Clamping element for a cable connector unit and cable connector unit equipped with said clamping element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clamping part (10) that can be at least partially compressed radially and that engages and clamps the circumference of a cable (K) of a cable connector unit when a screw connection between a clamping sleeve (3) and a housing (1) is tightened. The present invention also relates to a cable connector unit using such a clamping part (10).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a jaw for use in a cable connector assembly for electrical and / or optical cables. [Background technology]

[0002] The fields of entertainment electronics, stage technology, the transmission of light and sound signals and the power supply to consumers in these fields place very high demands on the components used: on the one hand, these demands concern robustness, protection against dust, moisture and accidental disconnection of plug connections, and on the other hand safety.

[0003] Cable connector assemblies for use with electrical and / or optical cables containing both data and power are often of modular design. They typically include a housing for receiving and protecting contact elements for making electrical and / or optical contact with a complementary connector assembly. An at least partially radially compressible clamping portion surrounds and clamps the cable. A clamping sleeve can be threadedly engaged with the rear end of the housing, and the action of the clamping sleeve clamps all the aforementioned components of the cable connector assembly and the cable together. This reduces strain on the cable.

[0004] A clamping part for clamping a cable in a cable connector assembly typically comprises at least one radially compressible part which in a compressed state surrounds and clamps the cable, and a front end area facing the housing of the cable connector assembly and / or a connector extension inserted in said housing, the rear end in this case being formed by a number of clamping tongues which are usually arranged in the circumferential direction and which are preferably radially elastically compressible.

[0005] Strain reliefs for use in the area of ​​cable entry, having a tongue-like shape for clamping, in the case of surface mounted or flush mounted boxes, are known in the art, for example as shown in US Patent No. 5,399,633. Although they differ in shape, the strain reliefs are not radially compressible.

[0006] However, clamping parts or strain relief parts having clamping tongues that are elastically deformable in the radial direction and that are all designed to have the same shape are disclosed in Patent Document 2 or Patent Document 3.

[0007] Today, there is an increasing demand for cable connector assemblies that are adapted for a wide range of applications, particularly a single design that can accommodate a wide range of cable diameters. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2744060 [Patent Document 2] German Utility Model No. 202012101449 [Patent Document 3] German Patent No. 102009042678 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and to provide a device capable of clamping cables having different characteristics with a single clamping portion of a cable connector assembly, and in particular capable of accommodating a wide range of cable diameters. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This object is achieved by the device according to the claims. Further features can be inferred from the description and the drawings.

[0011] The clamping part of the present invention is characterized by having at least two kinds of clamping tongues, which can reliably clamp a plurality of different cable types by the different characteristics of the various groups of clamping tongues. The clamping part can be used in the cable connector assemblies described above, but can also be used alone in other cable connector assemblies, including conventional cable connector assemblies.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment in this case, each of the first clamping tongues of the first group is wider than each of the second clamping tongues of the second group, at least at the end of the clamping part facing in the opposite direction. Preferably, between each pair of clamping tongues of one group there is a clamping tongue of the other group, as viewed in the circumferential direction. Since there are two types of clamping tongues, each of the first clamping tongues of the first group is followed by a second clamping tongue of the second group and vice versa.

[0013] Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the width of the first clamping tongue increases with increasing distance from the front end of the clamping part, preferably continuously increasing in width in order to ensure an even and reliable application of force over the entire range of movement of the clamping tongue without sudden application of force to adjacent clamping tongues.

[0014] These clamping tongues are preferably chamfered at their side edges, which means that in particularly preferred cases they increase in width with increasing radial distance from the central axis of the clamping part, and additional clamping tongues arranged therebetween are compressed further radially inwards, thereby increasing the radial contraction or clamping effect.

[0015] Preferably, in order to enhance the clamping action, the first clamping tongue constituting the first group has at its end a portion designed to exert a clamping action on the cable so that the cable sheath is inserted in a form-fitting manner.

[0016] In another embodiment of the clamping portion according to the present invention, the second clamping tongue constituting the second group is configured to be slightly narrower, thereby facilitating elastic deflection and allowing easier or greater radial compression.

[0017] In this case, preferably, both ends of the second clamping tongues constituting the second group are parallel to each other, preferably along their entire length.

[0018] To enhance the gripping action of the second clamping tongue of the second group, a region designed to enhance the gripping effect of the cable extends from the outer end of the clamping tongue to near the inner end.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in order for the clamping portion of the present invention to accommodate a wide range of cable diameters, the clamping portion is characterized in that when the clamping tongues are aligned in the front end region, the gap width between both ends of the clamping tongues is 70 to 95% of the diameter of the clamping portion, and when the clamping tongues are maximally compressed, when the first clamping tongues constituting the first group are close to each other, the gap width between the ends of the clamping tongues, preferably between the second clamping tongues constituting the second group, is 10 to 40% of the diameter of the clamping portion.

