CONNECTOR ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

The present invention comprises a connector arrangement (1) comprising a connector housing (2) which can be connected to a mating connector at a plug-in side (3), a cable (4) comprising at least one optical fiber (5.1; 5.2) enclosed by a cable sheath (6), a fastening unit (7) which is connected to the cable (4) at a cable end (8), an attenuation unit (9) which is arranged inside the connector housing (2), and a contact unit (10) which has at least one contact side (11.1; 11.2), wherein the optical fiber (5.1; 5.2) projects out of the cable sheath (6) at the cable end (8), the attenuation unit (9) has a receiving space (12) in which the contact unit (10) is arranged at least partially, and the optical fiber (5.1; 5.2) extends through the contact unit (10) to the contact side (11.1; 11.2) extends to which the optical waveguide (5.1; 5.2) is signal-conductingly connectable to the mating connector, the fastening unit (7) has at least one first locking element (13.1; 13.2) which is connected to a first counter-locking element (14.1; 14.2) on the connector housing (2), at least one first spring element (15.1; 15.2) is arranged between the damping unit (9) and the fastening unit (7), which biases the damping unit (9) towards the plug-in side (3) against a stop surface (16) of the connector housing (2), the contact unit (10) is mounted by spring-elastic bearing elements (17; 18) within the connector housing (2) and / or the receiving space (12), the bearing elements (17; 18) are designed to hold the contact unit (10) in a starting position and to exert a force that forces the contact unit (10) back into the starting position when the The contact unit (10) is moved radially to a plug-in axis (19) from the starting position.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a connector arrangement for optical signal lines. State of the art

[0002] For decades, optical signal lines, such as fiber optic cables, have been established in practice for transmitting large amounts of signal and data. With digitalization and automation, and the associated increase in data volumes, optical signal lines are increasingly being used in areas where electrical signal lines were long dominant. This is primarily because the required transmission volumes are becoming increasingly difficult to achieve with electrical signal lines. However, with the introduction of optical signal lines into new application areas, the requirements profile of both optical signal lines and the connector systems used to connect them is also changing.Accordingly, there is a growing need for economical connector systems for optical signal cables that are resistant to both environmental influences and mechanical stresses that may act on the connector during the plugging process or in the plugged-in state.

[0003] For cable-side connectors, there is a particular requirement that a reliable optical signal connection between the connector and a mating connector connected to the connector is maintained, even when tensile forces act on the connector or the cable.

[0004] DE 102021104175 A1 discloses a device for fixing an optical fiber in a ferrule. First, adhesive is filled into a continuous channel in the ferrule. Then, the fiber is pushed completely from one end of the channel through the adhesive to the other end. The adhesive exits at the rear end of the fiber and, together with the fiber, forms a material volume.

[0005] DE 102023130824 A1 discloses a connector for transmitting data signals. The connector has a two-part connector housing, the parts of which can be moved relative to each other, and a signal conductor element is attached to one of the parts. A locking mechanism in the connector housing blocks this movement, however, as long as the connector is not at least partially inserted into the mating connector housing. Only when a certain insertion depth has been reached does the mechanism release the movement of the connector housing parts.

[0006] DE 60112140 T2 discloses a connection system for optical fibers. The connection system consists of a cable, a plug, and a socket. The plug receives the cable and contains two spring-loaded ferrule holders that slide in channels of a plug housing. Each ferrule holder has a sleeve that surrounds the ferrules. The plug housing has recesses through which these sleeves are visible. The sleeves are color-coded to allow easy identification of the type of optical fiber used directly at the plug.

[0007] EP 1566674 A1 discloses a housing for an optical connector, for example, for an SC-RJ connector. The housing is designed to accommodate at least one ferrule housing containing the optical fibers. The connector housing has fastening means for connecting it to a connector cap. Description of the invention

[0008] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a connector arrangement that is resistant to acting mechanical loads and ensures a reliable signal connection.

