Ethernet and EtherCAT cable connections

Abstract

Connector plug (30, 46), which includes: a first connector part (32) designed for connection to an Ethernet cable (37); and a second connector part (34) designed for connection to an EtherCAT cable (38).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector plug, a connector coupling and a connector socket for Ethernet and EtherCAT connections. State of the art

[0002] The transmission of electronic data via Ethernet cables is common practice with many applications, including in the industrial sector for data communication between automated components of manufacturing and processing lines in industrial plants. Data transmission can occur over an Ethernet cable as the same physical carrier according to an Ethernet protocol or alternatively according to an EtherCAT protocol. EtherCAT technology has been specifically optimized for low cost. Every sensor, every I / O device, and every embedded controller should be able to integrate an EtherCAT interface at low cost. In particular, fieldbuses and fieldbus sensors can be easily integrated into EtherCAT technology.

[0003] As industrial plants become increasingly digitized and automated, there is a constantly growing need for the timely transmission of ever-larger data volumes between an increasing number of plant components. These components can be connected using Ethernet cables for data communication via Ethernet and EtherCAT protocols. However, using multiple conventional connectors with multiple Ethernet cables to enable data communication via both Ethernet and EtherCAT protocols is currently a time-consuming and material-intensive solution.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a simpler connection technology compared to the prior art for data communication, in particular simultaneous communication, via both Ethernet protocols and EtherCAT protocols. Description of the invention

[0005] The above-mentioned problem is solved by providing a connector plug according to claim 1, a connector coupling according to claim 6 and a connector socket according to claim 11.

[0006] The provided connector socket differs from the provided connector coupling in that it is intended for permanent installation, for example in a building wall or the housing of a device designed for data communication via both Ethernet and EtherCAT protocols. Conversely, the connector coupling can be understood as a free-standing socket not intended for permanent installation.

[0007] The provided connector comprises a first plug part designed for connection to an Ethernet cable and a second plug part designed for connection to an EtherCAT cable. An EtherCAT cable, as defined here, is an Ethernet cable suitable for data transmission according to an EtherCAT protocol, for example, EN 50173 or ISO / IEC 11801. Examples include CAT 5 or CAT 6 cables.

[0008] The provided connector plug enables the simple and time-saving connection of a device designed for data communication via both an Ethernet protocol and an EtherCAT protocol to an Ethernet cable and an EtherCAT cable.

[0009] In particular, the first plug part of the connector can be configured for connection to an Ethernet coupling part of a connector coupling. Furthermore, the second plug part of the connector can be configured for connection to an EtherCAT coupling part of this connector coupling.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the first connector part comprises 8 pins, and the second connector part comprises 4 pins. The ends of the 8 pins of the first connector part, intended for connection to the Ethernet coupling part of an Ethernet coupling, are flush with the ends of the 4 pins of the second connector part, intended for connection to the EtherCAT coupling part of an EtherCAT coupling. This allows the connector plug and the connector coupling to be easily connected by simultaneously connecting the first connector part to the Ethernet coupling part and the second connector part to the EtherCAT coupling part. It is understood that, according to other embodiments, the first connector part can have a different number of pins, for example, 2 or 4 pins, and the second connector part can also have a different number of pins, for example, 2 or 8 pins.

[0011] In principle, any type of locking mechanism for securely connecting the connector plug to the connector socket is included. However, it can be advantageous for the connector plug to also include a plug or cam part of a bayonet locking mechanism, thus enabling a reliable and easy-to-manufacture locking connection between the connector plug and the connector socket, which includes a corresponding complementary part of the bayonet locking mechanism. The plug or cam part of a bayonet locking mechanism can, for example, be formed within a housing part of the connector plug.

[0012] The provided connector coupling includes a first coupling part designed for connection to an Ethernet cable and a second coupling part designed for connection to an EtherCAT cable.

[0013] The provided connector coupling enables the simple and time-saving connection of a device designed for data communication via both an Ethernet protocol and an EtherCAT protocol to an Ethernet cable and an EtherCAT cable.

[0014] In particular, the first coupling part of the connector coupling can be configured for connection to an Ethernet connector part of a connector plug, for example, the first connector part of the aforementioned connector plug. Furthermore, the second coupling part of the connector coupling can be configured for connection to an EtherCAT connector part of a connector plug, for example, the second connector part of the aforementioned connector plug.