[0020] Preferably, the clamp according to the invention is used in cable connector assemblies for electrical and / or optical cables, including both data and power. These assemblies often have a modular structure and typically include, in addition to the clamp for clamping the cable, a housing for receiving and protecting the connection elements for electrical and / or optical connection with a complementary connector assembly, and a clamping sleeve that is screwed onto the rear end of the housing. By their action in making the screw connection to the housing, all the aforementioned components of the cable connector assembly and the cable are clamped together, reducing strain on the cable.

[0021] Preferably, such a cable connector assembly has a length of the clamping sleeve shorter than that of the clamping sleeve, the clamping sleeve sliding coaxially with respect to at least a portion of the clamping sleeve, and a one-way lock between the clamping sleeve and the clamping sleeve, which prevents the relative rotation of the clamping sleeve and the clamping sleeve from exceeding a certain range in the tightening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve and the housing. As a result, during manual rotation of the clamping sleeve, the lock engages after a certain circumferential play, and further rotation of the clamping sleeve also moves and rotates the underlying clamping sleeve, establishing the threaded connection to the housing. If necessary, the clamping sleeve can be reciprocated many times, always within the same angular range, to tighten the threaded connection, similar to a ratchet arrangement, which further simplifies the assembly of the cable connector assembly. However, when the clamping sleeve is rotated in the opposite direction, the lock is not engaged and the clamping sleeve rotates freely without engaging in the direction to loosen the threaded connection.

[0022] In this case, the device has a tested and functionally safe structure and is preferably characterized by a sawtooth or toothed lock between the clamping sleeve and the clamping sleeve, in which a guide with at least one long flat surface and at least one steep side pointing in the direction of the opening of the screw connection between the clamping sleeve and the housing is formed on either the clamping sleeve or the clamping sleeve, and a locking claw with a substantially complementary shape is formed on the other component.

[0023] A preferred embodiment of the invention includes that the height of the guide and locking pawl varies in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the clamping sleeve and the clamping sleeve, which allows the clamping sleeve and the clamping sleeve to be constructed with the smallest possible diameter.

[0024] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the length of the locking pawl is a small fraction of the length of the guide. A preferred variant includes that the length of the locking pawl is at most 10% of the length of the guide.

[0025] From the viewpoint of manufacturing, it is preferable that the guide is formed on the clamping sleeve and the locking pawl is formed on the clamping sleeve.

[0026] Another feature of the present invention is that when it is necessary to disassemble a cable connector assembly that is fixed so that it cannot be disassembled by hand, the rear end of the clamping sleeve opposite the screw protrudes beyond the rear end of the tightening sleeve and has an engagement point with a tool that applies a rotational force to the clamping sleeve so that it can be disassembled using a tool.

[0027] Particularly preferred in this case are embodiments of the invention in which the engagement points are formed by at least one pair of flat surfaces that are parallel to one another and arranged opposite one another with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the clamping sleeve, so that a rotational force can be applied to the clamping sleeve by means of a wrench or similar tool, and the screw connection can be completely loosened to dismantle the cable connector assembly, or a precise amount of rotational force can be applied to tighten the screw connection without damaging the lock and the corresponding arrangement.

[0028] In this case, embodiments in which the width of the flat surface along the longitudinal central axis is in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm are particularly preferred, with a width of 3 to 6 mm being preferred, as this ensures a safe engagement point for the tool and an adequate contact area for applying the required rotational force.

[0029] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized by a stop limiting the movement of the clamping sleeve with respect to the rear end of the clamping sleeve, thereby preventing the clamping sleeve from coming off the clamping sleeve or being accidentally pushed down.

[0030] In a specific and structurally easy to manufacture embodiment, this type of safety mechanism for preventing the clamping sleeve from falling off is provided by a protrusion at the rear end of the clamping sleeve that extends at least partially in the circumferential direction, the radial extension of this protrusion being greater than the inner diameter of the rear end opening of the clamping sleeve.

[0031] In this case, an embodiment is preferred in which the radial extension of the circumferential projection decreases towards the rear end, which makes it easier to assemble the cable connector assembly, since the clamping sleeve can be slid onto the clamping sleeve from the rear and its rear end area can be pushed out over the rear end area of ​​the clamping sleeve with a slight elastic expansion.

[0032] A preferred embodiment of the cable connector assembly according to the invention is characterized in that it has at least one protrusion on the outside of the clamping sleeve to fill the space between the clamping sleeve and the clamping sleeve, which protrusion fills at least a large part of the space between the clamping sleeve and the clamping sleeve, thereby reducing the possibility of the clamping sleeve and the clamping sleeve colliding due to vibrations of the cable connector, which may occur, for example, when used as a speaker connector. Preferably, the protrusion completely fills the space between the two coaxial sleeves, thereby completely preventing any rattling or wobbling.

[0033] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention features a one-way lock between the clamping sleeve and the clamping part to prevent unintentional loosening of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve and the housing during vibration of the cable connector assembly, which is designed to prevent relative rotation between the clamping sleeve and the clamping part in the opening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve and the housing.

