Support sleeve, cable connector device and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a support sleeve (11) for fixing a cable shield (5) of a cable (2), said support sleeve (11) being designed to receive an end portion (12) of the cable (2) and being compressible, starting from a mechanically relaxed state, against an elastic restoring force into an elastic preloaded state, a first distance (A1) between two relative reference points (PRef) on an outer lateral surface (13) of the support sleeve (11) in an elastically preloaded state is reduced compared to a second distance (A2) of the two reference points (PRef) in a mechanically relaxed state. The invention provides that the support sleeve (11) comprises a plastic material, the relaxation resistance and / or strength and / or temperature resistance and / or breaking strength of which has been increased by mixing at least one additional material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a support sleeve for fixing a cable shield of an electric cable, wherein the support shield is designed to receive an end portion of the cable and, starting from a mechanically relaxed state, can be compressed into an elastically preloaded state against an elastic restoring force.

[0002] The invention further relates to a cable connector arrangement, in particular for high voltage technology, having a support sleeve for fixing a cable shield of a cable between the support sleeve and an outer conductor contact element of an electrical connector.

[0003] The invention further relates to a method for producing a cable connector arrangement, in particular for producing a cable connector arrangement for high-voltage technology. Background Art

[0004] During cable assembly, its conductors are typically connected to the contact elements of a connector. During subsequent use of the connector, these contact elements are used to make contact with corresponding mating contact elements of a mating connector. To this end, it is necessary to establish a mechanically and electrically safe, robust, and durable connection between the cable and connector components, making the connector suitable for as many mating cycles as possible and also for use in adverse environmental conditions. In particular, it should be ensured that the electrical and mechanical connection between the cable and connector components does not unintentionally become disconnected in the event of transverse and / or longitudinal tension on the cable.

[0005] A support sleeve is often used to secure the cable shield or the outer conductor of the cable to the outer conductor contact element of the connector. Typically, for this purpose, the cable shield is secured with a press-fit and / or form-fit, in particular, clamped between the support sleeve and the outer conductor contact element. This is usually achieved by pressing or crimping the outer conductor contact element onto the support sleeve. As a result, the support sleeve is compressed from its mechanically relaxed state, creating an elastic preload within the support sleeve. Due, among other things, to this restoring or spring force of the support sleeve, the cable shield is ultimately secured to the outer conductor contact element in a sufficiently mechanically and electrically stable manner.

[0006] The demands placed on the electrical and mechanical connection between the cable shield and the outer conductor contact element are often very high, particularly in the case of connectors for the automotive industry or for vehicles (e.g., in high-voltage technology), as well as for (data) connectors for high-frequency technology. From an electrical point of view, low transition resistance and impedance-matched transitions are important. Furthermore, it should be ensured that the components and materials involved retain their mechanical and electrical properties even over the long term.

[0007] To meet these requirements, support sleeves are generally in the form of metal turned parts, preferably made of a non-ferrous metal (such as brass or bronze) or spring steel. Such support sleeves are well-suited to the deformations required during the crimping process and, according to experience, are particularly well-suited for long-term use. However, the production of known support sleeves is expensive and complex, and this represents an obstacle to the additional demands of economical producibility of connectors in large-scale production. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a support sleeve which continues to have advantageous properties for fixing the cable shield during cable assembly and which can be produced and assembled particularly cost-effectively in large-scale production.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a cable connector device having a mechanically and electrically advantageous support sleeve for fixing the cable shield to the outer conductor contact element and which can be produced and assembled particularly cost-effectively in large-scale production.

[0010] Finally, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a method by which an electrically and mechanically advantageous cable connector arrangement can be produced and assembled particularly cost-effectively in large-scale production.

[0011] With respect to the support sleeve, this object is achieved by the features stated in claim 1. With respect to the cable connector arrangement, this object is achieved by the features of claim 13 and with respect to the method, it is solved by claim 14.

[0012] The dependent claims and features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

[0013] The invention relates to a supporting sleeve for fixing a cable shielding element of an electric cable.

[0014] Preferably, the support sleeve is intended for securing the cable shield in a press-fit and / or form-fit manner. In particular, it can be provided that the cable shield can be secured, in particular clamped, between the support sleeve and the outer conductor contact element in a press-fit and / or form-fit manner. Preferably, the cable shield can be clamped between a clamping surface of the support sleeve and a clamping surface of the outer conductor contact element, particularly preferably between an outer lateral surface of the support sleeve and an inner lateral surface of the outer conductor contact element.

[0015] The outer conductor contact element may be pressable or crimpable together with or onto the support sleeve, or vice versa.

[0016] By means of the proposed support sleeve, the cable shield of the electrical cable can thus be fixed to the outer conductor contact element of the electrical connector to be mounted on the corresponding cable end of the electrical cable.

[0017] Preferably, the cable, its outer conductor or its cable shield, the electrical connector and / or the outer conductor contact element should not be understood as being part of the claimed support sleeve. However, the applicant reserves the right to also claim the support sleeve, the cable shield, the cable, the outer conductor contact element and / or the connector or said entities in each case individually or in separate combinations.

[0018] The support sleeve and the outer conductor contact element may hereinafter also be referred to as connector parts of the connector (in addition to further optional connector parts).

[0019] According to the invention, the support sleeve is designed to receive an end portion of a cable.

[0020] The end portion of the cable intended to be received in the support sleeve may in particular be an end portion of the cable intended to have an electrical connector mounted thereon. Preferably, the support sleeve is positioned at a defined axial position of the end portion of the cable such that the cable extends completely through the support sleeve.

[0021] It can be provided that the cable sheath of the cable ends in the support sleeve, so that the support sleeve can preferably also be at least partially fastened to the cable sheath, in particular can be pressed onto the cable sheath. The support sleeve can have a stop against which the respective end of the cable sheath abuts, so that the support sleeve can be optimally positioned or oriented relative to the end of the cable sheath. For this purpose, for example, the collar mentioned below or a collar section of the support sleeve may be suitable. However, the cable sheath does not necessarily have to end in the support sleeve. For example, it can also be provided that the cable sheath extends completely through the support sleeve or that the support sleeve directly abuts the cable sheath along the longitudinal axis of the cable.

