Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/58—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable
  • H01R13/5804—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable comprising a separate cable clamping part
  • H01R13/5812—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable comprising a separate cable clamping part the cable clamping being achieved by mounting the separate part on the housing of the coupling device
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/58—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable
  • H01R13/582—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable the cable being clamped between assembled parts of the housing
  • H01R13/5825—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable the cable being clamped between assembled parts of the housing the means comprising additional parts captured between housing parts and cable
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
  • H01R13/502—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces
  • H01R13/506—Bases; Cases composed of different pieces assembled by snap action of the parts
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
  • H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
  • H01R13/5205—Sealing means between cable and housing, e.g. grommet
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
  • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
  • H01R13/58—Means for relieving strain on wire connection, e.g. cord grip, for avoiding loosening of connections between wires and terminals within a coupling device terminating a cable
  • H01R13/59—Threaded ferrule or bolt operating in a direction parallel to the cable or wire

Definitions

• the invention relates to a termination assembly of a cable connector assembly, comprising a termination cap mountable on a cable-side end of a connector housing of the cable connector assembly and a cable strain relief mountable on a cable of the cable connector assembly.
• the invention also relates to a cable connector arrangement, in particular a cable connector arrangement for high-voltage technology, comprising a termination assembly.
• the invention further relates to a method for assembling a cable connector arrangement, in particular a cable connector arrangement for high-voltage technology.
• Cable connectors are essential components in numerous electronic devices and systems of various designs. They are designed to provide a reliable electrical connection between the components involved and serve to transmit electrical power and/or data signals to corresponding mating connectors. Typical applications include the interconnection of electronic assemblies in computers, communications devices, automobiles, and many other areas.
• One connector component that must regularly be installed in the cable entry area (also known as “cable exit” or “cable feedthrough”) is a so-called “end cap,” which is usually attached to the cable-side end of the connector housing as the last connector component.
• a cable strain relief device must also be regularly installed in the cable-side end section of the cable connector to prevent the cable from being pulled out or released uncontrollably from the cable connector.
• cable and/or housing seals are sometimes installed in the cable exit area. This list is not exhaustive.
• the assembly effort of a cable connector can be correspondingly high and often has to be carried out carefully and by trained specialists or complex assembly devices.
• the assembly of the individual connector components is therefore a significant factor influencing the economics of mass production of a cable connector, and there is a need to improve the efficiency of this process to achieve time and cost savings in connector assembly.
• the object of the present invention is to provide a termination assembly of a cable connector assembly and a cable connector assembly which can preferably be mounted on a cable in a particularly simple and economical manner.
• the present invention is also based on the object of providing a method for assembling a cable connector arrangement, by means of which a termination module of a cable connector arrangement can preferably be mounted on a cable in a particularly simple and economical manner.
• the object is achieved for the termination assembly with the features listed in claim 1.
• the object is achieved by the features of claim 14 and with regard to the method by claim 15.
• the invention relates to a termination assembly of a cable connector assembly, comprising a termination cap mountable on a cable-side end of a connector housing of the cable connector assembly and a cable strain relief mountable on a cable of the cable connector assembly.
• the cable connector assembly, connector housing, cable connector, and cable are not to be considered part of the claimed termination assembly.
• the applicant reserves the right to claim various combinations of termination assembly, cable connector assembly, connector housing, cable connector, and cable, or each of the aforementioned items individually or separately.
• the cable can be an electrical or optical cable of any design (e.g., the cable can be single-core, multi-core, coaxial, with twisted pairs, etc.).
• the cable usually has a cable sheath that encloses the internal cable components, such as one or more cable cores and/or a cable shield.
• the cable strain relief device can be attached to the cable sheath of the cable, preferably at a cable end section.
• the cable connector is, in particular, an electrical or optical cable connector, again of any design. It can preferably be a high-voltage connector for transmitting voltages and currents for high-voltage technology. However, the invention can also be used with a data connector for transmitting data signals, for example.
• the termination assembly or its individual components, the connector housing and the cable seal mentioned below, as well as any other components, such as a support sleeve or one or more contact elements, may also be referred to below as "connector components" of the cable connector.
• the cable strain relief device is captively connected to the end cap in a pre-assembled state of the termination assembly in which the end cap is not mechanically connected to the connector housing.
