CONNECTOR DEVICE, CONNECTOR AND CONNECTION CABLE

Abstract

A connector system has a first connector device including a first universal module and a first configuration module, and has a second connector device including a second universal module identical to the first universal module and a second configuration module. The universal modules each include an optical contact and the configuration modules each define a connector gender, and the first connector device and the second connector device are suitable for entering into a common plug connection when assembled.

Claims

1. A connector system having a first connector device including a first universal module and a first configuration module and having a second connector device including a second universal module identical to the first universal module and a second configuration module wherein the universal modules each include an optical contact and the configuration modules each define a connector gender, and wherein the first connector device and the second connector device are suitable for entering into a common plug connection when assembled.

2. The connector system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when assembled, the first connector device and the second connector device have, at least in places, mutually identical external geometries.

3. The connector system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when assembled, the first configuration module and the second configuration module have, at least in places, mutually identical external geometries.

4. The connector system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector system comprises a receiving element including a first receptacle for the first connector device and a second receptacle for the second connector device.

5. The connector system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first receptacle and the second receptacle are of mutually identical configuration.

6. The connector system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the configuration modules each include at least one fixing element for fixing the respective connector device to the receiving element.

7. The connector system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the configuration modules each include at least one configuration element and the universal modules each include at least one housing element formed separately from the first configuration element, wherein the configuration element and the housing element, when assembled, are arranged one behind the other when viewed in the plug-in direction.

8. The connector system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the configuration element includes a first receiving region for the housing element.

9. The connector system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the housing element includes a second receiving region for the first configuration element.

10. The connector system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the configuration element and the housing element are arranged overlapping in at least one sub-region, in particular in the first receiving region, when assembled.

11. The connector system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the configuration element of the first configuration module at least partly surrounds the first universal module and the configuration element of the second configuration module at least partly surrounds the second universal module when assembled.

12. The connector system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the configuration modules are embodied to be interchangeable in order to change connector gender.

13. The connector system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first configuration module and the second configuration module have different longitudinal extents.

14. The connector system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first configuration module comprises at least one coupling element for receiving at least one of the optical contacts which is assemblable at least perpendicular to the plug-in direction via an assembly opening in the configuration module.

15. The connector system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first configuration module comprises at least one cover element which, when assembled, closes the assembly opening.

16. The connector system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cover element is assemblable at least perpendicular to the plug-in direction.

17. The connector system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cover element outwardly bounds the first configuration module at least in a sub-region, in particular in flush manner.

18. The connector system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first configuration module includes a clamping ring for fixing the cover element, in particular to the first configuration element.

19. The connector system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first configuration module comprises at least one coupling element for receiving at least one of the optical contacts which is assemblable at least perpendicular to the plug-in direction via an assembly opening in the configuration module, at least one cover element which, when assembled, closes the assembly opening, and a clamping ring for fixing the cover element, and wherein the fixing element of the first configuration module and the clamping ring are formed in one piece with one another.

20. The connector system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector devices each comprise a plurality of independent strain relief units.

21. A connector comprising the first connector device of a connector system as claimed in claim 1.

22. The connector as claimed in claim 21, further comprising the second connector device.

23. A connector kit for putting together a connector device, having at least one universal module including an optical contact, having at least one first configuration module and having at least one second configuration module, wherein the connector device is configurable female by the universal module in combination with the first configuration module and configurable male by the universal module in combination with the second configuration module.

24. A method for putting together a connector device having at least one universal module including an optical contact, having at least one first configuration module, and having at least one second configuration module, wherein the connector device is alternatively configured female by the universal module in combination with the first configuration module (20) and configured male by the universal module in combination with the second configuration module (22).

