DE102017003160B3 - Protective device for connectors, use and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective device (1) for receiving an RJ connector (10), comprising a connector receptacle (2) which is designed to connect the RJ connector (10) and an end portion of a cable (11) of the RJ connector (10 ) at least partially received, wherein the connector receptacle (2) along a center line (M) from a plug opening (3) for at least partially receiving the RJ connector (10) to a cable opening (4) for at least partially receiving the end portion of the cable ( 11) of the RJ connector (10) through the protector (1) and wherein the connector receptacle (2) has a plurality of cable retaining hooks (6) projecting inwardly into the connector receptacle (2), each of the cable retaining hooks (6) spaced apart from the center line (M), the distances to the center line (M) of two or more cable holding hooks (6) decreasing along the center line (M) from the cable opening (4) towards the plug opening (3), wherein the plug receptacle (2) is designed as a metal die-cast. In addition, the invention further relates to a use of such a protective device and a method for producing a protected RJ connector (10).

Description

The invention relates to a protective device for receiving a connector, a use of such a protective device for protecting a connector and a method for producing a protected connector.

The invention is in the field of connector technology, particularly in the field of connector technology and the field of connector protection technology. The interface between a cable and a connector, which is to be connected to the cable, represents a weak point of the connector system. In particular, it may come at the interface due to physical influences to an impairment of the electrical conductors. Therefore, it is advantageous to protect the interface by a protective device against such influences. Furthermore, connectors can be connected to cables having different cable thicknesses, and it would be advantageous to provide a protection device capable of securely receiving and holding cables of different cable thicknesses.

DE 20 2011 005 477 U1 describes a strain relief housing for connectors, with a arranged inside the housing strain relief device for fixing an electrical line in the housing, wherein the plastic housing made of a housing lower part, in which the electrical line is accommodated, and a connectable to the housing lower part housing upper part, and wherein the strain relief device comprises a latching clip which engages over the electrical line and which is articulated elastically on the upper housing part and cooperates with a latching receptacle arranged in the lower housing part.

US 2016/204543 A1 describes an electric wire cover comprising: a first electric wire cover having a wire-arranging space opened on one side and attached to a wire terminal end of a connector housing; and a second electric wire cover integrally formed with the first electric wire cover by a hinge portion and covering the wire arrangement space. A rotation restricting rib is provided in the other electric wire cover and extends in a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis of the hinge portion.

DE 28 27 272 A1 describes a kit for making a cable retainer having two housing halves securable to one another to form a cable receiving space, with a stuffer recess in each of the housing halves, and with two stoppers each having a cable abutment surface with an overlying rib and in the respective stuffer recess detachably, the rib extends transversely of the cable receiving space in a bearing engagement with a cable located in the cable receiving space when the housing halves are secured together.

US 5,685,36 A describes a connector shell comprising a lower shell and an upper shell, one side of which is hinged to one side of the lower shell. The upper shell is fastened to the lower shell in the closed position to retain a module plug on the inside by hooking respective downwardly extending upper shell hooks into respective retaining notches on a reduced rearward end of the lower shell.

US 5,494,457 A describes a connector comprising a plug with a resilient tongue for releasably securing the plug in a plug receptacle. A protective member of the plug is disposed on the cable and includes a pair of spaced, rigid wings each having upper edge edges extending beyond the free end of the tab, the tab being disposed between the wings.

US 5,462,457 A describes an electrical cable assembly comprising an electrical connector connected to an electrical cable, an insulating housing, a movable latch on the connector for releasable locking with another electrical connector, and a sheath adhered to and at least partially a part of the housing overlaps movable latch to prevent snagging of the lock.

US 2004/180569 A1 describes an electrical wiring device designed to be attached to a cable with a housing. A back side of the housing includes a series of spaced, frusto-conical walls formed in opposing relationship to similar cut-off walls formed in a clamping member. When the clamping member is mounted to the housing extension, each pair of opposing frusto-conical walls define a cable receiving opening. By reversing the clamping member, the cable openings clamp other cable sizes while providing strain relief for the connections.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a protective device for protecting a connector which is capable of securely receiving and holding cables with different cable thicknesses.

This object is achieved in particular by a protective device, a use of the protective device and a method for producing a protected connector according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments form the subject of the dependent claims.

One aspect relates to a protective device for receiving a connector, comprising a connector receptacle which is designed to at least partially receive the connector and an end portion of a cable of the connector, wherein the connector receptacle along a center line of a connector opening for at least partially receiving the connector to a cable opening for at least partially receiving the end portion of the cable of the connector through the protective device extends. The plug receptacle has a plurality of cable retention hooks projecting inwardly into the plug receptacle, each of the cable retention hooks being spaced from the centerline, and each cable retention hook may be configured to engage the end portion of the cable. The distances to the centerline of two or more cable retention hooks decrease along the centerline from the connector opening toward the cable opening. The plug receptacle is designed here as a metal die-cast.

