EP4342037A1

EP4342037A1 - Cable connector assembly

Info

Publication number: EP4342037A1
Application number: EP22726092.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bernhard Jutz
Original assignee: Neutrik AG
Current assignee: Neutrik AG
Priority date: 2021-05-21
Filing date: 2022-04-28
Publication date: 2024-03-27
Also published as: US20240241323A1; CN117461220A; AT525130A1; WO2022243003A1; AT525130B1; JP2024519924A

Abstract

The invention relates to a cable connector assembly for electrical and/or optical cables (K) and for connection to a complementary connector assembly. A housing (1) to accommodate the contact elements can be connected to a clamping sleeve (3) via a threaded connection. A clamping part (10), which can be at least partially radially compressed, surrounds and grips the cable (K) at the latest when the threaded connection of the clamping sleeve (3) and the housing (1) is tightened. A tightening sleeve (4), the length of which is less than that of the clamping sleeve (3), is pushed coaxially over at least a portion of the clamping sleeve (3). A unidirectional locking means (15, 18) is interposed between the clamping sleeve (3) and the tightening sleeve (4) and prevents a relative rotation of the tightening sleeve (4) and the clamping sleeve (3) in the tightening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve (3) and the housing (1) beyond a certain extent. The user can then assemble the cable connector assembly manually, but can no longer open it without using a tool.

Description

The invention relates to a cable connector arrangement for electrical and/or optical cables, according to the preamble of claim 1.

In the field of consumer electronics, stage technology and the transmission of optical and acoustic signals and the supply of consumers on these Ge offer with electricity very high demands are placed on the components used. On the one hand, this affects the robustness, the protection of the plug connections against dust, moisture and unwanted disconnection, as well as safety.

Cable connector assemblies for use with electrical and/or optical cables, both data and power, are often modular in design. They typically include a housing for accommodating and protecting the contact elements for electrical and/or optical contacting of a complementary connector arrangement. A clamping part that can be radially compressed at least in sections surrounds and clamps the cable. At the rear end of the housing, a clamping sleeve can be screwed on, through the action of which all of the named components of the cable connector assembly and the cable are clamped together. This provides strain relief for the cable.

The clamping part for clamping the cable in the cable connector arrangement is typically provided with at least one radially compressible section, which encompasses the cable and clamps the cable in the compressed state, and a front edge area for resting against a housing of the cable connector arrangement and/or a connector extension inserted therein. The rear section is usually formed by a number of clamping tongues distributed along the circumference, which can preferably be elastically compressed in the radial direction.

US 4632488 A shows an electrical connector with strain relief and integrated means for clamping and manually releasing an electrical cable. An array of ratchet teeth is disposed rearwardly of the forward portion and is circumferentially disposed about an inner wall portion. An inner wall portion of the housing positioned between the array of ratchet teeth and a rear entry opening of the housing is arranged, has a circumferential groove formed therein. An element inserted into the housing has a cable clamping part which is integrally connected by a socket to a strain relief device. The socket has a pawl engageable with the array of ratchet teeth.

CN 109713515 B shows an electrical plug connector that is provided with a rotation limiter so that damage to the cable caused by an excessively large torsion angle caused by tension is effectively prevented. The arrangement provides a dual radial seal structure between relatively rotating mating surfaces, as well as a dynamic and static ratchet wheel structure. A rib groove structure of the ratchet wheel assembly and associated part can prevent locking failure caused by environmental factors, mechanical vibration and shock environment.

DE 202016107079 Ul discloses a waterproof electrical connector with a housing, a collet and a sleeve. There are sawtooth-like formations on the housing and on the clamping sleeve. The collet receives the threaded cable, and egg nes its ends is docked to a stop sleeve, the collet is formed with a locking nut for receiving a locking detent. The sleeve, which is connected to a metal socket, accommodates the clamping sleeve and the threaded cable in order to tension the clamping sleeve or the cable. However, there is no need for a twist sleeve and engagement with a ratchet.

Now there is an increasing demand that cable connector assemblies constructed in this way should not be dismantled later manually after assembly, i.e. without the use of tools. In the known cable connector assemblies with the structure outlined above, however, this is possible by simply unscrewing the collet manually in the direction of opening of the threaded connection Publ.

The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device by means of which a user can assemble the cable connector arrangement manually, but can then no longer open it without the use of tools. The cable plug arrangement should be particularly suitable for cables different properties, especially a large diameter range of cables.

This object is solved by a device according to the claims. Further characteristics can be found in the description and the drawings.

