Modular media converter and modular industrial connector system comprising modular media converter

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular media converter (1) and to a modular industrial connector system (2) comprising a modular media converter (1). The modular media converter (1) comprises a first and a second electronics module (3, 4), the electronics modules (3, 4) being electrically detachably interconnected via an electrical interface (5) for transmitting electrical power and electrical signals, each electronics module (3, 4) comprising a printed circuit board (6, 6') comprising a plurality of conductor tracks, the first electronics module (3) comprising a printed circuit board edge connector (7) which is electrically connected to the conductor tracks, the second electronics module (4) comprising a contacting region (8) having exposed conductor tracks, the printed circuit board edge connector (7) and the contacting region (8) being arranged at an edge region of the respective printed circuit board (6, 6'), and the electrical interface (5) being formed by the printed circuit board edge connector (7) and the contacting region (8).

Description

[0001] Title: Modular media converter and modular industrial connector system with modular media converter

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The invention relates to a modular media converter and a modular industrial connector system with a modular media converter.

[0004] Media converters are used in networking, e.g. in computer networks, to connect network segments of different transmission media such as twisted pair cables or fiber optic cables and thus physically convert the transmitted data from one medium to another.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Media converters are known from the prior art, for example, from US 2004 / 247313 A1. This patent application describes, among other things, a method for converting media in networks. This system converts signals from one transmission medium, in this case wired Ethernet, to another, in this case light for an optical fiber, to enable communication between different network devices. Data transmission can occur in both directions, i.e., bidirectionally. The method also includes the use of media converters to increase the range and flexibility of networks.

[0007] Connector systems, i.e., a set of connectors such as a plug and socket, are used for a wide variety of applications. Industrial connector systems, also known as heavy-duty connector systems, are specifically designed for industrial applications that require high levels of dust and water tightness and high demands on mechanical vibration resistance. Industrial connector systems are therefore particularly robust and exhibit high contact stability, even under high vibration conditions.

[0008] EP 4 248 529 A1 shows an example of a modular industrial connector, as well as a holding frame for receiving a module, in particular a contact module for an industrial connector system.

[0009] The simple integration of media converters into industrial connector systems, especially those media converters from the above-mentioned patent application, is challenging because the industrial connector system must withstand a large number of mating cycles. Connectors for Ethernet cables and fiber optic cables are typically lockable, which would make disconnecting the industrial connector system difficult. The obvious solution would be to remove the locking mechanism from the Ethernet cables, particularly the RJ45 connector, or the fiber optic cables to make them more convenient or enable use with an industrial connector system. However, this leads to problems, particularly in the presence of mechanical vibrations, as the connection between the media converter and the Ethernet cable or fiber optic cable can become loose.There is also a risk that the fiber optic fiber will become contaminated due to repeated disconnection and connection of the fiber optic connector. Removing the fiber optic connector from a media converter socket can also cause dirt or moisture to penetrate the socket. Both can lead to a deterioration in signal quality and even interruption of signal transmission. This is particularly critical in industrial applications. Task.

[0010] The present invention is based on the object of providing a modular media converter and a modular industrial connector system which overcome the disadvantages and limitations of the prior art.

[0011] The present invention is further based on the object of providing a modular media converter and a modular industrial connector system that enable easy disconnection and (re-)connection of the industrial connector system and at the same time have a high level of robustness and good contact quality, especially when mechanical vibrations occur.

[0012] The present invention is further based on the object of providing a modular media converter and a modular industrial connector system, wherein the present invention is based on the object of ensuring good data and signal integrity during media conversion under the sometimes harsh environmental conditions for industrial connector systems.

[0013] According to the invention, these objects are achieved by a modular media converter and by a modular industrial connector system with a modular media converter according to the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims or dependent claims.

[0014] In a first aspect, a modular media converter for converting signals from one physical transmission medium, preferably cable, to another, preferably optical fiber, for use in a modular industrial connector system is disclosed.The modular media converter comprises a first and a second electronic module, wherein the electronic modules are electrically detachably connected to one another (also connectable to one another) via an electrical interface for transmitting electrical energy and electrical signals, wherein each electronic module has a printed circuit board with a plurality of conductor tracks, wherein the first electronic module has a printed circuit board edge connector which is electrically connected to the conductor tracks, wherein the second electronic module has a contacting region with exposed conductor tracks, wherein the printed circuit board edge connector and the contacting region are arranged at an edge region of the respective printed circuit board, and wherein the electrical interface is formed by the printed circuit board edge connector and the contacting region.

