Angled plug connector sleeve with ejection opening

Abstract

The present invention relates to an angled connector sleeve 1, which is designed as a housing for a cable connector 2 that can be inserted into a mating panel connector to form a mechanically lockable connection, wherein the cable connector 2 is designed to be inserted into the panel connector with an insertion-side end 3 of an insertion assembly 4 to form the connection, the angled connector sleeve 1 is designed to receive and enclose at least the insertion assembly 4, is designed as a hollow body angled, in particular at right angles, and has a first sleeve part 5 and a second sleeve part 6, the first sleeve part 5 and the second sleeve part 6 being joinable along a contact surface extending through the angled connector sleeve 1, and the first sleeve part 5 having an ejection opening 7, wherein the ejection opening 7 is designed such thatthat the insertion-side end 3 of the insertion assembly 4 can be extended through the ejection opening 7 from the first sleeve part 5, wherein the ejection opening 7 is completely radially surrounded by the first sleeve part 5.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an angled connector sleeve which is designed as a housing for a cable connector which can be inserted into a mating panel connector to form a mechanically lockable plug connection. Background of the invention

[0002] Angled connector sleeves for converting a straight cable connector, in which the individual components are arranged along a common longitudinal axis, into an angled cable connector, in which certain components, such as the insertion end, are then oriented towards a second longitudinal axis that intersects the original common longitudinal axis, are known in the prior art. Depending on the design of the angled connector sleeve, angled cable connectors with various angles can be obtained, with the right-angled variant being the most common. Besides their use in such conversion kits, these angled connector sleeves can also be used as a pre-designed housing in the manufacture of angled cable connectors.

[0003] Such angled connector sleeves are often designed in two parts, with the two sleeve parts being configured so that they can be joined at a contact surface running through the angled connector sleeve and, in particular, separated again at this contact surface, which can then also be referred to as the separating surface. The other components of the cable connector, such as the insertion assembly with the insertion end and the contact element carrier, are placed in or on the first sleeve part and fixed in or on the resulting housing by attaching the second sleeve part to the first sleeve part.

[0004] In prior art angle connector sleeves, the second sleeve part is often designed as an insertion element, which is inserted, for example, into corresponding grooves of the first sleeve part, whereby with such a design of the fastening mechanism the second sleeve part can easily be pushed out again against the insertion direction, which can occur especially when the cable connector is pulled across the floor.

[0005] Furthermore, the two sleeve parts are often designed such that the contact surface runs sagittically through or intersects the angled connector sleeve – when viewed from the front towards the insertion end – i.e., from front to back. However, with such a design, openings of the angled connector sleeve, e.g., the cable entry opening, are also traversed by the contact surface, thereby cutting through the area of ​​the angled connector sleeve radially surrounding the corresponding opening and thus reducing its stability.Such a loss of stability at the openings of the angled connector sleeve, especially at the insertion-side end, on which a large part of the force acts when the cable connector is torn in the inserted state, can then lead to the angled connector sleeve tearing open along the contact surface under mechanical stress of the cable connector, which can damage the angled connector sleeve as well as the other components of the cable connector and / or cause the connection with the panel-mount connector to become disconnected.

[0006] Angled connector sleeves or angled cable connectors of the prior art are often designed such that the insertion-side end, which has the features characteristic of a respective connector type that ultimately enable the precise insertion of the mechanically locking connection into the mating panel connector, such as the radial extent / size and geometric shape of the insertion-side end, the positioning and design of any mechanical retention elements or key elements, etc., is formed as part of the angled connector sleeve. The insertion assembly, which includes the contact element carrier, is located inside the angled connector sleeve. Such a design of the angled connector sleeve or...However, cable connectors where the angled connector sleeve itself forms the insertion end have the disadvantage that the angled connector sleeve can only be used as a housing for one specific cable connector type, such as cable connectors for data transmission (e.g., RJ45 connectors, etc.) or cable connectors for electrical power transmission (XLR connectors, powerCON connectors, etc.). Consequently, it is necessary to produce many different angled connector sleeves for the respective cable connector types.

[0007] There is therefore a need for angled connector sleeves that can be used for a variety of different cable connector types and are thus flexible in their application, and / or that protect the angled cable connector or its individual components from damage under mechanical stress. Consequently, there is also a need for cable connectors that incorporate such an angled connector sleeve as a housing. Object of the invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an angled connector sleeve and a cable connector that overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] Another task is to provide an angled connector sleeve that can be used flexibly, especially for a wide variety of different cable connector types.

[0010] Another task is to provide a cable connector that has a flexibly usable housing.

[0011] Another task is to provide an angled connector sleeve that offers protection against damage, especially under mechanical stress.

[0012] Another task is to provide a cable connector with a stable design.

[0013] These problems are solved by realizing at least some of the characterizing features of the independent claims. Features that further develop the invention in an alternative or advantageous way can be found in some of the remaining features of the independent claims and in the dependent claims. Summary of the invention

[0014] The invention relates to an angled connector sleeve, which is designed as a housing for a cable connector that can be inserted into a mating panel connector to form a mechanically lockable connection, wherein the cable connector is designed to be inserted into the panel connector with an insertion-side end of a plug-in assembly for the purpose of forming the connection, the angled connector sleeve is designed to receive and enclose at least the plug-in assembly, is designed as a hollow body angled, in particular at right angles, and has a first sleeve part and a second sleeve part, the first sleeve part and the second sleeve part can be joined together along a contact surface extending through the angled connector sleeve, and the first sleeve part has an ejection opening, wherein the ejection opening is designed such thatthat the insertion-side end of the insertion assembly can be extended through the ejection opening from the first sleeve part, wherein the ejection opening is completely surrounded radially by the first sleeve part.

