Plug connector module for a modular industrial plug connector, and system consisting of plug connector module and plug connector housing

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') for a modular industrial plug connector, and the plug connector module (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') consists of a number of Ng functional units (6, 6', 6'', 6''') attached to one another, Ng being a natural and even number and being greater than or equal to four.

Description

[0001] CONNECTOR MODULE FOR A MODULAR INDUSTRIAL CONNECTOR

[0002] AND SYSTEM CONSISTING OF CONNECTOR MODULE AND CONNECTOR HOUSING

[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 system comprising such a connector module and a connector housing according to the preamble of claim 10.

[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, etc.

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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 or cuboid-shaped holding means which protrude from the narrow sides. Recesses in the form of openings which are 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 1 is folded open, i.e. opened, with the frame halves being folded open 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.

[0008] 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, in turn, limits the flexibility of an industrial connector.

[0009] State of the art

[0010] DE 10 2018 115 371 A1 shows a connector module composed of two independent and autonomously functioning functional units. This improves 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. However, the assembly of the connector module increases the complexity of an industrial connector, which complicates assembly and, in particular, field assembly.

[0011] The German Patent and Trademark Office has searched the following prior art in the priority application for the present application: DE 34 42 056 A1 , DE 102018 115 371 A1 , EP 2 537 212 B1 , EP 3 593 415 B1 and CN 201 4117 871 Y.

[0012] Task

[0013] The object of the invention is to simplify the assembly of a modular industrial connector and at the same time to reduce the costs for such a connector.

[0014] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and the following description.

[0016] The connector module according to the invention is intended for use in a modular industrial connector. Such industrial connectors are used particularly in harsh industrial environments and are therefore assembled and finished on-site by the customer, for example, at a machine manufacturer's facility.

[0017] The connector module is made up of at least four functional units that can be fixed to one another. The functional units can preferably be removably fixed to one another. This allows incorrect assembly to be corrected and the functional units to be reused in other applications. The functional units are independently functioning components that can have different functions. For example, functional units are provided for the transmission of electrical currents or electrical energy. Here, the number of contact elements and their current-carrying capacity can vary. Furthermore, functional units can be provided for the transmission of fiber optic signals and be equipped with corresponding contact elements. Furthermore, functional units can be sensors, e.g.

[0018] Temperature sensors included.

[0019] The functional units are each essentially cuboid-shaped and each have a fixing means on one side surface. The fixing means are preferably four fixing arms, each protruding obliquely from a side surface of the functional unit. Two fixing arms are inclined to the right and two fixing arms are inclined to the left. When fixing two functional units, the fixing arms engage in the corresponding fixing receptacle of the second functional unit. The fixing arms inclined in the other direction remain free and are intended for fixing a further, third, and fourth functional unit.

[0020] The assembled connector module preferably has at least one housing locking means which is provided for directly fixing the connector module in a connector housing, wherein the connector housing is a component of the industrial connector.

[0021] Such connector modules can be installed into a connector housing without a retaining frame. This means that a mandatory component, namely the retaining frame described above, for securing the connector modules in the connector housing can be omitted. This significantly simplifies the assembly of such an industrial connector.

[0022] Preferably, the respective functional unit is essentially cuboid-shaped. The opposing surfaces with the smaller surface area form the end faces. One end face of the functional unit forms a connection side, and the other end face of the functional unit forms a plug-in side.

[0023] On the connection side, the conductors of a connected cable are connected to the contact elements of the functional unit. Crimping technology is used for this purpose, for example. On the plug-in side, the contact elements can then be brought into contact with the mating contact elements of a corresponding mating functional unit.

[0024] In the cuboid design of the functional units, the end faces, as mentioned above, have a smaller surface area than the four surrounding side surfaces. The housing locking means for directly securing the connector module in a connector housing is preferably formed on at least one side surface of the functional unit.

[0025] Advantageously, several fixing arms are formed on one side surface of the functional unit, which are suitable for securing at least three functional units together. Preferably, at least four functional units are assembled to form a connector module. The functional units are located within one plane, i.e., they are not offset from one another. Preferably, two side surfaces of a functional unit are then connected to one side surface of an adjacent functional unit.

