Signal communication socket
The signal communication socket with a detachable spring member simplifies disassembly and adapts to various sizes, addressing user convenience and flexibility issues in existing designs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102020100367
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2020-01-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-05
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-01-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing signal communication sockets require additional tools and steps for disassembly due to locking mechanisms, leading to reduced user convenience and operability, and are inflexible in accommodating different sizes of plugs and cables.
A signal communication socket design featuring a socket housing with a detachable spring member that integrates into a mounting groove, allowing easy insertion and removal of signal lines while maintaining secure connection, and adjustable positioning for various sizes.
Enhances user convenience by simplifying disassembly and improving flexibility to accommodate different sizes, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing connection stability.
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
Field of the InventionThe present invention relates to a signal communication socket having a spring member.Background ArtIn signal communication sockets, which serve for example for connecting signal lines such as plugs and cables, locking means, such as cable ties or cable terminals, by means of which the respectively inserted plug or the respectively inserted cable can be constricted, are generally additionally used in order to fasten plugs or cables of different sizes. However, this makes manual operation more difficult, because, for example, such locking means have to be removed in order to replace connectors, cables or other components in the signal communication socket, which requires additional working steps and tools. Moreover, fatigue, destruction, or detachment of the cable ties or similar locking means is expected over time, which could damage the connection reliability and the service life of the respective signal communication socket. However, if the design of the signal communication socket is changed so as to ensure a more secure locking of plugs or cables, it would become more difficult to disconnect the individual components or signal lines in the form of plugs or cables from the signal communication socket. This may, for example, require more time, more mental effort or more tools than ever and thereby degrade both user convenience and operability of the signal communication socket. Furthermore, such signal communication sockets cannot be easily changed over either in order to be able to accommodate plugs or cables of different dimensions or sizes, and are therefore subject to restrictions with regard to their possible applications. In this connection, CN102801042A discloses a cable fastening device for connecting a cable, which includes a shell 5, a positioning engagement member 11 having a bending space and assembled with the shell 5, and a dovetail slot 6 on the shell 5 (see FIGS. 1 to 7 ). Furthermore, DE 102015008632 A1 discloses a receiving module which comprises a housing 2, a cable half-clamp 15 and a leaf spring 17 and a U-shaped recess 10 of a cover part 8. In this embodiment, the cable half-clamp 15 is adjustable in the direction of the leg length and can be fixed to the cover part 8 by means of a locking engagement, and the semicircular clamping region 16 of the cable half-clamp 15 completes the U-shaped recess 10 to an approximately circular shape (see FIGS. 1 to 14 ). Moreover, US 2012 / 0135633 also discloses a wire inclusion cap that includes a bushing housing 102, a wire inclusion cap 104, and a strain relief clip 200 having a degree of flexibility and can be disposed in two strain relief guide slots 114. In this configuration, the strain relief clip 200 includes a strain relief base 202 having a curvature 204 whose inner radius corresponds to that of the cable to be secured, and the wire retention guard cap 104 further includes ratchet teeth 116 that serve to lock the strain relief clip 200 in position (see FIGS. 1-11 ). Furthermore, DE 10146119 C1 discloses a socket housing 50, a head part 40, a closure means 30 and a base part 10. In this configuration, the head part 40 is moved along a guide 19 and pushed onto the base part 10, wherein a latching nose 45 slides into the recess 17 so that the rear wall of the recess 17 forms a stop for the head part 40 and a secure connection of the overall construction is ensured (see FIGS. 1 to 3 ). The related art has disclosed a configuration that can solve some of the above-mentioned technical problems. However, there are still improvements in operability and stability.Disclosure of the InventionTechnical Means for Solving the ProblemsIn order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an embodiment of the invention provides a signal communication socket for connecting a signal line, which includes a socket housing and a spring member. The outlet housing defines a signal line channel on the inside and a mounting groove on the outside, which is connected to the signal line channel. The mounting groove has at least one first wall. The spring part is detachably inserted in the mounting groove and abuts the first wall in the unloaded state to thereby be positioned on the socket housing. The side of the spring part facing the signal line channel thereby serves as part of the circumferential edge of the signal line channel. The socket housing has at least one support portion protruding from