• the cable strain relief device is already captively connected to the end cap in the pre-assembled state, i.e. in the not yet assembled state of the termination module and thus, for example, in the delivery state of the termination module, it is possible to handle the end cap and the cable strain relief device as a common component during connector assembly, which can reduce the assembly effort (and thus also the assembly time) and the susceptibility to errors during connector assembly.
• the aforementioned “captive connection” can preferably be a positive connection between the cable strain relief and the end cap, in particular (but not exclusively) as described below. In principle, however, it can be any mechanical connection that ensures that the cable strain relief and the end cap cannot be accidentally separated before the end cap is installed on the connector housing. For example, it can alternatively or additionally be a material-to-material and/or force-fit connection.
• a material-to-material connection can be provided, for example, by one or more welded or glued points applied between the cable strain relief device and the end cap during pre-assembly or manufacture of the cable strain relief device and the end cap, in particular in such a way that the material-to-material connection (e.g. the welded or glued point) can be released again during assembly (e.g. in the manner of a predetermined breaking point).
• the material-to-material connection e.g. the welded or glued point
• a one-piece design of the cable strain relief device and the end cap can also be provided if necessary in order to enable the captive connection in the pre-assembled state, for example by means of a movable connection between the cable strain relief device and the end cap, inter alia using at least one film hinge.
• An initially immovable connection between the cable strain relief device and the end cap via one or more predetermined breaking points can also be provided, so that the cable strain relief device and the end cap can initially be manufactured and delivered together, with the predetermined breaking point then being broken by the assembly of the end cap on the connector housing or even beforehand deliberately by the fitter or an assembly device.
• a force-fit connection between the cable clamp and the end cap can also be provided to ensure a captive connection during pre-assembly.
• the cable clamp can be pressed into the end cap during pre-assembly, optionally with increased frictional engagement (e.g., by roughening the cable clamp and/or end cap on the casing).
• the invention is described below essentially on the basis of a purely positive, captive connection between the cable strain relief and the end cap in the pre-assembled state, which, however, is not to be understood as limiting.
• the cable strain relief device can be moved from the connector housing in the direction of a cable-side end (in particular an end facing away from the connector housing) of the end cap during assembly of the end cap to the connector housing.
• an end face of the cable tension protection device facing the connector housing and/or an actuating surface formed on the inner and/or outer shell sides of the cable tension protection device is accessible from the connector-side end of the end cap.
• the connector housing (or at least a portion of the connector housing) can directly or indirectly contact the actuating surface and thus cause the movement of the cable tension protection device.
• the end cap and the cable tension protection are each ring-shaped or sleeve-shaped and each have a cable feedthrough for the cable.
• the side walls of the end cap and/or cable strain relief device can have any slits (e.g. longitudinal slits) or other recesses/depressions and/or elevations.
• the end cap and/or the cable strain relief device are partially annular or formed as a continuously slotted sleeve.
• a longitudinal slot extending completely through the end cap or cable strain relief device in the axial direction can be provided.
• the end cap and/or the cable strain relief device are completely annular or circumferentially closed at least in one axial section (e.g., in a flange-like end section).
• termination assembly does not necessarily have to be (hollow) cylindrical, but can, in principle, have any cross-sectional geometry.
• any cross-sectional geometry For example, rectangular or other cross-sectional geometries are also conceivable, although the invention will be described below essentially with reference to hollow cylindrical cross-sectional geometries. However, this is intended solely to facilitate understanding of the invention and not to limit the claimed subject matter to an at least essentially round cross-sectional geometry. Therefore, if the terms "radial” or “round,” etc., are used below, these can be generalized or substituted by the person skilled in the art with corresponding terms that also refer to or include other cross-sectional geometries.
• the cable strain relief is preferably accommodated at least in sections within the end cap.
• the mobility of the cable tension protection device in the pre-assembled state, when the cable tension protection device is captively connected to the end cap, is limited at least in the axial direction.
• Limited mobility of the cable strain relief device means that movement may indeed be possible in the axial direction, but that this movement may be limited between a pre-assembly position and an end position, wherein the pre-assembly position is preferably arranged closer to the connector-side end of the end cap than the end position.
• the cable tension protection device has at least one connecting means and the end cap has at least one counter-connecting means in order to limit the mobility (at least in the axial direction).
• the connecting means and the counter-connecting means are preferably designed for this purpose and arranged on the cable tension protection device and the end cap in such a way that the connecting means is mechanically blocked by the counter-connecting means (i.e., abuts against the counter-connecting means) - or vice versa.