To achieve the above object, the device according to the invention is characterized by a twisting sleeve, the length of which is less than that of the clamping sleeve and which is pushed coaxially over at least a partial section of the clamping sleeve, and a unidirectional locking mechanism between the clamping sleeve and the twisting sleeve, which prevents relative rotation of the twisting sleeve and Clamping sleeve in the least pulling direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve and the housing is prevented to a certain extent. This means that when the tightening sleeve is rotated manually after a certain amount of circumferential play, the locking mechanism engages and when the tightening sleeve is rotated further, the clamping sleeve underneath is also taken along and twisted to produce the threaded connection with the thread of the housing. At best, like a ratchet arrangement, the turning sleeve can be turned back and forth several times, always in the same angle range, in order to tighten the threaded connection, which further facilitates the assembly of the cable connector arrangement. When turning the tightening sleeve in the opposite direction, however, the ratchet does not engage and the tightening sleeve rotates empty without applying pressure to the threaded connection in the twisting direction.

Preferably, the device with a proven and functionally reliable design is characterized by a Lormricht ratchet or toothed ratchet between the clamping sleeve and the tightening sleeve, with either the tightening sleeve or the tightening sleeve being fitted with a connecting link with at least one long, flat side and at least one steep, in the opening direction of the Threaded connection between the clamping sleeve and the housing-pointing Llanke is worked out and on whose component a pawl with a substantially complementary Lorm is worked out.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the height of the connecting link and the pawl change in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the clamping sleeve and the turning sleeve. This permits a construction of the arrangement of clamping sleeve and tightening sleeve which has a minimum dimension in the radial direction. An advantageous embodiment of the invention is further characterized in that the length of the pawl is only a fraction of the length of the connecting link. A preferred variant provides that the length of the pawl has a maximum of 10% of the length of the backdrop.

In terms of manufacturing technology, an embodiment is particularly advantageous in which the connecting link is formed on the clamping sleeve and the locking pawl is formed on the tightening sleeve.

However, since it is sometimes necessary to disassemble the cable connector arrangement, which is secured against manual unscrewing, and to allow this by means of a tool, another feature of the invention is that the rear edge of the clamping sleeve opposite the thread extends over the rear edge of the twisting sleeve protrudes and has attachment points for a tool to apply torque to the collet.

An embodiment of the invention is particularly favorable in which the attachment points are formed by at least one pair of flat surfaces which are arranged parallel to one another and opposite one another with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the clamping sleeve. A torque can then be applied to the clamping sleeve using an open-end wrench or similar tool, either to loosen the threaded connection at all and to be able to disassemble the cable connector assembly, or to tighten the threaded connection with a precisely defined torque without the risk of damaging the locking mechanism and the corresponding components to be able to

An embodiment in which the width of the flat surfaces in the direction of the longitudinal central axis is between 1 mm and 10 mm is particularly preferred. A width of between 3 mm and 6 mm is preferably selected. This ensures safe attachment of the tool and a sufficient contact surface for applying the required torque. A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized by an impact limiting the displaceability of the tightening sleeve to the rear edge of the clamping sleeve. This ensures that the tightening sleeve cannot slip off the clamping sleeve or be pushed down unintentionally.

According to the invention, a concrete embodiment of this type of safeguard against the pulling off of the tightening sleeve that is easy to produce is provided by a projection of the rear edge of the clamping sleeve that runs around at least part of the circumference, the radial extension of the projection being greater than the inner diameter of a rear opening of the tightening sleeve.

An embodiment is preferred in which the radial extent of the surrounding projection decreases toward the rear end. This facilitates the assembly of the cable connector arrangement in that the twisting sleeve is pushed onto the clamping sleeve from behind and can be pushed over the edge region of the clamping sleeve with a slight, elastic widening of its rear edge area.

To compensate for play between the clamping sleeve and the twisting sleeve, an advantageous embodiment of a cable connector arrangement according to the invention is characterized by at least one elevation on the outside of the clamping sleeve, which elevation at least largely bridges the intermediate space between the clamping sleeve and the twisting sleeve. Since with movements of the cable connector, as can occur, for example, when used as a loudspeaker connector due to the vibrations that occur, the against each other schla conditions of clamping sleeve and tightening sleeve is reduced. The elevations preferably completely bridge the gap between the two coaxial sleeves, as a result of which rattling or chattering is also completely prevented.

In order to prevent unwanted loosening of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve and the housing when the cable connector assembly vibrates, another advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized by a unidirectional locking mechanism between the clamping sleeve and the clamping part. This is designed in such a way that it prevents relative rotation of the clamping sleeve and the clamping part in the opening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve and the housing. A preferred embodiment provides a form-aligning ratchet or ratchet mechanism between the clamping sleeve and the tightening sleeve, with at least one catch on either the tightening sleeve or the tightening sleeve and at least one pawl on the other component.

Particularly advantageous with regard to the distribution of forces and thus the mechanical stability is an inventive embodiment with several, preferably three, evenly distributed over the circumference sawtooth-shaped pawls with short flanks pointing in the Publ direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve and the housing.

