Angular connector sleeve with push-out opening

Abstract

The invention relates to an angular connector sleeve having a push-out opening, which is designed as a housing of a cable connector that can be inserted into a built-in connector that is mated as a counterpart in order to form a mechanically lockable plug connection, wherein the cable connector is configured to be inserted into the built-in connector together with the insertion end of the plug-in assembly to form a plug connection, and an angular connector sleeve configured to receive and enclose at least the plug-in assembly, configured as an angled hollow body, in particular a right angle, and having a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion, the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion may be joined together along a contact surface extending through the angular connector sleeve, the first sleeve portion having an ejection opening, where the ejection opening is configured such that an insertion end of the plug-in assembly may be ejected from the first sleeve portion through the ejection opening, wherein the ejection opening is completely radially surrounded by the first sleeve portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an angle connector sleeve configured as a housing for a cable connector that can be inserted into a built-in connector as a mating element to form a mechanically lockable plug connection. Background Technology

[0002] Angle connector sleeves are known in the prior art for converting straight cable connectors into angled cable connectors. In a straight cable connector, the components are arranged along a common longitudinal axis, while in an angled cable connector, some components (e.g., the insertion end) point towards a second longitudinal axis intersecting the original common longitudinal axis. Depending on the construction of the angle connector sleeve, angled cable connectors with various angles can be obtained, with right-angle variations frequently implemented. Besides their use in such conversion kits / modification kits, these angle connector sleeves can also be used as pre-supplied housings in the manufacture of angled cable connectors.

[0003] Such angle connector sleeves are often formed in two parts, wherein the two sleeve portions are configured such that they can engage together at a contact surface extending through the angle connector sleeve, and in particular, can be separated again at this contact surface, which can therefore also be designated as the separation surface. Other components of the cable connector (e.g., insert-type components with insertion ends and contact element carriers) are placed in or on the first sleeve portion and secured in or on the housing thus formed by fastening the second sleeve portion to the first sleeve portion.

[0004] In the case of existing angle connector sleeves, the second sleeve portion is often configured as an insertion element, which is inserted, for example, into a corresponding groove in the first sleeve portion. With this configuration of the fastening mechanism, the second sleeve portion can be easily pushed out again in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, which can happen precisely when the cable connector is pulled across the floor.

[0005] The two sleeve portions are often configured such that, when viewed sagittally (i.e., from front to back) from the front towards the insertion end, the contact surface extends through or cuts through the angle connector sleeve. However, with this configuration, openings in the angle connector sleeve (e.g., cable feed openings) are also cut through by the contact surface, thus cutting off the radial area of ​​the angle connector sleeve around the corresponding opening and consequently losing stability. Then, when the cable connector is subjected to mechanical stress, this loss of stability at the openings in the angle connector sleeve, particularly at the insertion end (which bears most of the force in the event of tearing at the cable connector during insertion), can cause the angle connector sleeve to tear along the contact surface. As a result, the angle connector sleeve and other components of the cable connector may be damaged, and / or the connection to the built-in connector may become loose.

[0006] Modern angled connector sleeves or angled cable connectors are often constructed such that the insert end is formed as part of the angled connector sleeve. This insert end possesses characteristics suitable for the corresponding connector type, ultimately enabling precise mating of the mechanically lockable plug connection into the built-in connector that serves as the mating element. These characteristics include the radial extension / size and geometry of the insert end, the positioning and construction of any mechanical retaining elements or key elements, etc. In particular, the insert assembly, including the contact element carrier, is located within the angled connector sleeve. However, this construction of angled connector sleeves or cable connectors where the angled connector sleeve itself has the insert end has the following disadvantages: the angled connector sleeve can only be used as the housing for specific cable connector types, such as cable connectors for data transmission (e.g., RJ45 connectors) or cable connectors for transmitting electrical power (XLR connectors, powerCON connectors, etc.). Therefore, many different angled connector sleeves need to be manufactured for the corresponding cable connector types.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for angled connector sleeves that can be used with various cable connector types and thus offer flexibility, and / or protect angled cable connectors or their components from damage under mechanical stress. Consequently, there is also a need for cable connectors with such angled connector sleeves as housings.

[0008] Purpose of the invention

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an angle connector sleeve and cable connector that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0010] Another objective is to provide a flexible angle connector sleeve, particularly suitable for a variety of different cable connector types.

[0011] Another objective is to provide a cable connector with a flexible housing.

[0012] Another objective is to provide an angle connector sleeve that can prevent damage, especially under mechanical stress.

[0013] Another objective is to provide a cable connector with a stable structure.

[0014] These objectives are achieved by implementing at least some of the characterizing features of the independent claims. Further improvements to the invention, either alternatively or advantageously, can be found in the remaining features of the independent claims and some of the dependent claims. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The present invention relates to an angle connector sleeve configured as the housing of a cable connector capable of being inserted into a mating built-in connector to establish a mechanically lockable plug connection, wherein the cable connector is configured to be inserted into the built-in connector using an insertion end of an insertion component to establish a plug connection, the angle connector sleeve being configured to receive and surround at least the insertion component, being configured as an angled, particularly right-angled, hollow body, and having a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion capable of engaging together along a contact surface extending through the angle connector sleeve, and the first sleeve portion having a push-out opening configured to allow the insertion end of the insertion component to be pushed out of the first sleeve portion through the push-out opening, wherein the push-out opening is completely radially surrounded by the first sleeve portion.

