Connector module for high-frequency data transmission

Abstract

The invention relates to a functional unit (6, 6') which can be joined with a further functional unit (6, 6') to form a connector module (5, 5') for a modular industrial connector, wherein the functional unit (6, 6') has a data connector (7, 7') and wherein the functional unit (6, 6') has a receiving body (11, 11') in which the data connector (7, 7') is received and which has externally molded fixing means (14) for form-fit and / or force-fit fixing with the further functional unit (6, 6').

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector module for high-frequency data transmission according to the preamble of independent claim 1. The invention further relates to a connector module according to dependent claim 11 and an industrial connector according to dependent claim 12.

[0002] Functional units can be variably combined to form different connector modules. Differently functional connector modules are then incorporated into industrial connectors to flexibly adapt them to specific requirements regarding signal and power transmission, e.g., between two electrical devices. State of the art

[0003] Modular industrial connectors utilize various connector modules to flexibly adapt them to specific requirements regarding signal and power transmission, for example, between two electrical devices. These connector modules are typically inserted into corresponding mounting frames, sometimes also referred to as hinged frames, module frames, or modular frames. These mounting frames serve to accommodate multiple identical and / or different connector modules and securely attach them to a surface, a device wall, and / or within a connector housing, etc.

[0004] Connector modules typically consist of a cuboid-shaped insulating body or housing. These insulating bodies or housings can serve as contact carriers, accommodating and securing various types of contacts. The function of a connector formed in this way is therefore highly flexible. For example, pneumatic modules, optical modules, modules for transmitting electrical power and / or analog and / or digital electrical signals can be housed within the respective insulating body or housing and thus used in the modular connector system. Increasingly, connector modules are also taking on measurement and data processing tasks.

[0005] Ideally, mounting frames are used, consisting of two frame halves connected by hinges. The connector modules are equipped with rectangular or cuboid-shaped retaining elements that protrude from their narrow sides. The side panels of the frame halves have recesses designed as fully enclosed openings into which the retaining elements engage when the connector modules are inserted into the mounting frame. To insert the connector modules, the mounting frame 1 is unfolded, i.e., opened, with the frame halves being opened around the hinges only far enough to allow the connector modules to be inserted. The frame halves are then snapped together, i.e., the mounting frame is closed, whereby the retaining elements engage in the recesses, ensuring a secure, positive-locking hold of the connector modules within the mounting frame.

[0006] The modular industrial connectors described above offer a high degree of flexibility and can be configured for a wide variety of applications by combining connector modules with different functions in a common mounting frame. However, the number of connector module slots in a mounting frame is limited, which restricts the flexibility of an industrial connector.

[0007] German patent DE 10 2018 115 371 A1 discloses a connector module composed of two functional units. Each functional unit is a self-contained component. The combined functional units can have different functionalities. This allows the module slots of the industrial connector to be occupied by two different functionalities, making the industrial connector more versatile and simultaneously enabling a smaller design.

[0008] Since the functional units only have half a module slot available, the functional elements or components must also make do with a smaller installation space. This poses particular problems when high-frequency data transmission is required, because closely spaced contact elements can lead to signal crosstalk and thus to poor data transmission. Task

[0009] The object of the invention is to provide a functional unit for an industrial connector which, despite its small size, guarantees a high data transmission rate and is simultaneously easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0010] The problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0012] The functional unit according to the invention can be combined with another functional unit to form a connector module. The functional units can have different functionalities. For example, one functional unit can be designed for high-frequency data transmission and the functional unit connected to it can be designed for high-power transmission. The fact that the interconnected functional units are functionally different is advantageous because it allows for space-saving utilization of the module slots in an industrial connector.

[0013] The functional unit according to the invention comprises a data connector. Furthermore, the functional unit comprises a receiving body in which the data connector is received.

[0014] The receiving body preferably has essentially the shape of a rectangular profile.

[0015] The receiving body has externally molded fixing means for form-fitting and / or force-fit fixing with the further functional unit. These fixing means can be designed, for example, as shown in DE 10 2022 124 488 A1. The relevant disclosure content of DE 10 2022 124 488 A1 is incorporated below into the present application.

