Electrical connector, especially for connecting a data or communication cable or a power cable.

Abstract

Electrical connector (1), in particular for connecting a data or communication cable or a power cable, comprising - one loading piece (10), - a cable tie (40), wherein the cable tie (40) has a flexible band (45) and a snap closure (50), - wherein the flexible band (45) can be inserted into and fixed in the snap fastener (50), - wherein the charging piece (10) and the cable tie (40) form a monolithic unit.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connector, in particular for connecting a data or communication cable or a power cable, with the features of claim 1.

[0002] Electrical connectors, especially single-pair Ethernet connectors or RJ45 connectors, are known in a wide variety of designs from the prior art. Reliable contact of the data and communication cable is essential to ensure high signal quality during data transmission.

[0003] To prevent or reduce tensile forces acting on the data or communication cable and to ensure reliable contact, conventional electrical connectors typically use separate cable ties, clamps, or cable screws attached to the housing for strain relief and / or cable securing. This strain relief is intended, in particular, to prevent mechanical stresses in the area of ​​the electrical contact points between the data or communication cable and the electrical connector, which could impair signal quality and data transmission performance.

[0004] For example, an electrical connector which has a strain-relieving fastening device in the form of a cable tie is disclosed in the German utility model application DE 2020 15 101 480 U1.

[0005] A disadvantage of conventional electrical connectors is that cable ties must be provided as a separate component. This not only increases the number of individual parts but also leads to greater system complexity and higher manufacturing costs. Furthermore, handling during assembly becomes more difficult, as at least two components of the separate cable tie must be positioned and held simultaneously, in addition to the data, communication, or power cable (hereinafter referred to as "cable") and the electrical connector.

[0006] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an electrical connector that has an integrated, captive strain relief, requires as few components as possible, can be manufactured cost-effectively and enables particularly simple and safe assembly.

[0007] This problem is solved by an electrical connector having the features of claim 1.

[0008] Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are specified in the dependent subclaims.

[0009] According to the invention, an electrical connector, in particular for connecting a data or communication cable or a power cable, comprises a charging piece and a cable tie, wherein the cable tie has a flexible band and a plug-in closure, wherein the flexible band can be inserted into and fixed in the plug-in closure, and wherein the charging piece and the cable tie form a monolithic unit.

[0010] The invention is based on the idea of ​​providing an electrical connector in which the cable tie forms a monolithic unit with another component, in particular the charging piece. This reduces the number of individual components, which is advantageous in terms of cost.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention is based on the idea of ​​improving handling during assembly and reducing the susceptibility to errors by integrating functional components directly into the connector. In this way, assembly errors, such as those caused by forgetting individual work steps or components, can be effectively avoided.

[0012] Furthermore, the invention is based on the idea of ​​improving handling during assembly by ensuring that the cable tie is securely attached to the charging piece in one piece and cannot be lost.

[0013] For the purposes of this invention, a monolithic unit means that two components are formed in one piece. Preferably, a monolithic unit means that the two components are inseparably joined to each other without being destroyed. In the present invention, this means that the charging element and the cable tie are formed in one piece and preferably inseparably joined to each other.

[0014] Preferably, the charging unit has at least two channels, each of which can accommodate a single conductor of the data or communication cable. Alternatively, the charging unit may have only a single channel, as is typical when using power cables. It is also possible for the charging unit to have more than two channels, for example, four, six, or eight.

[0015] By inserting the individual wires within the channels of the connector, further strain relief can be achieved. Furthermore, this ensures that the individual wires are precisely positioned within the electrical connector, guaranteeing a reliable and fault-free electrical connection to a printed circuit board via contact elements such as insulation displacement connectors. Alternatively, the individual wires can also be directly connected to contact elements, which in turn are designed to establish an electrical connection with a complementary electrical connector.

[0016] The charging unit can also have more than two channels. The number of channels depends on the number of individual wires in the data or communication cable. In particular, the charging unit can have eight channels.

[0017] Preferably, the flexible band is positioned on one side of the charging piece and the locking mechanism on an opposite side. This has the advantage that the flexible band can be inserted into the locking mechanism particularly easily, thus ensuring user-friendly handling when closing the cable tie.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cable tie can be moved from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position, the cable is securely and positively locked to the charging piece. Tensile forces acting on the cable are largely absorbed by the cable tie. This effectively prevents mechanical stress at the electrical contact points between the cable and the electrical connector.

