An improved cable connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cable connector (1) comprising: a cable compartment (2) arranged for accommodating at least one cable contact (3) and at least a portion of a cable (4) attached to the cable contact (3), the cable compartment (2) having an inner space (5) delimited by a first surface (6) and a second surface (7) connected to the first surface (6), the cable compartment (2) further comprising a non-flat protecting wall (8) extending from the first surface (6) in a direction substantially parallel with the second surface (7), wherein the protecting wall (8) is arranged at a distance from the second surface (7) and delimits the inner space (5) of the cable compartment (2), wherein the protecting wall (8) has a longitudinal extension from the first surface (6) to an outer edge portion (9); a flexible cover (10) arranged to be attachable to the cable compartment (2) thereby sealing the inner space (5) of the cable compartment (2).

Description

[0001] AN IMPROVED CABLE CONNECTOR

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention generally relates to cable connectors. More specifically, the present invention is related to improved protection of lower rated connectors.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Currently, there are many lower rated cable connectors available. Such connectors are cost-efficient, but they suffer from the disadvantage of a poor resistance to impacts, water and dust. On the other hand, high-end connectors provide superior durability, but they are expensive, which adds to a high cost of the final product. In order to enable the use of lower rated connectors in high end applications, protection should be provided.

[0006] Considering the above, there is a need to provide a cable connector having a cost-efficiency of a lower rated cable connector, while being reliable in a harsh environment.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is thus of interest to provide a cable connector being as cost-efficient as a lower rated cable connector. At the same time, such a cable connector should be able to withstand impacts, dust and water in order to enable its implementation in high end applications.

[0009] To this end, the present invention provides a cable connector comprising a cable compartment arranged for accommodating at least one cable contact and at least a portion of a cable attached to the cable contact. It is feasible to arrange more than one cable contact in the cable compartment. In particular, a plurality of cable contacts, e.g. two, three, four or five cable contacts may be arranged in the cable compartment.

[0010] The cable compartment further accommodates at least a portion of a cable attached to the cable contact. If the cable compartment provides sufficient space, the entire cable may be accommodated in the cable compartment. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of providing protection to both the cable contact and the cable itself.

[0011] The cable compartment has an inner space delimited by a first surface and a second surface connected to the first surface. The cable contact and the cable are arranged inside the inner space. The term “connected” in the context of the present invention is intended to mean as being attached to each other or joined together. The first and the second surfaces may be integrally connected or may be connected by means of a joint or a seam.

[0012] The cable compartment further comprises a non-flat protecting wall extending from the first surface in a direction substantially parallel with the second surface. By the term non-flat is understood that the protecting wall has at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion extends in a plane being different from the plane of extension of the second portion of the protecting wall. In particular, the protecting wall may be arch-shaped, i.e. it may be an arc of a circle. Alternatively, the protecting wall may be formed by an arc of a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon or the like. Such a shape of the protecting wall enables the water to be guided around the cable compartment and provides improved protection of the cable compartment against impact.

[0013] As mentioned above, the protecting wall extends from the first surface of the cable compartment. The protecting wall may be an integral part of the cable compartment, or it may be attached to the first surface by means of a weld, a seam or the like. The protecting wall extends substantially parallel to the second surface. By the term “substantially parallel” is in the context of the present invention understood that the protecting wall has at least one portion being substantially parallel to the second surface. The angle between at least a portion of the protecting wall and the first surface may be the same as or different from the angle between the first surface and the second surface. In particular, the angle between the protecting wall and the first surface in the inner space of the cable compartment may equal to or less than 90 degrees, preferably in the range from 45 to 80 degrees.

[0014] The protecting wall is arranged at a distance from the second surface and delimits the inner space of the cable compartment, wherein the protecting wall has a longitudinal extension from the first surface to an outer edge portion.

[0015] The cable connector of the present invention further comprises a flexible cover arranged to be attachable to the cable compartment thereby sealing the inner space of the cable compartment. In particular, the flexible cover may be attachable to the protecting wall and the second surface of the cable compartment.

[0016] The flexible cover may comprise at least one slit arranged to accommodate the at least one cable, thereby providing protection to the wires extending from the cable gland against a direct waterjet. Due to the flexibility of the cover, the wires running through the at least one slit will be sealed inside the at least one slit. The at least one slit may be V-shaped. Such an embodiment facilitates insertion of a cable into the slit when the flexible cover is attached to the cable compartment. The flexible cover may comprise a plurality of slits, wherein the number of slits may be equal to or lower than the number of cables.