[0016] The feature “completely radially surrounded by the first sleeve portion” should not be understood to mean that the ejection opening is 100% radially surrounded by the first sleeve portion, or that the material of the first sleeve portion is constructed to be tight in the region of the first sleeve portion that restricts the radial extension of the ejection opening, i.e., for example, without recesses, notches, etc. Rather, the term should be understood to mean that the first sleeve portion extends as a whole around most of the circumference of the ejection opening (i.e., for example, more than 60%, particularly more than 80%), but the ejection opening is not surrounded by the second sleeve portion. Smaller recesses, notches, etc., in the first sleeve portion are of course possible, as long as the material of the first sleeve portion surrounds most of the ejection opening. Therefore, in the construction of an angle connector sleeve in which the first and second sleeve portions can contact or separate in such a way that the ejection opening is also partially surrounded by the second sleeve portion, the ejection opening is not completely radially surrounded by the first sleeve portion. For example, this construction of the angle connector sleeve exists when the contact surface or separation surface extends through the angle connector sleeve as a cutting surface that intersects the ejection opening (particularly perpendicularly).

[0017] Furthermore, the feature “radially completely surrounding” should not be interpreted as meaning that the first sleeve portion must surround the ejection opening in a circular manner. Therefore, depending on the construction of the hollow body of the angle connector sleeve, for example, as a hollow cylinder or hollow cuboid, the ejection opening can be circular, rectangular, especially square, hexagonal, etc., and thus the first sleeve portion surrounding the ejection opening (which correspondingly partially forms the side surface of the hollow body) is formed around the ejection opening accordingly, thereby radially surrounding the ejection opening in a corresponding shape, which does not necessarily have to be circular.

[0018] The feature “constructed to receive and surround at least the insert component” should not be construed as meaning that the angle connector sleeve must be constructed to completely surround all parts of the insert component and therefore completely “hidden” within the angle connector sleeve. The angle connector sleeve also exhibits the aforementioned suitability when parts of the insert component (e.g., the insertion end protruding through the ejection opening) are located outside the angle connector sleeve, while other parts of the insert component are received and surrounded by the angle connector sleeve.

[0019] The term "angled hollow body" is understood to mean a body in which the second segment does not extend along the same longitudinal axis as the first segment (however, in a straight body, both segments extend along the same longitudinal axis). The second segment of the body extends along its own longitudinal axis, which intersects the longitudinal axis of the first segment, particularly including angles in the range of 45 degrees to 100 degrees, especially 90 degrees. If the angled connector sleeve is shaped such that it encloses an angle of 90 degrees, the angled connector sleeve is constructed as a hollow body at a right angle. The cavity inside the angled connector sleeve constructed as a hollow body also extends along an angled path corresponding to the angle enclosed by the angled connector sleeve.

[0020] In the construction of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, when at least the insert component is received and surrounded by the angle connector sleeve, the insertion end of the insert component is pushed out from the first sleeve portion through the ejection opening. As a result, features specific to the corresponding connector type, ultimately enabling precise insertion of a mechanically lockable plug connection as a mating element into the built-in connector (e.g., radial extension / size and geometry of the insertion end, positioning and construction of possible mechanical retaining elements or key elements, etc.), are present outside the angle connector sleeve. Furthermore, these specific features are not part of the angle connector sleeve but are "brought" by the corresponding insert component or insertion end.

[0021] Therefore, the angle connector sleeve according to the invention has the following advantages: it can be used as the housing for various cable connectors, such as cable connectors for data transmission (e.g., RJ45 connectors) or cable connectors for power transmission (XLR connectors, powerCON connectors, etc.). Thus, it is no longer necessary to produce many different angle connector sleeves for the corresponding cable connector types, which saves production lines and therefore investment costs. Furthermore, in order to replace damaged angle connector sleeves or convert straight cable connectors into angled cable connectors, it is now sufficient to have only the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, whereas for such replacement or conversion of prior art angle connector sleeves, a large number of different angle connector sleeves must be available. Therefore, the angle connector sleeve according to the invention can be used flexibly, particularly as a standard housing for producing large quantities of angled cable connectors and / or as a component of a "conversion kit" for converting straight cable connectors into angled cable connectors.

[0022] Furthermore, in the case of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, since the ejection opening is completely radially surrounded by the first sleeve portion, the portion of the insert assembly arranged at the insertion end, located within and thus surrounded by the angle connector sleeve, that is ejected through the ejection opening (particularly the contact element carrier) is also completely radially surrounded by the first sleeve portion. This results in a tight, stable, and protective enclosure of this portion of the insert assembly by the angle connector sleeve. The stable and protective enclosure of the insert assembly by the angle connector sleeve is particularly advantageous because it significantly reduces the possibility of damage to the insert assembly and / or the angle connector sleeve compared to prior art angle connector sleeves. Therefore, specifically, if the cable of the cable connector or the cable connector itself is torn during insertion, or if the cable connector is subjected to an impact, most of the resulting force acts on the insert assembly, particularly the insertion end. However, due to the strong and tight enclosure of the insert assembly by the first sleeve portion via the angle connector sleeve, the force can be distributed throughout the cable connector, resulting in the prevention of damage to the insert assembly, particularly breakage. Furthermore, the fact that the ejection opening is completely radially surrounded by the first sleeve portion ensures that the contact or separation surface between the first and second sleeve portions cannot extend as a cutting surface that intersects with the ejection opening (particularly perpendicularly), thereby eliminating another potential weakness that could lead to damage in the angled connector sleeve according to the invention.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the first sleeve portion may have a fixing element, and the second sleeve portion may have a fixing element mating member that matches the fixing element, wherein the fixing element (in particular the hammer-shaped portion of the fixing element) is configured to engage in the fixing element mating member as part of a fixing mechanism (in particular having the hammer-shaped portion), the fixing element mating member matches the fixing element, in particular the hammer-shaped portion of the fixing element, and the fixing element mating member is configured to engage behind the fixing element as part of a fixing mechanism, and thus fix the second sleeve portion to the first sleeve portion.

