Method for equipping an industrial connector with a connector module

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for equipping a modular industrial connector with at least one connector module (5, 5', 5"), wherein the connector module (5, 5', 5") is formed from at least two independent functional units (6, 6'). To equip a mounting frame (2) with a connector module (5, 5', 5"), a first functional unit (6) is first assembled with at least a second functional unit (6') to form a connector module (5, 5', 5"), and the connector module (5, 5', 5", ...) is then inserted into the mounting frame (2).

Description

[0001] The invention is based on a method for equipping a holding frame of an industrial connector with a connector module according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0002] 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. Typically, connector modules are 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. State of the art

[0003] 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, accommodating and securing contacts 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 performing measurement and data technology tasks.

[0004] 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 or openings 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. So-called articulated frames are used most frequently. To insert the connector modules, the holding frame 1 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.

[0005] 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 such an industrial connector.

[0006] The German Patent and Trademark Office has searched the following prior art in the priority application for the present application: DE 10 2017 123 331 B3, DE 10 2014 108 847 A1 and DE 202 14 132 U1. Task

[0007] The object of the invention is to propose a connector module which expands the application spectrum of an industrial connector and at the same time allows for simple assembly of the industrial connector.

[0008] The object is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0009] The connector module according to the invention is intended for use in a modular industrial connector. Typically, several similar and / or different connector modules are installed in a so-called retaining frame. The retaining frame is then installed in a connector housing or a device panel. The connector module according to the invention is formed from at least two independent functional units.

[0010] A functional unit forms an independent component. This means that the functional unit can function independently, i.e., without another functional unit connected to it. A functional unit does not become technically usable until two or more functional units are combined to form a connector module.

[0011] A functional unit preferably has at least one contact element and / or a sensor and / or an edge computer. The edge computer can, for example, collect, store, process and send data. The contact element can, for example, be an electrical contact element for power or signal transmission. The contact element can also be an optical contact element to which, for example, an optical fiber is connected. A functional unit can have several contact elements, in particular several different contact elements. For example, electrical and optical contact elements can be mixed with one another. The sensor can, for example, be a current sensor that monitors an adjacent contact element, for example arranged in an adjacent functional unit.However, temperature sensors, optical sensors, in particular scattered light sensors, or other sensors may also be provided. A functional unit may also contain multiple sensors, in particular different sensors. A functional unit may also contain one or more sensors and simultaneously one or more contact elements.

[0012] The functional units of a connector module can operate completely independently of one another. However, the functional units can also experience a synergistic effect when combined, especially when sensors from one functional unit are combined with contact elements from another.

[0013] In an advantageous further development of the invention, the connector module consists of a first functional unit and at least one second functional unit, wherein the first functional unit has a different type of contact elements and / or a different number of contact elements and / or contact elements with a different cable connection technology than the second functional unit. In a first functional unit, for example, solid contact elements for power transmission, for example for an electric motor, can be provided. In the second functional unit connected to the first functional unit, more delicate contact elements for signal transmission, for example for controlling the said electric motor, can be present. The contact elements of the first functional unit can be electrically connected to a conductor of a connected cable, for example using what is known as crimping technology.The contact elements of the second functional unit can, for example, be equipped with a so-called screw connection. This allows different cable connection technologies to be implemented within a connector module.

[0014] The individual functional units can, for example, be welded or glued together to form a connector module. However, it is advantageous if a fastening element is molded onto the side wall of the functional unit, allowing a first functional unit to be reversibly secured to a second functional unit. This allows the functional units to be easily combined and, if necessary, reused.

[0015] Advantageously, a first fastening means is formed on a side wall of the first functional unit and a second fastening means is formed on a side wall of the second functional unit, wherein the first and second fastening means are designed to complement one another. This ensures reliable and, above all, tool-free assembly of the connector module. The contours of the fastening means(s) can be designed differently so that only certain functional units can be combined with one another. For example, it makes no sense to combine an optical sensor of a first functional unit with an electrical contact element of a second functional unit. This can prevent incorrect assembly of a connector module in advance.

[0016] The functional unit preferably has a retaining means on a side wall for securing the connector module in a retaining frame. The retaining frame, fully equipped with connector modules, can be installed in an industrial connector. Typically, a first functional unit has a first retaining means on a side wall, and a second functional unit has a second retaining means on a side wall. The retaining means then engage, as already described above, in openings in a retaining frame to secure the connector module in the retaining frame.