[0022] The end portion of the cable can be untreated, but can generally already be partially preassembled / pretreated when the support sleeve is installed. Specifically, it can be provided that the end portion of the cable is at least partially stripped, such that one or more cable components of the cable are at least partially exposed and accessible for connection to the connector component. For example, it can be provided that one or more inner conductors of the cable are at least partially exposed from the dielectric covering, starting from the front, plug-side end. Furthermore, the cable shield of the cable can be at least partially exposed from the outer sheath and / or shielding foil, making it accessible for attachment between the support sleeve and the outer conductor contact element.

[0023] The cable shield can in particular be a braided cable shield of an electrical cable, i.e. in particular a braid consisting of twisted individual wires. In principle, however, the term "cable shield" can be understood to mean any type of outer conductor of an electrical cable, i.e. in particular also a shielding foil or a combination of a braided cable shield and a shielding foil.

[0024] In principle, the proposed support sleeve can be applied to any cable. Within the scope of the invention, a cable can be provided, which in particular has any number of inner conductors or cable cores. For example, within the scope of the invention, a cable can have one inner conductor, two inner conductors, three inner conductors, four inner conductors or even more inner conductors. Preferably, a cable with exactly one inner conductor or exactly two inner conductors is provided. If a cable with only one inner conductor is provided, this can be in the form of a coaxial cable. If a cable with more than one inner conductor is provided, the cable cores of the cables can be twisted in the manner of a "twisted pair" cable; however, the cable cores can also extend in parallel, as, for example, in the case of a "parallel pair" cable.

[0025] According to the present invention, the support sleeve can be compressed against an elastic restoring force to an elastically preloaded state starting from a mechanically relaxed state. In the elastically preloaded state (hereinafter also referred to as the "compressed state"), the spacing between two opposing reference points on the outer lateral surface and / or the inner lateral surface of the support sleeve (hereinafter referred to as the "first spacing") is reduced compared to the spacing between the two reference points in the mechanically relaxed state (hereinafter referred to as the "second spacing").

[0026] At this point it should be mentioned that within the scope of the described support sleeve compression, in addition to the elastic preload / restoration force, a permanent or plastic deformation of the support sleeve can optionally be performed. Typically, compression of the support sleeve results in a compressed state of plastic and elastic deformation.

[0027] However, in the case of a circular cross section of the support sleeve (which, as will be explained below, is not absolutely necessary), it is thus possible to reduce the outer diameter and / or the inner diameter of the support sleeve, for example in the compressed state.

[0028] According to the invention, the support sleeve comprises a plastic material, the relaxation resistance and / or strength and / or temperature resistance and / or breaking strength of the plastic material having been increased by admixture of at least one additional material.

[0029] In this regard, "relaxation" describes the decrease in tension in a support sleeve over time given its previous extension or compression. Thus, relaxation describes the transition of a support sleeve back to its initial or equilibrium state following an external stimulus or interruption.

[0030] The proposed support sleeve can preferably have particularly robust mechanical properties and is also extremely resistant to aging. Because the present invention proposes a support sleeve for securing a cable shield of a cable, which is composed of a plastic material, it can be produced more cost-effectively and easily than known metal support sleeves. Therefore, the proposed support sleeve is particularly suitable for use in cable connector arrangements or in connectors that can be mass-produced. At the same time, the proposed addition of additional materials can significantly increase the desired mechanical properties of the support sleeve, so that the support sleeve remains easily suitable for its desired task (securing the cable shield).

[0031] In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the support sleeve consists at least substantially of plastic material with additional materials mixed in. However, this is not intended to exclude the possible presence of other components (but preferably less than 1%-10%, particularly preferably less than 0.5%-5%, more preferably less than 0.5%-2%), in particular those which do not significantly alter the essential characteristics of the support sleeve (e.g. impurities or residues of other materials).

[0032] It can be provided that the support sleeve is formed integrally or in one piece. Thus, the support sleeve can be a separate component. However, optionally, a multi-piece support sleeve can be provided, such as a two-piece support sleeve formed from two half shells that can be joined together.

[0033] According to a development of the invention, it can be provided that the additional material is in the form of fibers and / or spheres.

[0034] It has been found to be particularly advantageous to use additional material which is mixed into the plastic material in the form of individual fibers and / or spheres.In principle, however, the additional material may have any form or geometry within the scope of the invention.

[0035] Preferably, the additional material is glass, carbon, aramid, metal (pure metal, but also alloys) and / or organic material (e.g. resin, natural fiber material, including hemp). In particular, glass fibers, carbon fibers or aramid fibers can be very particularly preferred (however, these materials can also be present in the form of balls, as described above, or alternatively in other geometric forms). It should be noted that the above examples are in principle preferred, but alternatively, other materials are also possible for the additional material. In principle, any inorganic or organic material can serve as additional material. Within the scope of the present invention, it is also possible to refer to a combination of several materials collectively as an "additional material" within the meaning of the present invention.

[0036] The additional material is preferably not plastic.

[0037] According to one development of the invention, it can be provided that the plastic material has an additive content of 10% to 60%, preferably 20% to 50%, more preferably 25% to 40%, particularly preferably 30% to 35%. Very particularly preferably, the plastic material can have an additive content of at least approximately or exactly 30%.

[0038] The above-mentioned ranges and ratios have been found to be particularly advantageous.

[0039] In a development of the invention, it can be provided that the plastic material is polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or polyetherimide (PEI).

[0040] In principle, however, other plastics are also possible within the scope of the invention, wherein the above examples can result in a support sleeve that is particularly resistant to sagging.

[0041] An example of a plastic material with a 50% glass fiber content that can be readily adapted within the scope of the present invention is, for example, PBT-GF-50. Other advantageous plastic material-additional material combinations may be, in particular, PBT-GF-30 or PEI-GF-30.

