this cross-sectional constriction when tightened threaded connection.

8. Connector assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one of the fingers (8, 8a) seen laterally in the circumferential direction, at least one shoulder (9) as a receptacle or stop for the cable connector (S) is formed.

9. Plug arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that on at least one of the fingers (8, 8a) a radially inwardly projecting web (8b, 10) is formed.

10. Connector arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that at least one of the fingers (8a) is positioned and dimensioned such that a possible Federarm (F) of the cable connector (S) by this finger (8a) in a held to the housing of the cable connector (S) pressed position.

11. Plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the clamping part (5) adjoining the fingers (8, 8a) of the front end cylindrical central part (11) and the fingers (8, 8a) opposite, preferably has a tapered rear end (12), wherein the tapered rear end (12) of the clamping part (5) at least two radially compressible fingers (13), the cable (K) facing surfaces (14) for increased positive or frictional engagement are designed with the cable (K).

12. Plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a recess (Löa) in the housing (1) for receiving an allfalligen spring arm (F) of the cable connector (S) and / or a finger (8a) of the clamping part (5 ) is provided, wherein the spring arm (F) is optionally held in the depressed position in the recess.

13. Plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the clamping part (5) over the length of the clamping part (5) continuous axis-parallel longitudinal slot (15), wherein the clamping part (5) in its circumferential direction elastically pulled apart and on the cable (K) can be pushed.

14. Plug connection using a plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that for the formation of at least one electrical connection further a socket for the corresponding receptacle of a plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 13 is provided.

15. A connector according to claim 14, characterized in that the housing (1) and the socket with complementary structures for longitudinal guidance of the housing (1) are provided in the socket to the orientation of the plug assembly with respect to the socket when inserting the plug assembly in to ensure the socket, wherein preferably the housing (1) is provided with a longitudinal groove and the socket is provided with a corresponding counter-longitudinal rib,

16. A plug connection according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that in addition a snap-action latch for releasably connecting the plug arrangement with the plug socket is provided, wherein the snap-pawl engages in a recess (17) on the outside of the housing (1).

17. Clamping part (5) for use in a plug arrangement for use with cables (K) with cable plug (S), in particular for data cables such as RJ45 cables, light guides, power cables and the like, according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the clamping part (5) is designed according to one of claims 7 to 11.