[0015] According to a further development, the first coupling part comprises 8 pin receiving openings, and the second coupling part comprises 4 pin receiving openings, and the 8 pin receiving openings of the first coupling part, arranged for connection to the Ethernet connector part of a connector plug, are flush with the 4 pin receiving openings of the second coupling part, arranged for connection to the EtherCAT connector part of a connector plug, so that the connector coupling and the connector plug can be easily connected to each other by simultaneously connecting the first coupling part to the Ethernet connector part and the second coupling part to the EtherCAT connector part.It is understood that, according to other further developments, the first coupling part may have a different number of pin receiving openings, for example 2 or 4 pin receiving openings, and the second coupling part may also have a different number of pin receiving openings, for example 2 or 8 pin receiving openings.

[0016] It can be advantageous for the connector coupling to also include a plug or cam part of a bayonet fitting, so that a reliable, easy-to-manufacture locking connection can be achieved between the connector coupling and the connector plug, which includes a corresponding complementary part of the bayonet fitting. The plug or cam part of a bayonet fitting can, for example, be formed in a housing part of the connector coupling.

[0017] The connector plug and connector socket, as described in the examples above, can be used to assemble an Ethernet cable and an EtherCAT cable. For example, one end of the Ethernet cable is connected to the first plug part of the connector plug and one end of the EtherCAT cable to the second plug part of the connector plug, or one end of the Ethernet cable is connected to the first socket part of the connector socket and one end of the EtherCAT cable to the second socket part of the connector socket. This results in an Ethernet cable and an EtherCAT cable assembled with a connector plug or connector socket as described in the examples above.

[0018] The provided connector socket comprises a first socket part designed for connection with an Ethernet cable and a second socket part designed for connection with an EtherCAT cable.

[0019] The provided connector socket enables the simple and time-saving connection of a device designed for data communication via both an Ethernet protocol and an EtherCAT protocol to an Ethernet cable and an EtherCAT cable.

[0020] In particular, the first socket portion of the connector can be configured for connection to an Ethernet plug portion of a connector, for example, the first plug portion of the aforementioned connector. Furthermore, the second socket portion of the connector can be configured for connection to an EtherCAT plug portion of a connector, for example, the second plug portion of the aforementioned connector.

[0021] According to a further development, the first socket part comprises 8 pin receiving openings, and the second socket part comprises 4 pin receiving openings, and the 8 pin receiving openings of the first socket part, arranged for connection to the Ethernet plug part of a connector plug, are flush with the 4 pin receiving openings of the second socket part, arranged for connection to the EtherCAT plug part of a connector plug, so that the connector socket and the connector plug can be easily connected to each other by simultaneously connecting the first socket part to the Ethernet plug part and the second socket part to the EtherCAT plug part.It is understood that, according to other further developments, the first socket part may have a different number of pin receiving openings, for example 2 or 4 pin receiving openings, and the second socket part may also have a different number of pin receiving openings, for example 2 or 8 pin receiving openings.

[0022] It can be advantageous for the connector socket to also include a plug or cam part of a bayonet fitting, so that a reliable, easy-to-manufacture locking connection can be achieved between the connector socket and the connector plug, which includes a corresponding complementary part of the bayonet fitting. The plug or cam part of a bayonet fitting can, for example, be formed in a housing part of the connector socket.

[0023] Furthermore, a connector is provided which includes the connector plug according to one of the examples described above and the connector coupling according to one of the examples described above or the connector socket according to one of the examples described above.

[0024] Further features and exemplary embodiments as well as advantages of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. It is understood that the embodiments do not exhaust the scope of the present invention. It is further understood that some or all of the features described below can also be combined in other ways. Fig. Figure 1 shows a front view of a connector coupling according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a connector coupling with an attached Ethernet cable and an attached EtherCAT cable according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a connector plug with an attached Ethernet cable and an attached EtherCAT cable according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 shows by way of example the connection of machines of an industrial plant with a control cabinet using plug connections according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The present invention provides a connector plug, a connector coupling, and a permanently installable connector socket for Ethernet and EtherCAT connections. These connector plugs, connector coupling, and connector socket allow the simultaneous connection of a device designed for data communication via both an Ethernet protocol and an EtherCAT protocol to an Ethernet cable and an EtherCAT cable (i.e., an Ethernet cable suitable for data transmission according to an EtherCAT protocol).