[0042] In one development of the invention, it can be provided that the support sleeve has at least one longitudinal slot which passes at least partially through the support sleeve in the axial direction. Thus, the support sleeve can be slotted.

[0043] Provision can be made for exactly one longitudinal slot to extend completely through the support sleeve (for example, a C-shaped or partially annular support sleeve can thus be provided). However, it can in particular also be provided that one or more longitudinal slots extend only partially through the support sleeve.

[0044] The achievable diameter reduction due to the at least one longitudinal slot, i.e., the compressibility of the support sleeve, can be improved, so that the support sleeve can be deformed within a wider range. This can improve the fixing of the cable shield between the support sleeve and the outer conductor contact element and / or the fixing of the support sleeve to the end portion of the cable, in particular to the cable jacket of the cable.

[0045] However, it should be mentioned at this point that the invention is also applicable to non-slotted support sleeves, even though the invention is described below primarily with reference to support sleeves having one or more longitudinal slots. Thus, alternatively, a support sleeve that is completely closed around its circumference, i.e., for example, an annular support sleeve, can also be provided.

[0046] At this point, it should also be mentioned that, as an alternative to at least one longitudinal slot, in principle any cutouts / notches / recesses can be provided, which are arranged in a distributed manner around the circumference of the support sleeve in order to define the compressibility of the support sleeve in a defined manner along the longitudinal extent of the support sleeve.

[0047] In principle, the support sleeve can have any cross-section. Preferably, the cross-section of the support sleeve is elliptical, in particular circular. However, the cross-section of the support sleeve can also be rectangular. In particular, any polygonal cross-sectional geometry can be provided. The cross-section of the support sleeve can also optionally be asymmetric with respect to its central axis and can vary along the longitudinal axis (e.g., narrow, as described in detail below).

[0048] It may be desirable to ensure that individual wires of the cable shield do not inadvertently penetrate into the longitudinal slots in the support sleeve or exit at some other point.

[0049] To this end, in one development of the invention, it can be provided in particular that the longitudinal slot has an arcuate or curved and / or stepped profile (with one or more steps), so that the passage (for the individual wires of the cable shield), in particular (but not exclusively) a straight passage, through the longitudinal slot is restricted or blocked. Preferably, the longitudinal slot therefore does not extend in a straight line at least along its entire length.

[0050] The passage to be blocked can in particular be a straight passage passing through the support sleeve in the axial direction and / or in the radial direction.

[0051] The restriction or obstruction may be formed partially at one or more desired axial positions, for example at one or both axial ends of the support sleeve and / or in the central portion of the support sleeve. However, the restriction or obstruction of the passage may also extend along the entire longitudinal extent of the support sleeve.

[0052] In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the longitudinal slot is interrupted by a predetermined breaking point or hinge, in particular a film hinge, so that the longitudinal slot is subdivided into a first section and a second section.

[0053] Also, in this way it is possible to ensure that individual wires of the cable shielding cannot pass through the longitudinal slots in the support sleeve in an uncontrolled manner.

[0054] Preferably, the predetermined breaking point or film hinge is formed in the curved and / or stepped profile of the longitudinal slot, in particular in the region of the axial ends or ends of the longitudinal slot or of the support sleeve, but optionally also in the central axial portion. If the longitudinal slot has a stepped profile, it can preferably be provided that the predetermined breaking point or film hinge is formed in at least one step, or a protrusion and / or depression, or an "offset" of the longitudinal slot.

[0055] In the region of the predetermined breaking point, the support sleeve can thus be broken in a defined manner during the compression process, with the result that access through the longitudinal slot can be completely blocked both in the mechanically relaxed state and in the compressed state. In a corresponding manner, the film hinge can also prevent permanent obstruction of access through the support sleeve during assembly, while the support sleeve exhibits good compressibility.

[0056] The predetermined breaking point and the film hinge can further improve the compressibility of the support sleeve.

[0057] In one development of the invention, it can be provided that the support sleeve has at least one pair of longitudinal slots offset in the circumferential direction of the support sleeve. In particular, a common pair of longitudinal slots can be provided extending partially through the support sleeve from opposite axial ends.

[0058] It can preferably be provided that the longitudinal slots of a common pair extend alongside one another in an axial section of the support sleeve (preferably parallel to one another in at least one subsection) so that in said axial section a partition wall section is formed between the two longitudinal slots in the circumferential direction of the support sleeve.

[0059] In this way, the passage of individual wires of the cable shielding can thus be blocked by the separating wall section, in particular also in the central axial portion of the support sleeve.

[0060] This partition wall section can preferably (but not necessarily) have a predetermined breaking point or a film hinge or be in the form of a predetermined breaking point or a film hinge.

[0061] In summary, it is in particular possible to provide the following variants in order to avoid undesired passage of individual wires of the cable shield of the electrical cable through the support sleeve in the longitudinal axial direction and / or in the radial direction:

[0062] - the longitudinal slot has a profile (curved and / or stepped) such that the edges and / or side walls touch along the path of their profile; and / or

[0063] - the longitudinal slot has such a profile (curved and / or stepped) that a sufficient restriction is produced which at least excludes the passage of individual wires for the cable shield with a sufficient probability or extends the passage so as to ensure that the individual wires can no longer emerge from the axial end of the support sleeve or from the longitudinal slot; and / or

[0064] - the longitudinal slots are interrupted by predetermined breaking points; and / or

[0065] - The longitudinal slots are interrupted by membrane hinges.

[0066] In a development of the invention, it can be provided that the support sleeve has at least one profile which narrows at least partially in the axial direction, in particular in an axial end portion or both axial end portions of the support sleeve in the direction of the respective axial end of the support sleeve.

[0067] Due to the narrowed profile, the contact force required to press or crimp the support sleeve with the external conductor contact element and / or the required deformation path of the support sleeve can be reduced, resulting in reduced mechanical demands on the support sleeve. This allows for greater flexibility in the selection and combination of materials (plastic material and additional materials) for the support sleeve.

