Plug connector module for a modular industrial plug connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector module (5, 5', 5'') for a modular industrial plug connector, which is designed as two independent functional units (6) that are fastened to each other, and the housings of the functional units (6) are of a similar kind.

Description

[0001] Title: Connector module for a modular industrial connector

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention is based on a connector module for a modular industrial connector according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0004] 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, etc.

[0005] 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 taking on measurement and data technology tasks. Ideally, holding frames are used, consisting of two frame halves that are connected to each other by an articulated joint. The connector modules are provided with approximately rectangular or cuboid-shaped holding elements protruding from the narrow sides.The side panels of the frame halves contain recesses designed as fully closed openings into which the retaining means engage when the connector modules are inserted into the holding frame. To insert the connector modules, the holding frame 1 is folded open, i.e., opened, with the frame halves being folded open around the joints only far enough to allow the connector modules to be inserted. The frame halves are then clipped together, i.e., the holding frame is closed, with the retaining means moving into the recesses, ensuring a secure, positive fit for the connector modules in the holding frame.

[0006] The modular industrial connectors described above offer a high degree of flexibility and can be configured for a wide variety of applications by 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.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] DE 10 2018 115 371 A1 shows a connector module composed of two independent and autonomously functioning functional units. This further increases the variability of a modular industrial connector, as two different types of functions, for example, an electrical and a pneumatic functional unit, can now be used per module slot.

[0009] A connector module inserted into the retaining frame or connector housing must be correctly aligned with its corresponding mating connector module. This is also referred to as necessary polarization of the connector module. As a result, the aforementioned retaining elements in the functional units of DE 102018 115 371 A1 have different geometric configurations. However, this requires the provision of essentially technically identical functional units with merely geometrically different retaining elements. This increases the inventory and production costs for modular industrial connectors.

[0010] 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 102018 115 371 A1, EP 3 869624 A1, EP 3 905 451 A1 and CN 2 01 417 871 Y.

[0011] Task

[0012] The object of the invention is to propose a connector module which preserves the wide range of applications of the industrial connector and at the same time reduces the costs for such connectors.

[0013] The problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1.

[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 installation in a modular industrial connector or its connector housing. The connector module consists of two independent functional units that are fixed to one another.

[0016] A functional unit forms an independent component.

[0017] A 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.

[0018] A functional unit preferably has at least one contact element and / or one sensor. The contact element can be, for example, an electrical contact element for current 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 be, for example, 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 can also be provided.A functional unit can also contain multiple sensors, especially different sensors. A functional unit can also contain one or more sensors and one or more contact elements at the same time.

[0019] 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.

[0020] According to the invention, the functional units each have a housing, wherein the housings of the interconnected functional units are of identical design. In this context, “similar” means that the housings are designed to be almost identical where possible. Of course, technically different functional units differ in certain housing areas. This is particularly the case in the mating face and the connection area if the functional units have, for example, different or different types of contact elements and / or a different number of contact elements and / or a different connection technology for the contact elements (crimp connection, screw connection, push-in connection, etc.). However, this technical distinction does not mean that the housings of the functional units according to the invention are of identical design in the sense of the invention.

[0021] In the sense of the invention, the similar design of the housings refers in particular to the cross-section, to the areas where the housings are connected to one another and to the areas that serve to fix the connector module in a holding frame.

[0022] Preferably, the functional units are secured together with a positive and / or friction fit. This eliminates the need for tools and allows the connector modules to be easily assembled in the field, i.e., at the point of use.

[0023] Advantageously, the housings each have a fixing knob on one side and a matching hollow body-like knob receptacle on an opposite side.

[0024] Preferably, when fixed together, the fixing stud of one functional unit is inserted into the stud receptacle of the other functional unit. Simply put, the functional units can be plugged together and fixed to one another without tools thanks to the features described above (studs and stud receptacle). Preferably, when fixed together, a holding means for fixing the connector module in a holding frame is inserted into the hollow body-like stud receptacle of one functional unit. The additional holding means required for this is then provided by the fixing stud of the other functional unit. The fixing stud thus has a dual function. On the one hand, it can contribute to fixing the functional units, and on the other hand, it can provide at least one of two holding means required for fixing the connector module in a holding frame as described above.