[0017] The fastening means and the holding means are arranged on opposite side walls of the functional unit. Preferably, the first and second holding means have different geometries. The openings in the holding frame are adapted to the respective geometries. This determines the orientation of the connector module, the so-called polarization. This measure facilitates the assembly of an industrial connector with the connector modules according to the invention.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector module has a shielding element, wherein the shielding element is arranged between two adjacent functional units for electromagnetic shielding. The shielding element is made of a metallic material, in particular a sheet metal. If, for example, signal contact elements are arranged in the functional units, the shielding prevents so-called crosstalk between the signal contact elements. The connector module thus offers good signal integrity.

[0019] The connector module preferably has a strain relief element. The strain relief element prevents excessive transverse forces from acting on the connector module, which could tear the functional units apart. The strain relief element could be arranged between two adjacent functional units and, for example, form a functional unit with the shielding element.

[0020] The following describes how a holding frame is equipped with a connector module according to the invention: First, a first functional unit is assembled with at least one second functional unit to form a connector module.

[0021] The connector modules created in this way can then be inserted into a holding frame. If the holding frame is a so-called articulated frame, the frame halves of the holding frame are folded open and the assembled connector module is then inserted between the frame halves. This process can be repeated until the holding frame's capacity for accommodating connector modules is exhausted. However, with a holding frame, slots can also be left free so that additional connector modules can be retrofitted later, for example if a machine is technically upgraded. When equipping the holding frame, connector modules made up of functional units can be used. However, commercially available connector modules that do not consist of such functional units can also be used.Depending on the proportion of connector modules consisting of functional units in the holding frame, the first process step, "assembly," must be performed n times. The process step, "insertion," is performed m times, depending on the total number of connector modules. The numbers n and m are taken from the set of natural numbers, where n is less than or equal to m.

[0022] Openings are provided in each frame half into which the retaining means of the connector module(s) are inserted during insertion. When the frame halves are folded together, the retaining means are fully inserted into the openings, creating a positive fit for the connector module(s) in the retaining frame.

[0023] Conductors of a typically multi-core cable are connected to the individual connector modules. After the retaining frame has been equipped with the desired number of connector modules, it is installed in a connector housing of an industrial connector. Example

[0024] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail below. They show: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a connector housing of an industrial connector, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a holding frame equipped with various connector modules, Fig. 3 is a perspective and partially transparent view of a first embodiment of a connector module according to the invention, Fig. 4 is a side view of two functional units which, when assembled, form the first embodiment of the connector module according to the invention, Fig. 5 is a side view of a second embodiment of the connector module according to the invention, Fig. 6 is a top view of the second embodiment of the connector module according to the invention, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the connector module according to the invention, Figs. 8-15 each show two functional units which, when assembled, form further embodiments of the connector module according to the invention, Fig.16 shows a connecting means for two functional units, and Figs. 17-18 each show two functional units which, when assembled, form further embodiments of the connector module according to the invention.

[0025] The figures contain partially simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for identical, but possibly not identical, elements. Different views of identical elements may be scaled differently.

[0026] The 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.

[0027] In Figure 2A holding frame 2 equipped with various connector modules 5, 5' can be seen. The holding frame 2 has a frame-shaped configuration and 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.

[0028] In the Figures 3 and 4A first embodiment of a connector module 5 according to the invention is shown. The connector module 5 consists of two reversibly connected functional units 6, 6'. The functional units 6, 6' meet at a plane parallel to the plugging direction SR of the connector module 5. The functional units 6, 6' according to the invention create a transverse division of the connector module 5. Each functional unit 6, 6' functions independently with regard to its transmission properties and / or sensor properties. This means that the first functional unit 6 can, for example, transmit power, data, and / or signals without being connected to the second functional unit 6'. The reverse is also true.

[0029] Contact elements and / or sensors (not shown for illustrative reasons) are arranged in the desired number in each of the individual functional units 6, 6'. A first fastening means 7 is formed on a side wall of the first functional unit 6. A matching second fastening means 7' is formed on a side wall of the second functional unit 6'. The first and second fastening means 7, 7' are designed to complement each other. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, fastening means 7, 7' are formed on two opposite side walls of the respective functional units 6, 6'. The fastening means 7, 7' shown here have an external geometry such that they can simultaneously serve as the above-mentioned holding means for fastening the connector module 5 in a holding frame 2. The fastening means 7, 7' shown here have a dual function, so to speak, and are therefore in Figure 3simultaneously provided with the reference numerals 7 and 8.

