Support sleeve, cable assembly and connector assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a support sleeve (2) for fastening an electrical cable (4) in an outer conductor contact element (6) of an electrical connector (5), which extends in a sleeve-like shape along a central axis (M) and has a contour (15) which a) in a longitudinal section has a lateral distance to the central axis (M) that varies on the inside and / or outside, so that several point- or line-shaped contact areas (16) spaced apart from each other in an axial direction (A) are formed on the inside and / or outside; and / or b) in a cross-section has a lateral distance to the central axis (M) that varies on the inside and / or outside, so that several point- or line-shaped contact areas (16) spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction (U) are formed on the inside and / or outside.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a support sleeve for fastening an electrical cable in an outer conductor contact element of an electrical connector, which extends in a sleeve-like shape along a central axis and has a contour with several spaced-apart contact areas.

[0002] The invention further relates to a cable arrangement for an electrical connector, comprising a support sleeve and an electrical cable, as well as a connector arrangement comprising a cable arrangement and the electrical connector.

[0003] When assembling cables, their conductors are typically connected to the contact elements of a connector. These contact elements then serve to connect to corresponding mating contacts of a mating connector. For this to work, a mechanically and electrically secure connection between the cable components and the connector components must be achieved. In particular, it should be ensured that the electrical and mechanical connection between the cable components and connector components does not unintentionally loosen under transverse and / or longitudinal tension on the cable.

[0004] A support sleeve is typically used to secure a cable shield or outer conductor to the outer conductor contact element of a connector. The cable shield is usually attached between the support sleeve and the outer conductor contact element by means of a force-fit and / or form-fit connection, in particular by clamping. In practice, this is mostly achieved by pressing or crimping the outer conductor contact element onto the support sleeve. This compresses the support sleeve from its mechanically relaxed state, creating an elastic preload within it. The restoring force or spring force of the support sleeve, among other factors, ensures that the cable shield is securely and mechanically fixed to the outer conductor contact element, both mechanically and electrically.

[0005] Support sleeves are typically manufactured as turned metal parts, preferably from a non-ferrous metal (such as brass or bronze) or from, for example, spring steel. Experience has shown that such support sleeves are particularly well-suited for the necessary deformation during the crimping process and for long-term use. However, the production of these known support sleeves is costly and complex, which hinders the economical mass production of the connectors.

[0006] In particular, different sized metal sleeves must be manufactured for different cable diameters and connector types. For small cable diameters, it is often necessary to provide support sleeves with a large wall thickness to compensate for the lateral distance to the inner wall of a significantly larger outer conductor contact element. This results in high material costs, and during assembly, it is sometimes only possible to attach the support sleeves to the cable during the crimping process with considerable force and tooling.

[0007] In view of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a support sleeve for a cable assembly, with advantageous properties for fastening to an end section of a cable in the context of cable assembly, which is particularly cost-effective to manufacture and assemble in the context of mass production.

[0008] The present invention also aims to provide a cable arrangement for a connector arrangement which has a mechanically and electrically advantageous support sleeve for fixing a cable shield, and which can be manufactured and assembled in a cost-effective manner, particularly in the context of mass production.

[0009] Finally, it is also an object of the invention to provide a connector arrangement which has a mechanically and electrically advantageous support sleeve for fixing a cable shield, and which can be manufactured and assembled in a cost-effective manner, particularly in the context of mass production.

[0010] The problem is solved for the support sleeve by the features listed in claim 1. With regard to the cable arrangement, the problem is solved by the features of claim 14, and with regard to the connector arrangement by the features of claim 15.

[0011] The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

[0012] The invention relates to a support sleeve for fastening an electrical cable in an outer conductor contact element of an electrical connector, which extends in a sleeve-like or hollow cylindrical shape along a central axis.

[0013] Preferably, the support sleeve is designed for the frictional and / or form-fit fixing of a cable shield. In particular, it can be provided that the cable shield can be fixed between the support sleeve and the outer conductor contact element by frictional and / or form-fit fixing, in particular by clamping.

[0014] The electrical cable is not to be understood as part of the claimed support sleeve. However, the applicant reserves the right to claim any combination of support sleeve, cable shield, cable, outer conductor contact element and / or connector, or the said items individually or separately, wherein the individual features of the said items described below can be combined accordingly.

[0015] The support sleeve and the outer conductor contact element can also be referred to as "connector components" of the connector (along with other, optional connector components, such as inner conductor contact elements, seals or housing components).

[0016] In principle, the proposed support sleeve is suitable for use with any electrical cable. Within the scope of the invention, an electrical cable can be provided that has any number of inner conductors or cable cores. For example, an electrical cable within the scope of the invention can have one inner conductor, two inner conductors, three inner conductors, four inner conductors, or even more inner conductors. Preferably, an electrical cable with exactly one inner conductor or exactly two inner conductors is provided. If an electrical cable with only one inner conductor is provided, it can be designed as a coaxial cable. If an electrical cable with more than one inner conductor is provided, the cable cores of the cable can be twisted, in the manner of a "twisted-pair" cable; however, the cable cores can also be arranged in parallel, as in a "parallel-pair" cable.

[0017] According to the invention, the support sleeve has at least one contour which a) in a longitudinal section, it has a lateral distance to the central axis that varies on the inside and / or outside, such that several point-like or line-like contact areas are formed on the inside and / or outside, spaced apart from each other in an axial direction (i.e., along or parallel to the central axis) in longitudinal section; and / or b) in a cross-section, it has a lateral distance to the central axis that varies on the inside and / or outside, such that several point-like or line-like contact areas are formed on the inside and / or outside, spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction (i.e., around the central axis) in cross-section.

