plug-in device

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connection (1a, 1b) with at least one plug (2a, 2b) and a cable (3) which is introduced into the plug (2a, 2b). The cable (3) is sheathed with a hose (12) made of a chemically resistant material and thereby forms a gas- and liquid-tight sheathing. The hose (12) forms a sealed hose connection between the cable (3) and the plug (2a, 2b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a plug-in device. Background Technology

[0002] This plug-in device includes at least one plug and a cable introduced into the plug.

[0003] This plug-in device is used to establish wired connections between electronic units, where these connections are used for data transmission and power supply to the individual electronic units.

[0004] This type of plug-in device is particularly useful for providing distributed systems with control units and sensors assigned to these control units. The control units control equipment, machines, etc., based on sensor signals.

[0005] This system is particularly useful in the chemical field, such as the semiconductor industry. It involves enclosed chemical cabinets where processes are performed, controlled and monitored by sensors. These sensors are located within the cabinets and connected via cables (plug-in connectors) to a control unit located outside the cabinets. The control unit then controls the processes within the cabinets based on the sensor signals.

[0006] One problem here is that the chemical cabinet contains corrosive chemical vapors, such as hydrochloric acid or hydrofluoric acid vapors. These vapors can corrode cables and plugs or cable connections, causing serious damage.

[0007] To address this issue, attempts were made to avoid the use of plug-in devices, i.e., cable connections, within the chemical cabinet area, but this can only be achieved to a limited extent. Cables are typically laid as a single, continuous cable from the sensor to the control unit, passing through multiple walls separating the chemical cabinets. This translates to considerable installation costs. Furthermore, replacing sensors with cable connections in the event of damage is extremely time-consuming and results in significant downtime for the corresponding equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The objective of this invention is to provide a highly functional plug-in device.

[0009] To address this task, features of preferred technical solutions are provided. Advantageous embodiments and suitable improvements of the invention are described in the optional technical solutions section.

[0010] This invention relates to a plug-in device having at least one plug and a cable inserted into the plug. The cable is covered with a flexible tube made of a chemically resistant material, which forms an airtight and liquid-tight covering. The flexible tube forms a sealed flexible tube connection between the cable and the plug.

[0011] The cable is protected from corrosive chemicals, such as acids, especially hydrochloric acid or hydrofluoric acid, by using a flexible hose made of chemical-resistant materials.

[0012] The hose forms a sealed, complete cover for the cable, which protects the cable from damage by corrosive chemicals in all directions, wherein the hose preferably extends along the entire length of the cable.

[0013] Here, the hose also protects the area where the cable enters the plug and prevents corrosive chemicals (especially vapors) from seeping into the plug, thus preventing damage to the exposed wiring and electrical contacts there.

[0014] According to the invention, this is achieved by the hose forming a sealed hose connection between the cable and the plug.

[0015] According to one constructionally advantageous embodiment, the end section of the hose protruding from one end of the cable is supported in the plug by a hose threaded connection.

[0016] In particular, the hose threaded connection is formed by the internal thread of the housing, which is screwed onto the external thread of the plug component.

[0017] With the help of the hose threaded connection, the end section of the hose is stably supported between the plug components and seals the joint between these components, thereby effectively preventing chemical vapors from seeping into the plug.

[0018] This ensures that the plug-in device according to the invention can be used in environments containing corrosive chemicals (e.g., acids, especially in vapor form).

[0019] The plug itself is formed into a solid molded part, and due to its structure, it is more resistant to corrosive chemicals than the cables of the plug-in device.

[0020] A particular advantage is that the plug has a housing component made of chemically resistant material.

[0021] Advantageously, the entire outer shell of the plug is made of chemical-resistant material.

[0022] Therefore, it provides comprehensive protection for plugs and cables against corrosive chemicals.

[0023] The chemically resistant material used for the housing components of the hose and the plug is preferably plastic, especially acid-resistant plastic.

[0024] Advantageously, the chemical-resistant material is: PE (polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene) or PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) or PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) or PEEK (polyetheretherketone).

[0025] Other chemically or acid-resistant polymers can also be used, such as: PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) ECTFE (ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer) CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride).

[0026] The plug-in device according to the invention can be advantageously used in equipment (particularly in semiconductor industry equipment) containing one or more chemical cabinets in which working processes are performed, releasing vapors of corrosive chemicals, particularly acids (such as hydrochloric acid or hydrofluoric acid). In particular, the plug-in device can be used to connect sensors in these chemical cabinets to control units, wherein the control units can be located outside the chemical cabinets.

[0027] The cable is introduced at one end of the plug in a manner known per se. The plug has a mating connection element at the opposite end.

[0028] Thus, the plug connection element of the plug can be connected to the corresponding plug connection element of another plug.

[0029] This plug-in device can be used in various applications.

[0030] One possible application of the plug-in device is that the plug is supported in a through-wall guide device.

