Plug assembly for data cables

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug assembly for use with cables (K) with cable plugs (S) comprising a housing (1) for receiving the cable plug (S), a clamping part (5) arranged in the housing (1) and which engages the cable (K), the clamping part clamps the cable (K) in the compressed state, and a clamping sleeve (3) for forming a threaded connection with the housing (1). When the threaded connection is tightened, the clamping part (5) is tensioned in the housing (1) and the cable (K) is clamped in the clamping part (5). The front end of the clamping part (5) facing the cable plug (S) is designed to receive and position the cable plug (S) in a predetermined position at the front end of the clamping part (5) or is provided with at least one stop for the cable plug (S). Thus, when the threaded connection is tightened, the cable plug (S) is also positioned and fixed in a rotationally secure manner with respect to the housing (1) and the clamping part (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a plug arrangement for use with cables with cable plugs, according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a plug connection using such a plug arrangement, according to the preamble of claim 11.

[0002] The transmission of electronic data between computer systems via cables is common knowledge. These cables typically have a multi-pin connector whose configuration is similar to a rectangular telephone plug. A widely used 8-pin connector is known in technical circles as the "RJ-45" ​​connector. In some applications, the standardized RJ-45 connector is susceptible to damage and failure. For example, it is not well suited for repeated insertion and removal, especially from a chassis socket; the contacts are easily bent or displaced by incorrect insertion. The plastic locking mechanism (spring arm) can fatigue and break, so that the connector no longer fits securely in the socket. The cable itself is prone to damage from repeated kinking at the point where it enters the socket.Furthermore, the cable can also be pulled out of the connector by longitudinal stress. The connector housing is made of plastic and is easily deformed or broken if, for example, it is accidentally stepped on. The aforementioned disadvantages also apply to other cable connections such as fiber optic cables, power cables, and many more.

[0003] To protect the sensitive cable connectors, an arrangement according to EP 1 317 025 B1 was proposed. Furthermore, NEUTRIK AG markets a cable connector protector for pre-assembled RJ45 cable connectors under the designation NE8MC. This protector consists of a housing, a stop washer, a clamping element, a clamping sleeve, and a strain relief. The housing for the actual cable connector has an external thread to form a threaded connection with a clamping sleeve or nut that has an internal thread. Inside the housing, and partially also inside the clamping sleeve, is a radially compressible clamping element that grips the cable and, when compressed, clamps the cable securely within the housing.

[0004] When the threaded connection is tightened, the clamping sleeve, clamping element, housing, cable connector, and cable are clamped together, forming a connector assembly that can be connected to a complementary element, such as a socket, by simply pushing them together. Depending on the specific design of the cable connector, additional adapter pieces adapted to the respective connector must be inserted between the front end of the clamping jaw and the cable connector, which adversely increases assembly time and effort. Furthermore, suitable adapter pieces must be kept on hand for each type of cable connector.

[0005] A collet with forward-projecting fingers for positioning a data connector is also disclosed in CN 204030082 U. In this design, one of these fingers also serves to hold down the locking tongue of the data connector. However, the fingers of this embodiment are not designed to receive and correctly position data connectors of different dimensions, even longitudinally. Furthermore, the collet cannot be used for pre-assembled cables, as it must be slid onto the cable from the front, after which the connector can then be mounted on the cable. Also, no recess is provided in the housing to receive the locking tongue.

[0006] The fingers of the collet chuck disclosed in CN 201805068 U also do not allow data connectors of different dimensions to be positioned securely and correctly.