[0009] The problem according to the invention is solved by a connector arrangement with the features of the independent claims; further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0010] A connector assembly according to the invention comprises a connector housing, a cable, a mounting unit, a damping unit, and a contact unit. The connector housing can be connected to a mating connector at one mating side. The cable has at least one optical fiber enclosed by a cable jacket. The mounting unit is connected to the cable at one cable end. Preferably, the cable is enclosed by the mounting unit. It is particularly preferred that the mounting unit is connected to the cable jacket by a material-locking and / or form-fit connection. The damping unit is arranged inside the connector housing. The contact unit has at least one contact side. The contact side can be understood as a side at which the contact unit can be connected to the mating connector in a signal-conducting manner. The optical fiber protrudes from the cable jacket at the cable end.The damping unit has a receiving space in which the contact unit is arranged, at least partially. The optical fiber extends through the contact unit to the contact side. At the contact side, the optical fiber can be connected to the mating connector in a signal-conducting manner. Therefore, it is preferred that the contact side is formed by both the contact unit and the optical fiber. The mounting unit has at least one locking element. The first locking element is connected to a first counter-locking element on the connector housing. At least one spring element is arranged between the damping unit and the mounting unit. The spring element pre-tensions the damping unit towards the mating side against a stop surface of the connector housing.Preferably, the spring element acts parallel to a plug-in axis, so that the damping unit is also preloaded against the stop surface parallel to the plug-in axis. The plug-in axis can be understood as an imaginary axis along which the connector assembly is moved to connect it to a mating connector. The contact unit is mounted within the connector housing by spring-elastic bearing elements. Alternatively or additionally, the contact unit is mounted within the receiving space by the bearing elements. Due to the mounting of the contact unit by means of the bearing elements, the contact unit is movable radially to the plug-in axis relative to the damping element and / or the connector housing.The bearing elements are designed to hold the contact unit in a starting position and to exert a force that forces the contact unit back into this starting position when it is moved radially from the starting position relative to the drive axis. In this context, a starting position can be understood as the position the contact unit, supported by the bearing elements, assumes when no external forces are acting upon it.

[0011] A connector arrangement according to the invention enables a secure and robust connection of the optical fiber to a mating connector that is pluggably compatible with the connector arrangement according to the invention. Since the fastening unit is connected to the cable at the cable end and to the connector, tensile forces acting on the cable can be dissipated via the connector housing. Furthermore, by pre-tensioning the damping unit against the stop surface, the spring element ensures that the optical fiber, together with the contact unit, is always in a defined position. After connecting the connector arrangement to a mating connector, the first spring element of the damping unit ensures that the contact unit, and thus the optical fiber, is pressed against the mating connector.This ensures a reliable, signal-conducting optical connection, even when the connector assembly is subjected to significant stresses such as vibrations or shocks. Furthermore, during assembly, a sub-assembly consisting of a contact unit, a damping unit, and a mounting unit can be formed, which is easy to handle. This allows for installation in the connector housing without the risk of damaging the optical fiber. Because the contact unit is mounted within the connector housing or in the receiving space of the damping unit, it is suspended within the housing. This prevents, for example, lateral forces from acting on the contact unit, particularly when connecting the connector assembly according to the invention to the mating connector. Thus, the risk of damage is avoided.Such lateral forces can occur, for example, if the connector is not properly connected parallel to the mating axis, but rather at an angle to the mating connector. By forcing the contact unit back into its initial position with a force, the bearing elements ensure that the contact unit remains correctly positioned even during multiple mating operations.

[0012] The contact unit can have at least one ferrule housing. Furthermore, the contact unit can have at least one contact ferrule mounted in the ferrule housing. In this case, it is preferred that the contact side is arranged on the contact ferrule. The contact ferrule can project partially, particularly parallel to the insertion axis, out of the ferrule housing. Preferably, the contact ferrule is movable radially to the insertion axis within the contact unit. In this way, an additional floating bearing of the contact ferrule within the contact unit can be provided. If the cable has several optical fibers, it is preferred that each optical fiber is assigned a contact ferrule with one contact side.

[0013] The contact ferrule can be movable parallel to the mating axis relative to the ferrule housing. If the contact ferrule protrudes from the ferrule housing, it is particularly preferred that the contact ferrule can be inserted into the ferrule housing. The contact ferrule can additionally be pre-tensioned against a ferrule housing wall by a second spring element. The ferrule housing wall is preferably located at an end of the ferrule housing opposite the damping unit. Preferably, the second spring element acts parallel to the mating axis and in a mating direction. In this context, a mating direction can be understood as the direction of movement in which the connector assembly is moved relative to the mating connector when the connector assembly is connected to the mating connector.