the first wall. The mounting groove is enclosed and defined by the first wall and the at least one support portion. A positioning groove is formed in the first wall. The spring part has at least one projection on its side facing the first wall, which projection comprises a positioning section. When the spring member is disposed in the mounting groove, the positioning portion engages with the positioning groove.Effects Over the Prior ArtWith the signal communication socket according to the embodiments of the invention, while maintaining the positioning and connection reliability and reliability of a signal line in the form of, for example, a plug or cable inserted into the signal communication socket, the dismantling of the plug or cable or at least some components of the signal communication socket can be simplified. With the signal communication socket according to the embodiments of the invention, the number of operation steps for disassembling signal lines such as connectors or cables and at least some components of the signal communication socket can be reduced, and thereby the applicability of the signal communication socket can be improved.ILLUSTRATION OF THE FIGURESThey show FIGS. 1, 2 to 3 each show a schematic three-dimensional illustration of a signal communication socket with a socket housing and a spring part according to the individual exemplary embodiments of the invention, FIG. 4 shows a schematic three-dimensional representation of a spring part with a protruding pressure section according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 5 shows a schematic three-dimensional illustration of a signal communication socket with an additional pressure section according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 6 is a schematic enlargement of the structure of a spring part and a first wall associated therewith in the signal communication socket from FIG. 5 , FIGS. 7A and 7B are each an exploded view of a signal communication socket according to an embodiment of the invention taken from different views, FIGS. 8 and 9 show a schematic illustration of a first and a second outer cover according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, which are pivotably mounted via a pivot connection section fastened to a base body section, FIGS. 10A and 10B are each a schematic spatial representation of a signal communication socket provided with a spring part and a pressure section according to an embodiment of the invention made of different views, FIG. 11 shows a schematic enlargement of a stop structure formed on the first wall as a step-shaped guide structure according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIGS. 12A and 12B are each a schematic view illustrating adjustment of the opening diameter of the opening of a first port by moving the spring member and the pressing portion according to an embodiment of the invention, FIG. 13 shows a schematic illustration of the positioning of a spring part and a first wall assigned to the latter with respect to one another according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention which is not according to the invention, and FIGS. 14A and 14B show a schematic three-dimensional illustration of the arrangement of a spring part in a mounting groove according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention.EmbodimentsVarious embodiments will now be described, from which the basic ideas and principles of the invention can be easily deduced by those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings. In the present description, some specific embodiments are described in detail, which are merely exemplary and are not to be considered restrictive or complete. Therefore, any variation or modification of the invention apparent to those skilled in the art does not depart from the basic ideas and principles of the invention.FIGS. 1, 2 to 3 each show a signal communication socket 10, 12, 14 for connecting signal lines according to the individual exemplary embodiments of the invention, which can comprise a socket housing 100 and a spring part 400. Here, the outlet housing 100 may internally define a signal line channel 30 for receiving a signal line and externally define a mounting groove 35 connected to the signal line channel 30. Moreover, the mounting groove 35 has at least one first wall 110.The spring member 400 is detachably inserted into the mounting groove 35. In the state of the spring part 400 inserted into the mounting groove 35, the latter can adjoin the first wall 110 in the unloaded or relaxed state and additionally, i.e. in addition to the first wall 110, also other walls of the mounting groove 35 in order thereby to be positioned on the socket housing 100. According to the present exemplary embodiment, it is further provided that the spring part 400 can also define a part of the circumferential edge of the signal line channel 30 with at least a part of its edge in the state inserted into the mounting groove 35. For example, the side of the spring part 400 facing the signal conducting channel 30 may serve as part of the peripheral edge of the signal conducting channel 30.For the sake of clarity of the structures of the individual components, the spring part 400 is shown here in the state not yet inserted into the mounting groove 35, wherein a spring part 400 completely mounted in the mounting groove 35 is still shown further below.As has been described above with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2 to 3, the signal communication socket 10, 12, 14 can have a spring part 400 assigned to the mounting groove 35 and arranged accordingly, wherein this construction can be used in socket