[0018] In the context of the present invention, a "contact area" is understood to be, in particular, an area of ​​the contour that is suitable for mechanical and / or electrical contact with a corresponding connecting partner. This area can be, in particular, a point-like or a line-like area of ​​the contour in either longitudinal or cross-sectional (i.e., in a two-dimensional view).

[0019] The proposed contour of the support sleeve, with its spaced-apart individual contact areas, can significantly improve the manufacturing and assembly effort for the support sleeve and the cable or connector assembly, both economically and technically. Particularly when large wall thicknesses are required for the support sleeve, considerable material costs can be saved, as segmented contact areas spaced apart circumferentially and / or axially are used instead of a single, continuous contact area. This allows the support sleeve to be preferably designed as a thin sheet metal part (e.g., as a stamped and bent part, as mentioned below) while simultaneously providing a large effective wall thickness. In addition to saving material and weight, this also reduces the force required and tool wear during crimping in assembly.

[0020] Preferably, the contour of the support sleeve is designed such that it is not able to make full contact with the intended connection partner on the inside and / or outside, but only in the area of ​​the spaced-apart contact areas.

[0021] When viewed from the outside, in a longitudinal or cross-sectional view, the outer contact areas can appear as elevations and the inner contact areas as depressions in the contour (the opposite is true when viewed from the inside). In other words, the contact areas (whether viewed from the inside or outside) can be formed on "wave crests," with the "wave troughs" forming the contact areas on the opposite side.

[0022] It should be noted that the support sleeve preferably has exactly one of the proposed contours. However, it is also possible for the support sleeve to have several corresponding contours (in identical or different versions), for example, two, three, four, five, or even more contours. If several contours are provided, they may preferably be spaced apart from one another in the axial direction. The several contours may preferably be connected to one another to provide a mechanically stable overall component. The connection of the contours may be direct (e.g., by contours that are at least partially welded, soldered, riveted, pressed, or otherwise joined to one another) or indirect (e.g., by a separate inner sleeve and / or outer sleeve, which will be mentioned below, connecting several contours).As already mentioned, the use of a single contour is preferred due to its particularly simple and effective design.

[0023] The support sleeve preferably has a base body, in particular a base body that is at least substantially hollow and cylindrical, preferably (but not necessarily) formed from sheet metal. The contour can be formed section by section or completely by said base body (insofar as the support sleeve has several of said contours, it can therefore preferably also have several base bodies). The contour can optionally also be formed by a combination of different components, for example, by a base body and additional components (e.g., the sections mentioned below). Preferably, the base body of the support sleeve has a wall thickness that is at least substantially constant. However, the wall thickness can also vary, particularly in the area of ​​any bends.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the support sleeve is a stamped-bent part or can be produced by a stamping-bend process.

[0025] This results in particular economic and technical advantages compared to a time-consuming and costly turning process according to the state of the art, which was usually necessary, especially for large wall thicknesses.

[0026] It should be emphasized, however, that the invention is also suitable for support sleeves or base bodies manufactured in other ways, for example, for support sleeves / base bodies produced as turned parts or deep-drawn. The advantages of the invention are particularly evident when using a support sleeve made from a predominantly flat base material (e.g., a sheet metal part).

[0027] If the support sleeve is a stamped and bent part, or at least if the base body of the support sleeve is a stamped and bent part, it may optionally be provided that the support sleeve is mechanically stabilized or reinforced after the forming process in the area of ​​any remaining longitudinal gap, for example by a positive locking in the area of ​​the longitudinal gap, by a weld, a soldered joint, a clinch joint, or in some other way, so that the mechanical stability of the support sleeve is improved and springback is prevented. However, this is not absolutely necessary.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the contour can be designed such that the support sleeve is able to contact an at least substantially cylindrical body on the inside and / or an at least substantially hollow cylindrical body on the outside.

[0029] The cylindrical body can be, in particular, an end section of an electrical cable. For example, the support sleeve can be designed to make direct internal contact with the cable sheath, an electrical conductor within the cable sheath (especially an outer conductor, such as a cable shield or braided shielding and / or a shielding foil, but possibly also an inner conductor), or a dielectric or dielectric filler within the cable sheath. The cable components intended for direct contact with the contour or contact areas of the contour can be partially or completely exposed or stripped.

[0030] The hollow cylindrical body can be, in particular, an outer conductor contact element of the electrical connector, but in principle, any connector component can be used. Preferably, a cable shield of the cable can be arranged between the outer conductor contact element and the support sleeve (e.g., a cable shield folded back over the support sleeve) to improve the electrical and mechanical contact and, for example, to provide cable strain relief – in this sense, the (folded-back) cable shield can also be understood as a "hollow cylindrical body".

[0031] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that all contact areas formed on the inside of the contour for contacting the cylindrically shaped body have the same lateral distance to the central axis and / or all contact areas formed on the outside of the contour for contacting the hollow cylindrically shaped body have the same lateral distance to the central axis.

[0032] For example, it may be provided that all inner contact areas of the contour are arranged in cross-section on a common, imaginary circle of a first circle that runs coaxially to the central axis. Similarly, it may also be provided that all outer contact areas of the contour are arranged in cross-section on a common, imaginary circle of a second circle that runs coaxially to the central axis.