[0026] Advantageously, the fixing arms are positioned at an angle, meaning they are not orthogonal (unorthogonal), from the side surface. This allows the fixing arms to act in two directions simultaneously, allowing the fixing of two functional units.

[0027] Preferably, the connector module consists of a number of Ng functional units fixed to one another. Ng is a natural and even number and greater than or equal to four (Ng > 4). This enables large connector modules, for example, the size of classic "double modules" that occupy two or more module slots in a mounting frame.

[0028] Advantageously, the functional units are fixed to one another in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. Any number of functional units can be arranged in pairs. A connector module according to the invention consists of a 2xN matrix of functional units fixed to one another, where N is a natural number greater than zero. This means that any number of pairs of functional units can be combined with corresponding pairs of functional units to form a connector module according to the invention.

[0029] The housing locking means, with which the connector module can be locked into a connector housing, is preferably designed as a spring-loaded locking tab. Advantageously, the free end of the locking tab points in the plug-in direction or opposite to the plug-in direction. The plug-in direction is the direction in which the connector module is guided to a plug-in partner, a matching mating connector module.

[0030] The connector module according to the invention preferably has the above-described retaining means, so that it can be inserted into a retaining frame as described above. Advantageously, the retaining means, each of which is integrally formed on a side surface of the connector module, are geometrically different, so that the connector modules can be inserted into the retaining frame in a polarized manner.

[0031] However, the invention is not limited to the use of a holding frame and therefore further relates to a system comprising a connector module according to the invention and a connector housing of an industrial connector, which is described in more detail below.

[0032] Preferably, at least one locking recess is provided within the connector housing, which interacts with the at least one housing locking means of the connector module in such a way that the connector module can be locked in the connector housing, preferably reversibly.

[0033] Preferably, at least two opposing locking recesses are provided within the connector housing, which interact with the opposing housing locking means of the connector module.

[0034] Preferably, several locking recesses are provided within the connector housing, arranged in pairs opposite one another, which interact with several housing locking elements of the connector module, arranged in pairs opposite one another. This creates a very stable locking mechanism that can withstand the inherent insertion and removal forces of the industrial connector.

[0035] The number of locking recesses on a long side of the connector housing is preferably greater than or equal to the number of housing locking elements of the connector module facing this housing side. This allows connector modules to be installed in a connector housing whose length is shorter than the length of the corresponding housing side, for example, by one pair of functional units. This allows such connectors to be retrofitted with additional functional units at a later date.

[0036] Preferably, the locking recess or recesses are molded into the connector housing. In this case, the locking recesses can be molded directly into the connector housing during its manufacturing process, for example, during the injection molding process.

[0037] Alternatively, a locking frame is arranged within the connector housing, which has the locking recess or recesses.

[0038] The locking frame is preferably mounted within the connector housing. Alternatively, the locking frame is at least partially overmolded in the material of the connector housing and / or is an integral part of the connector housing.

[0039] Example

[0040] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail below. They show:

[0041] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a connector housing of an industrial connector,

[0042] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a holding frame equipped with various connector modules,

[0043] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a functional unit according to the invention,

[0044] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connector module composed of two functional units,

[0045] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the connector module, which has three functional units fixed to one another, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the connector module, which has three functional units fixed to one another,

[0046] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the connector module and a matching connector housing,

[0047] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the connector module, which has three functional units fixed to one another,

[0048] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the connector module and a matching, sectioned connector housing,

[0049] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a locking frame for connector modules,

[0050] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the locking frame integrated in a connector housing,

[0051] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the connector module, which has three functional units fixed to one another,

[0052] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the connector module with a PE end section attached thereto and

[0053] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the connector module with PE end sections attached to both sides.

[0054] The figures contain partly simplified, schematic representations.

[0055] In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for similar, but possibly not identical, elements. Different views of identical 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 representations relative to the object depicted. Components that are similar in function and / or have the same effect but differ in design are provided with primed reference symbols.

[0056] 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 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.

[0057] 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 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] As is known, the holding frame 2 has recesses 10 of different sizes, which are provided for correspondingly different-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.

[0060] First example:

[0061] Figures 4 to 5 show a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connector module 5' according to the invention. The connector module 5' is composed of at least four independent functional units 6, and in particular of an even number of functional units 6. In Figures 4 and 5, the third and / or fourth functional unit 6 is omitted only to better view the fixing mechanism between the functional units.