• the connecting means and the counter-connecting means abutting against each other at least at a defined stop position during the mutual movement of the cable tension protection device and the end cap in the axial direction, said movement limitation in the axial direction can be provided.
• the connecting means has at least one blocking surface and the counter-connecting means has at least one counter-blocking surface, which can abut against one another to limit the mobility of the cable tension protection device in the pre-assembled state.
• the blocking and counter-blocking surfaces can, in principle, be of any desired design, in particular primarily flat, but optionally also concave/convex or otherwise curved.
• a (counter-)blocking tip, a (counter-)blocking edge, or another structure usable as a stop can also be provided, in particular combinations of the aforementioned variants. It should also be mentioned that, if necessary, several blocking surfaces can abut against a common counter-blocking surface – or vice versa.
• a surface vector of the blocking surface and/or a surface vector of the counter-blocking surface runs at least substantially in the axial direction or in or opposite to the mounting direction of the cable tension protection device in the end cap.
• the surface vectors can also run in the radial direction, preferably transversely or orthogonally to the Axial/mounting direction.
• the surface vector of the blocking surface runs opposite to the surface vector of the counter-blocking surface.
• Blocking and/or counter-blocking surfaces oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the cable strain relief device or to the axial direction are also possible in principle.
• the blocking/counter-blocking surface is formed on the side surfaces of the lateral extensions mentioned below and/or on flags, pins, webs, ribs, flange-shaped sections or the like.
• the blocking/counter-blocking surface can be end surfaces, side surfaces and/or inner surfaces of a recess.
• the blocking/counter-blocking surfaces can extend completely circumferentially in the circumferential direction, in particular if they are formed on a flange-shaped section of the end cap or the cable tension protection device, or only along an inner or outer circumferential segment, in particular if they are formed on the lateral extensions, flags or the like.
• the at least one connecting means of the cable tension protection device is in engagement with the at least one counter-connecting means of the end cap in the pre-assembled state of the end module in order to limit the mobility of the cable tension protection device at least in the axial direction.
• At least two of said connecting means are provided, which are arranged spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction and/or in the axial direction.
• three, four, five, six, or even more connecting means can also be provided and distributed along the circumference and/or the longitudinal extent of the cable tension protection device, in particular spaced equidistantly.
• they can preferably be arranged opposite one another circumferentially or in the circumferential direction, or offset by 180° from one another.
• the connecting means of the cable tension protection device is designed as a lateral extension and the counter-connecting means of the end cap is designed as a receptacle for the lateral extension.
• the blocking surfaces can then, for example, be formed laterally on the lateral extensions and the counter-blocking surfaces on the inner surfaces of the receptacle, so that the blocking surfaces with their lateral surfaces rest on areas of the inner surfaces of the lateral extension (for example at opposite ends of an elongated recess mentioned below).
• the counter-connecting means of the end cap having the counter-blocking surface is designed as a lateral extension and the connecting means of the cable tension protection having the blocking surface is designed as a receptacle for the lateral extension.
• the at least one receptacle for the at least one lateral extension is a recess, in particular one or more openings in the side wall of the end cap (i.e., for example, a through-hole or a window-shaped opening).
• the recesses may also be depressions in the side wall (i.e., for example, a blind hole or a groove).
• the at least one receptacle for the at least one lateral extension may also be one or more steps, edges, webs, ribs, grooves, or other suitable counter-connecting means to provide the desired movement limitation.
• said recesses are elongated recesses (hereinafter: "slots"), in particular elongated holes extending in the axial direction, particularly preferably elongated holes extending in a straight line in the axial direction.
• the at least one elongated hole extends in the axial direction at least between the aforementioned pre-assembly position and the final position, or at least it can be provided that the longitudinal extent of the elongated hole corresponds at least to the distance between the pre-assembly position and the final position.
• the mobility of the cable tension safety device can also be at least limited in the lateral or radial direction and/or rotationally or circumferentially.
• a rotational movement limitation can in particular also be achieved by the at least one lateral extension, which is correspondingly engaged with the end cap, so that rotation of the cable tension safety device and end cap relative to each other (i.e., movement in the circumferential direction) is only possible to a limited extent or is completely locked.
• a lateral or radial movement limitation can in particular already be achieved by arranging the cable tension safety device within the (preferably sleeve-shaped) end cap, so that the lateral mobility can be adjusted in a defined manner by a potential play between the outer dimensions of the cable tension safety device and the inner dimensions of the end cap in the assembled state (i.e., in particular, by the difference between the outer diameter of the cable tension safety device and the inner diameter of the end cap).
