Plug connector module for a modular plug connector, and plug connector which has such a plug connector module

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector module (5, 5') for a modular industrial plug connector. The plug connector module (5, 5') has a connection side (A) for connecting a conductor of a cable, in particular a multi-wire cable, and a contact side (K) for electrically connecting to a mating plug connector module. Precisely one connection opening (12) for a conductor of the cable is provided on the connection side (A), and at least two contact openings (14) are provided on the contact side (K) for accessing a mating plug connector module. The plug connector module (5, 5') has a bridge contact element (11) which has precisely one connection region (AB) for an electric conductor, and the connection region (AB) is paired with the connection opening (2), wherein the bridge contact element (11) has at least two contact regions (KB) for contacting a respective mating contact element of a mating plug connector module, and each contact region (KB) is paired with a contact opening (14).

Description

[0001] Title: Connector module for a modular connector and such a

[0002] Connector module with connector

[0003] Description

[0004] 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 connector that uses a connector module according to independent claim 1.

[0005] Such connector modules are required as part of a modular connector system to flexibly adapt a connector, especially a heavy-duty industrial connector, to specific requirements regarding signal and power transmission, e.g., between two electrical devices. For this purpose, connector modules are typically inserted into corresponding holding frames, sometimes also referred to as articulated frames, module frames, or modular frames. The holding frames thus serve to accommodate several similar and / or different connector modules and securely attach them to a surface and / or a device wall and / or in a connector housing or similar.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] The connector modules typically each have a substantially cuboid-shaped insulating body or housing. These insulating bodies or housings can serve, for example, as contact carriers and accommodate and secure contact elements 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 increasingly also taking on measurement and data technology tasks.

[0008] Ideally, holding frames are used which are formed from two frame halves which are connected to one another in an articulated manner. The connector modules are provided with approximately rectangular holding means protruding from the narrow sides. Recesses in the form of openings closed on all sides are provided in the side parts of the frame halves, into which openings the holding means insert when the connector modules are inserted into the holding frame. To insert the connector modules, the holding frame is unfolded, i.e. opened, with the frame halves being unfolded around the joints only far enough for the connector modules to be inserted. The frame halves are then clipped together, i.e. the holding frame is closed, with the holding means moving into the recesses and ensuring a secure, positive fit for the connector modules in the holding frame.

[0009] The modular industrial connectors described above offer a high degree of flexibility and can be configured for a wide variety of applications by assembling connector modules with different functions together in a common mounting frame. However, the number of connector module slots in a mounting frame is limited. This limits the flexibility of an industrial connector.

[0010] The housings of the known connector modules all have essentially the same geometry, at least in terms of their width and length within the fixing plane of the articulated frame. This is because each connector module must be able to be inserted into every installation slot of the holding or articulated frame. Such modular connectors are also used in so-called data centers. Here, the currents of individual conductors of a multi-core cable often have to be distributed within the connector. For example, the so-called neutral conductor of the connected cable within a server cabinet (data rack) must be distributed among the individual units (server units) of the server cabinet. For this purpose, the neutral conductor has been divided between two connector modules on the connection side using a separate jumper conductor. This type of assembly is complex and wastes space in the connector or its holding frame.

[0011] Task

[0012] The object of the invention is to propose a connector module which further increases the versatility of a modular connector.

[0013] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and the following description.

[0015] The connector module according to the invention is intended for use in modular industrial connectors. The connector module is inserted, together with other similar and different connector modules, into a holding frame, which in turn is installed, usually screwed, into a connector housing.

[0016] The connector module has a connection side to which a conductor of a cable, in particular a multi-core cable, is connected. The connector module also has a contact side, which is provided for electrical connection to a mating connector module of a mating connector or a socket. On the connection side of the connector module, exactly one connection opening is provided for the conductor of the cable. "Exactly one" means that only one (and not two or more) connection openings are provided. On the contact side of the connector module, however, at least two contact openings are provided for access by a matching mating connector module.

[0017] According to the invention, the connector module has a bridging contact element, in particular for equipotential bonding of an electrical installation. The bridging contact element has precisely one connection area for the electrical conductor. The connection area is assigned to the connection opening of the connector module.

[0018] Furthermore, the bridging contact element has at least two contact areas, each of which is provided for electrically contacting a mating contact element of a mating connector module. Each contact area is assigned to a contact opening of the connector module.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the bridging element has exactly two contact areas. This allows for optimal utilization of the available space in the connector module and the size of the grounding contact elements or PE contact elements.

[0020] The connection area of ​​the bridging contact element is advantageously designed as a crimp sleeve. This crimps the stripped end of the conductor. This type of conductor contact is well-known and considered particularly industrially robust.

[0021] The at least two contact areas of the bridging contact element are preferably each designed as a socket. The socket is essentially cylindrical and consists of axially protruding lamellae that are slightly bent radially inward. Contact pins of a mating connector module are accommodated in the sockets.

[0022] Advantageously, the connector module has a two-part housing consisting of two individual housing halves. This allows the connector module to be manufactured simply and cost-effectively. The two housing halves can be locked together and have corresponding locking means.

[0023] Preferably, the connection area of ​​the bridging contact element is mounted approximately centrally on a first side of a metallic bridging bar. Ideally, the connection area is positioned exactly centrally on the bridging bar.

[0024] Advantageously, the contact areas of the bridge element are arranged on the outside or at the end on a second side of the bridging bar. This arrangement has a positive effect on the clearance and creepage distances of the connector module.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the connection area of ​​the bridging contact element is screwed or riveted to its bridging rail. Preferably, the contact areas on the bridging rail are also screwed or riveted. A screw connection is particularly electrically stable, whereas riveting offers manufacturing advantages.

