Clamping element for cable connector arrangements, as well as cable connector arrangements with such a clamping element

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a clamping element for use in a cable connector arrangement for electrical and / or optical cables, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] In the fields of consumer electronics, stage technology, and the transmission of optical and acoustic signals, as well as the supply of electrical power to consumers in these areas, very high demands are placed on the components used. This applies on the one hand to robustness, the protection of connectors against dust, moisture and accidental disconnection, and on the other hand to safety.

[0003] Cable connector assemblies for use with electrical and / or optical cables, for both data and power, often have a modular design. They typically include a housing to contain and protect the contact elements for the electrical and / or optical connection of a complementary connector assembly. A clamping element, which can be radially compressed at least in sections, grips and clamps the cable. A clamping sleeve can be screwed onto the rear end of the housing, which clamps all the aforementioned components of the cable connector assembly and the cable together. This provides strain relief for the cable.

[0004] The clamping element for clamping the cable in the cable connector assembly is typically provided with at least one radially compressible section that encompasses the cable and clamps the cable when compressed, and a front edge area for bearing against a housing of the cable connector assembly and / or a connector extension inserted therein. The rear section is usually formed by a number of clamping tongues distributed along the circumference, which can preferably be elastically compressed in the radial direction.

[0005] For surface-mounted or flush-mounted boxes, a strain relief element for use in the cable entry area is known, for example from EP 2744060 A1, which has clamping tongue-like features. These features are shaped differently, but the strain relief element is not radially compressible.

[0006] Clamping elements or strain relief elements with radially elastically deformable clamping tongues, which are all of the same design, are disclosed in WO2020250575A1, DE 202012101449 U1 or DE 102009042678 B3.

[0007] There is now an increasing demand that cable connector assemblies constructed in this way are suitable for a wide variety of applications, and in particular that a single design can cover a large diameter range of cables.

[0008] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device by means of which a single clamping element in a cable connector arrangement can clamp cables of different properties, in particular to cover a large diameter range of cables.

[0009] This task is solved by a device according to the claims. Further features can be found in the description and the drawings.

[0010] The clamping element according to the invention is characterized by at least two different types of clamping tongues. This results in different properties for the various groups of clamping tongues, enabling the secure clamping of a wide variety of cable types. This clamping element can advantageously be used in a cable connector arrangement as described above, but can also be used independently in other, including conventional, cable connector arrangements.

[0011] A preferred embodiment is one in which each clamping tongue of a first group of clamping tongues is wider, at least at the end facing away from the clamping element, than the clamping tongues of a second group of clamping tongues. Advantageously, viewed in the circumferential direction, a clamping tongue of a different group lies between each pair of clamping tongues of one group. Thus, with two different types of clamping tongues, each clamping tongue of a first group is followed by a clamping tongue of the second group, and vice versa.

[0012] Another embodiment according to the invention is characterized in that the first clamping tongues widen with increasing distance from the front edge of the clamping element. Preferably, a continuous widening is provided in order to ensure a uniform effect over the entire range of movement of the clamping tongues without abrupt force application to the adjacent clamping tongues.

[0013] Preferably, these clamping tongues are chamfered at their side edges. This allows, particularly in the preferred case, any further clamping tongues arranged in between to be compressed even further radially inwards, thereby increasing the effect of the diameter reduction or the clamping action, as the width increases with increasing radial distance from the central axis of the clamping element.

[0014] Preferably, to improve the clamping effect, the first clamping tongues have a section at their end which is designed to exert a clamping effect on a cable by positively penetrating the sheath of the cable.

[0015] Another embodiment of the clamping element according to the invention provides that the clamping tongues of a second group of clamping tongues are made somewhat narrower, which facilitates elastic deflection and makes radial compression easier or possible to a greater extent.

[0016] It is preferably provided that the side edges of the clamping tongues of the second group preferably run parallel to each other over their entire length.

[0017] Preferably, to improve the clamping effect of the clamping tongues of the second group, an area designed to increase the holding effect on the cable extends from the outer end of the clamping tongues almost to their inner end.

[0018] In order to be able to cover a large diameter range of cables with the clamping element according to the invention, the clamping element is characterized in that, with clamping tongues running in alignment with the front edge region, the clear width between the ends of the clamping tongues is between 70 and 95% of the diameter of the clamping element, and with clamping tongues maximally compressed, wherein the first clamping tongues lie against each other, the clear width between the ends of the clamping tongues, preferably between the clamping tongues of the second group, is between 10 and 40% of the diameter of the clamping element.