[0025] It is advantageous if the retaining means is fixed to the functional unit with a positive and / or friction fit. To this end, the retaining means is inserted or pushed into the free stud receptacle of the functional unit.

[0026] In a particularly preferred variant of the invention, the housings of the functional units each have two opposite sides, each with a fixing stud and a hollow-body-like stud receptacle. In this variant, no additional component is required as a mounting means for the holding frame, as described in more detail below.

[0027] Preferably, the fixing studs and / or the hollow-body stud receptacles on the opposite sides of the housing are geometrically different. This allows for a polarization for the alignment of the connector module in the holding frame. As is known, the holding frame has recesses of different sizes, which are provided for correspondingly different-sized holding means. The recesses in the holding frame are adapted to the respective geometry of the holding means. This determines the alignment 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.

[0028] The geometric differences between the fixing studs can be achieved, for example, by having different sizes and / or different widths when viewed opposite the insertion direction (SR). The same applies to the stud receptacle and its cross-section.

[0029] The geometric differences could also be achieved by having the basic shape of the cross-section of the fixing studs on opposite sides of the housing be geometrically identical, but with different surface areas. For example, the fixing studs could be cuboid-shaped, with the cross-sections of the cuboids then having different surface areas. The same can apply to the stud receptacles and their cross-sections.

[0030] Preferably, viewed in the insertion direction, the larger or wider hollow-body-like stud receptacle is arranged first on one side of the housing, followed by the smaller or narrower fixing stud. On the other side of the housing, the larger or wider fixing stud is arranged first, followed by the smaller or narrower hollow-body-like stud. This allows the functional units to be easily and securely fixed to one another.

[0031] It is advantageous if the locking studs and the corresponding stud receptacles are aligned. In this case, the locking stud and the receptacle on one side of the housing are adapted to the receptacle and the locking stud on the other side.

[0032] Preferably, the functional units are arranged offset from one another, as seen in the plug-in direction. This offset arrangement is the price that must be paid for securing the functional units and allowing them to be installed in a mounting frame without the need for additional components.

[0033] Advantageously, the housings of the functional units are made of plastic and are manufactured using an injection-molding process. This makes the functional units particularly easy to manufacture.

[0034] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the plastic is mineral oil-free. This allows for the production of a connector module in a particularly environmentally friendly manner.

[0035] The plastic is preferably polylactide or polyhydroxyalkanoate, or a mixture of the aforementioned plastics, or plastics containing these substances. These materials have proven particularly suitable because, in addition to the processing properties, they also exhibit the required electrical properties.

[0036] Example

[0037] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail below. They show:

[0038] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a connector housing of an industrial connector,

[0039] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a holding frame equipped with various connector modules,

[0040] Fig. 3 perspective exploded view of a first embodiment of a connector module according to the invention,

[0041] Fig. 4 perspective, sectional view of the first embodiment of a connector module according to the invention, Fig. 5 perspective exploded view of a second embodiment of a connector module according to the invention,

[0042] Fig. 6 sectional view of the second embodiment of a connector module according to the invention,

[0043] Fig. 7 perspective exploded view of a third embodiment of a connector module according to the invention and

[0044] Fig. 8 perspective, sectional view of the first embodiment of a connector module according to the invention.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Figure 1 shows a connector housing 1 of an industrial connector. The connector housing 1 is generally made of a metallic material and is manufactured, in particular, using a zinc die-casting process. Such a connector housing is robust and has good electromagnetic shielding properties, making it particularly suitable for harsh industrial environments. Alternatively, the connector housing 1 can also be made of plastic, in particular of the same plastic as the connector modules 5, 5', 5" according to the invention. Instead of the threaded holes 3, screw sleeves would then be provided. In this case, an industrial connector would be lighter than a comparable connector with a metal housing. Figure 2 shows a holding frame 2 equipped with various connector modules 5, 5', 5". The holding frame 2 has a frame-shaped configuration and has screws 4 at each of its corner areas.The connector housing 1 has an approximately rectangular cross-section and has corresponding threaded holes 3 in its corner areas inside the housing. The retaining frame 2 can be fastened in the connector housing 1 using the screws 4 in conjunction with the corresponding threaded holes 3.