• the cable tension safety device is designed with respect to rotation or movement in the circumferential direction and/or a movement in the lateral or radial direction is absorbed at least approximately or completely without play within the end cap.
• the counter-connecting means in particular the elongated holes, form a guide function for the movement of the connecting means (and thus of the entire cable tension protection device) in the direction of the cable-side end of the end cap.
• the elongated design of the recesses allows the lateral extensions to be guided in a defined manner along their longitudinal extent.
• the movement of the cable strain relief device toward the cable-side end of the end cap can be specified along a defined path during assembly of the end cap.
• This is preferably, but not necessarily, a linear guide in the axial direction.
• any desired guide can be provided through the recesses, for example, a curved path that, in addition to an axial movement, also describes a rotation in the circumferential direction through a defined angular section.
• the distribution of the lateral extensions on the cable strain relief device and the recesses on the end cap can also be reversed, so that the end cap has the at least one lateral extension and the cable strain relief device has the at least one (elongated) recess or elongated hole.
• a recess is completely omitted if, for example, the cable strain relief device is supported on an inner surface of the end cap at at least two positions along the axial direction (e.g. by at least two lateral extensions being arranged offset from one another in the axial direction).
• a lateral extension and a recess can also be omitted altogether if the outer surface of the cable strain relief device is guided directly along the inner surface of the end cap.
• the cable tension protection device has at least one connecting means (e.g. the lateral extension) and the end cap has at least one counter-connecting means (e.g. the recess), which can be connected to one another in order to effect the described movement limitation at least in the pre-locking position.
• connecting means e.g. the lateral extension
• counter-connecting means e.g. the recess
• the cable tension protection is locked in the pre-assembled state of the termination module in a pre-assembled position within the termination cap, in particular in a connector-side end section of the termination cap.
• Said locking can preferably be effected by at least one locking means formed in the closure assembly.
• the locking mechanism allows the mobility of the cable strain relief device in the pre-assembled state within the end cap to be not only limited but also clearly defined (particularly in the axial direction, but preferably also in the lateral or radial direction and/or in the circumferential direction).
• a correspondingly locked position can further simplify assembly, as the cable strain relief device is thus in a known and defined state, at least at the beginning of assembly.
• the locking means can preferably be a locking lug or another elevation on the inner surface of the end cap in order to form a stop for the cable tension safety device, in particular a stop for an end face, for example a flange-shaped end face of the cable tension safety device (alternatively, however, the cable tension safety device can also have the elevations, for example locking lugs, and the end cap can have the stop, for example a recess).
• At least two locking means can be provided on the end cap, which are arranged circumferentially spaced from one another, for example, arranged circumferentially opposite one another.
• any number of corresponding locking means can be provided, for example, two, three, four, five, six, or even more locking means, which are circumferentially spaced from one another, for example, distributed equidistantly along the circumference.
• the locking means can also be designed in pairs, for example, with a first pair of locking means (e.g., locking lugs) being arranged laterally next to the aforementioned recess, so that the recess, in particular the elongated hole, is located between the locking means of the common pair.
• a first pair of locking means e.g., locking lugs
• each of said recesses can preferably be laterally surrounded by a pair of locking means, which can be advantageous for the unlocking described below during assembly of the closure assembly.
• the locking of the cable tension protection can be unlocked during the assembly of the termination assembly on the connector housing in order to release the mobility of the cable tension protection starting from the pre-assembly position in the direction of the cable-side end of the termination cap.
• Unlocking can be done manually, for example using a tool, but preferably directly or indirectly through the connector housing.
• At least one section of the connector housing is capable of unlocking the locking means during assembly (preferably a section of the connector housing leading in the assembly direction, such as the "counter-locking means" of the connector housing mentioned below).
• the section of the end cap comprising the locking means can be elastically movable, in particular elastically deflectable/movable in the lateral or radial direction, so that the end cap can be at least temporarily spread open during assembly in order to release the locking by lifting the locking means.
• at least a section of the cable strain relief device is elastically movable, at least in the region of the locking means, in particular elastically deflectable/movable in the lateral or radial direction, so that the cable strain relief device can be at least temporarily compressed or pressed together during assembly in order to release the locking of the locking means.
• the locking mechanism of the cable strain relief device can preferably be released non-destructively during assembly of the end cap to the connector housing (for example, through the elastic mobility of the section of the end cap containing the locking means, as described above).