[0019] The clamping element according to the invention is preferably used in a cable connector assembly for electrical and / or optical cables, for both data and power supply. These assemblies often have a modular design and, in addition to the clamping element for clamping the cable, typically include a housing for receiving and protecting the contact elements for the electrical and / or optical connection of a complementary connector assembly, as well as a clamping sleeve screwed onto the rear end of the housing. When the screw connection is made to the housing, the clamping sleeve clamps all the aforementioned components of the cable connector assembly and the cable together, thus providing strain relief for the cable.

[0020] Preferably, such a cable connector arrangement further comprises a locking sleeve whose length is shorter than that of the clamping sleeve and which is coaxially slid over at least a section of the clamping sleeve, and a unidirectional locking mechanism between the clamping sleeve and the locking sleeve, which prevents relative rotation of the locking sleeve and clamping sleeve in the tightening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve and the housing beyond a certain degree. Thus, when the locking sleeve is manually rotated, the locking mechanism engages after a certain amount of circumferential play, and with further rotation of the locking sleeve, the underlying clamping sleeve is also engaged and rotated to create the threaded connection with the thread of the housing.At most, similar to a ratchet mechanism, the locking sleeve can be turned back and forth several times within the same angular range to tighten the threaded connection, which further simplifies the assembly of the cable connector assembly. However, if the locking sleeve is turned in the opposite direction, the locking mechanism does not engage and the locking sleeve spins freely without engaging the threaded connection in the tightening direction.

[0021] Preferably, the device, with a proven and reliable design, is characterized by a form-aligning locking mechanism or toothed locking mechanism between the clamping sleeve and the tightening sleeve, wherein a cam with at least one long, flat flank and at least one steep flank pointing in the opening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve and the housing is formed on either the tightening sleeve or the clamping sleeve, and a pawl with a substantially complementary shape is formed on the other component.

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the height of the cam and the locking pawl change in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the clamping sleeve and the locking sleeve. This allows for a design of the clamping sleeve and locking sleeve arrangement that has a minimal dimension in the radial direction.

[0023] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is further characterized in that the length of the pawl is only a fraction of the length of the cam. A preferred variant provides that the length of the pawl is at most 10% of the length of the cam.

[0024] From a manufacturing perspective, a particularly advantageous embodiment is one in which the cam is formed on the clamping sleeve and the locking pawl is formed on the tightening sleeve.

[0025] However, since it is sometimes necessary to disassemble the cable connector assembly, which is secured against manual disassembly, and to allow this by means of a tool, a further feature of the invention is provided by the fact that the rear edge of the clamping sleeve opposite the thread projects beyond the rear edge of the tightening sleeve and has attachment points for a tool to apply a torque to the clamping sleeve.

[0026] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention is one in which the contact points are formed by at least one pair of flat surfaces that are parallel to each other and opposite each other with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the clamping sleeve. Then, a torque can be applied to the clamping sleeve using a wrench or similar tool, either to loosen the threaded connection and disassemble the cable connector assembly, or to tighten the threaded connection with a precisely defined torque without risk of damaging the locking mechanism and the corresponding components.

[0027] A particularly preferred embodiment has a width of between 1 mm and 10 mm in the direction of the longitudinal center axis. Preferably, a width between 3 mm and 6 mm is chosen. This ensures secure positioning of the tool and a sufficient contact area for applying the required torques.

[0028] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized by a stop that limits the displacement of the tightening sleeve towards the rear edge of the clamping sleeve. This ensures that the tightening sleeve cannot slip off the clamping sleeve or be unintentionally pushed off.

[0029] A structurally simple embodiment of such a safeguard against the removal of the clamping sleeve is given according to the invention by a projection of the rear edge of the clamping sleeve that extends at least over part of the circumference, wherein the radial extent of the projection is larger than the inner diameter of a rear opening of the clamping sleeve.

[0030] A preferred embodiment features a radial extension of the circumferential projection that decreases towards the rear end. This facilitates assembly of the cable connector assembly, allowing the locking sleeve to be slid onto the clamping sleeve from the rear and, with slight elastic expansion of its rear edge, over the edge of the clamping sleeve.

[0031] To compensate for play between the clamping sleeve and the locking sleeve, an advantageous embodiment of a cable connector arrangement according to the invention is characterized by at least one protrusion on the outside of the clamping sleeve, which protrusion bridges at least a large part of the gap between the clamping sleeve and the locking sleeve. This reduces the impact of the clamping sleeve and locking sleeve against each other during movement of the cable connector, such as that which can occur when used as a loudspeaker connector due to vibrations. Preferably, the protrusions completely bridge the gap between the two coaxial sleeves, thereby also completely preventing rattling or clattering.

