A connector plug, a cable assembly, a connector kit and a method for forming a cable assembly

Abstract

Disclosed is a connector plug (1) comprising a plug body (2) having a cylindrically shape and an axially extending plug centre axis (3), wherein a number of wire holes (4) are extending axially in the plug body (2), and wherein a number of element holes (5) are extending radially between the number of wire holes (4) and an outer plug surface (6) of the plug body (2). The connector plug (1) further comprises plug contact elements (7) arranged in the number of element holes (5) so that an inner element end (8) of each of the plug contact elements (7) is arranged in or at a wire hole of the number of wire holes (4) and so that an outer element end (9) of each of the plug contact elements (7) is arranged at the outer plug surface (6) of the plug body (2), wherein the plug contact elements (7) and the number of element holes (5) are elongated in the direction of the axially extending plug centre axis (3). A cable assembly (16), a connector kit (47), a method for forming a cable assembly (16) and use of a connector plug (1) is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] A CONNECTOR PLUG, A CABLE ASSEMBLY, A CONNECTOR KIT AND A METHOD FOR FORMING A CABLE ASSEMBLY

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a connector plug comprising a plug body, a cable assembly comprising a cable including a number of insulated wires each comprising a wire surrounded by an outer electrical insulation layer and a connector plug. The invention also relates to a connector kit comprising a connector plug and a connector socket. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for forming a cable assembly and use of a connector plug.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Ethernet is a family of wired computer networking technologies. Ethernet is commonly used in local area networks (LAN), metropolitan area networks (MAN) and wide area networks (WAN). In an Ethernet, networking hardware - such as computers, switches, routers, servers and other - are connected by means of Ethernet cables. Today most home and corporate Ethernet cables comprise eight individually insulated wires arranged in twisted pairs and provided with an 8P8C modular connector at both ends. The cable may be a shielded or unshielded. Twisted pair cabling is a form of wiring in which pairs of wires (the forward and return conductors of a single circuit) are twisted together for the purposes of cancelling out electromagnetic interference (EMI) from other wire pairs and from external sources. Twisted pair cabling is used in short patch cables and in the longer runs in structured cabling.

[0006] However, the 8P8C (8 position 8 contact) modular connector - also very often referred to as a RJ45 connector - is quite chunky and typically includes a locking pin that has a tendency to catch anything it parses. So, if an Ethernet cable have to be laid in an existing structure an opening with a diameter of 17 mm has to be made to get the 8P8C modular connector through walls, panels and other and the diameter of guide tubes, cable trays and other for guiding cables around a building has to be relatively big. Therefore, the cables are often laid without 8P8C modular connectors, and these are then mounted once the cable is in place. But mounting 8P8C modular connectors on an Ethernet cable is difficult and requires specialist tools and knowledge. The chunkiness of the 8P8C modular connector also means that the corresponding socket becomes big and chunky which is very disadvantageous in general because the space required by the socket is almost always an issue - and particularly in relation to smaller devices such as laptops, tablets and other where the general size is an issue this problem is pronounced.

[0007] Furthermore, in the cable the wires are typically arranged in a circular configuration and when they are connected to an 8P8C modular connector they have to be arranged in a linear configuration side by side. This transformation entails that a relatively large part of the twisted pairs has to be unwind which increases the risk of electromagnetic interference.

[0008] Thus, from the international patent application WO 2011 / 035160 A2 it is known to provide a network cable with a plug assembly formed by a sleeve and a connector assembly, wherein the connector assembly comprises a plug part, a connector body and contacts. However, this plug assembly design is very complex and expensive.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide for a cost-efficient plug and socket solution that will alleviate the above disadvantages.

[0010] The invention

[0011] The invention provides for a connector plug comprising a plug body having a cylindrically shape and an axially extending plug centre axis, wherein a number of wire holes are extending axially in the plug body, and wherein a number of element holes are extending radially between the number of wire holes and an outer plug surface of the plug body. The connector plug further comprises plug contact elements arranged in the number of element holes so that an inner element end of each of the plug contact elements is arranged in or at a wire hole of the number of wire holes and so that an outer element end of each of the plug contact elements is arranged at the outer plug surface of the plug body, wherein the plug contact elements and the number of element holes are elongated in the direction of the axially extending plug centre axis.

[0012] Providing the plug body with a cylindrically shape is advantageous in that the circumscribed circle of the plug hereby can be made much smaller - even as small as the cable it is connected to - thereby making it much easier to laid cables with connector plugs fitted and thereby reducing the risk of people having to mount connector plugs to the cable themselves. Furthermore, making the plug body comprise wire holes extending in the axial direction of the cylindrical plug body and make plug contact elements radially intersect these wire holes - by means of radial element holes - is advantageous in that it hereby is possible to form a very compact plug where the signal conducting surfaces of the plug are arranged at the outer circular periphery of the plug, hereby also enabling that a more compact corresponding socket can be formed. Furthermore, since the plug is cylindrically shaped it is easier to position the wires of a cable inside the wire holes and the twisted pairs do not have to be unwound as much as with traditional RJ45 plug thereby reducing the risk of electromagnetic interference. Even further, placing the plug contact elements in the element holes so that the inner element end of each of the plug contact elements is arranged in a wire hole - i.e., when the plug contact elements are engaging a conducting wire in the wire hole - is advantageous in that the plug contact elements hereby in a simple and efficient manner can conduct a signal from the wire to the outer element end of the plug contact elements arranged at the outer plug surface so that it is easy to form a corresponding socket that can make contact with the outer element end of the plug contact elements to transmit the signal further on. And placing the plug contact elements in the element holes so that the inner element end of each of the plug contact elements is arranged at a wire hole - i.e., when the plug contact elements are in their initial “retracted” position - is advantageous in that the plug contact elements hereby does not obstruct the wire holes and wires can easily be fitted in the wire holes. However, it should be noted, that the present wording does not preclude that the plug could be formed in a casting process where the plug contact elements and the wires are connected, placed in contact with each other or formed integrally with each other before the plug body is cast around these parts. Furthermore, forming the plug contact elements and the number of element holes elongated is advantageous in that this enables that the position of the plug contact elements is better controlled, and it enables a larger contact area on the outer end of the plug contact elements, hereby reducing the risk of bad contact between the plug contact elements and the corresponding socket contact elements in a corresponding socket.

[0013] In this context, the term “plug” should be understood as the male part - i.e. the protruding part - of a plug and socket arrangement. Thus, a plug is the protruding part which is inserted into a corresponding socket so that at least a protruding part of the plug is protruding into a corresponding receptacle - such as a hole, opening, indentation or other - in a female socket.

[0014] Also, in this context, the term “plug contact element” should be understood as any kind of pin, plate, spade, rod or other capable of forming a contact surface of the plug.

[0015] Furthermore, in this context, the term “cylindrically shape” should be understood as any kind of fully cylindrical shape - i.e. formed as a circular cylinder - and all other shapes closely resembling a fully cylindrical shape. I.e., the term also includes a many- sided polygonal shape, a slightly oval or elliptical shape and any other shape that closely resembles a fully cylindrical shape.

[0016] In an aspect of the invention, at least a part of each of the number of wire holes are tapering off towards the axially extending plug centre axis of the plug body.

[0017] Making the wire holes taper off towards the plug centre axis of the plug body is advantageous in that when a wire is placed in the wire holes and the plug contact elements are forced towards the wires, the tapering shape of the wire holes will ensure that the wire will stay in place in front of the plug contact element and thereby increase the chance of a good contact between the plug contact element and the wire. In an aspect of the invention, the number of wire holes and / or the number of element holes are substantially evenly distributed around the axially extending plug centre axis.

[0018] Distributing wire holes and / or the element holes substantially evenly around the axially extending plug centre axis is advantageous in that this will maximise that space between all wire holes and element holes, thereby making it easier to fit wires in the wire holes and to design the corresponding socket making contact with the plug contact elements arranged in the element holes.

[0019] In an aspect of the invention, the plug body comprises eight wire holes and eight element holes.

[0020] A standard Ethernet cable (RJ45) comprises eight individual wires and it is therefore advantageous to provide the plug body with eight wire holes and eight element holes in that the plug can hereby replace 8P8C plugs (as used for RJ45, RJ49, RJ61 and in relation to other registered jack (RJ) standardized telecommunication network interfaces), as well as 6P6C and 6P4C plugs (as used with RJ25, RJ14, and RJ11 ) and 4P4C plugs, used for connecting a telephone handset and base.

[0021] In an aspect of the invention, the number of wire holes are through holes extending all the way through the axial extent of the plug body.

[0022] Making the wire holes extend all the (axial) way through the plug body is advantageous in that during connecting the plug to a cable the wires can extend through the wire holes and be pulled, so that the twisted pair can remain twisted almost all the way to the entry opening of the wire holes, thereby reducing the risk of electromagnetic interference. Furthermore, the through going wire holes also enables that it is easy to ensure that the plug contact elements are connected to the same position on the wires whereby the risk of signal delay is reduced. In an aspect of the invention, the plug contact elements are connected to the plug body through an interference fit between the plug contact elements and the number of element holes.