[0014] The contact ferrule's movement can be limited by a stop element in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. This easily prevents the contact ferrule from being inserted too deeply into the contact unit and thus being damaged. The contact ferrule's movement can be limited, for example, by having the contact ferrule abut the stop element when moved against the insertion direction, thereby blocking further movement in that direction.

[0015] The stop element can be detachably connected to the ferrule housing. This allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the contact ferrule in the contact unit. Furthermore, this method allows, for example, the replacement of a damaged contact ferrule or a damaged second spring element, while both the contact unit and the stop element remain reusable. The detachable connection between the stop element and the contact unit can be implemented, for example, via a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0016] The second spring element can be arranged between the stop element and the contact ferrule. The contact ferrule can have a collar against which the second spring element abuts. The contact ferrule is preferably partially enclosed by the spring element. Furthermore, it is preferred that the collar is pre-tensioned against the ferrule housing wall by the second spring element.

[0017] The contact unit can be supported by at least three bearing elements within the connector housing and / or the receiving space. These bearing elements are arranged around the mating axis. In this way, only a few bearing elements ensure that the contact unit can move uniformly radially to the mating axis and is reliably returned to its initial position. Three bearing elements are particularly advantageous when the contact unit has a cylindrical shape. In this case, the bearing elements are preferably distributed at uniform angular intervals around the mating axis. If the contact unit has a cross-sectional shape that differs from a cylindrical shape, and is particularly mirror-symmetrical, it can be supported by four or more bearing elements.In this case, the bearing elements can be arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner, with the plane of symmetry preferably being arranged parallel to the plug axis.

[0018] At least some of the bearing elements can be formed by first spring bars. The first spring bars can be arranged on the damping unit. Furthermore, the first spring bars can project into the receiving space and abut the contact unit. The first spring bars can be monolithic with the damping unit. In this context, it is advantageous if the damping unit and the first spring bars are made of a thermoplastic material. In this case, the elastic properties of the material can be used to generate the spring action of the first spring bars.

[0019] At least some of the bearing elements can be formed by secondary spring bars. These secondary spring bars can be arranged on the contact unit. Furthermore, the secondary spring bars can bear against a housing wall of the connector housing and / or an inner wall of the receiving space. The secondary spring bars can be formed monolithically with the contact unit. It is also preferred that the contact unit be made of a thermoplastic material. The secondary spring bars preferably extend away from the contact unit. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the damping unit has first spring bars that project into the receiving space and bear against the contact unit, wherein the contact unit has secondary spring bars that bear against the housing wall.

[0020] The contact unit can be detachably connected to the damping unit. For example, the contact unit and the damping unit can be connected to each other via a snap-fit ​​connection. This not only allows for easy placement of the contact unit in the receiving space and subsequent connection of the contact unit to the damping unit, but also enables the contact unit to be detached from the damping unit again without damage. Preferably, the contact unit and the damping unit are detachably connected to each other within the receiving space.

[0021] The damping unit can fix the contact unit in a direction of movement parallel to the axis of rotation. This fixation can be achieved, for example, via the detachable connection between the damping unit and the contact unit.

[0022] The damping unit can have at least one second locking element. This second locking element can be connected to a second counter-locking element on the connector housing. The second locking element can be monolithic with the damping unit. This allows the damping unit to be easily mounted and held in position within the connector housing. At the same time, the damping unit remains largely mechanically decoupled from the mounting unit, as it is only connected to the mounting unit via the spring element.

[0023] The first spring element can be monolithic with the damping unit. In this case, the spring action of the first spring element is preferably generated by the elastic behavior of the material from which the damping unit or the first spring element is formed. For example, the damping unit can be made of a thermoplastic material. Thus, the spring force of the spring element is determined not only by the shape of the spring element but also, and essentially, by the elastic properties of the selected thermoplastic material.

[0024] The optical fiber can be movable along its longitudinal axis relative to the cable sheath. In other words, the optical fiber can be suspended relative to the cable sheath. In this context, the longitudinal axis refers to the longest direction of extension of the optical fiber. Due to this suspended position, tensile forces acting on the cable sheath are not transmitted to the optical fiber.