[0034] For this purpose, preferred embodiments provide a form-fitting or toothed lock between the clamping sleeve and the clamping sleeve, in which at least one claw is formed on either the clamping sleeve or the clamping sleeve and at least one locking claw is formed on the other component.

[0035] With regard to the distribution of the load, i.e. the mechanical stability, particularly preferred are embodiments of the invention having several, preferably three, serrated locking pawls, the short faces of which are arranged circumferentially and point towards the opening of the screw connection between the clamping sleeve and the housing.

[0036] For a better understanding of the invention, it will now be described in more detail with reference to the following figures, each of which is shown as a highly simplified schematic diagram: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cable connector assembly according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the cable connector assembly shown in FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] 1 is a front view of a clamping sleeve according to the present invention for use in a cable connector assembly; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the clamping sleeve shown in FIG. 3 . [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the clamping sleeve shown in FIG. 3 . [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along a flat surface of a protruding portion of a clamping sleeve according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the clamping sleeve of FIG. 3 . [Figure 8] 1 is a side view of a clamping sleeve according to the present invention for use in a cable connector assembly; [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a front view of the clamping sleeve of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the clamping sleeve of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal section through the clamping sleeve of FIG. 7 . [Figure 12] 1 is a rear view of a jaw according to the present invention for use with a cable connector assembly having a maximum inner diameter prior to insertion into the cable connector assembly; FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembly according to the invention including a clamping part, a clamping sleeve and a clamping sleeve, in a state for use with a cable of maximum diameter. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a front view of the assembly corresponding to FIG. 12 in the state for use with the minimum cable diameter. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cable connector assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a clamping sleeve according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view through a clamping sleeve for the clamping sleeve of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] First, it should be noted that in differently described embodiments, identical parts have the same reference numbers or the same component names. Here, the disclosure contained in the general description can be applied by analogy to identical parts having the same reference numbers or the same component names. Also, the position designations selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., are based on the figures immediately described and drawn, and these position designations should be analogically transferred to the new positions when the positions are changed.

[0039] 1 shows a specific embodiment of a cable connector assembly according to the invention for connection to a complementary connector arrangement, such as typically used for power or speaker cables in the field of stage and event technology. The same or similar configurations are possible for all kinds of electrical and / or optical cables.

[0040] A connector extension 2 projects forward from the housing 1 towards a complementary connector, not shown. Contact elements for making electrical and / or optical contact with a complementary connector arrangement are protectively arranged within the connector extension 2. Preferably, the housing 1 includes an unlocking slide 20 for releasing a provided locking mechanism with the complementary connector. The rear end of the cable connector assembly is formed by an assembly consisting of a clamping sleeve 3 and a clamping sleeve 4 which slides coaxially therewith. A cable K exits from the rear end of the cable connector assembly.

[0041] As shown in the exploded illustration in Fig. 2, the connector extension 2 is usually inserted into the housing 1 from the rear. However, for example, the connector extension 2 may also be integral with the housing 1 having an external thread 5 at its rear end for establishing a threaded connection with an internal thread 6 at the front end of the clamping sleeve 3. A sealing ring 7 may be arranged between the housing 1 and the connector extension 2. A spring element 8 ensures the return of an unlocking slide 20 which is longitudinally displaceable on a web 9 on the housing 1.

[0042] The cable connector assembly according to the invention typically further comprises a clamping part 10, often also called a collet. The clamping part 10 slides on the cable K in the longitudinal direction of the cable K, or also in the radial direction if a longitudinal groove is present, and is arranged opposite the connector extension part 2 into which the housing 1 and / or its front end region 11 are inserted. The rear end of the clamping part 10 in the embodiment of the invention is formed with a plurality of radially elastically compressible clamping tongues 12 arranged in the circumferential direction in order to clamp the cable K passing therethrough. The radial compression of the clamping tongues 12 of different designs occurs when the clamping sleeve 3 is slid and a screw connection is established between the housing 1 and the clamping sleeve 3. During this process, all the aforementioned components of the cable connector assembly and the cable are clamped together, ensuring accurate positioning of the components and strain relief of the cable K.

[0043] The sealing sleeve 13 is arranged at the rear end of the cable connector assembly, preferably at the rear end region of the clamping sleeve 3, through which the cable K exits the cable connector assembly.

[0044] 3 shows the clamping sleeve 3 of the invention as seen from the housing 1. Here, it can be seen that at least the inner diameter of the clamping sleeve 3, at which the female thread 6 is located, from its front end to its opposite rear end, is preferably tapered conically or stepwise. This means that when the screw connection with the housing 1 is tightened and the clamping sleeve 3 moves axially towards the housing 1, the clamping part 10, in particular the clamping tongue 12, is radially compressed and the entire clamping part 10 is also pushed forward in the direction of the housing 1, so that the cable K is clamped in the clamping part.