[0023] An interference fit - also known as a pressed fit or friction fit - is a form of fastening between two tightfitting mating parts that produces a joint which is held together by friction after the parts are pushed together. Connecting the plug contact elements to the plug body through an interference fit between the plug contact elements and the element holes is advantageous in that this connection technique requires no additional parts, it is easy to form, and it is easy to manipulate in that the position of the plug contact elements in the element holes can easily be changes by pressing on an end of the plug contact elements with enough force to overcome the friction in the interference fit - either by hand or by use of a tool.

[0024] In an aspect of the invention, an inner element end of each of the plug contact elements is tapering off towards the axially extending plug centre axis of the plug body.

[0025] Making the inner element end of plug contact elements taper off towards the axially extending plug centre axis is advantageous in that the plug contact elements hereby more easily can penetrate insulation around an insulated wire placed in the wire hole.

[0026] In an aspect of the invention, the outer element end of each of the plug contact elements is protruding out of the number of element holes from the outer plug surface of the plug body in a pre-use mode of the connector plug, and wherein the outer element end of each of the plug contact elements is substantially flush with the outer plug surface of the plug body in a use mode of the connector plug.

[0027] Making the outer element end of the plug contact elements protrude out of the element holes when the connector plug is not yet connected to a cable is advantageous in that it hereby is easier to access and push on the plug contact elements when wires have been installed in the wire holes and the plug contact elements shall engage the wires. And making the outer element end of the plug contact elements substantially flush with the outer plug surface when the plug contact elements has been pushed inwards to engage the wires is advantageous in that the outer plug surface - including the outer element ends of the plug contact elements - hereby is smooth and the risk of the plug catching anything is reduced and at the same time it is easy to design a corresponding socket that will easily make good contact with the outer element ends of the plug contact elements.

[0028] In an aspect of the invention, the plug body further comprises axially extending element hole grooves arranged at each of the number of element holes and wherein the outer plug surface is the bottom groove surface of each of the element hole grooves.

[0029] Providing the plug body with axially extending element hole grooves at the element holes is advantageous in that these element hole grooves hereby can act as a guide for socket contact elements in a corresponding socket and thereby increase the chance of good contact between the plug contact elements and the corresponding socket contact elements. Furthermore, the element hole grooves will better protect the plug contact elements from damage.

[0030] In an aspect of the invention, a plug groove width of each of the axially extending element hole grooves substantially corresponds to an element hole width of each of the number of element holes.

[0031] Making the plug groove width of the element hole grooves substantially correspond to the element hole width of the element holes is advantageous in that this will increase the chance of good contact between the plug contact elements and the corresponding socket contact elements. Furthermore, this will ensure that the plug contact elements are better guided.

[0032] In an aspect of the invention, the outer plug surface is an outer cylindrical surface of the plug body. Making the outer plug surface the outer cylindrical surface of the plug body is advantageous in that this entails a simple plug design.

[0033] In an aspect of the invention, the plug body comprises a locking groove arranged in an outer cylindrical surface of the plug body.

[0034] Making the outer cylindrical surface of the plug body comprise at least one locking groove is advantageous in that in that this enables that the plug can be locked in position once it is placed correctly in a corresponding socket. And providing the plug with a locking indentation (i.e., groove) instead of e.g. the locking pin known from the traditional 8P8C modular connector is advantageous in that the risk of the plug catching something, when a cable with a plug mounted is pulled or pushed through a structure, is hereby reduced.

[0035] In an aspect of the invention, the locking groove is arranged in continuation of a plug guide groove arranged in an outer cylindrical surface of the plug body.

[0036] Forming the locking groove in continuation of a plug guide groove in the outer cylindrical surface of the plug body is advantageous in that only a single groove has to be formed, which will simplify design and manufacturing of the plug.

[0037] In an aspect of the invention, an outer plug contact element shape of the plug contact elements is substantially matching an inner element hole shape of the number of element holes.

[0038] Making the shape of the plug contact elements match the element holes is advantageous in that this reduces the risk of ingress of moisture, water, dirt or dust to the inner of the plug, thereby increasing the life of the plug.

[0039] In an aspect of the invention, the plug contact elements comprise metal. The plug contact elements have to be manipulated and have to be able to conduct signals from a wire to a corresponding socket. Metal is excellent at both.

[0040] In an aspect of the invention, the metal comprises cobber, aluminium or silver.

[0041] Cobber, aluminium and silver are both durable and excellent at conducting electrical signals.

[0042] In an aspect of the invention, the plug body comprises a polymer material, such as plastic.

[0043] Forming the plug body from a polymer material is advantageous in that polymer material has good electrical insulating qualities and can easily be given complex shapes in a moulding process.

[0044] In an aspect of the invention, the plug body has an outer plug diameter of between 4 mm and 12 mm, preferably between 4.5 mm and 11 mm and most preferred between 5 mm and 10 mm.

[0045] If the outer plug diameter is too big the plug will get too chunky and the risk of the plug catching something - when a cable with plugs is drawn or pushed through a structure - increases. However, if the outer plug diameter is too little it becomes too fiddly to connect a cable to the plug and the risk of bad or no contact through the plug increases. Thus, the present size ranges present an advantageous relationship in relation to usability and function.

[0046] In an aspect of the invention, the plug body comprises a plug guide groove or a plug guide protrusion arranged in or on an outer cylindrical surface of the plug body. Providing the plug body with a plug guide groove or a plug guide protrusion is advantageous in that this enables that the plug can only be inserted with the correct orientation in a corresponding socket having a mating socket guide groove or socket guide protrusion.

[0047] In an aspect of the invention, the wire holes are arranged in a circle around the axially extending plug centre axis.

[0048] Arranging the wire holes in a circle is advantageous in that this circular configuration will better match the circular arrangement of the wires in a cable thereby making it easier to mount the plug on a cable and reducing the amount the twisted pairs have to be unwound - thereby reducing the risk of electromagnetic interference.

[0049] In an aspect of the invention, the wire holes are arranged in the same distance from the axially extending plug centre axis.

[0050] Arranging the wire holes in the same distance from the axially extending plug centre axis is advantageous in that this circular configuration will better match the circular arrangement of the wires in a cable thereby making it easier to mount the plug on a cable and reducing the amount the twisted pairs have to be unwound - thereby reducing the risk of electromagnetic interference.

[0051] In an aspect of the invention, a plug screen is arranged between neighbouring wire holes.

[0052] Arranging a plug screen between neighbouring wire holes will reduce the risk of electromagnetic interference between wires placed in these wire holes thereby increasing the transmission performance of the connector plug.

[0053] The invention further relates to a cable assembly comprising a cable including a number of insulated wires each comprising a conducting wire surrounded by an outer electrical insulation layer and a connector plug according to any of the previously discussed connector plugs, wherein at least some of the conducting wires are extending into the number of wire holes in the plug body.

[0054] Forming a cable assembly so that at least the conducting wires are extending into the wire holes of the plug is advantageous in that it hereby - in a simple and easy manner - is possible to simultaneously both connect the plug to the cable and to ensure a good electrical connection by making contact between the plug contact elements of the plug and the conducting wires extending into the wire holes.

[0055] In an aspect of the invention, the plug contact elements are arranged in contact with the conducting wires extending into the number of wire holes in the plug body which is advantageous in that this contact will ensure good signal transmission and at the same time secure the plug to the cable.

[0056] In an aspect of the invention, the plug contact elements are penetrating the outer electrical insulation layer.

[0057] If conducting wires of the insulated wires are still surrounded by the outer electrical insulation layer when the conducting wires are arranged in the wire holes it is advantageous that the plug contact elements are penetrating the outer electrical insulation layer to form good electrical contact with the conducting wires.

[0058] In an aspect of the invention, the cable further comprises an outer jacket enclosing the number of insulated wires which is advantageous in that this outer jacket will protect the conducting wires and make is easier to handle and lay the cable assembly.

[0059] In an aspect of the invention, the cable is arranged substantially coaxially with the connector plug which is advantageous in that this will arrange the plug in direct continuation of the cable and make it easier to connect the plug to the cable and subsequently handle and lay the cable assembly. In an aspect of the invention, the cable assembly further comprises a pull relief device connected to an outer jacket of the cable and to the connector plug.

[0060] Connecting the outer jacket to the connector plug by means of a pull relief device is advantageous in that this reduces the risk of the conducting wires being pulled out of contact with the plug contact elements if e.g., the plug is pulled out of a socket by pulling the cable.

[0061] In this context, the term “pull relief device” should be understood as any kind of component(s) that protects the cable assembly from tension and stress to prevent the connection from breaking. I.e., the term includes any kind of clamp, geometrically interlocking parts, parts with engaging thread, part(s) connecting the plug to the cable by means of barbs, snap locks or other or any combination thereof.

[0062] In an aspect of the invention, the cable is an Ethernet cable which is advantageous in that the cable hereby can be used for connecting network devices in an Ethernet network.

[0063] In an aspect of the invention, the number of insulated wires includes insulated wires arranged as twisted pairs which is advantageous in that this will reduce the risk of the conducting wires being affected by electromagnetic interference.

[0064] In an aspect of the invention, an outer plug diameter of the connector plug corresponds with an outer cable diameter of the cable within a tolerance of + / - 3 mm, preferably within a tolerance of + / - 2 mm, and most preferred within a tolerance of + / - 1 mm.