Here, the plug receptacle is designed as a through opening through the protective device, which has at one end of the protective device, the cable opening and at the other end of the protective device has the plug opening. The plug opening is configured to receive the plug connector and the plug opening may further hold the plug connector in the plug receptacle and / or engage the plug connector. A state of the protective device, in which the plug connector and the end section of the cable are accommodated in the protective device, represents an operating state of the protective device. In this case, the plug connector can protrude at least partially out of the protective device through the plug opening. The plug opening may, in particular, comprise a sealing means for, in the operating state, the protective device and the connector to the outside of e.g. Seal liquid and / or dust. In operation, the end portion of the cable is connected to the connector and extends in the operating state of the connector through the connector receptacle to the cable opening. The end portion of the cable extends in particular through the cable opening. The cable opening may, in particular, comprise a sealing means for, in the operating condition, the protective device and the end portion of the cable to the outside of e.g. Seal liquid and / or dust.

The connector may be formed as a male connector or female connector. The connector can be designed as RJ connector and in particular as RJ-45 connector. Alternatively, the connector may be a connector of any other type of connection, e.g. USB, or any other type of connection, e.g. Data transmission and / or power.

The center line of the plug receptacle extends from the cable opening through the plug receptacle to the plug opening, and may in particular represent an axis of the plug receptacle. In particular, in an operating state, the center line may run at least partially substantially parallel to an axis of the end section of the cable. Substantially parallel in the sense of this description means comprehensively small deviations, e.g. can occur due to production. In particular, the axis of the end portion of the cable in the operating state may at least partially correspond to the center line. The centerline may extend from a geometric center of the cable opening to a geometric center of the plug opening.

The plurality of cable retaining hooks project inward in the connector receptacle. The cable holding hooks are in this case designed to engage in the operating state with a cable sheath of the end portion of the cable. The cable holding hooks can in this case, for example, by frictional engagement with the cable sheath and / or by hooking with the cable sheath and / or by entering or pressing into the cable sheath with the cable sheath engage. For this purpose, the cable holding hooks may be formed as protruding blocks, wedges or hooks or barbs. In this way, a secure fit of the cable can be ensured in the protection device.

Each cable retaining hook is at a distance from the centerline. The distance to the centerline results from the minimum of the distances of the set of distances of all points on a surface of the respective cable holding hook to all points on the center line in the connector receptacle. The distance to the center line of all cable retaining hooks, which are formed in the connector receptacle, in this case decreases from the cable opening in the direction of the plug opening. This means that each cable holding hook is at a distance from the centerline that is less than or equal to or less than all distances of the cable holding hooks between the respective cable holding hook and the cable opening. This makes it possible in particular to receive end sections of cables of different thickness in the plug receptacle, so that at least one cable holding hook engages with the end section of the cable and thus fixed the same in the connector receptacle. Thus, the end portions of cables of different thicknesses can each be so freed from the respective cable sheaths, so that at least one, preferably at least two of the cable holding hooks engage with the remaining cable sheath of the end portion. In particular, a clamping direction along which the end portion of the cable is inserted into the connector receptacle during manufacture of the operating state may be at an acute angle with a retaining surface of the cable retaining hooks engaging the end portion in the operating condition. As a result, the production of the operating state is simplified by the force required for this purpose is reduced.

In a preferred embodiment, each cable retaining hook is spaced from the centerline which is less than all distances of the cable retaining hooks between the respective cable retaining hook and the cable opening. This ensures that no two cable retaining hooks have an equal distance from the center line, whereby a large selection of possible cable thicknesses of the end portion is ensured. Alternatively, two or more cable retaining hooks may be equidistant from the centerline, thereby ensuring a particularly secure fit for certain cable thicknesses of the end portion.

In another embodiment, the plurality of cable retention hooks are configured to block movement of the received end portion of the cable relative to the connector receptacle. Here, the cable holding hooks may form a strain relief to block or prevent movement of the end portion along the center line or substantially parallel or along the axis of the end portion in the operating state. In a preferred embodiment, the cable retaining hooks may block or prevent movement of the end portion transverse to the centerline and across the axis of the end portion, respectively, in the operating condition. In a preferred embodiment, the cable retaining hooks can form a rotational lock in order to block or prevent rotation of the end section about the center line or about the axis of the end section in the operating state. Thus, the connector and / or the end portion of the cable can be protected from damage by undesired movements of the end portion.