housings 100 of different designs. For example, the socket housing 100 of the signal communication socket 10 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may be a one-piece housing in which a signal line channel 30 is defined, and the mounting groove 35 may be formed in the one-piece socket housing 100. Furthermore, it can be seen from the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 that the socket housing 100 of the signal communication socket 12 can substantially have a base body portion 300 and a first outer cover 310, which first outer cover 310 is detachably attached to the base body portion 300 or is pivotably arranged thereon, wherein the mounting groove 35 can be formed in the first outer cover 310 and can come into communication with the signal line channel 30 during the mounting of the first outer cover 310 to the base body portion 300. In yet another exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3, the socket housing 100 of the signal communication socket 14 can substantially have a base body section 300, a first outer cover 310 and a second outer cover 320, wherein the first outer cover 310 and / or the second outer cover 320 are detachably attached to the base body section 300 or pivotably arranged thereon. Here, the mounting groove 35 may be formed in the first outer cover 310 and may communicate with the signal line channel 30 when the first outer cover 310 is mounted to the main body portion 300.Thus, the present invention can be used in different socket housings 100, wherein the above exemplary embodiments are only exemplary, i.e. both the shape and construction of the socket housing 100 forming a mounting groove 35 and suitable for receiving a spring part 400 and the positioning of the mounting groove 35 and the spring part 400 on the socket housing 100 with respect to one another are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 1, 2 to 3. Thus, the socket housing 100 according to some exemplary embodiments can have, for example, a base body section 300 and a first outer cover 310, wherein the mounting groove 35 and the spring part 400 are not located on the first outer cover 310 but on the base body section 300.According to some embodiments, the signal line channel 30 defined in the socket housing 100 comprises a first port 25 leading to the outside world, wherein the arrangement of the spring part 400 may be associated with a side edge of the first port 25. However, this is not to be considered as limiting the invention. Alternatively, the spring part 400 can also be arranged offset relative to the first port 25 or assigned to a side edge of another component or another port or another structure.As can be seen from FIGS. 1, 2 to 3, the spring part 400 can be, for example, a U-shaped spring tongue made of metal or plastic, which can be removed from the mounting groove 35 by pressing and can adjoin a wall of the mounting groove 35 in the unloaded or relaxed state.According to the above-described exemplary embodiments of the invention, due to its configuration corresponding to the mounting groove 35 connected to the signal line channel 30, the spring part 400 can define a part of the circumferential edge of the signal line channel 30 when inserted into the mounting groove 35 and thus contribute, for example, additionally to the fastening of a signal line in the form of a cable, for example. In this way, the stability of positioning or connection of signal lines can be increased. Furthermore, the spring part 400 can also be easily removed from the mounting groove 35 by applying a force opposing its spring force to the spring part 400 in order to release the respectively fastened signal line again. Thus, the mental effort required for disassembling signal lines or components of the signal communication socket can be reduced and the risk of destruction of the structure of the signal communication socket due to excessive effort can be avoided.Moreover, the spring part 400 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 to 3 can also be produced as a spring part 400' as shown in FIG. 4 according to some exemplary embodiments. In particular, the spring part 400' can additionally have a protruding pressure section 410 which protrudes from the side of the spring part 400' facing away from the first wall 110, wherein by pressing this protruding pressure section 410 it is possible to adjust the positioning of the spring part 400' in the mounting groove 35 more easily or the spring part 400' can be easily released from the mounting groove 35 by pressing. However, this is to be considered as exemplary only. According to various embodiments of the invention, the material, the construction and the shape of the spring part are not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the present description and the drawings.Next, a signal communication socket 16 according to still another embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to FIG. 5. The signal communication socket 16 differs from the signal communication socket 14 in that the signal communication socket 16 has, in addition to the spring part 400, a pressure section 500 which can be arranged assigned to the mounting groove 35. In particular, the pressing portion 500 may be connected to the spring member 400 and disposed together with the same in the mounting groove 35. Here, the pressure section 500 is connected to the spring part 400, for example, on the side of the spring part 400 facing away from the first wall 110.According to some embodiments, the pressing portion 500 may protrude away from the spring part 400 by e.g. having a protrusion 510 protruding away from the spring part 400 according to