[0016] Preferably, the data connector of the functional unit has a two-part housing. Advantageously, the housing halves are made of a metallic material.

[0017] Alternatively, one housing half is made of plastic and the other half of a housing half is made of a metallic material. The plastic component can be manufactured cost-effectively using an injection molding process.

[0018] The metallic component can also be manufactured cost-effectively, for example using a stamping and bending process, and simultaneously offers electrically conductive properties that are particularly necessary for shielding. Alternatively, a metal die-casting process is also conceivable.

[0019] Preferably, the first housing half has locking lugs, while the second housing half has corresponding locking recesses. This allows the two housing parts to be easily snapped together, simplifying the assembly of the functional unit.

[0020] Preferably, the data connector has an insulating body or contact carrier in which contact elements for preferably electrical data transmission are arranged. The use of different terms for the components comprising the contact elements is purely technical and is clarified below.

[0021] Advantageously, the data connector features a cable connection. This connection provides strain relief and shielding for a connected multi-core cable. This enhances the robustness of the unit, particularly for use in harsh industrial environments.

[0022] Preferably, the cable connector can be inserted into a designated contour of the first or second housing half. The cable connector is held in place on the data connector by the interlocking of the two housing halves. Separate fixing of the cable connector to the functional unit is not necessary.

[0023] Preferably, the cable connection part is essentially hollow and cylindrical. It consists of two screwable parts between which the cable sheath of the connected cable can be fixed by positive and / or force-fit. In this case, the connected cable is also referred to as being crimped, whereby the force acting on the cable is selected to such an extent that the conductors of the cable are not damaged.

[0024] The cable shield or braided shield is electrically connected to the cable connector. The shield potential is then transferred to the metallic second housing part via the cable connector.

[0025] Preferably, the second housing part of the data connector, when plugged in, forms an electrical contact with a second housing part of a corresponding mating data connector. This transfers and synchronizes the shield potential of the connector and mating connector.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a metallic shielding cross is arranged in the contact carrier of the data connector. Typically, the contact carrier has a cavity into which the metallic shielding cross is inserted.

[0027] Preferably, the shield cross consists of a structure extruded into space with a cross-shaped cross-section. Alternatively, the shield cross is elongated and expanding, electrically conductive, and consists of two perpendicular, isosceles walls.

[0028] The shielding cross forms four segments within the contact carrier, in which the contact elements are electromagnetically shielded from each other in pairs.

[0029] In particular, the shielding cross provides excellent shielding to prevent crosstalk and protects against external electric and / or magnetic fields. Higher transmission frequencies can be achieved with a shielding cross.

[0030] Preferably, the data connector has a locking recess, preferably on both sides. The receiving body has a corresponding locking tab. This allows the data connector to be locked into the receiving body. Preferably, the locking recesses and the locking tab have different widths, so that coding or only oriented assembly is possible. Example of implementation

[0031] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail below. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a connector housing of an industrial connector, Fig. 2 a mounting frame equipped with various connector modules 2, Fig. 3 an exploded view of a first embodiment of a functional unit according to the invention, Fig. 4 an exploded view of a data connector of the first functional unit, Fig. 5 an exploded view of a first embodiment of a functional unit according to the invention, Fig. 6 an exploded view of a data connector of the second functional unit, Fig. 7 two interconnected data connectors of the first functional unit, Fig. 8 a section through the contact area of ​​the inserted data connectors of the first functional unit, Fig. 9 two interconnected data connectors of the second functional unit and Fig. 10 a section through the contact area of ​​the inserted data connectors of the second functional unit.

[0032] The figures contain simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for elements that are the same but may not be identical. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently. Directional indications such as "left," "right," "up," and "down" are to be understood in relation to the respective figure and may vary between the individual representations compared to the object depicted.

[0033] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 5 shows functional units 6, 6' according to the invention. A functional unit 6, 6' forms an independent component. The functional unit 6, 6' can be used independently, that is, without another functional unit connected to it. A functional unit 6, 6' does not only become technically usable by joining two or more functional units to form a connector module 5, 5'. The functional units 6, 6' of a connector module 5, 5' can operate completely independently of one another. However, it is also possible that the functional units 6, 6' experience a synergistic effect when joined together, particularly when sensors of one functional unit are combined with contact elements of another functional unit.