[0031] Here, the plug is securely supported in the opening in the wall.

[0032] In this configuration, the cable leading to the plug is located on one side of the wall, and on the opposite side of the wall, another plug can be connected to that plug.

[0033] This configuration can be particularly advantageous when the wall forms part of the enclosure of an area (such as a chemical cabinet) where corrosive chemical vapors are present.

[0034] The cable of the connector (whose plug is supported in the through-wall guide device) then extends into the area contaminated with chemical vapors, for example, to connect a sensor present there. On the other side of the wall, for example, to an area uncontaminated with chemical vapors, the control unit can be located in that area. This control unit can be connected to the plug in the through-wall guide device via a connector with a cable not protected by a flexible conduit.

[0035] Another application of the plug-in device according to the invention is to establish an electrical connection between the extraction head of the extraction system and an external unit (e.g., a control unit).

[0036] The extraction head can be attached to a container to extract liquid from or fill it with liquid. The filling and emptying processes are controlled by a control unit connected to the extraction head via a plug-in device.

[0037] According to the first configuration, the plug of the connector can be directly connected to the extraction head.

[0038] Alternatively, the cable for the connector can be routed out at the extraction head.

[0039] The container stores chemicals, such as acids, which can generate corrosive chemical vapors in the area of ​​the container and the extraction head. The insertion device according to the invention used for this purpose is completely unaffected by these chemical vapors.

[0040] The plug-in device according to the invention can also be used in pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, electroplating plants, or generally in manufacturing areas involving acids. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are as follows.

[0042] Figure 1 An embodiment with two plug-in devices according to the invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 A sectional view of the arrangement.

[0044] Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 1 A first perspective view of the plug-in device in the plug-out state.

[0045] Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 1 The second perspective view of the plug-in device in the plug-out state.

[0046] Figure 5 An example of the application of the plug-in device according to the invention is shown, wherein the plug is supported in a through-wall guide device.

[0047] Figure 6 Showing according to Figure 5 A sectional view of the arrangement.

[0048] Figure 7 The application of the plug-in device according to the invention in an extraction system is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Figures 1 to 4 An embodiment with two plug-in devices 1a and 1b according to the invention is shown, each plug-in device having a plug 2a, 2b and a cable 3 introduced in the plug.

[0050] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The plug-in devices 1a and 1b are shown, in which plugs 2a and 2b are connected to each other. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The plug devices 1a and 1b are shown in the state where the plugs 2a and 2b are detached from each other.

[0051] Each plug 2a, 2b has a housing component 4a, 4b, which has a plug-in connecting element 5a, 5b supported on the housing component, wherein the housing component 4a, 4b is provided with an external thread 6. Figure 2 The housings 7a and 7b have internal threads 8, which are screwed onto external threads 6. The plugs 2a and 2b are connected to each other using plug-in connecting elements 5a and 5b. For this purpose, the plug-in connecting elements 5a and 5b have complementary mechanical and electrical connecting elements 8a and 8b.

[0052] With the help of nuts 9 on the first plugs 2a and 2b, the plug-in connecting elements 5a and 5b can be fixed to each other by threaded connection.

[0053] Housing components 4a and 4b (with plug components) and sleeves 7a and 7b are axially penetrated by cavities, in which the end segments of each cable 3 are guided.

[0054] The cable 3 has a cable sheath 10 in a known manner, which surrounds the electrical conductors 11 in the cable 3.

[0055] According to the present invention, the two cables 3 of the plug-in devices 1a and 1b are respectively covered with flexible tubes 12 made of chemical-resistant materials.

[0056] The flexible tube 12 forms a tight wrap around the cable 3, preferably having a constant wall thickness, wherein the flexible tube 12 extends over the entire length of the cable 3 and forms a sealed, gapless wrap.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the end section of the hose 12 that protrudes from the cable 3 end located in the plugs 2a, 2b is supported between the internal thread 8 of the housing 7a, 7b of each plug 2a, 2b and the external thread 6 of the housing component 4a, 4b, thereby obtaining a hose threaded connection of the hose 12, which is used to seal the joint between the plug components.

[0058] The hose 12 is made of chemical-resistant, preferably acid-resistant plastic.

[0059] Advantageously, housing components 4a, 4b, and other housing components of plugs 2a, 2b, if necessary, are also made of this plastic.

[0060] Advantageously, the chemical-resistant material is: PE (polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene) or PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) or PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) or PEEK (polyetheretherketone).

[0061] Through the hose 12 and housing components made of chemical-resistant plastic, they are resistant to corrosive chemicals such as acids, especially hydrofluoric acid or hydrochloric acid. Thus, the plug-in devices 1a and 1b can be used in environments where chemical vapors composed of these corrosive chemicals are present.