[0033] In particular, by ensuring that all contact areas on the outside or inside have the same lateral distance to the central axis, an advantageous, symmetrical contact between the support sleeve and the cylindrically shaped body and / or the hollow cylindrically shaped body can be enabled, so that the respective body or connecting partner is arranged at least substantially coaxially to the central axis inside or outside the support sleeve.

[0034] In exceptional cases (less preferred), an asymmetrical arrangement of the cylindrically shaped body inside the support sleeve or of the hollow cylindrically shaped body outside the support sleeve may also be provided.

[0035] According to a further development of the invention, the axially spaced contact areas can be arranged in longitudinal section symmetrically about a vertical axis oriented transversely or orthogonally to the central axis. This vertical axis can preferably run centrally through the contour in the axial direction, but may optionally also be offset from the axial center of the contour.

[0036] Therefore, axial symmetry can preferably be provided in the longitudinal section to distribute the axially spaced contact areas symmetrically or uniformly along the axial direction, at least in sections. This optimizes the force distribution and stability in the cable or connector arrangement and improves the mechanical holding force and electrical connection.

[0037] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the contact areas spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction and / or in the axial direction are arranged equidistantly in the cross-section.

[0038] An equidistant, regular circumferential contour can lead to a particularly force-optimized and stable connection with the cable and the outer conductor contact element of the connector.

[0039] It can be provided that the contact areas spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction are arranged in cross-section axially symmetric to the central axis and / or symmetrically to a plane of symmetry, wherein the central axis preferably passes through said plane of symmetry.

[0040] In principle, the contour can have any number of contact areas spaced apart from each other in the axial and / or circumferential direction on the inside and / or outside, for example, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or even more contact areas. It can also be provided, in particular, that the contour has contact areas spaced apart from each other in the axial and / or circumferential direction exclusively on the inside (and, for example, a full-surface contact surface on the outside), or that the contour has contact areas spaced apart from each other in the axial and / or circumferential direction exclusively on the outside (and, for example, a full-surface contact surface on the inside).

[0041] To ensure sufficient holding force when attaching the support sleeve to the cable or when attaching the support sleeve within the outer conductor contact element of the connector, various minimalist variants may be sufficient, which can be used individually or in combination with other contact areas.

[0042] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided, for example, that the contour is on the inside and / or outside. a) each has at least two axially spaced contact areas (point-shaped or linear); and / or b) each has at least three circumferentially spaced, point-shaped contact areas; and / or c) each has at least two circumferentially spaced contact areas, one of which is linear and the other is point-shaped; and / or d) each has at least two circumferentially spaced, linear contact areas.

[0043] In principle, other variations of contact areas distributed in the axial and / or circumferential direction may also be advantageous. The preceding examples are to be understood merely as preferred, but not limiting, variants of the invention.

[0044] It can also be provided that the contour of the support sleeve has different contact area groups on the inside and / or outside, distributed axially along the support sleeve, whereby the distribution of the contact areas within the respective contact area groups can differ from one another. For example, two, three, four, or more contact area groups can be provided. For example, it can be provided that an annular contact area is formed in the area of ​​a first end section of the support sleeve, and that three circumferentially spaced, point-shaped contact areas (three-point contact) are formed in the area of ​​the opposite, second end section of the support sleeve.

[0045] In summary, it should be emphasized once again that the contact areas on the inside and / or outside can be arranged arbitrarily in the axial and / or circumferential direction over the contour of the support sleeve, in particular with the aim of increasing the effective wall thickness of the support sleeve, while maintaining good mechanical stability and preferably the possibility of coaxial contact with the respective external and internal connection partners.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the lateral distance of the contour to the central axis varies periodically or in a wave-like manner, at least section by section, on the inside and / or outside in the axial direction and / or in the circumferential direction.

[0047] The periodic variation of the lateral distance of the contour from the central axis is preferably sinusoidal. However, it should be noted that instead of a sinusoidal contour variation, a rectangular, sawtooth, triangular, or other periodic contour variation in the axial and / or circumferential direction may also be provided.

[0048] Preferably, the contact areas are formed at inflection points of the periodic or wave-like progression of the contour, in particular on inner or outer "wave crests", as already proposed above.

[0049] It should be emphasized that a periodic variation of the contour can also be provided only in sections (e.g., in an axial central section of the support sleeve or at the axial end sections of the support sleeve). Preferably, however, the periodic variation of the contour extends completely along the entire contour of the support sleeve (especially in the circumferential direction).

[0050] Insofar as the preceding and subsequent text refers to "point- or line-shaped" contact areas, the definition of "point- or line-shaped" is to be understood as referring to the longitudinal or cross-sectional area, i.e., a two-dimensional view of the contour. In the third dimension, a "point-shaped" contact area can therefore extend, in particular, as a line-shaped contact geometry, and a "line-shaped" contact area as a planar contact geometry. In a three-dimensional view, the geometry of the support sleeve can thus be described as follows: a) have lateral distances to the central axis that vary in the axial direction, so that contact geometries (in particular linear or planar contact geometries) are formed that are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction and extend at least partially around the circumference; and / or b) have lateral distances to the central axis that vary in the circumferential direction, so that contact geometries (in particular linear or planar contact geometries) that are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction and extend at least partially in the axial direction are formed.

[0051] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided in particular that at least one of the axially spaced contact areas runs around the support sleeve in a circumferential direction at least partially in a ring shape (preferably completely in a ring shape).