A further contribution to the solution of the task at the outset is provided by a clamping part which is characterized by several, preferably two, different types of clamping tongues. This then leads to different properties of the various groups of clamping tongues in order to be able to securely clamp a large number of different cable types. This clamping part can advantageously be used in a cable connector arrangement as has been described above, but can also be used on its own in other and also conventional cable connector arrangements.

An embodiment is preferred in which each clamping tongue of a first group of clamping tongues is wider than the clamping tongues of a second group.

A further embodiment according to the invention is characterized in that the first clamping tongues widen as the distance from the front edge of the clamping part increases. These clamping tongues are preferably beveled at their side edges. This makes it possible to further compress any additional clamping tongues arranged in between, radially inwards, and thus to intensify the effect of reducing the diameter or of the clamping effect.

To improve the clamping effect, the first clamping tongues preferably have a section at their end which is designed to exert a clamping effect on a cable for form-fitting penetration into the sheath of the cable. A further embodiment of the clamping part according to the invention provides that the clamping tongues of a second group of clamping tongues are made somewhat narrower, whereby the elastic deflection is facilitated and the radial compression is easier or possible to a greater extent.

It is preferably provided that the side edges of the clamping tongues of the second group preferably run parallel to one another over the entire length.

To improve the clamping effect of the clamping tongues of the second group, an area designed to increase the holding effect on the cable preferably extends from the outer end of the clamping tongues almost to their inner end.

In order to be able to cover a large diameter range of cables with the clamping part according to the invention, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention the clamping part is characterized in that with clamping tongues running flush with the front edge region, the clear width between the ends of the clamping tongues is between 70 and 95% of the Diameter of the clamping part is and when the clamping tongues are maximally compressed, the first clamping tongues lying against one another, the clear width between the ends of the clamping tongues, preferably between the clamping tongues of the second group, is between 10 and 40% of the diameter of the clamping part.

For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

They each show in a greatly simplified, schematic representation:

1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cable connector assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the cable connector assembly of FIG. 1;

3 is a front view of a collet according to the invention for use in a cable connector assembly;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the collet of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a side view of the collet of Fig. 3 from an orthogonal direction; 6 shows a cross section through another embodiment of a clamping sleeve at the height of the elevations;

Figure 7 is a rear view of the collet of Figure 3;

8 shows a side view of a twisting sleeve according to the invention for use in a cable connector arrangement;

Fig. 9 is a front view of the twisting sleeve of Fig. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the twisting sleeve of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 shows a longitudinal section through the twisting sleeve of FIG. 7;

12 is a rear elevational view of a tensioning member of the present invention for use in a cable connector assembly in its largest inner diameter state prior to insertion into the cable connector assembly;

13 shows a perspective view of an arrangement according to the invention made up of clamping part, clamping sleeve and twisting sleeve, in its condition for use with a cable with the largest possible cable diameter;

Figure 14 is a front view of the assembly of Figure 12;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the arrangement corresponding to FIG. 12, in its condition for use with the smallest possible cable diameter;

16 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a cable connector arrangement according to the invention;

17 is a perspective view of a collet of another embodiment of the invention, and

18 shows a cross section through a twisting sleeve for the clamping sleeve of FIG. 17.

As an introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numbers or the same component designations, it being possible for the disclosures contained throughout the description to be applied analogously to the same parts with the same reference numbers or the same component designations. The position information selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., is related to the figure directly described and shown and these position information are to be transferred to the new position in the event of a change of position.

1 shows an example of a specific embodiment of a cable connector arrangement according to the invention for connection to a complementary connector arrangement, such as that shown in FIG typically used for power cables or loudspeaker cables in the field of stage technology and event technology. Identical or similar arrangements are possible for all types of electrical and/or optical cables.

A plug extension 2 projects forward from a housing 1 onto a complementary plug connector, not shown here. Within the plug extension 2, the contacts are contact elements (not shown) for electrical and/or optical contacting of a complementary plug arrangement, for example a chassis socket, arranged in a protected manner. The housing 1 preferably carries an unlocking slide 20 to solve a preference as provided locking with the complementary connector. The rear section of the cable connector arrangement is formed by an arrangement of a clamping sleeve 3 and a twisting sleeve 4 pushed on coaxially thereto. At the rear end of the cable connector arrangement, the cable K emerges.

As can be seen in the exploded view of FIG. 2, the plug extension 2 is typically inserted into the housing 1 from behind. However, it could also be an integral part of the housing 1, which has an external thread 5 at the rear edge, for example, in order to produce a threaded connection with an internal thread 6 in the front region of the clamping sleeve 3. Instead of a threaded connection, other types of connec- tion can be provided between the housing 1 and the clamping sleeve 3, which provide for the two components to be rotated relative to one another, for example a connection via a bayonet catch. A sealing ring 7 can be inserted between the housing 1 and the plug extension 2. A spring element 8 ensures that the unlocking slide 20 is reset, which can be displaced on a web 9 on the housing 1 in the longitudinal direction thereof.

