Plug connector device

Abstract

A plug connector device, in particular an RJ plug connector device, has a plug connector unit which is configured to create a plug connection extending along a plugging direction and which comprises a contact unit with at least two electric plug contacts, wherein the plug connector device includes a cable receiving unit comprising a wiring block for an accommodation of conductor cores of an electric cable and comprising a connection unit for creating a connection to at least one further element of the cable that is different from a conductor core, and that the plug connector device includes a wiring assistance unit, which is configured for a tool-less establishing of a connection between the wiring block and the contact unit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from German Application No. 10 2021 107 183.6 filed on Mar. 23, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The invention concerns a plug connector device according to the preamble of claim 1, a plug connector kit for producing a plug connector device according to claim 16 and a method for on-site assembly of an electric cable with a plug connector device according to claim 17.

From the state of the art, plug connectors are already known which include a plug connector unit comprising a contact unit with a plurality of plug contacts. In some known plug connectors a wiring block for an accommodation of conductor cores of a cable is inserted directly into a housing of the plug connector unit and is connected to the contact unit, a connection of a cable jacket to the housing unit for strain relief and/or a shield contacting of the cable shield being brought about only after a wiring by connecting the wiring block to the contact unit. Herein assembly is disadvantageously encumbered as individual conductor cores may slip from the wiring block while the strain relief and/or the shield contacting are/is established. Moreover, if the strain relief and/or the shield contacting are/is established subsequently, there may be changes in the transmission characteristics, which is a disadvantage. Other known plug connectors comprise a separate unit that includes the wiring block and is configured for a cable preparation realized by establishing a strain relief and/or a shield contacting before a wiring of the contact unit is brought about. However, a disadvantage of such a type of plug connectors is that special tools are required for the wiring, which also makes assembly difficult.

The objective of the invention is in particular to provide a generic device having improved characteristics in regard to assembly. The objective is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1 while advantageous implementations and further developments may be gathered from the subclaims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on a plug connector device, in particular an RJ plug connector device, with a plug connector unit which is configured to create a plug connection extending along a plugging direction and which comprises a contact unit with at least two electric plug contacts.

It is proposed that the plug connector device includes a cable receiving unit comprising a wiring block for an accommodation of conductor cores of an electric cable and comprising a connection unit for creating a connection to at least one further element of the cable, which is different from a conductor core, and that the plug connector device comprises a wiring assistance unit, which is configured for a tool-less establishing of a connection between the wiring block and the contact unit.

Such an implementation allows providing a plug connector device with particularly advantageous characteristics in regard to assembly. Advantageously, in assembly, due the plug connector unit and the cable receiving unit being realized as separate units, firstly the complete cable preparation can be made at the cable receiving unit, which means that the conductor cores of the cable can be introduced into the wiring block, after that a shield contacting with the cable shield of the cable and a strain relief of the cable may be realized by creating the connection to the further element of the cable, e. g. the cable jacket, by means of the connection unit of the cable receiving unit. In this way, when this is followed by establishing the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit, it is advantageously possible to effectively prevent the difficulties often occurring with already known plug connector devices, for example individual conductor cores slipping from the wiring block, thus facilitating assembly. It is furthermore ensured that the transmission characteristics do not change when the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit is established, which allows providing a plug connector device having particularly advantageous transmission characteristics, for example a very low degree of cross-talk. The wiring-assistance unit moreover advantageously enables especially easy and tool-less establishing of the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit, thus simplifying assembly even further.

The plug connector device forms at least a portion, in particular a sub-assembly group, of a plug connector, in particular an RJ plug connector, preferably an RJ45 plug connector. The plug connector device may also comprise the entire plug connector. The plug connector may be realized as a plug socket. Preferably the plug connector is realized as a plug. Alternatively, the plug connector may also be realized as a plug connector different than an RJ plug connector, for example as a single pair ethernet plug connector or as a different plug connector that is deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art. The plug connector device is configured for assembly, in particular on-site assembly, of an electric cable, in particular a patch cable. The plug connector device may include a plug connector kit, which comprises at least the plug connector unit and at least the cable receiving unit.

The plug connector unit comprises at least the contact unit and may also comprise further units and/or elements, for example a housing in which the contact unit is arranged at least partially and/or a locking element for a locking and unlocking of the plug connection. The plug connector unit, in particular the housing, the locking element and/or further units and/or elements, with the exception of electrically conductive components, like for example the electric plug contacts of the contact unit, may be made at least partially of a synthetic material. Preferably the plug connector unit, in particular the housing and/or the locking element and/or further units and/or elements, with the exception of electrically conductive components, is made at least partially of a metallic pressure die-casting material, for example a zinc die cast.

The contact unit comprises at least two electric plug contacts. The contact unit may comprise precisely two electric plug contacts. Preferably the contact unit comprises at least four electric plug contacts. The contact unit may comprise at least six, in particular at least eight, electric plug contacts.

The electric cable comprises at least two conductor cores. The electric cable could, for example, be implemented as a single pair ethernet cable having precisely two conductor cores. Preferably the electric cable is implemented as a twisted-pair cable and has at least four, in particular at least six, preferably at least eight, conductor cores, wherein respectively two of the conductor cores are twisted to form a core pair.

Preferably the plugging direction runs parallel to a main extension direction of the plug connector unit. By a “main extension direction” of an object is herein a direction to be understood that runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometrical rectangular cuboid just still completely enclosing the object.

The cable receiving unit comprises at least the wiring block and the connection unit and may also comprise further units and/or elements. The wiring block is configured for an accommodation of the conductor cores of the cable and for a wiring of the contact unit with the conductor cores of the cable. In an assembled state, in particular in a state in which the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit has been brought about by means of the wiring assistance unit, the wiring block connects the conductor cores of the electric cable in an electrically conductive manner to the contact unit, connecting in particular respectively one conductor core of the electric cable to respectively one electric plug contact of the contact unit. The conductor cores of the cable may in the assembled state be connected non-releasably, for example soldered or crimped, with the contact unit by means of the wiring block. Preferably, the conductor cores of the cable are in the assembled state connected releasably with the contact unit by means of the wiring block. For example, conductor cores of the electric cable may in the assembled state be connected releasably with the contact unit by means of the wiring block via at least one insulation displacement contact (IDC), wherein the conductor cores are in each case pressed by the wiring block with their insulation individually into a so-called insulation-displacement connector of the contact unit in such a way that the insulation is severed and in each case an electrically conductive connection of the conductor cores to the electric plug contact of the contact unit is established. Alternatively the conductor cores of the electric cable could be respectively connected releasably with the contact unit by the wiring block via a so-called insulation piercing contact (IPC), wherein the insulation piercing contact has at least one spike which in the assembled state, in particular by the establishment of the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit, is pressed through the insulation of the conductor core in such a way that in each case an electrically conductive connection of the conductor cores to at least one electric plug contact of the contact unit is brought about.

The connection unit is configured to create the connection to at least one further element of the cable, which is different from a conductor core, and has for this purpose at least one connection element. The connection unit could be configured to create a permanent, in particular non-releasable, connection, for example a substance-to-substance bond, in particular an adhesive connection, to the further element of the cable. Preferably the connection unit is configured to create a releasable, in particular tool-lessly releasable, connection, in particular a form-fit and/or force-fit connection, to the further element of the cable. The connection element of the connection unit may be realized as a latch element. Preferably the connection element is realized as a clamping element and is configured to engage around the further element of the cable in a form-fit and/or force-fit manner. Preferably the connection unit has a further connection element, which is configured to cooperate with the connection element for creating the connection. The further connection element could, for example, comprise a nut which is configured, for the purpose of creating the connection, to be screwed with a corresponding thread on the connection element.

