Intermediate plug connector

Abstract

An intermediate plug connector, comprising, a first plug interface and a second plug interface. wherein, the first plug interface is connectable to a first plug and the second plug interface is connectable to a second plug. Wherein the first plug interface and the second plug interface are electrically connected to each other. Wherein at least one electrical contact of the first plug interface is connected to at least one electrical contact of the second plug interface. Wherein an intermediate module is arranged between the first plug interface and the second plug interface. Wherein the intermediate module is electrically connected to the at least one electrical contact element.

Description

[0001] The invention relates, amongst others, to an intermediate plug connector.

[0002] Intermediate plug connectors, also known as interposable or in-between solutions, have become an essential part of modern technology for several compelling reasons.

[0003] Such connectors have to offer a level of flexibility and adaptability that is critical in today's fast-paced, dynamic technological landscape. They must allow for enhancements and modifications to be made to existing systems without the need for complete overhauls or replacements. This needs not to only reduces costs, but also minimizes downtime and disruption to operations.

[0004] As new developments emerge, there is a need that these solutions permit seamless integration and adaptation, ensuring that systems remain up-to-date and in step with technological progression.

[0005] It is task of the invention to provide an intermediate plug connector for the aforementioned problems.

[0006] According to the invention, this is achieved by an intermediate module according to claim 1 and a connector system comprising the intermediate module according to claim 12. Advantageous embodiments can be taken from the sub-claims, for example. The content of the claims is made the content of the description by express inclusion.

[0007] The invention provides an intermediate plug connector, comprising a connector with a first plug interface and a second plug interface. Wherein, the first plug interface is connectable to a first plug and the second plug interface is connectable to a second plug. Wherein the first plug interface and the second plug interface are electrically connected to each other. Wherein at least one electrical contact of the first plug interface is connected to at least one electrical contact of the second plug interface. Wherein an intermediate module is arranged between the first plug interface and the second plug interface wherein the intermediate module electrically connected to the at least one electrical contact element.

[0008] In another preferred embodiment the intermediate plug connector is an intermediate plug connector for an industrial plug connector, also called heavy plug connector.

[0009] In other words the first plug interface and the second plug interface is oppositely arranged to the intermediate module. Wherein, the first plug interface is arranged on a front side of the intermediate module and the second plug interface is arranged on a back side of the intermediate module. The front side and the back side are oppositely oriented at the intermediate module and separated by the intermediate module.

[0010] The first plug interface and the second plug interface can be electrically connected to each other directly or through the intermediate module. The intermediate module can comprise contact elements for contacting the least one electrical contact of the first plug interface and / or the at least one electrical contact of the second plug interface and / or electronic elements attached to intermediate mule and / or mechanical switches for connecting the at least one electrical contact of the first plug interface and / or the at least one electrical contact of the second plug interface. For example to realize a phase inverter.

[0011] In other words the intermediate module can comprise electric connections to interconnect the first plug interface and the second plug interface. The electronic connection can be configured as a wired connection and / or a connection via connector tracks on a circuit board and / or a wireless connection. In an embodiment the first plug interface is configured as a plug or a socket and the second plug interface is complementary to the first plug interface. In other words the second plug interface can also be configured as a socket or a plug. Wherein, an alternating or complementary combination can be selected in each case what means plug - socket or socket - plug.

[0012] In another embodiment the intermediate module comprises an analysis module. The analysis module is configured to receive electrical energy from the at least one electrical contact element of the first plug interface or the second plug interface. The analysis module can be configured to receive electrical energy from an external supply.

[0013] In an embodiment the analysis module is configured to measure at least one current and / or at least one voltage and / or at least one temperature and / or a vibration and / or the rotational direction for checking the phase sequence and / or at least one phase position of at least one signal passing through the intermediate plug connector between the first plug connector and the second plug connector.

[0014] The rotational direction and the phase sequence of for example an electrical machine are closely related and crucial in three-phase systems.

[0015] In a three-phase system, three alternating currents run through separate windings in the motor, offset by 120 degrees from each other. Three-phase systems are the common method used by electric power companies to distribute power.

[0016] Rotational direction of an electrical machine, typically a motor, refers to the direction in which the motor spins. This can either be clockwise (CW) or counter-clockwise (CCW) when viewed from the front or shaft end of the motor.