[0015] The characteristic "radially completely surrounded by the first sleeve part" does not mean that the extension opening is 100% radially surrounded by the first sleeve part, or that the material of the first sleeve part is solid in the area of ​​the first sleeve part that limits the radial extent of the extension opening, i.e., without recesses, notches, etc. Rather, this term means that the first sleeve part surrounds the extension opening along a large portion of its circumference, i.e., over 60%, particularly over 80%, but that the extension opening is not surrounded by the second sleeve part. Smaller recesses, notches, etc., in the first sleeve part are perfectly acceptable, provided that the material of the first sleeve part surrounds the extension opening to a large extent. In the design of an angled connector sleeve where the first and second sleeve parts are contactable in this way, the following applies:Since the two parts are separable, such that the extension opening is partially surrounded by the second sleeve part, the extension opening is consequently not completely surrounded radially by the first sleeve part. Such a design of the angled connector sleeve exists, for example, when the contact surface or separating surface extends through the angled connector sleeve as a cross-sectional surface, particularly perpendicular to the extension opening.

[0016] Furthermore, the characteristic "radially completely surrounded" does not mean that the first sleeve part must completely surround the ejection opening. Depending on the design of the hollow body of the angle connector sleeve, e.g., as a hollow cylinder or hollow cuboid, the ejection opening can be circular, rectangular, especially square, hexagonal, etc., whereby the first sleeve part surrounding the ejection opening, which accordingly partially forms the outer surface of the hollow body, is shaped accordingly around the ejection opening, thus radially surrounding the ejection opening with a corresponding shape, which does not necessarily have to be circular.

[0017] The characteristic "designed to receive and enclose at least the plug-in assembly" does not mean that the angled connector sleeve must be designed to completely enclose all parts of the plug-in assembly and thus completely "conceal" them inside the angled connector sleeve. The angled connector sleeve is suitable even if parts of the plug-in assembly, such as the plug-in end extended through the ejection opening, are located outside the angled connector sleeve, while other parts of the plug-in assembly are received and enclosed by the angled connector sleeve.

[0018] The term "angled hollow body" refers to a body in which a second section of the body does not run along the same longitudinal axis as the first section (in contrast, in a straight body, both sections run along the same longitudinal axis). The second section of the body runs along its own longitudinal axis, which intersects the longitudinal axis of the first section, in particular forming an angle between 45 and 100 degrees, especially 90 degrees. If the angled connector sleeve is shaped such that it forms a 90-degree angle, then the angled connector sleeve is designed as a right-angled hollow body. The cavity inside the angled connector sleeve, designed as a hollow body, also extends at an angle corresponding to the angle formed by the connector sleeve.

[0019] In the inventive design of the angled connector sleeve, when at least the insertion assembly is received and enclosed by the angled connector sleeve, the insertion-side end of the insertion assembly is pushed out of the first sleeve part through the ejection opening. This means that the features characteristic of a particular connector type, which ultimately enable the precise insertion of the mechanically lockable connector into the mating component, such as the radial extent / size and geometric shape of the insertion-side end, the positioning and design of any mechanical retention elements or key elements, etc., are located outside the angled connector sleeve. Furthermore, these characteristic features are not part of the angled connector sleeve itself, but are "brought along" by the corresponding insertion assembly or the insertion-side end.

[0020] The angled connector sleeve according to the invention thus has the advantage that it can be used as a housing for a variety of cable connectors, such as cable connectors for data transmission (e.g., RJ45 connectors, etc.) or cable connectors for the transmission of electrical power (XLR connectors, powerCON connectors, etc.). Consequently, it is no longer necessary to produce many different angled connector sleeves for the respective cable connector types, which in turn saves production lines and thus investment costs. Furthermore, it is now sufficient to keep only the angled connector sleeve according to the invention in stock in order to replace damaged angled connector sleeves or to convert a straight cable connector into an angled one, whereas for such a replacement or...Such a conversion requires that, according to the prior art, a large number of different angled connector sleeves be kept in stock. Therefore, the angled connector sleeve according to the invention can be used flexibly, in particular as a standard housing for the production of a large number of angled cable connectors and / or as a component of a "conversion kit" for converting straight to angled cable connectors.