In another embodiment, the cable retaining hooks are formed on two opposite sides with respect to the center line in the connector receptacle. By engaging the plurality of cable holding hooks from two opposite sides with the end portion of the cable, a secure fit of the end portion can be ensured. In a preferred embodiment, the cable retaining hooks are arranged on two opposite sides of the connector receptacle so that a line between any cable retaining hook on one side of the connector receptacle to any cable retaining hook on the opposite side of the connector receptacle, the center line or the axis of the end portion in an operating condition cuts. Alternatively, the cable holding hooks may be formed on only one side of the connector receptacle, thereby facilitating clamping of the end portion in the connector receptacle and manufacturing process of the protection device. Alternatively, the cable holding hooks may be formed on three or more opposite sides with respect to the center line in the connector receptacle. This allows a secure and / or centered fit of the end portion of the cable in the connector receptacle are made possible.

In a further embodiment, the cable holding hooks are designed to at least partially circulate the center line or the axis of the end section in the operating state. In this way, the end portion can be fixed and / or centered uniformly from all sides of the connector receptacle by the cable holding hooks. The at least partially encircling cable retaining hooks may define a surface, or be formed spirally along the connector receptacle. Furthermore, each cable holding hook may protrude with a constant length from an inner surface of the plug receptacle into the plug receptacle. The cable retaining hooks may also be designed to adapt to cables with different cable cross-sections. Thus, the cable holding hooks may have straight holding surfaces or holding surfaces, which may, for example, engage with cables having circular or rectangular cable cross-sections. Alternatively, the cable retaining hooks may have curved retaining edges or retaining surfaces which may, for example, engage with cables having circular or oval cable cross-sections.

In another embodiment, each of the plurality of cable retention hooks has a lotus root along the centerline, and at least two of the lotus roots of the plurality of cable retention hooks are different from each other or at least two of the lotus roots of the plurality of cable retention hooks are the same. The distance between a cable retaining hook and the centerline separates a point of the respective cable retaining hook from a respective midpoint footpoint, which in this sense forms the bottom of the respective cable retaining hook. In one embodiment, in which at least two or more Lotfußpunkte are different from each other, the End section of the cable adjust the cable retaining hook, whereby damage to the cable can be reduced or prevented by too deep engaging cable retaining hooks. In an embodiment in which at least two or more solder root points are identical, a particularly secure fit of the end section in the plug receptacle can be ensured.

In another embodiment, the end portion of the cable is clamped by the cable holding hooks in the connector receptacle. As a result, the end portion of the cable after the operating state of the protective device has been manufactured can be released from the connector receptacle without damaging or destroying the end portion and / or the cable. Thus, the protection device can be replaced at discretion.

In a further embodiment, the plug receptacle comprises two housing shells, which can be locked together by a latching device. The two housing shells can in this case be formed substantially equal parts. Essentially, in this sense, comprehensively means small deviations, e.g. can occur due to production. A gleicheilige training of the two housing shells reduces the cost and complexity of the production of the housing shells. The housing shells can also be designed differently. In particular, a housing shell may have one or more detents which engage with complementary detent lugs on the other housing shell in the operating condition. Alternatively, or in addition to the latching device, the two housing shells can also be connected by other connecting means comprising the two housing shells e.g. connect by frictional engagement, pressing, gluing, screwing and / or fusing. In a preferred embodiment, the two housing shells are releasably connected to each other, so that a release of a housing shell of the other housing shell without damage or destruction of one or both housing shells is possible. In a further preferred embodiment, the protection device further comprises a sealing device, which is arranged between the two housing shells and wherein the sealing device is designed, the two connected housing shells at least partially outwardly against e.g. Seal liquid and / or dust. In a preferred embodiment, the two housing shells are connected by a hinge device. The hinge device is in this case designed to store a housing shell foldable on the other housing shell, wherein the hinge device is designed for example as a hinge or swivel joint. As a result, a loss of security of the housing shells is provided, and simplifies a connection process of the two housing shells.

In another embodiment, the protection shields the connector and the end portion of the cable at least partially outwardly from electromagnetic fields. Here, the protective device may be formed as a Faraday cage, which surrounds the connector and the end portion of the cable at least partially in the operating state. In a preferred embodiment, a shield portion of the protective device connects to or overlaps a shield of the connector and the end portion of the cable. In this way, a continuous shielding of the connector and the end portion of the cable can be ensured by the protection device.

In a further embodiment, the protective device further comprises a fixing device, which is connected to the connector. The fixing device comprises at least one positioning element, which engages with the connector receptacle to block movement of the connector within the connector receptacle. The fixing device may in this case be formed as a fixed part of the connector or as releasably connectable to the connector. In particular, the fixing means may comprise one or more latching members which engage the connector to secure the fixing means to the connector. The at least one positioning element may be formed as a projection of the fixing device, which engages in a complementary receiving the connector receptacle in the operating state and thus prevents movement of the connector within the connector receptacle, in particular in a direction along the center line or the axis of the end portion or blocked.

