Plug coupling

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector coupling, in the housing (1) of which at least two female plug connectors (2, 3) are formed, which are arranged such that they are rotated by 180° relative to one another about a common axis (M). For each female plug connector (2, 3), a locking assembly (27 to 34) is provided for each cable plug. The contact elements (6, 7) of both female plug connectors belong to a common contact set (16), in which the contact elements are guided in a crossing manner and same are arranged on opposing sides and rotated by 180° relative to one another about the common axis (M). Two locking arms (27, 28) are also arranged in an opposing manner relative to the common axis (M).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector coupling according to claim 1.

[0002] Neutrik AG disclosed a coupling, designated NE8FF, which features a housing made of two extruded profiles joined together, with an L-shaped cross-section. At each open end of the overall cuboid housing, a standard socket for data cable connectors, preferably RJ45 connectors, is inserted. The sockets, arranged one behind the other on a common axis and mirrored in a transverse center plane, are screwed to the end faces of the housing using special adapter flange plates. The compensating circuit boards on the rear of the sockets, into which the socket contacts are soldered, are interconnected by individual cables.Each of the connector sockets is equipped as standard with a locking device that interacts with the inserted complementary cable plug to prevent unintentional and unintended disconnection of the plug and thus the disconnection of the connection. The locking mechanism comprises a locking arm with a locking projection which, when the cable plug is inserted, engages in a locking recess on the cable plug, preferably on a socket-shaped insertion part. Furthermore, an actuating element projecting beyond the end faces of the housing is provided for acting on the locking arm. Starting from a passive position, this actuating element can be manually moved longitudinally along the housing against the action of a return element to an active position in which the locking mechanisms of the cable plug and connector socket are disengaged, thus releasing the connection on the respective side.The cable plug can then be unplugged from the insertion opening of the standard cable socket.

[0003] A similarly designed product was launched by Ningbo Haishu Seetronic Electronics Co. Ltd. under the designations SE8FF and SE8FF-X. Here, too, standard connector sockets, primarily for RJ45 data plugs, are mounted on the ends of a cuboid housing. These sockets are again arranged one behind the other on a common axis, but now rotated 180° relative to each other around this axis. Consequently, the operating mechanisms are also rotated 180° relative to each other around the common axis, making handling somewhat more cumbersome, as one must reach across to opposite sides to disconnect both plugs.

[0004] Neutrik AG has launched a product designated NE8FFX6-W, which features two plug sockets arranged on a common axis within a single housing. These sockets have oppositely oriented insertion openings. Similar to the NE8FF coupling, these sockets are arranged one behind the other on a common axis and are oriented in a mirrored orientation relative to a transverse center plane of the housing. The electrically conductive connection between the sockets is established via a complex, custom-made contact set in which the contact elements are held within a flat, insulating body. The locking mechanism comprises two locking arms, which, together with the actuating element, form a single component.

[0005] The housing comprises two contact carriers in a mirrored orientation with respect to a transverse center plane of the housing, as well as two half-shells divided along the common axis, which are pressed against each other by a sleeve made of elastic material and fix the contact carriers. The sleeve also covers the actuating element and projects beyond the shell along the common axis, with a radially inward-facing sealing lip at both ends.

[0006] RJ45 couplers with insertion directions rotated by 180° at both ends are disclosed, for example, in WO 2014 / 190744 A1, DE 29905338 U1, WO 9945611 A1 and US 2007032119 A1, but without any active locking devices on the couplers. The actuated locking mechanism is located on the two cable plugs, while the couplers only have corresponding interlocking features.

[0007] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device that combines simple, economical manufacturing with flexibility in application and good ease of use.

[0008] This problem is solved by a device and a method according to the claims.

[0009] The device according to the invention provides that the contact elements of both plug sockets belong to a common contact set, in which the contact elements are guided in a crossed manner and arranged on opposite sides rotated 180° relative to each other about the common axis, and two locking arms are arranged opposite each other with respect to the common axis. Such contact sets are simple and economical components that are readily available and easy to manufacture, and their use in the coupling according to the invention allows for a simple design and economical production. The two opposing locking arms enable a functionally optimized design for each side without restrictions imposed by the other locking arrangement.

[0010] Preferably, the locking mechanisms are each equipped with their own actuating element and their own reset element and can be actuated independently of each other. This allows each side to be locked and unlocked independently of the other side, so that when one side is unlocked, the opposite side remains locked and secured against unintentional disconnection of the plug.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuating elements are arranged on sides opposite each other by 180 degrees with respect to the common axis. This positions them in such a way that, when the user engages the clutch, they can be intuitively brought into an ergonomically favorable position, allowing for precise and controlled force to be applied simultaneously to both actuating elements.

