DE102023113563A1 - Connector module for a modular industrial connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') for a modular industrial connector, wherein the connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') consists of a number Ng of functional units (6, 6', 6'', 6''') fixed to one another, wherein Ng is a natural and even number and greater than or equal to four.

Description

The invention is based on a connector module for a modular industrial connector according to the preamble of independent claim 1. The invention further relates to a system comprising such a connector module and a connector housing according to the preamble of claim 10.

Such connector modules are required as part of a modular connector system in order to be able to flexibly adapt a connector, in particular a heavy industrial connector, to specific requirements regarding signal and energy transmission, e.g. between two electrical devices. Usually, connector modules are inserted into corresponding holding frames, which are sometimes also referred to as articulated frames, module frames or modular frames. The holding frames are thus used to accommodate several similar and/or different connector modules and to attach them securely to a surface and/or a device wall and/or in a connector housing or similar.

The connector modules usually each have a cuboid-shaped insulating body or a cuboid-shaped housing. These insulating bodies or housings can serve as contact carriers, for example, and can accommodate and fix contacts of various types. The function of a connector formed in this way is therefore very flexible. For example, pneumatic modules, optical modules, modules for transmitting electrical energy and/or electrical analog and/or digital signals can be accommodated in the respective insulating body or housing and thus be used in the modular connector system. Connector modules are also increasingly taking on measurement and data technology tasks.

Ideally, holding frames are used which are made up of two frame halves which are connected to one another in an articulated manner. The connector modules are provided with approximately rectangular or cuboid-shaped holding means which protrude on the narrow sides. In the side parts of the frame halves, recesses are provided which are designed as openings which are closed on all sides and into which the holding means are inserted when the connector modules are inserted into the holding frame. To insert the connector modules, the holding frame 1 is folded up, i.e. opened, with the frame halves only being folded up around the joints to the extent that the connector modules can be inserted. The frame halves are then clipped together, i.e. the holding frame is closed, with the holding means entering the recesses and a secure, positive fit of the connector modules in the holding frame is achieved.

The modular industrial connectors described above offer a high degree of flexibility and can be configured for a wide range of applications by installing connector modules with different functions together in a common holding frame. However, the number of connector module slots in a holding frame is limited. This in turn limits the flexibility of an industrial connector.

State of the art

The DE 10 2018 115 371 A1 shows a connector module which is composed of two independent and independently functioning functional units. This improves the variability of a modular industrial connector, as two different types of functions, for example an electrical and a pneumatic functional unit, can now be used per module position.

However, the assembly of the connector module increases the complexity of an industrial connector, which makes assembly and especially field assembly more difficult.

task

The object of the invention is to simplify the assembly of a modular industrial connector and at the same time to reduce the costs for such a connector.

The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and the following description.

The connector module according to the invention is intended for use in a modular industrial connector. Such industrial connectors are used in particular in harsh industrial environments and are accordingly assembled and fabricated by the customer on site, i.e., for example, by a machine manufacturer.

The connector module is made up of at least four functional units that can be fixed to one another. The functional units are preferably which can be releasably fixed to one another. This allows incorrect assembly to be corrected and the functional units can be reused in other applications.

The functional units are independently functioning components that can have different functions. For example, functional units are intended for the transmission of electrical currents or electrical energy. The number of contact elements and their current carrying capacity can vary. Functional units can also be intended for the transmission of fiber optic signals and can be equipped with corresponding contact elements. Functional units can also contain sensors, e.g. temperature sensors.

The functional units are each essentially cuboid-shaped and each have a fixing means on one side surface. The fixing means are preferably four fixing arms, each of which protrudes obliquely from a side surface of the functional unit. Two fixing arms are inclined to the right and two fixing arms are inclined to the left. When two functional units are fixed, the fixing arms engage in the corresponding fixing receptacle of the second functional unit. The fixing arms that are inclined in the other direction remain free and are intended for the fixing of a further, third and fourth functional unit.

The assembled connector module preferably has at least one housing locking means which is provided for directly fixing the connector module in a connector housing, wherein the connector housing is a component of the industrial connector.