In a further embodiment, the fixing device further comprises Fixierrasthaken which are adapted to lock with the connector receptacle to fix the protection device to the RJ connector. In particular, the fixing device may have at least one, preferably at least two Fixierrasthaken. In particular, when the protection device is formed as two or more housing shells, the fixing catch hooks may be configured to fix each of the two or more housing shells to the RJ connector without having to connect the two or more housing shells to each other. As a result, the installation of individual housing shells on the protection device is made possible without mounting all housing shells simultaneously.

In a further embodiment, the protection device has at least one projection which projects outwardly from the protection device in order to protect a latching hook of the RJ connector. The latching hook of the RJ connector can hereby be designed to fix the RJ plug connector in a complementary RJ plug connector receptacle for establishing a data connection. By means of the at least one projection of the protective device, the latching hook can be protected against damage or accidental breaking off. The protective device may in this case in particular have three projections, wherein one of the three projections forms a substantially right angle with each of the two further projections, as a result of which the latching hook is protected separately along three directions.

In a preferred embodiment, a material of the plug receptacle or the one or more housing shells of the plug receptacle is electrically conductive. The plug receptacle or the one or more housing shells of the plug receptacle can also be produced according to a common production method. In a preferred embodiment, the plug receptacle or the one or more housing shells of the plug receptacle is designed as a tin die-cast.

One aspect relates to a use of a protective device according to one of the embodiments described above for the protection of a connector. The protective device can in this case have any combination of the above-mentioned features.

One aspect relates to a method of making a protected connector comprising connecting an end portion of a cable to a connector, receiving the connector in a connector receptacle of a protector, and clamping the end portion of the cable in the receptacle, the connector receptacle having a plurality of cable retention hooks which project inwardly into the plug receptacle and wherein a cable jacket of the end portion of the cable is clamped by the plurality of cable retaining hooks, wherein at least two of the cable retaining hooks engage the cable jacket of the end portion, in particular for a plurality of different cable diameters.

The protective device of the method can in this case have any combination of all the above-mentioned features.

In a further embodiment, connecting the end portion of the cable to the connector comprises trimming the cable sheath of the end portion of the cable, the cable sheath being removed from the end portion of the cable such that at least two of the cable retaining hooks engage the cable sheath of the cable sheath End section engage. The adaptation of the cable sheath can furthermore be carried out in such a way that a maximum of four, preferably a maximum of three, more preferably a maximum of two of the cable holding hooks engage with the cable sheath of the end section. Thus, a clamping of the end portion of the cable in the connector receptacle can be facilitated and a secure fit can be made possible.

In a further embodiment, the clamping of the end section of the cable in the plug receptacle comprises a connection of two housing shells, which can be connected to one another by means of a latching device. The two housing shells can in this case be formed substantially equal parts. Essentially, in this sense, comprehensively means small deviations, e.g. can occur due to production. A gleicheilige training of the two housing shells reduces the cost and complexity of the production of the housing shells. The housing shells can also be designed differently. In particular, a housing shell may have one or more detents which engage with complementary detent lugs on the other housing shell in the operating condition. As an alternative or in addition to the latching device, the two housing shells can also be connected by other connecting devices which connect the two housing shells, e.g. connect by frictional engagement, pressing, gluing, screwing and / or fusing. In a preferred embodiment, the two housing shells are releasably connected to each other, so that a release of a housing shell of the other housing shell without damage or destruction of one or both housing shells is possible. In a further preferred embodiment, the protection device further comprises a sealing device, which is arranged between the two housing shells and wherein the sealing device is designed, the two connected housing shells at least partially outwardly against e.g. Seal liquid and / or dust.

In another embodiment, connecting the end portion of the cable to the connector includes connecting the connector to a fixing device configured to block movement of the connector within the connector receptacle. The fixing device may in this case preferably be connected to the connector before the end portion of the cable is connected to the connector. The fixing device comprises at least one positioning element, which with the connector receptacle in Intervention arrived. The fixing device may in this case be formed as detachably connectable to the connector. In particular, the fixing means may comprise one or more latching members which engage the connector to secure the fixing means to the connector. The at least one positioning element may be formed as a projection of the fixing device, which engages in a complementary receiving the Stekeraufnahme in the operating state and thus prevents movement of the connector within the connector receptacle, in particular in a direction along the center line or the axis of the end portion or blocked.

In a further embodiment, the plug receptacle or the one or more housing shells of the plug receptacle is formed from a metal and / or a conductive plastic and / or a composite material. In a preferred embodiment, a material of the plug receptacle or the one or more housing shells of the plug receptacle is electrically conductive. The plug receptacle or the one or more housing shells of the plug receptacle can furthermore be produced according to a common production method, e.g. by a die casting process. In a preferred embodiment, the plug receptacle or the one or more housing shells of the plug receptacle is designed as a tin die-cast.