[0024] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the fixing element may be configured to engage in and cooperate with the fixing element mating member, such that a first rotary joint may be provided, and the second sleeve portion may rotate about the first rotary joint relative to the first sleeve portion.

[0025] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the fixing element can be configured such that it engages with and cooperates with a fixing element mating member that matches the hammer portion of the fixing element via a hammer portion, such that the second sleeve portion can extend through the hammer portion of the fixing element about the axis of rotation of the first rotary joint that rotates relative to the first sleeve portion, particularly along the longitudinal axis of the hammer portion of the fixing element.

[0026] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the second sleeve portion can be prevented from axial movement in a first direction of motion, wherein the first direction of motion extends opposite to the direction in which the insertion end of the insert assembly is pushed out of the first sleeve portion, and / or prevented from axial movement in a second direction of motion, wherein the second direction of motion intersects the first direction of motion, particularly including an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 100 degrees, particularly 90 degrees, and / or prevented from axial movement in a third direction of motion, wherein the third direction of motion extends opposite to the second direction of motion.

[0027] In another embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, by rotating the second sleeve portion about the first rotary joint, particularly about the rotation axis of the first rotary joint, in a first rotational direction predetermined by the first rotary joint, the second sleeve portion can engage with the first sleeve portion along a contact surface extending through the angle connector sleeve, and / or the fixing element mating member can engage behind the fixing element, particularly behind the hammer-shaped portion of the fixing element, such that the second sleeve portion is prevented from axial movement in a first direction of motion, wherein the first direction of motion extends opposite to the direction in which the insertion end of the insert assembly is pushed out from the first sleeve portion, and / or the fixing element, particularly the hammer-shaped portion of the fixing element, can engage in a recess of the fixing element mating member that matches the fixing element, such that the second sleeve portion is prevented from axial movement in a second direction of motion, wherein the second direction of motion intersects the first direction of motion, particularly including an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 100 degrees, particularly 90 degrees, and / or is prevented from axial movement in a third direction of motion, wherein the third direction of motion is opposite to the second direction of motion.

[0028] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the fixing element of the first sleeve portion and the fixing element mating member of the second sleeve portion can be configured such that when the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion are engaged together, the second sleeve portion overlaps with the first sleeve portion.

[0029] These embodiments of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention have advantages over prior art angle connector sleeves, namely, that, due to the special fixing mechanism providing engagement of the fixing element and engagement behind the mating part of the fixing element, the assembly of the two sleeve parts is only possible through a special fixing movement (particularly a rotational movement about the first rotary joint), and therefore the separation of the two sleeve parts is only possible through a special opposite separation movement. As a result, after the two sleeve parts have been assembled, the second sleeve part is prevented from axial movement in up to three directions. In this way, even under mechanical stress, the two sleeve parts are stably fixed to each other, which is why the angle connector sleeve according to the invention and the portion of the cable connector housed by the angle connector sleeve according to the invention are protected from damage. In the case of prior art angle connector sleeves, the second sleeve part is often constructed as an insertion element, which is inserted, for example, into a corresponding groove in the first sleeve part. With this construction of the fixing mechanism, the second sleeve part can be easily pushed out again in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, which can easily occur when the cable connector is pulled across the floor.

[0030] In another embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the angle connector sleeve may have a locking slide that is configured to engage with a bolt connected to the locking slide in a locking element on the built-in connector side within the frame of a first locking mechanism actuated by moving the locking slide, and thus prevents rotation of the cable connector in the loosening direction opposite to the tightening direction. Compared to locking mechanisms operated by small buttons or pins, this locking slide provides simplified actuation and release of the locking mechanism due to its size and accessibility.

[0031] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the fixing element may be constructed and arranged on the first sleeve portion such that a locking slider can be arranged on the fixing element and can move along the fixing element in the insertion direction parallel to the cable connector into the built-in connector.

[0032] This embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention has the advantage that the locking slider can be easily mounted on the angle connector sleeve without requiring additional tracks for the locking slider. This allows for easier and faster manufacturing of the angle connector sleeve.

[0033] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the cable connector may include: a contact element carrier formed as part of an insert assembly and disposed at an insert end, the contact element carrier being configured to receive a contact element and thus secure the contact element within the cable connector; and / or a contact element, wherein the contact element is configured to contact a contact element mating member on the built-in connector side by forming a mechanically lockable plug connection, thereby providing signal transmission across the plug connection; and / or a cable configured to be connected to the contact element; and / or a through opening for the cable to pass through; and / or a clamping sleeve, wherein the clamping sleeve has an axial guide passage for the cable and is configured to press against the cable passing through the through opening and through the clamping sleeve, thereby preventing axial movement of the cable in the cable withdrawal direction; and / or a connecting nut, the connecting nut being configured to screw onto a thread disposed on an outer surface of the angular connector sleeve, thereby allowing the clamping sleeve to be pressed against the cable passing through the clamping sleeve.

[0034] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the second direction of movement may extend opposite to the cable withdrawal direction, and / or the third direction of movement may extend in the cable withdrawal direction. This allows for a more stable attachment of the second sleeve portion to the first sleeve portion compared to prior art where the second sleeve portion is configured as an insertion element.