[0065] Making the diameter of the plug substantially correspond to the diameter of the cable is advantageous in that this will make it easier to lay the cable assembly in an existing structure and reduce the risk of the cable assembly catching anything if it is pushed or pulled through tube transitions, walls, panels, cable trays or the like. However, even if the plug is produced with different diameters, it is virtually impossible to make the plug diameter match the diameter of all types and makes of cables and it is therefore advantageous to make the plug diameter match the outer cable diameter within a relatively small tolerance.

[0066] In an aspect of the invention, the number of wire holes are blind holes.

[0067] If the cable assembly is formed by placing the plug contact elements and stripped conducting wires in contact with each other (or connecting them or forming them integrally) in a mould and then cast the plug body around them, then it is advantageous that the wire holes are formed as blind holes - i.e., the holes formed by the conducting wires if the conducting wires was removed from the plug body after casting - in that this would protect the conducting wires better and simplify production.

[0068] Even further the invention relates to a connector kit comprising a connector plug according to any of the previously discussed connector plugs, and a connector socket. The connector socket comprises a socket body having a socket hole with a cylindrical shape forming an inner cylindrical surface and an axially extending socket centre axis. The connector socket further comprises a number of socket contact elements each arranged, at least partly, at the inner cylindrical surface, and a number of external socket contact means arranged at or on an external socket surface of the connector socket. The connector socket also comprises signal conductors connecting each of the number of socket contact elements to an external socket contact means of the number of external socket contact means.

[0069] Forming the connector kit so that it comprises a connector plug and a connector socket with a cylindrical socket hole is first of all advantageous in that it the socket hereby matches a corresponding cylindrical plug. And forming the socket hole - and thereby the plug - cylindrical is advantageous in that this enables a plug having the same outer shape as the cable that it is connected to, which enables easier installation of the cable (with plug mounted) and easier connection of the plug to the cable. Furthermore, the cylindrical socket hole entails that the socket contact elements can be arranged along the inner cylindrical surface of the socket hole, hereby protecting the socket contact elements and enabling that the socket can be formed very compact. And forming the socket contact elements at the inner cylindrical surface is advantageous in that the plug contact elements of a corresponding plug hereby easily can form contact with the socket contact elements either by the socket contact elements extending radially inwards to make contact with the plug contact elements or the plug contact elements extending radially outwards to make contact with the socket contact elements or both.

[0070] In this context, the term “socket” should be understood as the female part - i.e. the receptacle part - of a plug and socket arrangement. Thus, a socket is in this context a device that includes an opening, a hole, an indentation or other in which a corresponding protruding part of a male plug is inserted into.

[0071] Also, in this context, the term “contact means” should be understood as a contact device, a contact point or contact arrangement enabling that the signals passing through the socket can be transferred further on to the device the socket is mounted in or on. I.e., the term includes any kind of pin, plate (e.g., to which a wire can be soldered), wire, wire clamp or other arranged at or on an external socket surface of the connector socket for easy access.

[0072] In an aspect of the invention, a number of element grooves are extending axially in the inner cylindrical surface and wherein the number of socket contact elements are each arranged at least partly in an element groove of the number of element grooves.

[0073] Arranging the socket contact elements in element grooves is advantageous in that this will help in keeping the socket contact elements in place and protect the socket contact elements against sidewards bending and displacement, so they may not make correct contact with a plug inserted in the socket. In an aspect of the invention, a protruding free element end of each of the number of socket contact elements is arranged inside the number of element grooves.

[0074] Arranging the protruding free element end of the socket contact elements inside the element grooves is advantageous in that the chance of the protruding free element end catching the plug (incorrectly) or anything else being inserted in the socket is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of the socket contact elements being bend or damaged.

[0075] In an aspect of the invention, at least a contact part of each of the number of socket contact elements is protruding radially into the socket hole.

[0076] Making a contact part of the socket contact elements protrude radially into the socket hole is advantageous in that this enables that the outer surface of the corresponding plug can be formed more smoothly, thereby making it easier to lay a cable with plugs mounted. Furthermore, this entails that the plug can be formed without any moving parts in that the protruding socket contact elements can reach into the socket hole and make contact with the corresponding plug contact elements.

[0077] In an aspect of the invention, the contact part is arranged at a protruding free element end of each of the number of socket contact elements.

[0078] Arranging the contact part at the protruding free element end of the socket contact elements is advantageous in that this enables that a radial flexibility of the socket contact elements can generate a force that presses the contact part against a corresponding part of an inserted plug to form good electrical contact.

[0079] In an aspect of the invention, the contact part is convex in relation to the inner cylindrical surface.

[0080] Forming the socket contact elements so that they are curving radially inwards towards the socket centre axis at the contact part is advantageous in that the curvature of the socket contact elements at the contact part will better guide an inserted plug into its correct position and in that the curvature forms a natural spring element that will force the contact part against the plug to establish good electrical contact.

[0081] In an aspect of the invention, the socket hole comprises a socket opening at an opening end of the socket hole, and a socket bottom at a bottom end of the socket hole and wherein a protruding free element end of each of the number of socket contact elements is protruding from the bottom end towards the opening end.

[0082] Making the socket contact elements protrude from the bottom end towards the opening end of the socket hole is advantageous in that there is more space to fix the socket contact elements at the bottom end of the socket hole and in that it is easy to form the socket contact elements radially flexible.

[0083] In an aspect of the invention, the socket hole comprises a socket opening at an opening end of the socket hole, and a socket bottom at a bottom end of the socket hole and wherein a protruding free element end of each of the number of socket contact elements is protruding in a direction from the opening end towards the bottom end.

[0084] Making the socket contact elements protrude from the opening end towards the bottom end of the socket hole is advantageous in that it hereby is easier to form the socket contact elements as guides for the plug and in that the risk of the protruding free element end of the socket contact elements catching the plug or anything else inserted in the socket is reduced.

[0085] In an aspect of the invention, the socket hole is a blind hole.

[0086] Forming the socket hole as a blind hole is advantageous in that the interior of the socket hole is hereby better protected against ingress of dirt, moisture or other - particularly when a plug is inserted. In an aspect of the invention, the number of socket contact elements are substantially evenly distributed around the axially extending socket centre axis.

[0087] Distributing socket contact elements substantially evenly around the axially extending socket centre axis is advantageous in that this will maximise that space between all socket contact elements, thereby making it easier to fit the socket contact elements and to design the corresponding plug so that it makes contact with the socket contact elements.

[0088] In an aspect of the invention, the connector socket comprises eight socket contact elements.

[0089] A standard Ethernet cable (RJ45) comprises eight individual wires and it is therefore advantageous to provide the connector socket with eight socket contact elements in that the socket can hereby replace 8P8C sockets (as used for RJ45, RJ49, RJ61 and in relation to other registered jack (RJ) standardized telecommunication network interfaces), as well as 6P6C and 6P4C sockets (as used with RJ25, RJ14, and RJ11) and 4P4C sockets, used for connecting a telephone handset and base.

[0090] In an aspect of the invention, all of the signal conductors substantially have the same length.

[0091] Forming all the signal conductors with substantially the same length is advantageous in that the risk of signal delay through the socket is hereby reduced.

[0092] In an aspect of the invention, the number of socket contact elements are arranged to be flexible in a radial direction of the socket hole.

[0093] Forming the socket contact elements so that they are flexible in the radial direction of the socket hole is advantageous in that this flexibility will ensure that the socket contact elements are pushed firmly against the corresponding plug contact elements of a plug inserted in the socket to establish good electrical contact between the socket and the plug.

[0094] In an aspect of the invention, the inner cylindrical surface of the socket hole comprises a socket guide groove or a socket guide protrusion.

[0095] Providing the inner cylindrical surface of the socket hole with a socket guide groove or a socket guide protrusion is advantageous in that this enables that a corresponding plug having a mating plug guide groove or plug guide protrusion can only be inserted with the correct orientation in the socket.

[0096] In an aspect of the invention, the connector socket comprises locking means protruding into the socket hole.

[0097] Providing the connector socket with locking means protruding into the socket hole is advantageous in that this enables that the locking means more easily can engage a corresponding locking groove of a corresponding plug.

[0098] In an aspect of the invention, the locking means are arranged to engage a corresponding locking groove of a corresponding connector plug inserted in the socket hole. Hereby is achieved an advantageous embodiment of the invention.

[0099] In an aspect of the invention, the locking means are formed integrally with the number of socket contact elements or the socket body.

[0100] Forming the locking means integrally with the socket contact elements is advantageous in that no extra parts are needed to form the locking means, hereby reducing cost of the socket. And forming the locking means integrally with the socket body is advantageous in that this enables that the locking means can be located in a more advantageous position and that it can be designed more freely regarding its purpose. In an aspect of the invention, a socket screen is arranged between neighbouring socket contact elements.

[0101] Arranging a socket screen between neighbouring socket contact elements and e.g., their associated signal conductors will reduce the risk of electromagnetic interference between socket contact elements (and e.g., their associated signal conductors) thereby increasing the transmission performance of the connector kit.

[0102] In an aspect of the invention, the connector socket is adapted to be a socket for a connector plug according to any of the preciously discussed connector plugs. Hereby is achieved an advantageous embodiment of the invention.

