Adapter module for a modular industrial connector

Abstract

The invention relates to an adapter module (6, 6') for a modular industrial connector, the adapter module (6, 6') being designed to accommodate a commercially available USB-C connector (11).

Description

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

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to an adapter module for a modular industrial connector according to the preamble of independent claim 1. The invention further relates to a connector module comprising such an adapter module. The invention further relates to a method for equipping a modular industrial connector with at least one connector module according to independent claim 11.

[0004] These adapter modules are assembled into connector modules and are then part of a modular connector system. Connector modules are needed to flexibly adapt a connector, especially a heavy-duty industrial connector, to specific requirements regarding signal and power transmission, for example, between two electrical devices. Typically, connector modules are inserted into corresponding mounting frames, sometimes also called hinged frames, module frames, or modular frames. These mounting frames serve to accommodate several identical and / or different connector modules and securely attach them to a surface, a device wall, and / or in a connector housing, etc.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Connector modules typically consist of a cuboid-shaped insulating body or housing. These insulating bodies or housings can serve as contact carriers, accommodating and securing various types of contacts. The function of a connector formed in this way is therefore highly flexible. For example, pneumatic modules, optical modules, modules for transmitting electrical power and / or analog and / or digital electrical signals can be housed within the respective insulating body or housing and thus used in the modular connector system. Increasingly, connector modules are also taking on measurement and data processing tasks.

[0007] Ideally, mounting frames are used that consist of two frame halves connected by hinges. The connector modules are equipped with approximately rectangular retaining elements projecting from their narrow sides. The side panels of the frame halves have recesses designed as fully enclosed openings into which the retaining elements engage when the connector modules are inserted into the mounting frame. To insert the connector modules, the mounting frame is unfolded, i.e., opened, with the frame halves opening around the hinges only far enough to allow the connector modules to be inserted. The frame halves are then snapped back together, i.e., the mounting frame is closed, thereby engaging the retaining elements in the recesses and ensuring a secure, positive-locking hold of the connector modules within the mounting 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 combining connector modules with different functions in a common mounting frame. However, the number of connector module slots in a mounting frame is limited, which restricts the flexibility of an industrial connector.

[0009] The modular industrial connectors described above offer high flexibility and can be configured for a wide variety of applications by combining connector modules with different functions in a common mounting frame. However, the number of connector module slots in a mounting frame is limited. This restricts the flexibility of an industrial connector. DE 10 2018 115 371 A1 discloses a connector module composed of two independent functional units. However, the installation space per functional unit is limited because the size of a connector module, or rather its housing, is predetermined. It is not currently possible to represent specific connector types in a single functional housing.

[0010] Connector modules can also be used to integrate standard connectors into the modular system.

[0011] DE 20 2004 007 300 U1 shows a connector module into which a standard USB connector can be inserted. Although the USB connector is quite compact, it requires an entire module slot in this solution.

[0012] USB-A connectors are increasingly being replaced by USB-C connectors. Due to their compact size, USB-C connectors require precise insertion and have a smaller overlap, allowing for only minor insertion tolerances. However, with modular industrial connectors, insertion tolerances of up to 1.5 mm to the mating connector can occur. Therefore, a fixing method analogous to the connector module of DE 202004 007 300 U1 is not suitable.

[0013] The German Patent and Trade Mark Office has searched the following prior art in the priority application for the present application: DE 20 2006 011 910 U1, DE 20 2004 007 300 U1 and DE 10 2018 115 371 A1. Task

[0014] The object of the invention is to propose an adapter for a USB-C connector which is simple and compact in design. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to propose a simple method for equipping an industrial connector with such an adapter.

[0015] The problem is solved by the independent patent claims.

[0016] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0017] Example of implementation

[0018] The adapter module according to the invention is designed for a modular industrial connector. The adapter module is specifically designed to accommodate a USB-C connector. Such a connector is described in the standard IEC 62680-1-3. A USB-C connector is currently used in many electronic devices as a charging and data connector. For example, current smartphones are charged using such a connector.