[0012] Alternatively, or in combination with this, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the actuating elements are arranged in the same plane transversely to the common axis. This has the advantage that both the actuating forces and the reaction forces all act in a single line. Preferably, the plane in which the actuating elements lie is the longitudinal center plane of the clutch according to the invention.

[0013] In order to optimally combine the force exerted when unlocking the plug connections and the holding of the coupling during manipulation, an advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the direction of the displacement of the actuating elements between their passive position and their active position is predominantly radial with respect to the common axis.

[0014] A very simple and economical design can be achieved with an embodiment according to the invention in which the locking arm is rigidly connected to its actuating element. A variant with a one-piece construction of the locking arm and actuating element is particularly preferred.

[0015] Preferably, the invention is implemented such that the housing comprises two contact carriers and a shell that fixes these contact carriers in their relative position to one another, wherein the contact carriers are arranged on a common axis and rotated 180° relative to each other about the common axis. This enables very efficient manufacturing and storage of the required individual parts, since only the contact carriers and the electrical contact elements need to be designed according to the connector standard; the remaining components of the coupling can always be of the same design for all or at least for a group of coupling types.

[0016] For simple manufacturing, a coupling design is advantageous which is characterized in that the shell consists of two half-shells divided in the direction of the common axis, which are held together by a jacket made of non-metallic material, which greatly simplifies assembly.

[0017] A preferred version of the coupling features a casing made of an elastic material that presses the two halves together. This casing, which is advantageous for protecting the coupling, replaces conventional fasteners such as screws, clamps, or the like, thus eliminating the need for mounting holes, contact surfaces, or similar structures, and allowing for a very simple component design.

[0018] Advantageously, the casing also covers the actuating elements and features structures in the area of ​​the actuating elements to allow manual movement of these elements. This refers to the area where the actuating elements must be guided from the inside of the coupling to the surface in order to be manually operated.

[0019] Advantageously, the sheath can perform an additional function if, according to a further embodiment of the invention, it extends beyond the shell in the direction of the common axis and has a radially inwardly projecting sealing lip at both ends. When the complementary connector is inserted, the insertion opening is then sealed, preventing the ingress of dirt or moisture. With appropriate material selection and design, a protection class of up to IP65 is possible.

[0020] Another advantageous embodiment of a coupling according to the invention is characterized in that the contact set is inserted in a frame, the sides of which are opposite each other along the common axis and are inserted into the contact carriers.

[0021] A preferred variant is one in which the frame is made up of two frame parts opposite each other with respect to the common axis, which overlap each other in the central section of the contact set when viewed in the direction of the common axis.

[0022] Advantageously, for these embodiments it is further provided that at least parts of the actuating arrangement, preferably the entire actuating arrangement, are supported or held in or on the frame.

[0023] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0024] They each show, in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a connector coupling according to the invention; Fig. 2 an exploded view of the coupling of the Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a longitudinal section through the coupling of the Fig. 1 along the vertical longitudinal mid-plane.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The in Fig. 1 The connector coupling shown in perspective view is illustrated as an example embodiment for use with data connectors, preferably RJ45 connectors up to Cat. 6. Naturally, the inventive design can also be applied to other types of panel-mount connectors or couplers. For example, the inventive solution can also be used for connectors according to the XLR standard, for jack plugs, or the like.

[0027] Two sockets 2, 3 are formed on a housing 1, into whose insertion openings 4, 5 complementary connectors can be inserted. The sockets 2, 3 are positioned on a common longitudinal center axis M such that they represent an arrangement mirrored about a transverse center plane.

[0028] Electrical contact elements 6, 7 and, if applicable, grounding contacts 8 are fixed in a contact carrier 9, 10 of each plug socket 2, 3, the contact carriers 9, 10 being held inside the housing 1. The contact elements 6 of one plug socket 2 are connected to the contact elements 7 of the opposite plug socket 3, preferably in a crossed arrangement.

[0029] As can be seen from the exploded view of the Fig. 2 and also from the longitudinal section of the Fig. 3 As can be seen, the plug sockets are arranged rotated 180° relative to each other about the common axis, preferably the longitudinal center axis M. The oppositely oriented insertion openings 4, 5 also have this rotated arrangement, just as the contact carrier 9 is rotated 180° about the longitudinal center axis M relative to the oppositely oriented contact carrier 10 on the other side of the coupling.