[0103] The invention also relates to a method for forming a cable assembly, the method comprising the steps of:

[0104] • forming a plug body of a connector plug o so that the connector plug has a cylindrical shape and an axially extending plug centre axis, o so that a number of wire holes are extending axially in the plug body, and o so that a number of element holes are extending radially between the number of wire holes and an outer plug surface of the plug body,

[0105] • placing plug contact elements of the connector plug in the number of element holes so that an outer element end of each of the plug contact elements is protruding out of the number of element holes from the outer plug surface of the plug body,

[0106] • placing a conducting wire of a number of insulated wires of a cable in at least some of the number of wire holes so that a conducting wire of the insulated wires extends past the plug contact elements, wherein at least a part of each of the number of insulated wires comprises an outer electrical insulation layer, • pressing the plug contact elements inwards towards the axially extending plug centre axis so that the plug contact elements make contact with the conducting wires in the number of wire holes.

[0107] Forming the plug body so that it has a cylindrical shape and forming wire holes axially in the plug body is advantageous in that the circular configuration of the insulated wires in the cable hereby can be continued into the plug thereby simplifying assembly and reducing the risk of electromagnetic interference. And forming the element holes so that they are extending radially between the wire holes and the outer plug surface of the plug body and then place plug contact elements in these element holes is advantageous in that good electrical contact hereby can easily be formed between the plug contact elements and the conducting wires simply by pressing the plug contact elements inwards towards the axially extending plug centre axis. This furthermore enables that the plug contact elements are easily accessible at the outer plug surface of the plug body when the plug is placed in a corresponding socket.

[0108] It should be noted that some of the method steps do not have to be performed in the order they are listed. E.g., the conducting wire could be placed in the wire holes before the plug contact elements are placed in the element holes.

[0109] In an aspect of the invention, the part of the conducting wire extending past the plug contact elements comprises the outer electrical insulation layer and wherein the method further comprises the step of pressing the plug contact elements inwards towards the axially extending plug centre axis so that the plug contact elements are penetrating the outer electrical insulation layer of the number of insulated wires.

[0110] Pressing the plug contact elements inwards towards the axially extending plug centre axis so that they are penetrating the outer electrical insulation layer of the insulated wires is advantageous in that the insulated wires hereby do not have to be stripped before they are placed in the wire holes - thereby simplifying assembly. In an aspect of the invention, the cable assembly is a cable assembly according to any of the previously discussed cable assemblies. Hereby is achieved an advantageous embodiment of the invention.

[0111] The invention further relates to use of a connector plug according to any of the previously discussed connector plugs as an Ethernet connector plug.

[0112] Using the connector plug as an Ethernet connector plug is advantageous in that the design of the plug will make it easier to lay Ethernet cables comprising pre-mounted plugs in an existing structure.

[0113] Figures

[0114] The invention will be described in the following with reference to the figures in which. fig. 1 illustrates a connector plug, as seen in an isometric view partly from the front end, fig. 2 illustrates a connector plug, as seen in an isometric view partly from the back end, fig. 3 illustrates a connector plug, as seen from the side, fig. 4 illustrates a connector plug, as seen from the back, fig. 5 illustrates cross section through the middle of a connector plug, as seen from the side, fig. 6 illustrates a cable assembly comprising a connector plug, a pull relief device, and a cable before assembly, as seen in an isometric view, fig. 7 illustrates a cable assembly comprising a connector plug, a pull relief device, and a cable after assembly, as seen in an isometric view, fig. 8 illustrates a connector socket, as seen in an isometric view, fig. 9 illustrates a connector socket, as seen from the front, fig. 10 illustrates a connector socket, as seen from the back, fig. 11 illustrates a cross section through a connector socket, as seen from the side, fig. 12 illustrates a cross section through a connector socket, as seen in a tilted view, fig. 13 illustrates cross section through the middle of a connector kit, as seen from the side, fig. 14 illustrates a socket screen and socket contact elements, as seen in an isometric view, fig. 15 illustrates a socket screen and socket contact elements, as seen from the front, fig. 16 illustrates a connector socket for circuit board mounting, as seen in an isometric view, and fig. 17 illustrates a connector socket for circuit board mounting, as seen from the front. Detailed description

[0115] Fig. 1 illustrates a connector plug 1, as seen in an isometric view partly from the front end, fig. 2 illustrates a connector plug 1, as seen from the side, fig. 3 illustrates a connector plug 1, as seen from the side, fig. 4 illustrates a connector plug 1, as seen from the back, and fig. 5 illustrates cross section through the middle of a connector plug 1, as seen from the side.

[0116] In this embodiment the connector plug 1 comprises a plug body 2 with an outer cylindrically shape whereby an axially extending plug centre axis 3 is formed.

[0117] In this embodiment eight wire holes 4 are extending axially all the way through the plug body 2 so that the plug may be use as an Ethernet plug where Ethernet cables comprise eight individual wires as will be discussed in more details later. However, in another embodiment the plug body 2 could comprise fewer wire holes 4 - such as six, five, three or even less - or more wire holes 4 - such as nine, ten, twelve or even more. And in another embodiment, some or all of the wire holes 4 could be blind holes - i.e., not extending all the way through the plug body 2. In this embodiment the wire holes 4 are arranged in a circle around the axially extending plug centre axis 3 and in this embodiment all the wire holes 4 are arranged in the same distance from the axially extending plug centre axis 3 so that the wire holes 4 are evenly distributed around the axially extending plug centre axis 3. However, in another embodiment the wire holes 4 could be distributed in another pattern - e.g., by alternately being arranged at different distances from the axially extending plug centre axis 3, by wire holes 4 being arranged closer together in pairs (i.e., not evenly distributed around the axially extending plug centre axis 3) or in another configuration e.g., depending on the specific use, the number of wire holes 4 or other.

[0118] In this embodiment the plug body 2 further comprises eight element holes 5 extending radially between the wire holes 4 and an outer plug surface 6 of the plug body 2. The number of element holes 5 will typically match the number of wire holes 4. In this embodiment plug contact elements 7 are arranged in all the element holes 5 but in another embodiment plug contact elements 7 would only be arranged in some of the element holes 5 - e.g., if the present plug 1, configured to replace an 8P8C modular connector (or RJ45 plug), was used to replace another RJ standard - such as RJ25, RJ14, or RJ11 where only six wires are connected to the plug. In this embodiment the plug contact elements 7 are in all the figures 1-5 shown in a use mode - i.e., in a position where the outer element end 9 of each of the plug contact elements 7 is substantially flush with an outer plug surface 6 of the plug body 2 and the inner element end 8 of each of the plug contact elements 7 is arranged protruding into the wire hole 4 so that they will engage a conducting wire 19 of an insulated wire 18 located in the wire holes 4 and thereby form an electrical contact so that signals transmitted through the conducting wires 19 can be conducted further on by means of the plug contact elements 7 (conducting wire 19 and insulated wire 18 can be seen in figs. 6 and 7). However, in another embodiment the plug contact elements 7 could be in a pre-use mode where the outer element end 9 of each of the plug contact elements 7 is protruding out of the element holes 5 - i.e., away from the outer plug surface 6 of the plug body 2 - and the inner element end 8 of each of the plug contact elements 7 is arranged at the wire holes 4 so that only the very tip of the plug contact elements 7 is protruding into the wire holes 4, so that the inner element end 8 is arranged substantially flush with the inner wall of the wire holes 4, or so that the inner element end 8 is arranged inside the element holes 5, so that the outer element end 9 of the plug contact elements 7 will not hinder that insulated wires 18 are passed through the wire holes 4.

[0119] In this embodiment the plug body 2 is further provided with axially extending element hole grooves 10 arranged at each of the element holes 5 and in this embodiment the plug groove width GW of the axially extending element hole grooves 10 substantially corresponds to the element hole width HW of the element holes 5 to better guide a corresponding socket contact element of a corresponding socket into contact with the outer element end 9 of the plug contact elements 7. Thus, in this embodiment the outer plug surface 6 is the bottom groove surface 11 of each of the element hole grooves 10. However, in another embodiment the plug body 2 would not comprise axially extending element hole grooves 10 and the outer plug surface 6 would then be the outer cylindrical surface of the plug body 2. Also, in another embodiment the plug groove width GW could be bigger than the element hole width HW - e.g., to increase the chance of the corresponding socket contact elements catching the element hole grooves 10 - or the plug groove width GW could be smaller than the element hole width HW - e.g., to increase the chance of good electrical contact between the corresponding socket contact elements and the outer element end 9 of the plug contact elements 7.

[0120] In this embodiment the outer plug contact element shape of the plug contact elements 7 is substantially matching the inner element hole shape of the element holes 5, in that in this embodiment the plug contact elements 7 and the number of element holes 5 are elongated in the direction of the axially extending plug centre axis 3 and in this embodiment the plug contact elements 7 are connected to the plug body 2 through an interference fit between the plug contact elements 7 and the number of element holes 5. However, in another embodiment the plug contact elements 7 could be connected to the plug body 2 my means of other connection means - such as adhesive, set screws, wedging, by being cast into the plug body 2 or other or any combination thereof. And in another embodiment the plug contact elements 7 and / or the element holes 5 could be shaped differently such as square, oblong, polygonal or other.