[0026] Preferably, the connection area and the bridging bar are made of different metallic materials. Furthermore, the contact areas and the bridging bar can also be made of different metallic materials, with the contact areas always being made of the same metallic material. In total, the bridging contact element can therefore be made of three different materials. The materials can be selected depending on the intended use. These advantages are provided by the multi-part design of the bridging contact element.

[0027] Example

[0028] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail below. They show:

[0029] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a connector housing of a modular industrial connector,

[0030] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a holding frame equipped with various connector modules and

[0031] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a connector module according to the invention for use in an industrial connector.

[0032] Some of the figures contain simplified, schematic representations. Identical reference symbols are used for similar, but possibly not identical, elements. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently. Directional references such as "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" are to be understood with reference to the respective figure and may vary in the individual illustrations relative to the object depicted.

[0033] Figure 1 shows a connector housing 1 of an industrial connector. The connector housing 1 is typically made of a metallic material and is typically manufactured using a zinc die-casting process. Such a connector housing 1 is robust and has good electromagnetic shielding properties, making it particularly suitable for harsh industrial environments.

[0034] Figure 2 shows a holding frame 2 equipped with various connector modules 5, 5'. The holding frame 2 has a frame-shaped configuration and consists of two frame halves 9 that are connected to one another by an articulated joint. The holding frame 2 has 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 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.

[0035] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a connector module 5 according to the invention. The connector module is intended for a modular industrial connector. The connector module 5 has a connection side A, to which a conductor (not shown), in particular of a multi-core cable (not shown), is connected. For this purpose, the conductor, stripped at the end, is inserted into a connection opening 12 and crimped onto the connection area AB of the bridging contact element 11 according to the invention.

[0036] The connector module 5 has a contact side K, which is provided for electrical connection to a mating connector module or to a mating contact element (both not shown). For this purpose, the mating contact elements access the contact area KB of the bridging contact element 11 through contact openings 14.

[0037] The connection area AB of the bridging contact element 11 is designed as a crimp sleeve and accordingly has an approximately hollow cylindrical shape, with the cylinder base being riveted onto a bridging rail 15. The contact areas KB of the bridging contact element 11 each have the basic shape of a hollow cylinder with multiple axial slots, with the slots forming contact lamellae that are bent slightly radially inward. The cylinder base is riveted onto the bridging rail 15. The connector module 5 according to the invention consists of a first

[0038] The housing half 5a and a second housing half 5b are each formed by a two-part housing. The housing halves 5a and 5b can be reversibly secured to one another. For this purpose, the second housing half 5b has locking hooks 17 that engage in corresponding locking windows 16 of the first housing half 5a.

[0039] Applicant: HARTING Electric Stiftung & Co. KG

[0040] Title: Connector module for a modular connector and such a

[0041] Connector module with connector

[0042] Reference symbols

[0043] 1 connector housing

[0044] 2 holding frames

[0045] 3 threaded holes

[0046] 4 screw

[0047] 5.5' connector module

[0048] 5a) First housing half of the connector module

[0049] 5b) Second housing half of the connector module

[0050] 6 contact chamber

[0051] 8 mounting devices

[0052] 9 frame half

[0053] 10 Opening

[0054] 11 Bridging contact element

[0055] 12 Connection opening

[0056] 14 Contact opening

[0057] 15 Bridging rail

[0058] 16 rest windows

[0059] 17 locking hooks

[0060] A connection side

[0061] K Contact page

[0062] AB connection area

[0063] KB Contact Area

Claims

Claims: Connector module (5, 5') for a modular industrial connector, wherein the connector module (5, 5') has a connection side (A) for connecting a conductor of a cable, in particular a multi-core cable, and a contact side (K) for electrical connection with a mating connector module, characterized in that exactly one connection opening (12) for a conductor of the cable is provided on the connection side (A), that at least two contact openings (14) for access of a mating connector module are provided on the contact side (K), that the connector module (5, 5') has a bridging contact element (11) which has exactly one connection area (AB) for an electrical conductor and the connection area (AB) is assigned to the connection opening (2), and that the bridging contact element (11) has at least two contact areas (KB), each for contacting a mating contact element of a mating connector module.wherein the contact areas (KB) are each assigned to a contact opening (14). Connector module (5, 5') according to claim 1, characterized in that the bridging element (11) has exactly two contact areas (KB). Connector module (5, 5') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection area (AB) of the bridging contact element (11) is designed as a crimp sleeve. Connector module (5, 5') according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the contact areas (KB) of the bridging contact element (11) are each designed as a socket. Connector module (5, 5') according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the connector module (5, 5') has a two-part housing consisting of two individual housing halves (5a, 5b). Connector module (5, 5') according to the preceding claim characterized in that the two housing halves (5a, 5b) can be snapped together.A connector module (5, 5') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection area (AB) of the bridging contact element (11) is centrally mounted on a first side of a metallic bridging rail (15), and that the contact areas (KB) of the bridging contact element (11) are each arranged at their ends on a second side of the bridging rail (15). A connector module (5, 5') according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connection area (AB) is screwed or riveted to the bridging rail (15). A connector module (5, 5') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact areas (KB) are each screwed or riveted to the bridging rail (15). A connector module (5, 5') according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection area (AB) and the bridging rail (15) are formed from different metallic materials, and / or that the contact areas (KB) and the bridging rail (15) are formed from different metallic materials, wherein the contact areas (KB) consist of the same metallic material. A connector comprising a connector housing (1), a mounting frame (2), and at least one connector module (5, 5') according to any one of the preceding claims.

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