Such connector modules can be installed in a connector housing without a holding frame. This means that a mandatory component, namely the holding frame described above, for fixing the connector modules in the connector housing can be dispensed with. This makes the assembly of such an industrial connector considerably easier.

Preferably, the respective functional unit is essentially cuboid-shaped. The opposite surfaces with the smaller surface area form the end faces. One end face of the functional unit forms a connection side and the other end face of the functional unit forms a plug-in side.

On the connection side, the conductors of a connected cable are connected to the contact elements of the functional unit. Crimping technology is used for this, for example. On the plug-in side, the contact elements can then be brought into contact with mating contact elements of a corresponding mating functional unit.

In the cuboid-shaped design of the functional units, the end faces, as mentioned above, have a smaller surface area than the four surrounding side surfaces. The housing locking means is preferably formed on at least one side surface of the functional unit for directly fixing the connector module in a connector housing.

Advantageously, several fixing arms are formed on a side surface of the functional unit, which are suitable for fixing at least three functional units together. Preferably, at least four functional units are assembled to form a connector module. The functional units are located within one plane, i.e. they are not offset from one another. Preferably, two side surfaces of a functional unit are then connected to one side surface of an adjacent functional unit.

Advantageously, the fixing arms are inclined, i.e. not orthogonal (unorthogonal), from the side surface. This means that the fixing arms act in two directions at the same time, which enables the fixing of two functional units.

Preferably, the connector module consists of a number Ng of functional units fixed to one another. Ng is a natural and even number and greater than or equal to four (Ng ≥ 4). This enables large connector modules, for example the size of classic "double modules" that take up two or more module spaces in a holding frame.

The functional units are advantageously fixed to one another in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner. Any number of functional units can be arranged in pairs. A connector module according to the invention consists of a 2xN matrix of functional units fixed to one another, where N is a natural number greater than zero. This means that any number of pairs of functional units can be combined with corresponding pairs of functional units to form a connector module according to the invention.

Preferably, the housing locking means, with which the connector module can be locked in a connector housing, is designed as a spring-loaded locking tab. Advantageously, the free End of the locking tab in the direction of insertion or against the direction of insertion. The direction of insertion is the direction in which the connector module is guided to a plug partner, a matching mating connector module.

The connector module according to the invention preferably has the holding means described above, so that it can be inserted into a holding frame described above. Advantageously, the holding means, which are each formed on a side surface of the connector module, are geometrically different, so that the connector modules can be inserted into the holding frame in a polarized manner.

However, the invention is not limited to the use of a holding frame and therefore further relates to a system comprising a connector module according to the invention and a connector housing of an industrial connector, which is described in more detail below.

Preferably, at least one latching recess is provided within the connector housing, which interacts with the at least one housing latching means of the connector module such that the connector module can be latched in the connector housing, preferably reversibly.

Preferably, at least two opposing locking recesses are provided within the connector housing, which interact with the opposing housing locking means of the connector module.

Preferably, several locking recesses are provided within the connector housing, arranged in pairs opposite one another, which interact with several housing locking means of the connector module arranged in pairs opposite one another. This allows a very stable locking mechanism to be created, which also withstands the underlying plugging and unplugging forces of the industrial connector.

The number of locking recesses on a long side of the connector housing is preferably greater than or equal to the number of housing locking means of the connector module that are directed towards this housing side. This means that connector modules whose length is, for example, one pair of functional units shorter than the length of the corresponding housing side can also be locked into a connector housing. This means that such connectors can later be retrofitted with additional functional units.

Preferably, the locking recess or recesses are molded into the connector housing. In this case, the locking recesses can be molded directly into the connector housing during the manufacturing process, for example during the injection molding process.

Alternatively, a locking frame is arranged within the connector housing, which has the locking recess or recesses.