The further element may, for example, be a cable shield of the electric cable. Preferably the further element is a cable jacket of the electric cable.

The wiring assistance unit is configured at least for a tool-less establishing of the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit. Preferably the wiring assistance unit is moreover configured for a tool-less establishing of a connection between the higher-level units, in particular between the cable receiving unit and the plug connector unit. The wiring assistance unit may be configured to connect the cable receiving unit to the plug connector unit indirectly, namely via the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit. Preferably the wiring assistance unit is configured to connect the cable receiving unit and the plug connector unit to each other directly, namely via at least one further connection, which is different from the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit. Preferably the wiring assistance unit is also configured for a tool-less releasing of the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit.

In the present document numerals like, for example, “first” and “second” prefixed to certain terms only serve for distinguishing objects and/or for allocating objects to one another, without implying any existing total number and/or ranking of the objects. In particular, a “second object” does not necessarily imply the existence of a “first object”.

“Configured” is to mean specifically designed and/or equipped. By an object being configured for a certain function is to be understood that the object fulfills and/or executes said certain function in at least one application state and/or operation state.

The plug connector unit may comprise a plug socket element for receiving a plug. However, in an advantageous implementation it is proposed that the plug connector unit comprises a plug element for an insertion into a plug socket. Such an implementation allows providing a plug connector device which is part of a plug connector that is embodied as a plug and which has the advantageous characteristics described above.

Beyond this it is proposed that the connection unit comprises a strain relief for a cable jacket of the cable. As a result, assembly is advantageously further improvable. It is in particular possible to prevent inadvertent releasing of the connection between the conductor cores of the cable and the electric plug contacts of the contact unit occurring due to tensile strain during an establishment of the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit. Preferably the strain relief is provided via at least one connection element of the connection unit, which is at the same time configured for creating the connection to the at least one further element of the electric cable that differs from the conductor core, in particular the cable jacket of the electric cable.

It is further proposed that the connection unit comprises a shield contact for contacting a cable shield of the cable. Such an implementation advantageously allows improving assembly even further. It is in particular possible to generate a shield contacting before the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit is brought about, thus advantageously ensuring that transmission characteristics will not change when the contact unit is wired. It would also be conceivable that besides the shield contacting to the cable shield, the shield contact is also configured for a strain relief.

The wiring assistance unit may be connected exclusively to the plug connector unit or could be implemented integrally with the plug connector unit. It would also be conceivable that the wiring assistance unit is connected exclusively to the cable receiving unit or is implemented integrally with the cable receiving unit. However, in an advantageous implementation it is proposed that the wiring assistance unit comprises a first sub-unit, which is part of the plug connector unit, and a second sub-unit, which cooperates with the first sub-unit and is part of the cable receiving unit. This advantageously allows further improving assembly. Moreover, advantageously a particularly simple replacement of the cable guiding unit by a further cable guiding unit also having a second sub-unit will be enabled.

Furthermore it is proposed that the first sub-unit comprises a flap, which is pivotable around a pivot axis extending perpendicularly to the plugging direction and is configured to provide a force acting in the plugging direction for establishing the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit. This advantageously allows improving assembly even further. In particular, tool-less establishing of the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit by simple technical means is enabled. The flap is configured to execute a rotational movement around the pivot axis, the rotational movement being at least partly converted into the force acting in the plugging direction by a cooperation with the second sub-unit.

It is also proposed that the flap has at least one first inner contour, which is configured to cooperate with a first outer contour of the second sub-unit. Such an implementation advantageously allows further improving assembly. The flap may have exactly one first inner contour. However, in an advantageous implementation it is proposed that the flap has at least one second inner contour, which is configured to cooperate with a second outer contour of the second sub-unit. This advantageously allows reducing planar pressure, thus enabling a particularly even force transmission for establishing the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit. Preferably the flap comprises two flap arms, which are oriented perpendicularly to the plugging direction when the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit has been established. Preferably the flap arms are realized mirror-symmetrically to each other and are arranged on two opposite-situated sides of the flap. Preferably the first inner contour and/or the second inner contour are/is respectively arranged on a first one of the flap arms. Preferably the flap has a further first inner contour, which is configured to cooperate with a further first outer contour of the second sub-unit, and has a further second inner contour, which is configured to cooperate with a further second outer contour of the second sub-unit, the first and second inner contours being respectively arranged on a second one of the flap arms. Preferably, in a view of the flap perpendicularly to the plugging direction, the first inner contour has the shape of a curve which extends, starting with a first region having a course that is substantially parallel to the plugging direction, into a second region having a course that is substantially perpendicular to the plugging direction.

It is further proposed that the first inner contour and the second inner contour are arranged offset from each other in the plugging direction. Such an implementation advantageously allows further improving assembly. In particular, especially even force introduction and force transmission are achievable. Advantageously, it is moreover possible to achieve saving of space, thus providing a particularly compact plug connector device, which may in particular be advantageous in cramped regions, for example in server rooms comprising a plurality of plug connectors that are to be placed in a close-packed manner, as this will also allow increasing plugging density. In addition, it is proposed that the first inner contour is configured to lock the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit. This advantageously allows improving an operator's comfort as inadvertent releasing of the wiring against the plugging direction can be prevented. It is furthermore advantageously possible to provide a particularly compact plug connector device as additional elements for a locking may be done without.

Beyond this it is proposed that the second sub-unit comprises at least one first guiding cam and at least one second guiding cam, which is arranged offset from the first guiding cam in a circumferential direction, the guiding cams being configured to engage in corresponding guiding grooves of the plug connector unit. This advantageously allows further improving assembly. It is in particular possible to prevent jamming during assembly. Moreover, particularly targeted force transmission is advantageously achievable when establishing the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit, such that it is further advantageously possible to obtain a particularly even wiring of all insulation displacement contacts.

It is furthermore proposed that a width extension of the first guiding cam, which extends perpendicularly to the plugging direction, differs from a width extension of the second guiding cam, which extends perpendicularly to the plugging direction. Such an implementation advantageously allows further improving assembly. It is in particular possible to prevent an erroneous assembly, according to the poka-yoke principle, with particularly simple technical means.

In an alternative advantageous implementation it is proposed that the first sub-unit comprises at least one first guiding cam and at least one second guiding cam which is arranged offset from the first guiding cam in a circumferential direction, the guiding cams being configured to engage into corresponding guiding grooves of the second sub-unit. Such an implementation advantageously enables improved assembly. It is in particular possible to prevent jamming during assembly. Moreover, particularly targeted force transmission is advantageously achievable when establishing the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit, such that it is further advantageously possible to obtain a particularly even wiring of all insulation displacement contacts.

Beyond this it is proposed that the guiding cams are arranged off-center with respect to a height extent of the first sub-unit. This advantageously allows further improving assembly. It is in particular possible to achieve an anti-twist protection by simple technical means, thus preventing an erroneous assembly by the poka-yoke principle.