[0025] The cable can have a support sleeve at its end. The support sleeve can be positioned between the optical fiber and the cable sheath. Alternatively, the support sleeve can be inserted into the cable sheath at the end, enclosing the optical fiber. The support sleeve is preferably made of metal. The support sleeve can be partially enclosed by the mounting unit. Particularly preferably, the support sleeve is fixed to the cable end by the mounting unit. The support sleeve can, for example, ensure that the optical fiber is not damaged when the mounting unit is connected to the cable. Furthermore, if the mounting unit is an injection-molded component, the support sleeve can prevent any plastic matrix from coming into contact with the optical fiber.

[0026] The support sleeve may have a collar at one end facing away from the cable sheath. The collar preferably has a funnel shape and extends away from the optical fiber. The collar ensures that the optical fiber is not damaged at the edges of the support sleeve.

[0027] The support sleeve can extend through an access opening into a cavity within the damping unit. The collar can be positioned within this cavity. Preferably, the access opening has an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the collar. This ensures a defined position of the damping unit on the mounting unit. This facilitates easier assembly of the damping unit together with the mounting unit within the connector housing.

[0028] The fastening unit can be designed as an injection-molded component. The injection-molded component can have a plastic matrix. The cable sheath can be connected to a plastic matrix of the fastening unit. Alternatively or additionally, the cable sheath can be embedded in the plastic matrix. The plastic matrix can be bonded to the cable sheath by a material bond. Alternatively or additionally, a positive-locking connection between the cable sheath and the fastening unit can be formed by embedding the cable sheath, at least partially, in the plastic matrix. The positive-locking connection can be formed, for example, by arranging the plastic matrix in undercuts or recesses in the cable sheath.

[0029] The cable may incorporate reinforcing fibers. These reinforcing fibers may be embedded in the plastic matrix of the mounting unit. The reinforcing fibers may be, for example, aramid or polyester fibers. The reinforcing fibers preferably extend along the cable and may enclose the optical fiber. The reinforcing fibers may be, for example, woven or knitted. Preferably, the reinforcing fibers are enclosed by the cable jacket. However, to allow embedding in the plastic matrix, it is preferable for the reinforcing fibers to be exposed at the cable end.

[0030] Furthermore, additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. The features described there and above can be implemented individually or in combination, provided that the features do not contradict each other. The following description of the preferred embodiments is given with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of an embodiment of the damping unit of the connector arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 3 a sectional view of a further embodiment of the connector arrangement according to the invention; and Fig. 4 a sectional view of an embodiment of a fastening unit, a damping unit and a contact unit of the connector arrangement according to the invention.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a connector arrangement 1 according to the invention in a perspective exploded view. The connector arrangement 1 comprises a connector housing 2, which can be connected to a mating connector at a plug-in side 3. The connector arrangement 1 further comprises a cable 4, a fastening unit 7, a damping unit 9, and a contact unit, which in the present embodiment is formed by a ferrule housing 20 and two contact ferrules 21.1; 21.2. The fastening unit 7 is connected to a cable sheath 6 at a cable end 8 of the cable 4. For this purpose, the fastening unit 7 encloses the cable sheath 6 and is materially and form-fittingly connected to the cable sheath 6. In the present embodiment, this is achieved such that the fastening unit 7 is designed as an injection-molded component and the cable sheath 6 is embedded in a plastic matrix of the fastening unit 7.Cable 4 has two optical fibers 5.1 and 5.2, which protrude from the mounting unit 7 at cable end 8. In the area of ​​the mounting unit 7, the optical fibers 5.1 and 5.2 are enclosed by a support sleeve 28, which has a collar 29. Each optical fiber 5.1 and 5.2 extends to one of the contact ferrules 21.1 and 21.2 and is partially enclosed by them. Each contact ferrule 21.1 and 21.2 forms a contact side 11.1 and 11.2. The optical fibers 5.1 and 5.2 each extend to the contact side 11.1 and 11.2. The optical fibers 5.1 and 5.2 can be connected to the mating connector at the contact side 11.1 and 11.2 in a signal-conducting manner.