[0032] To prevent unintentional loosening of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve and the housing due to vibrations of the cable connector assembly, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized by a unidirectional locking mechanism between the clamping sleeve and the clamping element. This mechanism is designed such that it prevents relative rotation of the clamping sleeve and the clamping element in the opening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve and the housing.

[0033] A preferred embodiment provides a form-aligning locking mechanism or toothed locking mechanism between the clamping sleeve and the clamping sleeve, wherein at least one detent is formed on either the clamping sleeve or the clamping sleeve and at least one pawl is formed on the other component.

[0034] Particularly advantageous with regard to force distribution and thus mechanical stability is an embodiment according to the invention with several, preferably three, sawtooth-shaped pawls evenly distributed around the circumference with short flanks, which point in the opening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve and the housing.

[0035] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0036] They each show, in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cable connector arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 2 an exploded view of the cable connector arrangement of the Fig. 1 Fig. 3 a front view of a clamping sleeve according to the invention for use in a cable connector assembly; Fig. 4 a side view of the clamping sleeve of the Fig. 3 Fig. 5 shows a side view of the clamping sleeve of the Fig. 3from an orthogonal direction; Fig. 6 a cross-section through another embodiment of a clamping sleeve at the level of the protrusions; Fig. 7 a rear view of the clamping sleeve of the Fig. 3 Fig. 8 shows a side view of a locking sleeve according to the invention for use in a cable connector assembly; Fig. 9 shows a view of the locking sleeve of the Fig. 7 from the front; Fig. 10 a perspective view of the tightening sleeve of the Fig. 7 ; Fig. 11 a longitudinal section through the tightening sleeve of the Fig. 7 Fig. 12: A rear view of a clamping element according to the invention for use in a cable connector assembly in its state with the largest inner diameter, before insertion into the cable connector assembly; Fig. 13: A perspective view of an arrangement according to the invention consisting of a clamping element, clamping sleeve, and tightening sleeve, in its state for use with a cable with the largest possible cable diameter; Fig. 14: A view of the arrangement of the Fig. 12from the front; Fig. 15 a view of the arrangement according to the Fig. 12 from the front, in its state for use with the smallest possible cable diameter; Fig. 16 a perspective view of a further embodiment of a cable connector arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 17 a perspective view of a clamping sleeve of a further embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 18 a cross-section through a tightening sleeve for the clamping sleeve of the Fig. 17 .

[0037] It should be noted at the outset that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated, and these positional designations must be applied analogously to the new position if the position changes.

[0038] The Fig. 1Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cable connector arrangement according to the invention for connection with a complementary connector arrangement, as typically used for power cables or speaker cables in stage and event technology. Identical or similar arrangements are possible for all types of electrical and / or optical cables.

[0039] A connector extension 2 projects forward from a housing 1 onto a complementary connector (not shown). Within the connector extension 2, the contact elements for electrical and / or optical contacting of a complementary connector assembly are protected. The housing 1 preferably carries a release slide 20 for releasing a preferably provided locking mechanism with the complementary connector. The rear section of the cable connector assembly consists of a clamping sleeve 3 and a coaxially slid-on locking sleeve 4. The cable K exits at the rear end of the cable connector assembly.

[0040] As shown in the exploded view of the Fig. 2As can be seen, the connector extension 2 is typically inserted into the housing 1 from the rear. However, it could also be an integral part of the housing 1, which, for example, has an external thread 5 at its rear edge to form a threaded connection with an internal thread 6 in the front area of ​​the clamping sleeve 3. A sealing ring 7 can be inserted between the housing 1 and the connector extension 2. A spring element 8 ensures the return of the release slide 20, which is slidable along a rib 9 on the housing 1 in its longitudinal direction.

[0041] The cable connector assembly according to the invention typically further comprises a clamping element 10, often also called a clamping jaw. The clamping element 10 is pushed onto the cable K, either in the longitudinal direction of the cable or, if a longitudinal slot is present, also from a radial direction, and its front edge region 11 rests against the housing 1 and / or the connector extension 2 inserted therein. The rear section of the clamping element 10 in the embodiment according to the invention is formed by a number of clamping tongues 12 distributed along the circumference, which can preferably be elastically compressed in the radial direction to clamp the cable K running between them. The radial compression of the differently designed clamping tongues 12 occurs when the clamping sleeve 3 is pushed on and when the threaded connection between the housing 1 and the clamping sleeve 3 is formed.In this process, all the aforementioned components of the cable connector assembly and the cable are clamped together, ensuring precise positioning of the components and strain relief for the cable K.

