For strain relief of plug connectors installed on shielded conductors

Abstract

The present invention relates to a setting unit, which comprises a plug-in connector and a cable (1) connected to the plug-in connector, the cable having an inner conductor (2), a shielding layer (3), an insulating layer (4) between the inner conductor (2) and the shielding layer (3), and a sheath (5) surrounding the above-mentioned components, wherein a sleeve is embedded between the insulating layer (4) and the shielding layer (3) at a free end section of the cable (1), and a tubular component surrounds the shielding layer (3) and the sleeve, characterized in that the sleeve is configured as a seamless supporting sleeve (6), and the tubular component is designed as an outer sleeve (7), which, in addition to surrounding the supporting sleeve (6) and the shielding layer (3), also surrounds a section of the sheath (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a setting unit, which includes a plug-in connector and a cable connected to the plug-in connector, the cable including an inner conductor, a shielding layer, an insulating layer between the inner conductor and the shielding layer, and a sheath surrounding the above-mentioned components, wherein a sleeve is embedded between the insulating layer and the shielding layer at a free end section of the cable, and a tubular component surrounds the shielding layer and the sleeve. Background Art

[0002] This structural design of the setting unit is suitable for producing a continuous shield from a cable to a plug connector connected to the shielded cable or a mating plug connector.

[0003] A setting unit of this type is known from DE 10 2009 016 227 A1, which has a plug connector with a connected cable. A plug connector for connecting to a coaxial cable constructed according to the preamble of claim 1 is described. In this design, the sleeve is designed as a slotted or grooved component so that it can be inserted into a tubular component designed as an outer sleeve. The slotted component, or more precisely the slotted sleeve, has a reinforcing rib, wherein the tubular component, or more precisely the outer sleeve, has a groove that cooperates with the reinforcing rib for fastening to the sleeve. Therefore, the outer sleeve cannot be crimped or pressed onto the slotted sleeve. Therefore, the fixing method of the outer sleeve on the cable needs to be improved. In addition, the jacket is adjacent to the braided outer conductor at an axial distance, so that the plug connector is not sealed and fixed to the cable jacket, and moisture can also penetrate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to improve a setting unit of the type mentioned at the outset and to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages. It is intended to ensure that, in the case of cables with plug connectors (but optionally also without such plug connectors), tensile forces (pulling forces) and / or compressive forces acting on the setting unit can be absorbed.

[0005] This object is achieved by a setting unit according to the invention, which comprises a plug-in connector and a cable connected to the plug-in connector, the cable having an inner conductor, a shielding layer, an insulation layer between the inner conductor and the shielding layer, and a sheath surrounding the above-mentioned components, wherein a sleeve is embedded between the insulation layer and the shielding layer at a free end section of the cable, and a tubular component surrounds the shielding layer and the sleeve, the sleeve being configured as a seamless supporting sleeve, the supporting sleeve being configured as a crimping sleeve and being crimped onto the insulation layer, and the tubular component being designed The invention relates to an outer sleeve, which not only surrounds the shielding layer and the supporting sleeve but also surrounds a section of the sleeve. The outer sleeve is configured as a crimping sleeve, which is crimped onto the sleeve and onto the shielding layer with the supporting sleeve, wherein a free space is provided between the end side of the sleeve and the end side of the supporting sleeve, and the shielding layer is guided in the free space. The outer sleeve has an inner flange protruding radially inward, which is provided between the end side of the sleeve and the end side of the supporting sleeve and is crimped onto the shielding layer so that the shielding layer extends circumferentially to the insulating layer.

[0006] According to the present invention, the sleeve is designed as a seamless support sleeve, and the tubular component is designed as an outer sleeve, which, in addition to surrounding the shield and the support sleeve, also surrounds a section of the jacket. In another embodiment of the present invention, the outer sleeve is designed as a crimping sleeve, which is crimped onto the jacket and / or onto the support sleeve with the shield. Here, an outer sleeve crimp is formed at one location along the conductive support sleeve for the electrical connection between the support sleeve and the shield. Further along the axial direction, a second crimp of the outer sleeve, which must be independently formed and adjusted, is implemented independently of the first crimp (of the support sleeve relative to the shield). This second crimp reduces the tension or strain on the conductor material or jacket and thus functionally reduces the load on the shield crimping point. This prevents lateral or circular cable movement in the cable outlet area from directly affecting the crimping area between the support sleeve and the shield. This type of support (lever) reduces potential relative movement and forces between the outer sleeve, the shield, and the support sleeve. This separation and thus improved protection against contact area movement is crucial for functional reliability. During the manufacturing process, the first crimp and the further crimp can be produced simultaneously in one step using the same tool (same crimping geometry) or simultaneously using two tools (same or different crimping geometries). Alternatively, the two crimps can be produced sequentially using the same tool or using two different tools. Regarding the crimping geometry, the above-mentioned statements also apply.