FIG. 5. Thus, by pressing this pressing portion 500 (e.g., by pressing the bulge 510), easier adjustment of the positioning of the spring part 400 in the mounting groove 35 can be made possible, or the spring part 400 can be easily released from the mounting groove 35 by pressing.Hereinafter, reference is made to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, in which the first wall 110 and the spring member 400 are enlarged, to describe the corresponding structures of the first wall 110 and the spring member 400 in detail.In particular, the first wall 110 and the spring part 400 that are intended to abut each other may be formed to have corresponding structures to improve the fitting of the spring part 400 into the mounting groove 35, according to an embodiment of the invention. Thus, the spring part 400 can have at least one projection, for example, on its side facing the first wall 110, while a structure which serves to receive the projection or as a stop for the projection or into which the projection can engage can be formed on the first wall 110.According to an embodiment, the at least one protrusion of the spring part 400 can comprise, as can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, for example an abutting section 425, while the first wall 110 has a corresponding abutting structure 325, wherein the abutting section 425 can abut the abutting structure 325 when the spring part 400 is arranged in the mounting groove 35. In this way, when one side of the flat spring part 400 abuts against the first wall 110, a non-intended displacement of the spring part caused by impacts or other influences can be avoided and thus a more secure arrangement of the spring part 400 in the mounting groove 35 can be achieved.According to the embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the at least one projection of the spring part 400 comprises a positioning section 415, while a corresponding positioning groove 315 is formed in the first wall 110, wherein the positioning section 415 engages in the positioning groove 315 when the spring part 400 is arranged in the mounting groove 35. In this way, the positioning portion 415 can be moved along the positioning groove 315 to insert the spring member 400 into the mounting groove 35 along the intended direction, for example. Thus, the positioning accuracy of the spring member 400 when it is installed in the mounting groove 35 can be increased.According to yet another exemplary embodiment, the first wall 110, as can be seen from FIGS. 5 and 6, can form at least one cutout 305, via which at least a part of the spring part 400 inserted in the mounting groove 35 can be exposed on the socket housing 100. To remove the spring part 400, the user can insert a finger or a tool into the recess 305 and with this push the spring part 400 away from the recess 305, so that the spring part 400 is compressed and releases from the socket housing 100 in order to be able to be easily pushed out of the mounting groove 35. In order that the spring part 400 can be pressed easily, it is provided in some exemplary embodiments that the at least one projection of the spring part 400 can also be a projection 405 protruding toward the recess 305. In this way, by pushing the protrusion 405 from the recess 305, the spring part 400 can be more easily compressed and thus removed from the socket housing 100, such as the first outer cover 310.According to some exemplary embodiments, when the spring part 400 is designed as a U-shaped spring tongue, the U opening 610 of the U-shaped spring tongue can be oriented away from the signal line channel 30. This allows the operator to exert a force opposite to the spring force of the spring part 400 from the side of the spring part 400 facing away from the signal line channel 30 with a small amount of force and thereby to be able to release the spring part 400 from the mounting groove 35.Hereinafter, with reference to the exploded view of the signal communication socket 16 in FIGS. 7A and 7B, an exemplary concrete configuration of the signal communication socket 16 shown in FIG. 5 will be explained in more detail.According to an embodiment of the invention, the signal communication socket 16 may include, besides the socket housing 100, the spring member 400, and the pressing portion 500 already described in the foregoing embodiments, a line rearrangement member 200 disposed in the signal line channel 30. For example, the signal communication socket 16 can additionally have a line changeover part 200 which is installed at the connection point between the base body section 300 on the one hand and the first outer cover 310 and the second outer cover 320 on the other hand within the socket housing 100 in such a way that, in the fully assembled state, as is illustrated in the following FIGS. 8 and 9, it is at least partially covered by the first outer cover 310 and the second outer cover 320 and is therefore accommodated in a space defined by the first outer cover 310 and the second outer cover 320.According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7A, and 7B, the signal communication socket 16 may further include external world ports provided at different locations of the socket housing 100, such as a first port 25 and a second port 15, which are disposed at two opposite ends of the socket housing. In this case, the first port 25 and the second port 15 can serve to receive different signal lines in order to establish an electrical connection via the signal communication socket 16 in each case. According to some exemplary embodiments, signal lines inserted into the first port 25, such as the individual line elements of a cable, can