A cable connector

Abstract

A cable connector (100) comprising: - a plug and socket assembly comprising a plug (110) configured to be attached to a first cable assembly (1) and a socket (120) configured to be attached to a second cable assembly (2) and to be engaged with the plug (110) in a longitudinal engagement direction (Y) to electrically connect the first and second cable assemblies (1, 2); - a housing (130) configured to receive the engaged plug and socket assembly and prevent relative longitudinal motion of the plug (110) and the socket (120); and - at least one spring clamp (141, 142) arranged in the housing (130), the at least one spring clamp (141, 142) being configured to engage with the plug (110) and / or the socket (120) by means of at least one form-closed connection such that a transverse spring force acts on the plug (110) and the socket (120), respectively.

Description

[0001] A CABLE CONNECTOR

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The technology disclosed herein relates generally to connection of electrical cables, and in particular to a cable connector for electrical connection of two cable assemblies.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Electrical cables, harnesses and cable connectors used in industrial applications are commonly prone to vibrations. For example, cable connectors mounted on housings of electrical motors, fans, pumps, industrial robots, or other machines maybe subject to continuous vibrations over extended periods of time. To reduce the risk of the cable connector becoming loose, the harnesses connected by the cable connector may be attached to the housing, such as by fitting a cable tie around each harness and bolting it to a surface of the housing. However, the spaces available for mounting of harnesses and cable connectors are often small and may not allow such bolting. To prevent cable connectors comprising a plug and socket assembly from becoming loose over time, it is therefore necessary that the plug and the socket are firmly attached to one another. Nevertheless, the cable connectors should be possible to disassemble in connection with service and repair. Many types of cable connectors used in industrial applications require the use of tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, or specialized tools, to tighten and loosen the connectors. This complicates assembly and disassembly processes and makes them difficult to automate.

[0006] In view of the above, there is a need for an improved cable connector for industrial applications, that can on one hand prevent unintentional loosening over time, and that on the other hand facilitate assembly and disassembly.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] A primary objective of embodiments herein is to provide in at least some aspects improved cable connector. A specific objective is to provide a cable connector for electrical connection of two cable assemblies which is in at least some aspect improved with respect to known cable connectors, such as a cable connector that can better withstand loosening over time and / or that can facilitate assembly and disassembly. In particular, it is an object to provide such a cable connector that is suitable for use in an automated assembly process.

[0009] According to a first aspect, at least the primary objective is accomplished by a cable connector according to claim 1. The cable connector comprises:

[0010] - a plug and socket assembly comprising a plug configured to be attached to a first cable assembly and a socket configured to be attached to a second cable assembly and to be engaged with the plug in a longitudinal engagement direction to electrically connect the first and second cable assemblies;

[0011] - a housing configured to receive the engaged plug and socket assembly and prevent relative longitudinal motion of the plug and the socket; and

[0012] - at least one spring clamp arranged in the housing, the at least one spring clamp being configured to engage with the plug and / or the socket by means of at least one form-closed connection such that a transverse spring force acts on the plug and / or the socket, respectively.

[0013] By providing a housing that prevents relative longitudinal motion of the plug and the socket, the risk of disassembly during use is reduced. At the same time, correct mounting of the plug and the socket is ensured, since the plug and socket assembly will only be possible to fit in the housing if the components are completely engaged. The spring clamp or spring clamps may ensure that the plug and the socket are clamped to the housing by the transverse spring force. By the form-closed connection, the at least one spring clamp may retain the plug and socket assembly in its position within the housing even when the cable connector is subject to continuous vibrations, thereby reducing the risk that the plug and socket assembly becomes loose over time.

[0014] Preferably, the transverse spring force acts on the plug and the socket, respectively.

[0015] Optionally, the at least one form-closed connection comprises at least one first recess of the plug and / or at least one second recess of the socket. By providing at least one recess in the plug and / or in the socket, at least one form-closed connection may be achieved in a space-efficient manner, ensuring that a sufficient spring force maybe applied to prevent the plug and socket assembly from detaching from the housing due to vibrations. Preferably, at least one first recess is provided in the plug and at least one second recess is provided in the socket, wherein at least one first spring clamp is configured to engage with the at least one first recess and at least one second spring clamp is configured to engage with the at least one second recess.