[0062] A single functional unit 6 of the connector module 5' is shown in perspective in Figure 3. The functional unit 6 is essentially cuboid-shaped. The end face facing in the plugging direction SR forms the plug-in side, and the opposite end face forms the connection side of the functional unit 6.

[0063] Several fixing arms 7 are formed on one side surface of the functional unit 6 for securing at least three functional units 6 together. The fixing arms 7 extend obliquely, i.e., not orthogonally, from the side surface or side surface plane. The upper fixing arms 7 are directed to the right, and the lower fixing arms 7 are directed to the left. As can be seen in Figure 4, two functional units 6 can be combined to form a connector module 5'. In this case, the connector module 5' would, in the traditional sense, occupy only one module location, for example, in a holding frame 2 shown above.

[0064] Four fixing arms 7 protrude obliquely from exactly one side surface of the functional unit 6. Two fixing arms 7 (the upper ones in Fig. 3) are inclined to the right, and two fixing arms 7 (the lower ones in Fig. 3) are inclined to the left. When fixing two functional units 6, the fixing arms 7 each engage in a corresponding fixing receptacle 9 of the second functional unit 6. The fixing arms 7 inclined in the other direction remain free and are intended for fixing a further, third functional unit 6, as can be seen in Figure 5.

[0065] Second embodiment:

[0066] Figures 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the connector module 5" according to the invention. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that the above-described fixing arms 7 are integrally formed on one side surface of the respective functional unit 6' and a housing locking means 11 is integrally formed on an opposite side surface of the functional unit 6'. The housing locking means 11 is provided for fixing the connector module 5" in a connector housing 1, 1' of the industrial connector.

[0067] The connector housing 1' shown in Figure 7 has locking recesses 12 on the inside which interact with the housing locking means 11 such that the connector module 5" is secured directly in the connector housing 1', i.e. without a holding frame 2. The connector housing 1' has opposing pins 13 on the outside, on which a locking bracket 16 (shown in Figure 11) can be pivotally mounted. In this exemplary embodiment, the housing locking means 11 is designed as a locking tab whose free end points in the plug-in direction SR. At the end of the locking tab, a T-shaped contour 11a is formed, which engages positively in the likewise T-shaped locking recess 12.

[0068] The functional units 6' also have retaining means 8 with which the 5" connector module can be fixed in a holding frame 2. This allows the 5" connector modules to continue to be used with connector housings without a corresponding locking function. They are therefore backward compatible.

[0069] Third embodiment:

[0070] Figures 8 and 9 show a third embodiment of the connector module 5'" according to the invention. This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment essentially by the differently designed housing locking means 1T.

[0071] In this embodiment, the housing locking means 1T is designed as a locking tab, the free end of which points opposite to the plugging direction SR, i.e., in the connection direction AR. At the end of the locking tab, a cuboid-shaped contour 11b is formed, which engages positively with the likewise cuboid-shaped locking recess 12' of the connector housing 1".

[0072] Figure 10 shows a locking frame 14 which contains corresponding recesses which form the locking recesses 12' for the housing locking means 11 of the connector modules 5'". The locking frame 14 is mounted in a connector housing 1" and / or overmolded or cast in the material of the connector housing and is thus an integral component of the connector housing, as can be seen in Figure 11. The previous exemplary embodiments do not require such a locking frame 14. Here, the contours are provided directly in the tool mold which is used to produce a connector housing 1'.

[0073] The connector housing 1" shown in Figure 11 has a pivotable locking bracket 16 which is mounted on pins 13 as described above.

[0074] Fourth embodiment:

[0075] Figures 12, 13 and 14 show a fourth embodiment of the connector module 5"" according to the invention. In this embodiment, the functional units 6'" each have fixing arms 7" on one edge of a side surface, which point perpendicular to the plugging direction and engage in corresponding recesses of an adjacent functional unit 6'" and are provided for fixing a pair of functional units.

[0076] At the edge of an opposite side surface, the functional units 6'" each have fixing arms 7' pointing perpendicular to the plugging direction, at the end of which a locking contour is formed. Fixing brackets 7a are provided on the other edge of the same side surface, behind which the fixing arms 7' can be inserted. This allows any number of the above-mentioned functional unit pairs to be linked together to form a connector module 5"".