• a destructive and thus generally permanent release for example, by breaking off a predetermined breaking point or similar, can also be provided (less preferred).
• the locking means/latch can also be broken off in a defined manner to release the cable strain relief device during assembly.
• the end cap can be locked to the connector housing at its connector-side end section.
• the end cap can preferably have at least one locking means for locking with a respective counter-locking means of the connector housing, preferably at least two locking means spaced apart from one another on the circumference or even more locking means.
• At least one of the locking means is designed as a locking tab which is elastic in a lateral direction (i.e. transversely, preferably orthogonally, to the axial direction), for example in the manner of a locking arm or a locking rocker.
• the locking tab can have a locking hook or a similar locking elevation, but preferably a locking recess for a counter-locking means of the connector housing designed as a locking elevation (the locking tab can thus be U-shaped, for example).
• a longitudinal slit or a longitudinal slot is formed in the side wall of the end cap on the circumference next to the respective locking means or the locking tab.
• the at least one locking means is designed as a detent elevation and the at least one counter-locking means is designed as a locking tab.
• one of the counter-locking means of the connector housing can be designed as a locking tab that is elastic in a lateral direction and preferably has a locking recess for a locking means of the end cap designed as a detent elevation.
• the recess for the (positive-locking) connection with the lateral extension of the cable tension protection corresponds to the locking recess for the counter-locking means of the connector housing.
• the (elongated) recess or slot can advantageously fulfil a dual function and, on the one hand, provide a movement limitation (and optional guidance) for the cable tension protection and, on the other hand, a locking option for mounting on the connector housing.
• the end cap is secured to the connector housing by a snap-in connection, in particular by a snap-in connection as described above.
• a snap-in connection is only one of several possible mounting options. the end cap on the connector housing. Therefore, a threaded connection will be presented below as an example alternative to the snap-in connection.
• the end cap can be screwed to the connector housing at the end section on the connector side and for this purpose has a thread for screwing to a counter thread of the connector housing.
• the thread of the end cap can preferably be an internal thread and the mating thread of the connector housing can be an external thread - or vice versa.
• the cable tension protection device is movable into a cable-side end section of the end cap during assembly of the end cap on the connector housing, preferably into an end position, in particular an end position in a cable-side end section of the end cap.
• the cable tension protection device is fixed to the cable in the cable-side end section, for example in the end position, in particular fixed in a force-locking manner.
• the cable strain relief device is fixed in the end cap in the end position.
• This (in itself optional) fixing can be achieved, for example, by a latch between the cable strain relief device and the end cap in the end position.
• the cable strain relief device can be fixed in the end position by the connector housing, by clamping the cable strain relief device between the connector housing and a stop in the end cap.
• the cable strain relief device is therefore preferably pressed in its end position by the connector housing (preferably by the counter-latching means of the connector housing or another section of the connector housing leading in the direction of assembly) against a stop formed on the cable-side end of the end cap, for example against a step.
• the cable strain relief device can be provided with fixing tabs distributed around the circumference (optionally with fastening hooks arranged at the free ends).
• the fixing tabs can be elastic in the lateral or radial direction.
• the fixing tabs in their mechanically relaxed state define an inner circumference that is smaller than an outer circumference of the cable, so that sliding them onto the cable causes a mechanical tensioning of the fixing tabs, which leads to the This results in a force-locking attachment to the cable.
• the fixing tabs are pressed against the cable with increasing pressing force through mechanical interaction with the end cap as the cable strain relief device moves into its end position.
• the fixing tabs are inserted into an axial section of the end cap that tapers towards the cable end (e.g., a linear, curved, and/or stepped taper).
• the movement of the cable strain relief device during assembly does not necessarily have to be carried out all the way to its end position, or at least not until it reaches a stop or other fixing point in the cable-side end section of the end cap.
• the movement of the cable strain relief device can, for example, already be limited by a sufficiently force-fitting fixation on the cable (sheath). It may therefore be sufficient to move the cable strain relief device towards the cable-side end of the end cap during assembly until the intended force-fitting fixation of the cable strain relief device on the cable (sheath) has been achieved.
• tolerances can be compensated for and the termination assembly can even be used for different cable diameters.
• the termination assembly in the pre-assembled state has, in addition to the cable tension protection, further captively connected connectors or other components, in particular a cable seal and/or housing seal captively connected to the end cap and/or the cable tension protection.
• the other components for example the cable seal and/or the housing seal, can be connected to the cable strain relief or the end cap in a materially bonded manner (preferred), a form-fitting manner and/or a force-fitting manner.