[0007] In contrast, CN 204030082 U discloses that the front end of a clamping element facing the cable connector is designed to receive and position the cable connector in a predetermined position – both around the longitudinal axis of the connector assembly and in its longitudinal direction – either at the front end of the clamping element or with at least one stop for the cable connector. When the threaded connection is tightened, the cable connector is positioned in a rotationally secure manner relative to the housing and the clamping element and is preferably also fixed in a defined position in the longitudinal direction. Inside the housing, at least one cross-sectional constriction is arranged as a stop for the front end of the clamping element in the longitudinal direction, so that the clamping element, at least when the threaded connection is tightened, is supported against the cross-sectional constriction in the longitudinal direction and is precisely positioned in the longitudinal direction of the housing.The clamping element is clamped between the cross-sectional narrowing and the clamping sleeve or an element interacting with it, at least when the threaded connection is tightened, and is precisely positioned in the longitudinal axis direction of the housing.

[0008] Similarly, CN 103326179 A shows a clamping element whose front side forms a stop for the cable connector and also holds it fixed in a predetermined position around the longitudinal axis of the connector assembly. Here, however, the protective housing consists of two interlocking sub-elements. When the threaded connection is tightened, the cable connector is positioned against rotation relative to the housing and the clamping element and is preferably also fixed in a defined position in the longitudinal direction. A cross-sectional constriction is formed on the housing as a stop for a shoulder on the cable connector, against which the clamping element rests, at least when the threaded connection is tightened, and thus also precisely positioned in the longitudinal direction. The clamping element is clamped between the cross-sectional constriction and the clamping sleeve or an element interacting with it, at least when the threaded connection is tightened.It has longitudinal reinforcing ribs running along its outer side.

[0009] CN 202495629 U discloses a connector for data cables in which a plug, for example an RJ45 plug, at the end of a data cable is surrounded by a protective housing with a screwed-on clamping sleeve. Furthermore, a clamping sleeve with circumferentially distributed clamping fingers surrounds the cable, while a flat, annular section at the front end holds the plug. A partition is arranged in the middle section of the protective housing, forming a stop for a stepped connector. When the clamping sleeve and the housing are screwed together, the clamping sleeve also acts on the clamping element, which then presses the plug against the partition, while the clamping fingers hold the cable securely.

[0010] The invention aims to provide, while avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art, a simple and quickly mountable device for protecting a cable plug of any type and for any type of cable, by which the risk of damage during insertion into a corresponding plug socket, while it is inserted in the plug socket and when pulling it out of the plug socket can be avoided or reduced.

[0011] This problem is solved by a device according to claim 1. Further features of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0012] In the generic connector arrangements, it is known that several fingers, distributed circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis and oriented parallel to it, are formed at the front end of the clamping element. These fingers serve as a receptacle or stop for the cable connector and as a stop for a perforated partition wall of the housing, which has a recess. When the threaded connection is tightened, these fingers rest against this partition wall. This ensures simple, quick, precise, and yet secure positioning and fixing of the cable connector, which can nevertheless be easily inserted into the front end of the clamping element.

[0013] According to the present invention, at least one of the fingers has a shoulder extending laterally in the circumferential direction – with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connector assembly – to serve as a receptacle or stop for the cable connector. At the latest when the threaded connection is tightened, the rear end of the cable connector rests against at least one of the shoulders or, alternatively, is held between the fingers and thus securely positioned. The position and depth of the shoulder, preferably several shoulders arranged in a stepped configuration, can be used, possibly in combination with a different rotational position of the clamping element about the cable's longitudinal axis, to provide different dimensions for the receiving area of ​​the cable connector.This means that a clamping element designed in this way and a plug assembly containing this clamping element are suitable for receiving cable plugs with different dimensions, whereby the exact and secure positioning within the housing of the plug assembly is guaranteed for all types of cable plugs.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the connector arrangement according to the invention, a radially inwardly projecting ridge is formed on at least one of the fingers. Increased stability of the clamping element and, in particular, of the fingers can be achieved via these ridges.

[0015] Preferably, at least one of the fingers is positioned and dimensioned such that any spring arm of the cable connector is held by this finger in a position pressed against the housing of the cable connector. This prevents the spring arm from interfering with the coupling and locking of the connector, which is achieved solely through the connector arrangement, and also eliminates the need for an additional, time-consuming manual removal step that risks damaging the cable connector.