• 1A und 1B: jeweils eine erste Gehäuseschale und eine zweite Gehäuseschale einer Schutzvorrichtung
• 2 einen RJ-Steckverbinder mit einer Fixiereinrichtung und einem Endabschnitt eines Kabels
• 3 den RJ-Steckverbinder gemäß 2 mit einer montierten ersten Gehäuseschale
• 4 den RJ-Steckverbinder gemäß 3 mit einer montierten zweiten Gehäuseschale
• 5 eine Querschnittsansicht der ersten Gehäuseschale gemäß 1A
• 6 eine Ansicht entlang der Mittellinie der Schutzvorrichtung ohne einen aufgenommenen RJ-Steckverbinder

The invention will be further described with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. Show it:

• 1A and 1B in each case a first housing shell and a second housing shell of a protective device
• 2 an RJ connector having a fixing device and an end portion of a cable
• 3 the RJ connector according to 2 with a mounted first housing shell
• 4 the RJ connector according to 3 with a mounted second housing shell
• 5 a cross-sectional view of the first housing shell according to 1A
• 6 a view along the center line of the protective device without a recorded RJ connector

1A shows a first housing shell 1A a protection device 1 , The protection device 1 is in this exemplary embodiment by two housing shells 1A and 1B educated. The first housing shell 1A has a plug receptacle 2 on which the first housing shell 1A from a plug opening 3 to a cable opening 4 passes. The plug opening 3 This is in particular designed, an RJ connector 10 (please refer 2 and following) in an operating state at least partially surround. The operating state here is the same as previously defined in the description. The plug receptacle 2 is in an area adjacent to the plug opening 3 adjoins, in particular cuboid, to an RJ connector 10 at least partially. However, the first region is not limited to such a shape, and therefore, in particular, to the respective male RJ connector 10 adapted to be trained.

The cable opening 4 is located at one of the plug opening 3 opposite end of the first housing shell 1A and is particularly designed, an end portion of a male cable 11 (please refer 2 and following). The plug receptacle 2 is in a second area, which is at the cable opening 4 adjacent, in particular cuboid shaped, to at least partially receive the end portion of the cable 11. However, the second region is not limited to such a shape, and therefore, in particular, to the respective end portion of the cable to be accommodated 11 adapted to be trained.

1A also shows an example of a course of a center line M through the first housing shell 1A , The midline M In this case, it is designed in particular as a straight line which has a center point of the plug opening 3 with a center of the cable opening 4 combines. It should be indicated that 1A and 1B in each case an exemplary housing shell 1A and 1B show, and thus the center of the plug opening 3 or the center of the cable opening 4 are defined with respect to the operating state. In particular, the centerline M not limited to a straight line, but may in particular have one or more bends or one or more kinks. Furthermore, the centerline may be M through the plug receptacle 2 from any point of the plug opening 3 to any point of the cable opening 4 extend.

The exemplary embodiment also has a plurality of cable holding hooks 6 on which in the connector receptacle 2 protrude inward, and wherein the cable retaining hooks 6 are designed to work with a cable sheath 13 the end portion of the cable 11 to get in touch. In particular, in the embodiment shown, six cable holding hooks 6 only three of these cable retaining hooks are shown 6 are provided with the corresponding reference numerals to obtain the clarity of the figure. The cable retaining hooks 6 are in this case in particular wedge-shaped and are in the connector receptacle 2 each of a first page 5A and a second, opposite one page 5B (please refer 1B ) in front. The cable retaining hooks 6 can be even or arbitrary on both sides 5A and 5B be distributed. The cable retaining hooks 6 In this case, in particular, a movement of the end section of the cable can be formed 11 to block or prevent along an axis of the cable. For this purpose, one or more cable retaining hooks can each 6 be configured to block or prevent movement in two respectively opposite directions. Cable retaining hooks 6 on opposite sides 5A and 5B the plug receptacle 2 especially along the midline M offset to be arranged opposite. This may be the end portion of the cable 11 in the operating state via the cable holding hooks 6 bend, causing unwanted damage to the end portion of the cable 11 is avoided.

The cable retaining hooks 6 are particularly designed differently far into the connector receptacle 2 preside. Here, a distance of each cable holding hook 6 as the shortest distance from the amount of all distances between any point on the surface of the respective cable holding hook 6 and any point on the midline M To be defined. Cable retaining hooks 6 with a shorter distance are therefore further in the connector receptacle 2 as a cable holding hook 6 with a longer distance. In the in 1A illustrated exemplary embodiment, this is realized by the cable holding hooks 6 different from the respective pages 5A and 5B understand. Alternatively or additionally, the pages can also 5A and 5B be arranged at an angle. The cable retaining hooks 6 are also such in the connector receptacle 2 arranged so that any cable retaining hook 6 has a distance which is shorter than the respective distances of all cable holding hooks 6 between the cable holding hook 6 and the cable opening 4 in the plug receptacle 2 are arranged. Thus, the cable holding hooks form 6 one in the direction of the plug opening 3 along the midline M at least partially tapered inner connector receptacle, whereby end portions of cables 11 can be picked up and held securely with different diameters.

