Network connector and connection

Abstract

The invention relates to a network connector plug that can be plugged into a network socket of a communication device and comprises a connector (12) having several contacts for conductors of a network cable (2), which projects from a connector housing (11) along a longitudinal axis (10) of the connector and can be plugged into a connection area (31) of a network socket (3) provided with corresponding contacts. Furthermore, an actuating element (100) acting on a locking tab (13) is provided, comprising a first (101) and a second angled deflection lever (102), each of which has an angle and is pivotable about a pivot axis (110, 120) transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connector. The first deflection lever is hinge-connected at a first end to the locking tab and at a second end to a first end of the second deflection lever.The first end of the second deflection lever and the second end of the first deflection lever can be pivoted away from the longitudinal axis of the connector by applying pressure to the second end of the second deflection lever. This allows the first end of the first deflection lever to move towards the longitudinal axis of the connector for an unlocking action acting on the locking tab.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a network connector that can be plugged into a network socket of a communication device, in particular an industrial automation device, and to a connector comprising such a network connector and a network socket.

[0002] To enable the use of Ethernet technology in industrial automation systems, German patent DE 100 53 843 C1 proposes an RJ45-based connector that allows for the power supply of connected sensors or actuators. For this purpose, additional contacts for power supply are provided as an integral part of the connector. On the socket side, a standard RJ45 socket is extended by an insulating body with two contact surfaces. On the plug side, two corresponding contact elements are added, which are in contact with plugging elements on the socket side. In this way, the use of RJ45-based connectors in industrial automation systems is possible, particularly while retaining existing crimp connection techniques and methods for impedance matching.

[0003] From US 7,950,949 B2, a network connector is known that comprises at least one contact, a housing encompassing the contact, and a network cable inserted into the housing. The housing additionally includes a locking mechanism that can be connected to a corresponding network socket. Furthermore, a tubular actuating element is provided, which surrounds the network cable, is connected to the housing, and releases the locking mechanism when actuated. The actuating element has a smaller diameter than the housing and penetrates it.

[0004] EP 2 645 491 B1 relates to a network connector that can be plugged into a network socket of a communication device. The network connector comprises a connector housing and a contact element with multiple receptacles and contacts for the conductors of a network cable. The contact element is located within the connector housing and can pivot into an end position in which the conductors of a network cable can be secured by means of fixing elements arranged on the base element of the housing. A connector with multiple contacts can be plugged into a connection area of ​​a network socket that is provided with corresponding contacts. A locking element is spring-loaded on the connector and can be brought into engagement with a corresponding recess or undercut in a connection area of ​​a network socket.An actuating element acting on the locking element is blocked in a position of the contact element that deviates from the end position relative to an unlocking actuation.

[0005] US Patent 6,254,418 B1 discloses a network connector with a terminal section having multiple contacts for the conductors of a network cable. A locking tab is spring-loaded on the terminal section and can be engaged with a recess in a network socket. An actuating element is also provided, which engages the locking tab and comprises a first angled and a second straight deflection lever. The first deflection lever is hinged at one end to the locking tab and at the other end to the first end of the second deflection lever. The second deflection lever can be moved at its other end along the longitudinal axis of the connector by means of pressure actuation.The first end of the second deflection lever and the second end of the first deflection lever can be pivoted away from the longitudinal axis of the connector by means of pressure actuation, whereby the first end of the first deflection lever can be moved towards the longitudinal axis of the connector for an unlocking actuation acting on the locking tab.

[0006] JP 2016 143655 A describes a network connector that includes an actuating element acting on a locking tab, which comprises two double-angled deflection levers. The deflection levers are not hinged to each other, but rather connected by an elongated rail formed by a recess at one end of a first deflection lever, into which a head or pin attached to one end of a second deflection lever engages. In this way, the head or pin is guided through the rail, with the opposing ends of the deflection levers crossing when the actuating element is pressed.

[0007] Devices with communication functions, especially industrial automation equipment, often have network cable connectors, such as RJ45 Ethernet cables, located deep within the device for a variety of reasons. While this arrangement provides stable mechanical support for robust cables or network connectors, it typically requires a tool, such as a screwdriver, to unlock the connections, as the locking tabs on the network connectors are otherwise inaccessible.