Description

DRAWINGS

[0038] Further advantages are revealed by the following description of the drawings. The drawings show an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, description and claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0039] In the figures:

[0040] FIG. 1 shows a connector system having a first connector device in an assembled state with a cable,

[0041] FIG. 2 is a simplified exploded representation of the first connector device with a first universal module and with a first configuration module,

[0042] FIG. 3 shows a second connector device of the connector system in an assembled state with a cable,

[0043] FIG. 4 is a simplified exploded representation of the second connector device with a second universal module and with a second configuration module,

[0044] FIG. 5 shows a receiving element of the connector system with a first receptacle and with a second receptacle,

[0045] FIG. 6 is a schematically simplified representation of the first connector device and the second connector device and a coupling element of the first configuration module,

[0046] FIG. 7 shows sectional representations of the first connector device and the second connector device and the coupling element of the first configuration module,

[0047] FIG. 8 shows by way of example a simplified perspective view of a part of the first universal module and

[0048] FIG. 9 shows by way of example a simplified sectional view of the part of the first connector device with a plurality of independent strain relief units.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0049] The figures, in particular FIGS. 1 to 4, show a connector system 10. The connector system 10 includes a first connector device 12, which is shown assembled and in perspective view in FIG. 1 and in an exploded view in FIG. 2. The first connector device 12 includes a first universal module 16 and a first configuration module 20.

[0050] The connector system 10 includes moreover a second connector device 14, which is shown assembled and in perspective view in FIG. 3 and in an exploded view in FIG. 4. The second connector device 14 includes a second universal module 18 identical to the first universal module 16. In addition, the second connector device 14 includes a second configuration module 22.

[0051] The universal modules 16, 18 each include one optical contact 24. In the example shown, the optical contacts 24 of the universal modules 16, 18 are configured as optical ferrules.

[0052] The configuration modules 20, 22 each define a connector gender for the connector devices 12, 14. In the example shown, the first configuration module 20 defines a female connector gender for the first connector device 12 (see FIG. 2).

[0053] In the example shown, the second configuration module 22 defines a male connector gender for the second connector device 14 (see FIG. 4).

[0054] When assembled, the first connector device 12 and the second connector device 14 have, at least in places, mutually identical external geometries 26. In the example shown, the first connector device 12 and the second connector device 14 have, when assembled, mutually identical external geometries 26 in a front end region of the connector devices 12, 14 when viewed in the plug-in direction.

[0055] Specifically, when assembled, the first configuration module 20 and the second configuration module 22 have, at least in places, mutually identical external geometries 26. Specifically, in the example shown, the first configuration module 20 and the second configuration module 22 have, when assembled, mutually identical external geometries 26 in a front end region of the configuration modules 20, 22 when viewed in the plug-in direction.

[0056] The first connector device 12 and the second connector device 14 are suitable for being plugged into an identical socket due to their external geometries 26 which are mutually identical in places.

[0057] The connector system 10 also includes a receiving element 28. The receiving element 28 includes a first receptacle 30 for the first connector device 12. In addition, the receiving element 28 includes a second receptacle 32 for the second connector device 14.

[0058] The first receptacle 30 and the second receptacle 32 are of mutually identical configuration. The first connector device 12 and the second connector device 14 are suitable for being plugged into the mutually identically configured receptacles 30, 32 due to their external geometries 26 which are mutually identical in places.

[0059] The configuration modules 20, 22 each include at least one fixing element 34 for fixing the respective connector device 12, 14 to the receiving element 28. The fixing elements 34 are intended to fix the respective connector device 12, 14 to the first receptacle 30 and/or the second receptacle 32.

[0060] The configuration modules 20, 22 each include a configuration element 36. The universal modules 16, 18 each include a housing element 38 formed separately from the configuration element 36. The housing element 38 of the first universal module 16 is configured identically to the housing element 38 of the second universal module 18.

[0061] When assembled, the configuration element 36 of the first configuration module 20 surrounds the first universal module 16 in a front sub-region thereof, when viewed in the plug-in direction. Likewise, when assembled, the configuration element 36 of the second configuration module 22 surrounds the second universal module 18 in a front sub-region thereof, when viewed in the plug-in direction. When assembled, the configuration element 36 at least partly forms an inner housing for the universal modules 16, 18.

[0062] When assembled, the configuration element 36 and the housing element 38 are arranged one behind the other when viewed in the plug-in direction (see FIGS. 1 and 3). When assembled, the configuration element 36 and the housing element 38 are arranged adjacent to one another when viewed in the plug-in direction.

[0063] The configuration element 36 includes a first receiving region 40 for the housing element 38 (see also FIGS. 2 and 4). In addition, the housing element 38 includes a second receiving region 42 for the configuration element 36.