[0045] Three locking claws 14, which are part of a form-fitting or toothed lock between the clamping sleeve 3 and the clamping part 10, are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the clamping sleeve 3 which rest in the region of the clamping tongue 12 when the housing 1 and the clamping sleeve 3 are screwed together. Three locking claws 14 of this kind or similar type, which are directed radially inwards, are preferably provided on the inside of the clamping sleeve 3, preferably arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction. The locking claws 14 are saw-like in the circumferential view, with their short faces facing in the direction of the opening of the screw connection between the clamping sleeve 3 and the housing 1. The side faces of the clamping tongue 12 of the clamping part 10 form a receiving part against which the locking claws 14 can abut with their short faces, thereby forming a counterpart of a one-way lock between the clamping sleeve 3 and the clamping part 10, which prevents the clamping sleeve 3 and the clamping part 10 from rotating relative to each other in the direction of the opening of the screw connection between the clamping sleeve 3 and the housing 1 and thus secures the screw connection against accidental loosening. In the opposite direction, the application of force causes the locking pawl 14, which has a longer surface relative to the shorter surface facing the clamping tongue 12, to be pressed against the end of said clamping tongue 12, thereby tightening the screw connection. As mentioned above, the positions of the locking pawl and receiver of the clamping sleeve and clamping part can also be reversed.

[0046] In the side views of the clamping sleeve 3 according to the invention in Figures 4 and 5 it can be seen that the outer diameter decreases stepwise from the front end to the rear end of the female thread 6. In the central longitudinal section a slightly chamfered peripheral guide 15 is formed which surrounds the clamping sleeve 3 and has at least one long flat surface 15a and at least one steeply inclined surface 15b in the opening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve 3 and the housing 1.

[0047] At the rear end of the clamping sleeve 3, a protrusion 16 is provided over at least a portion of the circumference. The radial extension of this protrusion 16, at least over a portion of the circumference, preferably over the entire circumference of the clamping sleeve 3, is greater than the inside diameter of the rear end opening of the clamping sleeve 4, thereby holding the clamping sleeve 4 in a coaxial position slid onto the clamping sleeve 3 and preventing the clamping sleeve 4 from accidentally slipping off or coming off the clamping sleeve 3. The protrusion 16 forms a stop point 16a at the rear end of the clamping sleeve 4.

[0048] However, in this case, the protrusion 16 is designed so that its radial extension decreases towards its rear end, thereby making it easier to slide the clamping sleeve 4 over the clamping sleeve 3, and preferably makes it easier for at least the rear end region of the clamping sleeve to elastically expand.

[0049] At least one engagement point 17 with a tool is provided on the protrusion 16 at the rear end of the clamping sleeve 3, which protrudes beyond the fastening sleeve 4. This allows a rotational force to be applied to the clamping sleeve 3 by a tool even if the protrusion 16 is too small to apply a rotational force to the clamping sleeve 3 by hand. The at least two engagement points 17 are preferably arranged parallel to and facing each other with respect to the longitudinal central axis A of the clamping sleeve 3, and are formed in the form of at least one pair of flat surfaces along the longitudinal direction parallel to the central plane of the clamping sleeve 3. Typically, the flat surfaces have a width of 1 mm to 10 mm in the longitudinal central axis direction, and a width of 3 mm to 6 mm is preferred.

[0050] 7 to 10 show the clamping sleeve 4 which slides coaxially on the clamping sleeve 3 of the present invention. The length of the clamping sleeve 4 is shorter than that of the clamping sleeve 3, and the clamping sleeve 4 covers a part of the clamping sleeve 3 in the longitudinal direction and coaxially. In order to allow the screw connection between the clamping sleeve 3 and the housing 1 to be tightened via the clamping sleeve 4, a one-way lock is provided between the clamping sleeve 3 and the clamping sleeve 4. This makes it possible to prevent a certain amount of rotation or circumferential play in the tightening direction of the screw connection in the relative rotation between the clamping sleeve 4 and the clamping sleeve 3, and after the play is exceeded, the clamping sleeve 3 below can be driven while the lock remains engaged while the clamping sleeve 4 is further rotated.

[0051] It is also preferred to use a form-fitting or toothed lock between the clamping sleeve 3 and the tightening sleeve 4. In this case, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, at least one of the locking claws 18 of the tightening sleeve 4 has a shape that is approximately complementary to the guide 15 and engages with the guide 15 of the tightening sleeve in the above-mentioned locking direction. Preferably, the length of one or each locking claw 18 is a small part of the length of the guide 15, and the locking claws 18 are arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction at the longitudinal rear end close to the rear end opening O of the tightening sleeve 4. In a preferred variant, the length of the locking claws 18 is a maximum of 10% of the length of the guide 15, in particular its long flat surface 15a. From the viewpoint of production, it is often the case that the guide 15 is formed on the clamping sleeve 3 and the locking claws 18 are provided on the tightening sleeve 4, but this arrangement may be reversed.