[0008] The present invention is based on the objective of creating a network connector that can be easily and tool-free removed even from network sockets located deep within communication devices or surrounded by collars, and of providing a corresponding plug connection.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by a network connector with the features specified in claim 1 and by a plug connector with the features specified in claim 11. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] The network connector according to the invention is pluggable into a network socket of a communication device and comprises a connector with several contacts for conductors of a network cable, which projects along a connector longitudinal axis from a connector housing and can be plugged into a connection area of ​​a network socket provided with corresponding contacts. Furthermore, a locking tab is provided, which is spring-loaded on the connector and can be brought into engagement with a corresponding recess or undercut in a connection area of ​​a network socket. For this purpose, the locking tab can, for example, have a detent for engagement with a corresponding recess or undercut in a connection area of ​​a network socket.

[0011] The connector housing has, in particular, an opening for inserting a network cable end. The longitudinal axis of the connector runs through this opening. Preferably, a rotatable, essentially U-shaped locking piece is mounted on the connector housing at the opening for inserting a network cable end. In a mounting position, the legs of this locking piece form a receptacle for a network cable end. Furthermore, the locking piece can be rotated into a locking position to secure a network cable against tensile loads, allowing the network cable to be clamped between its legs.

[0012] Furthermore, the network connector according to the invention has an actuating element that acts on the locking tab and comprises a first and a second angled deflection lever, each of which has an angle and is pivotable about an axis of rotation transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connector. The first deflection lever is hinge-connected at a first end to the locking tab and at a second end to the first end of the second deflection lever. The second deflection lever is movable at a second end towards the longitudinal axis of the connector by means of pressure actuation. This pressure actuation causes the first end of the second deflection lever and the second end of the first deflection lever to pivot away from the longitudinal axis of the connector. This allows the first end of the first deflection lever to be moved towards the longitudinal axis of the connector for an unlocking actuation acting on the locking tab.

[0013] Thus, according to the invention, a special design of the actuating element acting on the locking tab makes it possible to unlock a network connector from a network socket located deeper in the housing of a communication device without tools. For this purpose, the actuating element has a correspondingly long axial extension beyond the connector housing.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the actuating element is formed in one piece and has a film hinge between the second end of the first deflection lever and the first end of the second deflection lever. In this way, the kinematics of the actuating element described above can be implemented particularly effectively and cost-efficiently. Advantageously, the locking tab or the actuating element has a preload, causing it to return to a locking position after the second end of the second deflection lever has been actuated. For example, the actuating element can have the preload in a transition area between the first and the second deflection lever.

[0015] Furthermore, a stop can be formed on or inside the connector housing for the second end of the first deflection lever and for the first end of the second deflection lever. Advantageously, this stop limits the pivoting of the second end of the first deflection lever and the first end of the second deflection lever beyond the locking position relative to the connector's longitudinal axis. In this way, a film hinge or a transition area between the first and second deflection levers can be protected from overextension.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the deflection levers are each essentially rigid. Advantageously, the deflection levers have a flexible connection to each other between the second end of the first deflection lever and the first end of the second deflection lever. In particular, the deflection levers each comprise two legs arranged at an obtuse angle to each other. A first leg of the first deflection lever extends from its first end to the point of articulation, while a second leg of the first deflection lever extends from its second end to the point of articulation. Conversely, a first leg of the second deflection lever extends from its first end to the point of articulation. A second leg of the second deflection lever extends from its second end to the point of articulation.Furthermore, the second leg of the first deflection lever and the first leg of the second deflection lever have identical lengths. In this way, the previously described kinematics of the actuating element can be implemented reliably and with minimal effort.

[0017] The connector according to the invention comprises a network socket of a communication device and a network plug, which is designed according to the preceding embodiments and is inserted into the network socket. The network socket has a collar that, in the closed state of the connector, surrounds the plug housing in a substantially form-fitting manner at least along a portion of its axial extent for radial fixation of the plug housing.