[0032] Furthermore, for each contact ferrule 21.1; 21.2, a second spring element 22.1; 22.2 is arranged within the ferrule housing 20. The second spring elements 22.1; 22.2 are held in the ferrule housing 20 by a stop element 24, which is also inserted into the ferrule housing 20. The contact unit, formed by the ferrule housing 20 and the contact ferrules 21.1; 21.2, is arranged within a receiving space 12 of the damping unit 9. In the present embodiment, the damping unit 9 is formed by two connectable half-shells. The damping unit 9 and the fastening unit 7 are arranged within the connector housing 2. For additional fastening, the connector assembly 1 has a secondary locking mechanism 33.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a damping unit 9 of a connector arrangement 1 according to the invention. The contact unit 10 is arranged within the damping unit 9. The contact unit 10 is detachably connected to the damping unit 9 via snap-fit ​​connections. The contact unit 10 is mounted within the damping unit 9 by means of spring-elastic bearing elements. The bearing elements are partially formed by first spring bars 17, which are monolithic with the damping unit 9. The first spring bars 17 bear against the contact unit 10 within the receiving space and hold it in a starting position. The bearing elements are further formed by second spring bars 18, which are arranged on the contact unit 10. In the present embodiment, the second spring bars 18 are monolithic with the ferrule housing 20. Furthermore, the damping element has two first spring elements 15.1; 15.2.The first two spring elements 15.1; 15.2 are monolithically formed with the damping unit 9.

[0034] Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of a further embodiment of the connector arrangement 1 according to the invention. The section plane runs parallel to a plug axis 19 and through both optical fibers 5.1; 5.2. The fastening unit 7 has first locking elements 13.1; 13.2, which are arranged in first counter-locking elements 14.1; 14.2 formed by the connector housing 2. Thus, the fastening unit 7 is detachably connected to the connector housing 2. The cable 4 also has reinforcing fibers 32, which protrude from the cable jacket 6 at the cable end 8 and are embedded in the plastic matrix of the fastening element. The support sleeve 28 is inserted section by section into the cable jacket 6, so that the support sleeve 28 is arranged section by section between the optical fibers 5.1; 5.2 and the cable jacket 6. Furthermore, the support sleeve 28 is fixed at the cable end 8 by the fastening unit 7.The damping unit 9 forms a cavity 31 in which the collar 29 is arranged. The support sleeve 29 is guided into the cavity 31 through an access opening 30. The cavity 31 is separated from the receiving chamber 12. The optical fibers 5.1 and 5.2 are also guided through the access opening 30 into the receiving chamber 12, where they extend into the contact unit 10.

[0035] The damping unit 9 comprises second locking elements 26.1; 26.2, which are connected to second counter-locking elements 27.1; 27.2 that the connector housing 2 has. Thus, the damping element 9 is detachably connected to the connector housing 2. The first spring elements (not shown) pre-tension the damping unit 9 against a stop surface 16 of the connector housing 2. The optical fibers 5.1; 5.2 extend through the stop element 24 to the respective contact ferrules 21.1; 21.2 and are partially enclosed by them. The optical fibers 5.1; 5.2 extend to the contact faces 11.1; 11.2. The second spring element 22.1; 22.2 is arranged between the contact ferrules 21.1; 21.2 and the stop element 24. The second spring elements 22.1; 22.2 pre-tension the contact ferrules 21.1; 21.2 against a ferrule housing wall 23. The second spring elements 22.1; 22.2 act parallel to the plug axis 19.

[0036] The second spring bars 18, formed by the contact unit 10, rest against a housing wall 25 of the connector housing 2. The first spring bars 17 and the second spring bars 18 hold the contact unit 10 in its initial position, allowing the contact unit 10 to move radially with respect to the mating axis. However, due to the spring bearings, the first and second spring bars 17 and 18 force the contact unit 10 back into its initial position when it is moved out of it.

[0037] Fig. Figure 4 shows a further view of the plug connection arrangement 1 according to the embodiment shown in the invention. Fig. 3, with the connector housing removed for clarity. The first spring elements 15.1; 15.2 rest against the mounting unit 7 and thus tension the damping unit 9 against the stop surface of the connector housing (not shown). REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 connector arrangement 2 connector housings 3 plug-in side 4 cables 5 optical fibers 6 cable sheath 7 Mounting unit 8 cable ends 9 damping unit 10 contact units 11 Contact page 12 Recording room 13 First locking element 14 First locking element 15 First spring element 16 Stop surface 17 First spring bars 18 Second spring bars 19 thru axle 20 ferrule housings 21 Contact ferrule 22 Second spring element 23 Ferrule housing wall 24 stop element 25 Housing wall 26 Second locking element 27 Second locking element 28 Support sleeve 29 collars 30 Access opening 31 space 32 reinforcing fibers 33 Secondary locking mechanism