The cable connector arrangement according to the invention also typically includes a clamping part 10, often also referred to as a collet. The clamping part 10 is pushed onto the cable K, either in the longitudinal direction of the cable or, if there is a longitudinal slot along the entire length of the clamping part, also from a radial direction, and rests with its front edge region 11 on the housing 1 and/or the plug extension 2 inserted therein , al lenfalls also on one or more of the plug extension 2 and / or the housing 1 a set contact elements. The rear portion of the clamping part 10 is a number formed by clamping tongues 12 distributed along the circumference, which can preferably be elastically compressed in the radial direction in order to clamp the cable K running therethrough. The radial compression of the clamping tongues 12 takes place when the clamping sleeve 3 is pushed open and the threaded connection is made between the housing 1 and the clamping sleeve 3. All of the components mentioned in the cable connector arrangement and the cable are clamped together, so that the components can be precisely positioned and the load is relieved the cable K are given.

At the rear end of the cable connector assembly, a sealing sleeve 13 is preferably arranged in the area of the rear edge of the clamping sleeve 3 in the opening provided for the cable K Publ, through which the cable K emerges from the cable connector assembly. Instead of the sealing sleeve 13, a kink protection or a component that binds both functions can also be used.

3 shows a view of the clamping sleeve 3 seen from the direction of the housing 1 . It can be seen that at least the inner diameter decreases from the front edge of the clamping sleeve 3, on which the thread 6 is arranged, to the opposite rear end, preferably conically or gradually. This has the effect, among other things, that when the threaded connection to the housing 1 is tightened, with the clamping sleeve 3 moving axially in the direction of the housing 1, the clamping part 10, in particular the clamping tongues 12, are radially compressed and the entire clamping part 10 as well pushed forwards towards the housing 1 to clamp the cable K inside the clamping part.

In the catching section of the clamping sleeve 3, which comes to rest in the area of the clamping tongues 12 when the housing 1 and clamping sleeve 3 are screwed together, three pawls 14 are arranged, which are part of a form-aligning ratchet or toothed ratchet between the clamping sleeve 3 and the clamping part 10. Preferably, three such pawls 14 or similar projections pointing radially inwards are provided on the inside of the clamping sleeve 3, preferably distributed evenly over the circumference. Seen in the circumferential direction, they have a sawtooth-like shape, with their short flanks in the opening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve 3 and the housing 1. The lateral edges of the Klemmzu ngen 12 of the clamping part 10 each form a detent, on which the pawls 14 with can support their short flanks, and thus represent the corresponding part of the unidirectional locking mechanism between clamping sleeve 3 and clamping part 10, which prevents relative rotation of clamping sleeve 3 and clamping part 10 in the opening direction of the threaded connection between clamping sleeve 3 and housing 1 and thus secures it Thread connection against unintentional loosening represents. In the opposite direction, using force, the pawl 14 with a long flank, seen relative to the short flanks supported on the clamping tongues 12, presses ge over the edges of the clamping tongues 12 and in this way the threaded connection can be tightened. The positioning of the pawls and catches on the clamping sleeve and the clamping part could also be chosen the other way around, as described above.

In the side views of the clamping sleeve 3 according to the invention in FIGS. 4 and 5 and 5, an external diameter that decreases in steps from the front edge with the internal thread 6 to the rear edge can be seen. In the central longitudinal section there is a peripheral connecting link 15, slightly beveled in the circumferential direction, which surrounds the clamping sleeve 3 with at least one long, flat flank 15a and at least one steep flank 15b pointing in the opening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve 3 and the housing 1 runs.

At the rear edge of the clamping sleeve 3 is a projection 16 of the rear edge of the clamping sleeve 3 that runs around at least part of the circumference. The radial extent of this projection 16 is greater than the inner diameter of a rear opening of the tightening sleeve 4 at least at some points along the circumference, preferably over the entire circumference of the clamping sleeve 3, and thus holds it in the coaxial pushed-on position on the clamping sleeve 3 and ensures that the tightening sleeve 4 cannot unintentionally slip backwards off the clamping sleeve 3 or be pulled off. The projection 16 forms a rear, limiting stop 16a for the twisting sleeve 4 .

