Field assembly type plug connector and movable vulcanizing furnace

Abstract

The utility model relates to a field assembly type plug connector (4, 4 ', 4' '), which is composed of a component composite part, the component composite part is provided with at least one thermoplastic component (1) made of thermoplastic material, the thermoplastic component at least partially surrounds a plurality of components in the component composite part, and the thermoplastic component (1) is made of thermoplastic material. The composite part can be introduced into a mobile vulcanizing furnace (3), and the vulcanizing furnace (3) can be subjected to a vulcanizing temperature (Vt) during a vulcanizing time interval (Tv). The utility model further relates to a movable vulcanizing furnace (3) which is used for manufacturing the plug connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a field-assembled plug connector. It also relates to a mobile vulcanizing furnace for manufacturing the plug connector.

[0002] These mating connectors are particularly useful in machines used in industrial environments. Harsh industrial environments often exist, making good media sealing and stress relief especially important for these types of mating connectors. Background Technology

[0003] Patent document DE 10 2020 104 035 A1 discloses a field-assembled plug connector that provides bend protection for the connected cable. In particular, field assembly capability is achieved by locking and bonding the components used in assembling the plug connector.

[0004] However, such plug-in connectors may still have sealing issues.

[0005] The German Patent and Trademark Office cited the following prior art in the priority application of this application: DE 30 41 657A1, DE 10 2020 104 035 A1, DE 23 20273 A, US 1 918 070 A, CN 1 11 055 435 B. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a field-assembleable plug connector that is easy to assemble and has high media sealing performance.

[0007] The solution of this utility model to achieve the above-mentioned objectives is as follows: A field-assembled plug connector comprising a component composite, wherein the component composite has at least one thermoplastic component made of a thermoplastic material, wherein the thermoplastic component at least partially surrounds a plurality of components in the component composite, wherein the component composite can be placed in a mobile vulcanizing furnace, and the vulcanizing furnace can be subjected to a vulcanizing temperature Vt during a vulcanizing time interval Tv. A mobile vulcanizing furnace for manufacturing this plug connector.

[0008] This method is designed for field assembly of mating connectors in industrial environments. Field assembly is a well-known term in electrical engineering. Field assembly refers to the final assembly of mating connectors and their connection to cables in the field (e.g., during machine installation or repair). Matting connectors are generally pre-assembled, at least partially.

[0009] In short, the method involves assembling a component composite for a mating connector, and then producing the mating connector from the component composite during a vulcanization process. The component composite typically also includes a cable connected to the mating connector.

[0010] In this method, the first step is:

[0011] i. Assemble the individual components of the connector. Simultaneously, the conductors of a multi-core cable can also be connected. This forms a component composite having at least one thermoplastic component made of a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic component at least partially surrounds or encloses the other components in the component composite. Here, the thermoplastic component may be in contact with adjacent components.

[0012] In the next step:

[0013] ii. Place the component assembly into the mobile vulcanizing furnace. The mobile vulcanizing furnace is a compact device, ideally portable for installers, and can fit in their work bag or even trouser pocket. It can be taken anywhere and is always ready for use.

[0014] iii. Advantageously, the mobile vulcanizing furnace operates using a rechargeable accumulator, preferably a battery. This eliminates the need for on-site assembly of the plug-in connectors and provides a power supply connection. Furthermore, the vulcanizing furnace can have a charging socket and suitable charging electronics, allowing the battery to be charged in a service vehicle, for example, at a known 12V socket. Thus, the mobile vulcanizing furnace is readily available for use.

[0015] iv. In the next step:

[0016] The vulcanizing furnace is subjected to a vulcanization temperature (Vt) within a vulcanization time interval (Tv). Preferably, the thermoplastic component undergoes thermoplastic deformation. Preferably, the thermoplastic component contracts or expands radially within the vulcanization time interval (Tv). This particularly ensures that the joined components or component composites are joined or will be joined to form a plug connector. Simultaneously, the plug connector assembled in this way also achieves an extremely high level of dielectric sealing. This also particularly improves stress relief for the connected cable. In addition to stress relief, the method also supports plug connector operational protection and cable kinking prevention, especially when the thermoplastic component is vulcanized or molded onto the cable sheath, where cable kinking is particularly likely to occur.

[0017] Preferably, the thermoplastic component forms at least a portion of the connector housing of the manufactured plug connector. Advantageously, the vulcanizing furnace may have a female mold with identification and / or personalized labels, thereby transferring the identification and / or personalized labels onto the thermoplastic component. In this way, the manufactured plug connector can be personalized. This personalization is not only reflected in appearance or advertising. For example, it can also be used to indicate that the plug connector was assembled by authorized personnel, such as by affixing a certificate mark. Such features will also be reflected in safety-related aspects.