be changed over by means of the line change-over part 200 and connected to the connection terminals for connectors of the second port 15 in order to establish a connection with the signal line, such as a connector, which is respectively pushed in via the second port 15. In this way, a first signal line such as a cable can be switched and electrically connected to a second signal line such as a plug. However, this is to be understood as merely exemplary and is not to be considered as limiting the present invention.According to some embodiments, the line rearrangement part 200 may further include a plurality of insulation displacement terminals (IDC) for rupturing the sheathing of a signal line such as a cable and electrically connecting the conductors of the cable to other terminals such as the terminals for connectors of the second port 15. However, the line change-over part 200 described and illustrated here by way of example serves merely as an example, to which the invention is not restricted. Rather, various known or future developed line conversion components 200 may be used in the present invention to make electrical connections and carry signal lines. According to another embodiment, the signal communication socket 16 may not include a line rearrangement part 200 if signal lines such as a cable and a plug to be connected to each other via the signal communication socket 16 can be directly connected to each other to transmit signals.According to some embodiments, the line switching part 200 also contributes to defining the peripheral edge of the signal line channel 30, as shown in Figs. 5 to 7B. In addition, the spring part 400 can also be designed accordingly in order to be able to interact with the signal line channel 30. Thus, if the spring part 400 is designed as a U-shaped spring tongue, it can have, for example, on its side facing the signal line channel 30, an arcuate recess 620, which can serve as part of the circumferential edge of the signal line channel 30 and can be used, for example, for fastening a signal line inserted into the signal line channel 30. However, this is only an example to which the invention is not limited.In the preceding exemplary embodiments, the mounting groove 35 is a structure enclosed by the first wall 110 and at least one support section 330 and defined thereby, so that the spring part 400 in the state inserted into the mounting groove 35 can adjoin the first wall 110 on one side in the direction D in which the spring part 400 can be relaxed and can be supported with its side edges in the direction in which the spring part 400 cannot be relaxed on the at least one support section 330 enclosing the mounting groove 35. Due to this structure, it is also possible in a simple manner to press the spring part 400 directly or indirectly (e.g. via the pressing portion 500) from the side opposite the first wall 110 on which no wall is present, in order to adjust the position of the spring part 400 or to release the spring part 400. However, the definition of the mounting groove 35 described and illustrated above is to be understood merely as an example. Thus, the mounting groove 35 can also have, for example, four walls which completely enclose the mounting groove, wherein the invention is not limited to the embodiments explained in detail in the above exemplary embodiments.According to the present exemplary embodiment, the components described above, as can be seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B, can furthermore have mutually corresponding latching structures in order to enable these components to be assembled. For example, the first outer lid 310 may include two first pivot connection portions 350, and the second outer lid 320 may include two second pivot connection portions 360. Accordingly, a latching part 105 interacting with the first pivot connection portion 350 of the first outer cover 310 and a latching part 106 interacting with the second pivot connection portion 360 of the second outer cover 320 can be provided on the outer side of the base body portion 300. Here, the first pivotal connection portion 350 and the second pivotal connection portion 360 may be respectively engaged with the engaging part 105 and the engaging part 106 so that the first outer lid 310 and the second outer lid 320 may be pivotally connected to the main body portion 300 as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. Moreover, the first outer cover 310 can have a snap part 710 and the second outer cover 320 a counterpart 720, which snap part and which counterpart can engage in one another. When the first outer cover 310 and the second outer cover 320 are pivoted toward each other, as can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, a mutual positioning of the first outer cover 310 and the second outer cover 320 can be achieved by the engagement of the snap part 710 and the counterpart 720. This allows easier assembly and disassembly of the first outer cover 310 and the second outer cover 320. Thus, the first outer cover 310 and the second outer cover 320 can be opened first, for example, for mounting the line conversion part 200 and a cable or similar signal lines, and subsequently pivoted or closed again towards one another after mounting the line conversion part 200 and the cable or similar signal lines and fixed to one another by engagement. These corresponding structures for mounting, latching and connection should, however, be regarded merely as exemplary and do not represent a restriction of the invention.According to some exemplary embodiments, it can be provided, depending on the application, that, when the first outer cover 310 and the second