[0064] The configuration element 36 and the housing element 38 are arranged overlapping in at least one sub-region when assembled (see FIGS. 1 and 3). In the example shown, the configuration element 36 and the housing element 38 are arranged overlapping with regard to the first receiving region 40, when assembled.

[0065] The configuration modules 20, 22 are embodied to be interchangeable in order to change connector gender. Specifically, the configuration modules 20, 22 are configured to be interchangeable when assembled in order to change connector gender.

[0066] The first configuration module 20 and the second configuration module 22 have different longitudinal extents 54. Specifically, the first configuration module 20, which when assembled defines a female connector gender for the first connector device 12, has a greater longitudinal extent 54.

[0067] Specifically, at least the configuration element 36 of the first configuration module 20 has a greater longitudinal extent 54. The configuration element 36 of the first configuration module 20 encloses the optical contact of the first connector device 12 when assembled. Specifically, when assembled, the optical contact of the first connector device 12 is arranged inside the configuration element 36 of the first configuration module 20.

[0068] The first configuration module 20 comprises at least one coupling element 44 for receiving at least one of the optical contacts 24. The first configuration module 20 comprises at least one coupling element 44 for receiving the optical contacts 24. When assembled, the coupling element 44 is integrated into the female configured connector device 12.

[0069] The coupling element 44 is assemblable at least perpendicular to a plug-in direction 56. Specifically, the coupling element 44 is assemblable via an assembly opening 46 in the first configuration module 20 (see FIG. 2).

[0070] The first configuration module 20 comprises a cover element 48. The cover element 48 closes the assembly opening 46 when assembled.

[0071] The cover element 48 is assemblable at least perpendicular to the plug-in direction 56. Specifically, the cover element 48 is press-fittable into the assembly opening 46 perpendicular to the plug-in direction 56. When assembled, the cover element 48 is press-fitted into the assembly opening 46 perpendicular to the plug-in direction 56.

[0072] The cover element 48 outwardly bounds the first configuration module 20 in the region of the assembly opening 46. Specifically, the cover element 48 outwardly bounds the first configuration module 20 flush with the assembly opening 46. Specifically, the cover element 48 outwardly bounds the configuration element 36 in flush manner in the region of the assembly opening 46 relative to an outer face 58 of the configuration element 36.

[0073] The first configuration module 20 includes a clamping ring 50. The clamping ring 50 is intended for fixing the cover element 48. Specifically, the clamping ring 50 is intended for fixing the cover element 48 to the configuration element 36.

[0074] In the example shown, the fixing element 34 of the first configuration module 20 and the clamping ring 50 are formed in one piece with one another.

[0075] The first connector device 12 and the second connector device 14 are suitable for entering into a common plug connection when assembled (see also FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0076] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary common plug connection of the first connector device 12 and the second connector device 14, wherein both connector devices 12, 14 are received in the receiving element 28, which is shown schematically and is configured as an overhousing.

[0077] FIG. 5 thus schematically illustrates a connector 60 having the first connector device 12 and having the second connector device 14 of the connector system 10.

[0078] FIG. 6 shows another exemplary common plug connection of the first connector device 12 and the second connector device 14, wherein the two connector devices 12, 14 form a common plug connection in which the first connector device 12 and the second connector device 14 are plugged into one another. FIG. 7 shows the common plug connection of the first connector device 12 and the second connector device 14, each in sectional representation, specifically on the one hand along a longitudinal direction of the first connector device 12 and the second connector device 14 and on the other hand in a sectional view of a cross-section through the first connector device 12 made in the region of the optical contact 24 of the first universal module of the first connector device 12.

[0079] FIG. 6 thus schematically illustrates a connector 60 with just the first connector device 12 and a further connector 62 formed separately from the connector 60 with just the second connector device 14 of the connector system 10. In the example shown here, the first connector device 12 is configured female and the second connector device 14 is configured male.

[0080] The connector devices 12, 14 also each comprise a plurality of independent strain relief units (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

[0081] Specifically, the connector devices 12, 14 each include a C spring 66 which is intended in the assembled, in particular prefabricated, state with a cable 64, to clamp an optical fiber 68 of the cable 64.

[0082] In addition, the connector devices 12, 14 each include a clamping block 70 which, in the assembled state, in particular in the prefabricated state with the cable 64, is intended to clamp at least one coated fiber (not shown) of the cable 64.