[0052] It may be provided that the contact areas form a rotationally symmetrical cross-sectional profile in the circumferential direction.

[0053] Thus, the axially spaced contact areas can form completely or partially circumferential contact geometries, especially in a ring shape, in order to enable, for example, line contacts or surface contacts with the respective inner or outer connecting partner.

[0054] In a further development of the invention, it can alternatively or additionally be provided that at least one of the circumferentially spaced contact areas extends at least section by section along the longitudinal extent of the support sleeve.

[0055] Thus, the circumferentially spaced contact areas can form contact geometries extending completely or partially along the longitudinal extent of the support sleeve, particularly in the axial direction, in order to enable, for example, line contacts or surface contacts with the respective inner or outer connecting partner.

[0056] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the support sleeve has a separate inner sleeve on the inside of the contour and / or a separate outer sleeve on the outside of the contour.

[0057] The inner and / or outer sleeve can preferably further improve the mechanical stability of the support sleeve. The inner and / or outer sleeve can also advantageously connect several of the support sleeve contours described above, resulting in a single component when assembled.

[0058] It may be provided, in particular, that the contour is formed on a base body of the support sleeve, which is surrounded by the outer sleeve and / or which surrounds the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve and / or the outer sleeve may preferably extend axially at least along the entire length of the contour(s) of the support sleeve. It may also be provided, in particular, that the inner sleeve and / or the outer sleeve is extended axially relative to the contour(s) of the support sleeve.

[0059] The inner sleeve and / or the outer sleeve is preferably a completely closed sleeve component, for example a turned part, to provide particularly high mechanical stability. However, the outer sleeve and / or the inner sleeve can also be a slotted sleeve (e.g. a stamped and bent part), in which case the outer or inner sleeve is preferably mechanically stabilized at least at specific points (e.g. by welding or brazing) in the area of ​​the slot.

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the contact areas are formed on inner and / or outer elevations of the contour.

[0061] As mentioned above, the protrusions or contact areas on the inside and outside are preferably (but not necessarily) evenly spaced from the central axis to enable symmetrical mounting of the support sleeve on the cylindrical body or cable, as well as symmetrical mounting of the support sleeve in the hollow cylindrical body or outer conductor contact element of the connector.

[0062] Several options are available for setting up the surveys or contact areas. Below are some particularly preferred methods for setting up the surveys or contact areas, but this should not be considered an exhaustive list.

[0063] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided in particular that the elevations are formed by embossing in a base body of the support sleeve.

[0064] This variant is particularly advantageous if the support sleeve, or at least its base, is designed as a stamped and bent part. The contour of the support sleeve can thus be predetermined by the stamping and bending process itself.

[0065] In a further development of the invention, it can alternatively or additionally be provided that the elevations are formed by separate sections attached to the base body.

[0066] The "parts" may preferably be plate-shaped or web-shaped parts, for example sheet metal or wire parts.

[0067] The attachment of the sections to the base body of the support sleeve can, in principle, be carried out in any way, in particular by positive locking, force locking and / or material locking.

[0068] Preferably, the components can be soldered, welded, riveted or glued to the base body.

[0069] In a further development of the invention, it can alternatively or additionally be provided that the protrusions are formed as contact tabs punched out of the base body.

[0070] This variant can also be particularly advantageous if the support sleeve, or at least its base body, is designed as a stamped-bent part. The contact tabs can then, for example, be stamped out of the base body and formed accordingly during the stamping-bending process. However, the formation of the contact tabs can also take place at a later stage, and especially separately from a preceding stamping-bending process. It should also be emphasized that this variant can be well-suited even if the support sleeve or base body was not manufactured using a stamping-bending process.

[0071] The contact tabs can be connected to the base body on one or both sides via connecting bridges.

[0072] In a further development of the invention, it can alternatively or additionally be provided that the elevations are monolithically machined from the base body, for example by a machining process (e.g. by turning, milling or broaching).

[0073] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the projections are helical or thread-shaped.

[0074] Helix- or thread-shaped protrusions can be provided particularly advantageously by using separate sections or a machining process (e.g., by thread cutting).

[0075] The support sleeve, in particular the base body and / or the aforementioned optional components, may preferably be made of a metallic material or at least have a metallic component. The metallic material may be, in particular, an aluminum sheet, a steel sheet, a titanium sheet, or a sheet of a non-ferrous metal (such as copper, brass, or bronze). In principle, however, any material may be suitable, but metals or metal alloys are particularly appropriate.

[0076] Preferably, the support sleeve, and in particular the base body of the support sleeve, has a cross-section that is at least substantially circular. However, in principle, any cross-sectional geometry can be provided for the proposed support sleeve.

[0077] The invention also relates to a cable arrangement for an electrical connector, comprising a support sleeve according to the preceding and following embodiments and the electrical cable.

[0078] The support sleeve can be arranged on the electrical cable and preferably attached to it, particularly to an end section of the electrical cable. The support sleeve can thus be designed to receive (the end section of) the cable (i.e., the aforementioned inner "connecting partner" or "cylindrical body" can preferably be the electrical cable).

[0079] The aforementioned cable end section can be, in particular, the end section of the cable on which the aforementioned connector is to be mounted. Preferably, the support sleeve is positioned at a defined axial position of the end section, such that the cable, or at least one of its components, extends partially or completely through the support sleeve.

[0080] It may be provided that a cable sheath of the cable extends at least partially into the support sleeve, so that the support sleeve can preferably be attached or is attached at least on a section of the cable sheath.