[0016] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that a small gap is formed between the inner wall of the recess in the partition and the cable connector.

[0017] Preferably, the clamping element is guided inside the housing around its longitudinal axis in a rotationally secure manner, which allows for even faster and simpler assembly and optimal fixing and positioning of the cable connector in the assembled state of the connector assembly.

[0018] To ensure the rotational stability of the clamping element within the housing using the simplest and most reliable means possible, while still allowing for easy longitudinal movement, a further optional feature of the invention provides for at least one guide for the clamping element running parallel to the longitudinal axis inside the housing. This guide advantageously interacts with a complementary structure on the clamping element, and optionally also with the cable connector itself, particularly its side edges, thus achieving the desired longitudinal guidance without rotation of the clamping element.

[0019] Preferably, the guide for the clamping element and the complementary structure on the clamping element are designed as a web running parallel to the longitudinal axis direction of the housing and as a groove running parallel to the longitudinal axis direction of the housing.

[0020] A simple and robust embodiment of the clamping element is characterized in that the clamping element has a cylindrical middle section adjoining the fingers of the front end and a rear end opposite the fingers, preferably tapering conically.

[0021] In order to ensure the best possible strain relief, the tapered rear end of the clamping element preferably has at least two radially compressible fingers, the surfaces of which facing the cable are designed for an increased form or friction fit with the cable.

[0022] Another embodiment of the plug arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that a recess is further provided in the housing for receiving a possible spring arm of the cable plug and / or a finger of the clamping element, wherein the spring arm is optionally held in the recess in a pressed position.

[0023] A connector assembly with a clamping element having an axially parallel longitudinal slot extending along the length of the clamping element, wherein the clamping element can be elastically pulled apart in the circumferential direction and pushed onto the cable, ensures quick and secure mounting of the connector assembly on the cable with cable connector, with a small number of components.

[0024] To solve the problem posed at the beginning, a plug connection is also provided, using a plug arrangement according to one of the preceding paragraphs.

[0025] This connector is characterized according to the invention in that, to form at least one electrical connection, a socket is further provided for receiving the corresponding connector assembly. This ensures optimal protection of the sensitive cable connector even in harsh environments.

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the housing and the connector socket are provided with complementary structures for longitudinal guidance of the housing in the connector socket in order to ensure the alignment of the plug arrangement with respect to the connector socket when inserting the plug arrangement into the socket.

[0027] Preferably, the housing is provided with a longitudinal groove and the connector socket is provided with a corresponding counter-longitudinal rib to ensure the alignment of the plug arrangement with respect to the connector socket when inserting the plug arrangement into the socket.

[0028] Another optional embodiment of such a connector additionally provides a snap-lock mechanism for the detachable connection of the connector assembly to the socket, in order to reliably prevent the cable connector from being unintentionally unplugged. The snap-lock mechanism engages in a recess on the outside of the housing.

[0029] Finally, another object of the invention is a clamping element for use in a plug arrangement for use with cables with cable plugs, wherein this plug arrangement and the clamping element are designed according to one of the paragraphs mentioned above.

[0030] These plug arrangements, connectors and chip components are used particularly in data cables such as RJ45 cables, but also in fiber optic cables, power cables and the like.