[0007] The outer sleeve can have an inner flange, which is arranged between the end side of the outer sleeve and the end side of the supporting sleeve and allows the shielding layer to extend in a circumferential manner up to the insulating layer. As an alternative, a gap (free space) can be provided between the end side of the sheath and the end side of the supporting sleeve. For example, the shielding layer can be inserted into this free space for a short distance, in which the shielding layer is guided in particular in a conical shape. In this case, the shielding layer is guided to the outer free end of the supporting sleeve. The supporting sleeve can also be designed as a crimping sleeve and crimped onto the insulating layer. Preferably, the diameter of the section of the sheath that serves as the outer sleeve support is designed to have the same dimensions as the outer diameter of the shielding layer on the supporting sleeve. Shielding is thus achieved over the entire cable end, which optionally has a plug-in connection (the plug connector is plugged together with the mating plug connector).

[0008] The prior art and the invention are described again in other ways below until the start of the subsequent description of the figures of the present patent application.

[0009] The present invention relates to a strain relief device for a plug connector provided on a shielded conductor. For this purpose, it is essential that the shield (e.g., a shield braid or a shield foil) of the conductor (e.g., a coaxial cable or a twisted-pair cable, etc.) is connected to the electrically conductive housing of the plug connector, i.e., that it is electrically conductively contacted. This is necessary to ensure that the shield is continuously transmitted from the conductor via the plug connector to a mating connector that is also connected to a shielded conductor, thus completing the circuit.

[0010] At the same time, it must be ensured that the conductor is mechanically securely arranged on the plug connector (and on the mating plug connector connected to the conductor itself) so that any tensile forces and / or compressive forces acting on the conductor and / or the (mating) plug connector do not have an influence on at least one contact partner of the (mating) plug connector or on the connection between the conductor shield and the housing of the (mating) plug connector, which could adversely lead to an interruption of the electrical contact.

[0011] A plug connector of this type is known from DE 10 2009 016 227 A1. The connector describes a plug connector for connecting to a coaxial cable having an inner conductor, a braided outer conductor, an insulation layer between the inner and outer conductors, and a protective sheath surrounding the aforementioned components. At a free end section of the coaxial cable, a first tubular component is inserted between the insulation layer and the outer conductor of the coaxial cable, and a second tubular component is positively connected to the first tubular component, including the outer conductor, wherein the second tubular component forms a sleeve that is open toward the end section of the coaxial cable.

[0012] The prior art uses a slotted inner sleeve - the sleeve according to the invention is rotationally symmetrical.

[0013] The prior art only crimps the outer sleeve onto the shielding body; the sleeve according to the invention also crimps the conductor sheath.

[0014] The prior art does not crimp the outer sleeve, but only assembles it - without sealing and without strain relief. Therefore, no or only very little plug strain relief is achieved on the shield.

[0015] According to the invention, for example, a crimp for the electrical connection between the sleeve and the shield is produced at one location along the sleeve. Further along the axial line, a second crimp, which must be formed and adjusted independently of the first crimp (sleeve relative to the shield), is produced, which only has to relieve the tension in the conductor material and thus allows the crimping point of the shield to be functionally relieved. This prevents lateral or circumferential cable movements in the cable outlet area from directly affecting the crimping area between the sleeve and the shield. This type of support (lever) reduces possible relative movements and forces between the shield and the sleeve. This separate and therefore better protection against movement of the contact area is crucial for functional reliability. Shielding is thus achieved over the entire plug connection (plug connector and mating plug connector plugged together).

[0016] The present invention therefore relates to a shield contacting concept and a strain relief concept, in particular for single-conductor applications.

[0017] The support sleeve is mounted beneath the conductor shield, in particular the braided shield. Unlike the prior art, the braided shield is not folded / folded 180° but extends straight along the axial direction of the conductor, in particular in the direction of insertion of the plug connector. An outer crimping sleeve is additionally crimped onto the conductor sheath to provide additional stability with regard to strain relief and / or vibrations and / or sealing.

[0018] At least one contact counterpart is arranged in a (mating) plug-in connector with a conductive housing, which is arranged on one end of a wire with a shielding layer. The (mating) plug-in connector is characterized in that a supporting sleeve is provided, which is mounted under the shielding layer of the wire, in particular the shielding braid, and thus mounted on the insulation layer of the electrical conductor of the wire, wherein the shielding braid, unlike the prior art, is not flipped / folded 180°, but extends in a straight line along the axial direction of the wire, in particular along the insertion direction of the plug-in connector, and an external crimping sleeve is additionally crimped onto the wire sheath to ensure additional stability in terms of tension relief and / or vibration and / or sealing.