Claims

[1] comprising a connector arrangement (1), a connector housing (2) which can be connected to a mating connector at one plug-in side (3), a cable (4) comprising at least one optical fiber (5.1; 5.2) enclosed by a cable sheath (6), a fastening unit (7) which is connected to the cable (4) at one cable end (8), a damping unit (9) arranged inside the connector housing (2), and a contact unit (10) which has at least one contact side (11.1; 11.2), where the optical fiber (5.1; 5.2) protrudes from the cable sheath (6) at the cable end (8), the damping unit (9) has a receiving space (12) in which the contact unit (10) is arranged at least section by section, the optical fiber (5.1; 5.2) extends through the contact unit (10) to the contact side (11.1; 11.2) where the optical fiber (5.1; 5.2) can be connected to the mating connector in a signal-conducting manner, the fastening unit (7) has at least one first locking element (13.1; 13.2) which is connected to a first counter-locking element (14.1; 14.2) on the connector housing (2), between the damping unit (9) and the fastening unit (7) at least a first spring element (15.1; 15.2) is arranged, which biases the damping unit (9) in the direction of the plug-in side (3) against a stop surface (16) of the connector housing (2), the contact unit (10) is mounted by spring-elastic bearing elements (17; 18) within the connector housing (2) and / or the receiving space (12), the bearing elements (17; 18) are designed to support the contact unit (10) to hold in a starting position and to apply a force that forces the contact unit (10) back into the starting position when the contact unit (10) is moved radially to a plug-in axis (19) from the starting position. [2] Connector arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the contact unit (10) has at least one ferrule housing (20) and at least one contact ferrule (21.1; 21.2) mounted in the ferrule housing (20), on which the contact side (11.1; 11.2) is arranged. [3] Connector arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the contact ferrule (21.1; 21.2) is movable relative to the ferrule housing (20) parallel to the insertion axis (19) and is biased against a ferrule housing wall (23) by a second spring element (22.1; 22.2) which acts parallel to the insertion axis (19) and in the insertion direction. [4] Connector arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the contact ferrule (21.1; 21.2) is limited in a movement path opposite to the insertion direction by a stop element (24). [5] Connector arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the stop element (24) is detachably connected to the ferrule housing (20). [6] Connector arrangement (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the second spring element (22.1; 22.2) is arranged between the stop element (24) and the contact ferrule (21.1; 21.2). [7] Connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact unit (10) is supported within the connector housing (2) and / or the receiving space (12) by at least three bearing elements (17; 18) arranged around the plug axis (19). [8] Connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the bearing elements (17; 18) is formed by first spring bars (16) which are arranged on the damping unit (9), project into the receiving space (12) and bear against the contact unit (10). [9] Connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the bearing elements (17; 18) is formed by second spring bars (17) which are arranged on the contact unit (10) and bear against a housing wall (25) and / or an inner wall of the receiving space (12). [10] Connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact unit (10) is detachably connected to the damping unit (9). [11] Connector arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the damping unit (9) fixes the contact unit (10) in a direction of movement parallel to the plugging axis (19). [12] Connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping unit (9) has at least one second locking element (26.1; 26:2) which is connected to a second counter-locking element (27.1; 27.2) on the connector housing (2). [13] Connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first spring element (15.1; 15.2) is formed monolithically with the damping unit (9). [14] Connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical fiber (5.1; 5.2) is movable along its longitudinal direction relative to the cable sheath (6). [15] Connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable (4) has a support sleeve (28) at the cable end (8) which is arranged between the optical fiber (5.1; 5.2) and the cable sheath (6). [16] Connector arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support sleeve (28) has a collar (29), in particular a funnel-shaped one, at an end facing away from the cable sheath (6). [17] Connector arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support sleeve (28) extends through an access opening (30) into a space (31) of the damping unit (9), the collar (29) is arranged in the space (31) and the access opening (30) has an inner diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the collar (29). [18] Connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening unit (7) is formed as an injection-molded component and the cable sheath (6) is connected to and / or embedded in a plastic matrix of the fastening unit (7). [19] Connector arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cable (4) has reinforcing fibers (32) embedded in the plastic matrix of the fastening unit (7).

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