[0021] Furthermore, in the angled connector sleeve according to the invention, the first sleeve part completely surrounds the extension opening radially, thus also completely surrounding the part of the plug-in assembly arranged at the insertion-side end pushed through the extension opening, in particular the contact element carrier, which is located inside the angled connector sleeve and is therefore surrounded by the angled connector sleeve. This results in a compact, stable, and protective enclosure of this part of the plug-in assembly by the angled connector sleeve. A stable and protective enclosure of the plug-in assembly by the angled connector sleeve is particularly advantageous because it significantly reduces the probability of damage to the plug-in assembly and / or the angled connector sleeve compared to angled connector sleeves of the prior art.Thus, especially if, when plugged in, a cable of the cable connector or the cable connector itself is pulled or the cable connector is struck, the majority of the resulting force is indeed applied to the plug-in assembly, particularly the plug-in end. However, the force can be distributed across the entire cable connector via the angled connector sleeve by the firm and compact enclosure of the plug-in assembly through the first sleeve part, thereby preventing damage, especially breakage, of the plug-in assembly.Furthermore, the fact that the ejection opening is completely surrounded radially by the first sleeve part ensures that the contact surface or separating surface between the first and the second sleeve part cannot extend as a cutting surface, in particular perpendicularly, intersecting the ejection opening, thereby eliminating a potential further weak point where damage could occur in the angle connector sleeve according to the invention.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the first sleeve part can have a fixing element and the second sleeve part can have a fixing element counterpart adapted to the fixing element, wherein the fixing element is provided to engage, within the framework of a fixing mechanism, in particular with a hammer-shaped part, into the fixing element counterpart adapted to the fixing element, in particular to the hammer-shaped part of the fixing element, and the fixing element counterpart is provided to engage, within the framework of the fixing mechanism, the fixing element, in particular the hammer-shaped part of the fixing element, and thus to fix the second sleeve part to the first sleeve part.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the fixing element can be provided in such a way as to engage with the fixing element counterpart and to cooperate with the fixing element counterpart in such a way that a first pivot joint, about which the second sleeve part can be rotated relative to the first sleeve part, can be provided.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the fixing element can be provided to engage with a hammer-shaped part in such a way as to engage with the fixing element counterpart adapted to the hammer-shaped part of the fixing element and to cooperate with the fixing element counterpart in such a way that an axis of rotation of the first pivot joint, about which the second sleeve part can be rotated relative to the first sleeve part, runs through the hammer-shaped part of the fixing element, in particular along a longitudinal axis of the hammer-shaped part of the fixing element.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the second sleeve part can be blocked with respect to axial movement in a first direction of movement by the fixing element engaging in the fixing element counterpart and the fixing element engaging behind it by the fixing element counterpart, wherein the first direction of movement runs opposite to an ejection direction of the insertion-side end of the insertion assembly from the first sleeve part, and / or be blocked with respect to axial movement in a second direction of movement, wherein the second direction of movement intersects the first direction of movement, in particular including an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 100 degrees, in particular 90 degrees, and / or be blocked with respect to axial movement in a third direction of movement, wherein the third direction of movement runs opposite to the second direction of movement.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the second sleeve part can be joined with the first sleeve part along the contact surface extending through the angle connector sleeve by rotating the second sleeve part about the first pivot joint, in particular about the axis of rotation of the first pivot joint, in a first direction of rotation determined by the first pivot joint, in particular by the axis of rotation of the first pivot joint, and / or the locking element counterpart can engage behind the locking element, in particular the hammer-shaped part of the locking element, in such a way that the second sleeve part is blocked with respect to axial movement in a first direction of movement, wherein the first direction of movement runs opposite to an ejection direction of the insertion-side end of the insertion assembly from the first sleeve part, and / or the locking element, in particular the hammer-shaped part of the locking element,engage in a recess of the fixing element counterpart adapted to the fixing element in such a way that the second sleeve part is blocked with respect to axial movement in a second direction of movement, wherein the second direction of movement intersects the first direction of movement, in particular including an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 100 degrees, in particular 90 degrees, and / or is blocked with respect to axial movement in a third direction of movement, wherein the third direction of movement is opposite to the second direction of movement.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the fixing element of the first sleeve part and the fixing element counterpart of the second sleeve part can interact in such a way that when the first sleeve part and the second sleeve part are joined together, the second sleeve part comes into alignment with the first sleeve part.

[0028] These embodiments of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention have the advantage over angle connector sleeves from the prior art that, due to the special fixing mechanism, which provides for an engagement of the fixing element and an engagement behind the fixing element counterpart, assembly of the two sleeve parts is only possible by means of a special fixing movement, in particular a rotational movement about the first pivot joint, and thus separation of the two sleeve parts is only possible by means of a special opposite separation movement, whereby after assembly of the two sleeve parts the second sleeve part is blocked with regard to axial movements in up to three directions of movement.In this way, the two sleeve parts are stably fixed to one another even under mechanical stress, thus protecting the angled connector sleeve according to the invention and the parts of the cable connector received by the angled connector sleeve according to the invention from damage. In prior art angled connector sleeves, the second sleeve part is often designed as an insertion element, which is inserted, for example, into corresponding grooves of the first sleeve part. With such a design of the fixing mechanism, the second sleeve part can easily be pushed out again in the opposite direction of insertion, which can easily occur, especially if the cable connector is pulled across the floor.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the angled connector sleeve according to the invention, the angled connector sleeve can have a locking slide which, within the framework of a first locking mechanism that can be actuated by sliding the locking slide, engages with a locking element on the connector side with a bolt connected to the locking slide and thus blocks the cable connector from rotating in the outward direction, which is opposite to the inward direction. Such a locking slide, for example, due to its size and accessibility, provides simplified actuation and release of said locking mechanism compared to locking mechanisms that operate with small push buttons or pins.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the fixing element can be designed and arranged on the first sleeve part in such a way that the locking slider can be arranged on the fixing element and can be moved along the fixing element parallel to the insertion direction of the cable connector into the built-in connector.