[0035] In another embodiment of the angled connector sleeve according to the invention, before receiving and surrounding at least one insert assembly by the angled connector sleeve, the cable connector may have a first component arrangement with the insert end pointing in an axial direction toward the longitudinal axis of the cable connector, and after receiving and surrounding at least one insert assembly by the angled connector sleeve, the cable connector may have a second component arrangement with the insert end pointing in an axial direction toward a second axis intersecting the original longitudinal axis (particularly including angles in the range of 45 degrees to 100 degrees, particularly 90 degrees), wherein at least one additional component of the cable connector (particularly the clamping sleeve and / or the connecting nut) still points in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis of the cable connector. Therefore, the angled connector sleeve according to the invention can be used to convert a straight cable connector in which various components are arranged along a longitudinal axis into an angled cable connector.

[0036] In another embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the contact element can be received by a contact element carrier formed as part of the insert assembly and arranged at the insert end, and a cable can be connected to the contact element, and the connection between the cable and the contact element does not need to be broken during the process of receiving and surrounding at least the insert assembly by the angle connector sleeve. Therefore, the angle connector sleeve according to the invention allows for easy conversion of cable connectors.

[0037] In another embodiment of the angled connector sleeve according to the invention, the cable connector can be configured as a 3-pin power connector (e.g., the powerCON connector from Neutrik AG of Liechtenstein) or one of the following cable connector types: IEC, XLR, RJ45, HDMI, USB, or RCA. This embodiment highlights how the angled connector sleeve according to the invention can be flexibly used as a housing for a variety of different cable connector types.

[0038] In another embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the angle connector sleeve can be (at least primarily) made of plastic. The plastic construction of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention has the advantage that the angle connector sleeve can be easily and cost-effectively mass-produced using additive manufacturing processes (e.g., 3D printing) or injection molding. Furthermore, even complex structures (e.g., fixing elements) on the angle connector sleeve according to the invention can be easily manufactured.

[0039] This embodiment does not necessarily require all parts of the angled connector sleeve to be made of plastic. Individual components such as fixing elements and insertion elements can, of course, be made of different materials, such as metal or carbon, as long as the majority (i.e., more than 60%, particularly 80%) of the angled connector sleeve is made of plastic. This embodiment specifically requires that the first and second sleeve portions be made of plastic. The angled connector sleeve according to the invention can be made of a single plastic or a mixture of several plastics. Furthermore, additives such as flame retardants and plasticizers can be incorporated into one or more plastics.

[0040] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the plastic may be a thermoplastic, particularly one of the following thermoplastics: polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane or polystyrene.

[0041] Using thermoplastic as the main component of the material for the corner connector sleeve according to the present invention has particular advantages: it can be produced by injection molding, pressing or vulcanization, and the corner connector sleeve has an insulating effect against electric current.

[0042] The advantages of using injection molding to manufacture the angle connector sleeve according to the invention are that, on the one hand, injection molding allows for high-precision manufacturing, and on the other hand, various components (e.g., plastics and flame retardants) can be mixed together in different proportions in a "formula-like" manner. Subsequently, it is possible to check whether the final product exhibits the desired material properties of the used formulation, and the formulation can be adjusted if necessary.

[0043] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the first sleeve portion located in front of the contact surface when viewed toward the ejection opening can be configured to have a first sub-region and a second sub-region, wherein the first and second sub-regions can be arranged such that they surround an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 100 degrees, particularly 90 degrees, wherein the first sub-region can be configured as a completely closed hollow body, particularly a hollow cylinder or a hollow cuboid, and the second sub-region can be configured as a half-shell, particularly open on one side, and the second sleeve portion located behind the contact surface when viewed toward the ejection opening can be configured as a half-shell, particularly open on one side.

[0044] Since the first sub-region of the first sleeve portion can be constructed as (at least largely) a completely enclosed hollow body, wherein a hollow body with, for example, small recesses and notches is understood as "completely enclosed," it can be ensured that the contact or separation surface of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention cannot extend through the first sub-region. This imparts additional stability to the first sub-region under mechanical stress, since the contact or separation surface represents a weakness that is more prone to tearing under mechanical stress than a tightly constructed structure. Therefore, at least the insertion assembly can be stably and securely received in the first sub-region of the first sleeve portion, thereby improving protection against damage, particularly under mechanical stress, with the angle connector sleeve according to the invention.

[0045] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the fixing element of the first sleeve portion and the fixing element mating member of the second sleeve portion can cooperate such that when the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion are joined together, the second sleeve portion configured as a half-shell coincides with the second sub-region of the first sleeve portion configured as a half-shell.

[0046] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, a first sub-region of the first sleeve portion may have an ejection opening, and / or, when the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion are joined together, a second sub-region of the first sleeve portion, which is configured as a half-shell with an opening on one side, and a second sleeve portion, which is configured as a half-shell with an opening on one side, may form a through opening for cable passage.

[0047] These embodiments of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention have the advantage that the corresponding components are constructed and positioned such that the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion can be precisely engaged together without complex alignment.

[0048] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the second sub-region of the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion may have a threaded portion on their respective outer surfaces, wherein, when the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion are engaged together, the threaded portion may be arranged such that a connecting nut can be screwed onto the thread, wherein the connecting nut may be configured to secure the second sleeve portion to the first sleeve portion. Thus, for example, in addition to other fixing components such as fixing elements and fixing element mating parts, the connecting nut also serves to provide additional fixation of the second sleeve portion on the first sleeve portion and thus provides stability of the second sleeve portion on the first sleeve portion, thereby improving protection against damage, particularly under mechanical stress, in the angular connector sleeve according to the invention.