locking lugs 7A a latching device 7 (please refer 4 ) of the two housing shells 1A and 1B are along an outer surface of the first housing shell 1A educated. The locking lugs 7A the Verrasteinrichtung 7 are designed here, with complementary locking hooks 7B (please refer 1B and following) of the latch 7 on the second housing shell 1B in the operating state to engage and thus the two housing shells 1A and 1B to fix each other. In the embodiment shown are four locking lugs 7A formed, however, can be any number of locking lugs 7A on the housing shells 1A and 1B be arranged. In addition, locking lugs 7A and complementary locking hooks 7B on the housing shells 1A and 1B be reversed, leaving the first housing shell 1A any number of locking lugs 7A and catch hook 7B which are designed, each with complementary locking hooks 7B and latching noses 7A the second housing shell 1B to engage in the operating state. Furthermore, in particular instead of the Verrasteinrichtung shown 7 be formed other connecting means, which the housing shells 1A and 1B eg by gluing, welding, pressing, etc. connect. Also, a combination of different connecting devices can on the housing shells 1A and 1B be realized, for example, a compression device and a merger.

1B shows a second housing shell 1B , which is designed with the first housing shell 1A to be connected to the plug receptacle 2 to build. The second housing shell 1A In this case also forms the plug opening in the operating state 3 and the cable opening 4 ,

The second housing shell 1B In particular, further comprises six cable holding hooks 6 on which at the first page 5A and second page 5B the plug receptacle 2 are formed. Here, the cable retaining hooks 6 , which on the first side 5A in the first housing shell 1A are arranged, in the operating state in particular directly to cable retaining hooks 6 , which on the first page 5A in the second housing shell 1B are arranged, adjoin or with respect to this along a direction parallel to the center line M be offset. Furthermore, the cable holding hooks 6 which is on the second page 5B are arranged in the first housing shell 1A, in the operating state in particular directly to cable holding hooks 6 which is on the second page 5B are disposed in the second housing shell 1B, adjoin or with respect to this along a direction parallel to the center line M be offset.

The second housing shell 1B also includes detent hooks 7B , which with the locking lugs 7A the first housing shell 1A engage in the operating state. The second housing shell 1B also has a recess 9 which is designed, in the operating state, a latching hook 18 (please refer 2 and following) of the RJ connector 10 take. As a result, such a latching hook 18 in particular be protected from damage, without a necessary freedom of movement for use of the latching hook 18 to reduce. The latching hook 18 is further by protrusions 8th protected, which on an outer side of the second housing shell 1B or the protection device 1 protrude. Here are several projections 8th be trained to the latch hook 18 to protect along several directions.

The first housing shell 1A and the second housing shell 1B Furthermore, each have at least one bearing surface, which are designed to come into contact with each other in the operating state. Here, the first housing shell 1A in particular have at least one shell wall, which the at least one bearing surface of the first housing shell 1A at least partially circumscribes. The second housing shell 1B In particular, it can have at least one wall receptacle which holds the at least one support surface of the second housing shell 1B at least partially circumscribes. The at least one shell wall and the at least one wall receptacle are in this case designed to engage in one another in the operating state, and thus a movement of the first housing shell 1A relative to the second housing shell 1B to block or prevent. In particular, each of the two housing shells 1A and 1B have any combination of shell walls and wall mounts.

2 shows an RJ connector 10 with a fixing device 14 and an end portion of a cable 11 , The RJ connector 10 is here as a male RJ-45 connector 10 formed, with the RJ connector 10 not on RJ-45 connectors 10 is limited, but can be designed as any connector, such as USB or circular connector. The RJ connector 10 may further be formed as a male or female connector. The RJ connector 10 has a latching hook 18 which is on one side of the RJ connector 10 is designed and designed to be the RJ connector 10 to attach to a complementary RJ connector or socket. The RJ connector 10 is with data conductors in a cable core 12 of an end portion of the cable 11 connected. The cable core 12 is through a cable sheath 13 or an insulating cable sheath 13 surround. At a junction between the RJ connector 10 and the end portion of the cable 11 is the fixer 14 educated. The fixing device 14 includes latching elements 16 , which are designed with complementary latching elements of the RJ connector 10 to engage the fixing device 14 on the RJ connector 10 to fix. The latching elements 16 the fixing device 14 can be on at least two opposite sides of the RJ connector 10 be educated. The fixing device 14 may alternatively or additionally with the cable core 12 or the end portion of the cable 11 be connected.