However, the projection 16 is designed in such a way that the radial extent decreases towards the rear end of the clamping sleeve 3 and thus makes it easier to push the tightening sleeve 4 onto the tightening sleeve 3, with at least the rear edge region of the tightening sleeve expanding slightly, preferably elastically. At least one attachment point 17 for a tool is arranged on the projection 16 on the rear section of the clamping sleeve 3 that protrudes beyond the closing sleeve 4, the dimensions of which are for manual gripping or exerting forces that prevent the clamping sleeve 3 from rotating relative to the housing 1 allow solution of the threaded connection are too small. However, with this tool attached to the attachment point 17 and movable in the circumferential direction, a sufficient torque can be exerted on the clamping sleeve 3, even if this should not be possible purely manually due to the dimensions of the projection 16. Preferably, at least two attachment points 17 are formed in the form of at least one pair of flat surfaces lying longitudinally parallel to the central plane of the clamping sleeve 3 , which are arranged parallel to one another and opposite one another with respect to the longitudinal central axis A of the clamping sleeve 3 . Typically, the flat surfaces have a width of between 1 mm and 10 mm in the direction of the longitudinal central axis, preferably a width of between 3 mm and 6 mm is selected, so that, for example, an open-end wrench or a similarly designed tool can be attached to it.

Fig. 7 to Fig. 10 show the closing sleeve 4 pushed coaxially over the clamping sleeve 3 according to the invention. Its length is less than that of the clamping sleeve 3 and it therefore covers coaxially and in the longitudinal direction a partial section of the length of the clamping sleeve 3. Between clamping sleeve 3 and Closing sleeve 4 is provided in order to be able to effect a unidirectional locking mechanism via the closing sleeve 4 for tightening the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve 3 and the housing 1 . This prevents relative rotation of the tightening sleeve 4 and clamping sleeve 3 in the tightening direction of the threaded connection beyond a certain amount or circumferential play and, after this play has been overcome and the locking mechanism is in the engaged state, allows the clamping sleeve 3 underneath to be taken along with further twisting of the tightening sleeve 4 then tighten the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve 3 and the housing 1 with further rotation or any other connection to bewerkstelli conditions in which the clamping sleeve 3 and the housing 1 must be rotated relative to one another.

A form-aligning ratchet or toothed ratchet is also advantageously used between the clamping sleeve 3 and the tightening sleeve 4 . At least one pawl 18 of the tightening sleeve 4--recognisable in FIGS. Preferably the length of the or each pawl is 18 only a fraction of the length of the link 15 and the pawls 18 are in the rear Längsab section closer to the rear opening O evenly around the circumference of the screwing sleeve 4 shares ver. A preferred variant provides that the length of the pawl 18 is at most 10% of the length of the link 15, in particular the longer, flat flank 15a thereof. Although it is also usually advantageous in terms of production technology to work out the setting 15 on the clamping sleeve 3 and to provide the pawls 18 on the turning sleeve 4, this arrangement could also be reversed.

As can be clearly seen from a comparison of FIG. 6 with FIG. 8, the cross-sectional shape of the rear opening O of the tightening sleeve 4 essentially corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the rear end of the clamping sleeve 3, in particular that of the projection 16 or the stop 16a. However, all radial distances for the tightening sleeve 4 are slightly smaller than those of the clamping sleeve 3, in particular from its stop 16a, so that the cross-sectional area of the rear opening O of the tightening sleeve 4 is slightly smaller than the cross-sectional area of the rear end of the clamping sleeve 3 or of the overhang 16 or of the attack on 16a.

On the outer surface of the tightening sleeve 4, gripping surfaces 19 are provided at the circumferential positions of the locking pawls 18 - or if the connecting link 15 is provided on the inside of the tightening sleeve 4, at the points of the steep flanks 15b ensure better handling of the tightening sleeve 4. In addition, they show the user the position of the pawls 18 or the corresponding sections of the link 15, which should advantageously be radially compressed during handling in order to prevent the pawl 18 or the steep flank 15b from slipping or jumping over and thus the clamping sleeve 3 underneath Be sure to take the twisting of the tightening sleeve 4 with you.

To assemble the cable connector assembly according to the invention, the tightening sleeve 4 is advantageously gripped at the gripping surfaces 19 and turned in the tightening direction of the threaded connection between the threads 5 and 6 of the housing 1 and the collet 3 . All cases after overcoming the game or a circumferential distance between the steep edge 15b of the link 15 and the pawl 18 of the opposite components Housing 1 and clamping sleeve 3 comes the pawl 18 on the steep flank 15b to the impact and with further rotation in the same direction of rotation, the clamping sleeve 1 is taken along by the tightening sleeve 4 and the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve 3 and housing 1 is tightened. At most, like a ratchet arrangement, the turning sleeve 4 can always be rotated back and forth several times in the same angular range, while the clamping sleeve 3 lying down there is rotated further and further in order to tighten the threaded connection, which further facilitates the assembly of the cable connector assembly.