[0081] The support sleeve, or its contour, can optionally include a stop against which the end of the cable sheath facing the support sleeve abuts, allowing the support sleeve to be axially positioned or aligned relative to the end of the cable sheath. This can be achieved, for example, by a collar formed at one end of the support sleeve or by individual collar segments formed at one end of the support sleeve.

[0082] The cable sheath does not necessarily have to end inside the support sleeve. For example, it may also be designed so that the cable sheath extends completely through the support sleeve, or that the support sleeve connects directly to the cable sheath along the longitudinal axis of the cable.

[0083] It may be provided that an exposed section of a cable shield of the electrical cable is positioned inside the contour of the support sleeve and / or outside on the contour of the support sleeve.

[0084] The cable shield can refer specifically to the cable's braided shield, meaning a structure of interwoven individual wires. However, the term "cable shield" can generally be understood to refer to any type of outer conductor of the cable, including shielding foil or a combination of braided and foil shielding.

[0085] The section of cable intended for mounting in the support sleeve may be unprocessed, but is usually already partially pre-assembled / pre-processed when the support sleeve is installed. In particular, the cable may be stripped, at least in sections, so that one or more cable components are at least partially exposed and accessible for connection to the connector components, especially the support sleeve. For example, one or more inner conductors of the cable may be exposed, at least in sections, from an enclosing dielectric, starting from a front, connector-side end. Furthermore, the cable shield may be exposed, at least in part, from an outer covering (e.g., the cable jacket), so that it is accessible for connection to the support sleeve and the outer conductor contact element of the connector.

[0086] The invention also relates to a connector arrangement comprising a cable arrangement according to the preceding and following embodiments and the electrical connector.

[0087] It may be provided that an outer conductor contact element of the electrical connector is arranged on the support sleeve. Preferably, the outer conductor contact element is attached to the support sleeve, in particular by crimping or pressing it into place.

[0088] The electrical cable or said end section of the electrical cable is preferably arranged or attached on the inside of the support sleeve.

[0089] The support sleeve is thus able to advantageously bridge the radial or lateral distance between the cable and the outer conductor contact element, as it can be positioned between the cable (especially the cable shield) and the outer conductor contact element. Due to the proposed contour of the support sleeve, with its axially and / or circumferentially spaced contact areas, this is possible with significantly reduced material usage and therefore also reduced weight compared to the prior art (especially compared to machined support sleeves). The individual contact areas allow, for example, a support sleeve made from a thin sheet metal part with effectively increased wall thickness, which can also be attached to the cable or in the outer conductor contact element with less force and fewer tools. The proposed connector arrangement is therefore particularly advantageous for mass production.

[0090] The proposed support sleeve allows the cable shield of the electrical cable to be advantageously fixed to the outer conductor contact element of the electrical connector to be mounted on the corresponding cable end. This provides not only excellent electrical connection of the outer conductors but also a mechanically robust cable strain relief.

[0091] The connector assembly can optionally include at least one inner conductor contact element that is electrically and mechanically connected (e.g., crimped) to at least one inner conductor of the electrical cable. In principle, any number of additional connector components and / or cable components can be provided within the proposed connector assembly.

[0092] The invention is preferably suitable for electrical connectors for high-frequency technology. However, other applications, such as high-voltage technology, may also be considered. Ultimately, the proposed invention is suitable for connectors relating to all areas of electrical engineering and is therefore not limited to a specific connector or cable type.

[0093] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a support sleeve, in particular a support sleeve according to the preceding and following embodiments, wherein in at least one process step a contour of the support sleeve is manufactured which a) in a longitudinal section has a lateral distance to the central axis of the support sleeve that varies on the inside and / or outside, so that several point- or line-shaped contact areas spaced apart from each other in an axial direction are formed on the inside and / or outside; and / or b) in a cross-section has a lateral distance to the central axis that varies on the inside and / or outside, so that several point- or line-shaped contact areas spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction are formed on the inside and / or outside.

[0094] Within the proposed method for manufacturing the support sleeve, the contact areas can be formed, in particular, on internal and / or external protrusions of the contour. This can be achieved, in particular, by forming the protrusions through embossing of a base body of the support sleeve. In this case, the base body, and preferably the entire support sleeve, can be advantageously manufactured using a stamping-bending process, since the embossing or deformations can then be incorporated during the stamping-bending process. Additionally or alternatively, the protrusions can also be formed as contact tabs stamped out of the base body, which is also possible within the stamping-bending process. However, it can also be provided that, in a single process step, the protrusions are formed by separate sections that are attached to the base body.Machining the raised areas from the base body using a subtractive process is also possible. It should be emphasized that, as an alternative to a stamping-bending process, other manufacturing methods are also suitable for producing the support sleeve and, in particular, the base body of the support sleeve.

[0095] The proposed method advantageously enables the production of particularly economical and mass-producible support sleeves. The process can be especially cost-effective for various cable cross-sections and, in particular, for large diameter differences between the cable and the outer conductor contact element.

[0096] Features described in connection with one of the subject matter of the invention, namely the support sleeve, cable arrangement, connector arrangement, and method for manufacturing the support sleeve, can also be advantageously implemented for the other subject matter of the invention. Likewise, advantages mentioned in connection with one of the subject matter of the invention can also be understood as relating to the other subject matter of the invention.

[0097] It should also be noted that terms such as "comprehensive," "exhibiting," or "with" do not exclude other characteristics or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "the," which indicate a singular number of steps or characteristics, do not exclude a plurality of characteristics or steps—and vice versa.