[0019] Alternatively, the construction principle according to the invention is not applied to the (mating) plug connector, but only to the line and / or when the line or the (mating) plug connector is connected to the housing of an electrical device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In further embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which show simplified examples of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0021] In the attached figure:

[0022] Figure 1 Two cables are shown, the ends of which are constructed according to the invention;

[0023] Figure 2 shows a cross section of a cable having an end region designed according to the invention;

[0024] Figure 3 showing a plug connector including a joined cable and a mating plug connector; and

[0025] FIG. 4 shows a setting unit according to the prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the figure, the cable, shown in as much detail as possible, is designated by reference numeral 1. In this embodiment, it is designed as a coaxial cable and comprises an inner conductor 2, a shield 3, an insulating layer 4 between the inner conductor and the shield, and a sheath 5 surrounding these components. A tubular support sleeve 6 is arranged on the insulating layer shortly before the end of the insulating layer 4. This support sleeve is designed as a seamless, annular shape. The support sleeve 6 is inserted between the insulating layer 4 and the widened shield 3. The end of the sheath 5 facing the support sleeve 6 is recessed and carries an outer sleeve 7, which also surrounds the widened shield 3 and the support sleeve 6. To increase strength, the outer sleeve 7 is designed as a crimping sleeve and, by crimping, surrounds the end of the sheath 5 and the shield 3 together with the support sleeve 6. The support sleeve 6 can also be designed as a crimping sleeve and fixed to the insulating layer 4. The outer sleeve 7 can be electrically conductive and electrically and mechanically connected to a housing 8 (in particular if the housing 8 consists of an electrically conductive material) and (regardless of whether the housing 8 consists of an electrically conductive material or a non-conductive material), which can be operatively connected to the housing of a mating plug connector. It is particularly advantageous if both the housing 8 and the housing of the mating plug connector consist of an electrically conductive material, since this ensures that the shielding extends beyond the plug connection formed by the plug connector and the mating plug connector.

[0027] If you can Figure 3As can be seen in FIG, a free space 9 is provided, into which the shielding layer 3 is circumferentially embedded between the end side of the sheath 5 and the end side of the support sleeve 6. As an alternative, the outer sleeve 7 can also have an inner flange, against which the shielding layer 3 is circumferentially resting, embedded, crimped, etc. between the end side of the sheath 5 and the end side of the support sleeve 6.

[0028] Reference numeral 10 shows a locking element that is actuated after the plug connector is plugged together with a mating plug connector to prevent the plug connection from being accidentally disconnected. Such a locking element 10 (also called a CPA) is well known. This element 10 can be made of plastic or metal and usually has only a mechanical function, without any electrical function.

[0029] As can also be obtained from Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG, the outer sleeve 7 is at its lower end (in the observation Figure 3 ) has a reinforcement region 11 which extends inwards and / or outwards (in the case of the cylindrical shape of the outer sleeve 7) Figure 3 Instead of such a reinforced area 11, a straight cylindrical profile, an expanded diameter (e.g., a conical or trumpet-shaped expansion), etc. are also conceivable. This end area of ​​the outer sleeve 7 is used to electrically connect the outer sleeve to the corresponding conductive area of ​​the mating plug connector and, optionally, mechanically connect it as a guide aid to ensure shielding beyond the scope of the plug connection.

[0030] Finally, FIG4 shows a prior art setup unit.

[0031] Reference Signs List

[0032] 1 cable

[0033] 2 Inner conductor

[0034] 3 Shielding layer

[0035] 4 Insulation layer

[0036] 5 Sheath

[0037] 6 Support sleeve

[0038] 7 Outer sleeve

[0039] 8 Housing

[0040] 9 Free space (optional inner flange)

[0041] 10 locking elements

[0042] 11 Strengthening Areas

Claims

1. A setting unit comprising a plug connector and a cable (1) connected to the plug connector, the cable having an inner conductor (2), a shielding layer (3), an insulating layer (4) between the inner conductor (2) and the shielding layer (3), and a sheath (5) surrounding the above components, wherein: The sleeve is embedded between the insulating layer (4) and the shielding layer (3) at the free end section of the cable (1), and the tubular component surrounds the shielding layer (3) and the sleeve, and is characterized in that the sleeve is configured as a seamless supporting sleeve (6), the supporting sleeve (6) is configured as a crimping sleeve and is crimped onto the insulating layer (4), and the tubular component is designed as an outer sleeve (7), which not only surrounds the shielding layer (3) and the supporting sleeve (6) but also surrounds a section of the sheath (5), and the outer sleeve (7) is configured as a crimping sleeve. The crimping sleeve is crimped onto the sheath (5) and onto the shielding layer (3) with the supporting sleeve (6), wherein a free space is provided between the end side of the sheath (5) and the end side of the supporting sleeve (6), and the shielding layer (3) is guided in the free space, and the outer sleeve (7) has an inner flange (9) protruding radially inward, which is provided between the end side of the sheath (5) and the end side of the supporting sleeve (6) and is crimped onto the shielding layer (3), so that the shielding layer (3) extends circumferentially up to the insulating layer (4).

2. The setting unit according to claim 1, wherein The shielding layer (3) is guided in a conical manner in this free space.

3. The setting unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The shielding layer (3) is guided to the outer free end of the supporting sleeve (6).

4. The setting unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The diameter of the section of the sheath (5) serving as a support for the outer sleeve (7) is of the same size as the outer diameter of the shielding layer (3) on the supporting sleeve (6).

5. The setting unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The supporting sleeve (6) and / or the outer sleeve (7) are designed to be electrically conductive and are connected to the electrically conductive housing of the plug connector or the mating plug connector.

6. The setting unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The cable (1) is a coaxial cable or a twisted pair cable.

Images