[0034] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a connector housing 1 of an industrial connector. The connector housing 1 is typically made of a metallic material and is manufactured primarily using a zinc die-casting or aluminum die-casting process. Such a connector housing is robust and has good electromagnetic shielding properties, making it particularly suitable for harsh industrial environments.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a mounting frame 2 equipped with various connector modules 5, 5'. The mounting frame 2 has a frame-like shape and features screws 4 at each of its corners. The connector housing 1 has an approximately rectangular cross-section and has corresponding threaded holes 3 in its corners. The mounting frame 2 can be fastened in the connector housing 1 using the screws 4 in conjunction with the associated threaded holes 3.

[0036] The retaining frame 2 consists of two frame halves 9 that are hinged together. Each frame half 9 of the retaining frame 2 has openings 10 into which the retaining elements 8 of the connector module 5, 5' or connector modules 5, 5' are inserted. When the frame halves 9 are folded together, the retaining elements 8 are fully inserted into the openings 10, thus creating a positive-locking hold of the connector module 5, 5' or connector modules 5, 5' in the retaining frame 2.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective exploded view of a first embodiment of a functional unit 6 according to the invention. The functional unit 6 comprises a data connector 7 and a receiving body 11 encompassing the data connector 7.

[0038] The receiving body 11 has externally molded fixing means 12 which are intended for form-fitting and / or force-fitting fixation with the further functional unit.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a data connector 7, which is used in the first embodiment of the functional unit.

[0040] The data connector 7 has a two-part housing 13. Both housing halves 13a and 13b are made of a metallic material.

[0041] The first housing half 13a has externally molded locking lugs 14. The second housing half 13b has corresponding locking recesses 15. The two housing parts 13a, 13b can thus be locked together.

[0042] The data connector 7 has an insulating body 16 in which contact elements 17 for electrical data transmission with a mating connector are arranged.

[0043] The data connector 7 has a cable connection part 18. The cable connection part can also be referred to as a cable clamp. The cable connection part 18 is designed for both strain relief and shield connection of a connected multi-core cable (not shown).

[0044] The cable connection part 18 consists of two metallic elements that are joined or screwed together on opposite sides, each using a screw 4. The cable to be connected (not shown) is securely crimped between the two elements. The braided shield (not shown) of the cable is in electrical contact with the cable connection part.

[0045] The cable connector 18 can be inserted into a designated contour 19 of the first housing half 13a of the data connector 7. When the housing 13 is assembled, the potential of the cable's shield braid is transferred via the cable connector 18 to the housing 13, or to both housing halves 13a and 13b.

[0046] The data connector 7 has a locking recess 20. The receiving body 11 has a corresponding locking tab 21. The locking recess 20 and the locking tab 21 on the back are not visible in the figure, but are present. This allows the data connector 7 to be locked into the receiving body.

[0047] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of a functional unit 6' according to the invention as an exploded view. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment essentially by a different data connector 7'. Similar functioning elements are already described in the first embodiment and are not described again below.

[0048] The data connector 7' used here is in Fig. Figure 6 shows the data connector 7' having a two-part housing 13, the housing halves 13a, 13b of which can be locked together via corresponding locking mechanisms 14, 15 - analogous to the first embodiment.

[0049] The data connector 7' has a contact carrier 16' in which contact elements 17' are arranged.

[0050] The data connector 7' has a shielding cross 21. This is a metallic component which has the geometric shape of a cross extruded into space.

[0051] The shielding cross 21 is largely located within the contact carrier 16'. The shielding cross forms four segments S, each containing two contact elements 17' (i.e., in pairs). The contact element pairs are electromagnetically shielded from each other. This prevents signal crosstalk and achieves improved data transmission quality. Simultaneously, higher frequencies and data transmission rates can be achieved.

[0052] In Fig. Figure 7 shows two interconnected data connectors 6 of the first embodiment of the functional unit 6. Fig. 8 is the cut A...A from Fig. Figure 7 shows that the housings 13 of the data connector 7 and the data mating connector make electrically conductive contact at two transfer points 22, thereby achieving, in particular, a shield transfer.