When twisting the tightening sleeve 4 in the opposite direction, in the circumferential direction to loosen the threaded connection between the housing 1 and the clamping sleeve 3, however, the ratchet mechanism explained above does not engage and the tightening sleeve 4 rotates empty without loading the threaded connection in the twisting direction. The pawl 18, for example, the tightening sleeve 4 slides along the flat, long flank 15a of the backdrop without a sufficient rotational moment to loosen the threaded connection or any other connection in the circumferential direction by Rich on the clamping sleeve 1 to exercise. The tightening sleeve 4 is pushed back just a little in the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the clamping sleeve 3 until the end of the flank 15a is reached and the pawl 18 slides down the steep flank 15b and the tightening sleeve 4 as a whole is pushed forward again can slide.

A preferred embodiment of the invention has at least one elevation 21 on the outside of the clamping sleeve 3 to compensate for play between the clamping sleeve 3 and the closing sleeve 4, which elevation 21 at least largely bridges the gap between the clamping sleeve 3 and the closing sleeve 4. Preferably, the elevations 21, which are orientated as shorter or longer webs, preferably in the longitudinal direction of the clamping sleeve 3, bridge the gap between the two coaxial sleeves 3, 4 entirely. The Elevation gene 21, which can also be present in other forms, for example in the form of knobs or small, circular ridges, could also be on the inside of the twisting sleeve 4 is arranged. A positioning of the elevations 21 on both components 3, 4 is possible, please include as long as the groups on the opposite sleeves 3, 4 are spaced apart in the axial direction, so as not to impede the relative movement of the tightening sleeve 4 and the clamping sleeve 3. Two elevations 21 are preferably arranged on the clamping sleeve 3, which form an enveloping outer contour U with an essentially elliptical shape from a geometric and functional point of view (see FIG. 6). On this elliptical collet 3 is the Twisting sleeve 4 pushed on with a circular inner contour and can be rotated on the clamping sleeve 3 without play.

The clamping part 10, which is particularly advantageous for the cable connector arrangement according to the invention, but is also advantageous in other types of connectors, is shown in FIG. 11 in its initial position in a view from the rear of the clamping tongues 12. This clamping part 10 has the advantage that it can be used for cables K in a very large diameter range.

It preferably has two different types of clamping tongues 12 . Each clamping tongue 12a of a first group of clamping tongues 12 is wider than the clamping tongues 12b of the second group. The first clamping tongues 12a widen with increasing distance from the front edge 11 of the clamping part and are beveled at their side edges. They typically have, mainly at the outermost end, a section which exerts a significant clamping effect on the cable K or can penetrate the cable sheath in a form-fitting manner or deform it.

The clamping tongues 12b of the second group are made somewhat narrower and their edges are typically parallel to one another over the entire length of the clamping tongues 12b. A cross-ribbed area or one designed with a similar structure to increase the holding effect on the cable K, which ensures a high clamping effect by increasing the friction or by at least partially penetrating the cable jacket with a positive fit, extends from the outer end of the clamping tongues 12b of the second group almost to the inner end.

12 shows a perspective view of an arrangement of clamping part 12, clamping sleeve 4, twisting sleeve 4 and sealing sleeve 13 used with a cable K with a very large diameter. Seen from the front, from the direction of the housin ses 1 - not shown here - the view of FIG. It can be seen that the clamping tongues 12 of both groups 12a, 12b run almost flush with the other sections of the clamping part 10, are compressed only slightly towards the rear end of the clamping tongues 12, tapering radially, and lie flat on the cable K, around this to be clamped by action at groups 12a and 12b. FIG. 14, on the other hand, shows a view of the arrangement of FIG. 12 from the same direction as FIG. 13, but this time for a cable K with a very small diameter. Here, the clamping sleeve 3 can be screwed very far forward onto the housing 1 and presses the clamping tongues 12 radially inward. The lateral edges of the clamping tongues 12 of different groups come to rest against each other and, with further radial pressure when tightening the threaded connection, the clamping tongues 12b of the second group are strengthened inwardly and towards the cable K or pressed into the jacket of the cable K. The clamping of the cable K is accomplished here mainly by the clamping tongues 12b of the second group.

As can also be seen from Figs. 13 and 14, the clear width, i.e. the inner diameter of the clamping part 10, which is available for the passage of the cable K, is only slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the clamping part 10 and also of the housing 1 or the clamping sleeve 3, which can therefore be designed to be very thin-walled and hardly increase the diameter of the cable connector arrangement. In this case, the clear width is continuous, but in particular between the ends of the clamping tongues 12, between 70 and 80% of the diameter of the clamping part 10. This value is preferably between 75 and 95%. If the clamping sleeve 3, on the other hand, is screwed to the housing 1 of the cable connector arrangement, the clamping tongues 12 are in their maximally compressed state, both in the circumferential direction and in the radial direction. The side edges of the clamping tongues 12a of the first group of clamping tongues 12 rest against one another and press the clamping tongues 12b of the second group inward as far as possible. The result between the clamping tongues 12, in particular between the clamping tongues 12b of the second group, is the smallest possible clear width, the diameter for carrying out the cable K through the clamping part 10 being between 20 and 40% of the diameter of the clamping part. This value is preferably between 10 and 30%. In relation to the housing 1 and the clamping sleeve 3, the maximum and minimum values for the clear width are 60 and 80% of their diameter and 5 and 20% of their diameter, respectively.