[0098] In a purist embodiment of the invention, however, it may also be provided that the features introduced in the invention with the terms "comprising," "comprising," or "with" are exhaustively listed. Accordingly, one or more lists of features within the scope of the invention may be considered complete, for example, for each claim. The invention may, for instance, consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1.

[0099] It should be noted that designations such as "first" or "second" etc. are primarily used for the purpose of distinguishing between the respective device or process features and are not necessarily intended to indicate that features are mutually dependent or related to each other.

[0100] Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the values ​​and parameters described herein include deviations or fluctuations of ±10% or less, preferably ±5% or less, more preferably ±1% or less, and most preferably ±0.1% or less of the respective named value or parameter, provided that such deviations are not excluded in the practical implementation of the invention. The specification of ranges by initial and final values ​​also includes all those values ​​and fractions that are encompassed by the respective named range, in particular the initial and final values ​​and a respective mean value.

[0101] The invention also relates to a support sleeve independent of claim 1, which has a varying lateral distance to its central axis on the inside and / or outside, such that several spaced-apart contact areas or contact points or contact geometries are formed. The further features of claim 1 and the dependent claims, as well as the features described in this description, relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of this support sleeve.

[0102] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0103] The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are combined with one another. Features of an embodiment can also be implemented independently of the other features of the same embodiment and can therefore be readily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further meaningful combinations and subcombinations with features of other embodiments.

[0104] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0105] They show schematically: Figure 1 shows a connector assembly consisting of an electrical connector, an electrical cable, and a support sleeve according to an embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section; Figure 2 shows the support sleeve of the connector assembly. Figure 1Figure 3 shows a support sleeve according to a second embodiment in a longitudinal section, with several contact areas spaced axially apart on the inside and outside; Figure 4 shows a support sleeve according to a third embodiment in a perspective view, with several contact areas equidistantly distributed circumferentially on the inside and outside; Figure 5 shows a support sleeve according to a fourth embodiment in a perspective view; Figure 6 shows a support sleeve according to a fifth embodiment in a perspective view; Figure 7 shows a support sleeve according to a sixth embodiment in a perspective view;Figure 8 shows a support sleeve according to a seventh embodiment in a perspective view, with contact tabs punched out of the base body of the support sleeve to form inner contact areas; Figure 9 shows a support sleeve according to an eighth embodiment in a perspective view, with contact tabs punched out of the base body of the support sleeve to form outer contact areas; and Figure 10 shows a support sleeve according to a ninth embodiment in a perspective view, with two axially spaced contours or base bodies arranged within a common outer sleeve.

[0106] In the Figures 1 and 2 A first embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 1 This shows an exemplary connector arrangement 1 according to the invention and Figure 2 The support sleeve 2 of the connector assembly 1 in a single view.

[0107] The connector assembly 1 comprises a cable assembly 3 consisting of an electrical cable 4, a support sleeve 2, and an electrical connector 5. The cable assembly 3, the connector 5, and in particular the support sleeve 2 are shown only as examples and are not to be understood as limiting the invention.

[0108] The electrical connector 5 has, by way of example, one outer conductor contact element 6 and two inner conductor contact elements 7. For securing the inner conductor contact elements 7 within the outer conductor contact element 6, an insulator 8 with corresponding contact chambers 9 is shown by way of example. Optionally, further connector components can also be provided, such as an insulating outer housing, seals, etc., which, however, are not shown in the exemplary embodiments for the sake of simplicity.

[0109] The inner conductor contact elements 7 are connected to the inner conductors 10 of the electrical cable 4 of the cable assembly 3, for example by crimping. For this purpose, the inner conductors 10 are exposed from their respective dielectric sheaths 12 in an end section 11 of the cable 4. Within the electrical cable 4, the inner conductors 10, together with their sheaths 12, are surrounded by a cable shield 13, which is exposed by a cable jacket 14 in the end section 11 of the cable 4. The cable shield 13 can, for example, be a braided shield made of several interwoven individual wires.

[0110] For the electrical and mechanical connection of the cable shield 13 to the outer conductor contact element 6 of the connector 5, the connector assembly 1 or the cable assembly 3 has said support sleeve 2. The support sleeve 2 is arranged on the end section 11 of the electrical cable 4 and in the Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the support sleeve 2 is attached directly to the cable shield 13. Alternatively, the support sleeve 2 can also be attached, for example, at least partially, to the cable jacket 14. Optionally, it can be provided, as shown in Figure 1 It is also indicated that the cable shield 13 is folded over the support sleeve 2 and thus positioned on the outside of the support sleeve 2. For example, by means of a joint crimping process, the outer conductor contact element 6 can then be sufficiently crimped to the support sleeve 2, the cable shield 13 and the cable 4.

[0111] To bridge the lateral distance d (cf. Figure 1Due to the diameter difference between the outer conductor contact element 6 and the electrical cable 4, the support sleeve 2 must have a certain wall thickness that corresponds at least substantially to the diameter difference or the lateral distance d to be bridged. In the prior art, turned parts are frequently used for this purpose. However, to save costs and weight and to reduce assembly effort, the present invention proposes adapting the "effective" wall thickness of the support sleeve 2 to the requirements in an alternative way. In this regard, a contour 15 is proposed for the support sleeve 2 within the scope of the invention, which a) in a longitudinal section (as in Figures 1 and 2a) has a lateral distance to the central axis M of the support sleeve 2 that varies on the inside and / or outside, such that several point- or line-shaped contact areas 16 are formed on the inside and / or outside, spaced apart from each other in an axial direction A (see Figure 2); and / or b) has a lateral distance to the central axis M that varies on the inside and / or outside in a cross-section (see Figure 4, which is described in more detail below), such that several point- or line-shaped contact areas 16 are formed on the inside and / or outside, spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction U.