[0017] The flexible cover may be made from a soft and flexible material selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a silicone, a polyurethane (PU), a synthetic rubber, e.g. neoprene, natural rubber, SBR rubber, and combinations thereof.

[0018] In particular, the protecting wall may comprise a rim arranged at the outer edge portion. Such a rim prevents water flowing over the outer edge portion and creates a wedge shape with the surface of the flexible cover, thus providing a firm seal.

[0019] The cable connector may be integrated in a housing of a lighting device or a wireless communication device.

[0020] The first surface may comprise at least one recess arranged to accommodate the cable contact. Such a recess facilitates assembly and prevents turning of the cable contact during assembly, which is of particular importance since accessibility inside the cable compartment is poor. The shape of the recess may correspond to the shape of the cable contact. In particular, the recess may be square, pentagonal, hexagonal or the like.

[0021] The at least one cable contact may comprise an assembly portion arranged to be positioned inside the at least one recess. The assembly portion may prevent turning of the cable contact when the assembly portion is arranged inside the recess. The shape of the assembly portion preferably correspond to the shape of the recess.

[0022] The flexible cover may comprise a gripping portion configured to facilitate removal of the flexible cover from the cable compartment. The gripping portion may be in the form of a recess in one of the corner portions of the flexible cover. Alternatively or additionally, the gripping portion may comprise ribs or the like, thus increasing friction during gripping.

[0023] The cable compartment and / or the flexible cover may comprise a fastening element configured to fasten the cable compartment and the flexible cover to each other. Such a fastening element may be in the form of a magnet or the like.

[0024] The longitudinal extension of the protecting wall may be equal to or slightly greater than the longitudinal extension of the cable contact. By the term “slightly greater” is understood as the longitudinal extension of the protecting wall being at most 5 mm, preferably at most 2 mm greater than the longitudinal extension of the cable contact. According to such an embodiment, the cable contacts are just flush with the outer edge portion of the protecting wall, such that the cable contact is easily accessible when the flexible cover is removed. Further, the cables are guided and supported when the flexible cover is mounted.

[0025] The flexible cover may comprise a shielding wall arranged to overlap with the protecting wall of the cable compartment outside of the inner space of the cable compartment. In other words, when the flexible cover is attached to the cable compartment, the shielding wall at least partially covers the protecting wall, thus improving water tightness of the cable connector. The longitudinal extension of the shielding wall of the flexible cover may be equal to or slightly greater than the longitudinal extension of the protecting wall of the cable compartment.

[0026] Vacuum inside the device is unwanted in some areas, e.g. behind the low rated connectors. In order to avoid forming of the vacuum, the cable connector of the present invention may comprise a venting valve. Such a valve is normally required in order to prevent suction from the device thus protecting low rated connectors against water that may enter the cable compartment. Normally, the venting valve should be arranged outside the field of view of a waterjet. Therefore, a venting valve may be arranged in the flexible cover. According to such an embodiment, the flexible cover does not have to be 100% waterproof and still protects the cable compartment against the direct waterjets, since the entire amount of water is captured and removed.

[0027] The present invention further relates to a lighting device or a wireless communication device comprising a cable connector as described above.

[0028] Further objectives of, features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will realize that different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.

[0031] Fig. 1 schematically shows a cable connector according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention in a disassembled state.

[0032] Fig. 2 schematically shows the cable connector depicted in Fig. 1 in an assembled state. Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of the cable connector shown in Fig. 2.

[0033] Fig. 4 schematically shows a cross-section of the cable connector shown in Fig.

[0034] 2.

[0035] Figs. 5a to 5d schematically shows different gripping portions of the flexible cover.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Fig. 1 schematically shows a cable connector 1 comprising a cable compartment 2 arranged for accommodating two cable contacts 3 and at least a portion of cables (not shown) attached to the cable contacts 3.

[0038] The cable compartment 2 has an inner space 5 delimited by a first surface 6 and a second surface 7 connected to the first surface 6. The cable contact 3 is arranged inside the inner space 5. The term “connected” in the context of the present invention is intended to mean as being attached to each other or joined together. The first and the second surfaces 6, 7 may be integrally connected, or may be connected by means of a joint or a seam.

[0039] The cable compartment 2 further comprises a non-flat protecting wall 8 extending from the first surface 6 in a direction substantially parallel with the second surface 7. By the term non-flat is understood that the protecting wall has at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion extends in a plane being different from the plane of extension of the second portion of the protecting wall. In particular, the protecting wall 8 is arch-shaped. Such a shape of the protecting wall 8 enables the water to be guided around the cable compartment 2 and provides improved protection of the cable compartment 2 against impact.