The fixing device 14 further comprises at least one, in particular four positioning elements 15 , The positioning elements 15 can in this case on at least two opposite sides of the fixing 14 be educated. The positioning elements 15 are designed to work with the plug receptacle 2 or the housing shells 1A and or 1B to engage and thus movement of the RJ connector 10 along the midline M to block or prevent in the operating state. The positioning elements 15 may further be configured to engage with the plug receptacle 2 or the housing shells 1A and or 1B to engage and thus movement of the RJ connector 10 across the midline M to block or prevent in the operating state.

The fixing device 14 further comprises at least one, in particular four Fixierrasthaken 17 , The Fixierrasthaken 17 are designed to work with the plug receptacle 2 or the housing shells 1A and or 1B to engage, and thus the RJ connector 10 at the plug receptacle 2 or the housing shells 1A and or 1B to keep. In particular, the four Fixierrasthaken 17 designed to be the RJ connector 10 with the first housing shell 1A and / or second housing shell 1B to connect without both housing shells 1A and 1B are arranged in the operating state.

3 shows the RJ connector 10 according to 2 with a mounted first housing shell 1A , In particular, here is the RJ connector 10 in the plug receptacle 2 and the plug opening 3 added. The end section of the cable 11 is in the plug receptacle 2 taken up and extends through the cable opening 4 , There are also two Fixierrasthaken 17 the fixing device 14 with the first housing shell 1A engage and hold the same on the RJ connector 10.

Three of the cable retaining hooks 6 are on the second page 5B the plug receptacle 2 educated. Here is the cable sheath 13 the end portion of the cable 11 in particular adapted or shortened such that two of the cable holding hooks 6 with the cable sheath 13 have come into engagement. The third cable retaining hook 6 on the second page 5B the plug receptacle 2 does not stand with the cable sheath 13 or the cable core 12 engaged. The two cable retaining hooks 6 , which with the cable sheath 13 engaged, form a strain relief of the end portion of the cable 11 , and prevent or block movement of the end portion of the cable 11 along an axis of the end portion of the cable 11 or along the midline M ,

4 shows the RJ connector 10 according to 3 with a mounted second housing shell 1B , The first housing shell 1A and the second housing shell 1B are arranged in the operating state, wherein the latching noses 7A and latch hooks 7B are engaged with each other. The protection device 1 surrounds the RJ connector 10 and the end portion of the cable 11 at least partially. The protection device 1 can thus in particular the RJ connector 10 and the end portion of the cable 11 shield the outside from electromagnetic fields.

The latching hook 18 of the RJ connector 10 is in the recess 9 arranged and will be replaced by this before accidentally canceling the latching hook 18 protected. The latching hook 18 is further characterized by three projections 8th protected. projections 8th can also be used to position the protective device 1 in a connected state of the RJ connector 10 used, the connected state of the RJ connector 10 represents a condition in which the RJ connector 10 is connected to a complementary RJ connector or a complementary socket.

5 shows a cross-sectional view of the first housing shell 1A , In particular, here is the course of the center line M through the plug receptacle 2 shown, with the center line M through a center of the plug opening 3 and the cable opening 4 extends. On the first page 5A the three cable holding hooks 6 ₂ , 6 ₄ and 6 _{6 are} formed, which in the plug receptacle 2 protrude. On the second page 5B the cable holding hooks 6 ₁ , 6 ₃ and 6 _{5 are} formed and are also in the connector receptacle 2 in front. The cable retaining hooks 6 ₁ to 6 ₆ are wedge-shaped. The cable holding hooks 6 ₁ to 6 ₅ are in this case formed like a wedge to a movement of the end portion of the cable 11 along the midline M in the direction of the cable opening 4 to prevent or block. The cable retaining hook 6 ₆ is formed like a wedge to a movement of the end portion of the cable 11 along the midline M in the direction of the plug opening 3 to prevent or block. The cable retaining hooks 6 Therefore, they may be configured to move the end portion of the cable 11 in two directions, in particular in two opposite directions, to block or prevent. In addition, the cable holding hook 6 ₆ a stop surface for the cable sheath 13 form.

Each cable retaining hook 6 ₁ to 6 ₆ each has a distance A ₁ to A ₆ to the center line M on. The respective distance A ₁ to A ₆ This results from the shortest distance between the respective cable retaining hook 6 ₁ to 6 ₆ to the midline M , In the exemplary embodiment shown have cable holding hooks 6 ₁ to 6 ₃ an equal distance A ₁ to A ₃ and cable holding hooks 6 ₄ to 6 ₆ have an equal distance A ₄ to A ₆ . As a result, in particular end sections of a cable 11 be held securely with different diameters, in each case either the cable holding hooks 6 ₁ to 6 ₃ or 6 ₄ to 6 ₆ with the end portion of the cable 11 engage. In addition, every distance forms A ₁ to A ₆ from the respective cable holding hook 6 ₁ to 6 ₆ a foot slot on the center line M , wherein the Fußlotpunkte the cable retaining hook 6 ₁ to 6 ₆ are different from each other in the embodiment shown. Of these, however, two or more may have a same footing point.