[0068] An at least partially narrowed profile of the support sleeve can also be advantageous in order to create an additional form fit during the subsequent pressing or crimping of the outer conductor contact element, and this can result in a better fixation of the support sleeve together with the outer conductor contact element to the cable, in particular a better fixation of the support sleeve to the (optional) cable sheath of the cable.

[0069] The narrowing profile may already be present in the mechanically relaxed state of the support sleeve. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the narrowing profile is formed solely by compressing the support sleeve. For this purpose, it may be advantageous (but not absolutely necessary) for the support sleeve to have a plurality of longitudinal slots that are distributed around the circumference of the support sleeve and each extend only partially through the support sleeve in the axial direction.

[0070] In one development of the invention, it can be provided that the support sleeve has an at least partially annular collar formed at one axial end of the support sleeve, or a plurality of collar segments arranged in a circumferentially distributed manner around an axial end of the support sleeve, in order to form in each case a stop for the cable sheath of the cable.

[0071] In this way, the support sleeve can be optimally positioned relative to the cable or the cable jacket.

[0072] Preferably, the collar segments arranged in a distributed manner around the circumference are equally spaced apart. However, this is not absolutely necessary.

[0073] In a development of the invention, it can also be provided that the support sleeve has at least one inner lateral projection, for example at least one inner lateral protrusion.

[0074] The inner lateral protrusions can be advantageous for better securing the support sleeve to the cable components of the cable by employing a form fit in addition to a press fit. Thus, the support sleeve can, for example, be better secured to the cable jacket and / or the dielectric / insulator of the cable. In this way, the securing of the support sleeve to the cable can be improved, particularly in the event of transverse and / or longitudinal cable tension.

[0075] The at least one internal lateral protrusion may comprise, for example, a rib or a barb.

[0076] The invention further relates to a cable connector arrangement, in particular for high voltage technology, having a support sleeve set out above and below the / cable and an outer conductor contact element of an electrical connector.

[0077] For the cable connector device, it is provided that a support sleeve is arranged on the end portion of the cable. Preferably, an exposed portion of the cable shield of the cable is positioned on the outer lateral surface of the support sleeve, wherein the outer conductor contact element is positioned on the support sleeve, and the support sleeve and the outer conductor contact element are pressed (preferably crimped) together, so that the support sleeve is compressed in its elastically preloaded state, and thus the cable shield is fixed (in a press-fit and / or form-fit manner) between the support sleeve and the outer conductor contact element.

[0078] The support sleeve is particularly advantageously suitable for use with high voltage connectors, wherein the connector type and its use are not necessarily important in principle. Thus, the support sleeve can be readily adapted in particular for high frequency technology, ie for example for data connectors.

[0079] The electrical connector should not be understood as part of the cable connector device. However, it can be provided that the cable connector device also has an electrical connector. In addition, the cable connector device can have at least one inner conductor contact element that is electrically and mechanically connected (e.g., crimped) to at least one inner conductor of the cable. In principle, within the scope of the proposed cable connector device, the electrical connector and / or any other component of the cable can be provided.

[0080] Optionally, the outer conductor contact element can be provided with an undercut in order to provide an axial form fit / stop for the support sleeve and thus improve their mutual axial fixing.

[0081] In order to improve the fixation between the outer conductor contact element and the support sleeve, it can also optionally be provided that the outer conductor contact element has internal lateral projections and / or recesses and / or the support sleeve has external lateral projections and / or recesses, for example at least one internal lateral projection and / or recess, such as engaging hooks, ribs, grooves and / or barbs.

[0082] It can optionally be provided that the support sleeve has an at least partially annular flange formed at one axial end, or has a plurality of flange segments which are arranged distributed around the circumference at the axial end of the support sleeve (preferably distributed equidistantly around the circumference) in order to form a stop for the connector part or cable part (in particular a stop for the outer conductor contact element). In this way, the support sleeve can be optionally positioned relative to the connector part and / or the cable part.

[0083] The present invention further relates to a method for producing a cable connector arrangement, in particular for producing a cable connector arrangement for high-voltage technology, comprising at least the following method steps:

[0084] - providing an electrical cable having a partially exposed cable shield at one end portion;

[0085] - providing a support sleeve, the support sleeve comprising a plastic material, the relaxation resistance and / or strength and / or temperature resistance and / or breaking strength of the plastic material having been increased by admixture of at least one additional material;

[0086] - providing external conductor contact elements of the electrical connector;

[0087] - positioning the end portion of the cable in the support sleeve;

[0088] - positioning the exposed portion of the cable shield on the outer lateral surface of the support sleeve; and

[0089] - the cable shield is fixed between the support sleeve and the outer conductor contact element (in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner) by pressing (preferably crimping) the outer conductor contact element onto the support sleeve, so that the support sleeve is compressed against the elastic restoring force from a mechanically relaxed state into an elastically preloaded state, the spacing between two relative reference points on the outer lateral surface of the support sleeve in the elastically preloaded state being reduced compared to the spacing between the two reference points in the mechanically relaxed state.

[0090] Advantageously, the proposed method enables the production of particularly economical and mass-market support sleeves. Adaptation of the process to different cable cross-sections can be particularly simple, for example by suitably adapting the thickness or wall thickness of the support sleeve.

[0091] Due to the proposed method, a support sleeve can be provided which has at least approximately constant material properties regardless of the wall or material thickness.

[0092] It can be provided that the support sleeve is produced by injection molding.In principle, however, other technologies can also be suitable for producing the proposed plastic support sleeve.

[0093] The pressing or crimping can take place such that after the pressing / crimping, the support sleeve has a radial dimension reduction / narrowing in at least one angular section. The slots (see longitudinal slots) already mentioned above in the support sleeve can be advantageous for this purpose, in order to optionally achieve an even greater diameter narrowing. In this way, for example, in addition to crimping the outer conductor, it is also possible to simultaneously press or crimp the cable jacket of the cable, as a result of which, in the best case, a cable strain relief can be omitted.