[0049] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the first sub-region may have a rotating device, particularly a second rotary joint, wherein the rotating device allows the second sub-region to rotate relative to the first sub-region, specifically wherein the second sub-region can rotate about a rotation axis extending coaxially with the central axis of the first sub-region. Therefore, the angled portion of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention (which specifically defines the direction of the cable exit) can be flexibly rotated and positioned, which is particularly advantageous when many angled cable connectors are to be inserted adjacent to each other into a device panel provided with closely spaced built-in connectors, because in this way, for example, interfering cables can be rotated out of the insertion path.

[0050] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, a first height portion may be arranged within the first sleeve portion, which is intended to provide a stop for a second height portion arranged on the insert assembly, particularly on the contact element carrier, so that the insert end can only be extended out of the first sleeve portion by a defined length through the ejection opening.

[0051] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the second sleeve portion may have an insertion element configured to be inserted into the first sleeve portion in a particularly abutting manner, and thus align the second sleeve portion relative to the first sleeve portion, particularly such that the second sleeve portion configured as a half-shell coincides with a second sub-region of the first sleeve portion configured as a half-shell.

[0052] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the insertion element can be configured to impact the insertion assembly, in particular the contact element carrier, when inserted into the first sleeve portion, thereby inserting the insertion assembly into the first sleeve portion so far that the second height portion arranged on the insertion assembly, in particular on the contact element carrier, impacts the first height portion of the first sleeve portion which is set as a stopper, thereby applying a particularly stable prestress to the insertion assembly.

[0053] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the first sleeve portion, particularly the second sub-region of the first sleeve portion, may have a guide edge configured to guide the insertion element along the guide edge during the insertion process, particularly such that the second sleeve portion configured as a half-shell coincides with the second sub-region of the first sleeve portion configured as a half-shell.

[0054] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the insertion element can be guided along the guide edge during the insertion process, such that the fixing element, in particular the hammer-shaped portion of the fixing element, engages in a fixing element mating member that matches the fixing element, in particular the hammer-shaped portion of the fixing element, and the fixing element mating member engages behind the fixing element, in particular the hammer-shaped portion of the fixing element.

[0055] These embodiments of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention have the advantage that the corresponding components can be constructed and positioned such that the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion can be precisely engaged and securely held together without complex alignment. Additionally or alternatively, when the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion are engaged, the insert assembly can be accurately positioned in the first sleeve portion solely by means of an insert element, whereby the insert end of the insert assembly is automatically extended from the ejection opening of the first sleeve portion by the desired length. Therefore, these embodiments of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention facilitate the assembly or conversion of cable connectors.

[0056] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the cable connector may include: a mechanical retaining element configured as part of a second locking mechanism to prevent axial movement of the cable connector in the withdrawal direction by a retaining element mating member on the built-in connector side, the second locking mechanism being actuated by rotation of the cable connector in the screw-in direction when the cable connector is at least partially inserted into the built-in connector; and / or a mechanical key element configured to engage with a mating key element mating member of the built-in connector such that the cable connector can only be inserted into the built-in connector in a specific rotational orientation predetermined by the key element mating member.

[0057] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the mechanical retaining element of the cable connector can be moved by actuation of the second locking mechanism and moves when the second locking mechanism is actuated along the inclined path of the retaining element mating member until the retaining element strikes the rotation stop provided in the built-in connector, and thus reaches the final insertion position of the cable connector in the built-in connector. The mechanical retaining element of the cable connector can be configured as a protrusion structure and the retaining element mating member is configured as a groove structure, wherein the groove of the groove structure in the insertion state first extends axially, thus serving as a key mating member of the protrusion structure, particularly as a key element, and then extends perpendicular to the axis or slightly inclined relative to the axis. When the plug connection is entered, a recessed structure region extending perpendicular to or slightly inclined relative to the axis engages behind the protruding structure, thereby preventing the cable connector from being pulled out axially. Alternatively, the mechanical retaining element of the cable connector can be constructed as a recessed structure, wherein the recess of the recessed structure extends only axially and thus serves specifically as a key element for the key mating member of the built-in connector, and then extends perpendicular to or slightly inclined relative to the axis, wherein the retaining element mating member is constructed as a protruding structure, which is introduced into the recessed structure by forming the plug connection and engages behind the recessed structure region extending perpendicular to or slightly inclined relative to the axis, thereby preventing the cable connector from being pulled out axially.

[0058] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the first sleeve portion may have a recess and / or a protrusion in the opening region that radially completely surrounds the ejection opening, wherein the recess and / or the protrusion may be configured as a corresponding mating part of a mechanical key element and may be configured to mate with the key element such that the insertion end of the cable connector can only be ejected through the ejection opening in a specific rotational orientation predetermined by the recess and / or the protrusion.

[0059] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the insertion end of the cable connector can be configured to cooperate with the support skirt region of the built-in connector in the state generated by the insertion of the plug connection, so as to provide a support effect for the cable connector in terms of the loading force acting on the cable connector in the insertion direction perpendicular to the cable connector into the built-in connector.

[0060] These embodiments of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention demonstrate that the angular connector sleeve is suitable for use as a housing for a special cable connector that can be configured in a special way to form a mechanically lockable plug connection.

[0061] In another embodiment of the angular connector sleeve according to the invention, the first sleeve portion and / or the second sleeve portion may have a recess for a fastening device (in particular a screw) to pass through or receive, the fastening device being designed to at least temporarily fasten the second sleeve portion to the first sleeve portion. This embodiment describes an alternative fixation of the second sleeve portion to the first sleeve portion, particularly as an alternative to the embodiment in which fixation is achieved by means of a previously described fixing mechanism having a fixing element and a mating member of the fixing element.