[0031] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0032] They each show, in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 a plug arrangement according to the prior art in exploded view; Fig. 2 an embodiment of a plug arrangement according to the invention, also in exploded view, showing the cable plug; Fig. 3 the plug arrangement of the Fig. 2 from another direction and with the cable connector and cable in the installed position against the clamping element; Fig. 4 a longitudinal section along the cable axis through an assembled connector assembly, without cable and cable connector; Fig. 5 a clamping element in an embodiment according to the invention in a slightly perspective side view; Fig. 6 the clamping element of the Fig. 5 in a front view, from the direction of the cable connector; Fig. 7 a side view of the clamping part of the Fig. 4 ; Fig. 8 a side view of the clamping part rotated by 90 degrees of the Fig. 7; Fig. 9 a side view of the clamping part rotated by 45 degrees of the Fig. 7 ; Fig. 10 a section along line XX of the Fig. 9 ; Fig. 11 a view of the clamping part of the Fig. 7 to the rear end; Fig. 12 a longitudinal section through the clamping part of the Fig. 7 along line XII-XII of the Fig. 10 in the direction of the small arrows; Fig. 13 a longitudinal section through the clamping part of the Fig. 7 along line XII-XII of the Fig. 10 opposite to the direction of the small arrows; Fig. 14 a longitudinal section rotated by 90 degrees through a plug arrangement as in Fig. 4 , however with the cable connector inserted; Fig. 15 shows a longitudinal section along the cable axis accordingly Fig. 4 , now with the cable connector inserted, but without the cable; Fig. 16 a front view of the connector arrangement of the Fig. 14 Fig. 17 a front view of a clamping element with an inserted cable connector; Fig. 18 a corresponding front view Fig. 17, with an inserted cable connector of different dimensions; Fig. 19 a view of the housing from the side of the clamping sleeve; and Fig. 20 a representation of a complete system with cable, cable connector according to the invention and complementary plug socket in one device.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The in Fig. 1The illustrated connector assembly, designed as cable connector protection, particularly for pre-assembled RJ45 cable connectors, consists of a housing 1 designed for insertion into a socket, the rear end of which is provided with an external thread 2. When the connector assembly is mounted, the cable connector is received and secured inside this housing 1. From the rear, i.e., from the cable side, a clamping sleeve 3 can be screwed onto the housing 1, thus forming a threaded connection. For this purpose, an internal thread 4 is provided at the front end of the clamping sleeve 3, facing the housing 1. As soon as this threaded connection is formed, a radially compressible clamping element 5, which encompasses the data cable, is also compressed, thereby clamping the cable in the clamping element 5 and thus also in the connector assembly. With the threaded connection tightened, the clamping sleeve 3, the clamping element 5, the housing 1, and the cable are thus clamped together.

[0035] To position and secure the cable connector S in housing 1, the following steps are required according to the diagram in Fig. 1 The depicted prior art provides at least two adapter pieces 6, which must be placed around the cable connector and inserted into the front end of the clamping element 5 with a rear shoulder. This entire assembly, in which it must be held manually by the user, must then also be manually inserted into the housing 1. The connector assembly is further supplemented by a sealing ring 7, which is inserted between the housing 1 and the clamping sleeve 3 and ensures dust and water resistance. This connector assembly, as described above, upgrades a conventional cable connector, such as an RJ45 connector, to an extremely robust and lockable solution. The adapter pieces 6 must be selected accordingly for different types of cable connectors.

[0036] A further improved solution with fewer components and simpler assembly is available in the Figs. 2 to 17 The connector arrangement according to the invention is applicable to all types of cable connectors and cables, in particular to data cables and RJ45 cable connectors, but also to optical fibers and their correspondingly designed connectors, to power cables, and many more. Single contacts can also be used instead of cable connectors with multiple contact elements. The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments for data cables with RJ45 cable connectors, which, however, should not be considered limiting.

[0037] As in Fig. 2As can be seen, within the preferably cylindrical housing 1, open at both ends, and the preferably tapered clamping sleeve 3, only one clamping element 5 is inserted. According to the invention, this clamping element 5 is designed at its front end, facing the housing 1, to receive and position a cable connector S with a spring arm F in a predetermined position within the housing 1. The cable is not shown here for clarity. The housing 1 is preferably made of die-cast metal, in particular die-cast zinc, preferably with a coating, especially of nickel or chromium. Housings 1 made of plastic or other materials are also possible.The clamping element 5, preferably made of polyacetal (POM) or polyamide (PA), is freely rotatable about the central cable axis as long as it is outside the housing 1 and the threaded connection between housing 1 and clamping sleeve 3 is engaged. Fig. 4 This is a sectional view of a connector assembly consisting of housing 1, clamping sleeve 3, and clamping element 5, shown in longitudinal section before it is manufactured. This allows it to be applied to the cable in any desired position during assembly of the connector assembly. Only after insertion into housing 1 is the clamping element 5 held securely against rotation by the guide structures described below, thus positioning, clamping, and fixing the cable connector relative to housing 1.