In a further aspect of the invention, which may in particular be considered by its own as well as in a combination with the further aspects of the invention, it is proposed that the contact unit comprises at least four electric plug contacts, a circuit board that is in an assembled state aligned perpendicularly to the plugging direction, and at least four connection lines between the circuit board and the plug contacts, wherein in a view along the plugging direction, connection paths between respectively two of the connection lines are at least substantially perpendicular to each other. Such an implementation advantageously allows improving transmission technique. It is in particular possible to reduce, preferably to minimize, cross-talk between conductor pairs implemented by respectively two of the connection lines. The connection paths are herein to be understood as imaginary lines running parallel to a main extension plane of the circuit board and in each case through the center points of two of the connection lines which together form a conductor pair. By a “main extension plane” is herein a plane to be understood which is parallel to a largest side surface of a smallest imaginary rectangular cuboid that just still completely encloses the structural unit, and which in particular extends through the center point of the rectangular cuboid. In this document, “at least substantially perpendicular(ly)” is to mean a deviation from a right angle by less than 20°, in particular by less than 15°, advantageously by less than 10°, especially advantageously by less than 7.5°, preferably by less than 5° and particularly preferentially by less than 2.5°. The contact unit may comprise at least two, in particular four, further electric contacts, which are respectively connected to the circuit board via further connection lines. It is conceivable that in a view along the plugging direction, further connection paths between respectively two of the connection lines are at least substantially perpendicular to each other. Preferably the further connection lines are arranged on the circuit board, in at least one direction that is perpendicular to the plugging direction, spaced apart from the at least four connection lines. Preferentially two of the further connection lines that form a further first conductor pair are arranged, in a first direction that is perpendicular to the plugging direction, at a distance to the four connection lines, and two of the further connection lines that form a further second conductor pair are arranged on the circuit board in a second direction, which is opposed to the first direction.

In a further aspect of the invention, which may in particular be considered by its own as well as in a combination with the further aspects of the invention, it is proposed that the contact unit comprises at least four electric plug contacts, a circuit board which is in an assembled state oriented perpendicularly to the plugging direction, and at least one further circuit board, which is in the assembled state oriented parallel to the plugging direction. By such an implementation a transmission technique is advantageously improvable. In particular, cross talk between conductor pairs is reducible, preferably minimizable, if the contact unit comprises a circuit board which is in an assembled state oriented perpendicularly to the plugging direction and at least one further circuit board which is in the assembled state oriented parallel to the plugging direction.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the contact unit comprises at least one EON plug contact, which is in the assembled state pressed into the circuit board. As a result, assembly is advantageously further improvable. In particular, when establishing a connection between the plug contact and the circuit board, soldering may advantageously be dispensed with if the plug contact is embodied as an EON plug contact. In a comparison to soldered connections, this further advantageously allows avoiding a thermal load when establishing the connection between the plug contact and the circuit board. By an “EON plug contact” is a certain type of electric plug contact to be understood which is in the expert language also referred to as a press-fit pin or, in English, as an “Eye-of-the-Needle press-fit connector (EON)”. The EON plug contact comprises a press-fit zone having an elongate hollow space whose shape is in particular similar to a pinhead shape and which is mechanically deformed while being pressed into the circuit board. Thus a high reliability of the connection is advantageously also achievable as during pressing-in of the press-fit zone into a metallized pass-through opening in the circuit board, a deformation of the EON plug contact is realized in the region of the press-fit zone, such that a reliable establishment of the connection can be ensured even in case of fluctuating diameters of the metallized pass-through opening. This further advantageously result in an increased manufacturing tolerance. Further advantageously, due to a high degree of elasticity of the EON plug contact there will be a very small mechanical load of the circuit board during pressing-in. The contact unit may comprise several EON plug contacts, which are pressed into the circuit board in a mutually offset manner. For example, the contact unit may comprise at least two, in particular at least four, preferably at least six and particularly preferentially at least eight EON plug contacts, which are pressed into the circuit board in a mutually offset manner. Preferably the insulation displacement contacts of the contact unit are also realized as EON plug contacts.

In a further aspect of the invention, which may in particular be considered by its own as well as in a combination with the further aspects of the invention, it is proposed that the plug connector device includes a cable receiving unit comprising a wiring block for an accommodation of conductor cores of an electric cable and comprising a connection unit for creating a connection to at least one further element of the cable that is different from a conductor core, wherein the cable receiving unit comprises a guiding unit for a guidance of the conductor cores from the connection unit into the wiring block, the guiding unit connecting the connection unit with the wiring block in an angled fashion. Such an implementation advantageously allows improving assembly. In particular, an angled orientation of the electric cable relative to the plugging direction is enabled, thus facilitating—in particular in cramped spaces with a plurality of plug connectors arranged side by side—an establishing of the plug connections. Preferably the guiding unit connects the connection unit with the wiring block in an angled fashion, at an at least substantially right angle, while in particular angles greater or smaller than 90° are also conceivable. Preferably the guiding unit connects the connection unit with the wiring block in an angled fashion in such a way that in an assembled state of the plug connector device, the wiring block is oriented in the plugging direction and the connection unit is oriented at an angle to the plugging direction.

It is further proposed that a contact region of the guiding unit for contacting the wiring block is rotationally symmetrical with respect to the plugging direction. Such an implementation advantageously allows further improving assembly. Preferably the contact region is supported rotatably relative to a further region of the guiding unit, which is connected to the connection unit, and it can be fixed in its orientation relative to the connection unit in at least two, in particular at least three, preferably at least four stages. For this purpose the guiding unit preferably comprises a swivel joint, which connects the contact region to the further region. In this way assembly is even further improvable as an orientation of the electric cable is enabled in different directions in an angled fashion, in particular at least substantially perpendicularly to the plugging direction. The guiding unit preferably comprises a slotted link for force transmission. The slotted link for force transmission is preferably arranged at the further region. Preferably the slotted link for force transmission comprises at least two outer contour elements, which are oriented counter to the plugging direction. Preferentially a number of outer contour elements of the slotted link for force transmission corresponds to a number of stages in which the contact region can be fixed relative to the further region. Preferably each outer contour element has at least one outer contour, whose shape corresponds at least substantially to a shape of the second outer contour of the second sub-unit of the wiring assistance unit.

Beyond this it is proposed that the connection unit comprises a connection flap, which is pivotable around a pivot axis extending perpendicularly to the plugging direction for the purpose of assisting accessibility to a portion of the connection unit. This advantageously allows further improving assembly. It is moreover proposed that the portion of the connection unit comprises a shield contact, which is pivotable around a further pivot axis extending perpendicularly to the plugging direction for the purpose of assisting with a shield contacting. This advantageously allows further improving assembly. In particular, shield contacting is facilitated. The shield contact is preferably pivotable into at least two positions, wherein the shield contact is in a first position oriented in the direction of the plugging direction and is in a second position oriented at an angle to the plugging direction. Preferably, in the second position an angle between the shield contact and the plugging direction is at least substantially equivalent to an angle at which the guiding unit connects the wiring block to the connection unit.

In a further advantageous implementation it is proposed that the guiding unit is realized in a multi-part fashion and comprises a guiding base body, which is oriented parallel to the plugging direction, as well as at least two deflection elements for an angled connection of the connection unit to the wiring block. Such an implementation advantageously allows further improving assembly. It is moreover advantageously possible to improve flexibility, in particular as a flexible adaption of the connection unit to a desired spatial orientation between the cable and the plugging direction is particularly easily possible.

It is also proposed that the deflection elements are realized as corresponding halfshells and are configured for establishing a form-fit connection to the guiding base body. This advantageously allows further improving assembly. Advantageously a toolless and particularly simple establishment of an angled connection of the connection unit to the wiring block is enabled.

Furthermore it is proposed that the plug connector device comprises a shield contact, which is rotatably connected to the guiding base body and is latchable in at least four positions. Such an implementation advantageously allows further improving flexibility, in particular as a flexible adaption of the shield contacting to a desired spatial orientation between the cable and the plugging direction is particularly easily possible. Preferably the shield contact is rotatable with the guiding base body by an angle of 360°. Preferably the shield contact is releasably connected to the guiding base body. The guiding base body advantageously has at least four latching grooves, which are arranged offset along its circumferential direction, wherein the shield contact is configured to latch into one of the latching grooves depending on a desired orientation. The shield contact is preferably pivotable around a pivot axis that extends perpendicularly to the plugging direction, and is in particular pivotable between an orientation parallel to the plugging direction and an orientation perpendicular to the plugging direction.