[0019] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, in the open position the flexible band extends from the first side surface and the plug-in closure extends from the second side surface at least partially perpendicular to an insertion direction of the cable.

[0020] Preferably, in the closed position, the flexible band is pushed through a slot channel of the snap fastener and the flexible band is fixed within the slot channel in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner.

[0021] Preferably, in the closed position, the flexible band can be pushed through a slot in the connector and secured within the slot by a positive and non-positive locking mechanism. This combined positive and non-positive locking ensures a particularly reliable and durable hold for the cable tie. This dual locking system guarantees high resistance to tensile stress, vibration, and environmental influences, and prevents unintentional loosening or slippage, even under demanding operating conditions.

[0022] Preferably, in the closed position, the flexible band and the locking mechanism together form a through-ring, through which the cable can be positively and force-fitted to the electrical connector. When the cable tie is tightened, it penetrates the cable sheath, so that the cable is positively gripped and secured against axial displacement relative to the electrical connector.

[0023] The through-ring preferably has a circular opening. The opening can be adapted to the geometry of the data and communication cable. This enables reliable fixation of the cable to the charging piece, regardless of the specific design, in particular the shape and structure of the cable sheath.

[0024] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the cable tie is designed as a resealable cable tie, so that it can be moved between the open and closed positions as often as desired. This offers the advantage that the cable or the individual wires of the cable can be easily laid out in temporary installations and rerouted without difficulty if necessary. In the event of network malfunctions, the cable or the individual wires of the cable can be easily reconnected or replaced without having to replace the entire unit.

[0025] Since the cable tie and the charging piece are a single unit, using a non-reclosable cable tie would mean that even a single opening would necessitate replacing the entire component. Such a design is only practical if subsequent opening is impossible and / or particularly high demands are placed on mechanical strength, as disposable cable ties generally offer a higher holding force.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the flexible band of the cable tie has teeth arranged on one or both sides, or multiple teeth arranged on one or both sides. Teeth on both sides of the flexible band offer the advantage of increased flexibility in application, which allows for simplified and faster installation, particularly in hard-to-reach installation situations.

[0027] Advantageously, the snap fastener has a locking hook, preferably a spring-loaded locking hook, wherein the locking hook engages in a toothed section of the flexible band in the closed position, so that the flexible band is positively locked to the snap fastener. The locking hook and the toothed section together form a snap connection. A particular advantage of this snap connection is its combination of secure fixation, ease of use, and cost-effective manufacturing.

[0028] With a resealable cable tie, the locking hook can be unlocked from engagement with the teeth of the strap using a tool, preferably a screwdriver.

[0029] The snap fastener can also feature a push button, with the locking hook mechanically connected to the push button. The push button can be designed, for example, as a lever, a tactile, or a sliding mechanism. When the push button is pressed, the locking hook is briefly lifted, allowing the flexible band to be released from the snap fastener and pulled out. An advantage of this design is that no tool is required to release the flexible band from the snap fastener.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the charging piece has at least one transverse web, wherein the transverse web extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the electrical connector, and wherein the at least one transverse web is immersed in the cable sheath of the cable in the closed position. The immersion of the transverse web in the cable sheath prevents displacement of the cable in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Two transverse webs can also be arranged on the charging piece, particularly on the base part of the charging piece. More than two transverse webs can also be arranged on the charging piece, particularly on the base part of the charging piece.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cable tie and the charging element are molded together from a single injection mold. The injection molding process offers the advantages of cost-effective mass production, high reproducibility, and proven process reliability, especially for large production runs.

[0032] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the complete component, consisting of the cable tie and the charging piece, is manufactured using additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing). Additive manufacturing enables free geometric design without the need for a mold. This is particularly advantageous for small production runs and prototypes. Furthermore, it allows for the rapid implementation of design changes and the production of structures that are difficult or impossible to manufacture using conventional methods.

[0033] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the charging element is arranged within a housing, the housing preferably being made of an electrically conductive material. An electrically conductive housing has the advantage that the electrical connector is less susceptible to electromagnetic interference.

[0034] Advantageously, the cable tie and the charging piece are made of the same material, preferably plastic, or they are made of different materials, preferably different plastics. Preferably, the cable tie and the charging piece are made of polyamide. For example, the cable tie can be made of a more flexible material than the charging piece. This has the advantage that the cable tie can be more easily moved from the open position to the closed position and vice versa, while the charging piece is mechanically more stable.