6 shows a view along the center line M an exemplary protection device 1 , Here are the first housing shell 1A and the second housing shell 1B fixed together. Through the cable opening 4 are cable holding hooks 6 in the plug receptacle 2 to see. In particular, the cable holding hooks 6 ₁ and 6 ₅ can be seen, since they have a different distance A ₁ and A ₅ to the center line M exhibit. In addition, the cable holding hooks 6 ₁ and 6 ₅ an oblique holding edge or holding surface, which with an insertion e of the cable make an acute angle. The insertion direction e is defined as the direction along which the cable enters the connector receptacle 2 inserted and clamped. By such a design of the cable retaining hooks 6 may require a force to clamp the end portion of the cable 11 in the plug receptacle 2 be reduced. In addition, thereby the end portion of the cable 11 already during the connection in the plug receptacle 2 be centered.

The invention is not limited to one or more of the above-mentioned and illustrated embodiments. On the contrary, the person skilled in the art can realize a protective device or a use of such a protective device or a method for producing a protected RJ connector, which has any combination of the features mentioned and shown above and in the figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

guard

1A

first housing shell

1B

second housing shell

2

plug receptacle

3

plug opening

4

cable opening

5A

first page

5B

second page

6

Cable retaining hooks

6 ₁ to 6 ₆

Cable retaining hooks

7

latching device

7A

locking lugs

7B

Verrasthaken

8th

head Start

9

recess

10

Connector or RJ connector

11

End portion of the cable

12

cable core

13

cable sheath

14

fixing

15

positioner

16

latching element

17

Fixierrasthaken

18

latch hook

A ₁ to A ₆

distance

e

insertion

M

center line

Claims (14)

Protective device (1) for receiving a connector (10), comprising: a connector receptacle (2) adapted to at least partially receive the connector (10) and an end portion of a cable (11) of the connector (10), the connector receptacle (2) extending along a center line (M) of a connector opening (3 ) for at least partially receiving the connector (10) to a cable opening (4) for at least partially receiving the end portion of the cable (11) of the connector (10) through the protective device (1) extends; and the plug receptacle (2) having a plurality of cable holding hooks (6) projecting inwardly into the plug receptacle (2), each of the cable holding hooks (6) spaced from the center line (M), wherein the distances to the center line (M) of two or more cable holding hooks (6) along the center line (M) from the cable opening (4) in the direction of the plug opening (3) decrease. wherein the plug receptacle (2) is designed as a metal die-cast. A protective device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of cable retaining hooks (6) are adapted to block movement of the received end portion of the cable (11) relative to the plug receptacle (2). Protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable holding hooks (6) on two opposite sides (5A, 5B) with respect to the center line (M) in the connector receptacle (2) are formed. A protector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of cable holding hooks (6) has a lotus point along the center line (M), and at least two of the lotus points of the plurality of cable holding hooks (6) are different from each other or at least two of the lotus points the plurality of cable holding hooks (6) are the same. Protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the end portion of the cable (11) by the cable holding hooks (6) in the connector receptacle (2) is clamped. Protective device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug receptacle (2) as two housing shells (1A, 1B) is formed, which can be locked together by a Verrasteinrichtung (7). Protective device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective device (1) at least partially shields the plug connector (10) and the end section of the cable (11) from electromagnetic fields. Protection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective device (1) further comprises a fixing device (14) which is connectable to the connector (10), and wherein the fixing device (14) comprises at least one positioning element (15), which is adapted to engage with the connector receptacle (2) to block movement of the connector (10) within the connector receptacle (2). Protective device (1) after Claim 7 wherein the fixing means (14) further comprises fixing gripping hooks (17) adapted to lock with the plug receptacle (2) to fix the protection device (1) to the plug connector (10). Protective device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective device (1) has at least one projection (8) which projects outwardly from the protective device (1) to protect a latching hook (18) of the connector (10). Protective device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a cable axis of a end portion of the cable (11) received in the protector (1) is substantially parallel to the center line (M) and, optionally, the cable axis corresponds to the center line (M). Protective device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug receptacle (2) has at least three cable holding hooks (6), wherein the distances from the center line (M) of the at least three cable holding hooks (6) along the center line (M) of the cable opening (4 ) in the direction of the plug opening (3). Use of a protective device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 12 to protect a connector (10). A method of making a protected connector (10), comprising: connecting an end portion of a cable (11) to a connector (10); Receiving the connector (10) in a connector receptacle (2) of a protective device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 12 ; Clamping the end portion of the cable (11) in the plug receptacle (2), wherein a cable sheath (13) of the end portion of the cable (11) is clamped by the plurality of cable holding hooks (6), at least two of the cable holding hooks (6) to the cable sheath (13) of the end portion of the cable (11) engage.

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