[0038] At the front end of the clamping part 5, which is in the Figs. 5 to 13As shown in different views and sections, several fingers 8 and 8a are formed, distributed circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis and oriented parallel to it, extending from the central part 11 of the clamping element 5 to the insertion end of the housing 1. Preferably, three fingers 8, 8a are formed and extend over up to approximately one-third of the total length of the clamping element 5. The cable connector S is – as shown in the Fig. 3As shown, it is inserted between the fingers 8, 8a and is then, at the latest when the threaded connection of the housing 1 with the clamping sleeve 3 is tightened, received between the fingers 8, 8a and then, due to the guidance of the clamping element 5 in the housing 1 and the clamping between the clamping element 5 and within the housing 1, is securely positioned in a very precisely defined position and is also securely fixed in the connector arrangement by the clamping between the housing 1 and the clamping element 5, both with regard to the direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis direction and in the longitudinal direction of the connector arrangement.

[0039] A particularly preferred embodiment is one in which a clamping element 5 is designed for use with cable connectors S of different outer dimensions. This can be achieved, for example, by providing at least one shoulder 9 or a shoulder as an end-face stop surface for the cable connector S of differently dimensioned cable connectors S on at least one of the fingers 8, 8a, offset in the circumferential and longitudinal directions of the clamping element 5. This is in Fig. 5 This is clearly visible. The cable connector S is then not directly in contact with the center piece 11 of the clamping part 5, but only with the shoulders 9 of the fingers 8, 8a.

[0040] Preferably, two or more shoulders 9 are provided. The rear side of a cable connector S inserted between the fingers 8, 8a then rests against one of the shoulders 9, depending on the dimensions of the cable connector. This is the case for two different cable connectors S in the Figs. 16 and 17The assembly is shown in a front view. Once the clamping sleeve 3 is screwed onto the housing 1 and the threaded connection is tightened, the rear end of the cable connector S is received between the fingers 8, 8a, rests against at least one end face of one of the shoulders 9, and is thus securely positioned and fixed within the housing 1. For secure and precisely defined positioning, as well as for guiding the cable connector S during insertion into the clamping element 5, tooth-shaped guide ridges 8b are advantageously formed in cross-section on the fingers 8, 8a. These ridges come into contact with the outer surface of the cable connector S, guiding and holding it.

[0041] Furthermore, as is stated in the Fig. 2 , 6 , 10 , 13 16 and 17It is clearly visible that at least one of the fingers 8a has a radially inwardly projecting rib 10 to significantly increase the stability of this finger 8a and thus of the entire clamping element 5. This is particularly advantageous when this retaining arm 8a is designed and configured to hold a spring tongue F of the cable connector S in the position deformed towards the cable connector housing, so that the spring tongue F neither hinders the assembly of the connector assembly nor the making and breaking of the connection with the counterpart of the connector assembly according to the invention. The locking and unlocking of the connection is accomplished by other mechanisms on or in the connector assembly and not by the spring tongue F of the cable connector S.

[0042] The retaining arm 8a for the spring tongue F can be made in one piece, but it could also be divided in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the clamping part 5, with the division extending only over the length of the receiving area of ​​a cable connector S. The web or webs 10 can also be used to guide the cable connector S in the longitudinal direction when it is inserted into the clamping part 5, as well as to contribute to the secure positioning of the cable connector S in the circumferential direction of the connector assembly by forming a stop for one of the longitudinal edges of the cable connector S, which stop prevents further rotation of this cable connector S within and relative to the clamping part 5.