[0042] At the rear end of the cable connector assembly, a sealing sleeve 13 is preferably arranged in the area of ​​the rear edge of the clamping sleeve 3, through which the cable K exits the cable connector assembly.

[0043] Fig. 3Figure 1 shows a view of the clamping sleeve 3 according to the invention as seen from the direction of the housing 1. It can be seen that at least the inner diameter decreases from the front edge of the clamping sleeve 3, where the thread 6 is located, to the opposite rear end, preferably conically or in steps. This ensures, among other things, that when the threaded connection with the housing 1 is tightened, during which the clamping sleeve 3 moves axially towards the housing 1, the clamping element 10, in particular the clamping tongues 12, are radially compressed and the entire clamping element 10 is also pushed forward, towards the housing 1, in order to clamp the cable K inside the clamping element.

[0044] In the longitudinal section of the clamping sleeve 3, which lies in the area of ​​the clamping tongues 12 when the housing 1 and clamping sleeve 3 are screwed together, three pawls 14 are arranged, forming part of a form-aligning locking mechanism or toothed locking mechanism between the clamping sleeve 3 and the clamping element 10. Preferably, three such pawls 14 or similar radially inwardly projecting projections are provided on the inside of the clamping sleeve 3, preferably evenly distributed around the circumference. Viewed circumferentially, they have a sawtooth shape, with their short flanks pointing in the opening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve 3 and the housing 1.The lateral edges of the clamping tongues 12 of the clamping element 10 each form a detent against which the pawls 14 can rest with their short flanks, thus constituting the corresponding part of the unidirectional locking mechanism between the clamping sleeve 3 and the clamping element 10. This mechanism prevents relative rotation of the clamping sleeve 3 and the clamping element 10 in the opening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve 3 and the housing 1, thereby securing this threaded connection against unintentional loosening. In the opposite direction, force can be applied to the pawl 14 with its long flank, relative to the short flanks supported by the clamping tongues 12, over the edges of the clamping tongues 12, thus tightening the threaded connection. The positioning of the pawls and detents on the clamping sleeve and clamping element could also be reversed as described above.

[0045] In the side views of the clamping sleeve 3 according to the invention in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 and an outer diameter that decreases in steps from the front edge with the internal thread 6 towards the rear edge can be seen. In the central longitudinal section, a circumferential cam 15, slightly chamfered in the circumferential direction, is formed, which runs around the clamping sleeve 3 with at least one long, flat flank 15a and at least one steep flank 15b pointing in the opening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve 3 and the housing 1.

[0046] A projection 16 is provided at the rear edge of the clamping sleeve 3, extending at least over part of its circumference. The radial extent of this projection 16 is larger than the inner diameter of a rear opening of the clamping sleeve 4 at least at some points along its circumference, preferably over the entire circumference of the clamping sleeve 3. This holds the clamping sleeve 4 in the coaxially slid-on position on the clamping sleeve 3 and ensures that the clamping sleeve 4 cannot unintentionally slip rearward off the clamping sleeve 3 or be pulled off. The projection 16 forms a rear limiting stop 16a for the clamping sleeve 4.

[0047] The projection 16 is designed in such a way that the radial extent decreases towards the rear end, thus facilitating the sliding of the tightening sleeve 4 onto the clamping sleeve 3, whereby at least the rear edge area of ​​the tightening sleeve preferably expands slightly elastically.

[0048] At least one contact point 17 for a tool is arranged on the projection 16 at the rear section of the clamping sleeve 3 that extends beyond the clamping sleeve 4. This allows a torque to be applied to the clamping sleeve 3, even if this is not possible manually due to the dimensions of the projection 16. Preferably, at least two contact points 17 are formed in the form of at least one pair of flat surfaces that are longitudinally parallel to the central plane of the clamping sleeve 3 and are arranged parallel to each other and opposite each other with respect to the longitudinal central axis A of the clamping sleeve 3. Typically, the flat surfaces have a width between 1 mm and 10 mm in the direction of the longitudinal central axis; preferably, a width between 3 mm and 6 mm is chosen.

[0049] Figs. 7 to 10Figure 1 shows the clamping sleeve 4, which is pushed coaxially over the clamping sleeve 3 according to the invention. Its length is less than that of the clamping sleeve 3 and it covers a partial section of the clamping sleeve 3 coaxially and longitudinally. A unidirectional locking mechanism is provided between the clamping sleeve 3 and the clamping sleeve 4 to enable the tightening of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve 3 and the housing 1 via the clamping sleeve 4. This mechanism prevents relative rotation of the clamping sleeve 4 and the clamping sleeve 3 in the tightening direction of the threaded connection beyond a certain amount or circumferential play. After overcoming this play and in the engaged state of the locking mechanism, further rotation of the clamping sleeve 4 allows the clamping sleeve 3 underneath to be engaged.