• an elastomer can be injection-molded onto the front side of the cable strain relief device (e.g., at the connector-side end) to form a seal (e.g., a cable seal).
• a seal e.g., a cable seal.
• a two-component injection-molding process can be provided to firmly bond the remaining component to the cable strain relief device and/or end cap.
• the invention also relates to a cable connector arrangement, in particular a cable connector arrangement for high-voltage technology, comprising a termination assembly according to the above and following embodiments, the connector housing and the cable, wherein the termination cap is mounted on the connector housing and the cable tension protection is fastened on the cable.
• the captive fastening of the cable strain relief device to the end cap in the pre-assembled state and the subsequent "automatic" movement of the cable strain relief device towards the cable-side end in the end cap during assembly optimizes the overall assembly process, which can be particularly advantageous in mass production.
• the cable connector assembly or termination assembly is particularly well-suited for use with high-voltage connectors, although the connector type and its application are not necessarily important.
• the cable connector assembly or termination assembly can therefore also be particularly well-suited for use in high-frequency technology, for example, for data connectors.
• the work steps required by a cable connector assembler or installer can be reduced by combining the cable strain relief and end cap into a single termination assembly, reducing assembly time and costs. This advantageously combines at least two assembly steps.
• the final assembly state can be achieved, for example, by the connector housing spreading corresponding locking tabs of the end cap to thereby (at least temporarily) release the movement of the cable strain relief device within the end cap.
• the cable strain relief device can then be moved directly or indirectly by means of the connector housing into the position attached to the cable (preferably, but not necessarily, the "end position") within the end cap.
• the cable strain relief device is sufficiently engaged with the cable in its end position, in particular the cable sheath of the cable to secure the cable to the connector housing according to its intended function.
• the invention also relates to a device for assembling a cable connector arrangement, in particular a cable connector arrangement for high-voltage technology, which is designed to carry out a method according to the above and following embodiments.
• the values and parameters described herein include deviations or fluctuations of ⁇ 10% or less, preferably ⁇ 5% or less, more preferably ⁇ 1% or less, and most preferably ⁇ 0.1% or less of the respective specified value or parameter, provided that these deviations are not excluded in the practical implementation of the invention.
• the indication of ranges by initial and final values also includes all those values and fractions that deviate from the respective specified range, in particular the initial and final values and a respective mean value.
• the invention also relates to a separate end cap of a termination assembly, in particular (but not necessarily) of a termination assembly according to claim 1, wherein said end cap is mountable on a cable-side end of a connector housing, and wherein the end cap, in a pre-assembled state in which the end cap is not mechanically connected to the connector housing, is captively connectable to a separate cable tension safety device, and wherein the end cap is designed such that the cable tension safety device can be moved from the connector housing in the direction of a cable-side end of the end cap during assembly of the end cap on the connector housing.
• the invention also relates to a separate cable strain relief device of a termination assembly, in particular (but not necessarily) a termination assembly according to claim 1, wherein said cable strain relief device can be fastened to a cable of the cable connector assembly, and wherein the cable strain relief device can be captively connected to a separate end cap in a pre-assembled state in which the cable strain relief device is not mechanically connected to the cable, and wherein the cable strain relief device is designed to be moved by the connector housing in the direction of a cable-side end of the end cap during assembly of the end cap to a connector housing.
• Figures 1 to 6 A first embodiment of the invention is shown by way of example.
• Figures 1 to 3 show the final assembly 1 of the Figures 4 to 6 cable connector arrangement shown in more detail 2.
• the end assembly 1 has an end cap 3 and a cable strain relief 4, which are Figure 1 are shown separately in a state that is not yet connected to each other.
• Figures 2 and 3 a pre-assembled state of the end assembly 1, in which the cable strain relief 4 is captively connected to the end cap 3.
• the cable tension protection 4 can be fastened to a cable 7 of the cable connector arrangement 2, which will also be described in more detail below.
• the end cap 3 is not yet mechanically connected to the connector housing 6 or the cable tension protection 4 is not yet mechanically connected to the cable 7. Connection.
• the pre-assembly state can, for example, be a delivery state, based on which an installer or a device subsequently mechanically connects the termination assembly 1 to the cable 7 and the connector housing 6.