[0015] The modular design of the media converter, meaning the first and second electronic modules are mechanically and electrically separable from one another, enables integration into an industrial connector system. The electrical contacting via the electrical interface designed as described enables stable and reliable transmission of electrical energy and electrical signals between the electronic modules. The cable is preferably an Ethernet cable with a corresponding RJ45 connector. The modular media converter according to the overall disclosure can be modular and pluggable.

[0016] In a first development of the first aspect, the exposed conductor tracks of the second electronic module can be arranged on both sides, in particular on a bottom and a top side of the circuit board.

[0017] This can offer several advantages. A larger number of conductor tracks is available for signal transmission, allowing a greater number of electrical signals to be transmitted. A larger contact area is available for electrical energy transmission, allowing more electrical energy to be transferred. The PCB edge connector can be designed accordingly, i.e., to fit, so that it can tap the conductor tracks from both sides.

[0018] In a second development of the first aspect, the printed circuit board edge connector of the first electronic module can have resilient electrical contact elements that, when establishing an electrical connection via the electrical interface, press against the exposed conductor tracks of the second electronic module to establish the electrical connection. The resilient electrical contact elements can ensure robust contact even in the presence of high-amplitude mechanical vibrations.

[0019] In a third development of the first aspect, the first electronic module can have a supply connection for supplying electrical energy, a wired connection for receiving and transmitting data in the form of electrical signals, and a first electronic component that can be electrically connected to the wired connection and the electrical interface and can be configured to convert the data into a proprietary signal format, wherein the proprietary signal format can be available in the form of electrical signals at the electrical interface. The proprietary signal format can be standardized and used to combine electronic modules of different designs, i.e., modules for converting to or from different transmission media.

[0020] In a further development of the first aspect, the second electronic module can have a transmitting and receiving unit for connecting optical fibers and a second electronic component which can be electrically connected to the electrical interface and the transmitting and receiving unit and can be designed to convert the electrical signals in the proprietary signal format into or from light signals.

[0021] In a further development of the first aspect, the electrical interface can be designed for the unidirectional transmission of electrical energy from the first electronic module to the second electronic module and for the bidirectional transmission of electrical signals in the proprietary signal format between the first and the second electronic module.

[0022] In a further development of the first aspect, the second electronic module, in particular the second electronic component, can be supplied exclusively with electrical energy, which can be provided by the supply connection via the electrical interface. This can have the advantage that no power supply interface needs to be provided for the second electronic module, which can reduce the installation space and cabling effort.

[0023] In a further development of the first aspect, each electronic module can be enclosed by a housing, wherein the housings can be designed to be pluggable to one another, and wherein the housings can be designed to be free of latching means for mutual latching. The omission of latching means such as latching formations and latching recesses can be particularly advantageous when the modular media converter is integrated into an industrial connector system and the plugging and unplugging of the industrial connector system occurs by the application of mechanical force to the industrial connector housing. In this case, there is no need to unlatch the modular media converter within the industrial connector system. In a further development of the first aspect, each housing can have fastening formations for mechanical fastening to or for mechanical engagement with recesses in a holding frame.This allows the modular media converter to be mechanically fixed and held in position.

[0024] In a further development of the first aspect, at least one housing can comprise at least two housing parts, wherein the housing parts can be joined together and releasably fastened to one another by means of a snap mechanism. The snap mechanism can comprise a fastening tab and a locking lug that can be in mechanical engagement with the fastening tab in a fastened state. Electronic components located inside the housing can be replaced in this way. This can be advantageous in the event of a defect in the electronic components, enabling a time-saving replacement of these components.

[0025] In a further development of the first aspect, the housing can be made of a non-conductive material, preferably glass-fiber-reinforced plastic. This allows weight to be saved and the electronic components inside the housing can be electrically insulated from their surroundings.

[0026] The training courses in the first aspect can be combined with each other as desired, provided this is sensible and technically possible.

[0027] In a second aspect, a modular industrial connector system is disclosed.

[0028] The modular industrial connector system comprises a bulkhead housing and a sleeve housing, each with a retaining frame attached inside the housing. Each retaining frame secures an electronic module, so that when plugged in, a modular media converter according to the first aspect (including all further developments or a combination thereof) is formed, in which the electronic modules are electrically releasably connected to one another via the electrical interface. The modular media converter is formed by plugging or joining the bulkhead housing and sleeve housing together to form a connector system. The use of the retaining frames also ensures secure positioning of the electronic modules of the modular media converter. The integration of the modular media converter into the industrial connector system accordingly results in the aforementioned advantages.