[0031] This embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention has the advantage that the locking slider can be easily mounted on the angle connector sleeve without the need for the angle connector sleeve to be equipped with an additional rail for the locking slider. This allows the angle connector sleeve to be manufactured more easily and quickly.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the angled connector sleeve according to the invention, the cable connector can comprise: a contact element carrier formed as part of the plug-in assembly and arranged at the plug-in end, configured to receive a contact element and thus fix it within the cable connector, and / or the contact element, wherein the contact element is provided to come into contact with a plug-in connector-side contact element counterpart by engaging the mechanically lockable plug connection and thereby provide signal transmission across the plug connection, and / or a cable, provided to be connected to the contact element, and / or a feed-through opening for guiding the cable, and / or a clamping sleeve, wherein the clamping sleeve has an axial feed-through for the cable and is configured toto be pressed against the cable that passes through the feedthrough opening and through the clamping sleeve, thereby blocking the cable with respect to axial movement in the cable withdrawal direction, and / or a union nut designed to be screwed onto a thread arranged on an outer surface of the angle connector sleeve, whereby the clamping sleeve can be pressed against the cable that passes through the clamping sleeve.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the angled connector sleeve according to the invention, the second direction of movement can be opposite to the cable withdrawal direction, and / or the third direction of movement can be in the same direction as the cable withdrawal direction. This allows for a more stable fixation of the second sleeve part to the first sleeve part compared to the prior art, in which the second sleeve part is designed as an insertion element.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the angled connector sleeve according to the invention, the cable connector can, before receiving and enclosing at least the insertion assembly by the angled connector sleeve, have such a first arrangement of components that the insertion-side end is directed in the axial direction of a longitudinal axis of the cable connector, and, by receiving and enclosing at least the insertion assembly by the angled connector sleeve, have such a second arrangement of components that the insertion-side end is directed in the axial direction of a second axis that intersects the original longitudinal axis, in particular including an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 100 degrees, in particular 90 degrees, wherein at least one further component of the cable connector, in particular a clamping sleeve and / or a cap nut, is further directed in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis of the cable connector.Thus, the angled connector sleeve according to the invention can be used to convert a straight cable connector, in which the various components are arranged along the longitudinal axis, into an angled cable connector.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the angled connector sleeve according to the invention, the contact element can be received by the contact element carrier, which is designed as part of the plug-in assembly and arranged at the plug-in end, and the cable can be connected to the contact element. During the process of receiving and enclosing at least the plug-in assembly with the angled connector sleeve, the connection between the cable and the contact element does not need to be disconnected. Thus, the angled connector sleeve according to the invention allows for easy modification of the cable connector.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the angled connector sleeve according to the invention, the cable connector can be designed as a 3-pin mains connector (e.g., a powerCON connector from Neutrik AG of Liechtenstein) or as one of the following cable connector types: IEC, XLR, RJ45, HDMI, USB, or RCA. This embodiment underscores how flexibly the angled connector sleeve according to the invention can be used as a housing for a variety of different cable connector types.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the angle connector sleeve can be made (at least predominantly) of plastic. The plastic design of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention has the advantage that it can be easily and cost-effectively produced in large quantities using additive manufacturing processes, such as 3D printing, or injection molding. Furthermore, this also allows for the simple manufacturing of complex structures on the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, such as the fixing element.

[0038] This embodiment does not necessarily require that all parts of the angled connector sleeve be made of plastic. Individual parts, such as the fixing element, the insertion element, etc., can certainly be made of a different material, such as metal or carbon, as long as the majority of the angled connector sleeve, i.e., for example, over 60%, and in particular 80%, consists of plastic. This embodiment specifically requires that the first sleeve part and the second sleeve part consist of plastic. The angled connector sleeve according to the invention can be made of a single plastic or of a mixture of several plastics. Furthermore, additives, such as flame retardants, plasticizers, etc., can be added to the one or more plastics.

[0039] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the plastic can be a thermoplastic, in particular one of the following thermoplastics: polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, or polystyrene.

[0040] The use of a thermoplastic as the main component for the material of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention has, among other advantages, the fact that manufacturing by means of injection molding, pressing or vulcanizing is feasible and that the angle connector sleeve has an insulating effect against electric current.

[0041] Advantages of manufacturing the angled connector sleeve according to the invention using injection molding lie in the fact that, firstly, the injection molding process allows for high-precision manufacturing, and secondly, various components (e.g., plastic and flame retardant) can be mixed together in different proportions according to a specific recipe. Subsequently, it can be tested whether the final product exhibits the desired material properties with the given recipe, and the recipe can be adjusted if necessary.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the first sleeve part, which lies in front of the contact surface when viewed from the extension opening, can be designed with a first sub-section and a second sub-section, wherein the first and the second sub-section can be arranged such that they enclose an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 100 degrees, in particular 90 degrees, wherein the first sub-section can be designed as a completely enclosed hollow body, in particular a hollow cylinder or hollow cuboid, and the second sub-section as a half-shell, in particular open on one side, and the second sleeve part, which lies behind the contact surface when viewed from the extension opening, can be designed as a half-shell, in particular open on one side.

[0043] By designing the first section of the first sleeve part as a (at least largely) completely enclosed hollow body, where a hollow body with, for example, smaller recesses and indentations is understood as "completely enclosed," it can be ensured that the contact surface or separating surface of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention cannot extend through the first section. This gives the first section additional stability under mechanical stress, since a contact surface or separating surface represents a weak point that can tear more easily under mechanical stress than in a compact design. Thus, at least the plug-in assembly can be stably and securely received in the first section of the first sleeve part, thereby providing the angle connector sleeve according to the invention with improved protection against damage, particularly under mechanical stress.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the fixing element of the first sleeve part and the fixing element counterpart of the second sleeve part can interact in such a way that when the first sleeve part and the second sleeve part are joined together, the second sleeve part, designed as a half-shell, comes into alignment with the second part of the first sleeve part, which is also designed as a half-shell.

[0045] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the first part of the first sleeve part can have the ejection opening, and / or, when the first sleeve part and the second sleeve part are joined together, the second part of the first sleeve part, designed as a half-shell, in particular open on one side, and the second sleeve part, designed as a half-shell, in particular open on one side, can form a feed-through opening for passing a cable through.

[0046] These embodiments of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention have the advantage that the corresponding components are designed and positioned in such a way that the first and second sleeve parts can be joined together precisely without complex alignment.

[0047] In a further embodiment of the angled connector sleeve according to the invention, the second part of the first sleeve part and the second sleeve part can each have a portion of a thread on their respective outer surface. When the first and second sleeve parts are joined, the threaded portions can be arranged such that a cap nut can be screwed onto the thread. The cap nut can be designed to fix the second sleeve part to the first sleeve part. Thus, the cap nut, along with other fixing components such as the fixing element and its counterpart, provides additional fixing and therefore stabilization of the second sleeve part to the first sleeve part. This gives the angled connector sleeve according to the invention improved protection against damage, particularly under mechanical stress.