[0017] The phase sequence, also referred to as phase rotation, of a three-phase system is the order in which the waveforms reach their peak values. Standard phase order is Phase 1 followed by Phase 2, and then Phase 3, often designated as "1-2-3" or "A-B-C". The sequence can also be reversed (3-2-1 or C-B-A), but this will also reverse the motor's spinning direction.

[0018] The intermediate plug connector enables a simple possibility for checking such parameters by interposing the intermediate plug connector.

[0019] In another embodiment the intermediate module comprises a communication unit which is configured to enable a wired or a wireless communication to transmit data from the analysis module.

[0020] For example at least one of the following communication standards can be used for transmitting data from the analysis module: a) IEEE 802.11, (WLAN) b) IEEE 802.15.1, (Bluetooth ®< ) c) IEEE 802.15.4, (ZigBee ®< ) d) IEEE 802.3, (Ethernet) e) IEC standard IEC61158 and IEC61784, (EtherCat ®< ) f) IEC standards 61158 and 61784, (PROFIBUS ®< ).

[0021] In an embodiment the intermediate module provides at least one measuring contact interface and / or at least one light indicator. Alternatively or additionally the intermediate module can comprise different types of light indicators. The at least one light indicator can be configured to indicating a certain state of the intermediate plug connector or the state or behavior of a signal passing through the intermediate plug connector.

[0022] The measuring contact interface can be configured for power supply or data transmission to and / or from the intermediate plug connector respectively the intermediate module. The intermediate interface can also be connected to least one electrical contact of the first plug interface and / or second plug interface. The light indicator can be configured to display at least one measurement result of the analysis module. The light indicator can be configures as LED display and / or liquid crystal display and / or as at least one LED.

[0023] In another embodiment the intermediate module comprises a printed circuit board. Wherein at least one contact protrudes from or through the printed circuit board, wherein the at least one contact comprises: a) a spring contact attached to the first plug interface of the intermediate module or a contact pin attached to second plug interface of the intermediate module; or b) a spring contact attached to the second plug interface of the intermediate module or a contact pin attached to the first plug interface of the intermediate module.

[0024] The at least one contact can be a separate interface or part of the measuring contact interface.

[0025] In an embodiment the first plug interface comprises a first insulating body and the second plug interface comprises a second insulating body, wherein a) the first insulating body and the second insulating body are made of a common single piece; or b) the first insulating body (110) and the second insulating body (110) are made of separate pieces and the intermediate module is arranged in a recess between first insulating body (110) and the second insulating body (110).

[0026] In another embodiment the intermediate module can be arranged between the first insulating body and the second insulating body detachable and / or fixedly. The insulating bodies can also be configured to clamp the intermediate module. The first insulating body and / or the second insulating body can also be attached detachable and / or fixedly to the intermediate module. The intermediate module can also be arranged between the first plug interface and the second connector plug interface. The intermediate module can also be arranged in a recess of the first insulating body and / or the second insulating body or in a recess of a common insulating body when the insulating body is made from a common single piece.

[0027] In another embodiment the intermediate plug connector comprises an intermediate enclosure which surrounds the intermediate module and at least a part of the first insulating body and / or the second insulating body.

[0028] In an embodiment the intermediate enclosure: a) comprises metal and / or a light transparent material; or consists of metal or a light transparent material; and / or b) comprises at least one opening in a radial direction.

[0029] The intermediate enclosure surrounds the intermediate plug connector in a radial direction. The intermediate enclosure has a free first end and a free second end for interconnecting the intermediate enclosure between the grommet housing and the attachment housing. The first free end is configured to connect the first plug interface to a grommet housing or an attachment housing and the free second end is configured to connect the second plug interface to an attachment housing or a grommet housing.

[0030] In another embodiment the light transparent material of the intermediate enclosure covering the light, wherein the light indicator is visible through the light transparent material.

[0031] The invention also provides a connector system comprising an intermediate plug connector according to at least one of the previous claims, comprising a grommet housing or an attachment housing accommodating a plug or a socket corresponding to the first plug interface or the second plug interface; or a grommet housing or an attachment housing accommodating a socket or a plug corresponding to the second plug interface or to the first plug interface.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment the grommet housing and the attachment housing are industrial plug connectors, also called heavy connectors. The intermediate plug connector is an intermediate plug connector for the industrial plug connector. The intermediate plug connector is inserted or interconnected between the grommet housing and the attachment housing.

[0033] In an embodiment the attachment housing comprises a second locking bracket which is connected to the grommet housing when the intermediate plug connector is connected and extends over the intermediate plug connector to the grommet housing or the attachment housing comprises a second locking bracket which is connected to the intermediate enclosure of the intermediate plug connector and the intermediate plug connector comprises a first locking bracket which is connected to the grommet housing.