[0030] In the Figures 5 and 6A second exemplary embodiment of the connector module 5' according to the invention is shown. The connector module 5' shown here also consists of a first functional unit 6 and a second functional unit 6', each of which is independent in its technical functionality. A fastening means 7, 7' is formed on a side surface of each of the functional units 6, 6'. The fastening means 7 of the first functional unit 6 is essentially designed as a recess. The fastening means 7' of the second functional unit 6' has a dovetail shape that matches the recess. This so-called dovetail connection has proven to be a particularly stable fixation of the functional units 6, 6' because it can withstand high transverse forces. The dovetail connection is also reversible, so that the functional units 6, 6' can be reused and / or combined in other ways.On the opposite side surface, a holding means 8 is formed on each of the functional units 6, 6'.

[0031] In Figure 5 A sectional view of the connector module 5' is shown in a plane in the plug-in direction SR. Here, it can be seen that the width Bs or the width of the broad side of the connector module 5' is composed of the width BF of two functional units 6 (BS = BF + BF ⇔ BF = 2BF). Figure 6 A sectional view of the connector module 5' is shown in a plane perpendicular to the plug-in direction SR. The depth BT, or the width of the narrow side of the connector module 5', is shown here. The width BT of the connector module 5' corresponds to the width of the functional unit 6.

[0032] With the above-described transverse division of the connector module 5 into two functional units 6, 6', a nearly rectangular cross-section of the individual functional units 6, 6' is achieved. Nearly rectangular means that the depth BT of the functional units 6, 6' approximately corresponds to the width BF of the functional units 6, 6'. The length difference between the depth BT of the functional units 6, 6' and the width BF of the functional units 6, 6' is less than or equal to 10 percent (≤ 10%).

[0033] By dividing the connector modules 5, 5', ... in this way, contact elements with a large cross-section or diameter can also be used. Figure 6Two functional units 6, 6' are shown, which have openings 13 with a large diameter for accommodating contact elements with a correspondingly large cross-section or diameter. If the connector module 5' were split longitudinally, such contact elements could no longer be used.

[0034] The holding frame 2 consists of two frame halves 9 that are connected to one another in an articulated manner. Openings 10 are provided in the respective frame halves 9 of the holding frame 2, into which the holding means 8 of the connector module 5, 5' or the connector modules 5, 5' are inserted during insertion. When the frame halves 9 are folded together, the holding means 8 move completely into the openings 10, thereby creating a positive fit for the connector module 5, 5' or the connector modules 5, 5' in the holding frame 2. The holding means 8 are of different dimensions. The associated openings 10 are adapted accordingly, so that a so-called polarization is created via the holding means. The connector modules 5, 5', 5", ... can only be inserted into the holding frame 2 in a specific orientation.

[0035] In Figure 7A third embodiment of the connector module 5" according to the invention is shown. The connector module 5" consists of two functional units 6, 6' and is equipped with the same fastening means 7, 7' or holding means 8, 8' as the first embodiment. Here, too, the fastening means 7, 7' for reversibly fixing the functional units simultaneously perform the function of holding means 8, 8' for fixing the connector module 5" in a holding frame 2. The connector module 5" has a strain relief element 11, which is arranged between the functional units 6, 6'. The strain relief element 11 has two openings 12 on the cable connection side. A cable tie (not shown) can be passed through the openings 12 for fixing and strain relieving a cable (not shown) connected to the connector module 5".Between the functional units 6, 6', the strain relief element 11 is provided with a further opening (not shown for illustrative reasons) so that the fastening means 7, 7' - for securing the functional units 6, 6' - can engage with each other. The strain relief element 11 makes the connector module 5" somewhat wider, so that, when installed, it is clamped more tightly by the frame halves 9 of the holding frame 2. This effectively prevents shearing movement of the functional units 6, 6' of the connector module 5". The strain relief element 11 can be made of a metallic material and thus also provide electromagnetic shielding between the two functional units 6, 6'.

[0036] The Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of a connector module 5 III< according to the invention. In Figure 8Two functional units 6, 6' are shown, which have a part-circular contour as fastening means 7" and a corresponding receptacle therefor. The functional units 6, 6' can be reversibly connected to one another via a rotary movement. The rotary movement ends as soon as a stop contour 15 of one functional unit 6, 6' opens into the recess 14 provided for it in the other functional unit 6, 6` and locks there.

[0037] The Figures 9 and 10 show a further embodiment of a connector module 5 IV< according to the invention. Two further functional units 6, 6' are shown, which can be reversibly locked together via locking contours 16 and corresponding recesses 17 by means of a tilting movement.