[0062] The present invention also relates to a cable connector comprising an angle connector sleeve according to one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the angle connector sleeve is the housing of the cable connector. Therefore, the cable connector includes a flexible housing suitable for a variety of different cable connector types. Furthermore, the cable connector improves protection against damage.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment of the cable connector according to the invention, the insertion end of the insert-type component of the cable connector can be pushed out from the first sleeve portion of the angle connector sleeve through an ejection opening. This embodiment has the advantage that features specific to the particular connector type, ultimately enabling precise insertion of a mechanically lockable plug connection as a mating element into the built-in connector (e.g., radial extension / size and geometry of the insertion end, positioning and construction of possible mechanical retaining elements or key elements, etc.) are present outside the angle connector sleeve.

[0064] In another exemplary embodiment of the cable connector according to the invention, the cable connector may have a contact element carrier formed as part of an insert assembly and arranged at the insert end, wherein the insert assembly may be received by a first sub-region of a first sleeve portion of a corner connector sleeve, wherein the first sub-region is formed as a completely enclosed hollow body, particularly a hollow cylinder or a hollow cuboid.

[0065] In another embodiment of the cable connector according to the invention, the cable connector may have a through opening for cable passage, wherein the through opening may be formed by a second sub-region of a first sleeve portion of a half-shell configured to be open on one side and a second sleeve portion of a corner connector sleeve configured to be open on one side of a half-shell.

[0066] In another embodiment of the cable connector according to the invention, the cable connector may have a clamping sleeve, wherein a cable connected to a contact element received by a contact element carrier may pass through an axial channel of the clamping sleeve.

[0067] In another embodiment of the cable connector according to the invention, the cable connector may have a connecting nut screwed onto a thread disposed on the outer surface of the angle connector sleeve, thereby clamping the sleeve against the cable passing through the clamping sleeve, thereby preventing axial movement of the cable in the cable withdrawal direction.

[0068] In another embodiment of the cable connector according to the invention, the cable connector may have a component arrangement in which an insertable assembly received by a first sub-region of a first sleeve portion of an angle connector sleeve can point in the axial direction of a second axis, the second axis intersecting the first axis, particularly including an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 100 degrees, particularly 90 degrees, wherein the clamping sleeve and / or connecting nut can point in the axial direction of the first axis.

[0069] In another embodiment of the cable connector according to the invention, the cable passing through the axial channel of the clamping sleeve and connected to the contact element received by the contact element carrier may have a route according to the angled connector sleeve formed as an angled (especially right-angled) hollow body, in particular, wherein the cable may be angled. Attached Figure Description

[0070] The angle connector sleeve and cable connector according to the invention are described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments schematically shown in the accompanying drawings, purely by way of example. The same elements are indicated by the same reference numerals in the drawings. The described embodiments are generally not shown to scale and should not be construed as limiting. In detail,

[0071] Figures 1A to 1C A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the present invention is shown, wherein a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion are engaged together.

[0072] Figures 2A to 2C The illustration shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the present invention, wherein the first sleeve portion and the second sleeve portion are separate.

[0073] Figures 3A to 3C A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cable connector according to the present invention is shown.

[0074] Figures 4A to 4B : An exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cable connector according to the present invention is shown.

[0075] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a comparison of two exemplary embodiments of a cable connector according to the invention in an inserted state. Detailed Implementation

[0076] Figures 1A to 1C A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the angled connector sleeve 1 according to the present invention is shown, wherein a first sleeve portion 5 and a second sleeve portion 6 are engaged together. Figure 1A In the exemplary embodiment shown, the outer surface 28 of the first sleeve portion and the outer surface 21 of the second sleeve portion each have a portion of the thread 22 to which the connecting nut 20 of the cable connector 2 can be screwed. The retaining element 8 engages via its hammer-shaped end portion 10 with a retaining element mating member 9 that mates with the hammer-shaped portion 10 of the retaining element 8, and the retaining element mating member 9 engages behind the hammer-shaped portion 10 of the retaining element 8, such that the second sleeve portion 6 is secured to the first sleeve portion 5. The second sleeve portion is secured such that axial movement in the first direction of movement 11, the second direction of movement 12, and the third direction of movement 13 is prevented.

[0077] Figure 1B It is also shown that the first sleeve portion, particularly the first sub-region 26 of the first sleeve portion, has an ejection opening 7 and radially surrounds it completely. The contact surfaces of the first sleeve portion 5 and the second sleeve portion 6 extend through the angle connector sleeve 1 such that—when viewed toward the ejection opening 7—the first sub-region 26 and the second sub-region 27 of the first sleeve portion 5 are located in front of the contact surface and the second sleeve portion 6 is configured as a rear wall type. Therefore, when viewed from the front toward the ejection opening 7—sagittally (i.e., from front to back)—the contact surface does not pass through or intersect with the angle connector sleeve 1. Thus, the contact surface does not pass through the ejection opening 7, thereby the radially surrounding area of ​​the first sleeve portion 5 around the ejection opening 7 is not cut off, and thus the extended insertion end 3 of the cable connector 2 can be stably supported. The illustrated embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention is configured such that the first sub-region 26 and the second sub-region 27 surround an angle of 90 degrees.