A further embodiment of the cable connector arrangement according to the invention is shown in FIG. Drawings as in the previous drawing figures are used. Instead of a plug extension 2, the housing 1 now has a plug-in extension 22 that is preferably integrally formed. Apart from this difference, the structure and the function are the same as previously explained in connection with FIGS. The housing 1 and connector extension 2 or insertion extension 22 can vary depending on the connector type, in order to cover all common connectors and contact types, from XFR connectors, data connectors, for example of the RJ45 type, to all possible standard or proprietary types.

While the embodiment of the invention described so far and shown in FIGS. 1 to 15 provides that the height of link 15 and pawl 18 change in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of clamping sleeve 3 and tightening sleeve 4, other configurations are also possible. Thus, an embodiment is shown in Fig. 17, in which a connecting link 35 is formed on the inside of a twisting sleeve 34, the height of which changes in radi aler direction on the axis V of the relative rotation of this twisting sleeve 34 and a com plementary clamping sleeve 33. In this case, pawls 38 are arranged on the outside of this latter clamping sleeve 33, as can be seen in FIG. These links 35 and pawls 38 engage in the same way or can slide on one another with a small radial bulge of the tightening sleeve 34, as explained for the previously described link pawl system with variable height.

In addition to the above-described embodiments with fixed structures for the locking mechanism, constructions are also conceivable in which a tool is not used to act on the clamping sleeve 3 itself, but in which at least one locking element between the clamping sleeve 3 and the twisting sleeve 4 is moved into a position by means of a tool ge can be introduced, which causes a non-rotatable, if necessary temporary coupling between the clamping sleeve 3 and the turning sleeve 4. For example, an inner locking pin could be moved or a pawl pivoted by means of a pin or a screw benziehs, which can be inserted into a preferably axial opening of the cable connector assembly, which connect the clamping sleeve 3 and the twisting sleeve 4 in a rotationally fixed manner. The exemplary embodiments show possible variants, it being noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated variants of the same, but rather that various combinations of the individual variants are also possible with one another and these possible variations are based on the teaching of technical action the present invention is within the skill of a person skilled in the art working in this technical field.

The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings should be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions. The task on which the independent inventive solutions are based can be found in the description.

All information on value ranges in the present description is to be understood in such a way that it also includes any and all sub-ranges, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10 i.e. all sub-ranges start with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be pointed out that some elements are shown not to scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced in order to better understand the structure.

list of reference numbers

1 housing

2 connector extension

3 collet

4 tightening sleeve

5 external threads

6 internal threads

7 sealing ring

8 spring element

9 Guide s Web 0 Clamping part 1 Front edge 2 Clamping tongue a First clamping tongue b Second clamping tongue 3 Sealing sleeve 4 Locking pawl 5 Link a Flat flank b Steep flank 6 Projection a Stop 7 Attachment points 8 Locking pawl 9 Gripping surface 0 Unlocking s Slider 1 Elevation 2 Insertion extension A Longitudinal central axis O Rear opening U enveloping

Claims

P atentClaims

1. Cable connector arrangement for electrical and/or optical cables (K) and for connection to a complementary connector arrangement, comprising: a) a housing (1) for receiving the contact elements for electrical and/or optical contacting of the complementary connector arrangement, with a rear edge arranged thread (5); b) clamping part (10) which can be radially compressed at least in sections and which encompasses the cable (K) and clamps the cable (K) in the compressed state; c) a clamping sleeve (3) with a thread (6) arranged on the front edge for forming a threaded connection with the thread (5) on the housing (1); wherein when the threaded connection is tightened, the clamping sleeve (3), the clamping part (10), the Ge housing (1) and the cable (K) are clamped together and preferably the cable (K) is opposite the clamping part (10) and/or the clamping part ( 10) is/are positioned relative to the housing (1) so that it cannot rotate, characterized by d) a tightening sleeve (4), the length of which is less than that of the clamping sleeve (3) and which is pushed coaxially over at least a partial section of the clamping sleeve (3). , and e) a unidirectional locking mechanism (15, 18) at least between the clamping sleeve (3) and the tightening sleeve (4), optionally also between the tightening sleeve (3) and the tightening part (10), which prevents the tightening sleeve (4) and the tightening sleeve ( 3) in the tightening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve (3) and the housing (1) is prevented to a certain extent.