The locking frame is preferably locked within the connector housing. Alternatively, the locking frame is at least partially molded from the material of the connector housing and/or is an integral part of the connector housing.

embodiment

• 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Steckverbindergehäuses eines Industriesteckverbinders,
• 2 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines mit verschiedenen Steckverbindermodulen bestückten Halterahmens,
• 3 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Funktionseinheit,
• 4 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines aus zwei Funktionseinheiten zusammengesetzten Steckverbindermoduls,
• 5 eine perspektivische Darstellung des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbindermoduls, welches drei aneinander fixierte Funktionseinheiten aufweist,
• 6 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbindermoduls, welches drei aneinander fixierte Funktionseinheiten aufweist,
• 7 eine perspektivische Darstellung des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbindermoduls und ein dazu passendes Steckverbindergehäuse,
• 8 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbindermoduls, welches drei aneinander fixierte Funktionseinheiten aufweist,
• 9 eine perspektivische Darstellung des dritten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbindermoduls und ein dazu passendes, geschnittenes Steckverbindergehäuse,
• 10 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Rastrahmens für Steckverbindermodule,
• 11 eine perspektivische Darstellung des in einem Steckverbindergehäuse integrierten Rastrahmens,
• 12 eine perspektivische Darstellung eines vierten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbindermoduls, welches drei aneinander fixierte Funktionseinheiten aufweist,
• 13 eine perspektivische Darstellung des vierten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbindermoduls mit einem daran befestigten PE-Endabschnitt und
• 14 eine perspektivische Darstellung des vierten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbindermoduls mit beidseitig daran befestigten PE-Endabschnitten.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail below. They show:

• 1 a perspective view of a connector housing of an industrial connector,
• 2 a perspective view of a holding frame equipped with various connector modules,
• 3 a perspective view of a first embodiment of a functional unit according to the invention,
• 4 a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connector module composed of two functional units,
• 5 a perspective view of the first embodiment of the connector module, which has three functional units fixed to one another,
• 6 a perspective view of a second embodiment of the connector module, which has three functional units fixed to one another,
• 7 a perspective view of the second embodiment of the connector module and a matching connector housing,
• 8 a perspective view of a third embodiment of the connector module, which has three functional units fixed to one another,
• 9 a perspective view of the third embodiment of the connector module and a matching, cut connector housing,
• 10 a perspective view of a locking frame for connector modules,
• 11 a perspective view of the locking frame integrated in a connector housing,
• 12 a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the connector module, which has three functional units fixed to one another,
• 13 a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the connector module with a PE end section attached thereto and
• 14 a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the connector module with PE end sections attached to both sides.

The figures contain partly simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for identical but possibly not identical elements. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently. Directional indications such as "left", "right", "top" and "bottom" are to be understood with reference to the respective figure and may vary in the individual representations compared to the object shown. Components that are similar in their function and/or have the same effect but differ in their design are provided with deleted reference symbols.

The 1 shows a connector housing 1 of an industrial connector. The connector housing 1 is generally made of a metallic material and is manufactured in particular using a zinc die-casting process. Such a connector housing is robust and has good electromagnetic shielding properties and is therefore particularly suitable for harsh industrial environments. Alternatively, the connector housing 1 can also be made of plastic, in particular of the same plastic as the connector modules 5, 5', 5" according to the invention. Screw sleeves would then be provided instead of the threaded holes 3. In this case, an industrial connector would be lighter than a comparable connector with a metal housing.

In 2 a holding frame 2 equipped with various connector modules 5, 5', 5" can be seen. The holding frame 2 has a frame-shaped design and has screws 4 in each of its corner areas. The connector housing 1 has an approximately rectangular cross-section and has corresponding threaded holes 3 in its corner areas inside the housing. The holding frame 2 can be fastened in the connector housing 1 using the screws 4, in conjunction with the associated threaded holes 3.

The holding frame 2 consists of two frame halves 9 that are connected to one another in an articulated manner. Recesses 10 are provided in the respective frame halves 9 of the holding frame 2, into which the holding means 8 of the connector module 5, 5', 5" or the connector modules 5, 5', 5" are inserted when inserted. When the frame halves 9 are folded together, the holding means 8 move completely into the recesses 10, which creates a positive hold of the connector module 5, 5', 5" or the connector modules 5, 5', 5" in the holding frame 2.

As is known, the holding frame 2 has recesses 10 of different sizes, which are intended for correspondingly different sized holding means 8. The recesses 10 in the holding frame 2 are adapted to the respective geometry of the holding means 8. This determines the orientation of the connector module 5, 5', 5" in the holding frame 2, the so-called polarization.