[0121] In this embodiment the inner element end 8 of each of the plug contact elements 7 is tapering off towards the axially extending plug centre axis 3 so that the inner element end 8 of the plug contact elements 7 is formed as a sharp edge capable of penetrating the insulation layer around a conducting wire to establish good electrical contact with the conducting wire. However, particularly if the insulation layer was already stripped from the conducting wire before the conducting wire was placed in the wire hole 4 or the plug body 2 was cast around the plug contact elements 7 and conducting wires the inner element end 8 of the plug contact elements 7 could be formed flat (as the outer element end 9 is in this case) or it could be given another shape suited to the specific situation - such as rounded, with a groove or other.

[0122] As best seen in fig. 5 the wire holes 4 are in this embodiment not straight all the way through the plug body 2 because in this embodiment the wire holes 4 starts out by being distributed at a bigger diameter around the axially extending plug centre axis 3 and then curves into a smaller diameter. This is in this case done to enable that the entrance opening 42 of the wire holes 4 can be made bigger and so that the element holes 5 can extend over a greater distance radially through the plug body 2 to better guide and control the plug contact elements 7. However, in another embodiment the wire holes 4 could be straight all the way through the plug body 2 or the wire holes 4 could include additional curves throughout they axial extend through the plug body 2.

[0123] In this embodiment the axially straight part of all the wire holes 4 are tapering off towards the axially extending plug centre axis as best seen in figs. 1, 4 and 5 to keep the wires centred in front of the inner element end 8 of the plug contact elements 7. However, in another embodiment the entire axial extent of the wire holes 4 would taper off towards the axially extending plug centre axis, the wire holes 4 would not taper off or the wire holes 4 would be provides with another shape, such as oval, polygonal, triangular or other.

[0124] In the embodiments disclosed in figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5, the plug body 2 comprises a plug guide groove 14 arranged in the outer cylindrical surface 12 of the plug body 2 to match a corresponding socket guide protrusion of a corresponding socket ensuring that the plug 1 can only be inserted in the corresponding socket when it has the correct orientation. In this embodiment the plug guide groove 14 is further provided with a guide entrance 43 to aid in guiding the corresponding socket guide protrusion correctly into the plug guide groove 14. However, as seen in fig. 3, in another embodiment the plug body 2 could comprise a plug guide protrusion 15 arranged to match a corresponding socket guide groove of a corresponding socket. In this embodiment the plug body 2 further comprises a locking groove 13 arranged in the outer cylindrical surface 12 of the plug body 2 and in this embodiment the locking groove 13 is arranged in continuation of the plug guide groove 14 - i.e., in this embodiment the locking groove 13 is the inner end of the plug guide groove 14. However, in another embodiment the locking groove 13 could be a hole, an indentation or other in the outer cylindrical surface 12 of the plug body 2 arranged to match corresponding locking means of a corresponding socket.

[0125] In this embodiment the plug body 2 has an outer plug diameter PD of around 7 millimetres but in another embodiment the outer plug diameter PD could be bigger - such as 8, 9, 13 millimetres or even bigger - or the outer plug diameter PD could be smaller - such as 6, 3.5, 3 millimetres or even smaller. In this embodiment the axial length of the plug body 2 is approximately double the outer plug diameter PD but in another embodiment the plug body 2 could be shorter or longer in relation to the outer plug diameter PD, e.g., depending on the specific use, if the plug contact elements 7 and conducting wires are cast into the plug body or not or other.

[0126] In this embodiment the plug contact elements 7 is made from a cobber alloy, but in another embodiment the plug contact elements 7 could be made from another metal or metal alloy - such as silver, gold or aluminium - or the plug contact elements 7 could be made from another electrically conducting material such as a composite material, an electrically conducting polymeric material or other and / or the plug contact elements 7 could be plated or coated with an electrically conducting material in which case the core of the plug contact elements 7 could be made from a material that is not electrically conducting.

[0127] In this embodiment the plug body 2 is monolithically formed in a casting process and in this embodiment the plug body 2 is entirely formed of plastic. However, in another embodiment the plug body 2 could comprise two or more interconnected parts - e.g., made from different materials - and / or the plug body 2 could be made from another material - such as a composite material, ceramic, rubber, wood or other or any combination thereof as long as at least the relevant parts, that the material the plug body 2 is made from, preferably is at least a fairly good electrical insulator.

[0128] In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 4 the connector plug 1 is further provided with at a plug screen 48 in the form of a cross, separating pairs of wire holes 4 from each other to reduce the risk of electromagnetic interference between pairs of wires (not shown) located in the wire holes 4. However, in another embodiment the plug screen 48 could be arranged to extend between all wire holes 4 or between another number of wire holes 4. In this embodiment the plug screen 48 is made from steel but in another embodiment the plug screen 48 could be made of another metal - such as copper, aluminium, a metal alloy or other - and / or the plug screen 48 could be made from another material that would reduce electromagnetic interference between pair of wires

[0129] - such as an electrical conducting composite material, an electrical conducting plastic material or other or any combination thereof. In another embodiment the plug screen 48 could instead be formed as two, four or more separate plate element. In a preferred embodiment the plug screen 48 is connected to a common outer shielding (not shown) located between the outer jacket 21 and the insulated wires 18 of a connected cable 17

[0130] - see figs. 6 and 7) - but in another embodiment the plug screen 48 could be connected to another shielding part of a connected cable and / or the plug screen 48 would also or instead be connected to shielding means of a corresponding connector socket to which the connector plug 1 would be connected and / or the plug screen 48 could be connected to a separate grounding part or other.

[0131] In this embodiment the plug screen 48 is extending axially the entire longitudinal length of the connector plug 1 and the plug screen 48 is extending radially from the centre of the plug body 2 almost to the outer cylindrical surface 12 of the plug body 2, but in another embodiment the plug screen 48 would only extend axially some of the longitudinal length of the connector plug 1 - e.g., only substantially the depth of the wire holes 4 if the wire holes 4 were formed as blind holes. And in another embodiment the plug screen 48 would extend radially from a location close to the centre of the plug body 2 and / or all the way to the outer cylindrical surface 12 of the plug body 2. In another embodiment the plug screen 48 could also or instead have varying radial extend over the axial length and / or it could be provided with holes or cut-outs e.g., to ensure a better integration with the plug body 2 during moulding of a monolithic plug body 2. However, in another embodiment the connector plug 1 could be formed by connecting a number of pre-made plug body parts (not shown) to the plug screen 48 - e.g., by means of adhesive.

[0132] Fig. 6 illustrates a cable assembly 16 comprising a connector plug 1, a pull relief device 22, and a cable 17 before assembly, as seen in an isometric view.

[0133] In this embodiment the cable assembly 16 comprises a cable 17 which is formed by eight insulated wires 18 each comprising a conducting wire 19 surrounded by an outer electrical insulation layer 20 in that in this embodiment the cable 17 is an Ethernet cable 17. However, in another embodiment the cable 17 could comprise fewer insulated wires 18 - such as six, five three or even less - or more insulated wires 18 - such as nine, ten, twelve or even more e.g., if the cable 17 was used for other purposes.

[0134] In this embodiment the insulated wires 18 are arranged as twisted pairs but in another embodiment the insulated wires 18 could be arranged differently - particularly in the cable 17 was not an Ethernet cable 17. And in this embodiment the insulated wires 18 or the twisted pairs does not comprise a shielding but in another embodiment the insulated wires 18 and / or the twisted pairs could comprise shielding to protect the conducting wire 19 from electromagnetic interference.

[0135] In this embodiment the cable 17 further comprises an outer jacket 21 enclosing the insulated wires 18 and in this embodiment the insulated wires 18 are not enclosed in a common shielding but in another embodiment the cable 17 could comprise an outer shielding e.g., located between the outer jacket 21 and the insulated wires 18. In this embodiment the outer jacket 21 is formed as an outer plastic tube but in another embodiment the outer jacket 21 could be formed differently and / or be made from a different material, such as rubber, fabric or other. In this embodiment the cable assembly 16 further comprises a connector plug 1 as previously discussed in relation to figs. 1-5 and in this embodiment the cable assembly

[0136] 16 also comprises a pull relief device 22 connected to the outer jacket 21 of the cable

[0137] 17 by means of barbs (not shown) and to the connector plug 1 by means of a front edge 44 of the pull relief device 22 snapping into a corresponding device groove 45 (see fig. 3) of the connector plug 1. However, in another embodiment the pull relief device 22 could also or instead be connected to the cable 17 through adhesive, welding, screws, clamping or other depending on the specific use or other and / or the pull relief device 22 could also or instead be connected to the connector plug 1 through adhesive, welding, screws, clamping or other depending on the specific use or other. If the cable 17 comprised some sort of shielding the pull relief device 22 could also be connected to this shielding and to some sort of shielding conductor (not shown) at or in the connector plug 1, the corresponding socket and / or other. However, in another embodiment the cable assembly 16 does not comprise a pull relief device 22.