[0050] Advantageously, a form-aligning locking mechanism or toothed locking mechanism is also used between clamping sleeve 3 and tightening sleeve 4. In this case, at least one pawl 18 of the tightening sleeve 4 engages with the cam 15 of the clamping sleeve described above in the locking direction – recognizable in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 - engages with a shape that is essentially complementary to the cam 15. Preferably, the length of each pawl 18 is only a fraction of the length of the cam 15, and the pawls 18 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the locking sleeve 4 in the rear longitudinal section closer to the rear opening O. A preferred embodiment provides that the length of the pawl 18 has a maximum of 10% of the length of the cam 15, in particular the longer, flat flank 15a thereof. Although it is usually advantageous from a manufacturing perspective to machine the cam 15 onto the clamping sleeve 3 and to provide the pawls 18 onto the locking sleeve 4, this arrangement could also be reversed.

[0051] As a comparison of Figure 6 with the Figure 8 As can be clearly seen, the cross-sectional shape of the rear opening O of the clamping sleeve 4 essentially corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the rear end of the clamping sleeve 3, in particular that of the projection 16 or the stop 16a. However, all radial distances for the clamping sleeve 4 are somewhat smaller than those of the clamping sleeve 3, especially from its stop 16a, so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the rear opening O of the clamping sleeve 4 is somewhat smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the rear end of the clamping sleeve 3 or of its projection 16 or of its stop 16a.

[0052] On the outer surface of the locking sleeve 4, gripping surfaces 19 are provided at the circumferential positions of the pawls 18 – or, if the cam 15 is provided on the inside of the locking sleeve 4, at the locations of the steep flanks 15b – which, through their material and / or structure, ensure better handling of the locking sleeve 4. Furthermore, they indicate to the user the position of the pawls 18 or the corresponding sections of the cam 15, which should advantageously be radially compressed during handling to prevent the pawl 18 or the steep flank 15b from slipping or jumping off, thus ensuring that the underlying clamping sleeve 3 is securely engaged when the locking sleeve 4 is rotated.

[0053] To assemble the cable connector assembly according to the invention, the tightening sleeve 4 is advantageously grasped at the gripping surfaces 19 and turned in the tightening direction of the threaded connection between the threads 5 and 6 of the housing 1 and the clamping sleeve 3. If necessary, after overcoming the play or circumferential distance between the steep flank 15b of the cam 15 and the pawl 18 of the opposing components housing 1 and clamping sleeve 3, the clamping sleeve 1 is engaged by the tightening sleeve 4 and the threaded connection is tightened. Optionally, similar to a ratchet mechanism, the tightening sleeve 4 can be turned back and forth several times within the same angular range to tighten the threaded connection, which further simplifies the assembly of the cable connector assembly.

[0054] When the tightening sleeve 4 is rotated in the opposite direction, circumferentially, to loosen the threaded connection between housing 1 and clamping sleeve 3, the locking mechanism described above does not engage, and the tightening sleeve 4 spins freely without applying any torque to the threaded connection in the loosening direction. The pawl 18 of the tightening sleeve 4, for example, slides along the flat, long flank 15a of the cam without exerting any circumferential torque on clamping sleeve 1. The tightening sleeve 4 is only moved slightly rearward in the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the clamping sleeve 3 until the end of flank 15a is reached and the pawl 18 can slide forward again along the steep flank 15a.

[0055] A preferred embodiment of the invention features at least one projection 21 on the outside of the clamping sleeve 3 to compensate for play between the clamping sleeve 3 and the tightening sleeve 4. This projection 21 bridges at least a large portion of the gap between the clamping sleeve 3 and the tightening sleeve 4. Preferably, the projections 21, which are shorter or longer webs and preferably oriented longitudinally along the clamping sleeve 3, completely bridge the gap between the two coaxial sleeves 3 and 4. The projections 21, which can also have other forms, for example, knobs or small circular webs, could also be arranged on the inside of the tightening sleeve 4. Positioning the projections 21 on both components 3 and 4 is also possible, provided that the groups on the opposing sleeves 3 and 4 are spaced apart axially to avoid impeding the relative movement of the tightening sleeve 4 and the clamping sleeve 3.Preferably, two protrusions 21 are arranged on the clamping sleeve 3, which in geometric and functional terms form an enveloping outer contour U with a substantially elliptical shape (see . Fig. 6 ). The clamping sleeve 4 with a circular inner contour is pushed onto this elliptical clamping sleeve 3 and can be rotated on the clamping sleeve 3 without play.