First embodiment:

The 4 to 5 show a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connector module 5' according to the invention. The connector module 5' is composed of at least four independent functional units 6 and in particular of an even number of functional units 6. In the 4 and 5 the third and/or fourth functional unit 6 is merely omitted in order to better see the fixing mechanism between the functional units.

A single functional unit 6 of the connector module 5' is in 3 shown in perspective. The functional unit 6 is essentially cuboid-shaped. The front surface pointing in the plug-in direction SR forms the plug-in side and the opposite front surface forms the connection side of the functional unit 6.

A number of fixing arms 7 are formed on a side surface of the functional unit 6 for fixing at least three functional units 6 together. The fixing arms 7 are inclined, i.e. not orthogonal, from the side surface or side surface plane. The upper fixing arms 7 are directed to the right and the lower fixing arms 7 are directed to the left.

As in 4 As can be seen, two functional units 6 can be combined to form a connector module 5'. In this case, the connector module 5' in the classic sense only occupies one module position, for example in a holding frame 2 shown above.

Four fixing arms 7 protrude obliquely from exactly one side surface of the functional unit 6. Two fixing arms 7 (in 3 the upper ones) are to the right and two fixing arms 7 (in 3 The lower ones) are inclined to the left. When fixing two functional units 6, the fixing arms 7 each engage in a corresponding fixing receptacle 9 of the second functional unit 6. The fixing arms 7 inclined in the other direction remain free and are intended for the fixing of a further, third functional unit 6, as shown in 5 can be seen.

Second embodiment:

In the 6 and 7 a second embodiment of the connector module 5" according to the invention is shown. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that the fixing arms 7 described above are formed on a side surface of the respective functional unit 6' and a housing locking means 11 is formed on an opposite side surface of the functional unit 6'. The housing locking means 11 is provided for fixing the connector module 5" in a connector housing 1, 1' of the industrial connector.

That is 7 The connector housing 1' shown has locking recesses 12 on the inside, which interact with the housing locking means 11 in such a way that the connector module 5" is locked directly in the connector housing 1', ie without a holding frame 2. The connector housing 1' has opposing pins 13 on the outside, on which a locking bracket 16 (in 11 shown) can be pivoted.

In this embodiment, the housing locking means 11 is designed as a locking tab, the free end of which points in the plug-in direction SR. At the end of the locking tab, a T-shaped contour 11a is formed, which locks positively into the locking recess 12, which is also T-shaped.

The functional units 6' also have holding means 8 with which the connector module 5" can be fixed in a holding frame 2. This means that the connector modules 5" can still be used in connector housings without a corresponding locking function. They are therefore downwards compatible.

Third embodiment:

In the 8 and 9 a third embodiment of the connector module 5''' according to the invention is shown. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment essentially by differently designed housing locking means 11'.

In this embodiment, the housing locking means 11' is designed as a locking tab, the free end of which points opposite to the plug-in direction SR, i.e. in the connection direction AR. At the end of the locking tab, a cuboid-shaped contour 11b is formed, which locks positively into the likewise cuboid-shaped locking recess 12' of the connector housing 1".

In 10 a locking frame 14 is shown which contains corresponding recesses which form the locking recesses 12' for the housing locking means 11 of the connector modules 5'''. The locking frame 14 is locked in a connector housing 1" and/or is molded or cast in the material of the connector housing and is thus an integral part of the connector housing, as shown in 11 can be seen. The previous embodiments do not require such a locking frame 14. Here, the contours are provided directly in the tool mold, which is used to produce a connector housing 1'.

The 11 The connector housing 1" shown has a pivotable locking bracket 16 which is mounted on pins 13 as described above.

Fourth embodiment:

In the 12 , 13 and 14 a fourth embodiment of the connector module 5'''' according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the functional units 6''' each have fixing arms 7" on one edge of a side surface that point perpendicular to the plugging direction, which engage in corresponding recesses of an adjacent functional unit 6''' and are intended for fixing a pair of functional units.