[0094] In one development of the invention, it can be provided that an at least partially annular pressing tool is used to press the outer conductor contact element, the pressing tool producing an at least approximately curved impression in the outer conductor contact element around the circumference, preferably an impression with at least 6 edges, particularly preferably an impression with at least 10 edges, more preferably an impression with at least 14 edges, and very particularly preferably an impression without edges.

[0095] The support sleeve can be deformed in a particularly careful manner by crimping as many edges as possible, as close as possible to the bend impression, right down to the edge, or by using a corresponding pressing tool. For example, a so-called "laminated crimping" can be provided. However, in principle, the support sleeve according to the invention is suitable for any crimping method and crimping tool.

[0096] The features already described in connection with one of the subjects of the present invention (i.e., provided by the support sleeve according to the present invention, the cable connector device according to the present invention, and the method) can also advantageously realize the other subjects of the present invention. Similarly, with respect to the other subjects of the present invention, the advantages already mentioned in connection with one of the subjects of the present invention can also be understood.

[0097] Furthermore, it should be noted that terms such as "comprising", "having" or "with" do not exclude other features or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "one", "a / an" or "said" indicating a singular number of steps or features do not exclude a plurality of features or steps, and vice versa.

[0098] However, in an embodiment of the present invention where the wording is concise, it can also be provided that the features introduced in the present invention by the terms "comprising", "having" or "with" are listed exhaustively. Thus, one or more feature lists can be considered complete within the scope of the present invention, for example, in each case for each claim. For example, the present invention can consist solely of the features mentioned in claim 1.

[0099] It should be noted that nomenclature such as “first” or “second” etc. is mainly used for the purpose of distinguishing features of corresponding apparatuses or methods, and is not necessarily intended to indicate that the features are interdependent or linked to each other.

[0100] It should also be noted that the values and parameters described herein include deviations or fluctuations of ±10% or less, preferably ±5% or less, more preferably ±1% or less, and very particularly preferably ±0.1% or less of the value or parameter mentioned in the respective case, as long as these deviations do not preclude the implementation of the invention in practice. The indication of a range by using starting and ending values also includes all those values and fractions included in the range mentioned in each case, in particular the starting and ending values and the corresponding mean values.

[0101] The present invention also relates to a support sleeve for a cable connector, independent of claim 1, which is compressible and comprises a plastic material (preferably, the support sleeve at least substantially consists of a plastic material), wherein the support sleeve's resistance to relaxation and / or strength and / or temperature resistance and / or breaking strength have been increased by defined material, structural, and / or geometric measures. For example, the support sleeve can have a suitable geometry to dissipate external forces advantageously and discreetly within the compression range of the support sleeve (for example, an at least approximately elliptical, in particular circular, cross-sectional shape can be readily suitable for this purpose). For example, the support sleeve can be designed to match the shape of the external conductor contact element, for example, by being partially formed in a conical manner or having an annularly extending groove or bead. For example, it can also be provided that the support sleeve has ribs, barbs, grooves, or other types of roughness on the contact surface facing the external conductor contact element. The further features of claim 1 and the dependent claims, as well as the features described in this specification, relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of this further support sleeve, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to claim this separately. Furthermore, the applicant reserves the right to claim a method for producing the support sleeve mentioned in this paragraph based on the above method, as well as a cable connector device having the support sleeve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0102] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0103] These figures each show a preferred exemplary embodiment in which individual features of the invention are presented in combination with one another. Features of one exemplary embodiment can also be implemented separately from other features of the same exemplary embodiment and can accordingly be easily combined with features of other exemplary embodiments by a person skilled in the art to form further meaningful combinations and sub-combinations.

[0104] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0105] In the accompanying drawings, schematically:

[0106] Figure 1 : shows a diagram of a longitudinal cross-section of a cable connector device having a support sleeve, a cable, and an outer conductor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0107] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 A perspective view of a cable connector device in which the outer conductor contact element and the insulator element have been omitted;

[0108] Figure 3 shows a diagram of a longitudinal section of a cable connector device with a support sleeve according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0109] Figure 4 shows an isolated perspective view of a non-slotted support sleeve having internal lateral ribs according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0110] Figure 5 shows an isolated perspective view of a slotted support sleeve having a stepped profile of longitudinal slots according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0111] Figure 6 shows an isolated perspective view of another slotted support sleeve having a stepped profile with longitudinal slots according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0112] Figure 7 shows an isolated perspective view of another slotted support sleeve having a stepped profile with longitudinal slots according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0113] Figure 8 shows an isolated perspective view of another slotted support sleeve having a stepped profile with longitudinal slots according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0114] Figure 9shows a separate perspective view of another slotted support sleeve having a stepped profile with a longitudinal slot according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a film hinge or a predetermined breaking point is formed in a step in the profile;

[0115] Figure 10 shows an isolated perspective view of another slotted support sleeve having a film hinge or predetermined breaking point according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0116] Figure 11 shows an isolated perspective view of a support sleeve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the support sleeve having two pairs of longitudinal slots offset in the circumferential direction;

[0117] Figure 12 shows an isolated perspective view of a plurality of slotted support sleeves having internal lateral barbs for forming a conical profile by compressing the support sleeve, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0118] Figure 13 Shown according to Figure 12 A cross-sectional side view of the support sleeve in its mechanically relaxed state;

[0119] Figure 14 Shown according to Figure 12 A cross-sectional side view of the support sleeve in its elastically preloaded state;

[0120] Figure 15 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cable connector device having a tapered support sleeve according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0121] Figure 16-Figure 18 showing corresponding cross-sectional side views of different variations of tapered support sleeves according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and

[0122] Figure 19 A support sleeve according to an exemplary embodiment is shown having a narrowed portion in its central axial portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0123] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cable connector arrangement 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The cable connector arrangement 1 shown in the figures is particularly suitable for use in high voltage technology, although the invention should not be understood as being limited to this application and can also be advantageously adapted for use with data connectors and high frequency technology, for example.