[0035] Preferably, the locking hooks and the plug-in fastener of the cable tie form a monolithic unit. This allows for a further reduction in components, which is advantageous in terms of cost.

[0036] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrical connector is designed as a single-pair Ethernet connector (SPE connector) or as an RJ45 connector. Preferably, the electrical connector is designed as a plug connector, in particular as an SPE connector or as an RJ45 connector. The electrical connector can also be designed as a junction box.

[0037] Any embodiment of a cable tie is conceivable under the present invention.

[0038] The present invention is not limited to cable ties. For example, a strap and the charging piece can form a monolithic unit, wherein the strap has a hook-and-loop fastener or the strap secures the cable to the charging piece by means of a snap-fit ​​connection, an adhesive connection, or a magnetic connection. Furthermore, a claw can be formed integrally with the charging piece. In addition, two flexible ends that are guided around the cable can be joined together by ultrasonic welding.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the charging element can simultaneously serve as the housing of the electrical connector. The charging element can also be arranged within the housing of the electrical connector and, in particular, fixed to it. Naturally, the preceding descriptions referring to the charging element can be applied analogously to the housing.

[0040] An embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the side of the electrical connector facing away from the plug face, with the cable tie in the closed position. Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the loading element and the cable tie in the open position, where the loading element and the cable tie are formed in one piece. Fig. Figure 3 shows another perspective view of the charging piece and the cable tie. Fig. 2, with the cable tie in the open position, Fig. Figure 4 shows another perspective view of the charging piece and the cable tie. Fig. 2, wherein a cable is positioned on the charging piece, and wherein the cable tie is in the open position, and Fig. Figure 5 shows another perspective view of the charging cable and the cable tie. Fig. 2, wherein the cable tie is in the closed position, wherein the cable tie secures the cable from Fig. 4 encompasses and fixes itself to the loading piece.

[0041] Identical or functionally equivalent parts or features are identified by the same reference numerals in the detailed description of the figures below. Likewise, all identical or functionally equivalent parts or features in the figures are identified by a reference number.

[0042] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the side of the electrical connector 1 facing away from the plug face 2.

[0043] The electrical connector 1 has a housing 5. The housing 5 is made up of two parts. The housing 5 has a lower housing part 7 and an upper housing part 6.

[0044] The housing 5 is made of an electrically conductive material, preferably sheet metal.

[0045] The electrical connector 1 has the plug-in face 2 into which a complementary electrical connector (not shown) can be inserted to establish an electrical contact with the electrical connector 1.

[0046] A longitudinal axis L of the electrical connector 1 runs parallel or coaxially to the insertion direction of the complementary electrical connector.

[0047] A transverse axis Q and a vertical axis H of the electrical connector 1 run perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the electrical connector 1.

[0048] The insertion direction into which a data or communication cable or power cable, hereinafter referred to as cable 100 (see Fig. 3) is designated, into which it can be inserted, preferably runs coaxially or parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the electrical connector 1.

[0049] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a charging piece 10 of the electrical connector 1, in particular an SPE connector, with integrated cable tie 40, wherein the cable tie 40 is shown in the open position.

[0050] The charging element 10 is at least partially located inside the housing 5. The charging element 10 can be attached to the housing 5 via a snap-fit ​​connection 11. The charging element 10 can also be attached to the housing 5 by means of a rivet connection, a screw connection, or an adhesive connection.

[0051] The charging piece 10 has two channels 12 into which individual conductors 101 of the cable 100 can be inserted. The channels 12 run at least partially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the electrical connector 1. Each of the two channels 12 is provided with a recess 13 into which, in the assembled state, insulation displacement connectors (not visible) are inserted to insulate the individual conductors 101 (see Fig. 3) to penetrate and establish an electrical contact, for example with a circuit board (not visible).

[0052] The charging piece 10 has a base part 14. The channels 12 of the charging piece 10 are arranged closer to the plug face 2 of the electrical connector 1 than the base part 14 when the electrical connector 1 is fully assembled.

[0053] The vertical axis H of the electrical connector 1 intersects a base surface 15 of the bottom part 14 perpendicularly. The channels 12 are arranged in a different plane along the vertical axis H than the bottom part 14, the corresponding planes being spanned by the longitudinal axis L and the transverse axis Q.