[0056] The clamping element 10, which is particularly advantageous for the cable connector arrangement according to the invention, but also advantageous in other types of connectors, is in Fig. 11 The clamping element 10 is shown in its initial position in a rear view of the clamping tongues 12. This clamping element 10 has the advantage that it can be used for cables K in a very large diameter range.

[0057] It preferably has two different types of clamping tongues 12, although other different types are also conceivable. Each clamping tongue 12a of a first group of clamping tongues 12 is wider at least at its front end, the end furthest from the front edge 11 of the clamping element 10, than the clamping tongues 12b of the second group. The first clamping tongues 12a preferably widen continuously with increasing distance from the front edge 11 of the clamping element 10. The clamping tongues 12a of the first group of clamping tongues 12 are preferably chamfered at their side edges such that the width of the clamping tongues 12a decreases towards the longitudinal center axis of the clamping element 10.This chamfer, which exerts a wedge effect on the adjacent clamping tongues, preferably clamping tongues 12b of a second group of clamping tongues, during radial compression in the course of screwing together housing 1 and clamping sleeve 3 of the cable connector assembly, can also be provided for clamping tongues 12 of constant width.

[0058] The clamping tongues 12 of preferably both groups typically have a section mainly at the outermost end which can exert a significant clamping effect on the cable K or penetrate the cable sheath in a form-fitting manner or deform it.

[0059] The clamping tongues 12b of the second group are somewhat narrower, and their edges are typically parallel to each other along their entire length. The clamping tongues 12b of the second group of clamping tongues 12 can be chamfered at their side edges such that the width of the clamping tongues 12b increases towards the longitudinal center axis of the clamping element 10. A transversely ribbed area, or one similarly structured to increase the holding effect on the cable K, which ensures a high clamping effect by increasing friction or by positively interlocking, at least partially, into the cable sheath, extends from the outer end of the clamping tongues 12b of the second group almost to the inner end.

[0060] Advantageously, viewed in the circumferential direction, a clamping tongue 12b of a different group lies between each pair of clamping tongues 12a of one group. With two different types of clamping tongues 12, as in the illustrated embodiment, each clamping tongue 12a of a first group is thus followed by a clamping tongue 12b of the second group, and vice versa. Other sequences are also conceivable, such as two clamping tongues of one group flanked by clamping tongues of the second group, or alternating groupings of two clamping tongues of each different group, etc.

[0061] In the Fig. 12 The perspective view shows an arrangement of clamping element 12, clamping sleeve 4, tightening sleeve 4, and sealing sleeve 13 in use with a cable K of a very large diameter. Viewed from the front, from the direction of the housing 1 (not shown here), the view is as follows: Fig. 13created. It can be seen that the clamping tongues 12 of both groups 12a, 12b run almost in alignment with the other sections of the clamping part 10, are only slightly compressed radially towards the rear end of the clamping tongues 12, and lie flat on the cable K in order to clamp it by the action of both groups 12a and 12b.

[0062] Fig 14 However, a view of the arrangement of Fig. 12 from the same direction as Fig. 13This time, however, for a cable K with a very small diameter. Here, the clamping sleeve 3 can be screwed very far forward onto the housing 1, pressing the clamping tongues 12 radially inwards. The lateral edges of the clamping tongues 12 from different groups come into contact with each other, and with further radial compression when tightening the threaded connection, the clamping tongues 12b of the second group are pressed inwards and into the cable K, or into the cable sheath, by the beveled side surfaces of the clamping tongues 12a of the first group. The clamping of the cable K is achieved primarily by the clamping tongues 12b of the second group.

[0063] As from the Figs. 13 and 14As is also evident, the clear opening, i.e., the inner diameter of the clamping element 10 available for the passage of the cable K, is only slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the clamping element 10 and also of the housing 1 or the clamping sleeve 3, which can therefore be very thin-walled and hardly increase the diameter of the cable connector assembly. In this case, the clear opening is consistently, but especially between the ends of the clamping tongues 12, between 70 and 80% of the diameter of the clamping element 10. Preferably, this value is between 75 and 95%. If, on the other hand, the clamping sleeve 3 is screwed to the housing 1 of the cable connector assembly to its maximum extent, the clamping tongues 12 are in their maximally compressed state, both circumferentially and radially.The clamping tongues 12a of the first group of clamping tongues 12 abut each other with their side edges and press the clamping tongues 12b of the second group maximally inwards. This results in the smallest possible clear opening between the clamping tongues 12, and in particular between the clamping tongues 12b of the second group, wherein the diameter for the passage of the cable K through the clamping element 10 is between 20 and 40% of the diameter of the clamping element. Preferably, this value is between 10 and 30%. With respect to the housing 1 and the clamping sleeve 3, the maximum and minimum values ​​for the clear opening are 60 and 80% of their diameters, respectively, and 5 and 20% of their diameters.