[0083] In addition, the connector devices 12, 14 each include a crimping sleeve 72 which, in the assembled state, in particular in the prefabricated state with the cable 64, is intended to clamp at least one sheath 74 of the cable 64.

[0084] The universal module 16, 18 including the optical contact 24, the first configuration module 20, and at least the second configuration module 22 further form a connector kit for putting together a connector device 12, 14, wherein the connector device 12, 14 is configurable female by the universal module 16, 18 in combination with the first configuration module 20 and configurable male by the universal module 16, 18 in combination with the second configuration module 22.

[0085] A method for putting together a connector device 12, 14 having at least one of the general purpose modules 16, 18 including the optical contact 24 will also be described at this point with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0086] The connector device 12, 14 is alternatively configured female by the universal module 16, 18 in combination with the first configuration module 20 or male by the universal module 16, 18 in combination with the second configuration module 22.

[0087] The assembly process is described below in simplified terms for an instance in which the connector device 12 is configured female by the universal module 16, 18 in combination with the first configuration module 20 (see FIG. 2).

[0088] The first universal module 16 is provided in a first method step.

[0089] Then, the coupling element 44 is inserted into the assembly opening 46 in the configuration element 36 of the first configuration module 20. The assembly opening 46 is closed using the cover element 48, specifically by press-fitting the cover element 48 into the assembly opening 46.

[0090] Then, the universal module 16 is inserted with a spring element 76 of the universal module 16 into the configuration element 36 of the first configuration module 20.

[0091] Then, the clamping block 70 is introduced into the first configuration module 20, in particular between the first configuration module 20 and the universal module 16.

[0092] The housing element 38 of the first universal module 16 is pushed on from behind, when viewed in the plug-in direction, such that the housing element 38 of the first universal module 16 latches together with the configuration element 36 of the first configuration module 20.

[0093] A securing element 78 of the first configuration module 20 is then inserted laterally into a rear end region 80 of the housing element 38 of the first universal module 16 to fix the first configuration module 20 and the universal module 16 in place.

[0094] The clamping ring 50 having the fixing element 34 is then pushed onto the configuration element 36 of the first configuration module 20.

[0095] The assembly process is described below in simplified terms for an instance in which the connector device 14 is configured male by the universal module 16, 18 in combination with the second configuration module 22 (see FIG. 4).

[0096] The second universal module 18 is provided in a first method step.

[0097] Then, the universal module 18 is inserted with a spring element 76 of the universal module 18 into the configuration element 36 of the second configuration module 22.

[0098] Then, the clamping block 70 is introduced into the second configuration module 22, in particular between the second configuration module 22 and the universal module 18.

[0099] The housing element 38 of the second universal module 18 is pushed on from behind, when viewed in the plug-in direction, such that the housing element 38 of the second universal module 18 latches together with the configuration element 36 of the first configuration module 22.

[0100] A securing element 78 of the second configuration module 22 is then inserted laterally into a rear end region 80 of the housing element 38 of the second universal module 18 to fix the second configuration module 22 and the universal module 18 in place.

[0101] The clamping ring 50 having the fixing element 34 is then pushed onto the configuration element 36 of the second configuration module 22.

REFERENCE SIGNS

[0102] 10 Connector system [0103] 12 First connector device [0104] 14 Second connector device [0105] 16 First universal module [0106] 18 Second universal module [0107] 20 First configuration module [0108] 22 Second configuration module [0109] 24 Optical contact [0110] 26 External geometry [0111] 28 Receiving element [0112] 30 First receptacle [0113] 32 Second receptacle [0114] 34 Fixing element [0115] 36 Configuration element [0116] 38 Housing element [0117] 40 First receiving region [0118] 42 Second receiving region [0119] 44 Coupling element [0120] 46 Assembly opening [0121] 48 Cover element [0122] 50 Clamping ring [0123] 54 Longitudinal extent [0124] 56 Plug-in direction [0125] 58 Outer face [0126] 60 Connector [0127] 62 Further connector [0128] 64 Cable [0129] 66 C spring [0130] 68 Optical fiber [0131] 70 Clamping block [0132] 72 Crimping sleeve [0133] 74 Sheath [0134] 76 Spring element [0135] 78 Securing element [0136] 80 Rear end region