[0124] The cable connector device 1 has a cable 2, which is, for example, a coaxial cable. The cable 2 has an inner conductor 3, which is surrounded by a dielectric 4 and on which a cable shield 5 extends. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable shield 5 is a braided cable shield formed from a plurality of individual wires. An electrically insulating cable jacket 6 extends around the cable shield 5. As shown, the cable 2 is partially stripped so as to make the inner conductor 3 and the cable shield 5 accessible for assembly with an electrical connector 7. The inner conductor 3 of the cable 2 is pressed in a planar form and connected (e.g., welded) to an inner conductor contact element 8 of the connector 7, wherein the specific type of connection of the inner conductor 3 and the inner conductor contact element 8 is not particularly important within the scope of the present invention. The inner conductor contact element 8 of the connector 7 is at least partially surrounded by an insulating element 9 in order to provide protection against contact and electrical separation between an outer conductor contact element 10 of the connector 7 and the inner conductor contact element 8. For a clearer presentation, in Figure 2 The insulator element 9 and the outer conductor contact element 10 are not shown.

[0125] The cable connector device 1 has a support sleeve 11 for fixing the cable shield 5. To this end, the support sleeve 11 is arranged on the corresponding end portion 12 of the cable 2. The exposed part of the cable shield 5 of the cable 2 is positioned on the outer lateral surface 13 of the support sleeve 11 (refer to Figure 2 and for example, Figure 4 ), for this purpose, the exposed portion of the cable shield 5 of the cable 2 can be folded back on the support sleeve 11, as shown. Finally, the outer conductor contact element 10 is positioned and pressed (in particular crimped) on the support sleeve 11, so that the support sleeve 11 is compressed from the mechanically relaxed state against the elastic restoring force into an elastically preloaded state, in which two relative reference points P on the outer lateral surface 13 of the support sleeve 11 are in the elastically preloaded state. Ref The first distance A1 between the two reference points P in the mechanically relaxed state Ref is reduced compared to the second spacing A2 (see e.g. Figure 13 and Figure 14 ). As a result, the cable shield 5 can be finally firmly fixed between the supporting sleeve 11 and the outer conductor contact element 10.

[0126] It is within the scope of the present invention to provide the support sleeve 11 with a plastic material whose resistance to loosening and / or strength and / or temperature resistance and / or breaking strength have been increased by defined material, structural and / or geometric measures. In particular, this can be achieved by mixing at least one additional material into the plastic material.

[0127] Preferably, the support sleeve 11 is at least substantially composed of a plastic material and a mixed additional material. The additional material can, in particular, be in the form of fibers and / or spheres. Glass, carbon, or aramid can preferably be provided as the additional material, with glass fibers, carbon fibers, or aramid fibers being particularly suitable. It can also be advantageous if the plastic material has an additional material content of 10% to 60%, preferably 20% to 50%, more preferably 25% to 40%, and particularly preferably 30% to 35%. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the additional material content can be at least approximately 30%.

[0128] The plastic material may preferably be a relaxation-resistant plastic, such as polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate or polyetherimide.

[0129] The outer conductor contact element 10 can be pressed onto the support sleeve 11 using an at least partially annular pressing tool (not shown), which forms an at least approximately curved impression in the outer conductor contact element 10 around its circumference, i.e., preferably an impression with as many edges as possible. Preferably, a crimp with at least 6 edges, particularly preferably at least 10 edges, more preferably at least 14 edges, and very particularly preferably no edges, can be provided. However, in principle, any pressing tool and crimping method can be used within the scope of the production method according to the invention.

[0130] The support sleeve 11 can in principle be fixed to any cable component of the cable 2, ie for example directly to the cable shield 5, e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, or alternatively also directly (completely or partially) fixed to the cable sheath 6 of the cable 2 (see Figure 3 、 Figure 15 In the case of partial fixation to the cable sheath 6 of the cable 2, it may be advantageous if the support sleeve 11 has an at least partially annular collar 14 formed at one axial end (see in particular Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) in order to form a stop for the cable sheath 6 of the cable 2. In this way, the support sleeve 11 can be fastened to the cable 2 at a defined axial position. As an alternative to a partially annular collar 14, it is also possible, for example, to provide a plurality of collar segments 15 at the axial end of the support sleeve 11, which are arranged in a distributed manner around the circumference, such as Figure 11 In principle, the collar 14 or the collar section 15 can also be omitted completely (see e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0131] In order to further improve the holding or fixation between the support sleeve 11 and the corresponding cable part of the cable 2, in particular the cable sheath 6 of the cable 2, it is optionally possible to provide internal lateral protrusions in the support sleeve, such as a plurality of ribs 16 (see Figure 2 and Figure 4 ) or barbs 17 distributed around the circumference (see Figure 12 ). Therefore, the resistance of the cable connector device 1 to transverse and / or longitudinal tension can be greatly increased.

[0132] The proposed support sleeve 11 can have a completely closed cross section in the circumferential direction and thus be formed in an annular manner, for example, as Figure 2 and Figure 4 However, preferably, a slotted support sleeve 11 is provided, ie the support sleeve 11 has at least one longitudinal slot 18 which extends at least partially through the support sleeve 11 in the axial direction, as shown. Figures 5 to 14 By means of at least one longitudinal slot 18 , the deformability of the support sleeve 11 can be increased.

[0133] In order to prevent a situation in which, in the case of a slotted support sleeve 11, individual wires of the cable shield 5 of the cable 2 could pass through the longitudinal slots 18 in an uncontrolled manner in the axial and / or radial direction and thus pierce or damage, for example, the end seal in the subsequent connector 7, or present a risk of injury to a subsequent user, various measures can be provided, some of which will be discussed below. At this point, it should be mentioned that sometimes it is also possible to provide applications in which the measures mentioned below are not necessary, since it is unimportant whether the individual wires of the cable shield 5 pass through the longitudinal slots 18 or the longitudinal slots 18 in the support sleeve 11. Therefore, the present invention should not be understood as being limited to one or more of the following variants. In particular, the following variants can also be combined with each other as required.