[0034] In another embodiment the attachment housing comprises a locking bracket which is connected to an intermediate enclosure of the intermediate plug connector and the intermediate plug connector comprises a locking bracket which is connected to the grommet housing. So that the intermediate plug connector is connectable to the first plug and the second plug interface is connectable to a second plug or the grommet housing comprises a locking bracket which is connected to an intermediate enclosure of the intermediate plug connector and the intermediate plug connector comprises a locking bracket which is connected to the attachment housing.

[0035] In other words, the intermediate plug connector can be attached between the attachment housing and the grommet housing. Thereby electrically interconnecting the attachment housing and the grommet housing.

[0036] In another embodiment the intermediate enclosure and / or the grommet housing and / or the attachment housing comprising a circumferential seal for mutual sealing against water and / or dust.

[0037] The invention also provides a method for extending a function of a plug connection, comprising the following steps: The invention is described below by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. It shows: Disconnecting a first plug and a second plug of the plug connection; connecting an intermediate plug connector according to one of the previous embodiments to the plug connection, wherein a first plug interface is connected to the first plug and a second plug interface is connected to the second plug or a second plug interface is connected to the first plug and a first plug interface is connected to the second plug.

[0038] In another embodiment the method is characterized by the following steps: Unlocking the plug connection using a first locking bracket and / or a second locking bracket; Locking the plug connection using first locking bracket and / or the second second bracket.

[0039] The Unlocking step of the previous embodiment can be the first step and the Locking step can be the last step of the method for extending the function of a plug connection.

[0040] In another embodiment the invention also provides a use of the intermediate plug connector according to at least one of the previous embodiments to establish a connector system according to at least one of the previous embodiments.

[0041] The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Within the scope of the invention, all described and / or drawn features can be combined with each other as desired, unless otherwise indicated. Figure 1 an intermediate plug connector from a front side; and Figure 2 an intermediate plug connector from a rear side; and Figure 3 an intermediate plug connector in sectional view; and Figure 4 an intermediate plug connector in an enclosure with a grommet housing and an add on housing; and Figure 5 an intermediate plug connector in an enclosure with a grommet housing and an add on housing; and Figure 6 an intermediate plug connector in a plugged situation.

[0042] Figure 1 discloses an intermediate plug connector 100, comprising a first plug interface 111 and a second plug interface 115. Wherein, the first plug interface 111 is connectable to a first plug 400 and the second plug interface 115 is connectable to a second plug 500. Wherein the first plug interface 111 and the second plug interface 115 are electrically connected to each other. Wherein at least one electrical contact 112 of the first plug interface 111 is connected to at least one electrical contact 116 of the second plug interface 115. Wherein an intermediate module 130 is arranged between the first plug interface 111 and the second plug interface 115. Wherein the intermediate module 130 is electrically connected to the at least one electrical contact element 112, 116.

[0043] The Intermediate Module 130 comprises a measuring contact interface 135 and a light indicator 136. The intermediate module 130 comprises a communication module 134 which is configured to enable a communication with wired or wireless communication for transmitting data from the analysis module 133. The intermediate module 130 comprises a printed circuit board 137.

[0044] The first plug interface 111 comprises a first insulating body 110 and the second plug interface 115 comprises a second insulating body 110, wherein the first insulating body 110 and the second insulating body 110 are made of separate pieces. In other words, the first insulating body 110 is arranged on the front side 131 of the intermediate module 130 and the second insulating body 110 is attached to the backside 132 of the intermediate module 130 on opposite sides of the intermediate module.

[0045] Figure 2 discloses an intermediate plug connector 100 from a different view, comprising a first plug interface 111 and a second plug interface 115. The first plug interface 111 is connectable to a first plug 400 and the second plug interface 115 is connectable to a second plug 500. Both the first plug interface 111 and the second plug interface 115 can be electrically interconnected either directly or indirectly via an intermediate module 130. At least one electrical contact 112 of the first plug interface 111 is connected with a corresponding electrical contact 116 of the second plug interface 115. The first plug interface 111 and the second plug interface 115 are arranged in opposing directions on the intermediate module 130. The intermediate module 130 is arranged between the first plug interface 111 and the second plug interface 115. The Intermediate Module 130 comprises a measuring contact interface 135 and a light indicator 136. The intermediate module 130 comprises a communication module 134 which is configured to enable a wired or wireless communication for transmitting data from the analysis module 133. The intermediate module 130 comprises a printed circuit board 137.