[0029] Example

[0030] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail below. They show:

[0031] Fig. 1 a perspective view of a modular

[0032] media converter;

[0033] Fig. 2 shows the modular media converter from Fig. 1 in an assembled state;

[0034] Fig. 3A, 3B the Ethernet module from different perspectives;

[0035] Fig. 4A, 4B the optical fiber module from different perspectives;

[0036] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the modular media converter shown in Fig. 2;

[0037] Fig. 6 a modular media converter attached to two

[0038] holding frame;

[0039] Fig. 7 a sectional drawing of a

[0040] Industrial connector system with modular media converter attached to two support frames.

[0041] Some of the figures contain simplified schematic representations. In some cases, the same reference symbols are used for the same, 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 in relation to the respective figure and may vary in the individual illustrations with respect to the object depicted.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a modular media converter 1 in a perspective view. In this exemplary embodiment, the modular media converter 1 consists of a first and a second electronic module. The first electronic module is designed as an Ethernet module 3 and the second electronic module as an optical fiber module 4. The two modules 3, 4 are shown separately to clarify that they are modular, i.e. separable and, if necessary, replaceable. Inside the modules 3, 4 are electronic components, which will be discussed in more detail later in the description. The electronic components are enclosed in a housing, as shown in the figure. The housings of the modules 3, 4 also have fastening formations 14 on each side surface (only one is shown in each case), which can be received by through-openings in a holding frame (not shown).

[0043] Figure 2 shows the modular media converter 1 in the same perspective view, with the two modules 3, 4 plugged into each other. Figures 1 and 2 essentially show that the modular media converter 1 can have a plugged-in and a disconnected state, with the modular media converter 1 only being functional in the plugged-in state.

[0044] The fiber optic module 4 from Figure 1 can also be replaced by an Ethernet module 3, so that two Ethernet modules 3 are connected to each other. This arrangement would then, by definition, no longer be a media converter, but could be used as a repeater. Combination with other module types, e.g., a coaxial cable module, would also be possible. However, the modular media converter 1 according to Figures 1 and 2 is particularly preferably designed to convert the transmission medium between a wired Ethernet connection and a fiber optic connection.

[0045] Figures 3A and 3B show the Ethernet module 3 from Figures 1 and 2 from different perspectives. The front view of Figure 3A shows that the Ethernet module 3 has an Ethernet socket or an RJ45 socket, which is designed to receive a corresponding plug of an Ethernet cable. The plug of the Ethernet cable can be snapped into this socket. Furthermore, the Ethernet module 3 has a power connection 9, which can be connected to a voltage source, for example, for supplying 12V DC. The electronic components inside the housing (including the RJ45 socket) are supplied with electrical energy via the power connection. The housing of the Ethernet module 3 as such consists of two housing parts 3A, 3B, wherein the housing parts are releasably fastened to one another by means of two snap mechanisms 16.

[0046] In this embodiment, the snap mechanisms 16 consist of a fastening tab 16A located on the first housing part 3A and a locking projection 16B in the form of a locking lug located on the second housing part 3B. The locking projection 16B penetrates the through-opening of the fastening tab 16A and then fastens the housing parts 3A, 3B to one another. The housing can also be opened to allow the replacement of the electronic components inside the housing.

[0047] Figure 3B shows the Ethernet module 3 from Figure 3A from a different perspective. This perspective shows the shape of the housing (front part), which protrudes into the housing of the fiber optic module (not shown). As can be seen, this plug-in area can also be regarded as a plug shape (male). Furthermore, the figure shows that no locking means are visible in the plug-in area. Inside the housing of the Ethernet module 3, a circuit board edge connector 7 can be seen, which represents part of an electrical interface and is designed to accommodate a circuit board. The circuit board edge connector 7 is in turn arranged on a circuit board that carries the electronic components inside the housing. Contacts of the circuit board connector 7 are electrically connected to the electronic components via conductor tracks.

[0048] Figures 4A and 4B show the fiber optic module 4 from Figures 1 and 2 from different perspectives. The front view of Figure 4A shows that the fiber optic module 4 has a transmitting and receiving unit 12, which includes sockets designed to accommodate two fiber optic cables, i.e., dual fiber. One socket is intended for transmitting, the other for receiving, light signals via pluggable fiber optic cables. The ends of the two fiber optic cables can also be snapped into the socket.