[0053] In Fig. Figure 9 shows two interconnected data connectors 6' of the second embodiment of the functional unit 6'. Fig. 10 is the cut B...B from Fig. Figure 9 shows that the housings 13' of the data connector 7' and the mating data connector make electrically conductive contact at a transfer point 22. The shield crosses 21 of the connectors also touch when plugged in. This ensures shield transfer and, in particular, good data integrity in the plug-in area.

[0054] Even though the figures show various aspects or features of the invention in combination, it is apparent 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 sets of features from different embodiments can be interchanged. Reference symbol list 1 connector housing 2 mounting frames 3 threaded holes 4 screws 5 connector module 6 Functional unit 7 data connectors 8 Mounting devices 9 frame half 10 Opening 11 recording bodies 12 Fixatives 13 cases; 13a first half of housing 13b second half of the housing 14 Resting nose 15 rest recesses 16 insulating bodies, contact carriers 17 Contact element 18 Cable connection part 19 contour 20 Rastaufnahme 21 Umbrella Cross 22 Handover point 23 Rastlatsche S Segment A...A cut B...B cut QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. 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

[0000] DE 10 2018 115 371 A1

[0007] DE 10 2022 124 488 A1

[0015]

Claims

[1] Functional unit (6, 6') which can be joined with another functional unit (6, 6') to form a connector module (5, 5') for a modular industrial connector, wherein the functional unit (6, 6') has a data connector (7, 7') and wherein the functional unit (6, 6') has a receiving body (11, 11') in which the data connector (7, 7') is received and which has externally molded fixing means (14) for form-fit and / or force-fit fixing with the other functional unit (6, 6'). [2] Functional unit (6, 6') for a modular industrial connector according to claim 1 characterized by , that the data connector (7, 7') has a two-part housing (13, 13') wherein both housing halves (13a, 13b) are made of an electrically conductive material. [3] Functional unit (6, 6') for a modular industrial connector according to the preceding claim characterized by, that the first housing half (13a) has locking lugs (14) and that the second housing half (13b) has locking recesses (15) corresponding to the locking lugs (14), or vice versa, so that the two housing halves (13a, 13b) can be locked together. [4] Functional unit (6, 6') for a modular industrial connector according to one of the preceding claims characterized by , that the data connector (7, 7') has an insulating body (16) or contact carrier (16') in which contact elements (14, 14') are preferably arranged for electrical data transmission. [5] Functional unit (6, 6') for a modular industrial connector according to one of the preceding claims characterized by , that the data connector (7, 7') has a cable connection part (18) which is provided for strain relief and / or shield connection of a connected multi-core cable. [6] Functional unit (6, 6') for a modular industrial connector according to claim 2 and the preceding claim characterized by , that the cable connection part (18) can be inserted into a contour (19) provided for this purpose in the first and / or second housing half (13a, 13b) and is held in place by locking the two housing halves (13a, 13b) to the data connector (7, 7'). [7] Functional unit (6, 6') for a modular industrial connector according to the two preceding claims characterized by , that the cable connection part (18) is essentially hollow cylindrical and consists of two screwable parts between which the cable sheath of the connected cable can be fixed by form and / or force. [8] Functional unit (6, 6') for a modular industrial connector according to one of the preceding claims 2-7 characterized by, that the second housing part (13b) of the housing (13, 13') of the data connector (7, 7') forms a touch contact with a second housing part (13b) of a corresponding mating data connector when plugged in. [9] Functional unit (6, 6') for a modular industrial connector according to one of the preceding claims characterized by , that in the contact carrier (16') of the data connector (7') an electrically conductive shielding cross (21) is arranged, which advantageously forms four segments in which the contact elements (17') are shielded from each other in pairs. [10] Functional unit (6, 6') for a modular industrial connector according to one of the preceding claims characterized by , that the data connector (7, 7') has a locking receptacle (20) and that the receiving body (11, 11') has a corresponding locking tab (23) so that the data connector (7, 7') can be locked into the receiving body (11, 11'). [11] Connector module (5, 5') which is composed of two functional units (6, 6') wherein at least one functional unit (6, 6') is designed according to one of the preceding claims. [12] Industrial connector comprising at least one connector module (5, 5') according to the preceding claim.

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