[0016] Optionally, the housing comprises a lower end configured to be fixed to a base, and an open upper end via which the engaged plug and socket assembly is configured to be inserted. Hence, the housing maybe attached to another component, such as to a casing of an electric motor, a generator, a pump, a fan, a control cabinet of an industrial robot, or similar. In some embodiments, the housing may be formed as an integrated part of the base. For example, the base maybe a cast component of steel, aluminium, iron, copper alloy, etc., wherein the housing is cast and / or machined together with the base.

[0017] The open upper end facilitates mounting of the plug and socket assembly in the housing, enabling automated mounting using a single grip. The upper end may be provided vertically above the lower end when the housing is fixed to the base and the cable connector is in use, although this is not necessary. Instead, the terms “lower” and “upper” are to be interpreted as relative terms that apply in a particular orientation of the cable connector, although the cable connector maybe oriented differently when in use.

[0018] Optionally, the housing comprises two mutually opposing longitudinal side walls extending between the lower end and the upper end, wherein the at least one spring clamp is configured to protrude inwards from at least one of the longitudinal side walls. The at least one spring clamp may thereby exert the transverse spring force in a direction which is perpendicular to, or essentially perpendicular to, a direction along which the engaged plug and socket assembly is inserted into the housing. Given that the lower end extends horizontally and that the longitudinal side walls extend vertically, the transverse spring force may hence act in a horizontal or essentially horizontal direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This may ensure proper clamping and enable single grip mounting by forcing the engaged plug and socket assembly into its position within the housing against the force of the at least one spring clamp.

[0019] Optionally, the at least one spring clamp is configured to protrude inwards from both of the longitudinal side walls. An improved clamping may hereby be provided. Optionally, each one of the longitudinal side walls comprises at least one slot configured to receive and retain the at least one spring clamp. The at least one spring clamp may thereby be snapped into a locked position in which it is retained within the housing.

[0020] Optionally, the at least one spring clamp is configured to be releasably retained in the housing. Hence, the at least one spring clamp is an element separate from the housing. This enables exchange of the at least one spring clamp, such as by using a proper tool. The at least one spring clamp may in this embodiment preferably be made of a spring steel, although it may alternatively be made of a plastic material. The housing may be of a metal or a plastic material.

[0021] Optionally, the at least one spring clamp is integral with the housing. The at least one spring clamp and the housing may hence be formed in one piece, facilitating the assembly of the cable connector. The housing with the integrated at least one spring clamp may, e.g., be made of a plastic material.

[0022] Optionally, each one of the at least one spring clamp comprises two mutually opposing spring arms, and each one of the plug and the socket comprises two mutually opposing recesses, each spring arm being configured to engage with one of said recesses. Hence, form-closed connections on each side of a longitudinal midplane of the cable connector are provided, ensuring proper clamping.

[0023] Optionally, the housing comprises mutually opposing first and second transverse side walls, wherein the first transverse side wall is configured to abut a transverse surface of the plug, and the second transverse side wall is configured to abut a transverse surface of the socket. The housing may hence efficiently prevent relative longitudinal motion of the plug and the socket.

[0024] Optionally, each transverse side wall comprises an opening through which one of the cable assemblies is configured to extend. Hence, undesired bending of the cable assemblies maybe avoided. The opening maybe a slit having an open upper end, such that the plug and socket assembly with the cable assemblies attached thereto may be inserted into the housing via the upper end. Optionally, the at least one spring clamp comprises a first spring clamp configured to engage with at least one first recess of the plug, and a second spring clamp configured to engage with at least one second recess of the socket. This may reduce the pressing force needed to insert the plug and socket assembly into the housing in comparison with a single spring clamp extending along the longitudinal direction and being configured to engage with both the at least one first recess of the plug and the at least one second recess of the socket. Moreover, the form-closed connections provided separately on each one of the plug and the socket may further prevent relative longitudinal motion of the components.

[0025] Optionally, the first and second spring clamps are comprised within a single spring component. This may facilitate mounting of the at least one spring clamp within the housing in comparison with using separate spring components.

[0026] Optionally, the single spring component comprises an elongated member extending between the first and second spring clamps. The elongated member may serve to mechanically connect the spring clamps and separate them in the longitudinal direction. It may, e.g., be in the form of a bar configured to extend along a bottom surface of the housing.

[0027] Optionally, the plug and socket assembly is configured to protrude upwards from the housing when received therein. In other words, a portion of the plug and socket assembly may protrude above the upper end of the housing. A gripping portion may thereby be provided above the housing, facilitating disassembly of the plug and socket assembly from the housing in connection with service, repair, and similar.