[0047] The holding frame 2 consists of two frame halves 9 which are connected to one another in an articulated manner. Recesses 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', 5" or the connector modules 5, 5', 5" are inserted when inserted. When the frame halves 9 are folded together, the holding means 8 move completely into the recesses 10, thereby creating a positive fit for the connector module 5, 5', 5" or the connector modules 5, 5', 5" in the holding frame 2.

[0048] As is known, the holding frame 2 has differently sized recesses 10, which are provided for correspondingly differently sized holding means 8. The recesses 10 in the holding frame 2 are adapted to the respective geometry of the holding means 8. This determines the orientation of the connector module 5, 5', 5" in the holding frame 2, the so-called polarization. In the present invention, the fixing means 7, 7', 7", 11, 11', 11", which serve to fix the functional units 6 to one another, can simultaneously be used as the holding means 8.

[0049] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connector module 5' according to the invention in an exploded view. Figure 4 shows this embodiment in a sectioned and perspective view in the assembled state. The connector module 5' is formed from two identical functional units 6, which can be plugged together reversibly and in any orientation. In this case, any orientation means that the left and right functional units 6 can also be interchanged, and the connector module 5, 5', 5" can still be inserted into the holding frame 2 without polarization problems.

[0050] The functional units 6 are simplified in all embodiments below, i.e., shown without a detailed plug-in and connection area. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that each functional unit 6 can be individually and versatilely designed, particularly in these areas. However, the present invention is not concerned with the individual and versatile technical design and configuration of the functional units 6, but rather with how a connector module 5, 5', 5" is created from functional units 6 that are similar within the meaning of the invention.

[0051] The functional unit 6 has a fixing stud 7 on one side and a matching hollow-body-like stud receptacle 11 on the opposite side. The outer geometry of the fixing studs 7 is adapted to the stud receptacle (and vice versa). This allows the functional units 6 to be plugged together and secured to one another. In this embodiment, the functional units are primarily secured to one another by friction or force.

[0052] A separate holding means 8 is inserted into the knob receptacle 11 of a functional unit 6, which initially remains free in the assembled state, so that the connector module 2 can be received in the holding frame 2.

[0053] The external geometry of the fastening means 7 is also adapted to the recesses of the holding frame 2, so that they can simultaneously serve as the above-mentioned holding means 8 for securing the connector module 5 in a holding frame 2. The fastening means 7 shown here have a dual function, so to speak, and are therefore provided with the reference numerals 7 and 8 in the figures.

[0054] Figures 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of a connector module 5' according to the invention. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment primarily in the type of fixing used to connect the two functional units 6 to one another.

[0055] In this embodiment, the housings of the functional units 6 each have a fixing stud 7' on one side and a matching hollow-body-like stud receptacle 11' on the opposite side. In this case, however, the fixing is realized according to the dovetail principle. The fixing stud 7' is inserted laterally into the stud receptacle 11'.

[0056] The holding means 8' is inserted into the free stud receptacle 11' analogously to the fixing stud 7', so that the connector module 5' can be fixed in a holding frame 2.

[0057] Figures 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of a connector module 5" according to the invention. This embodiment differs from the previously shown embodiments in that no separate holding means is required to enable the assembled functional units 6 for use in a holding frame 2.

[0058] The housings of the functional units 6 each have a fixing stud 7" and a hollow-body-like stud receptacle 11" on two opposite sides. Thus, both fixing means are equally present on two opposite sides of the functional units 6. However, the fixing studs 7" and the hollow-body-like stud receptacles 11" on the opposite sides of the housing are geometrically different, i.e., they are of different sizes and / or different widths.