outer cover 320 engage one another, a signal line in the form of, for example, a cable or another component accommodated therein can be torn or pressed by the aforementioned insulation displacement connections, in order to be able to reliably establish an electrical connection or to be positioned reliably. However, this represents only one possible embodiment to which the present invention is not limited.As can be seen from FIGS. 7A and 7B, in some exemplary embodiments, the pressure portion 500 can have a locking part 501 and the spring part 400 can have a locking hole 401, such that, by inserting the locking part 501 into the locking hole 401, the pressure portion 500 and the spring part 400 can be assembled and then fitted or pushed as a unit into the mounting groove 35 of the integrally formed or fully assembled socket housing 100, for example into the mounting groove 35 of the socket housing 100 with the first outer cover 310 and the second outer cover 320 in accordance with FIG. 9 engaging one another. However, this construction serves merely as an example, i.e. other corresponding structures are also conceivable which allow a composition of the pressure section 500 and spring part 400. According to other exemplary embodiments of the invention, it is also conceivable to firstly install the spring part 400 in the mounting groove 35 and then to arrange the pressure section 500 next to the spring part 400 already positioned in the mounting groove 35. The components described hitherto, the manner of mounting these components and / or the corresponding latching structures of the signal communication socket 16 should therefore be regarded as exemplary. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based on the principles of the invention, adaptations of the individual components, the manner of mounting these components and / or the corresponding latching structures of the signal communication socket 16 may be made, which do not go beyond the scope of the invention.By assembling the components shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B in the manner shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and by inserting the spring member 400 (and the pressing portion 500 selectively connected to the spring member 400), a signal communication socket 16 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B can be produced. At this time, a signal line may be inserted into the signal communication socket 16 via the first port 25, for example, and pressed by the spring member 400 (and the pressing portion 500) selectively connected to the spring member 400, to enhance the stability of the attachment of the signal line. For example, first, the signal line may be inserted into the completed first port 25 shown in FIG. 9, and then the spring member 400 (and the pressing portion 500 selectively connected to the spring member 400) may be installed into the mounting groove 35 to press-fix the signal line. When the signal line is now to be removed, a force opposed to its spring force is exerted on the spring part 400 in order to release the spring part 400 from the mounting groove 35 and thus the pressed signal line.In order to ensure a more secure pressing and fastening of signal lines of different sizes, the signal communication socket 16 according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention can be designed such that the insertion depth of the spring part 400 in the mounting groove 35 can be adjusted in the direction of the signal line channel 30. Thus, it can be seen, for example, from FIG. 11, in which in particular the first wall 110 of the mounting groove 35 provided in the socket housing 100, here for example in the first outer cover 310, is illustrated in enlarged form, that, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the first wall 110 can form a stop structure 325 which is associated with the aforementioned at least one protrusion (such as the abutting portion 425 illustrated in FIG. 6 ) of the spring part 400. In this case, the stop structure 325 can be designed as a step-shaped guide structure, which can consist of one or more saw-tooth-shaped structures 375, wherein each of the saw-tooth-shaped structures 375 has a plurality of first step surfaces S 1 facing away from the signal line channel 30 and a plurality of second step surfaces S 2 facing towards the signal line channel 30. In this case, the first step surfaces S 1 can have a smaller gradient than the second step surfaces S 2. Due to this construction, it is easily possible that, upon assembly, the abutting portion 425 of the spring member 400 (illustrated in FIG. 6 ) moves along the step surfaces S 1 from step to step in a direction d 1 facing the signal line channel 30, and slides along the step surfaces S 2 again upon assembly (such as after completion of attachment and pressing of a signal line) to be shut off from the saw-toothed structure 375 upon movement in a direction d 2 facing away from the signal line channel 30. In this way, the risk of the spring part 400 becoming detached due to its movement in the direction d 2 during fastening and pressing of the signal line can be reduced or avoided and the respective depth position of the spring part 400 can be fixed as required.With the above-described construction, the opening diameter m1, m2of the opening OP of the signal line channel 30 can be adjusted as shown in FIGS. 11, 12A and 12B by moving the spring member 400 (such as pressing the pressing portion 500 matched with the spring member 400). For example, the spring member 400 may be moved such that its abutting portion 425 (shown in FIG. 6 ) abuts various saw-tooth shaped structures 375 of the