[0049] Figure 4B shows the fiber optic module 4 from a different perspective. This perspective shows the shape of the housing that accommodates the Ethernet module's housing (not shown). As can be seen, this plug-in area can also be considered a socket (female). Furthermore, the figure shows that no locking means are visible in the plug-in area. Inside the housing of the fiber optic module 4, a printed circuit board 6' can be seen, which represents another part of the electrical interface and can be accommodated by the Ethernet module's printed circuit board edge connector (not shown). Furthermore, the printed circuit board 6' has bare conductor track ends at its edge, which serve as contacts in the contact area 8 for the printed circuit board edge connector. Inside the fiber optic module 4, electronic components are also arranged on the printed circuit board 6', which are connected to the bare conductor track ends via conductor tracks.Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the modular media converter 1 from Figure 2. Although the modular media converter 1 enables a bidirectional exchange of signals and / or data, the following describes the functionality starting from the Ethernet port 10 of the Ethernet module 3. In the opposite direction, i.e., starting from the transmitting and receiving unit 12 of the fiber optic module 4, the functionality is similar or equivalent.

[0050] Data in the form of electrical signals is transmitted from the Ethernet port 10 via a circuit board 6 to the Ethernet PHY transceiver IC 11. The Ethernet PHY transceiver IC 11 converts the electrical signals into proprietary electrical signals, e.g., signals of an Electrical Signaling Interface (SFI), which are forwarded via the conductor tracks of the circuit board 6 to the electrical interface 5, consisting of the circuit board edge connector of the Ethernet module 3 and the contact area 8 of the fiber optic module 4.The circuit board 6' of the fiber optic module 4, particularly the contact area, receives the proprietary electrical signals at the electrical interface and feeds them via the conductor tracks of the circuit board 6' to the SFI fiber transceiver IC 13, which generates control signals from the proprietary electrical signals. These control signals are used to generate light signals by means of light-emitting or laser diodes in the transmitting and receiving unit 12 of the fiber optic module 4. Thus, a conversion of proprietary electrical signals into light signals takes place via the SFI fiber transceiver IC 13 and the light-emitting or laser diodes. The notation of the proprietary electrical signals can be or will be standardized.

[0051] Electrical energy is also conducted from the supply connection (not shown) via the conductor tracks of the circuit board 6 of the Ethernet module 3 via the electrical interface 5 to the SFI fiber transceiver IC 13 to supply it. Figure 6 shows the modular media converter 1 from Figure 2, which is held by or attached to two holding frames 15, 15' of an industrial connector system. A module of the media converter is attached to each holding frame 15, 15', with the upper holding frame 15 carrying the Ethernet module and the lower holding frame 15' carrying the fiber optic module. Furthermore, it can be seen that each holding frame has cutouts for attaching modules, for example contact modules of the industrial connector, to the holding frames 15, 15'. These cutouts serve to attach the modules of the modular media converter 1 to the holding frames 15, 15' using the fastening projections 14.

[0052] Figure 7 shows an industrial connector system 2 comprising two housings 17, 18, namely a bulkhead housing 17 and a sleeve housing 18. A retaining frame 15, 15' is also attached to each housing 17, 18. In this exemplary embodiment, the bulkhead housing 17 is attached to a housing wall (not shown). As can be seen, the industrial connector system 2 is in a plugged-in or assembled state. Furthermore, the two retaining frames 15, 15' support the modular media converter 1 according to Figure 2, which is also in an assembled and thus functional state. If a force Z is applied to the sleeve housing 18, the industrial connector system 2 can be separated, or the sleeve housing 18 can be pulled out of the bulkhead housing 17. This also separates the modular media converter 1, which is then no longer functional.The two modules of the modular media converter 1 are separated by the tensile force Z, which is transmitted from the sleeve housing 18 via the holding frame 15' to the (upper) fiber optic module. When the housings 17, 18 are joined together, the modular media converter 1 is also reassembled and is then functional.

[0053] 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.