[0018] Preferably, the thermoplastic component is a shrink tube that contracts radially during the vulcanization time period. This allows for a simple and economical media seal within the area of ​​the connected cable.

[0019] Preferably, the thermoplastic component is an internal O-ring or hollow cylinder that contracts or expands radially during the vulcanization time. This effectively seals the cavities within the component composite, thereby improving the media sealing of the plug connector. Simultaneously, it also achieves a cohesive effect within the component.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment of this invention, the O-ring or hollow cylinder contains an adhesive that is released during the deformation of the O-ring or hollow cylinder, and therefore during the vulcanization interval. This further enhances the aforementioned effects.

[0021] Preferably, the vulcanizing furnace is subjected to different vulcanizing temperatures during the vulcanizing time interval. This is also known as the vulcanizing temperature gradient within the vulcanizing time interval. This optimizes the vulcanizing results. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 A simplified flowchart of the assembly method for the plug connector is shown, which illustrates the cross-sectional views of the component composite and the manufactured plug connector;

[0024] Figure 2 A cross-sectional perspective view of a second embodiment of a plug connector that can be manufactured using this method is shown; and

[0025] Figure 3 A cross-sectional perspective view of another embodiment of a mating connector that can be manufactured using this method is shown.

[0026] These accompanying drawings contain some simplified schematic diagrams. To a certain extent, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements, but they may also be used for different elements. Different views of the same element may be scaled at different ratios. For example, directional terms such as "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" should be understood with reference to the corresponding accompanying drawings, which may differ from the objects shown in each drawing. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1 A simplified flowchart of the method is shown (from left to right). For clarity, a cross-sectional view of the component composite and the plug connector manufactured from it is shown in the figure.

[0028] In the first step (i), the individual components of the plug connectors 4, 4', and 4'' are assembled to form a component composite. This step also involves connecting the individual conductors of the multi-core cable 2 to the contact elements of the component composite. Clearly, the cable 2 is part of the component composite. Alternatively, the plug connectors 4, 4', and 4'' can be pre-assembled, so the assembler only needs to connect the conductors of the cable 2. The component composite includes at least one thermoplastic component 1 made of thermoplastic material.

[0029] The next step (ii) involves placing the component composite into the mobile vulcanizing furnace 3. For this purpose, the mobile vulcanizing furnace 3 has a suitable female mold 5 into which the component composite can be precisely fitted. The female mold 5 may contain markings or additional labels that can subsequently be seen on the manufactured plug-in connector 4. The mobile vulcanizing furnace 3 may also be equipped with vents 6 (…). Figure 1 (Only symbolically shown in the text).

[0030] The next step (iii) involves subjecting the vulcanizing furnace 3 to a vulcanizing temperature (Vt) during the vulcanizing time interval (Tv). This produces a ready-made plug connector 4.

[0031] Figure 2 A cross-sectional perspective view of another embodiment of a mating connector 4' manufactured using this method is shown. The mating connector 4' shown here has an O-ring that expands radially during the vulcanization time interval (Tv). This protects the mating connector 4' in the cable exit area from media such as dust and liquids (water, oil) infiltration.

[0032] Figure 3 A cross-sectional perspective view of another embodiment of the plug connector 4'' manufactured using this method is shown. Here, the thermoplastic component 1 is a hollow cylinder or two hollow cylinders of different diameters. The hollow cylinder expands radially during the vulcanization time interval (Tv). This protects the plug connector 4'' from the ingress of media such as dust and liquids (water, oil) both on the cable exit side and over a large area.

[0033] List of reference numerals

[0034] 1 thermoplastic parts

[0035] 2-core cable

[0036] 2 Mobile vulcanizing furnace

[0037] 4-pin connector

[0038] 5 negative molds

[0039] 6 ventilation openings

[0040] Tv vulcanization time interval

[0041] Vt vulcanization temperature

Claims

1. Field-assembled plug connectors (4, 4', 4''), which are composed of component composites, wherein, The component composite has at least one thermoplastic component (1) made of thermoplastic material, wherein the thermoplastic component at least partially surrounds a plurality of components in the component composite, wherein the component composite can be placed in a mobile vulcanizing furnace (3), and the vulcanizing furnace (3) can be subjected to a vulcanizing temperature (Vt) during a vulcanizing time interval (Tv).

2. A mobile vulcanizing furnace (3), characterized in that, The mobile vulcanizing furnace (3) is used to manufacture the plug connectors (4, 4', 4'') according to claim 1.

3. The mobile vulcanizing furnace (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mobile vulcanizing furnace (3) has a rechargeable accumulator.

4. The mobile vulcanizing furnace (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mobile vulcanizing furnace (3) is equipped with a storage battery.

5. The mobile vulcanizing furnace (3) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The mobile vulcanizing furnace (3) has a negative mold with identification and / or personalized labels.

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