[0040] The protecting wall 8 extends from the first surface 6 of the cable compartment 2. The protecting wall 8 may be an integral part of the cable compartment 2, or it may be attached to the first surface 6 by means of a weld, a seam or the like. The protecting wall 8 extends substantially parallel to the second surface 7. By the term “substantially parallel” is in the context of the present invention understood that the protecting wall 8 has at least one portion being substantially parallel to the second surface 7. The angle between at least a portion of the protecting wall and the first surface may be the same as or different from the angle between the first surface and the second surface. In particular, the angle between the protecting wall and the first surface in the inner space of the cable compartment may equal to or less than 90°, preferably in the range from 45° to 80°. The protecting wall 8 is arranged at a distance from the second surface 7 and delimits the inner space 5 of the cable compartment 2, wherein the protecting wall 8 has a longitudinal extension from the first surface 6 to an outer edge portion 9.

[0041] The cable connector 1 of the present invention further comprises a flexible cover 10 arranged to be attachable to the cable compartment 2 thereby sealing the inner space 5 of the cable compartment 2. In particular, the flexible cover 10 may be attachable to the protecting wall 8 and the second surface 7 of the cable compartment 2.

[0042] The flexible cover 10 comprise two slits 11 arranged to accommodate the at least one cable (not shown), thereby providing protection to the wires extending from the cable gland against a direct waterjet. Due to the flexibility of the cover 10, the wires running through the slits 11 will be sealed inside the slits 11. The slits 11 are V-shaped. Such an embodiment facilitates insertion of a cable into the slit 11 when the flexible cover 10 is attached to the cable compartment 2.

[0043] The flexible cover 10 may be made from a soft and flexible material selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a silicone, a polyurethane (PU), a synthetic rubber, e.g. neoprene, natural rubber, SBR rubber, and combinations thereof.

[0044] As may be seen in Fig. 1, the protecting wall 8 comprises a rim 12 arranged at the outer edge portion 9. Such a rim 12 prevents water flowing over the outer edge portion 9 and creates a wedge shape with the surface of the flexible cover 10, thus providing a firm seal.

[0045] The cable connector 1 may be integrated in a housing of a lighting device or a wireless communication device.

[0046] The first surface 6 comprises two recesses 13 arranged to accommodate the cable contact 3. Such recesses 13 facilitate assembly and prevent turning of the cable contact 3 during assembly, which is of particular importance since accessibility inside the cable compartment 2 is poor. The shape of the recess 13 corresponds to the shape of the cable contact 3.

[0047] The at least one cable contact 3 comprises an assembly portion 14 arranged to be positioned inside the at least one recess 13. The assembly portion 14 may prevent turning of the cable contact 3 when the assembly portion 14 is arranged inside the recess 13.

[0048] The flexible cover 10 comprises a gripping portion 15 configured to facilitate removal of the flexible cover 10 from the cable compartment 2. The gripping portion 15 is in the form of a recess in one of the corner portions of the flexible cover 10. The longitudinal extension of the protecting wall 8 may be equal to or slightly greater than the longitudinal extension of the cable contact 3. By the term “slightly greater” is understood as the longitudinal extension of the protecting wall 8 being at most 5 mm, preferably at most 2 mm greater than the longitudinal extension of the cable contact 3. According to such an embodiment, the cable contacts 3 are just flush with the outer edge portion 9 of the protecting wall 8, such that the cable contact 3 is easily accessible when the flexible cover 10 is removed.

[0049] The flexible cover 10 comprises a shielding wall 17 arranged to overlap with the protecting wall 8 of the cable compartment 2 outside of the inner space 5 of the cable compartment 2. In other words, when the flexible cover 10 is attached to the cable compartment 2, the shielding wall 17 at least partially covers the protecting wall 8, thus improving water tightness of the cable connector 2. The longitudinal extension of the shielding wall 17 of the flexible cover 10 may be equal to or slightly greater than the longitudinal extension of the protecting wall 8 of the cable compartment 2.

[0050] The cable connector 1 of the present invention comprises a venting valve 18. Such a valve is normally required in order to prevent suction from the device thus protecting low rated connectors against water that may enter the cable compartment 2. The venting valve 18 prevents formation of vacuum inside the space on the other side of the first surface 6 of the cable compartment 2. Consequently, the cable compartment 2 is in principle open for air but closed for direct waterjets via the maze what is generated. Normally, the venting valve 18 should be arranged outside the field of view of a waterjet. Therefore, a venting valve 18 may be arranged in the first or the second surface 6, 7. The flexible cover does not have to be 100% waterproof since the entire amount of water is captured and removed.