In a further aspect of the invention, which may in particular be considered by its own as well as in a combination with the further aspects of the invention, it is proposed that the plug connector device includes a cable receiving unit comprising a wiring block for an accommodation of conductor cores of an electric cable, and comprising a connection unit for creating a connection to at least one further element of the cable that is different from a conduction core, wherein the connection unit comprises at least one connection element with a plurality of lamellae, which are configured to engage around the further element of the cable along a circumferential direction and which are oriented counter to the plugging direction and configured for an optical indication. Such an implementation advantageously allows providing a plug connector device having advantageous characteristics regarding assembly. As the lamellae are oriented counter to the plugging direction, an optical indication concerning a state of the connection to the at least one element that differs from a conductor core is achievable with particularly simple technical means. It is advantageously possible to easily prevent damaging of the connection element, for example due to over-tightening when creating the connection. Preferably the connection element is implemented as an elastic element, which is repeatedly deformable without being mechanically damaged or destroyed, and which following a deformation autonomously seeks to re-assume its original shape.

In a further aspect of the invention, which may in particular be considered by its own as well as in a combination with the other aspects of the invention, it is proposed that the plug connector device includes a cable receiving unit comprising a wiring block for an accommodation of conductor cores of an electric cable and a connection unit for creating a connection to at least one further element of the cable which is different from a conductor core, wherein the connection unit comprises at least one sleeve-like connection element, which is configured to engage around the further element of the cable along a circumferential direction and to generate a resistance against a tensile load of the cable counter to the plugging direction. Such an implementation advantageously allows improving user-friendliness. It is in particular possible to counteract an undesired releasing of the conductor cores out of the wiring block in case of a tensile load of the cable counter to the plugging direction. Preferably the sleeve-like connection element is embodied as a squeeze element. Preferably the connection unit comprises a connection element and a further connection element, which act together for creating the connection to at least one further element of the cable that is different from a conductor core. For example, the connection element may comprise a thread and the further connection element may comprise a nut that is configured to be screwed with the thread of the connection element for the purpose of creating the connection. When the connection between the further element of the cable and the further connection element is created, the sleeve-like connection element is arranged between the further element of the cable and the further connection element and, when the further connection element is connected to the connection element, the sleeve-like connection element is pressed into the further element of the cable, for example the cable jacket of the cable, such that a considerable resistance against a pulling-out of the cable out of the cable receiving unit is generated. Preferably the sleeve-like connection element is realized as an elastic element, which is repeatedly deformable without being mechanically damaged or destroyed, and which following a deformation autonomously seeks to reassume its original shape. Preferably the sleeve-like connection element comprises several recesses which are arranged offset to each other along its circumferential direction, thus advantageously allowing even further increasing a resistance against a pulling-out of the cable out of the cable receiving unit.

The invention further concerns a plug connector kit for producing a plug connector device according to one of the above-described implementations with the plug connector unit and with the cable receiving unit. Such a plug connector kit is in particular distinguished by its advantageous characteristics regarding an assembly for producing the plug connector device. The plug connector kit may advantageously comprise the plug connector unit and at least two cable receiving units, which may be realized at least partially differently from each other, in particular according to respective aspects and/or combinations of the above-described implementations of the plug connector device. As a result, a particularly high degree of flexibility is achievable. It is also conceivable that the plug connector kit comprises at least two different plug connector units differing from each other, for example, regarding a number of electric plug contacts of the contact unit. As a result, a particularly high degree of flexibility is achievable. The plug connector kit may also comprise at least one electric cable.

Furthermore a method is proposed for a field assembly of an electric cable with a plug connector device according to one of the previously described implementations, wherein at least one conductor core of the electric cable is connected to at least one electric plug contact of the contact unit. Such a method advantageously allows obtaining particularly simple, quick and secure field assembly by which furthermore, in particular in commercial applications with a plurality of cables that are to be assembled, time-saving and thus cost-saving are advantageously achievable.

The plug connector device according to the invention as well as the plug connector kit shall here not be limited to the applications and implementations described above. In particular, for the purpose of fulfilling a functionality that is described here, the plug connector device according to the invention and/or the plug connector kit may comprise a number of individual elements, components and units that differs from a number that is given here.

DRAWINGS

Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. In the drawings four exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated. The drawings, the description and the claims contain a plurality of features in combination. Someone skilled in the art will purposefully also consider the features separately and will find further expedient combinations.

It is shown in:

a plug connector device with a plug connector unit and a cable receiving unit, in a schematic perspective view,

an electric cable in a schematic sectional view,

the plug connector device in a schematic exploded view,

a plug connector kit for producing the plug connector device with the plug connector unit and the cable receiving unit, in a schematic perspective view,

a further schematic perspective view of the plug connector kit of FIG. 4,

a contact unit of the plug connector unit with a circuit board and with a plurality of electric plug contacts, in two schematic views,

a schematic flow chart of a method for a field assembly of the electric cable with the plug connector unit,

a further exemplary embodiment of a plug connector device with a plug connector unit and a cable receiving unit, in a schematic perspective view,

the cable receiving unit of the plug connector device of FIG. 8, in a schematic perspective view,

a further exemplary embodiment of a plug connector device with a plug connector unit and a cable receiving unit, in a schematic exploded view,

the plug connector unit of FIG. 10 in a schematic perspective view,

a contact unit of the plug connector unit of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 with a circuit board, a plurality of electric plug contacts and a further circuit board, in three schematic views,

a further exemplary embodiment of a plug connector device with a plug connector unit and a cable receiving unit, in a schematic view, and

the cable receiving unit of the plug connector device of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 13, in a schematic exploded view.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a plug connector device 10a in a schematic perspective view. The plug connector device 10a is configured to create a plug connection that extends along a plugging direction 14a.

The plug connector device 10a comprises a plug connector unit 12a. The plug connector unit 12a comprises a contact unit 16a. The contact unit 16a comprises at least two electric plug contacts 18a, 102a (see FIG. 6).

The plug connector unit 12a comprises a plug element 34a for an insertion into a plug socket (not shown).

The plug connector device 10a comprises a cable receiving unit 20a for receiving an electric cable 26a (see FIG. 2).

If there are a plurality of objects, only one of these objects is given a reference numeral in the figures.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the electric cable 26a. The electric cable 26a is embodied as a twisted-pair cable and is configured for a data transmission. The electric cable 26a comprises a plurality of conductor cores 24a. In the present case the electric cable 26a comprises eight conductor cores 24a in total. Each of the conductor cores 24a is encompassed by a core sheath 130a. Respectively two of the conductor cores 24a are twisted to form a core pair of the electric cable 26a. The electric cable 26a comprises a cable shield 42a. The cable shield 42a encompasses the conductor cores 24a along a circumferential direction 98a. The electric cable 26a comprises a cable jacket 38a. The cable jacket 38a encompasses the cable shield 42a along the circumferential direction 98a.

FIG. 3 shows the plug connector device 10a in a schematic exploded view. The plug connector unit 12a comprises a housing 36a. The housing 36a is made of a metallic die-cast material and is configured to accommodate the contact unit 16a and the plug element 34a.

The cable receiving unit 20a comprises a wiring block 22a for receiving conductor cores 24a of the electric cable 26a (see FIG. 2). The cable receiving unit 20a comprises a connection unit 28s for establishing a connection to at least one further element 30a of the cable 26a. The wiring block 22a is releasably connected to the connection unit 28a, namely via a plug connection. In the present case the further element 30a is the cable jacket 38a of the electric cable 26a (see FIG. 2).