[0048] In a further embodiment of the angled connector sleeve according to the invention, the first section can have a rotational arrangement, in particular a second pivot joint, wherein the rotational arrangement allows the second section to be rotatable relative to the first section, and in particular wherein the second section can be rotatable about an axis of rotation extending coaxially to a central axis of the first section. Thus, the angled part of the angled connector sleeve according to the invention, which in particular defines the direction of the cable exit, can be flexibly rotated and positioned, which is particularly advantageous when many angled cable connectors are to be inserted side by side into a device panel equipped with closely spaced panel-mount connectors, since, for example, an interfering cable can be rotated out of the insertion path.

[0049] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, a first projection can be arranged within the first sleeve part, designed to provide a stop for a second projection arranged on the insertion assembly, in particular on a contact element carrier, whereby the insertion-side end can only be extended a defined length through the ejection opening from the first sleeve part.

[0050] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the second sleeve part can have an insertion element, designed to be inserted, in particular adjacent to, the first sleeve part and thus align the second sleeve part with respect to the first sleeve part, in particular such that the second sleeve part designed as a half-shell comes into alignment with the second part of the first sleeve part designed as a half-shell.

[0051] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the insertion element can be designed to meet the insertion assembly, in particular the contact element carrier, when inserted into the first sleeve part, and thereby insert the insertion assembly so far into the first sleeve part that the second projection arranged on the insertion assembly, in particular on the contact element carrier, meets the first projection of the first sleeve part provided as a stop, in particular whereby a preload, in particular a stabilizing preload, can be exerted on the insertion assembly.

[0052] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the first sleeve part, in particular the second part of the first sleeve part, can have a guide edge, provided that the insertion element is guided along the guide edge during an insertion process, in particular such that the second sleeve part designed as a half-shell comes into alignment with the second part of the first sleeve part designed as a half-shell.

[0053] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the insertion element can be guided along the guide edge during an insertion process in such a way that the fixing element, in particular the hammer-shaped part of the fixing element, engages in the fixing element counterpart adapted to the fixing element, in particular to the hammer-shaped part of the fixing element, and the fixing element counterpart engages behind the fixing element, in particular the hammer-shaped part of the fixing element.

[0054] These embodiments of the angled connector sleeve according to the invention have the advantage that the corresponding components can be designed and positioned in such a way that the first and second sleeve parts can be precisely fitted together without complex alignment and can be held securely together. Additionally or alternatively, the insertion element alone can position the plug-in assembly accurately in the first sleeve part when the first and second sleeve parts are joined, thereby automatically extending the plug-in end of the plug-in assembly the intended length from the extension opening of the first sleeve part. Thus, with these embodiments of the angled connector sleeve according to the invention, the assembly or modification of a cable connector is simplified.

[0055] In a further embodiment of the angled connector sleeve according to the invention, the cable connector can have: a mechanical retaining element, which is provided to be blocked with respect to axial movement in the cable connector withdrawal direction by a retaining element counterpart on the connector side within the framework of a second locking mechanism, which can be actuated by rotation of the cable connector in a screw-in direction in the state of the cable connector being at least partially inserted into the mounting connector, and / or mechanical key elements, which are provided to interact with corresponding key element counterparts of the mounting connector in such a way that the cable connector can be inserted into the mounting connector in only one specific rotational orientation determined by the key element counterparts.

[0056] In a further embodiment of the angled connector sleeve according to the invention, the mechanical retaining element of the cable connector can be moved along an inclined path of the retaining element counterpart by and during actuation of the second locking mechanism until the retaining element encounters a rotary stop provided in the panel-mount connector, thus reaching an end insertion position of the cable connector in the panel-mount connector. The retaining element can be designed as a lug arrangement and the counterpart as a groove arrangement, wherein the grooves of the groove arrangement – ​​in the inserted state – first extend axially, thereby serving as key counterparts for the lug arrangement, which in particular serves as key elements, and then extend perpendicular to the axis or slightly inclined to the axis.wherein, upon insertion of the plug connection, the groove arrangement area extending normally or slightly obliquely to the axis engages behind the lug arrangement and thereby blocks the cable connector against axial withdrawal, or be designed as a groove arrangement, wherein grooves of the groove arrangement first extend axially, and thereby serve in particular as key elements for key counterparts of the panel-mount connector, and then extend normally to the axis or slightly obliquely to the axis, wherein the retaining element counterpart is designed as a lug arrangement which is inserted into the groove arrangement by insertion of the plug connection and engages behind it through the groove arrangement area extending normally or slightly obliquely to the axis, thereby blocking the cable connector against axial withdrawal.

[0057] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the first sleeve part can have indentations and / or protrusions on an opening area that radially completely surrounds the extension opening, wherein the indentations and / or protrusions can be designed as corresponding counterparts to the mechanical key elements and can be provided to interact with the key elements in such a way that the insertion-side end of the cable connector can be extended through the extension opening in only one specific rotational orientation determined by the indentations and / or protrusions.

[0058] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the insertion-side end of the cable connector can be provided, in conjunction with a support skirt area of ​​the built-in connector, to provide a support effect for the cable connector in the state created by the insertion of the plug connection with respect to load forces acting on the cable connector perpendicular to the insertion direction of the cable connector into the built-in connector.

[0059] These embodiments of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention illustrate that the angle connector sleeve is suitable for use as a housing for special cable connectors that can make the mechanically lockable connection in a special way.