[0019] The adapter module according to the invention is designed in two parts, with an inner adapter part encompassing the USB-C connector on three sides. The inner adapter part has a U-shaped cross-section. The front area on the plug-in side is preferably designed to be completely continuous and accordingly has a rectangular cross-section.

[0020] The adapter module consists of an inner adapter part (reference numeral 12) and an outer adapter part (reference numeral 13). The inner adapter part is made of high-quality plastic that offers good insulation and long-lasting dimensional stability. The outer adapter part, which is robust enough to ensure secure locking of the inner part, can be made of either the same high-quality plastic or a reinforced plastic.

[0021] The USB-C connector is preferably inserted laterally, i.e., in the area of ​​the missing side wall, into the inner adapter part.

[0022] The USB-C connector features contacts made of copper or a copper alloy, possibly with gold or nickel plating to enhance electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance. The connector housing is made of high-quality plastic, offering heat resistance and ensuring electrical safety.

[0023] The inner adapter part can be inserted into an outer adapter part and locked into place.

[0024] To lock the two adapter parts together, the inner adapter part preferably has locking ribs on two opposing surfaces on its outer side. The outer adapter part then has two opposing locking arms that point inwards and interact with the locking ribs. This allows the inner adapter part to be inserted into the outer adapter part as far as the USB-C connector housing allows. This makes the adapter adaptable to various housing sizes of commercially available USB-C connectors.

[0025] The locking ribs and arms are made of a thermoplastic material, such as polyamide. These materials offer the necessary flexibility and stability to ensure secure locking of the two adapter parts and to maintain a reliable connection during operation. According to the invention, an adapter module comprising only the USB-C connector is designed as a plug-in adapter module. The corresponding socket adapter module is described in more detail below.

[0026] Preferably, the adapter module includes a female adapter with two opposing USB-C ports. The female adapter is located within the adapter module body.

[0027] Preferably, the adapter module has a spring-loaded slider that permanently presses the socket adapter in the insertion direction of the adapter module. This allows axial insertion tolerances of up to 1.5 mm to be compensated for.

[0028] Preferably, the USB-C connector contained in the adapter module is plugged into the socket adapter on the connection side. On the plug side, the adapter module then has the USB-C socket of the socket adapter; the connection between the socket adapter and the USB-C connector is located approximately in the middle, with the USB-C connector or its cable protruding from the adapter module on the connection side.

[0029] An adapter module comprising a socket adapter and a USB connector is designed as a socket adapter module according to the invention.

[0030] Preferably, a strain relief ridge is molded onto the connector side of the adapter module. The USB-C connector or its cable can be attached to the strain relief ridge using a cable tie. This allows for easy and adequate strain relief.

[0031] According to the invention, a connector module for a modular

[0032] An industrial connector is proposed, consisting of an adapter module as described above and a connected functional unit, also mentioned above. Alternatively, the connector module can also consist of two interconnected adapter modules.

[0033] According to the invention, an industrial connector is equipped with an adapter module as follows. First, an adapter module is assembled with a functional unit to form a connector module. Alternatively, two adapter modules are assembled to form a connector module. The connector module is then inserted into the connector housing of a modular industrial connector.

[0034] The connector housing is typically made of a metallic material, usually produced using a zinc die-casting process. This housing is characterized by its robustness and good electromagnetic shielding properties, making it particularly suitable for use in harsh industrial environments.

[0035] Preferably, the connector module is first inserted into a mounting frame and then the mounting frame is installed in the connector housing.

[0036] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail below. The drawings show:

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a connector housing of an industrial connector,

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a mounting frame equipped with various connector modules,

[0039] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an adapter according to the invention, Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an outer housing part of the first embodiment of the adapter according to the invention,

[0040] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an inner housing part of the first embodiment of the adapter according to the invention,

[0041] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an adapter according to the invention,

[0042] Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of the second embodiment of the adapter according to the invention and

[0043] Fig. 8 shows a plug connection between a plug adapter module and a socket adapter module.