2. Cable connector arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by a form-aligning ratchet or toothed ratchet (15, 18) between the clamping sleeve (3) and the tightening sleeve (4), wherein either the tightening sleeve (4) or the tightening sleeve (3) has a link (15) with at least one long, flat flank (15a) and at least one steep flank (15b) pointing in the opening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve (3) and the housing (1) and on the other component a pawl (18) with an essentially complementary form is worked out.

3. Cable connector assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the height of the connecting link (15) and the pawl (18) change in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the clamping sleeve (3) and tightening sleeve (4).

4. Cable connector assembly according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the length of the pawl (18) is only a fraction of the length of the connecting link (15), preferably before a maximum of 10% of its length.

5. Cable connector arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that on the clamping sleeve (3) the link (15) and on the tightening sleeve (4) the pawl (18) are formed.

6. Cable connector arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the thread (6) opposite rear edge of the clamping sleeve (3) protrudes beyond the rear edge of the tightening sleeve (4) and attachment points (17) for a tool to exercise a torque on the clamping sleeve (3).

7. Cable connector arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the attachment points (17) are formed by at least one pair of flat surfaces which are arranged parallel to one another and opposite one another in relation to the longitudinal central axis (A) of the clamping sleeve (3).

8. Cable connector arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the width of the flat surfaces in the direction of the longitudinal central axis (A) is between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 6 mm.

9. Cable plug arrangement according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by a stop (16a) limiting the displaceability of the tightening sleeve (4) towards the rear edge of the clamping sleeve (3).

10. Cable connector arrangement according to claim 8, characterized by a peripheral projection (16) of the rear edge of the clamping sleeve (3), the radial extent of the projection (16) being greater than the inner diameter of a rear opening (O) in the twisting sleeve (4) and preferably decreasing towards the rear end of the clamping sleeve (3).

11. Cable connector arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by at least one elevation (21), preferably on the outside of the clamping sleeve (3), which elevation (21) at least largely fills the space between the clamping sleeve (3) and the twisting sleeve (4), preferably in its entirety, bridged.

12. Cable connector arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by a unidirectional locking mechanism between the clamping sleeve (3) and the clamping part (10), which allows relative rotation of the clamping sleeve (3) and clamping part (10) in the opening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve (3 ) and housing (1) prevented.

13. Cable connector arrangement according to claim 12, characterized by a form-aligning ratchet or toothed ratchet between the clamping sleeve (3) and the clamping part (10), with at least one latch on either the clamping part (10) or the clamping sleeve (3) and at least one on the other component Pawl (14) are worked out.

14. Cable connector arrangement according to claim 13, characterized by several, preferably three, evenly distributed over the circumference sawtooth-shaped pawls (14) with short flanks pointing in the opening direction of the threaded connection between the clamping sleeve (3) and housing (1).

15. Cable connector arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the clear width of the housing (1) and/or the clamping sleeve (3) has maximum values of 60 and 80% of their diameter or the minimum values of 5 and 20% of whose diameter lies.

16. Cable connector arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 15, with a clamping part for clamping a cable (K) in a cable connector arrangement, with at least one radially compressible and the cable (K) encompassing and in the compressed state the cable (K) clamping section, a front edge area (11) for resting against egg nem housing (1) of the cable connector arrangement and/or a plug extension (2) inserted therein, and a rear section, which is defined by a number of along the circumference distributed clamping tongues (12) is formed, which can preferably be elastically compressed in the radial direction together, characterized by a clamping part (10) with several, preferably before two different types of clamping tongues (12).

17. Cable connector arrangement according to claim 16, characterized in that each clamping tongue (12a) of a first group of clamping tongues (12) is wider than the clamping tongues (12b) of a second group.

18. Cable connector arrangement according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the first clamping tongues (12a) widen with increasing distance from the front edge (11) of the clamping part (10) and are preferably beveled at their side edges.

19. Cable connector arrangement according to claim 18, characterized in that the first clamping tongues (12a) have at their end a section which is designed to exert a clamping effect on a cable (K) for form-fitting penetration into the jacket of a cable (K).

20. Cable connector arrangement according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the clamping tongues (12b) of a second group of clamping tongues (12) are made somewhat narrower.

21. Cable connector arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that the side edges preferably run parallel to one another over the entire length of the clamping tongues (12b).

22. Cable connector arrangement according to claim 21, characterized in that a region designed to increase the holding effect on the cable (K) extends from the outer end of the clamping tongues (12b) of the second group of clamping tongues (12) almost to their inner end .

23. Cable connector arrangement according to one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that with the clamping tongues (12) running flush with the front edge region (11), the clear width between the ends of the clamping tongues (12) is between 70 and 95% of the diameter of the clamping part (10) and when the clamping tongues (12) are maximally compressed, with the first clamping tongues (12a) lying against one another, the clear width between the ends of the clamping tongues (12), preferably between the clamping tongues (12b) of the second group, is between 10 and 40% of the diameter of the clamping part (10).