[0134] For example, it can be provided that the longitudinal slot 18 has a stepped profile V, e.g. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Alternatively or in addition to the stepped profile V, a continuous curved profile V (not shown in the figures) can in principle also be provided. In this way, a straight path P through the longitudinal slot 18 can be blocked. AX 、P RA ,exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 Can be blocked (see Figure 5 ) or restrictions (see Figure 6 ) A straight passage P passing through the support sleeve 11 in the axial direction AX Although, for example, Figure 6 There is a continuous axial passage P through the support sleeve 11AX , but it is almost impossible for the individual wires of the cable shield 5 to pass completely through the support sleeve 11 through the restricted longitudinal slot 18. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the proposed variant, it is still possible to compress the support sleeve 11 over a relatively long spring travel. Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is clear that in order to block the axial passage P AX , it may be sufficient to block it only in the axial section (in Figure 5 and Figure 6 In this case, the passage P AX The axial point at which the blockage or restriction occurs is not particularly important, as will be discussed below.

[0135] As a barrier to the axial passage P AX As an alternative to the stepped or curved profile V of the longitudinal slot 18, the longitudinal slot 18 may also have a plurality of longitudinal slots for blocking the radial passage P. RA The stepped or curved profile V, such as Figure 7 In this way, it is possible to avoid the situation where the individual wires of the cable shield 5 are pulled out in an uncontrolled manner from the inside of the support sleeve 11 in radial direction along the radial path P RA Through the longitudinal slot 18 and thus for example out of the axial end of the support sleeve 11. This can also take place only partially along the longitudinal extent of the support sleeve 11, e.g. Figure 8 As shown in .

[0136] exist Figure 8 In the middle, the axial passage P AX and radial passage P RA Both are blocked by the profile (V) of the longitudinal slot 18 .

[0137] It can also be provided that the longitudinal slot 18 is interrupted by a predetermined breaking point 19 or film hinge, in particular in its curved and / or stepped profile (V), preferably in a step or projection and / or depression in the longitudinal slot 18, e.g. Figure 9 and Figure 10 In this way, the longitudinal slot 18 can be subdivided into a first section 20 and a second section 21 .

[0138] As already mentioned above, it is not particularly important here at which axial point along the longitudinal extent of the support sleeve 11 the passage P through the support sleeve 11 occurs. AX 、P RA Although in the figures discussed above, it is preferred to provide a blockage at the axial end of the support sleeve 11, Figure 11 Intended to indicate axial passage P AX In the case of a slotted support sleeve 11 , it is possible to block it in the central part of the support sleeve. Figure 11 The support sleeve 11 shown in FIG has two pairs 22 of longitudinal slots 18 which are offset in the circumferential direction of the support sleeve 11, each extending partially through the support sleeve 11 from opposite axial ends and extending alongside one another in an axial section of the support sleeve 11, such that in said axial section a partition wall section 23 is formed between the two longitudinal slots 18 in the circumferential direction of the support sleeve 11. This partition wall section 23 can also optionally be in the form of a predetermined breaking point 19 or a film hinge (although this is not absolutely necessary and is not intended to be a typo). Figure 11 Due to the compression of the support sleeve 11 during assembly onto the cable 2 or within the outer conductor contact element 10 , the support sleeve 11 may thus be compressed in a curved manner (typically approximately “S-shaped”) along the pair 22 of longitudinal slots 18 .

[0139] The pairs of longitudinal slots 18 offset in the circumferential direction of the support sleeve 11 can optionally also be suitable for producing a narrowing in the support sleeve 11 during pressing of the support sleeve 11 with the outer conductor contact element 10 .

[0140] It can be advantageous to narrow the support sleeve 11 at least at the axial ends (or alternatively also in the central axial portion) in order to produce a form fit between the support sleeve 11, the outer conductor contact element 10 and / or the cable component (e.g. the cable sheath 6) in addition to a press fit. Figures 12 to 14 For example, a support sleeve 11 is shown with a plurality of longitudinal slots 18, wherein the longitudinal slots 18 are distributed around the circumference of the support sleeve 11 and each extend only partially in the axial direction through the support sleeve 11. In this way, a narrowing profile can be produced by compressing the support sleeve 11 at its axial end, which has the longitudinal slots 18. Figure 13 The support sleeve 11 is shown in its non-compressed state, and Figure 14 The support sleeve 11 is shown in its compressed state.However, as mentioned above, it is not absolutely necessary for the support sleeve 11 to have one or more longitudinal slots 18 to form the narrowing profile, although longitudinal slots 18 may be advantageous in this respect.

[0141] also, Figure 15 The cable connector device 1 is shown, which has a conically compressed support sleeve 11 in its rear axial end facing the cable 2. In order to further improve the form fit between the outer conductor contact element 10 and the support sleeve 11, an undercut 24 can optionally be provided in the outer conductor contact element 10 (at Figure 15shown by dotted lines).

[0142] At this point it should be mentioned that the narrowing profile of the support sleeve 11 does not necessarily have to appear only during compression. The narrowing profile can, for example, already be present in the mechanically relaxed state of the support sleeve 11. Figures 12 to 14 As shown in , the support sleeve 11 does not have to be completely slotted for compression. Therefore, the narrowed profile of the support sleeve 11 can also be pressed into a non-slotted support sleeve during the assembly / crimping process.

[0143] exist Figures 16 to 19 Several further examples with narrowed support sleeves 11 are shown in . Figures 16 to 18 An example of a variant with a narrowing starting from one axial end of the support sleeve 11 is shown, and Figure 19 The narrowing in the central axial section is shown. The convex outer lateral profile of the support sleeve 11 can also optionally be adapted to establish or improve a form fit with the outer conductor contact element 10 instead of Figure 19 Concave profile shown.

[0144] In order to improve the fixation between the outer conductor contact element 10 and the support sleeve 11, it can optionally be provided that the outer conductor contact element 10 has internal lateral projections and / or recesses (not shown in the figures). Alternatively or in addition, it can be provided that the support sleeve 11 has external lateral projections and / or recesses on its outer lateral surface 13, such as for example on Figure 18 Of course, the above improvements can be made independently of Figure 18 The narrowing or Figure 18 other features to achieve.