[0138] In this embodiment the insulated wires 18 are colour coded as they are in all Ethernet cables 17 and to ensure that the right insulated wire 18 is placed in the right wire hole 4 in the connector plug 1, the wire holes 4 could also comprise some sort of colour code or numbering printed on the plug 1 or formed in the plugs outer surface during casting of the plug body 2 to guide a user during assembly of the cable assembly 16 and to ensure the signals traveling through the insulated wires 18 via the plug contact elements 7 are passed on to the correct corresponding socket contact elements 28 in a corresponding connector socket 23.

[0139] Fig. 7 illustrates a cable assembly 16 comprising a connector plug, a pull relief device 22, and a cable 17 after assembly, as seen in an isometric view.

[0140] In this embodiment the cable 17 is arranged substantially coaxially with the connector plug 1 and, in this embodiment, the outer plug diameter PD of the connector plug 1 corresponds with the outer cable diameter CD of the cable 17 within a tolerance of + / - 0.5 mm. However, in another embodiment the cable 17 could be arranged at least slightly eccentrically with the connector plug 1 and / or the outer plug diameter PD could differ from the outer cable diameter CD within a greater tolerance such as + / - 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm or even more.

[0141] In this embodiment the cable assembly 16 is formed by first manufacturing (forming) a connector plug 1 as previously discussed in relation to figs. 1-5 so that the outer element end 9 of the plug contact elements 7 of the connector plug 1 initially is protruding out of the element holes 5. Each of the insulated wires 18 of the cable 17 is then each placed in a wire hole 4 so that the conducting wire 19 of the insulated wires 18 is extending axially past the plug contact elements. The plug contact elements 7 is then pushed inwards towards the axially extending plug centre axis 3 so that the plug contact elements 7 penetrates the outer electrical insulation layer 20 of the insulated wires 18 in the wire holes 4 and so that the plug contact elements 7 make contact with the conducting wires 19. However, in another embodiment the outer electrical insulation layer 20 of the insulated wires 18 could be stripped before the conducting wires 19 are each placed in a wire hole 4 and in this embodiment the plug contact elements 7 will not be penetrating the outer electrical insulation layer 20 of the insulated wires 18. Also in another embodiment, the plug contact elements 7 and the stripped conducting wires 19 could be placed in a plug mould - in good electrical contact with each other, by connecting the plug contact elements 7 and the stripped conducting wires 19, or by forming the plug contact elements 7 and the stripped conducting wires 19 integrally - and the cable assembly 16 would be formed by filling the plug mould with a moulding material - such as plastic - to cast the plug body around the plug contact elements 7 and the stripped conducting wires 19 so that the wire holes 4 would be the blind holes.

[0142] Forming the cable assembly 16 could further include that a part of the outer jacket 21 is stripped from the cable 17 and at least a part of the exposed twisted pairs of insulated wires 18 are unwound before the insulated wires 18 of the cable 17 are each placed in a wire hole 4. The method could also include that when the insulated wires 18 are placed in the wire holes 4, the insulated wires 18 are pushed all the way through the through going wire holes 4 in the plug body 2 so that the person mounting the connector plug 1 on the cable 17 can get a hold on the insulated wire end protruding from the front end of the connector plug 1 and then push the plug 1 backwards towards the cable 17 - while holding the protruding insulated wire ends - so that the plug 1 is pushed up against the twisted part of the twisted pairs of the insulated wires 18 before the plug contact elements 7 is pushed inwards towards the axially extending plug centre axis 3 so that the plug contact elements 7 penetrates the outer electrical insulation layer 20 of the insulated wires 18 in the wire holes 4 and so that the plug contact elements 7 make contact with the conducting wires 19. In this way it is ensured that the insulated wires 18 are formed as twisted pair almost all the way to the wire holes 4 which is advantageous in that the risk of electromagnetic interference is hereby reduced.

[0143] Fig. 8 illustrates a connector socket 23, as seen in an isometric view, fig. 9 illustrates a connector socket 23, as seen from the front, fig. 10 illustrates a connector socket 23, as seen from the back, fig. 11 illustrates a cross section through a connector socket 23, as seen from the side, and fig. 12 illustrates a cross section through a connector socket 23, as seen in a tilted view.

[0144] In this embodiment the connector socket 23 comprises a socket body 24 with a cylindrically shaped socket hole 25 forming an inner cylindrical surface 26 and an axially extending socket centre axis 27. In this embodiment the socket body 24 is formed as a cuboid but it would be known to the skilled person that a connector socket 23 can be given a multitude of different shapes, e.g., to fit into a specific device, to optimise material usage, to increase functionality or other. I.e., in another embodiment the socket body 24 could be formed cylindrically, as a cube, or given a more complex shape. In this embodiment the socket body 24 is monolithically formed in a casting process and in this embodiment the socket body 24 is entirely formed of plastic. However, in another embodiment the socket body 24 could comprise two or more interconnected parts - e.g., made from different materials - and / or the socket body 24 could be made from another material - such as a composite material, ceramic, rubber, wood or other or any combination thereof as long as at least the relevant parts of the material, that the socket body 24 is made from, preferably is at least a fairly good electrical insulator.

[0145] In this embodiment the socket hole 25 is a blind hole but in another embodiment the socket hole 25 could be a through hole extending all the way through the socket body 24 in which case the socket body 24 would comprise some sort of stop (not shown) ensuring that a corresponding plug could not be pushed all the way through the socket body 24.

[0146] In this embodiment the connector socket 23 also comprises eight socket contact elements 28 substantially evenly distributed around the axially extending socket centre axis 27 inside the socket hole 25 at the inner cylindrical surface 26.

[0147] However, in another embodiment the socket contact elements 28 could be distributed in another pattern - e.g., by alternately being arranged at different distances from the axially extending socket centre axis 27, by socket contact elements 28 being arranged closer together in pairs (i.e., not evenly distributed around the axially extending socket centre axis 27) or in another configuration e.g., depending on the specific use or other.

[0148] In this embodiment the connector socket 23 comprises eight socket contact elements 28 so that the connector socket 23 may be use as an Ethernet socket 23. However, in another embodiment the connector socket 23 could comprise fewer socket contact elements 28 - such as six, five three or even less - or more socket contact elements 28 - such as nine, ten, twelve or even more - e.g., depending on the specific use or other. In this embodiment element grooves 32 are extending axially in the inner cylindrical surface 26 and in this embodiment the socket contact elements 28 are each partly arranged in one of these element grooves 32. However, in another embodiment the inner cylindrical surface 26 would not comprise element grooves 32 and the socket contact elements 28 would be arranged inside the inner cylindrical surface 26, be integrated in the inner cylindrical surface 26, protrude from the inner cylindrical surface 26 or other.

[0149] In this embodiment a contact part 34 of each of the socket contact elements 28 is protruding radially into the socket hole 25 so that at least this contact part 34 of each of the socket contact elements 28 will make contact with corresponding contact parts of a corresponding connector plug 1 (see figs. figs. 1-7) when such a corresponding connector plug 1 is inserted in the connector socket 23.

[0150] In this embodiment the socket hole 25 comprises a socket opening 35 at an opening end 36 of the socket hole 25, and a socket bottom 37 at a bottom end 38 of the socket hole 25 opposite the opening end 36 and in this embodiment a protruding free element end 33 of each of the socket contact elements 28 is protruding from the bottom end 38 towards the opening end 36. However, in another embodiment the direction of the socket contact elements 28 could be reversed so that the protruding free element end 33 of each of the socket contact elements 28 would be protruding in a direction from the opening end 36 towards the bottom end 38 or the socket contact elements 28 would not comprise a protruding free element end 33, e.g., if the socket contact elements 28 were extending all the way from the opening end 36 to the bottom end 38, if the socket contact elements 28 was formed differently - such as spring loaded plates or rods protruding from the inner cylindrical surface 26, as displaceable bracket protruding from the inner cylindrical surface 26 or other - or if the socket contact elements 28 was formed as non-displaceable parts and the contact between the socket contact elements 28 and the corresponding plug contact elements of a corresponding plug was formed by displaceable plug contact elements arranged on the corresponding plug. In this embodiment the socket contact elements 28 are connected to the socket body 24 at the socket bottom 37 and in this embodiment the contact part 34 of the socket contact elements 28 is convex in relation to the inner cylindrical surface 26 and arranged at the protruding free element end 33 of each of the socket contact elements 28. Furthermore, in this embodiment the protruding free element end 18 of each of the socket contact elements 15 curves inside the socket element grooves 17 so that when a corresponding connector plug is inserted in the socket hole 25 the contact part 34 of the socket contact elements 28 is pushed radially outwards - because the socket contact elements 28 in this embodiment are flexible in the radial direction - so that the protruding free element end 33 is pushed against the bottom of the element grooves 32 and the convex part of the socket contact elements 28 is straightened out at least a little, hereby generating an radially inwards push of the contact parts 34 to form good electrical contact with the corresponding plug contact elements of the inserted plug.