[0060] In a further embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention, the first sleeve part and / or the second sleeve part can have a recess for the passage or reception of a fastening element, in particular a screw, for the purpose of at least temporarily fastening the second sleeve part to the first sleeve part. This embodiment describes an alternative fixing of the second sleeve part to the first sleeve part, in particular as an alternative to embodiments in which the fixing is effected by means of the previously described fixing mechanism with fixing element and fixing element counterpart.

[0061] The invention further relates to a cable connector comprising an angled connector sleeve according to one of the previously described embodiments, in particular wherein the angled connector sleeve is a housing of the cable connector. Thus, the cable connector has a flexibly usable housing that is suitable for a variety of different cable connector types. Furthermore, the cable connector offers improved protection against damage.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment of the cable connector according to the invention, an insertion-side end of an insertion assembly of the cable connector can be extended through an ejection opening from a first sleeve part of the angled connector sleeve. This embodiment has the advantage that the features characteristic of a respective connector type, which ultimately enable the precise insertion of the mechanically lockable connection into the mating component connector, such as the radial extent / size and geometric shape of the insertion-side end, the positioning and design of possible mechanical retention elements or key elements, etc., are located outside the angled connector sleeve.

[0063] In a further exemplary embodiment of the cable connector according to the invention, the cable connector can have a contact element carrier designed as part of the plug-in assembly and arranged at the plug-in end, wherein the plug-in assembly can be received by a first partial area of ​​the first sleeve part of the angled connector sleeve, wherein the first partial area is designed as a completely encased hollow body, in particular a hollow cylinder or hollow cuboid.

[0064] In a further embodiment of the cable connector according to the invention, the cable connector can have a feed-through opening for passing a cable, wherein the feed-through opening can be formed by a second part of the first sleeve part designed as a half-shell open on one side and a second sleeve part of the angle connector sleeve designed as a half-shell open on one side.

[0065] In a further embodiment of the cable connector according to the invention, the cable connector can have a clamping sleeve, wherein a cable connected to a contact element received by the contact element carrier can be passed through an axial passage of the clamping sleeve.

[0066] In a further embodiment of the cable connector according to the invention, the cable connector can have a cap nut screwed onto a thread arranged on an outer surface of the angle connector sleeve, whereby the clamping sleeve can be pressed against the cable passing through the clamping sleeve and the cable can thereby be blocked with respect to axial movement in the cable withdrawal direction.

[0067] In a further embodiment of the cable connector according to the invention, the cable connector can have such an arrangement of components that the insertion assembly received by the first part of the first sleeve part of the angle connector sleeve can be oriented in the axial direction of a second axis that intersects a first axis, in particular including an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 100 degrees, in particular of 90 degrees, wherein the clamping sleeve and / or the union nut can be oriented in the axial direction of the first axis.

[0068] In a further embodiment of the cable connector according to the invention, the cable, which passes through the axial passage of the clamping sleeve and is connected to the contact element received by the contact element carrier, can have a course according to the angled connector sleeve designed as a hollow body, in particular angled at a right angle, in particular wherein the cable can be angled. Brief description of the drawings

[0069] The angled connector sleeve and the cable connector according to the invention are described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown schematically in the figures. Identical elements are marked with the same reference numerals in the figures. The described embodiments are generally not drawn to scale and are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the invention. In detail, the figures show... Figs. 1A-1C: Perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of the angled connector sleeve according to the invention, in which the first and second sleeve parts are joined together; Figs. 2A-2C: Perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of the angled connector sleeve according to the invention, in which the first and second sleeve parts are separated; Figs. 3A-3C: Perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of the cable connector according to the invention; Figs. 4A-4B: Perspective views of an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the cable connector according to the invention; Fig. 5: Schematic representation comparing two exemplary embodiments of the cable connector according to the invention in the plugged-in state. Detailed description of the drawings

[0070] The Figures 1A to 1CThe figures show perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of the angle connector sleeve 1 according to the invention, in which the first sleeve part 5 and the second sleeve part 6 are joined together. In the Figure 1AIn the exemplary embodiment shown, the outer surface 28 of the first sleeve part and the outer surface 21 of the second sleeve part each have a portion of the thread 22 onto which the cap nut 20 of the cable connector 2 can be screwed. The fixing element 8 engages with its hammer-shaped end piece 10 into the fixing element counterpart 9, which is adapted to the hammer-shaped part 10 of the fixing element 8, and the fixing element counterpart 9 engages behind the hammer-shaped part 10 of the fixing element 8 such that the second sleeve part 6 is fixed to the first sleeve part 5. The second sleeve part is fixed in such a way that it is blocked with respect to axial movement in the first direction of movement 11, the second direction of movement 12, and the third direction of movement 13.

[0071] Figure 1BFurthermore, it shows that the first sleeve part, in particular the first sub-section 26 of the first sleeve part, has the extension opening 7 and completely surrounds it radially. The contact surface of the first and second sleeve parts 5, 6 extends through the angle connector sleeve 1 in such a way that – when viewed from the extension opening 7 – the first sub-section 26 and the second sub-section 27 of the first sleeve part 5 lie in front of the contact surface, and the second sleeve part 6 is designed as a kind of back wall. Consequently, the contact surface does not pass through or intersect the angle connector sleeve 1 – when viewed from the front – sagittally, i.e., from front to back. Thus, the extension opening 7 is not traversed by the contact surface, which means that the area of ​​the first sleeve part 5 radially surrounding the extension opening 7 is not intersected, and an extended insertion-side end 3 of the cable connector 2 can be stably supported.The embodiment of the angle connector sleeve according to the invention shown is designed such that the first and second sub-areas 26, 27 enclose an angle of 90 degrees.