[0018] The present invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. It shows Figure 1 shows a side view of a network connector with a locking tab in the locked position; Figure 2 shows the network connector according to Figure 1 with the locking tab in the unlocked position, Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section through a network connector according to Figure 1 comprehensive plug connection in locking position, Figure 4 a longitudinal section through the plug connection according to Figure 3 in unlocked position.

[0019] The one in the Figures 1 and 2The network connector 1 shown is pluggable into a network socket of a communication device and comprises a connector 12 with several contacts for conductors of a network cable 2. The connector 12 projects from a connector housing 11 along a longitudinal axis 10. The connector housing 11 has an opening for inserting a network cable end, with the longitudinal axis 10 passing through this opening. In particular, a rotatable, essentially U-shaped locking piece can be mounted on the connector housing 11 at the opening for inserting the network cable end. In a mounting position, the legs of this locking piece form a receptacle for the network cable end. This locking piece can, for example, be rotated into a locking position to secure the network cable 2 against tensile loads, in which the network cable 2 is clamped between the legs.

[0020] According to the in the Figures 3 and 4 In the illustrated connector, which comprises the network connector 1 and a network socket 3, the connecting piece 12 can be plugged into a connection area 31 of the network socket 3, which is provided with corresponding contacts. The network socket 3 has a collar 32 that, in the closed state of the connector, surrounds the connector housing 11 in a substantially form-fitting manner, at least along a portion of its axial extent, for radial fixation of the connector housing 11. In the present embodiment, the network socket 3 is integrated into a housing 4 of a communication or automation device.

[0021] Furthermore, the network connector 1 includes a spring-loaded locking tab 13 attached to the connector 12, which engages with a corresponding recess or undercut in the connection area 31 of the network socket 3. Advantageously, the locking tab 11 includes a detent for engaging the corresponding recess or undercut in the connection area 31 of the network socket 3.

[0022] Furthermore, an actuating element 100 acting on the locking tab 13 is provided, comprising a first 101 and a second angled deflection lever 102, each of which has an angle and is pivotable about a pivot axis 110, 120 transverse to the longitudinal axis 10 of the connector. The first deflection lever 101 is hinged at one end to the locking tab 13 and at the other end to the first end of the second deflection lever 102. The second deflection lever 102 is movable at its other end by means of pressure actuation towards the longitudinal axis 10 of the connector. The first end of the second deflection lever 102 and the second end of the first deflection lever 101 are pivotable away from the longitudinal axis 10 of the connector by means of pressure actuation. This allows the first end of the first deflection lever 101 to be moved towards the longitudinal axis of the plug 10 for an unlocking actuation acting on the locking tab 13.

[0023] In the present embodiment, the deflection levers 101 and 102 are each rigidly designed and have a flexible connection to each other between the second end of the first deflection lever 101 and the first end of the second deflection lever 102. In particular, the deflection levers 101 and 102 each comprise two legs 111-112 and 121-122 arranged at an obtuse angle to each other. A first leg 111 of the first deflection lever 101 extends from its first end to the angled section, while a second leg 112 of the first deflection lever 101 extends from its second end to the angled section. In contrast, a first leg 121 of the second deflection lever 102 extends from its first end to the angled section, while a second leg 122 of the second deflection lever 102 extends from its second end to the angled section.To simplify the desired kinematics of the actuating element 100, the second leg 112 of the first deflection lever 101 and the first leg 121 of the second deflection lever 102 have an identical length.

[0024] Preferably, the actuating element 100 is formed in one piece and has a film hinge 103 between the second end of the first deflection lever 101 and the first end of the second deflection lever 102 to create a flexible but defined connection between the two deflection levers 101 and 102. Furthermore, the locking tab 13 and the actuating element 100 are preloaded, causing them to return to a locking position after the second end of the second deflection lever 102 is actuated. For example, the actuating element 100 can have the preload in a transition area between the first 101 and the second deflection lever 102, or at the film hinge 103. Additionally, a stop 130 is formed on or in the connector housing 11 for the second end of the first deflection lever 101 and for the first end of the second deflection lever 102.The stop 130 limits the pivoting of the second end of the first deflection lever 101 and the first end of the second deflection lever 102 beyond the locking position towards the longitudinal axis 10 of the connector. This protects the film hinge in particular from damage or improper mechanical stress.