[0030] The contact carriers 9, 10 are held together by two half-shells 11, 12 and fixed in their position relative to each other. These half-shells 11, 12 together form a shell divided in the vertical longitudinal center plane. The half-shells 11, 12 are held together and pressed against each other by a sleeve 13 made of an elastic material, preferably a plastic or rubber. In addition to providing mechanical stability to the cable connector coupling, the sleeve 13 also serves a sealing function, protecting the respective connector socket 2, 3 from moisture and dirt when the cable connector is inserted. For this purpose, the sleeve 13 extends beyond the two half-shells 11, 12, preferably at both ends, but does not extend, or only minimally extends, beyond the end face of the respective contact carrier 9, 10.In its end region, preferably in both end regions, the jacket 13 has a sealing lip 14, 15 in both projecting edge sections, circumferential the insertion opening 4, 5 and pointing radially inwards towards the central axis M.

[0031] The electrical contact elements 6, 7 are held within the two contact carriers 9, 10 and the half-shells 11, 12. These are typically part of a contact assembly 16, in which the contact elements 6, 7 of the respective plug sockets 2, 3 are connected by central connecting sections 17. Within the contact assembly 16, the contact elements are guided in a crossed pattern and are arranged on opposite sides rotated 180° relative to each other about the common axis. The contact assembly 16, which is preferably Z-shaped and typically designed as a conventional standard part, further preferably comprises two insulating bodies 18 made of electrically insulating material in its central section, adjacent on both sides to the central connecting sections 17. The contact elements 6, 7, 17 are fixed in their relative position to each other within these insulating bodies.The insulating bodies 18 typically consist of insulating plastic and are injection-molded around the contact elements 6, 7, 17. They are preferably designed as cuboid elements.

[0032] Preferably, the contact assembly 16 is inserted into a frame 19, 20, the sides of which, opposite each other along the common axis M, are inserted into the contact carriers 9, 10. The frame 19, 20 is preferably made up of two frame parts 19, 20 opposite each other with respect to the common axis M, which overlap each other in the central section of the contact assembly 16 when viewed in the direction of the common axis. Each frame part 19, 20 is L-shaped in longitudinal section, with a second leg 23, 24 projecting vertically and parallel to the longitudinal center axis M into the contact carriers 9, 10 from a leg 21, 22 that abuts centrally against the contact assembly 16, and preferably guided and positioned there. In the second leg 23, 24 a recess 25, 25 is formed in which the insulating body 18 of the respective side of the contact set 16 is inserted and positioned and fixed in such a precise manner.

[0033] As a further functional assembly, the expansion connector coupling comprises at least one locking arrangement 27 to 34 for each cable plug in the connector socket 2, 3. In the illustrated example, this arrangement comprises one locking arm 27, 28 per side, i.e., per connector socket 2, 3, which is provided with a locking projection 29, 30 that, when the cable plug is inserted, engages with a complementary locking structure on the cable plug and holds it securely in the insertion opening 4, 5. The locking arms 27, 28 are preferably located exactly opposite each other with respect to the common longitudinal center axis M.

[0034] The unlocking is effected manually for each connector socket 2, 3 via an actuating element 31, 32, which, starting from a passive position, can be manually moved against the action of a return spring 33, 34 (a preferred embodiment being an elastic return spring) into an active position in which the locking projection 29, 30 and the complementary locking structure on the cable connector are disengaged. In the illustrated embodiment of the coupling, the actuating element 31, 32 and the locking arm 27, 28 are integrally formed and essentially rigid, so that when the actuating element 31, 32 is moved into the active position, the locking arm 27, 28 is simultaneously moved and disengaged in the same manner to disengage from the locking structure on the cable connector.

[0035] Preferably, the return spring 33, 34 is supported on the associated frame part 19, 20, which for this purpose has a pin 38, 39 for fixing the position of the return spring 33, 34. The combination of actuating element 31, 32 / locking arm 27, 28 in turn is supported on the return spring 33, 34 and is thus also securely positioned and fixed in its position relative to the housing 1, transverse to the adjustment direction between passive and active positions.

[0036] While in the preferred embodiment of a connector coupling shown in the drawing figures, the locking arrangements 27 to 34 are each equipped with their own actuating element 31, 32 and their own return element 33, 34 and can be actuated independently of one another, it is also possible to have only one common actuating element for both locking arrangements, coupled to both locking arms, for example via flexible force transmission elements that transmit the actuating movement circumferentially to both locking arms. Hybrid forms would also be conceivable, wherein for one locking arrangement the locking arm is actuated directly by the actuating element, or these elements are combined in one component as explained above, and wherein for the opposite locking arrangement a rigid or flexible force transmission arrangement is provided from the actuating element to the separate locking arm.

[0037] In any case, the displacement of the actuating element 31, 32 between the active position and the passive position – or vice versa – is advantageously carried out in a direction predominantly radial with respect to the common axis M. The actuating element 31 is preferably located exactly diametrically opposite the second, independent actuating element 32, i.e., on sides 180 degrees opposite each other with respect to the common axis M of the coupling. A preferred embodiment is one that can be realized independently, with actuating elements 31, 32 lying in one and the same plane oriented transversely to the common longitudinal center axis M. Preferably, this plane is the longitudinal center plane of the housing 1.