[0112] It is therefore proposed, in simplified terms, that the support sleeve 2 does not make full contact with the corresponding connection partner on its inner and / or outer surfaces, but only in defined contact areas 16. The contour 15 can ultimately be designed such that the support sleeve 2 is able to contact a cylindrically shaped body (such as the electrical cable 4) on its inner surface and a hollow cylindrically shaped body (such as, in particular, the outer conductor contact element 6 of the connector 5) on its outer surface. The contact areas 16 are shown by way of example in the Figures 2 to 4 Each is indicated by a dashed line around its outline.

[0113] The contact areas 16 can be formed on inner and / or outer elevations 17 of the contour 15. In the exemplary embodiments of Figures 1 to 4 and 10These are embossings of a base body 18 of the support sleeve 2. The support sleeve 2, and in particular its base body 18, can be designed as a stamped and bent part. This makes the production of a support sleeve 2 particularly economical and simple.

[0114] As in Figure 2 As can be seen, the inner contact areas 16 are arranged closer to the central axis M and the outer contact areas 16 are further away from the central axis M.

[0115] In the exemplary embodiment of the Figures 1 and 2In the longitudinal section shown, two linear contact areas 16 spaced apart from each other in the axial direction A are formed on the inside, and three linear contact areas 16 spaced apart from each other in the axial direction A are formed on the outside. It can be provided that said contact areas 16 extend at least partially in a ring-like fashion around the support sleeve 2 in the circumferential direction U (preferably completely around), whereby the linear contact areas 16 shown in the longitudinal section ultimately represent planar contact geometries in three-dimensional space.

[0116] As shown by a second embodiment of the support sleeve 2 in Figure 3 As shown, the contact areas 16 formed in the longitudinal section and spaced apart in the axial direction A can also be point-like, which can result in ring-shaped, linear contact geometries in the circumferential direction U.

[0117] As mentioned above, in Figure 4 An exemplary support sleeve 2 according to a further embodiment is shown, in which the contact areas 16 of the contour 15 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction U. This can result, for example, in the "star-shaped" orientation of the support sleeve 2 shown in Figure 4. The circumferentially spaced contact areas 16 can extend at least partially along the longitudinal extent or in the axial direction A of the support sleeve 2. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the contact areas 16 extend along the entire longitudinal extent of the support sleeve 2.

[0118] For advantageous mechanical and electrical contact between the support sleeve 2 and the cable 4 or the outer conductor contact element 6, it can be beneficial if the support sleeve 2 or the contour 15 of the support sleeve 2 exhibits a certain degree of symmetry. For example, the contact areas 16, spaced apart from each other in the axial direction A, can be arranged in longitudinal section axially symmetrically with respect to a vertical axis V running centrally through the contour 15 in the axial direction A and oriented transversely to the central axis M, as shown in Figure 3 The contact areas 16, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction U, can, however, be arranged equidistantly in cross-section, as shown in Figure 4 This is the case. However, symmetry or a uniform distribution of the contact areas 16 is not absolutely necessary (see, for example, the embodiment of the Figures 1 and 2 ).

[0119] It can be advantageous to ensure that the cylindrical body to be received in the support sleeve 2 and / or the hollow cylindrical body to be arranged on the outside of the support sleeve 2 are each arranged as coaxially as possible with the central axis M of the support sleeve 2. For this purpose, it can be provided that all contact areas 16 formed on the inside of the contour 15 for contacting the cylindrically shaped body have the same lateral distance to the central axis M and / or that all contact areas 16 formed on the outside of the contour 15 for contacting the hollow cylindrical body have the same lateral distance to the central axis M. This is implemented in all embodiments, but is not strictly necessary.

[0120] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the lateral distance of the contour 15 to the central axis M varies periodically (at least section by section) on the inside and / or outside in the axial direction A and / or in the circumferential direction U, preferably sinusoidally. A corresponding periodic variation of the lateral distance is, for example, well suited to Figure 4 A section-by-section periodic variation of the lateral distance in a central section of the support sleeve 2 is evident. Figure 2 and a periodic variation in the end sections of the support sleeve 2, exemplified in Figure 3 The inflection points of the curve describing contour 15 are used on the inside and outside sides, respectively, to form the contact areas 16.

[0121] In the Figures 5 to 7Three further embodiments of the support sleeve 2 are shown, in which the projections 17 of the contour 15 (on which the contact areas 16 can be formed) are formed by separate sections 20 attached to the base body 18 of the support sleeve 2. These sections 20 are, in the Figures 5 and 7 for example plate-shaped sections 20 and in Figure 6 around ring-shaped sections 20. The sections 20 can be positively locked, force-locked and / or material-locked to the base body 18. Alternatively, the sections in the Figures 5 to 7 The elevations 17 of the contour 15 shown can also be formed by machining or other means or machined from the base body 18.

[0122] In Figure 5 It has also been shown that the elevations 17 may also be helical or thread-shaped.