[0062] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A first application example of the plug-in device 1a according to the invention is shown. The plug 2a of the plug-in device 1a is supported in a through-wall guide device of the wall 13, wherein the plug 2a is sealed in an opening 14 of the wall 13 and is advantageously screwed into it.

[0063] Wall 13 separates enclosed area I (e.g., a chemical cabinet in a semiconductor industry facility) from external area II. Corrosive chemical vapors are present in area I, but not in external area II. The plug-in device 1a is protected from chemical vapors by means of its components being made of chemical-resistant materials.

[0064] The connector 1a can be connected to the sensor in area I. Another connector, with cable 3 leading to the control unit, can be connected to the plug 2a of the connector 1a, which is supported in the through-wall guide device.

[0065] Figure 6 The plug portion 15 of the plug 2a is shown. The plug 2a and its subsequent cables do not need to be designed with chemical-resistant materials because there are no corrosive chemical vapors in the outer area II.

[0066] Figure 7 A second application example is shown, in which multiple plug-in devices 1a are used in the extraction system. The extraction system has an extraction head 16, which can be connected to the container opening (not shown) of a container via a threaded connection 17. After the connection is completed, the extraction head 16 is connected to an immersion tube 18, which extends into the container.

[0067] The container contains a liquid that, under the current circumstances, could be formed from corrosive chemicals such as hydrofluoric acid or hydrochloric acid.

[0068] Using a pump (not shown), liquid can be extracted from or supplied to the container via extraction head 16. Here, the liquid is guided in conduit 19, which exits at extraction head 16. Additionally, vent 20 exits at extraction head 16.

[0069] The filling and emptying processes are controlled by a control unit (not shown). Electrical connections are achieved via plug-in devices 1a and 1b according to the invention, wherein... Figure 7 Two such plug-in devices 1a are shown in the figure.

[0070] The plug 2a of the first connector 1a is directly fixed to the extraction head 16. The second plug 2b of the connector 1a can be connected to the plug 2a of the second connector 1b.

[0071] The cables 3 of these connectors 1a and 1b are each covered with a flexible tube 12 made of chemical-resistant material. Similarly, the housing components of the plugs 2a and 2b are also made of chemical-resistant material. Thus, the connectors 1a and 1b are protected from corrosive chemical vapors in the environment surrounding the container.

[0072] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: (1a, b) Plug-in device (2a, b) Plug (3) Cables (4a, b) Housing components (5a, b) Plug-in connectors (6) External thread (7a, b) Shell (8) Internal thread (8a, b) Connecting elements (9) Nut (10) Cable sheath (11) Conductor (12) Hose (13) wall (14) Opening (15) Plug section (16) Extraction head (17) Threaded connection (18) Immersion tube (19) Piping (20) Ventilation duct (I) Region (II) External area.

Claims

1. A plug-in device (1a, 1b) having at least one plug (2a, 2b) and a cable (3) inserted into the plug (2a, 2b), characterized in that, The cable (3) is covered with a flexible tube (12) made of chemically resistant material, which forms an airtight and liquid-tight covering; and the flexible tube (12) forms a sealed flexible tube connection between the cable (3) and the plug (2a, 2b).

2. The plug-in device (1a, 1b) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hose (12) extends over the entire length of the cable (3).

3. The plug-in device (1a, 1b) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The end section of the hose (12) protruding from one end of the cable (3) is supported in the plug (2a, 2b) by a hose thread connection.

4. The plug-in device (1a, 1b) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The threaded connection of the hose is formed by the internal thread (8) of the housing (7a, 7b), which is screwed onto the external thread (6) of the plug component.

5. The plug-in device (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The plugs (2a, 2b) have a housing component made of a chemically resistant material.

6. The plug-in device (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The chemical-resistant material is an acid-resistant plastic.

7. The plug-in device (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The chemical-resistant material is: PE (polyethylene) or PP (polypropylene) or PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) or PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) or PEEK (polyetheretherketone).

8. The plug-in device (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The cable (3) is introduced at one end of the plug (2a, 2b); and the plug (2a, 2b) has plug-in connecting elements (5a, 5b) at the opposite end.

9. The plug-in device (1a, 1b) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plug connection elements (5a, 5b) of the plugs (2a, 2b) can be connected to the corresponding plug connection elements (5a, 5b) of the other plug (2a, 2b).

10. The plug-in device (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The plugs (2a, 2b) are supported in the through-wall guide device.

11. The plug-in device (1a, 1b) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The plug is sealed in the opening (14) of the wall (13).

12. The plug-in device (1a, 1b) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The cable (3) leading to the plug (2a, 2b) is located on one side of the wall (13); and on the opposite side of the wall (13), another plug (2a, 2b) can be connected to the plug (2a, 2b).

13. The plug-in device (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The plugs (2a, 2b) are connected to the extraction head (16) of the extraction system.

14. The plug-in device (1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The cable (3) is led out at the extraction head (16) of the extraction system.

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