[0077] At each end region of the connector module 5"", a metallic PE end section 17 is rusted. This allows the so-called PE transfer of the plug connection to be realized. In addition, the PE end sections each have screw openings 18 through which the connector module 5"", analogous to the holder in Figure 2, can be screwed into a connector housing 1. In this case, such a connector housing 1 does not require any locking recesses 12, 12' for the connector module 5"". Nevertheless, the connector module 5"" can have additional housing rust means 11', as shown in Figure 13. Such a connector module 5"" can then either be screwed into a connector housing 1 or snapped into a connector housing 1', 1".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.

[0078] Applicant: HARTING Electric Stiftung & Co. KG

[0079] Title: Connector module for a modular industrial connector

[0080] Reference symbols

[0081] 1 connector housing

[0082] 2 holding frames

[0083] 3 threaded holes

[0084] 4 screw

[0085] 5 Connector module

[0086] 6 Functional unit

[0087] 7 Fixing arm of the functional unit 6

[0088] 7a) Fixing bracket

[0089] 8 mounting devices

[0090] 9 Fixing mount

[0091] 10 Recess of the holding frame 2

[0092] 11 Housing locking means

[0093] 11 a) T-shaped contour

[0094] 11 b) cuboid contour

[0095] 12 rest recess

[0096] 13 cones

[0097] 14 locking frames

[0098] 15 locking tab

[0099] 16 locking brackets

[0100] 17 PE end section

[0101] 18 screw opening

[0102] SR plug direction

[0103] AR connection direction

Claims

Claims 1 . Connector module (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"") for a modular industrial connector, wherein the connector module (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"") consists of a number Ng of functional units (6, 6', 6", 6'") fixed to one another, where NG is a natural and even number and greater than or equal to four.

2. Connector module (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"") according to claim 1, characterized in that the functional units (6, 6', 6", 6'") can be releasably fixed again.

3. Connector module (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"") according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector module (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"") has at least one housing locking means (11, 11 ') for fixing the connector module (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"") in a connector housing (1, 1', 1") of the industrial connector.

4. Connector module (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"") according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the housing means (11, 11 ') is formed on a side surface of the functional unit (6, 6', 6", 6'").

5. Connector module (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"") according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional unit (6, 6', 6", 6'") is essentially cuboid-shaped and fixing arms (7, 7', 7") are formed on a side surface of the functional unit for fixing the functional units (6, 6', 6", 6'") to one another.

6. Plug connector module (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"") according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fixing arms (7) protrude obliquely from the side surface.

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

8. Connector module (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"") according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing locking means (11, 11 ') is designed as a resilient locking tab.

9. Connector module (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"") according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the free end of the locking tab points in the plug-in direction (SR) or opposite to the plug-in direction (SR).

10. System comprising a plug connector module (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"") and a plug connector housing (1', 1") of an industrial plug connector, wherein at least one locking recess (12, 12') is provided within the plug connector housing (1, 1'), wherein the plug connector module (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"") has at least one housing locking means (11, 11') and wherein the at least one housing locking means (11, 11') interacts with the at least one locking recess (12, 12') such that the plug connector module (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"") is secured in the plug connector housing (1', 1"). 11 . System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connector module (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"") is designed according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9.

12. System according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that at least two opposing locking recesses (12, 12') are provided within the connector housing (1 ', 1"), which interact with the opposing housing locking means (11, 11 ') of the connector module (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"").

13. System according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of locking recesses (12, 12') are provided within the connector housing (1, 1"), which are arranged opposite one another in pairs and which interact with a plurality of housing locking means (11, 11') of the connector module (5, 5', 5", 5'", 5""), which are arranged opposite one another in pairs.

14. System according to one of the four preceding claims, characterized in that the locking recess (12, 12') or the locking recesses (12, 12') are formed in the connector housing (1', 1").

15. System according to one of the preceding claims 10 to 14, characterized in that a locking frame (14) is arranged within the connector housing (1 ', 1") and that the locking frame (14) has the locking recesses (12, 12') or the locking recesses (12, 12').

16. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking frame (14) is mounted within the connector housing (11").

17. System according to claim 15, characterized in that the locking tube (14) is at least partially overmolded by the material of the connector housing (1 1") and / or is an integral part of the connector housing (1 1").

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