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of a connector coupling 10 according to the present invention. The connector coupling 10 comprises a first coupling part 12, which is configured for connection to an Ethernet cable. For example, the 8-pin first coupling part 12 can enable a connection to an Ethernet cable for data transmission with a data rate of 1 Gbit / s. Furthermore, the connector coupling 10 comprises a second coupling part 14, which is configured for connection to an EtherCAT cable. For example, the 4-pin second coupling part 14 can enable a connection to an EtherCAT cable for data transmission with a data rate of 100 Mbit / s. Likewise, power supply, for example to input / output devices and fieldbuses, can be provided via the second coupling part 14 and the EtherCAT cable (EtherCAT P).In the example shown, the connector coupling 10 has a bayonet locking part 16 for connecting to a connector plug. It is understood that in other embodiments the first coupling part 12 and the second coupling part 14 may have a different number of poles.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a connector coupling 20 according to the present invention, which is, for example, combined with the one described in Fig. The connector coupling 20 can be identical to the one shown in Figure 1. The connector coupling 20 comprises a first coupling part 22, which is designed for connection to an Ethernet cable. For example, the 8-pin first coupling part 22 can enable a connection to an Ethernet cable for data transmission at a data rate of 1 Gbit / s. Furthermore, the connector coupling 20 comprises a second coupling part 24, which is designed for connection to an EtherCAT cable. For example, the 4-pin second coupling part 24 can enable a connection to an EtherCAT cable for data transmission at a data rate of 100 Mbit / s. Power supply, for example to input / output devices and fieldbuses, can also be provided via the second coupling part 24 and the EtherCAT cable.It is understood that in other embodiments the first coupling part 22 and the second coupling part 24 may have a different number of poles.

[0028] A cable sheath 26, for example made of plastic, is connected to the connector coupling 20. An Ethernet cable 27 and an EtherCAT cable 28 run inside the cable sheath 26. Both cables are shielded to prevent crosstalk between them. Inside the connector coupling 20, they are connected to the respective poles of the 8-pin first coupling part 22 and the 4-pin second coupling part 24 in the conventional manner to establish the Ethernet and EtherCAT data connections, respectively. Soldering or screw terminals, for example, can be used for this purpose. Conventional M12 connectors M, for example, can be provided at the other ends of the Ethernet cable 27 and the EtherCAT cable 28.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3 shows a connector 30 according to the present invention. The connector 30 can be straight or angled. The connector 30 comprises a first connector part 32, which is configured for connection to an Ethernet cable. For example, the 8-pin first connector part 32 can enable a connection to an Ethernet cable for data transmission at a data rate of 1 Gbit / s. Furthermore, the connector 30 comprises a second connector part 34, which is configured for connection to an EtherCAT cable. For example, the 4-pin second connector part 34 can enable a connection to an EtherCAT cable for data transmission at a data rate of 100 Mbit / s. Power supply, for example to input / output devices and fieldbuses, can also be provided via the second connector part 34 and the EtherCAT cable.It is understood that in other embodiments the first connector part may have a different number of pins, for example 2 or 4 pins, and the second connector part may also have a different number of pins, for example 2 or 8 pins.

[0030] A cable sheath 36, for example made of plastic, is connected to the connector plug 30. An Ethernet cable 37 and an EtherCAT cable 38 run inside the cable sheath 36. Both cables are shielded to prevent crosstalk between them. Inside the connector plug 30, they are connected to the respective pins of the 8-pin first connector part 32 and the 4-pin second connector part 34 in the conventional manner to establish the Ethernet and EtherCAT data connections, respectively. Soldering or screw terminals, for example, can be used for this purpose. Conventional M12 connectors M, for example, can be provided at the other ends of the Ethernet cable 37 and the EtherCAT cable 38.

[0031] The connector coupling 10 or 20, which is in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 is shown, and connector plug 30, which is in Fig. 3 shown, may be made at least partially of plastic or aluminium, or may at least comprise one of these materials, or may, for example, be formed at least partially as metallized plastic or zinc die casting.

[0032] The connector coupling 10 or 20, which is in Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 is shown, and connector plug 30, which is in Fig. Figure 3 shows that the simple and time-saving connection of a device configured for data communication via both an Ethernet protocol and an EtherCAT protocol to an Ethernet cable and an EtherCAT cable is possible. In particular, the first plug part 32 of the connector plug 30 can be configured for connection to the first (Ethernet) coupling part 12 or 22 of the connector coupling 10 or 20, respectively, and the second plug part 34 of the connector plug 30 can be configured for connection to the second (EtherCAT) coupling part 14 or 24 of the connector coupling 10 or 20, respectively. In the figures shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. The 3 shown embodiments can incorporate suitable extension cables if required.

[0033] Fig. Figure 4 shows by way of example the connection of machines 41-1 to 41-n of an industrial plant 40 with a control cabinet 42 of the industrial plant 40 using plug connectors according to an embodiment of the present invention. Of the n machines, three are shown by way of example. Internally, Ethernet cables and EtherCAT cables can be connected to the machines via, for example, conventional RJ45 connectors R or M12 connectors M. It is understood that here, as in the examples relating to the Fig. 2 and Fig. Any suitable connectors can be used in the embodiments described in section 3. For example, an Ethernet cable can be connected to a computer unit C of machine 41-1 via an RJ45 connector R.