The connection unit 28a comprises a connection base body 132a. The connection base body 132a has a thread 134a. The connection unit 28a comprises at least one connection element 94a. The connection element 94a comprises a plurality of lamellae 96a. The lamellae 96a are configured to engage around the further element 30a, in the present case the cable jacket 38a, of the electric cable 26a along the circumferential direction 98a (see FIG. 2). When the connection to the further element 30a of the electric cable 26a has been created by the connection unit 28a, the lamellae 96a of the connection element 94a are oriented counter to the plugging direction 14a. The lamellae 96a are configured for an optical indication. The connection unit 28a includes a further connection element 136a, which comprises a nut 138a corresponding to the thread 134a. In order to create the connection to the further element 30a of the electric cable 26a, the connection element 94a is slid onto the electric cable 26a together with the further connection element 136a in such a way that the lamellae 96a are oriented counter to the plugging direction 14a. Then the nut 138a is screwed onto the thread 134a, wherein the lamellae 96a are pressed toward the cable jacket 38a and the connection is created. As the lamellae 96a are oriented counter to the plugging direction 14a, an optical indication of the strength of the connection is given.

The connection unit 28a comprises a strain relief for the cable jacket 38a (see FIG. 2) of the electric cable 26a. The strain relief is brought about via the connection unit 28a by means of the connection element 94a and the further connection element 136a.

The connection unit 28a comprises a shield contact 40a for a contacting of the cable shield 42a (see FIG. 2) of the electric cable 26a. For a shield contacting, the shield contact 40a is connected to the cable shield 42a. By the connection brought about by the connection element 94a and the further connection element 136a, the shield contacting is additionally safeguarded from getting released counter to the plugging direction 14a.

The plug connector device 10a comprises a wiring assistance unit 32a. The wiring assistance unit 32a is configured for tool-lessly establishing a connection between the wiring block 22a and the contact unit 16a.

In FIGS. 4 and 5 a plug connector kit 100a for creating the plug connector device 10a is illustrated in two different perspective schematic views. The plug connector kit 100a comprises the plug connector unit 12a and the cable receiving unit 20a. The plug connector device 10a can be assembled from the plug connector kit 100a, wherein an especially simple and intuitive assembly is brought about due to the features of the wiring assistance unit 32a, which will be described below.

The wiring assistance unit 32a comprises a first sub-unit 44a. The first sub-unit 44a is part of the plug connector unit 12a. The wiring assistance unit 32a comprises a second sub-unit 46a which cooperates with the first sub-unit 44a. The second sub-unit 46a is part of the cable receiving unit 20a.

The first sub-unit 44a comprises a flap 48a. The flap 48a is pivotable around a pivot axis 50a that extends perpendicularly to the plugging direction 14a. The flap 48a is configured to provide a force that acts in the plugging direction 14a for establishing the connection between the wiring block 22a and the contact unit 16a. The flap 48a has at least one first inner contour 52a. The first inner contour 52a is configured to cooperate with a first outer contour 54a of the second sub-unit 46a. The flap 48a has a second inner contour 56a. The second inner contour 56a is configure to cooperate with a second outer contour 58a of the second sub-unit 46a. The first inner contour 52a and the second inner contour 58a are arranged offset from each other in the plugging direction 14a. Accordingly the first outer contour 54a and the second outer contour 58a are also arranged offset from each other in the plugging direction 14a.

The first inner contour 52a is configured for locking the connection between the wiring block 22a and the contact unit 16a. When the connection has been established, the inner contour 52a locks the wiring block 22a with the contact unit 16a counter to the plugging direction 14a.

The second sub-unit 46a comprises at least one first guiding cam 60a. The first outer contour 54a is formed by the guiding cam 60a. The second sub-unit 46a comprises at least one second guiding cam 64a. The second guiding cam 64a is arranged offset from the first guiding cam 60a in a circumferential direction 98a. The guiding cams 60a, 64a are configured to engage in corresponding guiding grooves 62a, 66a of the plug connector unit 12a. A first guiding groove 62a of the plug connector unit 12a corresponds to the first guiding cam 60a of the second sub-unit 46a. A second guiding groove 66a of the plug connector unit 12a corresponds to the second guiding cam 64a of the second sub-unit 46a. In the tool-less establishing of the connection between the wiring block 22a and the contact unit 16a, the guiding cams 60a, 64a engage in the respectively corresponding guiding grooves 62a, 66a of the plug connector unit 12a and are slid into the guiding grooves 62a, 66a in the plugging direction 14a by the force provided via the flap 48a.

A width extension 68a of the first guiding cam 60a, which extends perpendicularly to the plugging direction 14a, differs from a width extension 70a of the second guiding cam 64a, which extends perpendicularly to the plugging direction 14a. In the present case the width extension 70a of the second guiding cam 64a is greater than the width extension 68a of the first guiding cam 60a. The difference between the width extension 68a and the width extension 70a permits preventing an erroneous assembly when the connection between the wiring block 22a and the contact unit 16a is established.

FIG. 6 shows the contact unit 16a of the plug connector device 10a in two schematic illustrations. In a lefthand illustration the contact unit 16a is depicted in a schematic perspective manner. The contact unit 16a comprises at least four electric plug contacts 18a, 102a, 104a, 106a. The contact unit 16a comprises a circuit board 72a. In an assembled state of the contact unit 16a within the plug connector unit 12a, the circuit board 72a is oriented perpendicularly to the plugging direction 14a. The contact unit 16a comprises at least four connection lines 74a, 76a, 78a, 80a between the circuit board 72a and the electric plug contacts 18a, 102a, 104a, 106a, wherein in the assembled state each of the connection lines 74a, 76a, 78a, 80a connects respectively one of the electric plug contacts 18a, 102a, 104a, 106a to the circuit board 72a in an electrically conductive manner.

In the present case the contact unit comprises eight electric plug contacts in total, namely the four electric plug contacts 18a, 102a, 104a, 106a and four further electric plug contacts 108a, 110a, 112a, 114a. The further electric plug contacts 108a, 110a, 112a, 114a are in each case electrically conductively connected to the circuit board 72a via further connection lines 116a, 118a, 120a, 122a of the contact unit 16a.

The contact unit 16a comprises a plurality of insulation displacement contacts 124a, which are connected to the circuit board 72a. In the present case the contact unit 16a comprises eight insulation displacement contacts 124a in total. In the assembled state the insulation displacement contacts 124a are oriented counter to the plugging direction 14a. When the connection between the wiring block 22a and the contact unit 16a is established via the wiring assistance unit 32a, an electrically conductive connection is created between the conductor cores 24a of the electric cable 26a and the electric plug contacts 18a, 102a, 104a, 106a, respectively the further electric plug contacts 108a, 110a, 112a, 114a via the insulation displacement contacts 124a.