[0052] 6 and 8, the cross-sectional shape of the rear end opening O of the clamping sleeve 4 substantially corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the rear end of the clamping sleeve 3, in particular the protrusion 16 or the stop point 16a. However, since the radius of the clamping sleeve 4 is slightly smaller than the radius of the clamping sleeve 3, in particular the radius of the stop point 16a of the clamping sleeve 3, the cross-sectional area of ​​the rear end opening O of the clamping sleeve 4 is slightly smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the rear end of the clamping sleeve 3, or its protrusion 16, or its stop point 16a.

[0053] The outer surface of the clamping sleeve 4 is provided with gripping surfaces 19 at the circumferential position of the locking pawls 18, or, if the guide 15 is provided on the inside of the clamping sleeve 4, at the position of the steeper surface 15b, which ensures better handling of the clamping sleeve 4 by material and / or construction, and also indicates to the user the preferred position of the locking pawls 18 or the corresponding part of the guide 15 which is radially compressed during handling, in order to prevent the locking pawls 18 and / or the steeper surface 15b from slipping or bouncing and thereby to ensure the drive of the underlying clamping sleeve 3 during rotation of the clamping sleeve 4.

[0054] To assemble the cable connector arrangement according to the invention, the clamping sleeve 4 is gripped by the gripping surface 19 and rotated in the direction of tightening the screw connection between the screws 5 and 6 of the housing 1 and the clamping sleeve 3. If necessary, the clamping sleeve 1 is driven by the clamping sleeve 4 over the locking claw 18 facing the steep surface 15b of the guide 15, i.e. over the play or circumferential clearance between the housing 1 and the clamping sleeve 3, and the screw connection is tightened. If necessary, in order to tighten the screw connection, the clamping sleeve 4 can be rotated back and forth several times, always within the same angular range, in a manner similar to a ratchet arrangement, which makes the assembly of the cable connector arrangement even easier.

[0055] When the clamping sleeve 4 is rotated in the reverse direction to release the screw connection between the housing 1 and the clamping sleeve 3, the above-mentioned lock is not engaged and the clamping sleeve 4 rotates freely without applying force in the tightening direction to the screw connection. For example, in this case, the locking claw 18 of the clamping sleeve 4 slides along the flat surface 15a of the guide without applying a rotational force in the circumferential direction to the clamping sleeve 3. In this case, the clamping sleeve 4 only moves slightly backward in the direction of the longitudinal central axis A of the clamping sleeve 3 until it reaches the end of the side surface 15a, and the locking claw 18 can slide forward and return along the steeply inclined surface 15b.

[0056] A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises at least one projection 21 on the outer surface of the clamping sleeve 3 for filling the play between the clamping sleeve 3 and the clamping sleeve 4, which projection 21 fills the space between the clamping sleeve 3 and the clamping sleeve 4 at least to a large extent. The projection 21 is a relatively short or relatively long web, preferably oriented in the longitudinal direction of the clamping sleeve 3, completely filling the space between the clamping sleeve 3 and the clamping sleeve 4 which is coaxial therewith. The projection 21 may also have other forms, for example in the form of a nodule or small circular convex, and may also be arranged on the inside of the clamping sleeve 4. It is also possible to position the projection 21 on both parts 3 and 4, as long as the groups of sleeves 3 and 4 facing each other are axially spaced apart so as not to impede the relative movement of the clamping sleeve 4 and the clamping sleeve 3. Two projections 21 are preferably arranged on the clamping sleeve 3, which form, both geometrically and functionally, an outer envelope U of approximately elliptical shape (see FIG. 6). A clamping sleeve 4 having a circular contour on the inside is slidably fitted on this elliptical clamping sleeve 3, so that the clamping sleeve 4 can be rotated without giving play to the clamping sleeve 3.

[0057] The clamping part 10 is particularly suited to the cable connector arrangement of the present invention, but can also be used in other types of connectors, and Figure 11 shows the initial position of the clamping part 10 as viewed from the rear of the clamping tongue 12. This clamping part 10 has the advantage that it can be used with cables K of a very wide range of diameters.

[0058] Preferably, there are two types of clamping tongues 12, although other different types are also conceivable. Each of the first clamping tongues 12a constituting the first group of clamping tongues 12 is wider than the second clamping tongues 12b constituting the second group, at least at the end facing in the opposite direction to the front end 11 of the clamping part 10. The first clamping tongues 12a constituting the first group preferably continuously widen as the distance from the front end 11 of the clamping part 10 increases. The first clamping tongues 12a constituting the first group are preferably chamfered at their side edges so that their width decreases toward the longitudinal center axis of the clamping part 10. This chamfering exerts a wedge effect on the adjacent clamping tongues in each set, preferably the second clamping tongues 12b constituting the second group, during radial compression when screwing together the housing 1 and the clamping sleeve 3 of the cable connector arrangement, but can also be provided on clamping tongues 12 of constant width.