[0044] The figures contain simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for elements that are the same but may not be identical. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently.

[0045] Directional terms such as "left", "right", "up" and "down" are to be understood in relation to the respective figure and may vary in the individual depictions compared to the object depicted.

[0046] Figure 1 shows a connector housing 1 of an industrial connector. The connector housing 1 is typically made of a metallic material and is usually manufactured 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.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a mounting frame 2 equipped with various connector modules 5, 5'. The mounting frame 2 has a frame-like shape and features 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. The mounting frame 2 can be fastened in the connector housing 1 using the screws 4 in conjunction with the associated threaded holes 3.

[0048] The retaining frame 2 consists of two frame halves 9 that are hinged together. Each frame half 9 of the retaining frame 2 has openings 10 into which the retaining elements 8 of the connector module 5, 5' or connector modules 5, 5' are inserted. When the frame halves 9 are folded together, the retaining elements 8 are fully inserted into the openings 10, thus creating a positive-locking hold of the connector module 5, 5' or connector modules 5, 5' in the retaining frame 2.

[0049] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an adapter module 6 according to the invention. The adapter module 6 has a USB-C connector, which establishes the plug-in function or connection to the mating connector. Such an adapter module is hereinafter also referred to as a plug-in adapter module. The corresponding socket adapter module 6' can be seen in Figures 6 and 7.

[0050] Two adapter modules 6, 6' according to the invention can be assembled to form a connector module 5, 5' and, as described above, inserted into a holding frame 2 of an industrial connector. For this purpose, the adapter modules have corresponding fixing means 17.

[0051] The plug-in adapter module 6 has a strain relief rib 7 molded onto its connection side. The cable of the integrated USB-C connector 11 can be attached to this rib using a cable tie (not shown), thus ensuring sufficient strain relief. The plug-in adapter element 6 consists of an inner adapter part 12, which has a substantially U-shaped cross-section, with the front section having a rectangular cross-section. The USB-C connector 11 is levered laterally into the inner adapter part 12, as shown in Figure 5.

[0052] The inner adapter part 12 has two opposing surfaces with locking ribs 14 on its outer side.

[0053] Figure 4 shows an outer adapter part 13, which receives and locks the inner adapter part 12. For this purpose, the outer adapter part 13 has two opposing, inwardly pointing locking arms 15 that interact with the locking ribs 14.

[0054] During assembly of the plug-in adapter module 6, the inner adapter part 12, equipped with the USB-C connector 11, is inserted into the outer adapter part 13 until the mating face 16 of the USB-C connector 11 protrudes from the adapter module 6 and its housing, or the housing of the inner adapter part 12, abuts a front area of ​​the outer adapter part 13. The USB-C connector 11 is secured in this front mating position by the locking mechanisms of locking ribs 14 and locking arms 15.

[0055] The socket adapter module 6' mentioned above is shown in Figures 6 and 7. The socket adapter module 6' has a socket adapter 18 with two opposing USB-C sockets, the socket adapter 18 being arranged inside the adapter module body.

[0056] The socket adapter module 6' has a slider 19 which is actuated by a coil spring 20 such that the slider permanently presses the socket adapter 18 in the insertion direction S of the adapter module. The slider is made of high-quality plastic and is supported by a coil spring made of spring steel or a similar alloy. This design ensures that the slider permanently presses the socket adapter in the desired insertion direction and thus compensates for axial insertion tolerances.

[0057] One end of the socket adapter 18 protrudes from the socket adapter module 6' on the plug-in side. A USB-C connector 11 is plugged into the other end of the socket adapter, i.e., on the connection side.

[0058] Both versions of the adapter module, i.e. the plug-in adapter module 6 and the socket adapter module 6', can use standard USB-C connectors.