abutting structure 325 to change the insertion depth of the spring member 400 in the mounting groove 35. For example, the spring part 400 can be moved into the position shown in FIG. 12A when a relatively large signal line is inserted along the step surfaces S 1 of the stop structure 325 and, on the other hand, into the position shown in FIG. 12B when a relatively small signal line is inserted along the step surfaces S 1 of the stop structure 325.At this time, in the case where the signal line has a large opening diameter m1 with respect to the opening diameter m2, the spring member 400 (e.g., the pressing portion 500 matched with the spring member 400) can be pressed in the direction d1, and thereby switched to the position shown in FIG. 12A to press the signal line. On the other hand, when the signal line has a small opening diameter m2 with respect to the opening diameter m1, the spring member 400 (e.g., the pressing portion 500 matched with the spring member 400) can be further pressed in the direction d1 from the position shown in FIG. 12A to switch to the position shown in FIG. 12B, thereby pressing the signal line. In this way, the position of the spring member 400 (and the pressing portion 500 matched to the spring member 400) in which the respective signal line can be pressed and fixed by the spring member can be matched to different size opening diameters of signal lines, and thus the fixing of different size signal lines can be facilitated and stabilized, in order to enable more flexible application of the signal communication socket 16 according to the invention to different signal lines. However, this serves merely as an example, i.e. according to the exemplary embodiments of the invention, the insertion depth of the spring part 400 in the mounting groove 35 can also be adjusted in another manner.According to some exemplary embodiments, an interference structure 800 according to FIGS. 12A and 12B can be provided both on the pressure section 500 and on a part, for example the second outer cover 320, of the socket housing 100 which also define the circumferential edge of the signal line channel 30, wherein by bearing the interference structure 800 against the signal line in the form of, for example, a cable, in each case to be positioned, a further improved fastening of the signal line is achieved and the risk of detachment or fluctuation of the signal line can be reduced or avoided.In the above embodiments of the present invention, the first wall 110 is a side surface of the mounting groove 35 that is close to the center of the socket housing 100. For purposes of illustration and comparison, in Figure 13, which is an example different from the present invention and is not intended to be a specific embodiment of the claimed invention, another configuration of the first wall 110 is shown. Rather, according to another exemplary embodiment not according to the invention according to FIG. 13, it is also conceivable, for example, to use a side surface of the mounting groove 35 remote from the center of the socket housing 100 as the first wall 110. In this case, different corresponding structures, such as recess 305, positioning groove 315 and / or stop structure 325, interacting with spring part 400 can be formed on first wall 110, while spring part 400 can have different corresponding structures, such as projection 405, positioning section 415 and / or abutting section 425, interacting with first wall 110. Thus, the spring member 400 can be securely positioned in the inserted state in the mounting groove 35 by abutting the spring member 400 to the first wall 110.The corresponding structures of the spring part 400 and the first wall 110 explained above with reference to the respective drawings are to be understood merely as examples, wherein according to the respective exemplary embodiment, optionally only one or more of these can be provided. Thus, according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, it can be provided, for example, in a signal communication socket 18 illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B that no cutout 305 is provided in the first wall 110 and the signal communication socket 18 is formed such that the spring part 400 inserted in the mounting groove 35 protrudes at least partially from the mounting groove 35 in the fully assembled state and is thus exposed at the socket housing 100. This allows the operator to apply a force opposite to the spring force to the portion of the spring member 400 protruding from the socket housing 100, thereby allowing the spring member 400 to be released.According to the embodiments of the invention, a signal communication socket can be realized as a whole, with which a signal line can be positioned securely and firmly and which is easier to assemble and disassemble. This can improve the applicability and serviceability of the signal communication socket, simplify the assembly and disassembly of the signal communication socket and avoid disadvantages caused by using cable ties or similar locking means.The above is only a few preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that various variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is defined by the appended claims, and any possible replacement, combination, modification or transmission which may come from the basic ideas of the invention does not go beyond the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.List of reference characters10, 12, 14, 16, 18 Signal communication socket 25 First port 15 Second port 30 Signal line channel 35 Mounting groove 100 Socket housing 105, 106 Latch part 110 First wall 200 Line conversion part 300 Base body portion 305 Recess 310 First outer cover 315 Positioning groove 320 Second outer cover 325 Stopper structure 330 Support portion 350 First pivotal connection portion 360 Second pivotal connection portion 375 Saw-tooth-shaped structure 400, 400' Spring part 401 Locking hole 405 Protrusion 410 Pressing protruding portion 415 Positioning portion 425 Abutting portion 500 Pressing portion 501 Locking part 510 Bulge 610 U-hole 620 Arcuate recess 710 Snap part 720 Counterpart 800 Interference structure D, d 1, d 2 Direction S 1 First step surface S 2 Second step surface OP Hole m 1, m 2 Opening diameter