[0059] Preferably, both groups of clamping tongues 12 have, typically mainly at their outermost ends, a portion capable of exerting a substantial clamping action on the cable K, or a portion capable of inserting the cable sheath in a shape-fitting manner, or a portion capable of deforming said cable sheath.

[0060] The second clamping tongues 12b of the second group are slightly narrower and typically have both ends parallel to each other over the entire length of the second clamping tongues 12b of the second group. The second clamping tongues 12b of the second group may have chamfered side edges so that their width increases toward the longitudinal center axis of the clamping part 10. In order to increase the holding effect on the cable K and to increase the friction of at least a part of the insulation of the cable K or to ensure a high clamping effect by inserting at least a part of the insulation of the cable K in a shape-fitting manner, a region having a rib or a similar structure extends from the outer end to the vicinity of the inner end of the second clamping tongues 12b of the second group.

[0061] When viewed from the circumferential direction, the second clamping tongues 12b constituting the second group are preferably located between the first clamping tongues 12a constituting the other group, the first group. In the case of two types of clamping tongues 12, as in the illustrated embodiment, the first clamping tongues 12a constituting the first group and the second clamping tongues 12b constituting the second group are alternated one by one, and vice versa. Other arrangements are also possible, for example, two of the first clamping tongues constituting the first group are sandwiched between the second clamping tongues constituting the second group, or two of the clamping tongues of each group are always alternated, etc.

[0062] The perspective view of Fig. 12 shows the arrangement of the clamping tongues 12, the clamping sleeve 3, the tightening sleeve 4 and the sealing sleeve 13 used for a cable K having a large diameter. Fig. 13 is a front view seen from the direction of the housing 1 (not shown). Here, it can be seen that the clamping tongues 12 consisting of the first clamping tongues 12a constituting the first group and the second clamping tongues 12b constituting the second group are arranged almost in a straight line with the other parts of the clamping part 10, are slightly compressed in a tapered manner in the radial direction toward the rear end of the clamping tongues 12, and lie flat on the cable K in order to clamp the cable K by the combined action of the first clamping tongues 12a constituting the first group and the second clamping tongues 12b constituting the second group.

[0063] FIG. 14 shows a view of the arrangement of FIG. 12 from the same direction as FIG. 13, but in contrast to FIG. 12, for a cable K having a very small diameter. In this case, the clamping sleeve 3 can be screwed into the housing 1 very far to the front, while the clamping tongues 12 are pressed radially inwards. The two ends of the clamping tongues 12 of the different groups face each other and are further compressed radially during tightening of the screw connection, so that the chamfered side of the first clamping tongues 12a of the first group presses the second clamping tongues 12b of the second group more strongly inwards and onto the cable K or into the sheath of the cable K. The clamping effect of the cable K in this case is mainly achieved by the clamping tongues 12b of the second group.

[0064] As can be seen from Figs. 13 and 14, the gap width in this case, i.e., the inner diameter of the clamping part 10 through which the cable K can pass, is only slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the clamping part 10, the outer diameter of the housing 1 and the clamping sleeve 3, and is therefore very thin-walled and does not substantially increase the diameter of the cable connector arrangement. In this case, the gap width is between 70 and 80% of the diameter of the clamping part 10, particularly between both ends of the clamping tongue, and preferably between 75 and 95% of the diameter of the clamping part 10. On the other hand, when the clamping sleeve 3 is screwed to the housing 1 of the cable connector arrangement to the maximum, the clamping tongue 12 is in a maximum compressed state both in the circumferential direction and the radial direction. In this case, the first clamping tongue 12a constituting the first group has both ends abutted against each other, and the second clamping tongue 12b constituting the second group is pressed inward to the maximum. As a result, the gap width between the clamping tongues 12, particularly between the second clamping tongues 12b constituting the second group, is minimized, and the diameter for passing the cable K through the clamping portion 10 is between 20 and 40% of the diameter of the clamping portion 10. This value is preferably between 10 and 30%. In relation to the housing 1 and the clamping sleeve 3, the maximum value of the gap width is 60 to 80% of the diameter of the clamping portion 10, and the minimum value is about 5 to 20% of the diameter of the clamping portion 10.

[0065] FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of a cable connector arrangement according to the invention, in which the same reference numbers and component names as in the previous figures are used for the same parts in sequence. Instead of the connector extension 2, the housing 1 has a plug-in extension 22, preferably integrally formed therewith. Apart from this difference, the structure and function are similar to those previously described in connection with FIGS. 1 to 14. Thus, the housing 1 and the connector extension 2 or the plug-in extension 22 can be varied according to the connector type in order to accommodate all common connector and contact types, from data connectors like XLR connectors, RJ45, to all possible standard or proprietary types.