[0059] Viewed in the plug-in direction SR, on one side of the housing, the larger or wider hollow body-like stud receptacle 11, 11', 11" is arranged first, and below it, the smaller or narrower fixing stud 7, 7', 7". On the other side of the housing, the larger or wider fixing stud 7, 7', 7" is arranged first, and below it, the smaller or narrower hollow body-like stud receptacle 11, 11', 11".

[0060] The functional units 6 are therefore arranged offset from one another, as seen in the plug-in direction SR. However, this offset arrangement can be compensated for by providing sufficient space in the connector housing 1.

[0061] 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.

[0062] List of reference symbols

[0063] 1 connector housing

[0064] 2 holding frames

[0065] 3 threaded holes

[0066] 4 screw

[0067] 5 Connector module

[0068] 6 Functional unit

[0069] 7 Fixing knob

[0070] 8 mounting devices

[0071] 9 frame half

[0072] 10 Recess of the holding frame 2

[0073] 11 Stud holder

[0074] SR plug direction

Claims

Claims 1 . Connector module (5, 5', 5") for a modular industrial connector, which is formed from two independent and mutually fixed functional units (6), characterized in that the housings of the functional units (6) are of the same design.

2. Connector module (5, 5', 5") according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the functional units (6) are fixed to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

3. Connector module (5, 5', 5") according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housings each have a fixing knob (7, 7', 7") on one side and a matching hollow body-like knob receptacle (11, 11 ', 11") on an opposite side.

4. Connector module (5, 5', 5") according to claim 3, characterized in that in the fixed state, the fixing knob (7, 7', 7") of one functional unit (6) is inserted into the knob receptacle (11, 11 ', 11") of the other functional unit (6).

5. Connector module (5, 5', 5") according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the fixed state, the fixing knob (7, 7', 7") of one functional unit (6) is pushed into the knob receptacle (11, 11 ', 11") of the other functional unit (6).

6. Plug-in connector module (5, 5', 5") according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, in the fixed state, a holding means (8) for fixing the plug-in connector module (5, 5', 5") in a holding frame (2) is inserted into the hollow body-like knob receptacle (11, 11 ', 11") of a functional unit (6), and that the other holding means (8) required for this purpose is provided by the fixing knob (7, 7', 7") of the other functional unit (6).

7. Connector module (5, 5', 5") according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the holding means (8) is fixed to the functional unit (6) in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

8. Connector module (5, 5', 5") according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housings of the functional units (6) each have two opposite sides, each with a fixing knob (7, 7', 7") and a hollow body-like knob receptacle (11, 11 ', 11").

9. Connector module (5, 5', 5") according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fixing studs (7, 7', 7") and / or the hollow body-like stud receptacles (11, 11 ', 11") are geometrically different on the opposite sides of the housing 10. Connector module (5, 5', 5") according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing knobs (7, 7', 7") and / or the hollow body-like knob receptacles (11, 11 ', 11") have a different size and / or a different width opposite to the plugging direction (SR). 11 . Connector module (5, 5', 5") according to the preceding claim characterized in that, viewed in the plug-in direction (SR), on one side of the housing, first the larger or wider hollow body-like Stud receptacle (11, 11', 11") and below it the smaller or narrower fixing stud (7, 7', 7") and on the other side of the housing first the larger or wider fixing stud (7, 7', 7") and below it the smaller or narrower hollow body-like stud receptacle (11, 11', 11") are arranged.

12. Connector module (5, 5', 5") according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the functional units (6), seen in the plugging direction (SR), are arranged offset from one another.

13. Connector module (5, 5', 5") according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housings of the functional units (6) are made of plastic and are manufactured by an injection molding process.

14. Connector module (5, 5', 5") according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the plastic is a mineral oil-free plastic.

15. Connector module (5, 5', 5") according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the plastic is polylactide or polyhydroxyalkanoate or a mixture of the aforementioned plastics or plastics containing these substances.

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