[0064] In the Fig. 15A further embodiment of the cable connector arrangement according to the invention is shown, wherein again the same reference numerals or component designations are used for identical parts as in the preceding drawings. Instead of a connector extension 2, the housing 1 now has a preferably integrally molded insertion extension 22. Apart from this difference, the structure and function are the same as before in connection with the Figures 1 to 14 explained. The housing 1 and connector extension 2 or insertion extension 22 can therefore vary depending on the connector type in order to cover all common connectors and contact types, from XLR connectors, data connectors of the RJ45 type, for example, to all possible standard or proprietary types.

[0065] While the previously described and in the Figs. 1 to 15Although the illustrated embodiment of the invention provides that the height of the cam 15 and the locking pawl 18 change in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the clamping sleeve 3 and the tightening sleeve 4, other designs are also possible. For example, in Fig. 17 An embodiment is shown in which a cam 35 is formed on the inside of a clamping sleeve 34, the height of which changes radially along the axis V of the relative rotation of this clamping sleeve 34 and a complementary clamping sleeve 33. Locking pawls 38 are arranged on the outside of this latter clamping sleeve 33, as shown in Fig. 18The cams 35 and pawls 38 can be seen, which also have a height that changes radially with respect to axis V. These cams 35 and pawls 38 engage in the same manner or can slide against each other with a slight radial bulge of the locking sleeve 34, as explained for the radially height-varying cam-pawl system described so far.

[0066] In addition to the embodiments with fixed structures for the locking mechanism described above, designs are also conceivable in which a tool does not act on the clamping sleeve 3 itself, but in which at least one locking element between the clamping sleeve 3 and the locking sleeve 4 can be moved into a position that creates a rotationally fixed, if at all temporary, coupling between the clamping sleeve 3 and the locking sleeve 4. For example, an internal locking pin could be moved or a locking pawl pivoted by means of a pin or a screwdriver that can be inserted into a preferably axial opening of the cable connector assembly, thus connecting the clamping sleeve 3 and the locking sleeve 4 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0067] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiment variants, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in this technical field due to the teaching on technical action by the present invention.

[0068] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be consulted for the interpretation of the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can, in themselves, represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be found in the description.

[0069] All references to value ranges in this description are to be understood as encompassing any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g. the reference 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e. all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0070] Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, for a better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference numeral list

[0071] 1 Housing 2 Connector extension 3 Tension sleeve 4 Tightening sleeve 5 External thread 6 Internal thread 7 Sealing ring 8 Spring element 9 Guide bar 10 Clamping element 11 Front edge 12 Clamping tongue 12a First clamping tongue 12b Second clamping tongue 13 Sealing sleeve 14 Locking pawl 15 Backset 15a Flat flank 15b Steep flank 16 Cantilever 16a Stop 17 Attachment points 18 Locking pawl 19 Grip surface 20 Release slider 21 Elevation 22 Insertion process A Longitudinal axis O Rear opening U Enveloping

Claims

1. A clamping part for clamping a cable (K) in a cable connector assembly, having a front edge region (11) for resting against a housing (1) of the cable connector assembly and / or a connector extension (2) inserted therein, and a rear section that is formed by a number of clamping tongues (12) distributed around the circumference, which clamping tongues can be compressed in the radial direction, wherein the rear section represents at least one radially compressible section that encloses the cable (K) and clamps the cable (K) in the compressed state, wherein the distributed clamping tongues (12) comprise at least two different kinds (12a, 12b) of clamping tongues (12), wherein each clamping tongue (12a) of a first group of clamping tongues (12) is wider, at least at the end facing away from the clamping part (10), than the clamping tongues (12b) of a second group characterized in that the first clamping tongues (12a) widen continuously as the distance from the front edge (11) of the clamping part (10) increases.

2. The clamping part as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the clamping tongues (12a) in a first group of clamping tongues (12) are beveled on their side edges, wherein the width preferably increases as the distance from the central axis of the clamping part (10) becomes radially greater in particular wherein the first clamping tongues (12a) have a section at their end which is designed to exert a clamping action on a cable (K) for form-fitting penetration of the jacket of a cable (K).

3. The clamping part as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that each clamping tongue (12b) of the second group of clamping tongues (12) is configured to be slightly narrower than the clamping tongues (12a) of the first group.