[0038] The Figure 11shows another embodiment of a connector module 5 V< according to the invention. A functional unit 6 is shown transparent for illustrative purposes. The functional units 6, 6' each have studs 18 and sleeves 19 on their facing sides and can be reversibly locked together using the Lego principle.

[0039] The Figure 12shows a further embodiment of a connector module 5 VI< according to the invention. The functional units 6, 6' can be reversibly connected to one another via a frame-shaped locking plate 20. The locking plate 20 has locking arms 30 pointing in the plugging direction with locking hooks 21 at the ends, which engage in recesses provided for this purpose in the functional units 6, 6'. The holding means 8 are integrally formed on the locking plate 20. The above-described polarization of the connector modules 5 VI< is therefore realized via the locking plate 20 when inserted into the holding frame 2. Therefore, the individual functional units 6, 6' do not need to contain any polarization means and can be permuted with one another as desired. The locking plate 20 is preferably made of an elastic, metallic material and can therefore also assume a shielding or grounding function in parallel.

[0040] The Figures 13 and 14show a further embodiment of a connector module 5 VII< according to the invention. The two functional units 6, 6' can be reversibly locked together via a complex structure 22.

[0041] The Figure 15 shows a further embodiment of a connector module 5 VIII< according to the invention. The two functional units 6, 6' are connected via a separate connecting means 23, as shown in Figure 16 , reversibly connected to one another. The functional units 6, 6' have T-shaped grooves on their connecting surface, into which the double-T-beam-shaped connecting means 23 can be inserted.

[0042] The Figure 17shows a further embodiment of a connector module 5 IX< according to the invention. The first functional unit 6 has outwardly facing webs 26 in each of its end regions, each with internal recesses 24. The second functional unit 6' has a box contour 27 that fits between the webs 26. Pins 25 that fit the recesses 24 of the webs 26 are formed on the end regions of the box contour 27. The pins 25 engage in the recesses 24 when the functional units 6, 6' are brought together, thereby reversibly securing the functional units 6, 6' to one another.

[0043] The Figure 18shows a further embodiment of a connector module 5 X< according to the invention. The cross-section of a connector module 5 X< from above is shown. The connector module 5 X< shown here consists of a frame 28, onto which holding means 8 for installation in a holding frame 2 are already formed. The frame 28 has two receiving areas 29, each for a functional unit 6, 6'. No holding means 8 are formed on the functional units 6, 6' themselves. This allows the functional units 6, 6' to be flexibly inserted into the receiving areas 29.

[0044] Although various aspects or features of the invention are shown in combination in the figures, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art—unless otherwise stated—that the illustrated and discussed combinations are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding units or feature complexes from different embodiments can be interchanged. List of reference symbols

[0045] 1Connector housing 2Holding frame 3Threaded hole 4Screw 5Connector module 6Functional unit 7Fastening means 8Holding means 9Frame half 10Opening 11Strain relief element 12Opening 13Opening 14Recess 15Stop contour 16Locking contour 17Locking recess 18Nub 19Sleeve 20Locking plate 21Locking hook 22Structure 23Connecting means 24Recess 25Pin 26Bridge 27Box contour 28Frame 29Receiving area 30Locking arm SRStecker direction BsWidth of the connector module BF Width of the functional unit

Claims

1. Method for equipping a holding frame (2) of an industrial connector with a connector module (5, 5', 5", ...), i. wherein firstly a first functional unit (6) is assembled with at least one second functional unit (6') to form a connector module (5, 5', 5", ...) and ii. wherein the connector module (5, 5', 5", ...) is subsequently inserted into the holding frame (2).

2. Method according to claim 1, ii. wherein the frame halves (9) of the holding frame (2) are folded open before inserting the connector module (5, 5', 5", ...), and the assembled connector module (5, 5', 5", ...) is then inserted between the frame halves (9), iii. wherein openings (10) are provided in the respective frame halves (9), into which openings the holding means (8) of the connector module (5, 5', 5", ...) are inserted during insertion, iv. wherein the frame halves (9) are subsequently clipped together, whereby the holding means (8) pass completely into the openings (10) and thereby a positive hold of the connector module (5, 5', 5", ...) in the holding frame (2) is created.

3. Method according to claim 1, wherein method step i is repeated n times and method step ii is repeated m times, wherein n and m are natural numbers and the number n is less than or equal to the number m, whereby the holding frame (2) is successively equipped with similar and / or different connector modules (5, 5', 5", ...).

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