[0151] In this embodiment the element grooves 32 comprise a groove end wall 46 arranged at the protruding free element end 18 of the socket contact elements 28 so that when the convex part of the socket contact elements 28 is straightened out a little, the protruding free element end 18 will be pushed against the groove end wall 46 which will generate an even harder radially inwards push of the contact parts 34. However, in another embodiment the element grooves 32 would not comprise a groove end wall 46 at the protruding free element end 18, the contact part 34 of the socket contact elements 28 would be another shape than convex, such as sloping inwards towards the socket bottom 37 either curved or in a straight line, the inwards push of the contact part 34 of the socket contact elements 28 towards the corresponding plug contact elements of an inserted corresponding plug could be spring assisted or made solely or primarily by the flexibility of freely protruding socket contact elements 28 or other or the socket contact elements 28 and / or element grooves 32 could be formed by any combination of the above to ensure that the socket contact elements 28 will form good electrical contact with the corresponding plug contact elements of an inserted corresponding plug. In this embodiment the connector socket 23 further comprises external socket contact means 29 in the form of contact points arranged on an external socket surface 30 of the connector socket 23 which in this case is the back side of the socket body 24 opposite the opening end 36. I.e. in this embodiment the connector socket 23 is connected to a device by soldering wires to the external socket contact means 29 but in another embodiment the external socket contact means 29 could be formed as pins extending out of the bottom surface of the socket body 24 so that these pins could be connected directly to a motherboard or other, the external socket contact means 29 could comprise wire clams or the external socket contact means 29 could be formed in numerous other ways and be located at any given location on the outside of the socket body 24 so that the signals passing through the socket may be passed on to the computer, switch, router or other in which the socket is mounted. In another embodiment the connector socket 23 could further comprise mounting means (not shown) for physically connecting the connector socket 23 to the device in which it is placed. Such mounting means could e.g., comprise threaded holes, through going holes, threaded pins, snap lock pins or other or any combination thereof.

[0152] In this embodiment the connector socket 23 also comprises signal conductors 31 connecting each of the socket contact elements 28 to one of the external socket contact means 29. In this embodiment the signal conductors 31 are formed integrally with the socket contact elements 28 and the external socket contact means 29 but in another embodiment only the signal conductors 31 and the socket contact elements 28 would be formed integrally, only the signal conductors 31 and the external socket contact means 29 would be formed integrally or the signal conductors 31, the socket contact elements 28 and the external socket contact means 29 would all be formed as individual parts connected to each other.

[0153] In this embodiment all the socket contact elements 28 are substantially identical, all the signal conductors 31 are substantially identical, and all the external socket contact means 29 are substantially identical among other to reduce production cost and reduce the risk of signal delay through the socket 23 but in another embodiment one or more of these could be formed different from the others, e.g., to guide during assembly, to simplify assembly, to reduce the risk of signal delay, to be adapted to a specific use or other.

[0154] In this embodiment the inner cylindrical surface 26 of the socket hole 25 further comprises a socket guide protrusion 40 arranged to match a corresponding plug guide groove of a corresponding plug ensuring that the plug 1 can only be inserted in the socket when it has the correct orientation. However, in another embodiment the inner cylindrical surface 26 could also or instead comprise a socket guide groove 39 arranged to match a corresponding plug guide protrusion of a corresponding plug.

[0155] In this embodiment the connector socket 23 further comprises locking means 41 arranged to engage a corresponding locking groove 13 of a corresponding connector plug 1 (as disclosed in relation to figs. 1-7) inserted in the socket hole 25. In this embodiment the locking means 41 comprises a flexible arm protruding into the socket hole 25 and in this embodiment the locking means 41 are formed integrally with the socket body 24. However, in another embodiment the locking means 41 could be formed integrally with the socket contact elements 28 or the locking means 41 could be formed as one or more individual parts and / or in another embodiment the locking means 41 could comprise a spring-loaded locking pin, a locking plate, a snap lock system or other enabling that a corresponding connector plug 1 would stay in place when inserted correctly into the socket hole 25 while at the same time allowing that the connector plug 1 can be pulled out of the socket hole 25 again.

[0156] Fig. 13 illustrates cross section through the middle of a connector kit 47, as seen from the side. The connector kit 47 does in this embodiment only comprise the connector plug 1 as illustrated in figs 1-5 and the connector socket 23 as illustrated in figs. 8-12. However, in another embodiment the connector kit 47 could comprise further elements such as a cable 17, a pull relief device 22 or other. Fig. 14 illustrates a socket screen 49, socket contact elements 28, external socket contact means 29 and signal conductors 31 as seen in an isometric view, and fig. 15 illustrates a socket screen 49, socket contact elements 28, external socket contact means 29 and signal conductors 31 as seen from the front.

[0157] In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 14 and 15 a socket screen 49 in the form of interconnected plates, separating pairs socket contact elements 28 and their associated signal conductors 31 from other pairs of socket contact elements 28 and associated signal conductors 31 to reduce the risk of electromagnetic interference between pairs of socket contact elements 28 and associated signal conductors 31. However, in another embodiment the socket screen 49 could be arranged to extend between all the socket contact elements 28 and associated signal conductors 3 lor between another number of socket contact elements 28 and associated signal conductors 31. In this embodiment the socket screen 49 is made from steel but in another embodiment the socket screen 49 could be made of another metal - such as copper, aluminium, a metal alloy or other - and / or the socket screen 49 could be made from another material that would reduce electromagnetic interference between pair of wires - such as an electrical conducting composite material, an electrical conducting plastic material or other or any combination thereof. In another embodiment the socket screen 49 could instead be formed as two, four or more separate plate element. In a preferred embodiment the socket screen 49 is in contact with a corresponding plug screen 48 of a connector plug 1 when the connector plug 1 is inserted in the connector socket 23 - but in another embodiment the socket screen 49 could be connected to another shielding part e.g., of a cable connected to the inserted connector plug 1 and / or the socket screen 49 could be connected to a separate grounding part or other.

[0158] In this embodiment the socket screen 49 is extending longer than the entire longitudinal axially length of the socket contact elements 28 and associated signal conductors 31 and the socket screen 49 is extending considerably wider than the socket contact elements 28, but in another embodiment the socket screen 49 could be formed axially shorter and or more narrow as long as the socket screen 49 is separating the relevant socket contact elements 28 and associated signal conductors 31 substantially all the way would through the connector socket 23. In another embodiment the socket screen 49 could also or instead have varying extend over the axial length and / or it could be provided with holes or cut-outs e.g., to ensure a better integration with the socket body 24 during moulding of a monolithic socket body 24. However, in another embodiment the connector socket 23 could be formed by connecting a number of premade socket body parts (not shown) to the socket screen 49 - e.g., by means of adhesive.

[0159] Fig. 16 illustrates a connector socket 23 for circuit board mounting, as seen in an isometric view, and fig. 17 illustrates a connector socket 23 for circuit board mounting, as seen from the front.

[0160] In this embodiment the external socket contact means 29 are all extending out of the bottom face of the connector socket 23, so that the external socket contact means 29 can easily be connected to a circuit board (not shown) e.g., through soldering. In another embodiment the socket screen 49 would also be connected to the circuit board. However, in another embodiment the external socket contact means 29 and / or the socket screen 49 could be arranged differently such as discussed in relation to the description of figs. 8-12.

[0161] The invention has been exemplified above with reference to specific examples of plugs 1, cable assemblies 16, connector sockets 23 and other. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular examples described above but may be designed and altered in a multitude of varieties within the scope of the invention as specified in the claims.

[0162] Figure references

[0163] 1. Connector plug

[0164] 2. Plug body

[0165] 3. Plug centre axis 35. Socket opening

[0166] 36. Opening end

[0167] 37. Socket bottom

[0168] 38. Bottom end

[0169] 39. Socket guide groove

[0170] 40. Socket guide protrusion

[0171] 4 1. Locking means

[0172] 42. Entrance opening of wire hole

[0173] 43. Guide entrance

[0174] 44. Front edge of pull relief device

[0175] 45. Device groove

[0176] 46. Groove end wall

[0177] 47. Connector kit

[0178] 48. Plug screen

[0179] 49. Socket screen

[0180] GW. Plug groove width

[0181] HW. Element hole width

[0182] PD. Outer plug diameter

[0183] CD. Outer cable diameter

Claims

Claims1. A connector plug (1) comprising, a plug body (2) having a cylindrically shape and an axially extending plug centre axis(3), wherein a number of wire holes (4) are extending axially in said plug body (2), and wherein a number of element holes (5) are extending radially between said number of wire holes (4) and an outer plug surface (6) of said plug body (2), and plug contact elements (7) arranged in said number of element holes (5) so that an inner element end (8) of each of said plug contact elements (7) is arranged in or at a wire hole (4) of said number of wire holes (4) and so that an outer element end (9) of each of said plug contact elements (7) is arranged at said outer plug surface (6) of said plug body (2), wherein said plug contact elements (7) and said number of element holes (5) are elongated in the direction of said axially extending plug centre axis (3).

2. A connector plug (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of each of said number of wire holes (4) are tapering off towards said axially extending plug centre axis (3) of said plug body (2).

3. A connector plug (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said number of wire holes(4) and / or said number of element holes (5) are substantially evenly distributed around said axially extending plug centre axis (3).

4. A connector plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said plug body (2) comprises eight wire holes (4) and eight element holes (5).

5. A connector plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said number of wire holes (4) are through holes extending all the way through the axial extent of said plug body (2).

436. A connector plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said plug contact elements (7) are connected to said plug body (2) through an interference fit between said plug contact elements (7) and said number of element holes (5).

7. A connector plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said inner element end (8) of each of said plug contact elements (7) is tapering off towards said axially extending plug centre axis (3) of said plug body (2).