[0046] The first plug interface 111 comprises a first insulating body 110 and the second plug interface 115 comprises a second insulating body 110, wherein the first insulating body 110 and the second insulating body 110 are made of separate pieces. The first insulating body 110 is arranged on the front side 131 of the intermediate module 130 and the second insulating body 110 is attached to the backside 132 of the intermediate module 130.

[0047] Figure 3 discloses an intermediate plug connector 100 in a sectional view, comprising a first plug interface 111 and a second plug interface 115. The first plug interface 111 is connectable to a first plug 400 and the second plug interface 115 is connectable to a second plug 500. Both the first plug interface 111 and the second plug interface 115 can be electrically interconnected either directly or indirectly via an intermediate module 130.

[0048] At least one electrical contact 112 of the first plug interface 111 is connected with a corresponding electrical contact 116 of the second plug interface 115.

[0049] The first plug interface 111 and the second plug interface 115 are arranged in opposing directions on the intermediate module 130. The first plug interface 111 is attached on a front side 131 of the intermediate module 130, while the second plug interface 115 is positioned on a back side 132 of the intermediate module 130. The first insulating body 110 and the second insulating body 110 are on opposite sides to the intermediate module 130.

[0050] Figure 4 discloses a connector system, also referred to as industrial plug connector system, including the intermediate plug connector 100. The system comprises a grommet housing 200 or an attachment housing 300, which accommodates a first plug 400 with a plug or a socket that corresponds to the first plug interface 111 or the second plug interface 115. Alternatively, the system may be characterized by a grommet housing 200 or an attachment housing 300, which accommodates a second plug 500 with a socket or a plug that corresponds to the second plug 115 interface or to the first plug interface 115.

[0051] The attachment housing 310 comprises a locking bracket which is connected to an intermediate enclosure 150 of the intermediate plug connector 100 and the intermediate plug connector 100 comprises a first locking bracket 140 which is connected to the grommet housing 200. So the intermediate plug connector is connector is connectable to a first plug 400 and the second plug interface 115 is connectable to a second plug 500.

[0052] Figure 5 discloses a connector system including the intermediate plug connector 100. The system comprises a grommet housing 200 or an attachment housing 300, which accommodates a plug or a socket that corresponds to the first plug interface 111 or the second plug interface 115. Alternatively, the system may be characterized by a grommet housing 200 or an attachment housing 300, which accommodates a socket or a plug that corresponds to the second plug 115 interface or to the first plug interface 115.

[0053] The attachment housing 300 comprises a second locking bracket 310 which is connected to the grommet housing 200 when the intermediate plug connector 100 is connected and extends over the intermediate plug connector 100 to the grommet housing 200. So the intermediate plug connector is connector is connectable to the first plug 400 and the second plug interface 115 is connectable to the second plug 500.

[0054] Figure 6 discloses a connector system including the intermediate plug connector 100 in a mated state. The system comprises a grommet housing 200 or an attachment housing 300, which accommodates a first plug 400 with a plug or a socket that corresponds to the first plug interface 111 or the second plug interface 115. Alternatively, the system may be characterized by a grommet housing 200 or an attachment housing 300, which accommodates a second plug 500 with a socket or a plug that corresponds to the second plug 115 interface or to the first plug interface 115. So the intermediate plug connector is connector is connectable to the first plug 400 and the second plug interface 115 is connectable to the second plug 500.

[0055] The attachment housing 300 comprises a second locking bracket 310 which is connected to the grommet housing 200 when the intermediate plug connector 100 is connected and extends over the intermediate plug connector 100 to the grommet housing 200.Reference signs

[0056] Intermediate plug connector100Insulating Body110First plug interface111Electrical contact112Second plug interface115Electrical contact116Intermediate module130Front side131Back side132Analysis module133Communication module134Measuring contact interface135Light indicator136Printed circuit board137First locking Bracket140Intermediate enclosure150Grommet housing200Attachment housing300Second locking Bracket310First plug400Second plug500

Claims

1. An intermediate plug connector (100) for an industrial plug connector comprising: a first plug interface (111) and a second plug interface (115), wherein, the first plug interface (111) is connectable to a first plug (400) and the second plug interface (115) is connectable to a second plug (500), wherein the first plug interface (111) and the second plug interface (115) are electrically connected to each other, wherein at least one electrical contact (112) of the first plug interface (111) is connected to at least one electrical contact (116) of the second plug interface (115), wherein an intermediate module (130) is arranged between the first plug interface (111) and the second plug interface (115) wherein the intermediate module (130) is electrically connected to the at least one electrical contact element (112, 116).