[0054] The transverse axis Q intersects a side surface of the loading piece perpendicularly. In particular, the transverse axis Q intersects a side surface of the bottom part 14 of the loading piece 10 perpendicularly.

[0055] The cable tie 40, which forms a monolithic unit with the charging piece 10, i.e., is made in one piece, has a flexible band 45 and a plug-in closure 50.

[0056] The flexible band 45 extends in the direction of the transverse axis Q from a first side surface 16 of the base part 14 of the loading piece 10. The flexible band 45 is designed to be flexible or bendable.

[0057] Likewise, the plug-in fastener 50 extends in the direction of the transverse axis Q on a second side surface 17 of the base part 14 of the loading piece 10.

[0058] The plug-in connector 50 has a connection area 51 and a plug head 52. The connection area 51 is directly mechanically connected to the second side surface 17 of the base part 14 of the loading piece 10.

[0059] The plug-in head 52 has a plug-in channel 53 and a locking hook 55.

[0060] The charging piece 10 and the cable tie 40 are made of the same material. In particular, the charging piece 10 and the cable tie 40 are made of plastic. Advantageously, the charging piece 10 and the cable tie 40 are molded from a common tool, in particular an injection mold.

[0061] The base section 14 of the loading piece 10 has two transverse ribs 18. The transverse ribs 18 extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L in the direction of the transverse axis Q of the electrical connector 1. Of course, there can also be only one transverse rib 18 or more than two transverse ribs 18 arranged on the base section 14 of the loading piece 10. The transverse ribs 18 run across the entire width of the loading piece 10 along the transverse axis Q.

[0062] The crossbars 18 have the shape of a triangular prism. Starting from the base section 14, the crossbars 18 taper towards the vertical axis H, so that in the closed position they can more easily penetrate a cable sheath 102 of the cable 100.

[0063] In Fig. Figure 3 is another perspective view of the charging piece 10 with integrated cable tie 40. Fig. Figure 2 shows the cable tie 40 in the open position.

[0064] The flexible band 45 of the cable tie 40 has teeth 46 on one side. The flexible band 45 can also have teeth 46 on both sides. The teeth 45 are designed as indentations that do not completely pierce the flexible band 45. The teeth 46 can also completely pierce the flexible band 45.

[0065] The flexible band 45 has a tapering at its distal end 47 extending towards the distal end 47, which facilitates the insertion of the flexible band 45 into the insertion channel 53 of the insertion head 52 of the plug closure 50.

[0066] The flexible band 45 has 25 teeth 46. It can also have any other number of teeth 46. With an increasing number of teeth 46, the flexibility increases when adapting to different diameters of the cable 100 to be fixed (see figure). Fig. 4).

[0067] The locking hook 55 of the cable tie 40 is arranged on one side of the plug head 52 and is designed as a spring-loaded lever.

[0068] The locking hook 55 and the plug head 52 of the plug fastener 50 are designed as a monolithic unit, i.e., in one piece.

[0069] In the open position of the cable tie 40, the side of the plug head 52 facing the locking hook 55 and the side of the flexible band 45 with teeth 46 are oriented in the same direction.

[0070] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the loading piece 10 with integrated cable ties 40. Fig. 2. The cable tie 40 is shown in the open position. The cable 100 is at least partially positioned on the loading piece 10, in particular on the base surface 15 of the bottom part 14 of the loading piece 10.

[0071] Cable 100 has two individual conductors 101 which are inserted into the channels 12 of the charging unit 10. One end of the cable sheath 102 of cable 100 rests against an end face of the channels 12 of the charging unit 10. Cable 100 is at least partially routed through the base 14 of the charging unit 10.

[0072] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the loading piece 10 with integrated cable ties 40. Fig. 2. The cable tie 40 is shown in the closed position. The cable 100 is fixed to the charging piece 10.

[0073] In the closed position, the flexible band 45, the plug connector 50, and the base 14 of the charging piece 10 completely enclose the cable sheath 103 and primarily secure the cable 100 to the charging piece 10 by means of a positive fit and / or a force-fit. The flexible band 45, the plug connector, and the base 14 of the charging piece 10 form a through-ring 60. Alternatively, the cable 100 can also be secured solely by the flexible band 45 and the plug connector 50.