[0066] Although the embodiments described so far and shown in Figures 1 to 15 vary the height of the guide 15 and the locking pawl 18 in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the clamping sleeve 3 and the clamping sleeve 4, other configurations are possible. As an alternative, Figure 17 shows an embodiment in which the guide 35 is formed inside the clamping sleeve 34 and its height varies radially with respect to the axis V of relative rotation of this clamping sleeve 34 and the complementary clamping sleeve 33. As can be seen in Figure 18, the locking pawl 38 is arranged outside the clamping sleeve 33 and has a height that also varies radially with respect to the axis V. These guides 35 and locking pawls 38 can engage in a similar manner as described for the radially height variable guide-locking pawl system above, or they can slide against each other with minimal radial protrusion of the clamping sleeve 34.

[0067] In addition to the above-described embodiment with fixed structures for locking, configurations are also conceivable in which the locking elements between the clamping sleeve 3 and the clamping sleeve 4 are brought into position by a tool which does not act on the clamping sleeve 3 itself, but rather allows the clamping sleeve 3 and the clamping sleeve 4 to be coupled together without rotating them and possibly temporarily. For example, an inner locking pin which connects the clamping sleeve 3 and the clamping sleeve 4 against rotation can be displaced or a locking pawl can be pivoted by means of a pin or a driver which can be inserted, preferably in an axial opening, of the cable connector arrangement.

[0068] The exemplary embodiments show possible variations, where it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the variations specifically shown, but various combinations of the individual variations are also possible, which variations are within the capabilities of a person skilled in this field based on the teachings of the invention.

[0069] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the specification and the drawings should also be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the various exemplary embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions in themselves. The objectives on which the independent inventive solutions are based may be inferred from the specification.

[0070] All statements regarding ranges of values ​​in this description should be understood as encompassing any and all subranges, for example a range from 1 to 10 should be understood as encompassing all subranges beginning with a lower limit of 1 or more and ending with an upper limit of 10 or less, for example 1 to 1.7, 3.2 to 8.1 or 5.5 to 10. For the sake of clarity and finally, it should be noted that in some cases elements are shown not to scale and / or to provide a better understanding of the structure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1. Housing, 2. Connector extension, 3. Clamping sleeve, 4. Fastening sleeve, 5. Male thread, 6. Female thread, 7. Sealing ring, 8. Spring element, 9. Guide bridge, 10. Clamping portion, 11. Front end region, 12. Clamping tongue, 12a. First clamping tongue, 12b. Second clamping tongue, 13. Sealing sleeve, 14. Locking claw, 15. Guide, 15a. Flat surface, 15b. Steep surface, 16. Protrusion, 16a. Stop point, 17. Engagement point, 18. Locking claw, 19. Grip surface, 20. Unlocking slide, 21. Protrusion, 22. Plug-in extension, A. Central axis, O. Rear end opening, U. Envelope representing outer contour.

Claims

1. In a clamping portion for clamping a cable (K) of a cable connector assembly, at least one radially compressible portion that, in a compressed state, surrounds and clamps the cable (K); a front end region (11) facing at least one of a housing (1) of the cable connector assembly and a connector extension portion (2) inserted into the housing; a rear end portion formed from a plurality of circumferentially arranged clamping tongues (12) that are elastically compressible in the radial direction; The plurality of gripping tongues (12) are composed of at least two different types (12a, 12b) of gripping tongues, The first clamping tongues (12a) constituting the first group of clamping tongues (12) are continuously wider as the distance from the front end region (11) of the clamping portion (10) increases. Clamping part.

2. In the clamping unit according to claim 1 , Each of the first clamping tongues (12a) constituting the first group of clamping tongues (12) is wider than the second clamping tongues (12b) constituting the second group, at least at the end facing the opposite direction of the clamping part (10). Clamping part.

3. In the clamping unit according to claim 1 , The first clamping tongue (12a) constituting the first group of clamping tongues (12) is chamfered at both ends or has a width that increases as the distance from the central axis of the clamping portion (10) increases in the radial direction. Clamping part.

4. In the clamping unit according to claim 1 , The first clamping tongue (12a) constituting the first group has a portion at its end that exerts a clamping action on the cable (K) so that the covering of the cable (K) is inserted in a shape that matches the shape of the cable. Clamping part.

5. In the clamping unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A clamping portion in which each of the second clamping tongues (12b) constituting the second group of the clamping tongues (12) is configured to be slightly thinner than the first clamping tongues (12a) constituting the first group.

6. In the clamping unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Both ends of the second clamping tongues (12b) constituting the second group are parallel to each other, and are parallel to each other over a part or the entire length. A clamping section characterized by:

7. In the clamping unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A portion designed to increase the holding effect on the cable (K) from the outer end to the vicinity of the inner end of the second clamping tongue (12b) constituting the second group of clamping tongues (12). A clamping section comprising:

8. In the clamping unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, When the clamping tongue (12) is aligned with the front end region (11), the gap width between both ends of the clamping tongue (12) is 70-95% of the diameter of the clamping portion (10); When the clamping tongues (12) are compressed to the maximum, the first clamping tongues (12a) constituting the first group are close to each other, and the gap width between the clamping tongues (12) or the clamping tongues (12b) constituting the second group is 10 to 40% of the diameter of the clamping portion (10). Clamping part.