[0054] List of reference symbols

[0055] 1 Modular Media Converter

[0056] 2 industrial connector system

[0057] 3 First electronic module, Ethernet module

[0058] 3A, 3B housing part

[0059] 4 Second electronic module, fiber optic module

[0060] 5 Electrical Interface, Electrical Signaling Interface (SFI)

[0061] 6, 6' circuit board

[0062] 7 PCB edge connectors

[0063] 8 Contact area

[0064] 9 Supply connection

[0065] 10 Wired connection, Ethernet connection, RJ45

[0066] 11 First electronic component, Ethernet PHY transceiver IC

[0067] 12 Transmitter and receiver unit, dual fiber connection

[0068] 13 Second electronic component, SFI fiber transceiver IC

[0069] 14 Fastening molding

[0070] 15, 15' holding frame

[0071] 16 Snap mechanism

[0072] 16A mounting tab

[0073] 16B locking lug, locking molding

[0074] 17 mounting housings

[0075] 18 grommet housings

[0076] Z traction, pull

Claims

Claims 1. A modular media converter (1) configured to convert signals from one physical transmission medium, preferably a cable, to another, preferably an optical fiber, and intended for use in a modular industrial connector system (2), comprising: a first and a second electronic module (3, 4), wherein the electronic modules (3, 4) are electrically detachably connected to one another via an electrical interface (5) for transmitting electrical energy and electrical signals, wherein each electronic module (3, 4) has a printed circuit board (6, 6') with a plurality of conductor tracks, wherein the first electronic module (3) has a printed circuit board edge connector (7) electrically connected to the conductor tracks, wherein the second electronic module (4) has a contacting area (8) with exposed conductor tracks,wherein the circuit board edge connector (7) and the contacting area (8) are arranged at an edge area of ​​the respective circuit board (6, 6'), and wherein the electrical interface (5) is formed by the circuit board edge connector (7) and the contacting area (8).

2. Modular media converter (1) according to claim 1, wherein the exposed conductor tracks of the second electronic module (4) are arranged on both sides, in particular on a bottom and a top side of the circuit board (6').

3. Modular media converter (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the circuit board edge connector (7) of the first electronic module (3) has electrical contact elements which are designed to establish an electrical connection via the electrical interface (5) with the second electronic module (4), wherein the electrical contact elements are resiliently connected so that a contact force can be exerted between the electrical contact elements and the exposed conductor tracks of the second electronic module (4) by means of spring force in order to ensure contact and thus an electrical connection.

4. Modular media converter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first electronic module (3) has a supply connection (9) for supplying electrical energy, a wired connection (10) for receiving and transmitting data in the form of electrical signals and a first electronic component (11) which is electrically connected to the wired connection (10) and the electrical interface (5) and is designed to convert the data into a proprietary signal format, wherein the proprietary signal format is available in the form of electrical signals at the electrical interface (5).

5. Modular media converter (1) according to claim 4, wherein the second electronic module (4) has a transmitting and receiving unit (12) for connecting optical fibers and a second electronic component (13) which is electrically connected to the electrical interface (5) and the transmitting and receiving unit (12) and is designed to convert the electrical signals in the proprietary signal format into or from light signals.

6. Modular media converter (1) according to claim 5, wherein the electrical interface (5) is designed for unidirectional transmission of electrical energy from the first electronic module (3) to the second electronic module (4) and for bidirectional transmission of electrical signals in the proprietary signal format between the first and the second electronic module (4).

7. Modular media converter (1) according to claim 6, which is constructed such that the second electronic module (4), in particular the second electronic component (13), is supplied exclusively with electrical energy which is made available by the supply connection (9) via the electrical interface (5).

8. Modular media converter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each electronic module (3, 4) is enclosed by a housing, wherein the housings are designed to be pluggable to one another, and wherein the housings are designed free of latching means for mutual latching.

9. Modular media converter (1) according to claim 8, wherein each housing has fastening formations (14) for mechanical fastening to or for mechanical engagement with recesses in a holding frame (15, 15').

10. Modular media converter (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein at least one housing comprises at least two housing parts (3A, 3B), wherein the housing parts (3A, 3B) are joined together and releasably fastened to one another by means of a snap mechanism (16), wherein the snap mechanism (16) has a fastening tab (16A) and a locking lug (16B) which, in a fastened state, is in mechanical engagement with the fastening tab (16A).

11. Modular media converter (1) according to claim 10, wherein the housings consist of a non-conductive material, preferably of glass fiber reinforced plastic.

12. Modular industrial connector system (2), comprising a panel-mounted housing (17) and a sleeve housing (18), each with a holding frame (15, 15') fastened inside the housing, wherein the modular industrial connector system (2) is constructed such that each holding frame (15, 15') fixes an electronic module (3, 4) so ​​that, in the plugged-in state, a modular media converter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 is formed, in which the electronic modules (3, 4) are detachably electrically connected to one another via the electrical interface (5).

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