Claims

1. Network connection plug, which can be plugged into a network connection port of a communication device, with - a connector (12), which has multiple contacts for wires of a network cable (2) and protrudes from a plug housing (11) along a plug longitudinal axis (10) and can be plugged into a connection region (31) of a network connection port (3) that is provided with corresponding contacts, - an interlocking tab (13), which is articulated on the connector in a resilient manner and can be brought into engagement with a corresponding recess or undercut in a connection region (31) of a network connection port, - an actuation element (100), which acts on the interlocking tab and comprises a first angled deflection lever (101) and a second deflection lever (102), wherein the first deflection lever (101) has an angling and can be pivoted there about an axis of rotation (110) transverse to the plug longitudinal axis, - wherein the first deflection lever is connected at a first end to the interlocking tab and at a second end to a first end of the second deflection lever, in the manner of a hinge in each case, - wherein the second deflection lever can be moved towards the plug longitudinal axis at a second end by means of pressure actuation, - wherein the first end of the second deflection lever and the second end of the first deflection lever can be pivoted away from the plug longitudinal axis by the pressure actuation, whereby the first end of the first deflection lever can be moved towards the plug longitudinal axis for an unlocking actuation that acts on the interlocking tab, characterised in that the second deflection lever (102) is embodied as an angled deflection lever, which has an angling and can be pivoted there about an axis of rotation (120) transverse to the plug longitudinal axis.

2. Network connection plug according to claim 1, in which the actuation element (100) is embodied in one piece and has a film hinge (103) between the second end of the first deflection lever (101) and the first end of the second deflection lever (102).

3. Network connection plug according to claim 1 or 2, in which the interlocking tab (13) and / or the actuation element (100) have a pretensioning, whereby after the pressure actuation of the second end of the second deflection lever (102), they move back into an interlocking position.

4. Network connection plug according to claim 3, in which the actuation element (100) has the pretensioning in a transition region between the first (101) and the second deflection lever (102).

5. Network connection plug according to claim 3 or 4, in which an end stop (130) for the second end of the first deflection lever (101) and for the first end of the second deflection lever (102) is formed on or in the plug housing (11) and in which a pivoting of the second end of the first deflection lever and the first end of the second deflection lever beyond the interlocking position towards the plug longitudinal axis is restricted by the end stop.

6. Network connection plug according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the deflection levers (101, 102) are substantially rigid in each case and have a flexible connection to one another between the second end of the first deflection lever and the first end of the second deflection lever.

7. Network connection plug according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the deflection levers (101, 102) in each case comprise two limbs (111-112, 121-122) that are arranged at an obtuse angle in relation to one another, in which a first limb (111) of the first deflection lever (101) extends from the first end thereof to the angling, in which a second limb (112) of the first deflection lever (101) extends from the second end thereof to the angling, in which a first limb (121) of the second deflection lever (102) extends from the first end thereof to the angling, in which a second limb (122) of the second deflection lever (102) extends from the second end thereof to the angling and in which the second limb (112) of the first deflection lever (101) and the first limb (121) of the second deflection lever (102) have an identical length.

8. Network connection plug according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the plug housing (11) has an opening for the introduction of a network cable end and in which the plug longitudinal axis (10) runs through the opening.

9. Network connection plug according to claim 8, in which a rotatable substantially U-shaped closing piece is installed on the plug housing (11) at the opening for the introduction of a network cable end, between the limbs of which closing piece a receptacle for a network cable end is formed in an installed position, and which can be rotated into a closure position to fix a network cable (2) in place in relation to tensile loads, in which closure position a network cable (2) can be clamped between the limbs.

10. Network connection plug according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the interlocking tab (11) has a latching lug to engage into a corresponding recess or undercut in a connection region (31) of a network connection port (3).

11. Plug-in connection with a network connection port of a communication device and with a network connection plug, which is embodied according to one of claims 1 to 10 and is plugged into the network connection port, wherein the network connection port (3) has a collar (32), which surrounds the plug housing (11) with a substantially positive fit in the closed state of the plug connection, at least along part of its axial extent, for fixing the plug housing (11) in place radially.

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