[0078] Figures 2A to 2CA perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the angled connector sleeve 1 according to the invention is shown, wherein the first sleeve portion 5 and the second sleeve portion 6 are separate. These figures show a first sub-region 26 constructed as a completely enclosed hollow cylinder, a second sub-region 27 constructed as a half-shell open on one side, and the second sleeve portion 6 constructed as a half-shell open on one side. The second sleeve portion 6 has ribbed insertion elements 31 configured to protrude and be positioned on the second sleeve portion 6 such that when the two sleeve portions 5, 6 are engaged, they are inserted into the first sleeve portion 5 so far that at least one insertion element 31 impacts the insertion assembly 4, particularly the contact element carrier 16. Therefore, the insertion assembly 4 is inserted into the first sleeve portion 5 so far that a second height portion 30 arranged on the insertion assembly 4, particularly on the contact element carrier 16, encounters a first height portion 29 of the first sleeve portion 5, which is configured as a stopper. The second sub-region 27 of the first sleeve portion 5 has a guide edge 32 that guides the insertion element 31 during the insertion process, such that the second sleeve portion 6, which is configured as a half-shell, coincides with the second sub-region 27 of the first sleeve portion 5, which is configured as a half-shell.

[0079] Figures 3A to 3C A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cable connector 2 according to the invention is shown, wherein the cable connector 2 has the previously shown angle connector sleeve 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The insertion end 3 of the insert assembly 4 is extended through an ejection opening 7, which in particular has a mechanical retaining element configured as a protrusion and associated with insertability into a correspondingly mating built-in connector. Therefore, the angle connector sleeve 1 itself has no insertion end. A locking slide 14, with bolts 15 arranged on it, is arranged on a fixing element 8 and is movable along the fixing element 8, which serves as a track parallel to the insertion direction of the cable connector 2 into the built-in connector. In the illustrated embodiment of the cable connector 2, a connecting nut 20 is screwed onto the thread 22 of the angle connector sleeve 1.

[0080] The cable connector 2 shown has a component arrangement such that the insertion end 3 points in the axial direction of the second axis 25 that intersects the longitudinal axis 24 at an angle of 90 degrees, while the connecting nut 20 of the cable connector 2 points in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 24.

[0081] Figure 4A and Figure 4BAn exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the cable connector 2 according to the invention is shown to further illustrate the construction and arrangement of other components of the cable connector 2. Thus, in addition to the previously shown angle connector sleeve 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, the cable connector 2 shown also has a clamping sleeve 18 and three contact elements 23 inserted into a contact element carrier 16 formed as part of an insert assembly. The clamping sleeve 18 is pressed against the cable inserted into the cable connector 2 through the through opening 17 by a connecting nut 20 screwed onto the thread 22, thereby further securing the cable within the cable connector.

[0082] Figure 5 A schematic diagram comparing two exemplary embodiments of the cable connector 2 according to the invention in an inserted state is shown. On one hand, an embodiment of the cable connector 2 shown in the foregoing figures is shown, wherein the retaining element 8 and the locking slider 14 are arranged on the angled connector sleeve 1 (e.g., on the top of the first sleeve portion 5, in other words, in the 12:00 o'clock direction), such that when the cable connector 2 is inserted into the built-in connector 33, the angled portion of the cable connector 2 (including, for example, the clamping sleeve 18, the connecting nut 20, and the cable feed opening 17) extends straight down (i.e., in the 6:00 o'clock direction). On the other hand, another exemplary embodiment of the cable connector 2 according to the invention is shown as a schematic line diagram, wherein the fixing element 8 and the locking slider 14 are arranged on the angled connector sleeve 1 (e.g., obliquely arranged on the first sleeve portion 5, and therefore not in the 12:00 o'clock direction), such that when the cable connector 2 is inserted into the built-in connector 33, the angled portion of the cable connector 2 (including, for example, the clamping sleeve 18, the connecting nut 20, and the cable feed opening 17) is obliquely pointed to the side, for example, in the 8:00 o'clock direction. Naturally, other embodiments of the cable connector 2 are also possible, wherein the angled portion has different routes in the inserted state, for example, in the 3:00 o'clock, 4:00 o'clock, 9:00 o'clock, 11:00 o'clock directions, etc.

[0083] It should be understood that these figures are merely schematic illustrations of possible exemplary embodiments. Various methods can also be combined with each other and with existing technical methods.

Claims

1. A corner connector sleeve (1) configured as a housing for a cable connector (2), the cable connector (2) being insertable into a built-in connector as a mating element to form a mechanically lockable plug connection, wherein The cable connector (2) is configured to be inserted into the built-in connector via the insertion end (3) of the insertion component (4) to form an insertion connection. • The angle connector sleeve (1) o is configured to receive and surround at least the plug-in component (4). o is constructed as an angled hollow body, specifically at right angles, and o includes a first sleeve portion (5) and a second sleeve portion (6), The first sleeve portion (5) and the second sleeve portion (6) are capable of engaging together along the contact surface extending through the angle connector sleeve (1), and The first sleeve portion (5) has an ejection opening (7), wherein the ejection opening (7) is configured such that the insertion end (3) of the insert assembly (4) can be ejected from the first sleeve portion (5) through the ejection opening (7). Its features are, The ejection opening (7) is completely radially surrounded by the first sleeve portion (5).

2. The angle connector sleeve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first sleeve portion (5) includes a fixing element (8), and the second sleeve portion (6) includes a fixing element mating member (9) that matches the fixing element (8), wherein the fixing element (8) is configured as part of a fixing mechanism, particularly by means of a hammer-shaped portion (10), to engage with the fixing element mating member (9) that matches the fixing element (8), particularly with the hammer-shaped portion (10) of the fixing element (8), and the fixing element mating member (9) is configured as part of the fixing mechanism to engage behind the fixing element (8), particularly behind the hammer-shaped portion (10) of the fixing element (8), and thus fix the second sleeve portion (6) to the first sleeve portion (5).