On the edge of an opposite side surface, the functional units 6''' each have fixing arms 7' pointing perpendicular to the plug-in direction, at the end of which a locking contour is formed. On the other edge of the same side surface, fixing brackets 7a are provided, behind which the fixing arms 7' can lock. This means that any number of the above-mentioned functional unit pairs can be linked together to form a connector module 5''''.

A metal PE end section 17 is latched onto the respective end areas of the connector module 5''''. This enables the so-called PE transfer of the plug connection to be implemented. In addition, the PE end sections each have screw openings 18 through which the connector module 5'''', analogous to the holding frame in 2 , can be screwed into a connector housing 1. Such a connector housing 1 does not require any locking recesses 12, 12' for the connector module 5''''. Nevertheless, the connector module 5'''' can have additional housing locking means 11', as in 13 Such a connector module 5'''' can then either be screwed into a connector housing 1 or snapped into a connector housing 1', 1''.

Even if different aspects or features of the invention are shown in combination in the figures, it is clear to the person skilled in the art - unless otherwise stated - that the combinations shown and discussed are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding units or feature complexes from different embodiments can be exchanged with one another.

list of reference symbols

1

connector housing

2

holding frame

3

threaded hole

4

screw

5

connector module

6

functional unit

7

fixing arm of the functional unit 6

7a

fixing bracket

8

mounting means

9

fixation shot

10

recess of the holding frame 2

11

housing locking means

11a

T-shaped contour

11b

cuboid contour

12

rest recess

13

cones

14

locking frame

15

locking tab

16

locking bracket

17

PE end section

18

screw opening

SR

plug direction

AR

connection direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10 2018 115 371 A1 [0006]

Claims (17)

Connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') for a modular industrial connector, wherein the connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') consists of a number Ng of functional units (6, 6', 6'', 6''') fixed to one another, wherein Ng is a natural and even number and greater than or equal to four. Connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') according to claim 1 characterized in that the functional units (6, 6', 6'', 6''') can be releasably fixed again. Plug connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') has at least one housing locking means (11, 11') for fixing the plug connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') in a plug connector housing (1, 1', 1'') of the industrial plug connector. Connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the housing locking means (11, 11') is formed on a side surface of the functional unit (6, 6', 6'', 6'''). Plug connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional unit (6, 6', 6'', 6''`) is essentially cuboid-shaped and fixing arms (7, 7', 7'') for fixing the functional units (6, 6', 6'', 6''') to one another are formed on a side surface of the functional unit. Connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fixing arms (7) protrude obliquely from the side surface. Connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional units (6, 6', 6'', 6''') are fixed to one another in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner. Connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing locking means (11, 11') is designed as a resilient locking tab. Connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the free end of the locking tab points in the plug-in direction (SR) or against the plug-in direction (SR). System comprising a connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') and a connector housing (1', 1 '') of an industrial connector, wherein at least one locking recess (12, 12') is provided within the connector housing (1, 1'), wherein the connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') has at least one housing locking means (11, 11') and wherein the at least one housing locking means (11, 11') interacts with the at least one locking recess (12, 12') such that the connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') is locked in the connector housing (1', 1''). System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') according to one of the preceding Claims 1 until 9 is executed. System according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that at least two opposing locking recesses (12, 12') are provided within the connector housing (1', 1''), which interact with the opposing housing locking means (11, 11') of the connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5''''). System according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of locking recesses (12, 12') arranged in pairs opposite one another are provided within the connector housing (1, 1''), which interact with a plurality of housing locking means (11, 11') of the connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') arranged in pairs opposite one another. System according to one of the four preceding claims, characterized in that the locking recess (12, 12') or the locking recesses (12, 12') are formed in the connector housing (1', 1''). System according to one of the preceding Claims 10 until 14 characterized in that a locking frame (14) is arranged within the connector housing (1', 1'') and that the locking frame (14) has the locking recess (12, 12') or the locking recesses (12, 12'). System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking frame (14) is locked within the connector housing (1', 1''). system according to claim 15 characterized in that the locking frame (14) is at least partially encapsulated by the material of the connector housing (1', 1'') and/or is an integral part of the connector housing (1', 1'').

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