8. A connector plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said outer element end (9) of each of said plug contact elements (7) is protruding out of said number of element holes (5) from said outer plug surface (6) of said plug body (2) in a pre-use mode of said connector plug (1), and wherein said outer element end (9) of each of said plug contact elements (7) is substantially flush with said outer plug surface (6) of said plug body (2) in a use mode of said connector plug (1).

9. A connector plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said plug body (2) further comprises axially extending element hole grooves (10) arranged at each of said number of element holes (5) and wherein said outer plug surface (6) is the bottom groove surface (11) of each of said element hole grooves (10).

10. A connector plug (1) according to claim 9, wherein a plug groove width (GW) of each of said axially extending element hole grooves (10) substantially corresponds to an element hole width (HW) of each of said number of element holes (5).

11. A connector plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said outer plug surface (6) is an outer cylindrical surface of said plug body (2).

12. A connector plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said plug body (2) comprises a locking groove (13) arranged in an outer cylindrical surface (12) of said plug body (2).

13. A connector plug (1) according to claim 12, wherein said locking groove (13) is arranged in continuation of a plug guide groove (14) arranged in an outer cylindrical surface (12) of said plug body (2).

14. A connector plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an outer plug contact element shape of said plug contact elements (7) is substantially matching an inner element hole shape of said number of element holes (5).

15. A connector plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said plug contact elements (7) comprises metal.

16. A connector plug (1) according to claim 15, wherein said metal comprises cobber, aluminium or silver.

17. A connector plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said plug body (2) comprises a polymer material, such as plastic.

18. A connector plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said plug body (2) has an outer plug diameter (PD) of between 4 mm and 12 mm, preferably between 4.5 mm and 11 mm and most preferred between 5 mm and 10 mm.

19. A connector plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said plug body (2) comprises a plug guide groove (14) or a plug guide protrusion (15) arranged in or on an outer cylindrical surface (12) of said plug body (2).

20. A connector plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said wire holes (4) are arranged in a circle around said axially extending plug centre axis (3).

21. A connector plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said wire holes (4) are arranged in the same distance from said axially extending plug centre axis22. A connector plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a plug screen (48) is arranged between neighbouring wire holes (4).

23. A cable assembly (16) comprising, a cable (17) including a number of insulated wires (18) each comprising a conducting wire (19) surrounded by an outer electrical insulation layer (20), a connector plug (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of said conducting wires (19) are extending into said number of wire holes (4) in said plug body (2).

24. A cable assembly (16) according to claim 23, wherein said plug contact elements (7) are arranged in contact with said conducting wires (19) extending into said number of wire holes (4) in said plug body (2).

25. A cable assembly (16) according to claim 23 or 24, wherein said plug contact elements (7) are penetrating said outer electrical insulation layer (20).

26. A cable assembly (16) according to any of claims 23-25, wherein cable (17) further comprises an outer jacket (21) enclosing said number of insulated wires (18).

27. A cable assembly (16) according to any of claims 23-26, wherein said cable (17) is arranged substantially coaxially with said connector plug (1).

28. A cable assembly (16) according to any of claims 23-27, wherein said cable assembly (16) further comprises a pull relief device (22) connected to an outer jacket (21) of said cable (17) and to said connector plug (1).

29. A cable assembly (16) according to any of claims 23-28, wherein said cable (17) is an Ethernet cable (17).

30. A cable assembly (16) according to any of claims 23-29, wherein said number of insulated wires (18) includes insulated wires (18) arranged as twisted pairs.

31. A cable assembly (16) according to any of claims 23-30, wherein an outer plug diameter (PD) of said connector plug (1) corresponds with an outer cable diameter (CD) of said cable (17) within a tolerance of + / - 3 mm, preferably within a tolerance of + / - 2 mm, and most preferred within a tolerance of + / - 1 mm.

32. A cable assembly (16) according to any of claims 23-31, wherein said number of wire holes (4) are blind holes.

33. A connector kit (47) comprising, a connector plug (1) according to any claims 1-22, and a connector socket (23) including, a socket body (24) having a socket hole (25) with a cylindrical shape forming an inner cylindrical surface (26) and an axially extending socket centre axis (27), a number of socket contact elements (28) each arranged, at least partly, at said inner cylindrical surface (26), a number of external socket contact means (29) arranged at or on an external socket surface (30) of said connector socket (23), and signal conductors (31) connecting each of said number of socket contact elements (28) to an external socket contact means (29) of said number of external socket contact means (29).

34. A connector kit (47) according to claim 33, wherein a number of element grooves (32) are extending axially in said inner cylindrical surface (26) and wherein said number of socket contact elements (28) are each arranged at least partly in an element groove (32) of said number of element grooves (32).4735. A connector kit (47) according to claim 34, wherein a protruding free element end (33) of each of said number of socket contact elements (28) is arranged inside said number of element grooves (32).

36. A connector kit (47) according to any of claims 33-35, wherein at least a contact part (34) of each of said number of socket contact elements (28) is protruding radially into said socket hole (25).

37. A connector kit (47) according to claim 36, wherein said contact part (34) is arranged at a protruding free element end (33) of each of said number of socket contact elements (28).

38. A connector kit (47) according to claim 36 or 37, wherein said contact part (34) is convex in relation to said inner cylindrical surface (26).

39. A connector kit (47) according to any of claims 33-38, wherein said socket hole (25) comprises a socket opening (35) at an opening end (36) of said socket hole (25), and a socket bottom (37) at a bottom end (38) of said socket hole (25) and wherein a protruding free element end (33) of each of said number of socket contact elements (28) is protruding from said bottom end (38) towards said opening end (36).

40. A connector kit (47) according to any of claims 33-38, wherein said socket hole (25) comprises a socket opening (35) at an opening end (36) of said socket hole (25), and a socket bottom (37) at a bottom end (38) of said socket hole (25) and wherein a protruding free element end (33) of each of said number of socket contact elements (28) is protruding in a direction from said opening end (36) towards said bottom end (38).

41. A connector kit (47) according to any of claims 33-40, wherein said socket hole (25) is a blind hole.4842. A connector kit (47) according to any of claims 33-41, wherein said number of socket contact elements (28) are substantially evenly distributed around said axially extending socket centre axis (27).

43. A connector kit (47) according to any of claims 33-42, wherein said connector socket (23) comprises eight socket contact elements (28).

44. A connector kit (47) according to any of claims 33-43, wherein all of said signal conductors (31) substantially have the same length.

45. A connector kit (47) according to any of claims 33-44, wherein said number of socket contact elements (28) are arranged to be flexible in a radial direction of said socket hole (25).

46. A connector kit (47) according to any of claims 33-45, wherein said inner cylindrical surface (26) of said socket hole (25) comprises a socket guide groove (39) or a socket guide protrusion (40).

47. A connector kit (47) according to any of claims 33-46, wherein said connector socket (23) comprises locking means (41) protruding into said socket hole (25).

48. A connector kit (47) according to claim 47, wherein said locking means (41) are arranged to engage a corresponding locking groove (13) of a corresponding connector plug (1) inserted in said socket hole (25).

49. A connector kit (47) according to claim 47 or 48, wherein said locking means (41) are formed integrally with said number of socket contact elements (28) or said socket body (24).

50. A connector kit (47) according to any of claims 33-49, wherein a socket screen (49) is arranged between neighbouring socket contact elements (28).4951. A connector kit (47) according to any of claims 33-50, wherein said connector socket (23) is adapted to be a socket for a connector plug (1) according to any of claims 1-22.

52. A method for forming a cable assembly (16), said method comprising the steps of:• forming a plug body (2) of a connector plug (1) o so that the connector plug (1) has a cylindrical shape and an axially extending plug centre axis (3), o so that a number of wire holes (4) are extending axially in said plug body (2), and o so that a number of element holes (5) are extending radially between said number of wire holes (4) and an outer plug surface (6) of said plug body (2),• placing plug contact elements (7) of said connector plug (1) in said number of element holes (5) so that an outer element end (9) of each of said plug contact elements (7) is protruding out of said number of element holes (5) from said outer plug surface (6) of said plug body (2),• placing a conducting wire (19) of a number of insulated wires (18) of a cable (17) in at least some of said number of wire holes (4) so that a conducting wire (19) of said insulated wires (18) extend past said plug contact elements (7), wherein at least a part of each of said number of insulated wires (18) comprises an outer electrical insulation layer (20),• pressing said plug contact elements (7) inwards towards said axially extending plug centre axis (3) so that said plug contact elements (7) make contact with said conducting wires (19) in said number of wire holes (4).

53. A method according to claim 52, wherein said part of said conducting wire (19) extending past said plug contact elements (7) comprises said outer electrical insulation layer (20) and wherein said method further comprises the step of pressing said plug contact elements (7) inwards towards said axially extending plug centre axis (3) sothat said plug contact elements (7) are penetrating said outer electrical insulation layer (20) of said number of insulated wires (18).

54. A method according to claim 52 or 53, wherein said cable assembly (16) is a cable assembly (16) according to any of claims 23-32.

55. Use of a connector plug (1) according to any of claims 1-22 as an Ethernet connector plug (1).

Images