3. The angle connector sleeve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle connector sleeve (1) has a locking slide (14) which is configured to engage with a bolt (15) connected to the locking slide (14) in a closing element on the built-in connector side within the frame of a first locking mechanism that can be actuated by moving the locking slide (14), and thus prevent the cable connector (2) from rotating in the loosening direction opposite to the screwing direction.

4. The angle connector sleeve (1) according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the fixing element (8) is configured and arranged on the first sleeve portion (5) such that the locking slide (14) can be arranged on the fixing element (8) and can move along the fixing element (8) in the insertion direction parallel to the cable connector (2) into the built-in connector.

5. The angle connector sleeve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable connector (2) comprises: • A contact element carrier (16) formed as part of the insert assembly (4) and disposed at the insert end (3) is configured to receive the contact element (23) and thus secure the contact element (23) within the cable connector (2). • The contact element (23), wherein the contact element (23) is configured to contact the contact element mating member on the built-in connector side by forming the mechanically lockable plug connection, thereby providing signal transmission across the plug connection. • A cable intended to be connected to the contact element (23), • Feedthrough opening (17) for the cable to pass through, • A clamping sleeve (18), wherein the clamping sleeve (18) has an axial channel for the cable and is configured to press against the cable passing through the feed opening (17) and through the clamping sleeve (18), thereby preventing axial movement of the cable in the cable withdrawal direction (19), and / or • Connecting nut (20), which is configured to screw onto a thread (22) arranged on the outer surface (21, 28) of the angle connector sleeve (1), thereby allowing the clamping sleeve (18) to be pressed against the cable passing through the clamping sleeve (18).

6. The angle connector sleeve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable connector (2) • Before being received and surrounded by the angle connector sleeve (1) at least the insert assembly (4), a first component arrangement is provided with the insert end (3) pointing in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis (24) of the cable connector (2), and • By receiving and surrounding at least the insert assembly (4) by the angle connector sleeve (1), having a second component arrangement such that the insert end (3) points in the axial direction of the second axis (25), which intersects the original longitudinal axis (24), particularly including an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 100 degrees, particularly 90 degrees, wherein at least one additional component of the cable connector (2), particularly the clamping sleeve (18) and / or the connecting nut (20), also points in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis (24) of the cable connector (2).

7. The angle connector sleeve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle connector sleeve (1) is made of plastic.

8. The angle connector sleeve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein When viewed toward the ejection opening (7), the first sleeve portion (5) located in front of the contact surface forms a first sub-region (26) and a second sub-region (27), wherein the first sub-region (26) and the second sub-region (27) are arranged such that they enclose an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 100 degrees, particularly 90 degrees, wherein the first sub-region (26) is formed as a completely closed hollow body, particularly a hollow cylinder or a hollow cuboid, and the second sub-region (27) is formed as a half-shell, particularly with an opening on one side, and • When viewed toward the ejection opening (7), the first sleeve portion (5) is formed behind the second sleeve portion (6), which is located on the contact surface as a half-shell with an opening on one side.

9. The angle connector sleeve (1) according to claim 8, wherein the second sub-region (27) of the first sleeve portion (5) and the second sleeve portion (6) have a portion of a thread (22) on their respective outer surfaces (21, 28), wherein, When the first sleeve portion (5) and the second sleeve portion (6) are engaged together, the portion of the thread (22) is arranged such that the connecting nut (20) can be screwed onto the thread (22), wherein the connecting nut (20) is configured to secure the second sleeve portion (6) onto the first sleeve portion (5).

10. The angle connector sleeve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first height portion (29) is arranged in the first sleeve portion (5), the first height portion (29) being intended to provide a stop for a second height portion (30) arranged on the insert assembly (4), particularly on the contact element carrier (16), whereby the insert end (3) can only be extended out of the first sleeve portion (5) by a defined length through the ejection opening (7).

11. The angle connector sleeve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second sleeve portion (6) has an insertion element (31) configured to be inserted into the first sleeve portion (5) in a particularly abutting manner, and thus aligning the second sleeve portion (6) with respect to the first sleeve portion (5), in particular making the second sleeve portion (6) configured as a half-shell coincide with the second sub-region (27) of the first sleeve portion (5) configured as a half-shell.

12. The angle connector sleeve (1) according to claims 10 and 11, wherein the insertion element (31) is configured to impact the insertion assembly (4), particularly the contact element carrier (16), when inserted into the first sleeve portion (5), thereby inserting the insertion assembly (4) into the first sleeve portion (5) so far that the second height portion (30) arranged on the insertion assembly (4), particularly on the contact element carrier (16), impacts the first height portion (29) of the first sleeve portion (5) which is provided as a stop, thereby thereby applying a particularly stable prestress to the insertion assembly (4).

13. The angle connector sleeve (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the first sleeve portion (5), in particular the second sub-region (27) of the first sleeve portion (5) has a guide edge (32) configured to guide the insertion element (31) along the guide edge (32) during the insertion process, in particular such that the second sleeve portion (6) configured as a half-shell coincides with the second sub-region (27) of the first sleeve portion (5) configured as a half-shell.

14. A cable connector (2) comprising an angle connector sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the angle connector sleeve (1) is the housing of the cable connector (2).

15. The cable connector (2) according to claim 14, wherein the insertion end (3) of the insertion component (4) of the cable connector (2) is pushed out from the first sleeve portion (5) of the angle connector sleeve (1) through the ejection opening (7).

Images