A righthand-side schematic illustration of FIG. 6 shows the circuit board 72a in a lateral view in a view direction along the plugging direction 14a. In a view along the plugging direction 14a, connection paths 126a, 128a between respectively two of the connection lines 74a, 76a, 78a, 80a are at least substantially perpendicular to each other. In the present case a first connection path 126a, which extends respectively diagonally through the connection points in which the connection line 74a and the connection line 76a are connected to the circuit board 72a, is at least substantially perpendicular to a second connection path 128a, which extends respectively diagonally through the connection points in which the connection line 78a and the connection line 80a are connected to the circuit board 72a. In an operating state of the plug connector device 10a, the electric plug contact 18a and the electric plug contact 102a, which are connected to the circuit board 72a via the connection line 74a and the connection line 76a, form a first conductor pair. In the operating state of the plug connector device 10a, the electric plug contact 104a and the electric plug contact 106a, which are connected to the circuit board 72a via the connection line 78a and the connection line 80a, form a second conductor pair. Due to the above-described arrangement of the connection lines 74a, 76a, 78a, 80a with connection paths 126a, 128a that are at least substantially perpendicular to each other, cross-talk between the first conductor pair and the second conductor pair can be reduced in the operating state of the plug connector device 10a.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic flow chart of a method for a field assembly of the electric cable 26a (see FIG. 2) with the plug connector device 10a. In the method at least one conductor core 24a of the electric cable 26a is connected to at least one electric plug contact 18a, 102a, 104a, 106a of the contact unit 16a. The method comprises at least two method steps. In a first method step 144a a cable preparation of the electric cable 26a is carried out; herein firstly the conductor cores 24a of the electric cable 26a are introduced into the wiring block 22a (see FIG. 3). After this the shield contacting is brought about between the shield contact 40a (see FIG. 3) and the cable shield 42a (see FIG. 2) in the first method step 144a. In the first method step 144a then the connection to the at least one further element 30a, which is different from a conductor core 24a, is created by means of the connection unit 28a (see FIG. 3), thus obtaining the strain relief of the cable 26a. In a second method step 146a of the method, the connection between the wiring block 22a and the contact unit 16a is established in a tool-less manner; this is done via the wiring assistance unit 32a (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Herein the conductor cores 24a are clamped into the insulation displacement contacts 124a of the contact unit 16a (see FIG. 6) in such a way that the core sheaths 130a encompassing the conductor cores 24a (see FIG. 2) are severed. In this way the conductor cores 24a are connected in an electrically conductive manner to the corresponding plug contacts 18a, 102a, 104a, 106a by the insulation displacement contacts 124a via the circuit board 72a and via the connection lines 74a, 76a, 78a, 80a.

In FIGS. 8 to 14 three further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions and the drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein regarding components having the same denomination, in particular regarding components having the same reference numerals, the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular of FIGS. 1 to 7, may principally also be referred to. For distinguishing between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a has been added to the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 14 the letter a has been substituted by the letters b to d.

FIG. 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a plug connector device 10b in a schematic illustration. The plug connector device 10b comprises a plug connector unit 12b for creating a plug connection that extends along a plugging direction 14b. The plug connector device 10b further comprises a cable receiving unit 20b.

The plug connector device 10b differs from the plug connector device 10a of the preceding exemplary embodiment essentially in regard to an implementation of the cable receiving unit 20b. Regarding a construction and a functionality of the plug connector unit 12b, the above description of the plug connector device 10a of the preceding exemplary embodiment may be referred to.

The cable receiving unit 20b comprises a wiring block 22b for an accommodation of conductor cores of an electric cable (not shown here, see FIG. 2). The wiring block 22b is realized substantially identically to the wiring block 22a of the cable receiving unit 20a of the preceding exemplary embodiment, which is why at this point the above description of FIGS. 1 to 7 is referred to in regard to the construction and the functionality of the wiring block 22b.

The cable receiving unit 20b comprises a connection unit 28b for creating a connection to at least one further element (not shown here, see FIG. 2) of the electric cable.

FIG. 9 shows the cable receiving unit 20b in a schematic perspective illustration.

The cable receiving unit 20b comprises a guiding unit 82b for guiding the conductor cores of the electric cable from the connection unit 28b into the wiring block 22b. The guiding unit 82b connects the connection unit 28b to the wiring block in an angled fashion. In the present case, the guiding unit 82b connects the connection unit 28b to the wiring block 22b at an angle of at least substantially 90°, wherein angles greater or smaller than 90° would principally also be conceivable.

The guiding unit 82b comprises a contact region 84b for contacting the wiring block 22b. The contact region 84b is realized so as to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to the plugging direction 14b. The guiding unit 82b comprises a slotted link for force transmission 140b. The slotted link for force transmission 140b comprises a total of four outer contour elements 142b, which are arranged on four sides of the guiding unit 82b. The outer contour elements 142b each have an outer contour having a shape that is at least substantially identical to the shape of the first inner contour 52a of the second sub-unit 46a of the wiring assistance unit 32a of the plug connector device 10a of the preceding exemplary embodiment.

The connection unit 28b comprises a connection flap 86b. To support accessibility to a portion 90b of the connection unit 28b, the connection flap 86b is pivotable around a pivot axis 88b that extends perpendicularly to the plugging direction 14b.

The portion 90b comprises a shield contact 40b. To support a shield contacting of the electric cable, the shield contact 40b is pivotable around a further pivot axis 92b that extends perpendicularly to the plugging direction 14b. For a shield contacting with a cable shield of the electric cable (not shown here, see FIG. 2), the shield contact 40b is pivotable around the further pivot axis 92b such that the shield contact 40b is oriented substantially parallel to the plugging direction 14b. When the shield contacting has been brought about, the shield contact 40b, together with the electric cable, can be pivoted around the further pivot axis 92b once again such that the shield contact 40b is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the plugging direction 14b.

FIG. 10 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a plug connector device 10c in a schematic exploded view. The plug connector device 10c comprises a plug connector unit 12c for establishing a plug connection that extends along a plugging direction 14c. The plug connector unit 12c includes a contact unit 16c. The contact unit 16c comprises at least two electric plug contacts 18c, 102c (see FIG. 12). The plug connector device 10c further comprises a cable receiving unit 20c.

The cable receiving unit 20c comprises a wiring block 22c for an accommodation of conductor cores of an electric cable (not shown here, see FIG. 2). The cable receiving unit 20c comprises a connection unit 28c for creating a connection to a further element (not shown) of the cable that is different from a conductor core, for example a cable jacket of the cable. The wiring block 22c is releasably connected to the connection unit 28c, namely via a plug connection.

The connection unit 28c includes a connection base body 132c. The connection base body 132c comprises a thread 134c. The connection unit 28c comprises at least one connection element 94c. In contrast to the connection element 94a of the connection unit 28a of the plug connector device 10a of the first exemplary embodiment, the connection element 94c is realized as a sleeve-like connection element 94c. The sleeve-like connection element 94c is configured to engage around the further element of the cable along a circumferential direction and to generate a resistance against a strain load of the cable counter to the plugging direction 14c. The connection unit 28c comprises a further connection element 136c, which comprises a nut 138c that corresponds to the thread 134c. When the nut 138c is screwed onto the thread 134c, the sleeve-like connection element 94c is pressed onto the further element of the cable, e. g. the cable jacket of the cable, thus generating a considerable resistance against the cable getting pulled out counter to the plugging direction 14c. The sleeve-like connection element 94c comprises several recesses 182c, which are arranged offset from one another along the circumferential direction of the sleeve-like connection element 94c. The resistance against the cable getting pulled out counter to the plugging direction 14c is further enforced by the recesses 182c.

FIG. 11 shows the plug connector device 10c in a schematic perspective view. The plug connector device 10c comprises a wiring assistance unit 32c. The wiring assistance unit 32c is configured for a tool-less establishing of a connection between the wiring block 22c and the contact unit 16c.

The wiring assistance unit 32c comprises a first sub-unit 44c. The first sub-unit 44c is part of the plug connector unit 12c. The wiring assistance unit 32c comprises a second sub-unit 46c which cooperates with the first sub-unit 44c. The second sub-unit 46c is part of the cable receiving unit 20c.

The first sub-unit 44c comprises a flap 48c. The flap 48c is pivotable around a pivot axis 50c that extends perpendicularly to the plugging direction 14c. The flap 48c is configured to provide a force acting in the plugging direction 14c for establishing the connection between the wiring block 22c and the contact unit 16c. The flap 48c has at least one first inner contour 52c. The first inner contour 52c is configured to cooperate with a first outer contour 54c of the second sub-unit 46c.

The first inner contour 52c is configured to lock the connection between the wiring block 22c and the contact unit 16c. When the connection has been established, the first inner contour 52c locks the wiring block 22c with the contact unit 16c counter to the plugging direction 14c.