[0038] Since the actuating element 31, 32 is preferably also covered by the casing 13 to prevent the ingress of moisture or dirt, the casing 13 must provide a means in the area above the actuating element 31, 32 to be easily and reliably located manually and then moved manually between the passive and active positions by the user. This can be achieved, for example, by a thinning in the casing 13, a small protrusion 35 indicating the position of the actuating element 31, 32, a separately manufactured insert being installed in an opening at this point, or the like.

[0039] 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 1 Housing 38 Cones 2 connector socket 39 Cones 3 connector socket 4 insertion opening 5 insertion opening 6 Contact element 7 Contact element 8 grounding contact 9 Contact carrier 10 Contact carrier 11 half-shell 12 half-shell 13 Coat 14 Sealing lip 15 Sealing lip 16 Contact set 17 Connection section 18 Insulating body 19 frame part 20 frame part 21 leg 22 leg 23 Second thigh 24 Second thigh 25 Exclusion 26 Exclusion 27 Locking arm 28 Locking arm 29 locking projection 30 locking projection 31 Actuating element 32 Actuating element 33 Return spring 34 Return spring 35 Survey

Claims

1. A plug connector coupling, comprising a housing (1), at least two plug sockets (2, 3) which are formed in the housing (1), for producing a plug connection to in each case one cable plug, wherein the plug sockets (2, 3) are arranged one behind the other on a common axis (M) and rotated about the common axis (M) by 180° relative to each other and have plug-in openings (4, 5), oriented in opposite directions, for cable plugs, at least one electrical contact element (6, 7) in each of the plug sockets (2, 3) which is connected electrically conductively to at least one electrical contact element of another plug socket (2, 3), at least one locking assembly (27 to 34) for each cable plug in the plug socket, comprising at least one locking arm (27, 28) with in each case at least one locking structure, in particular a locking projection (29, 30), which, in the plugged-in state of the cable plug, engages in a complementary locking structure at the cable plug, at least one actuating element (31, 32) which starting from a passive position, can be displaced counter to the action of a restoring element, preferably a restoring spring (33, 34), by hand into an active position in which the locking structure and the complementary locking structure are disengaged, characterized in that the contact elements (6, 7) of both plug sockets are part of a common contact set (16) in which the contact elements are routed so that they cross each other and are arranged on the opposite sides so that they are rotated about the common axis (M) by 180° relative to each other, and two locking arms (27, 28) are arranged opposite each other with respect to the common axis (M).

2. The coupling as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the locking assemblies (27 to 34) are equipped with in each case an independent actuating element (31, 32) and an independent restoring element (33, 34) and can be actuated independently of each other.

3. The coupling as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating elements (31, 32) are arranged on sides opposite each other by preferably 180 degrees with reference to the common axis (M) and / or are arranged in the same plane transversely to the common axis (M), preferably in the longitudinal central plane.

4. The coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the direction of the displacement of the actuating elements (31, 32) between their passive position and their active position predominantly runs radially with reference to the common axis (M).

5. The coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking arm (27, 28) is rigidly connected to its actuating element (31, 32), and is preferably designed as a single piece therewith.

6. The coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the housing (1) comprises two contact carriers (9, 10) and a shell (11, 12) fixing these contact carriers in their relative position to each other, wherein the contact carriers (9, 10) are arranged on a common axis (M) and rotated about the common axis by 180° relative to each other.

7. The coupling as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the shell consists of two half-shells (11, 12) split in the direction of the common axis which are held together by a sleeve (13) made from non-metallic material, wherein preferably the sleeve (13) is made from an elastic material and presses the half-shells (11, 12) against each other.

8. The coupling as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the sleeve (13) also covers the actuating elements (31, 32) and has structures in the region of the actuating elements (31, 32) in order to enable the manual displacement of the actuating elements.

9. The coupling as claimed in one of the claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the sleeve (13) protrudes beyond the shell (11, 12) in the direction of the common axis (M) at least at one end and has a radially inward facing sealing lip (14, 15) at the inner edge region of at least one end.

10. The coupling as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the contact set (16) is inserted into a frame (19, 20), the opposite sides of which along the common axis (M) are pushed into the contact carriers (9, 10), wherein the frame is preferably designed from two frame parts (19, 20) which are opposite each other with reference to the common axis (M) and overlap each other in the central section of the contact set (16), viewed in the direction of the common axis (M).

11. The coupling as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that at least parts of the actuating assembly (27 to 34), preferably the whole actuating assembly, are supported or held in or on the frame (19, 20).

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