[0028] Optionally, the plug and socket assembly further comprises a locking mechanism configured to interlock the plug and the socket in an engaged state of the plug and socket assembly. The locking mechanism may, for example, comprise a latch mechanism, a snap lock, or similar.

[0029] Other objectives, features and advantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, from the attached dependent claims as well as from the drawings. Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a / an / the element, apparatus, component, device, etc." are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, device, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another element in a particular orientation. It will be understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the cable connector in addition to this particular orientation.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The inventive concept is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cable connector according to a first embodiment prior to assembly;

[0033] Fig. 2 illustrates the cable connector of Fig. i during assembly;

[0034] Fig. 3 illustrates the cable connector of Fig. i after assembly;

[0035] Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the cable connector illustrated in Fig. 1;

[0036] Fig. 5 illustrates parts of a cable connector according to a second embodiment;

[0037] Fig. 6 illustrates a part of a cable connector according to an alternative embodiment; and

[0038] Fig. 7 illustrates another part of a cable connector according to an embodiment.

[0039] The drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale.

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. This inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0042] Briefly, the present teachings suggest a cable connector for electrical connection of cable assemblies, such as harnesses, which is suitable for use in industrial applications. The cable connector may be well-suited for automated assembly using a single grip, and it may further be able to withstand continuous vibrations over extended periods of time.

[0043] Figs. 1-3 illustrate a cable connector 100 according to a first embodiment of the disclosure in connection with electrical connection of two cable assemblies 1, 2. The cable connector 100 comprises a plug and socket assembly with a plug no attached to a first cable assembly 1, and a socket 120 attached to a second cable assembly 2. The plug no and the socket 120 are configured to be engaged by pressing the plug 110 into the socket 120 in a longitudinal engagement direction Y, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the cable assemblies 1, 2 such as illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0044] The cable connector 100 further comprises a housing 130 configured to receive the engaged plug and socket assembly and prevent relative longitudinal motion of the plug no and the socket 120, i.e., to prevent the plug 110 to move relative to the socket 120 along the longitudinal engagement direction Y, and vice versa. Fig. 3 illustrates the engaged plug and socket assembly received in the housing 130. The housing 130 is herein attached to a base 3, which may for example be a casing of a machinery, such as of a pump, a fan, a motor, a generator, etc.

[0045] Two spring clamps 141, 142, spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal engagement direction Y, are arranged in the housing 130. The spring clamps 141, 142 are configured to engage with the plug no and the socket 120, respectively, by means of form-closed connections such that a transverse spring force acts on the plug no and the socket 120, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, a first spring clamp 141 is configured to engage with a first pair of opposing recesses 111 (only one shown in Fig. 1) provided in the plug no, and a second spring clamp 142 is configured to engage with a second pair of opposing recesses 121 (only one shown in Fig. 1) formed in the socket 120, thereby realizing the form-closed connections. The spring force acts along a transverse direction X. The cable connector loo is mirror symmetric about a longitudinal mid-plane extending in a vertical direction Z, i.e., in a YZ-plane.

[0046] When mounted in the housing 130, the plug and socket assembly protrudes upwards from the housing 130 when received therein. Disassembly of the plug and socket assembly from the housing 130 may hence easily be done by gripping the protruding part of the plug and socket assembly and pulling it upward along the vertical direction Z against the force of the spring clamps 141, 142.

[0047] Fig. 4 illustrates the cable connector 100 in an exploded view. As can be seen, the housing 130 has the general shape of an open box with a rectangular base surface. It has a lower end 133 configured to be fixed to the base 3, and an open upper end 134 via which the engaged plug and socket assembly is configured to be inserted. The lower end 133 comprises a flat bottom wall. Two mutually opposing longitudinal side walls 135, 136 extend between the lower end 133 and the upper end 134. An inner surface of a first longitudinal side wall 135 is configured to face side surfaces 115, 125 of the plug no and the socket 120, respectively. An inner surface of a second longitudinal side wall 136 is configured to face side surfaces 116, 126 of the plug no and the socket 120, respectively.