[0072] The Figures 2A to 2CThese figures show perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of the angle connector sleeve 1 according to the invention, in which the first sleeve part 5 and the second sleeve part 6 are separate. These figures show that the first section 26 is designed as a fully enclosed hollow cylinder, the second section 27 as a half-shell open on one side, and the second sleeve part 6 as a half-shell open on one side. The second sleeve part 6 has rib-like insertion elements 31, which are designed to protrude and are positioned on the second sleeve part 6 such that, when the two sleeve parts 5, 6 are joined, they are inserted so far into the first sleeve part 5 that at least one of the insertion elements 31 contacts the insertion assembly 4, in particular the contact element carrier 16.The insertion assembly 4 is inserted into the first sleeve part 5 to such an extent that a second projection 30 arranged on the insertion assembly 4, in particular on the contact element carrier 16, meets the first projection 29 of the first sleeve part 5, which is provided as a stop. The second section 27 of the first sleeve part 5 has the guide edges 32, which guide the insertion elements 31 during the insertion process in such a way that the second sleeve part 6, designed as a half-shell, comes into alignment with the second section 27 of the first sleeve part 5, which is also designed as a half-shell.

[0073] The Figures 3A to 3CFigure 1 shows perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of the cable connector 2 according to the invention, wherein the cable connector 2 has the previously shown embodiment of the angled connector sleeve 1 according to the invention. The insertion-side end 3 of the insertion assembly 4, which includes, among other things, the mechanical retaining elements relevant for insertion into the corresponding mating connector and designed as a lug arrangement, is extended through the ejection opening 7. The angled connector sleeve 1 thus does not itself have an insertion-side end. The locking slider 14, on which the locking bar 15 is arranged, is in turn arranged on the fixing element 8 and can be moved along the fixing element 8, which acts as a rail, parallel to the insertion direction of the cable connector 2 into the mating connector.In the illustrated embodiment of the cable connector 2, the union nut 20 is screwed onto the thread 22 of the angle connector sleeve 1.

[0074] The cable connector 2 shown has such an arrangement of components that the insertion-side end 3 is directed in the axial direction of a second axis 25 which crosses the longitudinal axis 24 at an angle of 90 degrees, while the union nut 20 of the cable connector 2 is directed in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 24.

[0075] The Figures 4A and 4BThe figures show perspective views of an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the cable connector 2 according to the invention to further illustrate the design and arrangement of other components of the cable connector 2. The cable connector 2 shown, in addition to the previously shown embodiment of the angled connector sleeve 1 according to the invention, has the clamping sleeve 18 and three contact elements 23, which are inserted into the contact element carrier 16, which is designed as part of the plug-in assembly. The clamping sleeve 18 is pressed against a cable inserted into the cable connector 2 through the feedthrough opening 17 by the cap nut 20, which is screwed onto the thread 22, thereby additionally securing the cable within the cable connector.

[0076] Figure 5Figure 1 shows a schematic representation comparing two exemplary embodiments of the cable connector 2 according to the invention in the inserted state. The first embodiment of the cable connector 2 shown in the preceding figures is shown, in which the fixing element 8 and the locking slider 14 are arranged on the angled connector sleeve 1 (e.g., on top of the first sleeve part 5, in other words, in the direction of 12 o'clock) such that, when the cable connector 2 is inserted into a mounting connector 33, the angled part of the cable connector 2, which, for example, has the clamping sleeve 18, the union nut 20, and the cable entry opening 17, extends straight downwards, i.e., in the direction of 6 o'clock. Secondly, a further exemplary embodiment of the cable connector 2 according to the invention is shown as a schematic line drawing, in which the fixing element 8 and the locking slider 14 are arranged in such a way (e.g.The angled part of the cable connector 2 (which, for example, has the clamping sleeve 18, the union nut 20, and the cable entry opening 17) is arranged at an angle on the first sleeve part 5 (and thus not in the direction of 12 o'clock) on the angled connector sleeve 1, such that when the cable connector 2 is inserted into the panel-mount connector 33, the angled part of the cable connector 2 is directed obliquely to the side, i.e., e.g., in the direction of 8 o'clock. Of course, other embodiments of the cable connector 2 are also possible, in which the angled part has a different orientation when inserted, e.g., in the direction of 3 o'clock, 4 o'clock, 9 o'clock, 11 o'clock, etc.

[0077] It is understood that these figures only schematically represent possible embodiments. The various approaches can also be combined with each other and with prior art methods.

Claims

1. Angled connector sleeve (1) designed as a housing for a cable connector (2) that can be inserted into a mating panel connector to form a mechanically lockable connection, wherein: • the cable connector (2) is designed to be inserted into the panel connector with an insertion-side end (3) of an insertion assembly (4) to form the connection, • the angled connector sleeve (1) is designed to receive and enclose at least the insertion assembly (4), • is designed as a hollow body angled, in particular at a right angle, and • has a first sleeve part (5) and a second sleeve part (6), • the first sleeve part (5) and the second sleeve part (6) can be joined together along a contact surface extending through the angled connector sleeve (1), and • the first sleeve part (5) has an ejection opening (7), wherein the ejection opening (7) is designed such that is,that the insertion-side end (3) of the insertion assembly (4) can be extended through the ejection opening (7) from the first sleeve part (5), characterized by the fact that the ejection opening (7) is completely surrounded radially by the first sleeve part (5).