[0043] Similar to the known design of the clamping element 5, this has a cylindrical middle part 11 adjoining the fingers 8, 8a of the front end and a rear end 12 opposite the fingers 8, 8a, preferably tapering conically.

[0044] This rear end 12, in turn, has at least two radially compressible fingers 13, the surfaces of which facing the cable K are designed for increased form-fit or frictional engagement with the cable K. For example, these surfaces can have a sawtooth profile, so that when the fingers 13 are compressed during the tightening of the threaded connection between housing 1 and clamping sleeve 3, the tips of the sawtooths press into the plastic sheathing of the cable, thus clamping the cable K and the clamping element 5. This separates tensile stresses of the cable K from the cable connector S and instead transfers them via the clamping element 5 to the housing 1, where they are absorbed by the housing or by the connector between housing 1 and the corresponding socket.

[0045] The clamping element 5 is preferably also manufactured in one piece and, in order to be easily and quickly attached to the cable, has a longitudinal slot 15 extending along its entire length. This slot allows the clamping element 5 to be pulled apart circumferentially, after which it can be easily slid onto the cable K. A longitudinal rib, projecting from the inner wall of the connector housing 1 and running parallel to its longitudinal axis, engages in the groove formed between the two longitudinal sides of the slot 15 of the clamping element 5. The longitudinal groove of the clamping sleeve and the longitudinal rib work together to form a guide and an anti-rotation device, ensuring the precise alignment of the clamping sleeve in the circumferential direction of the connector housing.

[0046] The clamping element 5 can also be completely closed in the circumferential direction and is then slid onto the cable K in its longitudinal direction before the cable connector S is attached. In this case, appropriate structures must be formed on the clamping element 5 and in the housing 1 to ensure rotation-proof guidance, for example, a longitudinal groove that does not penetrate the entire material thickness of the clamping element 5 or projections arranged in or on the clamping element 5 in the longitudinal axis direction to receive a longitudinal rib in the housing 1 or to engage in a longitudinal groove in the housing 1, so that the rotation-proof clamping element 5 in the housing 1 is ensured.

[0047] When assembling the connector assembly according to the invention, the clamping sleeve 3 is first slid over the end of the cable with the cable connector. Then the clamping element 5 can be placed onto the cable, with the cable being guided through the longitudinal slot 15 towards the longitudinal center axis of the clamping element 5. The clamping element 5 is then slid forward onto the cable connector, which thereby comes to rest between the fingers 8 and is supported by their shoulders 9. The entire assembly of cable, cable connector and clamping element 5 is then inserted into the housing 1.

[0048] Preferably, a cross-sectional constriction in the form of a perforated partition 16 is arranged in the housing 1, forming a stop for the front end of the fingers 8. At least the two fingers 8 directly adjoining the longitudinal edge of the longitudinal slot 15 of the clamping element 5 form, with their end faces, the stops for the longitudinal positioning of the clamping element 5 in the housing 1. As shown in the figure, the opening in the partition 16 protrudes through it. Fig. 14As shown in the longitudinal section, the front end of the cable connector S passes through, projecting forward beyond the end faces of the fingers 8, 8a of the clamping element 5. The opening is shaped according to the cross-sectional profile of the cable connector S and may optionally be provided with a recess for receiving the front portion of the spring arm F of the cable connector S. Its rear portion is preferably held in the depressed position by the finger 8a. Preferably, the recess in the partition 16 is dimensioned such that the front end of the finger 8a can also be received and can extend through the partition 16 to securely hold the spring arm F in the depressed position. In this case, the end face of the first shoulder 9 of the finger 8a serves as a stop against the partition 16. Alternatively, the partition 16 could also have a recess extending in the longitudinal axis direction to receive the finger 8a.