2. The intermediate plug connector (100), according to claim 1, characterized by: the first plug interface (111) is configured as a plug or socket and the second plug interface (115) is complementary to the first plug interface (111).

3. The intermediate plug connector (100), according to at least one of the previous claims, characterized by: the intermediate module (130) comprises an analysis module (133).

4. The intermediate plug connector (100), according to claim 3, characterized by: the analysis module (133) is configured to measure at least one current and / or at least one voltage and / or at least one temperature and / or a vibration and / or the rotational direction for checking the phase sequence and / or at least one phase position of at least one signal passing through the intermediate plug connector (100) between the first plug (400) and the second plug (500).

5. The intermediate plug connector (100), according to at least one of the claims 3 or 4, characterized by: the intermediate module (130) comprises a communication module (134) which is configured to enable a wire based or a wireless communication to transmit data from the analysis module (133).

6. The intermediate plug connector (100), according to at least one of the previous claims, characterized by: the intermediate module (130) provides at least one measuring contact interface (135) and / or at least one light indicator (136).

7. The intermediate plug connector (100), according to at least one of the previous claims, characterized by: the intermediate module (130) comprises a printed circuit board (137), wherein at least one contact (112) protrudes from or through the printed circuit board, wherein the at least one contact comprises: a) a spring contact attached to the first plug interface (111) of the intermediate module (130) or a contact pin attached to the second plug interface (115) of the intermediate module (130) or, b) a spring contact attached to on the second plug interface (115) of the intermediate module (130) or a contact pin attached to the first plug interface (111) of the intermediate module (130).

8. The intermediate plug connector (100), according to at least one of the previous claims, characterized by: the first plug interface (111) comprises a first insulating body (110) and the second plug interface (115) comprises a second insulating body (110), wherein a) the first insulating body (110) and the second insulating body (110) are made of a common single piece; or b) the first insulating body (110) and the second insulating body (110) are made of separate pieces and the intermediate module is arranged in a recess between first insulating body (110) and the second insulating body (110).

9. The intermediate plug connector (100), according to claim 8, characterized by: an intermediate enclosure (150) which surrounds the intermediate module (130) and at least a part of the first insulating body (110) and / or the second insulating body (110).

10. The intermediate plug connector (100), according to claim 9, characterized by: the intermediate enclosure (150): a) comprises metal and / or a light transparent material; or consists of metal or a light transparent material; and / or b) comprises at least one opening in a radial direction.

11. An industrial plug connector system comprising an intermediate plug connector (100), according to at least one of the previous claims, comprising: a grommet housing (200) or an attachment housing (300) accommodating a plug or a socket corresponding to the first plug interface (111) or the second plug interface (115); or a grommet housing (200) or an attachment housing (300) accommodating a socket or a plug corresponding to the second plug (115) interface or to the first plug interface (111).

12. The industrial plug connector system according to claim 11, characterized by: the attachment housing (300) comprises a second locking bracket (310) which is connected to the grommet housing (200) when the intermediate plug connector (100) is connected and extends over the intermediate plug connector (100) to the grommet housing (200) or the attachment housing (300) comprises a second locking bracket (310) which is connected to the intermediate enclosure (150) of the intermediate plug connector (100) and the intermediate plug connector (100) comprises a first locking bracket (140) which is connected to the grommet housing (200).

13. The industrial plug connector system according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by: an intermediate plug connector (100) according to claim 9 or 10 interconnecting the attachment housing (300) and the grommet housing (200).

14. A method for extending a function of a plug connection, comprising the following steps: - Disconnecting a first plug (400) and a second plug (500) of the plug connection; - connecting an intermediate plug connector (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11 to the plug connection, wherein a first plug interface (111) is connected to the first plug (400) and a second plug interface (115) is connected to the second plug (500) or a second plug interface (111) is connected to the first plug (400) and a first plug interface (115) is connected to the second plug (500).

15. The method for extending the function of the plug connection, according to claim 14, characterized by the following steps: - Unlocking the plug connection using a first locking bracket (140) and / or a second locking bracket (310); - Locking the plug connection using the first locking bracket (140) and / or the second locking bracket (310).

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