• these do not necessarily have to be elongated holes 10, nor do they necessarily have to be openings in the housing wall of the end cap 3 - square, round, or other recesses and/or depressions (e.g., grooves in the side wall 11) as an alternative to a complete opening, or elevations on the inner casing side (e.g., webs or ribs to provide a guide channel) are also feasible.
• the lateral extensions 9 are accommodated in the elongated holes 10 without play in the circumferential direction U in order to prevent relative rotation of the cable strain relief device 4 in the end cap 3 – however, this is not absolutely necessary.
• the cable strain relief device 4 is also accommodated within the end cap 3 without play in the lateral direction or radial direction R – which is advantageous, but also not absolutely necessary.
• the lateral extensions 9 have blocking surfaces 9' on their sides facing the connector-side end section 12, which can strike against corresponding counter-blocking surfaces 10' of the elongated holes 10.
• the counter-blocking surfaces 10' are formed on the connector-side inner surfaces of the elongated holes 10 (cf., among others, Figures 1 and 6 ).
• the cable tension protection 4 in the pre-assembly state in the connector-side end section 12 of the end cap 3 in a pre-assembly position Po (cf. Figures 2 to 4 ) is locked.
• the cable strain relief device 4 can thus preferably be completely immobile or at least essentially immobilely locked in the pre-assembly position Po.
• the locking can preferably be enabled by at least one locking means formed in the end module 1.
• two pairs of locking lugs 13 are provided, wherein the locking lugs 13 of a common pair are arranged laterally next to the elongated holes 10, opposite one another.
• the locking lugs 13 can effect the locking with a flange section 14 or another suitable structure on the outer casing of the cable strain relief device 4.
• any number of locking means or locking lugs 13 can be provided, if necessary even just a single locking means or a single locking lug 13. If a plurality of locking means or locking lugs 13 are provided, these can advantageously be distributed circumferentially at a distance from one another on the side wall 11 of the end cap 3.
• the end cap 3 has at least one locking means for locking with a respective counter-locking means of the connector housing 6.
• two locking means or counter-locking means are provided, spaced apart from one another on the circumference.
• the locking means of the end cap 3 is, for example, a locking tab 15 that is elastic in the lateral direction or radial direction R and has a locking recess 16.
• the counter-locking means is, for example, designed as a locking elevation of the connector housing 6, for example, locking arm 17, and is capable of locking within the locking recess 16 of the locking tab 15 (cf. Figure 6 ).
• the elongated holes 10 for connecting to the lateral extension 9 of the cable tension protection device 4 correspond to the locking recess 16 for the counter-locking means or the locking arm 17 of the connector housing 6, as shown in the exemplary embodiments.
• longitudinal slots 18 are provided in the side wall of the end cap 3 on both sides of the locking tab 15.
• the cable tension protection 4 is movable during the assembly of the end cap 3 on the connector housing 6 from the connector housing 6 in the direction of a cable-side end 19 of the end cap 3 facing away from the connector housing 6. The movement is in a comparison of the Figures 5 and 6 clearly visible and can be supported by the axial guiding function of the elongated holes 10.
• the cable tension protection device 4 is preferably locked in the pre-assembly state or in the pre-assembly position Po.
• This locking device can be unlocked from the connector housing 6 during the assembly of the termination module 1 to the connector housing 6 in order to initially release the mobility of the cable tension protection device 4, starting from the pre-assembly position Po in the direction of the cable-side end 19 of the termination cap 3. This process is illustrated by way of example in Figure 5 shown.
• the counter-locking means or the locking arm 17 of the connector housing 6 serves to lift the locking tab 15 and thus simultaneously also the locking lugs 13 of the end cap 3 arranged next to the elongated hole 10, so that the locking of the cable tension protection device 4 is released. Subsequently, the cable tension protection device 4 is moved further in the axial direction A by the connector housing 6, for example by the counter-locking means or the locking arm 17, during the further assembly process until the cable tension protection device 4 reaches an end position P1 (cf. Figures 6 to 8 ) at a cable-side end section of the end cap 3. In the end position P 1 , the cable tension protection device 4 is fixed force-fittingly on the cable 7.
• the cable tension protection device 4 in the exemplary embodiments has fixing tabs 20 which are distributed circumferentially and which are pressed against the cable sheath 21 of the cable 7 with increasing pressing force by mechanical interaction with the end cap 3 during the movement of the cable tension protection device 4 into the end position P 1 .
• a cable seal 22 is shown as an example as a further component of the cable connector arrangement 2, which can alternatively also be omitted or can optionally be provided as a component of the termination assembly 1, as described in the following Figure 7 indicated.