The first sub-unit 44c comprises at least one first guiding cam 60c and at least one second guiding cam 64c. The second guiding cam 64c is arranged offset from the first guiding cam 60c in a circumferential direction. The guiding cams 60c, 64c are configured to engage in corresponding guiding grooves 62c, 66c of the second sub-unit 46c. A first guiding groove 62c of the second sub-unit 46c corresponds to the first guiding cam 60c of the first sub-unit 44c. A second guiding groove 66c of the second sub-unit 46c corresponds to the second guiding cam 64c of the first sub-unit 44c. In the present exemplary embodiment, the arrangement of the guiding cams 60c, 64c and the guiding grooves 62c, 66c are switched relative to the arrangement in the first exemplary embodiment. The guiding grooves 62c, 66c are in the present case arranged, on opposite-situated sides, in the wiring block 22c and the connection base body 132c, which are part of the second sub-unit 46c. The guiding cams 60c, 64c are arranged off-center with respect to a height extent 148c of the first sub-unit 44c. As a result, an anti-twist protection is enabled in assembly and a correct connection between the wiring block 22c and the contact unit 16c is ensured. In a tool-less establishment of the connection between the wiring block 22c and the contact unit 16c, the guiding cams 60c, 64c of the first sub-unit 44c engage in the respectively corresponding guiding grooves 62c, 66c of the second sub-unit 46c and are slid into the guiding grooves 62c, 66c via the force provided by the flap 48c counter to the plugging direction 14c.

FIG. 12 shows the contact unit 16c of the plug connector device 10c in three schematic illustrations. In a left-hand illustration the contact unit 16c is shown in a schematic perspective view. The contact unit 16c comprises at least four electric plug contacts 18c, 102c, 104c, 106c. The contact unit 16c comprises a circuit board 72c. In an assembled state of the contact unit 16c within the plug connector unit 12c, the circuit board 72c is oriented perpendicularly to the plugging direction 14c. The contact unit 16c comprises at least one further circuit board 150c, which is in the assembled state oriented parallel to the plugging direction 14c. The circuit board 72c and the further circuit board 150c are in each case embodied as printed circuit boards.

The contact unit 16c comprises, in addition to the four electric plug contacts 18c, 102c, 104c, 106c, four further electric plug contacts 108c, 110c, 112c, 114c. The electric plug contacts 18c, 102c, 104c, 106c and the further electric plug contacts 108c, 110c, 112c, 114c are in the assembled state plugged—in an alternating sequence—into the further circuit board 150c on an upper side. The contact unit 16c moreover comprises four further plug contacts 152c, 154c, 156c, 158c, which are in the assembled state plugged into the further circuit board 150c on its upper side opposite the electric plug contacts 18c, 102c, 104c, 106c. Respectively one of the electric plug contacts 18c, 102c, 104c, 106c is electrically conductively connected to respectively one of the further plug contacts 152c, 154c, 156c, 158c via a conductor path in the further circuit board 150c. The contact unit 16c furthermore comprises four further plug contacts 160c, 162c, 164c, 166c, which are in the assembled state plugged into the further circuit board 150c on its underside. Respectively one of the further electric plug contacts 108c, 110c, 112c, 114c is electrically conductively connected to respectively one of the further plug contacts 160c, 162c, 164c, 166c via a conductor path in the further circuit board 150c.

The contact unit 16c comprises at least one EON plug contact 168c, which is in the assembled state pressed into the circuit board 72c. In the present case, the further plug contacts 152c, 154c, 156c, 158c and the further plug contacts 160c, 162c, 164c, 166c are in each case realized as EON plug contacts 168c.

A middle schematic illustration of FIG. 12 shows the circuit board 72c in a lateral view in a view direction counter to the plugging direction 14c. The circuit board 72c comprises sixteen metallized pass-through openings 170c. The further plug contacts 152c, 154c, 156c, 158c, 160c, 162c, 164c, 166c, realized as EON plug contacts 168c, in each case have press-fit zones 184c. In a right-hand illustration of FIG. 12 the further plug contact 166c with a press-fit zone 184c is schematically shown by way of example. In the assembled state, the press-fit zones 184c are pressed into the circuit board 72c, thus connecting the further circuit board 150c to the circuit board 72c.

The contact unit 16c comprises a plurality of insulation displacement contacts 124c, which are connected to the circuit board 72c. The insulation displacement contacts 124c are also realized as EON plug contacts 168c and have a press-fit zone 184c for plugging into one of the metallized pass-through openings 170c. In the present case, the contact unit 16c comprises eight insulation displacement contacts 124c in total. In the right-hand illustration of FIG. 12 one of the insulation displacement contacts 124c is shown exemplarily. Regarding the functionality of the insulation displacement contacts 124c, the above description of FIG. 6 concerning the contact unit 16a of the first exemplary embodiment may be referred to.

FIG. 13 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a plug connector device 10d in a schematic view. The plug connector device 10d comprises a plug connector unit 12d for creating a plug connection that extends along a plugging direction 14d. The plug connector device 10d further comprises a cable receiving unit 20d.

The plug connector device 10d differs from the plug connector devices 10a-c of the preceding exemplary embodiments essentially in regard to an implementation of the cable receiving unit 20d.

The cable receiving unit 20d comprises a wiring block 22d (see FIG. 14) for an accommodation of conductor cores of an electric cable (not shown here, see FIG. 2). The wiring block 22d is implemented substantially identically to the wiring block 22c of the cable receiving unit 20c of the preceding exemplary embodiment.

The cable receiving unit 20d comprises a connection unit 28d for creating a connection to at least one further element (not shown here, see FIG. 2) of the electric cable.

FIG. 14 shows the cable receiving unit 20d in a schematic exploded view.

The cable receiving unit 20d comprises a guiding unit 82d for guiding the conductor cores of the electric cable from the connection unit 28d into the wiring block 22d. The guiding unit 82d connects the connection unit 82d to the wiring block 22d in an angled fashion.

Differently than in the second exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the guiding unit 82d is realized in a multi-part implementation. The guiding unit 82d comprises a guiding base body 172d, which is oriented parallel to the plugging direction 14d, and two deflection elements 174d, 176d for an angled connection of the connection unit 28d to the wiring block 22d.

In an assembled state of the plug connector device 10d, the guiding base body 172d is connected to the wiring block 22d in the plugging direction 14d.

The deflection elements 174d, 176d are realized as corresponding half-shells and are configured for establishing a form-fit connection to the guiding base body 172d. The guiding base body 172d has on its rear side, opposed to the plugging direction 14d, a circumferential groove 178d. For the purpose of establishing the form-fit connection, latch edges 180d of the deflection elements 174d, 176d can be slid into the circumferential groove 178d.

The plug connector device 10d comprises a shield contact 40d, which is rotatably connected to the guiding base body 172d and is latchable in at least four positions. In the present case, the shield contact 40d is rotatable by 360°. The guiding base body 172d has four latch grooves (not shown), which are respectively arranged offset from each other by 90° and which the shield contact 40d can be latched into depending on a desired position. Like in the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the shield contact 40d is pivotable around a further pivot axis 92d that extends perpendicularly to the plugging direction 14d.

For an assembly of the cable receiving unit 20d, the shield contact 40d is connected to the guiding base body 172d; it is rotated into the desired position and is latched in this position into one of the latch grooves of the guiding base body 172d. Then the shield contact 40d is pivoted around the further pivot axis 92d. After that, the conductor cores of the electric cable are connected to the wiring block 22d. Then the deflection elements 174d, 176d, which are realized as half-shells, are slid with their respective latch edges 180d into the circumferential groove 178d.