2. Angle connector sleeve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first sleeve part (5) has a fixing element (8) and the second sleeve part (6) has a fixing element counterpart (9) adapted to the fixing element (8), wherein the fixing element (8) is provided to engage, within the framework of a fixing mechanism, in particular with a hammer-shaped part (10), the fixing element counterpart (9) adapted to the fixing element (8), in particular to the hammer-shaped part (10) of the fixing element (8), and the fixing element counterpart (9) is provided to engage, within the framework of the fixing mechanism, the fixing element (8), in particular the hammer-shaped part (10) of the fixing element (8), and thus to fix the second sleeve part (6) to the first sleeve part (5).

3. Angle connector sleeve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle connector sleeve (1) has a locking slide (14) which is provided to engage with a locking element on the connector side with a locking bolt (15) connected to the locking slide (14) within a first locking mechanism which can be actuated by sliding the locking slide (14) and thus to block the cable connector (2) with respect to rotation in the outward direction, which is directed opposite to the inward direction.

4. Angle connector sleeve (1) according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the fixing element (8) is designed and arranged on the first sleeve part (5) in such a way that the locking slider (14) can be arranged on the fixing element (8) and can be moved along the fixing element (8) parallel to the insertion direction of the cable connector (2) into the built-in connector.

5. Angle connector sleeve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable connector (2) comprises: • a contact element carrier (16) formed as part of the plug-in assembly (4) and arranged at the plug-in end (3), configured to receive a contact element (23) and thus fix it within the cable connector (2), • the contact element (23), wherein the contact element (23) is provided to come into contact with a plug-in connector-side contact element counterpart by engaging the mechanically lockable plug connection and thereby provide signal transmission across the plug connection, • a cable provided to be connected to the contact element (23), • a feed-through opening (17) for passing the cable, • a clamping sleeve (18), wherein the clamping sleeve (18) has an axial passage for the cable and is configured toto be pressed against the cable passed through the feedthrough opening (17) and through the clamping sleeve (18) and thereby block the cable with respect to axial movement in the cable withdrawal direction (19), and / or • a union nut (20) designed to be screwed onto a thread (22) arranged on an outer surface (21, 28) of the angle connector sleeve (1), whereby the clamping sleeve (18) can be pressed against the cable passed through the clamping sleeve (18).

6. Angle connector sleeve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable connector (2) • before receiving and enclosing at least the insertion assembly (4) by the angle connector sleeve (1) has such a first arrangement of components that the insertion-side end (3) is directed in the axial direction of a longitudinal axis (24) of the cable connector (2), and • by receiving and enclosing at least the insertion assembly (4) by the angle connector sleeve (1) has such a second arrangement of components that the insertion-side end (3) is directed in the axial direction of a second axis (25) that intersects the original longitudinal axis (24), in particular including an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 100 degrees, in particular 90 degrees, wherein at least one further component of the cable connector (2), in particular a clamping sleeve (18) and / or a cap nut (20),is directed in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis (24) of the cable connector (2).

7. Angle connector sleeve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle connector sleeve (1) is made of plastic.

8. Angle connector sleeve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein • the first sleeve part (5) located in front of the contact surface when viewed from the extension opening (7) is formed with a first sub-section (26) and a second sub-section (27), wherein the first and the second sub-section (26, 27) are arranged such that they enclose an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 100 degrees, in particular 90 degrees, wherein the first sub-section (26) is formed as a completely enclosed hollow body, in particular a hollow cylinder or hollow cuboid, and the second sub-section (27) as a half-shell, in particular open on one side, and • the second sleeve part (6) located behind the contact surface when viewed from the extension opening (7) is formed as a half-shell, in particular open on one side.

9. Angle connector sleeve (1) according to claim 8, wherein the second part (27) of the first sleeve part (5) and the second sleeve part (6) have a part of a thread (22) on a respective outer surface (21, 28), wherein, when the first sleeve part (5) and the second sleeve part (6) are joined together, the parts of the thread (22) are arranged such that a cap nut (20) can be screwed onto the thread (22), wherein the cap nut (20) is designed to fix the second sleeve part (6) to the first sleeve part (5).

10. Angle connector sleeve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first projection (29) is arranged within the first sleeve part (5) to provide a stop for a second projection (30) arranged on the insertion assembly (4), in particular on a contact element carrier (16), whereby the insertion-side end (3) can only be extended a defined length through the ejection opening (7) from the first sleeve part (5).

11. Angle connector sleeve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second sleeve part (6) has an insertion element (31) designed to be inserted, in particular in abutting position, into the first sleeve part (5) and thus to align the second sleeve part (6) with the first sleeve part (5), in particular such that the second sleeve part (6) designed as a half-shell comes into alignment with the second part (27) of the first sleeve part (5) designed as a half-shell.

12. Angle connector sleeve (1) according to claims 10 and 11, wherein the insertion element (31) is designed to meet the insertion assembly (4), in particular the contact element carrier (16), when inserted into the first sleeve part (5), and thereby insert the insertion assembly (4) so ​​far into the first sleeve part (5) that the second projection (30) arranged on the insertion assembly (4), in particular on the contact element carrier (16), meets the first projection (29) of the first sleeve part (5) provided as a stop, in particular wherein a preload, in particular a stabilizing preload, can be exerted on the insertion assembly (4).

13. Angle connector sleeve (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the first sleeve part (5), in particular the second part (27) of the first sleeve part (5), has a guide edge (32), provided that the insertion element (31) is guided along the guide edge (32) during an insertion process, in particular such that the second sleeve part (6) designed as a half shell comes into alignment with the second part (27) of the first sleeve part (5) designed as a half shell.

14. Cable connector (2) comprising an angled connector sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in particular wherein the angled connector sleeve (1) is a housing of the cable connector (2).

15. Cable connector (2) according to claim 14, wherein an insertion-side end (3) of an insertion assembly (4) of the cable connector (2) is extended through an ejection opening (7) from a first sleeve part (5) of the angle connector sleeve (1).

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