[0059] Figure 8 shows a plug-in adapter module 6 and a socket adapter module 6' in their connected state. The respective insertion directions S, S' are naturally opposite, i.e., directed towards each other. Two adapter modules according to the invention can be arranged side by side on a single module slot of an industrial connector.

[0060] Even though the figures show various aspects or features of the invention in combination, it is apparent to those skilled in the art – unless otherwise indicated – that the combinations shown and discussed are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding units or sets of features from different embodiments can be interchanged. List of reference numerals

[0061] Connector housing

[0062] Mounting frame

[0063] Threaded hole

[0064] screw

[0065] Connector module

[0066] Adapter module

[0067] Strain relief bridge

[0068] Mounting device

[0069] frame half

[0070] opening

[0071] USB-C connector

[0072] Inner adapter part

[0073] Outer adapter part

[0074] Rastribs

[0075] Locking arms

[0076] USB-C connector plug face

[0077] fixer

[0078] socket adapter

[0079] Slider

[0080] spiral spring

[0081] Plug direction

Claims

Claims 1. Adapter module (6, 6') for a modular industrial connector, wherein the adapter module (6, 6') is designed to accommodate a USB-C connector (11).

2. Adapter module (6, 6') according to claim 1 characterized in that the adapter module (6, 6') is designed in two parts, wherein an inner adapter part (12) comprises the USB-C connector (11) and the inner adapter part (12) can be inserted into an outer adapter part (13) and thus locked in place.

3. Adapter module (6, 6') according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, for locking the two adapter parts (12, 13), the inner adapter part (12) has locking ribs (14) on two opposing surfaces on its outer side, and the outer adapter part (13) has two opposing locking arms (15) that point inwards and interact with the locking ribs (14).

4. Adapter module (6, 6') according to one of the preceding claims 1-3 characterized in that the adapter module (6, 6') is designed as a plug-in adapter module (6).

5. Adapter module (6, 6') according to claim 1 characterized in that the adapter module (6, 6') has a socket adapter (18) with two opposing USB-C sockets, wherein the socket adapter (18) is arranged within an adapter module body.

6. Adapter module (6, 6') according to the preceding claim characterized in that the socket adapter (18) is permanently pressed in the insertion direction (S) of the adapter module (6') by means of a spring.

7. Adapter module (6, 6') according to one of the two preceding claims characterized in that the socket adapter (18) is permanently pressed in the insertion direction (S) of the adapter module (6') via a slider (19).

8. Adapter module (6, 6') according to the two preceding claims characterized in that a spiral spring is arranged around the slider (19) which permanently presses the slider (19) in the insertion direction (S) of the adapter module (6').

9. Adapter module (6, 6') according to one of the two preceding claims characterized in that the USB-C connector (11 ) is plugged into the socket adapter (18) on the connection side.

10. Adapter module (6, 6') according to one of the preceding claims 5-9 characterized in that the adapter module (6, 6') is designed as a socket adapter module (6').

11. Adapter module (6, 6') according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that a strain relief rib (7) is formed on the connection side of the adapter module (6, 6'), to which the USB-C connector (11) can be attached using a cable tie.

12. Connector module (5, 5') for a modular industrial connector, comprising an adapter module (6, 6') according to one of the preceding claims and a functional unit associated therewith, or comprising two interconnected adapter modules (6, 6') according to one of the preceding claims.

13. Method for equipping a modular industrial connector with at least one connector module (5, 5'), i. wherein first an adapter module (6, 6') is assembled with a functional unit to form a connector module (5, 5', 5") or two adapter modules are assembled to form a connector module (5, 5'), ii. wherein the connector module (5, 5') is inserted into the connector housing (1) of a modular industrial connector.

14. Method for assembling a modular industrial connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the connector module (5, 5') is first inserted into a holding frame (2) and the holding frame (2) is subsequently installed in the connector housing (1 ).

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