[0074] In the closed position, the locking hook 55 of the plug-in fastener 50 engages in a toothed section 46 of the flexible band 45. This secures the flexible band 45 within the plug-in fastener 50 by both a positive locking and a frictional locking mechanism, with the positive locking component being predominant. It is also possible for several locking hooks 55 to engage simultaneously in several toothed sections 46 of the flexible band 45.

[0075] To move the cable tie 40 from the closed position to the open position, the locking hook 55, which is preferably designed as a spring-loaded lever, is released from the teeth 46 using a tool (not shown). This allows the flexible band 45 to be easily pulled out of the connector 50. The cable 100 is no longer fixed to the charging piece 10.

[0076] The cable tie 10 can alternatively be designed as a one-way cable tie. In this configuration, the locking hook 55 wedges itself permanently into a toothed section of the flexible band 45 after tightening, typically as a result of plastic deformation, thus preventing subsequent loosening.

[0077] In Fig.5. After being moved into the closed position, the flexible band 45 has been shortened so that no protruding band end remains, which could impair the appearance and be disruptive during further assembly. Reference symbol list 1 Electrical connector 5 cases 6. Housing top 7 Lower housing part 10 charging pieces 11 Rest stop 12-channel 13 Exclusion 14 Base section 15 Base area 16 First side surface 17 Second side surface 18 Crossbar 40 cable ties 45 Flexible band 46 teeth 47 Distal End 50 plug fasteners 51 Connection area 52 Plug head 53 Plug-in channel 55 locking hooks 60 through ring 100 cables 101 single wires 102 Cable sheath L Longitudinal axis Q transverse axis H vertical axis QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 2020 15 101 480 U1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Electrical connector (1), in particular for connecting a data or communication cable or a power cable, comprising - one loading piece (10), - a cable tie (40), wherein the cable tie (40) has a flexible band (45) and a push-fit closure (50), - wherein the flexible band (45) can be inserted into and fixed in the snap fastener (50), - wherein the charging piece (10) and the cable tie (40) form a monolithic unit. [2] Electrical connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the charging piece (10) has at least two channels (12), wherein a single wire (101) of the data or communication cable can be inserted into each of the channels (12) of the charging piece (10). [3] Electrical connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the flexible band (45) is arranged on a first side surface (16) of the loading piece (10) and the plug-in fastener (50) is arranged on an opposite second side surface (17) of the loading piece (10). [4] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cable tie (40) can be moved from an open position to a closed position. [5] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the open position the flexible band (45) extending from the first side surface (16) and the plug-in fastener (50) extending from the second side surface (17) extend at least partially perpendicular to an insertion direction of the data or communication cable. [6] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that in the closed position the flexible band (45) is pushed through a plug channel (53) of the plug closure (50) and the flexible band (45) is fixed within the plug channel (53) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner. [7] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the closed position the flexible band (45) and the plug-in fastener (50) together form a through ring (60) through which the data or communication cable or power cable can be force-fitted to the electrical connector (1). [8] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cable tie (40) is designed as a resealable cable tie, so that the cable tie can be moved between the open position and the closed position any number of times. [9] Electrical connector according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the flexible band (45) of the cable tie (40) has a toothing (46) arranged on one or both sides or several toothings (46) arranged on one or both sides. [10] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the plug-in fastener (50) has a locking hook (55), preferably a spring-loaded locking hook, wherein the locking hook (55) engages in a toothing (46) of the flexible band (45) in the closed position. [11] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the plug-in fastener (50) of the resealable cable tie has a push button, by actuating which in the closed position unlocks the locking hook (55) from engagement with the teeth (46) of the flexible band (45). [12] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the charging piece (10) has at least one transverse web (18) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) of the electrical connector (1), wherein the at least one transverse web (18) is immersed in a cable sheath (102) of a cable (100) in the closed position. [13] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cable tie (40) and the charging piece (10) are formed together from a single injection mold. [14] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the charging piece (10) is arranged inside a housing (5), wherein the housing (5) is preferably made of an electrically conductive material. [15] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cable tie (40) and the loading piece (10) are made of the same material, preferably plastic, or that the cable tie (40) and the loading piece (10) are made of different materials, preferably different plastics. [16] Electrical connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the electrical connector (1) is designed as a single-pair Ethernet connector or as an RJ45 connector.

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