[0123] Furthermore, in particular, it should be based on the Figures 5 to 7It should be clarified that the contact areas 16, which are subject to mutual objection, can also be formed solely on the inside, while a surface contact with the connecting partner can still be provided on the outside. To increase the effective wall thickness of the support sleeve 2, for example, only an inside variation of the lateral distance can be provided. Alternatively, it is of course also possible to form the individual contact areas 16 exclusively on the outside (see, for example, [reference]). Figure 9 ).

[0124] Based on the Figures 8 and 9It should be clarified that the protrusions 17 for forming the contact areas 16 can also be formed as contact tabs 21 punched out on the base body 18. The contact tabs 21 can be connected to the base body 18 on one or both sides via corresponding connecting webs 22. In this way, too, the effective wall thickness of the support sleeve 2 can be increased, for example, within a single punching and bending process.

[0125] Finally, based on Figure 10 It should be further clarified that the support sleeve 2, in addition to its base body 18 and the optional sections 20 for increasing mechanical stability, may optionally also have a separate inner sleeve and / or a separate outer sleeve 23.

[0126] In the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 10A separate outer sleeve 23 is shown, which encloses a support sleeve 2 with two contours 15 or base bodies 18 spaced apart from each other in the axial direction A. In this way, a common mechanically stable component can be formed from two or more spaced-apart contours 15.

[0127] It should be emphasized, however, that, for example, a single contour 15 can also be enclosed by a corresponding outer sleeve 23. Furthermore, it is possible for several outer sleeves 23 to enclose a common contour 15. The same applies to an optional inner sleeve, which may also be used in addition to an outer sleeve. The use of an outer and / or inner sleeve is flexible within the scope of the invention and can, in principle, be combined with all variants of the invention.

Claims

1. Support sleeve (2) for fastening an electrical cable (4) in an outer conductor contact element (6) of an electrical connector (5), which extends in a sleeve-like manner along a central axis (M), having a contour (15) which a) in a longitudinal section has a lateral distance to the central axis (M) that varies on the inside and / or outside, so that several point- or line-shaped contact areas (16) spaced apart from each other in an axial direction (A) are formed on the inside and / or outside; and / or b) in a cross-section has a lateral distance to the central axis (M) that varies on the inside and / or outside, so that several point- or line-shaped contact areas (16) spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction (U) are formed on the inside and / or outside.

2. Support sleeve (2) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe contour (15) is designed such that the support sleeve (2) is able to contact a cylindrically shaped body on the inside and a hollow cylindrically shaped body on the outside.

3. Support sleeve (2) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that all contact areas (16) formed on the inside of the contour (15) for contacting the cylindrically shaped body have the same lateral distance to the central axis (M) and / or all contact areas (16) formed on the outside of the contour (15) for contacting the hollow cylindrically shaped body have the same lateral distance to the central axis (M).

4. Support sleeve (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that The contact areas (16) which are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction (A) are arranged in longitudinal section axially symmetric to a vertical axis (V) which is oriented transversely to the central axis (M) and which preferably runs centrally through the contour (15) in the axial direction (A).

5. Support sleeve (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the contact areas (16) spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction (U) and / or in the axial direction (A) are arranged equidistantly in the cross-section.

6. Support sleeve (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that the contour (15) on the inside and / or outside a) has at least two contact areas (16) spaced apart from each other in the axial direction (A); and / or b) has at least three point-shaped contact areas (16) spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction (U); and / or c) has at least two contact areas (16) spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction (U), wherein one of said two contact areas (16) is linear and the other contact area (16) is point-shaped; and / or d) has at least two line-shaped contact areas (16) spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction (U).

7. Support sleeve (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the lateral distance of the contour (15) to the central axis (M) varies periodically on the inside and / or outside in the axial direction (A) and / or in the circumferential direction (U), at least section by section, preferably sinusoidally.

8. Support sleeve (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that at least one of the contact areas (16) spaced apart in the axial direction (A) extends in the circumferential direction (U) at least partially in a ring shape around the support sleeve (2) and / or at least one of the contact areas (16) spaced apart in the circumferential direction (U) extends at least partially along the longitudinal extent of the support sleeve (2).

9. Support sleeve (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that the support sleeve (2) is a stamped and bent part.

10. Support sleeve (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact thatthe support sleeve (2) has a separate inner sleeve on the inside of the contour (15) and / or has a separate outer sleeve (23) on the outside of the contour (15).

11. Support sleeve (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by the fact that the contact areas (16) are formed on inner and / or outer elevations (17) of the contour (15).

12. Support sleeve (2) according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the elevations (17) a) are formed by embossing of a base body (18) of the support sleeve (2); and / or b) are formed by separate sections (20) attached to the base body (18), preferably plate-shaped or rib-shaped sections (20); and / or c) are formed as contact tabs (21) punched out of the base body (18).

13. Support sleeve (2) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by the fact that the elevations (17) are helical or thread-shaped.

14. Cable arrangement (3) for an electrical connector (5), comprising a support sleeve (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and the electrical cable (4), wherein the support sleeve (2) is arranged on an end section (11) of the electrical cable (4), and wherein an exposed section of a cable shield (13) of the electrical cable (4) is positioned inside the contour (15) of the support sleeve (2) and / or outside on the contour (15) of the support sleeve (2).

15. Connector arrangement (1) comprising a cable arrangement (3) according to claim 14 and the electrical connector (5), wherein an outer conductor contact element (6) of the electrical connector (5) is arranged on the support sleeve (2), preferably crimped to the support sleeve (2).

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