4. The clamping part as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the side edges of the clamping tongues (12b) of the second group run parallel to one another, preferably over their entire length.

5. The clamping part as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a region designed to increase the holding effect on the cable (K) extends from the outer end of the clamping tongues (12b) in the second group of clamping tongues (12) almost to the inner end thereof.

6. The clamping part as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the clamping tongues (12) are aligned with the front edge region (11), the clearance width between the ends of the clamping tongues (12) is between 70 and 95% of the diameter of the clamping part (10), and when the clamping tongues (12) are compressed to the maximum, wherein the first clamping tongues (12a) are adjacent to one another, the clearance width between the ends of the clamping tongues (12), preferably between the clamping tongues (12b) of the second group, is between 10 and 40% of the diameter of the clamping part (10).

7. A cable connector assembly for electrical and / or optical cables (K) and for connection to a complementary connector arrangement, comprising: a) a housing (1) for receiving the contact elements for making electrical and / or optical contact with the complementary connector assembly, having a thread (5) arranged on the rear edge; b) a clamping part (10) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, that is at least partially radially compressible and encompasses the cable (K) and clamps the cable (K) in the compressed state; c) a clamping sleeve (3) with a thread (6) arranged on the front edge for establishing a threaded connection with the thread (5) on the housing (1); wherein when the threaded connection is tightened, the clamping sleeve (3), the clamping part (10), the housing (1), and the cable (K) are clamped to one another, and the cable (K) is preferably positioned in respect of the clamping part (10), and / or the clamping part (10) is positioned in respect of the housing (1), in a non-rotational manner.

8. The cable connector assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cable connector assembly comprises a tightening sleeve (4), the length of which is less than that of the clamping sleeve (3) and which is coaxially slipped over at least a portion of the clamping sleeve (3), and a unidirectional lock (15, 18) at least between the clamping sleeve (3) and the tightening sleeve (4), which prevents a relative rotation of the tightening sleeve (4) and the clamping sleeve (3) beyond a certain extent in the tightening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve (3) and the housing (1).

9. The cable connector assembly as claimed in claim 8, characterized by a unidirectional lock between the clamping sleeve (3) and clamping part (10) which prevents a relative rotation of the clamping sleeve (3) and the clamping part (10) in the opening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve (3) and the housing (1) and comprising a form-fit lock or toothed lock between the clamping sleeve (3) and the clamping part (10), wherein on either the clamping part (10) or the tightening sleeve (3) at least one ratchet is formed and on the other component at least one locking pawl (14), in particular wherein multiple, preferably three, sawtooth-shaped locking pawls (14) with short flanks facing in the opening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve (3) and the housing (1) evenly distributed over the circumference.

10. The cable connector assembly as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized by a form-fit lock or toothed lock (15, 18) between the clamping sleeve (3) and the tightening sleeve (4), wherein a guide (15) having at least one long, flat flank (15a) and at least one steep flank pointing in the opening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve (3) and the housing (1) is formed on either the tightening sleeve (4) or the clamping sleeve (3), and a locking pawl (18) with a substantially complementary shape is formed on the other component.

11. The cable connector assembly as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the height of the guide (15) and the locking pawl (18) are changed in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the clamping sleeve (3) and the tightening sleeve (4), in particular wherein the guide (15) is formed on the clamping sleeve (3) and the locking pawl (18) is formed on the tightening sleeve (4).

12. The cable connector assembly as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the rear edge of the clamping sleeve (3) lying opposite the thread (6) projects beyond the rear edge of the tightening sleeve (4), and has engagement points (17) for a tool to apply torque to the clamping sleeve (3), in particular wherein the engagement points (17) are formed by at least one pair of flat surfaces which are parallel to one another and are arranged opposite one another with respect to the longitudinal central axis (A) of the clamping sleeve (3).

13. The cable connector assembly as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized by a stop (16a) that limits the movability of the tightening sleeve (4) in respect of the rear edge of the clamping sleeve (3).

14. The cable connector assembly as claimed in claim 13, characterized by a projection (16) of the rear edge of the clamping sleeve (3) that extends over at least part of the circumference, wherein the radial extent of the projection (16) is greater than the inner diameter of a rear opening (O) of the tightening sleeve (4) and preferably diminishes towards the rear end of the clamping sleeve (3).

15. The cable connector assembly as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized by at least one protrusion (21) preferably on the outside of the clamping sleeve (3), which protrusion (21) bridges the space between the clamping sleeve (3) and the tightening sleeve (4) at least for the most part, preferably entirely.