In the slid-in state, the deflection elements 174d, 176d together form a thread 134d. Analogously to the preceding exemplary embodiments, the connection unit 28d includes a further connection element 136d, which comprises a nut 138d that corresponds to the thread 134d. For a fixation of the deflection elements 174d, 176d in the slid-in state, the further connection element 136d is screwed onto the thread 134d. Analogously to the preceding exemplary embodiment, the connection unit 28d comprises a sleeve-like connection element 94d, which is configured to engage around a further element of the cable along a circumferential direction. Differently than in the preceding exemplary embodiment, the sleeve-like connection element 94d is configured to generate a resistance against a tensile load of the cable perpendicularly to the plugging direction 14d.

FIG. 13 exemplarily shows the plug connector device 10d with the cable receiving unit 20d in an assembled state in a first position, wherein the connection unit 28d is connected to the wiring block 22d (see FIG. 14) by means of the guiding unit 82d in an angled fashion, at an angle of 90°, and is oriented leftwards by means of the guiding unit 82d. Alternatively, the connection unit 28d is connectable to the wiring block 22d by means of the guiding unit 82d in an angled fashion in at least three further positions, these positions being in each case oriented perpendicularly to the plugging direction 14d. Relative to the first position shown in FIG. 13, the connection unit 28d would in a second position be rotated clockwise by 90° and would be oriented upwards, in a third position it would be rotated clockwise by 180° and would be oriented rightwards, and in a fourth position it would be rotated clockwise by 270° and would be oriented downwards (not shown).

REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 plug connector device

12 plug connector unit

14 plugging direction

16 contact unit

18 electric plug contact

20 cable receiving unit

22 wiring block

24 conductor core

26 electric cable

28 connection unit

30 further element

32 wiring assistance unit

34 plug element

36 housing

38 cable jacket

40 shield contact

42 cable shield

44 first sub-unit

46 second sub-unit

48 flap

50 pivot axis

52 first inner contour

54 first outer contour

56 second inner contour

58 second outer contour

60 first guiding cam

62 first guiding groove

64 second guiding cam

66 second guiding groove

68 width extension

70 width extension

72 circuit board

74 connection line

76 connection line

78 connection line

80 connection line

82 guiding unit

84 contact region

86 connection flap

88 pivot axis

90 portion

92 further pivot axis

94 element

96 lamella

98 direction

100 plug connector kit

102 electric plug contact

104 electric plug contact

106 electric plug contact

108 further electric plug contact

110 further electric plug contact

112 further electric plug contact

114 further electric plug contact

116 further connection line

118 further connection line

120 further connection line

122 further connection line

124 insulation displacement contact

126 first connection path

128 second connection path

130 core sheath

132 connection base body

134 thread

136 further connection element

138 nut

140 slotted link for force transmission

142 outer contour element

144 first method step

146 second method step

148 height extent

150 further circuit board

152 further electric plug contact

154 further electric plug contact

156 further electric plug contact

158 further electric plug contact

160 further electric plug contact

162 further electric plug contact

164 further electric plug contact

166 further electric plug contact

168 EON plug contact

170 metallized pass-through opening

172 guiding base body

174 deflection element

176 deflection element

178 circumferential groove

180 latch edge

182 recess

184 press-fit zone

Claims

1. A plug connector device, in particular an RJ plug connector device, with a plug connector unit which is configured to create a plug connection extending along a plugging direction and which comprises a contact unit with at least two electric plug contacts, the plug connector device comprising a cable receiving unit comprising a wiring block for an accommodation of conductor cores of an electric cable and comprising a connection unit for creating a connection to at least one further element of the cable that is different from a conductor core, and comprising a wiring assistance unit, which is configured for a tool-less establishing of a connection between the wiring block and the contact unit.

2. The plug connector device according to claim 1, wherein the plug connector unit comprises a plug element for an insertion into a plug socket.

3. The plug connector device according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit comprises a strain relief for a cable jacket of the cable.

4. The plug connector device according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit comprises a shield contact for contacting a cable shield of the cable.

5. The plug connector device according to claim 1, wherein the wiring assistance unit comprises a first sub-unit, which is part of the plug connector unit, and a second sub-unit which cooperates with the first sub-unit and is part of the cable receiving unit.

6. The plug connector device according to claim 5, wherein the first sub-unit comprises a flap, which is pivotable around a pivot axis extending perpendicularly to the plugging direction and is configured to provide a force acting in the plugging direction for establishing the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit.

7. The plug connector device according to claim 6, wherein the flap has at least one first inner contour, which is configured to cooperate with a first outer contour of the second sub-unit.

8. The plug connector device according to claim 6, wherein the flap has at least one first inner contour, which is configured to cooperate with a first outer contour of the second sub-unit, and which is configured to lock the connection between the wiring block and the contact unit.

9. The plug connector device according to claim 5, wherein the first sub-unit comprises at least one first guiding cam and at least one second guiding cam which is arranged offset from the first guiding cam in a circumferential direction, the guiding cams being configured to engage into corresponding grooves of the second sub-unit.

10. The plug connector device according to claim 9, wherein the guiding cams are arranged off-center with respect to a height extent of the first sub-unit.

11. The plug connector device according to claim 1, including a cable receiving unit comprising a wiring block for an accommodation of conductor cores of an electric cable, and comprising a connection unit for creating a connection to at least one further element of the cable that is different from a conductor core, wherein the cable receiving unit comprises a guiding unit for a guidance of the conductor cores from the connection unit into the wiring block, the guiding unit connecting the connection unit to the wiring block in an angled fashion.

12. The plug connector device according to claim 11, wherein the guiding unit is realized in multi-part fashion and comprises a guiding base body, which is oriented parallel to the plugging direction, as well as at least two deflection elements for an angled connection of the connection unit to the wiring block.

13. The plug connector device according to claim 12, wherein the deflection elements are realized as corresponding half-shells and are configured for establishing a form-fit connection to the guiding base body.

14. The plug connector device according to claim 12, comprising a shield contact, which is rotatably connected to the guiding base body and is latchable in at least four positions.

15. The plug connector device according to claim 1, including a cable receiving unit, which comprises a wiring block for an accommodation of conductor cores of an electric cable and comprises a connection unit for creating a connection to at least one further element of the cable which is different from a conductor core, wherein the connection unit comprises at least one sleeve-like connection element, which is configured to engage around the further element of the cable along a circumferential direction and to generate a resistance against a tensile load of the cable counter to the plugging direction.

16. A plug connector kit for producing a plug connector device according to claim 1, with the plug connector unit and with the cable receiving unit.

17. A method for field assembly of an electric cable with a plug connector device according to claim 1, wherein at least one conductor core of the electric cable is connected to at least one electric plug contact of the contact unit.

18. A plug connector device, in particular an RJ plug connector device, with a plug connector unit which is configured to create a plug connection extending along a plugging direction and which comprises a contact unit with at least two electric plug contacts, including a cable receiving unit comprising a wiring block for an accommodation of conductor cores of an electric cable, and comprising a connection unit for creating a connection to at least one further element of the cable that is different from a conductor core, wherein the cable receiving unit comprises a guiding unit for a guidance of the conductor cores from the connection unit into the wiring block, the guiding unit connecting the connection unit to the wiring block in an angled fashion.

19. A plug connector device, in particular an RJ plug connector device, with a plug connector unit which is configured to create a plug connection extending along a plugging direction and which comprises a contact unit with at least two electric plug contacts, including a cable receiving unit, which comprises a wiring block for an accommodation of conductor cores of an electric cable and comprises a connection unit for creating a connection to at least one further element of the cable which is different from a conductor core, wherein the connection unit comprises at least one sleeve-like connection element, which is configured to engage around the further element of the cable along a circumferential direction and to generate a resistance against a tensile load of the cable counter to the plugging direction.