[0049] The function of pressing down the spring arm F can also be achieved by a suitably dimensioned recess in the partition 16. The partition 16 is arranged within the housing 1 at a longitudinal point selected to achieve the desired positioning of the cable connector S within the housing 1 and in relation to the connector socket, ensuring an optimal connection. In this case, an embodiment of the clamping element 5 is provided in which there is no long finger 8a extending over the spring arm F, but rather all fingers 8 have essentially the same length.

[0050] In the housing 1 of the connector assembly according to the invention, longitudinal guide grooves 1b or longitudinal guide strips can also be provided on the side of the partition 16 facing the clamping sleeve 3. These grooves or guide strips run in alignment with the corner regions of the opening in the partition 16 and serve to guide the cable connector S correctly in the circumferential direction when it is inserted into the housing 1. Longitudinal grooves 1a on the side of the partition 16 facing the mating part of the housing 1 in the connector socket primarily serve for indexing purposes to prevent confusion with other, similarly constructed connector types. They can optionally also serve as guides for the circumferentially correct alignment to form the plug connection.

[0051] To complete the connector assembly according to the invention, the clamping sleeve 3 is screwed onto the housing 1, thus establishing the threaded connection between the external thread 2 of the housing 1 and the internal thread 4 of the clamping sleeve 3. This presses the rear fingers 13 of the clamping element 5 onto the cable K, thereby clamping the clamping element 5 onto the cable K. Simultaneously, this brings the clamping element 5, with its fingers 8 and possibly also 8a, into contact with the partition 16, or clamps it between the clamping sleeve 3 and the partition 16, so that all components are clamped against each other and the cable connector S is securely and safely positioned and fixed in the housing 1. The clamping of the clamping element 5 and the reception of the cable connector S in or on its front side ensure very precise positioning of the connector assembly in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions.On the other hand, the elasticity of the clamping element 5 and a small clearance, i.e., a small gap 16b, between the inner wall of the recess in the partition 16 and the cable connector S, allow the cable connector S to pivot by a small angle at least in the direction of at least one of the two principal axes of the recess in the partition 16. This compensates for small tolerances and differences in the alignment of the connector assembly and its counterpart, thereby significantly simplifying the assembly of the two complementary components to establish the connection between two cable ends or between a cable end and a device.

[0052] On the end faces of fingers 8, 8a, locking projections 8c may be present - see below. Fig. 7- designed to fix the clamping element 5 within the housing 1, in order to fix the clamping element 5 in the housing 1 and to secure it against being pulled out or sliding out. Detent projections 11a, which engage in complementary structures in or on the inside of the housing 1, could also be positioned on the circumferential surface of the clamping element 5, in the area of ​​the fingers 8, 8a or the central part 11, as shown in Fig. 5 This is an example.

[0053] Using a connector arrangement as described above, a particularly robust connection can be achieved by providing a socket B for the corresponding receptacle of the connector arrangement 1, 3, 5. The housing 1 may optionally be provided with a longitudinal groove, and the socket B, which can be used, for example, as a panel-mount connector in a device G (see [reference]), Fig. 20The connector assembly, which is installed in the housing 1, can be provided with a corresponding longitudinal rib to ensure the alignment of the connector assembly with respect to the socket B when the connector assembly is inserted into the socket. To prevent the cable connector from being unintentionally disconnected, an optional snap-action or spring-loaded latch can be provided for the detachable connection of the connector assembly to the socket. This spring-loaded latch preferably engages in a recess 17 on the outside of the housing 1. Reference numeral list

[0054] 1 Housing 1a Longitudinal groove 1b Guide groove 2 External thread 3 Clamping sleeve 4 Internal thread 5 Clamping element 6 Adapter piece 7 Sealing ring 8 Front finger 8a Spring arm finger 8b Web 8c Detent projection 9 Shoulder 10 Web 11 Middle part 11a Detent projection 12 Conical rear end 13 Rear finger 14 Sawtooth structure 15 Longitudinal groove 16 Partition 16a Recess 16b Gap 17 Recess K Cable S Cable connector F Spring arm B Socket G Device