Claims
A signal communication outlet for connecting a signal line, comprising: - an outlet housing (100) defining a signal line channel (30) on the inside and a mounting groove (35) on the outside connected to the signal line channel (30), the mounting groove (35) having at least a first wall (110), and - a spring part (400) detachably inserted in the mounting groove (35) and adjoining the first wall (110) in the unloaded and relaxed state, thereby being positioned on the outlet housing (100), wherein the side of the spring part (400) facing the signal line channel (30) serves as part of the peripheral edge of the signal line channel (30), the outlet housing (100) having at least one support portion (330) protruding from the first wall (110), and the mounting groove (35) is enclosed and defined by the first wall (110) and the at least one support section (330), and wherein a positioning groove (315) is formed in the first wall (110), wherein the spring part (400) has at least one projection (415, 425, 405) on its side facing the first wall (110), which projection comprises a positioning section (415), wherein the positioning section (415) engages with the positioning groove (315) when the spring part (400) is arranged in the mounting groove (35).The signal communication socket according to claim 1, further comprising a line rearrangement part (200) disposed in the signal line channel (30).The signal communication socket according to claim 1, wherein the socket housing (100) has a base body portion (300) and a first outer cover (310), the first outer cover (310) being detachably attached to or pivotally disposed on the base body portion (300), the mounting groove (35) being formed in the first outer cover (310) and communicating with the signal line channel (30) upon mounting the first outer cover (310) to the base body portion (300).The signal communication outlet of claim 1, wherein the spring member (400') includes a protruding pressure portion (410) protruding from the side of the spring member (400) opposite the first wall (110).The signal communication socket according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing portion (500) connected to the spring part (400) on the side of the spring part (400) facing away from the first wall (110) and protruding from the spring part (400).The signal communication outlet of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion (415, 425, 405) comprises an abutting portion (425) while the first wall (110) has a stopper structure (325), the abutting portion (425) abutting the stopper structure (325) when the spring member (400) is disposed in the mounting groove (35).The signal communication socket according to claim 6, wherein the stopper structure (325) is a step-shaped guide structure (325) having a plurality of first step surfaces (S1) facing away from the signal line channel (30) and a plurality of second step surfaces (S2) facing the signal line channel (30), the first step surfaces (S1) having a smaller gradient than the second step surfaces (S2).The signal communication socket according to claim 1, wherein the first wall (110) forms at least one recess (305) through which at least a part of the spring part (400) inserted in the mounting groove (35) is exposed on the socket housing (100).The signal communication socket according to claim 1, wherein the spring part (400) inserted in the mounting groove (35) protrudes at least partially from the mounting groove (35) and is thus exposed at the socket housing (100).The signal communication socket according to claim 1, wherein the insertion depth of the spring member (400) in the mounting groove (35) is adjustable toward the signal line channel (30), and the opening diameter (m1, m2) of the opening (OP) of the signal line channel (30) is adjusted by moving the spring member (400).The signal communication outlet according to claim 1, wherein the spring member (400) is a U-shaped spring tab (400).The signal communication outlet of claim 11, wherein the U-opening (610) of the U-shaped tongue (400) is oriented away from the signal line channel (30).Signal communication socket according to Claim 1, in which the spring part (400) has an arcuate recess (620) on its side facing the signal line channel (30).The signal communication socket according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support portion (330) supports the spring member (400) in the inserted state in the mounting groove (35).The signal communication outlet according to claim 1, wherein the signal line channel (30) has a first port (25) leading to the outside world, the spring part (400) forming a side edge of the first port (25).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Cable fixing device of network module
CN102801042A
Tension restraint for plug connector for communications and data apparatus has interlocking restraint devices provided by base part fitting around plug connector and cooperating locking spring
DE10146119C1
socket module
DE102015008632A1
Wire Containment Cap with an Integral Strain Relief Clip
US20120135633A1
CN000102801042A