9. A cable connector assembly for electrical and / or optical cables (K) and a complementary cable arrangement, comprising: a) a housing (1) for receiving a connection element for making at least one of an electrical and optical connection with a complementary connector assembly, the housing having a screw (5) disposed at a rear end thereof; b) a clamping portion (10) that is at least partially radially compressible, that contains the cable (K) and clamps the cable (K) in a compressed state; c) a clamping sleeve (3) having at its front end a screw (6) for establishing a screw connection with the screw (5) on the housing (1), wherein when the screw connection is tightened, the clamping sleeve (3), the clamping part (10), the housing (1) and the cable (K) are clamped together, and at least one of the cable (K) is positioned relative to the clamping part (10) and the clamping part (10) is non-rotationally positioned relative to the housing (1); d) a clamping sleeve (4) whose length is shorter than that of the clamping sleeve (3) and which slides coaxially with respect to at least a portion of the clamping sleeve (3); and e) a one-way lock (15, 18) provided at least between the clamping sleeve (3) and the clamping sleeve (4) and preventing more than a certain relative rotation between the clamping sleeve (4) and the clamping sleeve (3) in the tightening direction of the screw connection between the clamping sleeve and the housing (1); A cable connector assembly comprising the clamping portion according to claim 1.

10. 10. The cable connector assembly of claim 9, A one-way lock between the clamping sleeve (3) and the clamping part (10) which prevents relative rotation between the clamping sleeve (3) and the clamping part (10) in the opening direction of the screw connection between the clamping sleeve (3) and the housing (1). A cable connector assembly comprising:

11. 11. The cable connector assembly of claim 10, At least one ratchet is formed in either the clamping part (10) or the clamping sleeve (3); At least one locking pawl (14) is formed on the other component; A form-fitting or toothed lock between the clamping sleeve (3) and the clamping part (10) A cable connector assembly comprising:

12. 12. The cable connector assembly of claim 11, at least two, or three, equally spaced circumferentially arranged locking pawls (14) having short faces facing in the direction of the opening of the screw connection between the clamping sleeve (3) and the housing (1) and having a serrated shape; A cable connector assembly comprising:

13. 10. The cable connector assembly of claim 9, A guide (15) having at least one long flat surface (15a) and a steep surface (15b) pointing in the direction of the opening of the screw connection between the clamping sleeve (3) and at least one of the housings (1) is formed either from the clamping sleeve (4) or from the clamping sleeve (3), and a locking claw (18) of approximately complementary shape is formed from the other component, a form-fitting or toothed lock (15, 18) between the clamping sleeve (3) and the clamping sleeve (4). A cable connector assembly comprising:

14. 14. The cable connector assembly of claim 13, The height of the guide (15) and the locking claw (18) varies in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the clamping sleeve (3) and the tightening sleeve (4). Cable connector assembly.

15. 14. The cable connector assembly of claim 13, The length of the locking claw (18) is a small fraction of the length of the guide (15), or at most 10%. Cable connector assembly.

16. 14. The cable connector assembly of claim 13, The guide is formed on the clamping sleeve (3), and the locking claw (18) is formed on the clamping sleeve (4). Cable connector assembly.

17. 10. The cable connector assembly according to claim 9, wherein a rear end of the clamping sleeve (3) facing the screw (6) protrudes beyond a rear end of the tightening sleeve (4) and has an engagement point (17) with a tool for applying a rotational force to the clamping sleeve (3). Cable Connector Assembly

18. 20. The cable connector assembly of claim 17, The engagement point (17) is formed of at least a pair of flat surfaces, which are parallel to each other and disposed opposite each other with respect to the central longitudinal axis (A) of the clamping sleeve (3). Cable connector assembly.

19. 20. The cable connector assembly of claim 18, The width of the flat surface along the longitudinal central axis (A) is in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, or 3 mm to 6 mm. Cable connector assembly.

20. 10. The cable connector assembly of claim 9, At the rear end of the clamping sleeve (3), there is a stop (16a) that limits the movement of the clamping sleeve (4). A cable connector assembly comprising:

21. 21. The cable connector assembly of claim 20, The protrusion (16) at the rear end of the clamping sleeve (3) extends over at least a portion of the circumference, and the radial extension of the protrusion (16) is greater than the inner diameter of the rear end opening (O) of the tightening sleeve (4) or decreases toward the rear end of the clamping sleeve (3). Cable connector assembly.

22. The cable connector assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 21, At least one protrusion (21) is provided on the outside or inside of the clamping sleeve (3), and the protrusion (21) fills at least a large part or all of the space between the clamping sleeve (3) and the tightening sleeve (4). Cable connector assembly.

23. The cable connector assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 21, The maximum value of the gap width of at least one of the housing (1) and the clamping sleeve (3) is 60 to 80% of the diameter, or the minimum value is 5 to 20% of the diameter. Cable connector assembly.

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