[0048] The spring clamps 141, 142 are in the illustrated embodiment comprised within a single spring component 140, further comprising an elongated member 143 extending between the spring clamps 141, 142 and abutting a bottom surface of the housing 130. Each spring clamp 141, 142 comprises two mutually opposing spring arms 141a, 141b; 142a, 142b. The two mutually opposing spring arms 141a, 141b are configured to engage with two mutually opposing and identical first recesses 111 of the plug no, respectively, each first recess 111 being formed in one of the side surfaces 115, 116 (only one recess 111 is shown in Fig. 4). The two mutually opposing spring arms 142a, 142b are configured to engage with two mutually opposing and identical second recesses 121 of the socket 120, respectively, each second recess 121 being formed in one of the side surfaces 125, 126 116 (only one recess 121 is shown in Fig. 4). Each one of the first and second recesses 111, 121 is shaped to receive an inwardly protruding portion of one of the spring arms 141a, 141b; 142a, 142b, respectively. The spring component 140 is releasably retained in the housing 130. The housing 130 comprises first and second pairs of slots 131, 132 formed in inner surfaces of the longitudinal side walls 135, 136. At the upper end 134 of the housing 130, first and second rims 131a, 132a are provided, delimiting the first and second pairs of slots, 131, 132 respectively. Upper edges 144, 145 of the spring arms 141, 142 are configured to abut the first and second rims 131a, 132a, respectively, thereby retaining the spring component 140 in the housing 140. The spring component 140 may be removed from the housing 130 by using a tool to release the upper edges 144, 145.

[0049] When the spring component 140 is mounted in the housing 130, the spring clamps 141, 142 protrude inwards from the longitudinal side walls 135, 136 and the elongated member 143 lies flat against the bottom surface at the lower end 133 of the housing 130.

[0050] The housing 130 further comprises mutually opposing first and second transverse side walls 137, 138, each extending in an XZ plane. The first transverse side wall 137 is configured to abut a transverse surface 117 of the plug no, and the second transverse side wall 138 is configured to abut a transverse surface 128 of the socket 120. Relative longitudinal movement of the plug no and the socket 120 is thereby prevented. In other embodiments, the relative longitudinal movement may be prevented by e.g. interlocking grooves and ridges formed in outer surfaces of the components.

[0051] Each transverse side wall 137, 138 comprises an opening 139 through which one of the cable assemblies 1, 2 is configured to extend. The openings 139 also enable insertion of the engaged plug and socket assembly, with the cable assemblies 1, 2 fixed thereto, into the housing 130 via the upper end 134 of the housing 130, i.e., by moving it into the housing 130 along the vertical direction Z.

[0052] Fig. 5 illustrates the plug no and the socket 120 according to a second embodiment. The only difference with respect to the first embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1-4 is that a locking mechanism 151, 152 is provided. The locking mechanism comprises a flexible lever 151 provided on the plug no, and a notch 152 provided on the socket. The lever 151 is configured to engage with the notch 152 when the plug no and the socket 120 are assembled, thereby interlocking the plug 110 and the socket 120 in an engaged state of the plug and socket assembly, further preventing relative longitudinal motion. Fig. 6 illustrates a spring clamp 141, 142 that maybe used with the housing 130 and the plug no and socket 120 as illustrated in Figs. 1-5 instead of the single spring component 140. Two spring clamps 141, 142 maybe used. In other embodiments, the spring clamp may have a larger extension along the longitudinal direction Y such that each spring arm of the spring clamp may engage with both the socket and the plug in a single form-closed connection.

[0053] Fig. 7 illustrates a housing 130 according to another embodiment, in which the longitudinal side wall 135 comprises a single slot 131 with an upper rim 131a provided for retaining the at least one spring clamp 141, 142. The single slot 131 is elongated in the longitudinal direction Y such that it may retain two longitudinally spaced spring clamps, or a single spring clamp having a longitudinal extension corresponding to that of the slot 131. The spring component 140 illustrated in Fig. 4 may also be used together with the housing 130 illustrated in Fig. 7.

[0054] The housing 130 of the proposed cable connector 130 maybe made of a plastic material or of a metal material, depending on the application. In some embodiments, the housing may be integrated with the base 3 on which the cable connector 100 is to be mounted, such a cast and / or machined together with the base 3. In other embodiments, it may be fixed to the base 3 by fasteners, by welding, by gluing, or similar.

[0055] The at least one spring clamp 141, 142 maybe made of a plastic material, such as nylon, or a reinforced plastic material, such as fiberglass-reinforced nylon, or of a spring steel, such as a carbon steel or a stainless steel, or of another metal, such as a copper- or aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the spring clamps 141, 142 may comprise a coated metal material, such as silicone or rubber coated steel.