[0051] Fig 2 shows the cable connector 1 in an assembled state. As may be seen, the cables 4 are accommodated inside the slits 11. The flexible cover 10 creates a tight seal and protects the cable contacts 3 against water, dust and impact. Fig. 3 depicts a top view of the cable connector 1.

[0052] Fig. 4 illustrates a cross-section of the cable connector 1 in the assembled state. The non-flat protecting wall 8 comprises a rim 12 arranged at the outer edge portion 9. Such a rim 12 prevents water flowing over the outer edge portion 9 and creates a wedge shape with the surface of the flexible cover 10, thus providing a firm seal.

[0053] The longitudinal extension of the protecting wall 8 is slightly greater than the longitudinal extension of the cable contact 3. By the term “slightly greater” is understood as the longitudinal extension of the protecting wall 8 being at most 5 mm, preferably at most 2 mm greater than the longitudinal extension of the cable contact 3. According to such an embodiment, the cable contacts 3 are just flush with the outer edge portion 9 of the protecting wall 8, such that the cable contact 3 is easily accessible when the flexible cover 10 is removed.

[0054] The flexible cover 10 comprises a shielding wall 17 arranged to overlap with the protecting wall 8 of the cable compartment 2 outside of the inner space 5 of the cable compartment 2. In other words, when the flexible cover 10 is attached to the cable compartment 2, the shielding wall 17 at least partially covers the protecting wall 8, thus improving water tightness of the cable connector 2. The longitudinal extension of the shielding wall 17 of the flexible cover 10 may be equal to or slightly greater than the longitudinal extension of the protecting wall 8 of the cable compartment 2.

[0055] Finally, Figs. 5a-5d depict different embodiments of the gripping portions 15 of the flexible cover 10. The cable compartment 2 and the flexible cover 10 comprise a fastening element 16 configured to fasten the cable compartment 2 and the flexible cover 10 to each other. Such a fastening element 16 may be in the form of a magnet or the like.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A cable connector (1) comprising a cable compartment (2) for accommodating a cable contact (3) and at least a portion of a cable (4) attached to the cable contact (3), wherein the cable compartment (2) has an inner space (5) delimited by a first surface (6) and a second surface (7) connected to the first surface (6), wherein the cable compartment (2) further comprises a non-flat protecting wall (8) extending from the first surface (6) in a direction substantially parallel with the second surface (7), wherein the protecting wall (8) is arranged at a distance from the second surface (7) and delimits the inner space (5) of the cable compartment (2), wherein the protecting wall (8) has a longitudinal extension from the first surface (6) to an outer edge portion (9), wherein the cable connector (1) further comprises a flexible cover (10) arranged to be attachable to the cable compartment (2) thereby sealing the inner space (5) of the cable compartment (2), wherein the flexible cover (10) is made from a soft and flexible material selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a silicone, a polyurethane (PU), a synthetic rubber, natural rubber, SBR rubber, and combinations thereof, and wherein the flexible cover (10) comprises a slit (11) arranged to accommodate the cable (4) such that the cable (4) is sealed in the slit (11).

2. The cable connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the protecting wall (8) comprises a rim (12) arranged at the outer edge portion (9).

3. The cable connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first surface (6) comprises a recess (13) arranged to accommodate the cable contact (3).

4. The cable connector (1) according to claim 3, wherein the cable contact (3) comprises an assembly portion (14) arranged to be positioned inside the recess (13).

5. The cable connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible cover (10) comprises a gripping portion (15) configured to facilitate removal of the flexible cover (10) from the cable compartment (2).

6. The cable connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable compartment (2) and / or the flexible cover (10) comprises a fastening element (16) configured to fasten the cable compartment (2) and the flexible cover (10) to each other.

7. The cable connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal extension of the protecting wall (8) is equal to or slightly greater than the longitudinal extension of the cable contact (3).

8. The cable connector (1) according to claim 7, wherein the longitudinal extension of the protecting wall (8) is at most 5 mm.

9. The cable connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible cover (10) comprises a shielding wall (17) arranged to overlap with the protecting wall (8) of the cable compartment (2) outside of the inner space (5) of the cable compartment (2).

10. The cable connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protecting wall (8) is arch-shaped.

11. The cable connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an angle between the protecting wall (8) and the first surface (6) in the inner space (5) of the cable compartment is less than 90 degrees.

12. A lighting device or a wireless communication device comprising a cable connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The lighting device or the wireless communication device according to claim12, wherein the cable connector (1) is integrated in a housing of the lighting device or of the wireless communication device.

Images