Claims

1. A plug arrangement for use with cables (K) having cable plugs (S) comprising: a) a housing (1) for receiving the cable plug (S), with a thread (2) arranged on one of its faces; b) a clamping element (5) which is radially compressible and encompasses the cable (K) and is accommodated in the housing (1), which clamping element (5), in a compressed state, clamps the cable (K); c) a clamping sleeve (3) having a thread (4) for forming a threaded connection with the thread (2) on the housing (1); wherein, when the threaded connection is tightened, the clamping sleeve (3), the clamping element (5), the housing (1) and the cable (K) are braced together, d) multiple fingers (8, 8a) circumferentially distributed about the central longitudinal axis and oriented in parallel thereto on the front end of the clamping element (5) as a receptacle respectively stop for the cable plug (S) and as a stop for the cross-section constriction (16) of the housing (1), which fingers (8, 8a) abut on said cross-section constriction (16) when the threaded connection is tightened, wherein the front end of the clamping element (5) facing the cable plug (S) is formed for receiving and positioning the cable plug (S) in a predetermined position on the front end of the clamping element (5) or is provided with at least one stop for the cable plug (S); wherein, when the threaded connection is tightened, the cable plug (S) is positioned and fixed so as not to rotate with respect to the housing (1) and the clamping element (5) and / or in the direction of the longitudinal axis, characterized in that at least one shoulder (9) is formed laterally when seen in the circumferential direction, on at least one of the fingers (8, 8a) as a receptacle respectively stop for the cable plug (S).

2. The plug arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that, on at least one of the fingers (8, 8a), a web (8b, 10) protruding radially inwardly is formed.

3. The plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the fingers (8a) is preferably positioned and dimensioned such that a possible spring arm (F) of the cable plug (S) is retained in a position pressed toward the housing of the cable plug (S) by means of said finger (8a).

4. The plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a small intermediate space (16b) is formed between the inner wall of the recess in the dividing wall (16) and the cable plug (S).

5. The plug arrangement according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one guide for the clamping element (5), which guide extends in parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis, is arranged inside the housing (1), wherein said guide cooperates with a complementary structure on the clamping element (5) or with the cable plug (S) itself.

6. The plug arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the guide for the clamping element (5) and the complementary structure on the clamping element are formed as a web extending in parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing (1) and as a slot extending in parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing (1).

7. The plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the clamping element (5) has a cylindrical middle part (11) adjoining the fingers (8, 8a) and a preferably conically tapering rear end (12) opposing the fingers (8, 8a), wherein the conically tapering rear end (12) of the clamping element (5) has at least two radially compressible fingers (13), whose surfaces (14) facing the cable (K) are configured for an increased positive or frictional connection with the cable (K).

8. The plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a recess is provided in the housing (1) for receiving a possible spring arm (F) of the cable plug (S) and / or a finger (8a) of the clamping element (5), wherein, if applicable, the spring arm (F) is retained in the recess in a pressed position.

9. The plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the clamping element (5) has a continuous longitudinal slit (15) parallel to the axis along the length of the clamping element (5), wherein the clamping element (5) can be elastically pulled apart in its circumferential direction and pushed onto the cable (K).

10. The plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, for use with a data cable, for example an RJ45 cable, an optical fiber, or a power cable.

11. A plug connection using a plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, for establishing at least one electric connection, furthermore, a plug socket is provided to correspondingly receive a plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The plug connection according to claim 11, characterized in that the housing (1) and the plug socket are provided with complementary structures for longitudinally guiding the housing (1) in the plug socket, in order to ensure the orientation of the plug arrangement with respect to the plug socket upon insertion of the plug arrangement into the socket, wherein the housing (1) is preferably provided with a longitudinal slot and the plug socket is provided with a corresponding counter-longitudinal rib.

13. The plug connection according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, additionally, a snap latch for the releasable connection of the plug arrangement with the plug socket is provided, wherein the snap latch engages with an indentation (17) on the outside of the housing (1).

Images