• Figure 7 illustrates a variant of the invention (for example, the one shown in Figure 7
• the embodiment shown basically corresponds to the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 6 ) to illustrate by way of example that the cable seal 22 in the pre-assembled state of the termination assembly 1 can also be connected in a captive manner to the end cap 3 and/or the cable tension protection 4, for example in a form-fitting, force-fitting and/or material-fitting manner.
• the cable seal 22 is, for example, attached to the connector-side end face of the cable strain relief 4 (e.g., sprayed on in a two-component process).
• the cable 7 and the connector housing 6 are first provided (optionally, it can also be provided that the cable 7 is first pre-processed, for example, partially stripped and equipped with one or more of the components of the cable connector assembly 2, for example, the connector housing 6 or the termination assembly 1).
• the termination assembly 1 can advantageously be treated as if it were only a single component, since the termination cap 3 and the cable strain relief device 4 (and optionally other connector components, such as the cable seal 22) are already captively connected to one another in the pre-assembled state. Assembly can therefore be particularly simple for the installer or an assembly device.
• the termination cap 3 can be mounted on the connector housing 6, while the cable strain relief device 4 is simultaneously moved by the connector housing 6 in the direction of the cable-side end 19 of the termination cap 3 facing away from the connector housing 6, wherein the cable strain relief device 4 is preferably attached to the cable 7 at the same time.
• the end cap 3 in the second embodiment can be screwed to the connector housing 6 at the connector-side end section 12 instead of being latched.
• the end cap 3 has an internal thread 23 (cf. in particular the Figures 8 and 9 ), which is connected to a corresponding external thread 24 of the connector housing (see in particular the Figures 10 and 11 ) can be screwed.
• the cable tension lock 4 is simultaneously moved in the axial direction A to the end position P 1 (cf. Figure 11 ).
• the cable strain relief device 4 is not fixed in its locked pre-assembled state to the connector-side end section 12 of the end cap 3, but rather to an axial position spaced apart from the connector-side end section 12.
• This is a middle axial section (see in particular Figure 9 ).
• the elongated hole 10 is shortened on the connector side so that the counter-blocking surface 10' is positioned closer to the axial center of the end cap 3.
• any fastening technique for fastening the end cap 3 to the connector housing 6 can be considered, for example, pressing the end cap 3 onto the connector housing 6.
• Combinations of different fastening techniques are also fundamentally possible within the scope of the invention. What is essential is that the cable strain relief 4 is captively connected to the end cap 3 in the pre-assembled state and can be moved directly or indirectly in the direction of the cable-side end 19 of the end cap 3 during assembly by the connector housing 6 or another component of the cable connector arrangement 2.
• Figure 12a shows schematically again the above-described combination of circumferentially spaced, lateral extensions 9 of the cable tension protection device 4, which are received in corresponding slots 10 of the end cap 3 and thus guided in the axial direction A.
• the above-mentioned locking means or locking lugs 13 can also be provided in order to provide an axial positive connection in the pre-assembly position Po shown (in Figure 12a not shown).
• FIGS. 12b-12d each show variants of the invention without the use of elongated holes 10 for guiding the cable tension protection 4.
• the cable tension protection 4 is guided along the inner surface 11 of the end cap 3.
• the cable tension protection device 4 can in turn have lateral extensions 9 offset in the circumferential direction U, which according to Figure 12b However, they are divided into two groups: a first group (for example, exactly two) of lateral extensions 9 in a connector-side end section and a second group (for example, again exactly two) of lateral extensions 9 arranged offset in the axial direction A in the direction of the cable-side end.
• the cable tension protection device 4 can also have flange-shaped circumferential extensions, which are worked out, for example, by a recess arranged therebetween.
• optional locking means or locking lugs 13 for providing a stop in the pre-assembly position Po are also shown.
• the end cap 3 has at least one lateral extension, which then, for example, with the in Figure 12b shown locking element 13 can be identical, and that the cable tension protection 4 has at least has a receptacle for the lateral extension, for example a slotted hole in the manner shown in Figure 12b between the flange-shaped sections of the cable tension protection 4.

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• 2024
  • 2024-03-21 EP EP24165189.2A patent/EP4622017A1/fr active Pending
• 2025
  • 2025-03-12 WO PCT/EP2025/056713 patent/WO2025195863A1/fr active Pending
  • 2025-03-12 EP EP25710890.2A patent/EP4690381A1/fr active Pending

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