[0145] It can also be optionally provided that the support sleeve 11 has an at least partially annular flange 25 formed at one axial portion, in particular at one axial end, or a plurality of flange segments (not shown) arranged in a manner distributed around the circumference, in order to form a stop area for the connector part or cable part, in particular a stop for the outer conductor contact element 10. In this way, the support sleeve 11 can be optimally positioned relative to the connector part and / or cable part, in particular relative to the outer conductor contact element 10. Of course, the flange 25 or the flange segments or the stop area can be positioned independently of the connector part. Figure 18 The narrowing or Figure 18 other features to achieve.

Claims

1. A support sleeve (11) for fixing a cable shield (5) of a cable (2), wherein: The support sleeve (11) is designed to receive the end portion (12) of the cable (2), and the support sleeve (11) can be compressed into an elastic preloaded state against elastic restoring force starting from a mechanically relaxed state, wherein two relative reference points (P Ref ) between the first distance (A1) and the two reference points (P Ref ) is reduced compared to the second spacing (A2) of the support sleeve (11), and wherein the support sleeve (11) comprises a plastic material, the relaxation resistance and / or strength and / or temperature resistance and / or breaking strength of the plastic material have been increased by mixing at least one additional material.

2. The support sleeve (11) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The support sleeve (11) is substantially composed of the plastic material mixed with the additional material.

3. The support sleeve (11) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The additional material is in the form of fibers and / or spheres, wherein preferably glass, carbon, aramid, metal and / or organic material are provided as the additional material.

4. The support sleeve (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The plastic material has a content of the additional material of 10% to 60%, preferably 20% to 50%, more preferably 25% to 40%, particularly preferably 30% to 35%.

5. The support sleeve (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The plastic material is polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate or polyetherimide.

6. The support sleeve (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It is characterized in that At least one longitudinal slot (18) extends at least partially through the support sleeve (11) in the axial direction.

7. The support sleeve (11) according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The longitudinal slot (18) has a curved and / or stepped profile (V) so that a straight path (P) through the longitudinal slot (18) AX , P RA ), specifically a straight passage (P) passing through the support sleeve (11) in the axial direction and / or radial direction AX , P RA ) is restricted or blocked.

8. The support sleeve (11) according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The longitudinal slot (18) is interrupted within the curved and / or stepped profile (V) by a predetermined breaking point (19) or film hinge, so that the longitudinal slot (18) is subdivided into a first section (20) and a second section (21).

9. Support sleeve (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, It is characterized in that At least one pair (22) of longitudinal slots (18), which are offset in the circumferential direction of the support sleeve (11) and extend partially through the support sleeve (11) from opposite axial ends, and the longitudinal slots (18) extend side by side with each other in the axial part of the support sleeve (11), so that in the axial part, a partition wall section (23) is formed between the two longitudinal slots (18) in the circumferential direction of the support sleeve (11), wherein the partition wall section (23) preferably has a predetermined breaking point (19) or a membrane hinge.

10. Support sleeve (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, It is characterized in that At least one profile that is at least partially narrowed in the axial direction, in particular in an axial end portion of the support sleeve (11) in the direction of the respective axial end of the support sleeve (11), wherein preferably - the narrowed profile already exists in the mechanically relaxed state of the support sleeve (11); and / or The support sleeve (11) has a plurality of longitudinal slots (18) which are distributed around the circumference of the support sleeve (11) and each extend only partially through the support sleeve (11) in the axial direction, so that the narrowed profile can be produced by compressing the support sleeve (11).

11. The support sleeve (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, It is characterized in that An at least partially annular collar (14) is formed at one axial end of the support sleeve (11), or a plurality of collar segments (15) are arranged in a circumferentially distributed manner around the axial end of the support sleeve (11), in order to form a stop for the cable sheath (6) of the cable (2) in each case.

12. Support sleeve (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, It is characterized in that At least one internal lateral projection, preferably a plurality of internal lateral projections, in particular ribs (16) or barbs (17) distributed around the circumference.

13. A cable connector device (1), in particular for high voltage technology, comprising a support sleeve (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the cable (2) and an outer conductor contact element (10) of an electrical connector (7), wherein: The support sleeve (11) is arranged on the end portion (12) of the cable (2), and the exposed portion of the cable shield (5) of the cable (2) is positioned on the outer lateral surface (13) of the support sleeve (11), wherein the outer conductor contact element (10) is positioned on the support sleeve (11) and is pressed, preferably crimped, so that the support sleeve (11) is compressed in its elastically preloaded state and the cable shield (5) is thereby fixed between the support sleeve (11) and the outer conductor contact element (10).

14. A method for producing a cable connector device (1), in particular for producing a cable connector device (1) for high-voltage technology, comprising at least the following method steps: - providing a cable (2) having a partially exposed cable shield (5) in one end portion (12); - providing a support sleeve (11) comprising a plastic material whose resistance to relaxation and / or strength and / or temperature resistance and / or breaking strength has been increased by admixing at least one additional material; - providing an external conductor contact element (10) of the electrical connector (7); - positioning the end portion (12) of the cable (2) in the support sleeve (11); - positioning the exposed portion of the cable shield (5) on the outer lateral surface (13) of the support sleeve (11); and - the cable shield (5) is fixed between the support sleeve (11) and the outer conductor contact element (10) by pressing, preferably crimping, the outer conductor contact element (10) onto the support sleeve (11), so that the support sleeve (11) is compressed from a mechanically relaxed state to an elastically preloaded state against an elastic restoring force, and two relative reference points (P Ref ) is compared with the first distance (A1) between the two reference points (P Ref )'s second spacing (A2) is reduced.

15. The method according to claim 14, It is characterized in that The outer conductor contact element (10) is pressed using an at least partially annular pressing tool, which produces an at least approximately curved impression in the outer conductor contact element (10) around the circumference, preferably an impression with at least 6 edges, particularly preferably an impression with at least 10 edges, more preferably an impression with at least 14 edges, and very particularly preferably an impression without edges.

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