[0056] The cable assemblies 1, 2 maybe secured to the plug no and the socket 120, respectively, in any known way, such as by using a combination of, for example, crimping, soldering, gluing, mechanical locking, etc.

[0057] Although the cable connector 100 is in the illustrated embodiments mirror symmetric with respect to a longitudinal mid-plane, i.e., a YZ plane, it may in other embodiments be asymmetric. For example, the at least one spring clamp maybe asymmetric about the mid-plane. In the illustrated embodiments, the form-closed connection is realized by the spring clamps 141, 142 protruding into recesses 111, 121 formed in the plug no and the socket 120, respectively. However, in other embodiments, the form-closed connection may be realized by a spring clamp configured to engage with at least one protrusion of the plug or socket, such as by a spring clamp configured to receive the bulge and press against a side surface of the plug or socket below and above the bulge.

[0058] The inventive concept has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the inventive concept, as defined by the appended patent claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cable connector (loo) comprising:- a plug and socket assembly comprising a plug (no) configured to be attached to a first cable assembly (i) and a socket (120) configured to be attached to a second cable assembly (2) and to be engaged with the plug (no) in a longitudinal engagement direction (Y) to electrically connect the first and second cable assemblies (1, 2);- a housing (130) configured to receive the engaged plug and socket assembly and prevent relative longitudinal motion of the plug (no) and the socket (120); and- at least one spring clamp (141, 142) arranged in the housing (130), the at least one spring clamp (141, 142) being configured to engage with the plug (110) and / or the socket (120) by means of at least one form-closed connection such that a transverse spring force acts on the plug (no) and / or the socket (120), respectively.

2. The cable connector of claim 1, wherein the at least one form-closed connection comprises at least one first recess (111) of the plug (110) and / or at least one second recess (121) of the socket (120).

3. The cable connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing comprises a lower end (133) configured to be fixed to a base (3), and an open upper end (134) via which the engaged plug and socket assembly is configured to be inserted.

4. The cable connector of claim 3, wherein the housing (130) comprises two mutually opposing longitudinal side walls (135, 136) extending between the lower end (133) and the upper end (134), wherein the at least one spring clamp (141, 142) is configured to protrude inwards from at least one of the longitudinal side walls (135, 136).

5. The cable connector of claim 4, wherein the at least one spring clamp (141, 142) is configured to protrude inwards from both of the longitudinal side walls (135, 136).

6. The cable connector of claim 4 or 5, wherein each one of the longitudinal side walls (135, 136) comprises at least one slot (131, 132) configured to receive and retain the at least one spring clamp (141, 142).

7. The cable connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one spring clamp (141, 142) is configured to be releasably retained in the housing (130).

8. The cable connector of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the at least one spring clamp is integral with the housing.

9. The cable connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each one of the at least one spring clamp (141, 142) comprises two mutually opposing spring arms (141a, 141b; 142a, 142b), and wherein each one of the plug (110) and the socket (120) comprises two mutually opposing recesses (111, 121), each spring arm (141a, 141b; 142a, 142b) being configured to engage with one of said recesses (111, 121).

10. The cable connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (130) comprises mutually opposing first and second transverse side walls (137, 138), wherein the first transverse side wall (137) is configured to abut a transverse surface (117) of the plug (110), and the second transverse side wall (138) is configured to abut a transverse surface (128) of the socket (120).

11. The cable connector of claim 10, wherein each transverse side wall (137, 138) comprises an opening (139) through which one of the cable assemblies (1, 2) is configured to extend.

12. The cable connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one spring clamp (141, 142) comprises a first spring clamp (141) configured to engage with at least one first recess (111) of the plug (110), and a second spring clamp (142) configured to engage with at least one second recess (121) of the socket (120).

13. The cable connector of claim 12, wherein the first and second spring clamps (141, 142) are comprised within a single spring component (140).

14. The cable connector of claim 13, wherein the single spring component (140) comprises an elongated member (143) extending between the first and second spring clamps (141, 142).

15. The cable connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug and socket assembly is configured to protrude upwards from the housing (130) when received therein.1416. The cable connector of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug and socket assembly further comprises a locking mechanism (151, 152) configured to interlock the plug (110) and the socket (120) in an engaged state of the plug and socket assembly.

Images