[0034] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 4, the external connection to the Ethernet and EtherCAT cables, which are at least partially located in machines 41-1 to 41-n, is achieved using connector couplings 44, each comprising a first coupling part designed for connection to an Ethernet cable and a second coupling part designed for connection to an EtherCAT cable. The connector couplings 44 can be configured with reference to the Fig. 1 or the Fig. 2 described connector couplings 10 and 20 respectively correspond.

[0035] Ethernet and EtherCAT cables are also connected in the control box 42, for example again via M12 connectors M or other suitable connectors. These Ethernet and EtherCAT cables, optionally with integrated extension cables, are connected to the corresponding connector couplings 44 via connector plugs 46, each comprising a first plug part designed for connection to an Ethernet cable and a second plug part designed for connection to an EtherCAT cable. The connector plugs 46 can be connected to the corresponding connector couplings 44 with reference to the Fig. 3 described connector plugs correspond to 30.

[0036] The connector plugs, connector couplings and connector sockets for Ethernet and EtherCAT connections provided herein can be used, for example, in automation technology, with EtherCAT connections in particular being used for control and data acquisition systems, motion control systems, drive technology and the connection of sensors.

[0037] The connector plugs, sockets, and receptacles for Ethernet and EtherCAT connections provided here can be used in industrial plants, for example, in food production and processing. The production of food products, especially fresh products such as burger patties, minced meat portions, or cream cheese rounds, takes place on production lines with several machines, possibly connected by conveyor belts, at the end of which is a packaging machine or a downstream processing line. Data communication between the machines and conveyor belts, as well as associated control and regulation devices and sensor devices, can be carried out via Ethernet and EtherCAT cables, which can be connected reliably, quickly, and cost-effectively using the provided connector plugs, sockets, and receptacles.

Claims

[1] Connector plug (30, 46) comprising: a first connector part (32) designed for connection to an Ethernet cable (37); and a second connector part (34) designed for connection to an EtherCAT cable (38). [2] The connector plug (30, 46) according to claim 1, in which the first plug part (32) is configured for connecting to an Ethernet coupling part of a connector coupling. [3] The connector plug (30, 46) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the second plug part (34) is designed to connect to an EtherCAT coupling part of the connector coupling. [4] The connector plug (30, 46) according to claim 3, in which the first plug part (32) comprises 8 pins and the second plug part (34) comprises 4 pins, and the ends of the 8 pins of the first plug part (32) arranged for connection with the Ethernet coupling part of an Ethernet coupling are flush with the ends of the 4 pins of the second plug part (34) arranged for connection with the EtherCAT coupling part of an EtherCAT coupling. [5] The connector plug (30, 46) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a plug part or cam part of a bayonet lock. [6] Connector coupling (10, 20, 44) comprising: a first coupling part (12, 22) designed for connection to an Ethernet cable (27); and a second coupling part (14, 24) designed for connection to an EtherCAT cable (28). [7] The connector coupling (10, 20, 44) according to claim 6, in which the first coupling part (12, 22) is configured for connecting to an Ethernet connector part of a connector plug. [8] The connector coupling (10, 20, 44) according to claim 6 or 7, in which the second coupling part (14, 24) is configured for connecting to an EtherCAT connector part of a connector plug. [9] The connector coupling (10, 20, 44) according to claim 8, in which the first coupling part (12, 22) comprises 8 pin receiving openings and the second coupling part (14, 24) comprises 4 pin receiving openings, and the 8 pin receiving openings of the first coupling part arranged for connection with the Ethernet connector part of a connector plug are flush with the 4 pin receiving openings of the second coupling part arranged for connection with the EtherCAT connector part of a connector plug. [10] The connector coupling (10, 20, 44) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, which further comprises a plug part or cam part of a bayonet lock. [11] Connector socket comprising: a first socket part designed for connection with an Ethernet cable; and a second socket part designed for connection with an EtherCAT cable. [12] The connector socket according to claim 11, in which the first socket part is configured for connecting to an Ethernet plug part of a connector plug. [13] The connector socket according to claim 11 or 12, in which the second socket part is designed for connecting to an EtherCAT plug part of a connector plug. [14] The connector socket according to claim 13, in which the first socket part comprises 8 pin receiving openings and the second socket part comprises 4 pin receiving openings, and the 8 pin receiving openings of the first socket part arranged for connection with the Ethernet plug part of a connector plug are flush with the 4 pin receiving openings of the second socket part arranged for connection with the EtherCAT plug part of a connector plug. [15] The connector socket according to any one of claims 11 to 14, which further comprises a plug part or cam part of a bayonet lock. [16] Connector comprising the connector plug (30, 46) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and the connector coupling (10, 20, 44) according to any one of claims 6 to 10 or the connector socket according to any one of claims 11 to 15.

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