Connectors at Work

Factory automation products require special consideration to survive an environment with constant usage and rough operator handling for production aspects as well as management systems. The connectors are on the front line in both of these products. According to Dennis Black, factory automation industry manager, Tyco Electronics, “Today’s competitive global environment, requires information to be communicated real-time, directly from the factory floor to the office enterprise systems, enabling managers and executives to have more knowledge available faster, in an effort to increase plant productivity. These systems require the latest in connector technologies to allow this critical information to flow faster without interruption.”

Of course, connectors in factory applications must be rugged but they also need reduced size, ease-to-use, and reduced cost, and also must meet a variety of safety and other standards. The connectors in this section have been designed specifically for the factory environment and factory applications and address one or all of these trends.

SHIELDED CORDSET

By connecting a braided shield directly to the coupling nut, TURCK now offers the option to completely shield all molded M23 multifast cordsets. The shielding method provides a cost efficient and reliable connection with 100 percent cable and connector shielding for protection against electromagnetic (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). Offered in 7, 12 and 19-pin cordsets with PVC flexlife cable jackets, all connectors provide IEC IP 67 level protection. The connector line includes male and female, straight and right angle connectors, standard and custom lengths, and pigtails and extensions. In addition, fully encapsulated mating receptacles with front and rear mount threads are also available. Receive more information on TURCK M23 multifast cordsets.

EPIC Modular Ethernet and Profibus water-tight, electrically-shielded connectors from Lapp USA simplify the task of connecting cable-to-cable, cable-to-machine, or cable-to-control panels. The connectors can be used in a compact HBE6 housing or combined with other off-the-shelf power/control modules to develop an application-specific connector. Using standard RJ45 termination, the Ethernet module includes four power/control contacts to provide power to remote Ethernet devices. The unit mates with other motion application using a UNITRONIC Etherline continuous flex Cat 5e cable. The Profibus modules have been developed to work static and continuous flex shielded Profibus DP cable such as OLFLEX UNITRONIC Bus cable. An integral bus tee allows installation and removal of the plug module without disrupting communications on the bus. The connectors target robotics, machine building, industrial controls, and automation applications among others. Receive more information on Lapp USA’s EPIC connectors.

Molex’s new Mini-HMC (Heavy Duty Modular) product line saves space in industrial controls, small robots and factory automation applications. The heavy-duty rectangular I/O connector offers a similar form and function as traditional heavy-duty hard-shell connectors, but in a smaller size. The connectors system provides up to 65 percent space savings. With the ability to carry seven amps, the connector is suitable for both signal and power applications. Easier field servicing and assembly is accomplished by a 3.00-mm (0.118-inch) modular housing that can be inserted and removed without any tools. Likewise, the housing offers more design flexibility since it can be placed on the panel-mounted sides or cable hood. Available in modular units of ten circuits, with a maximum of 40 circuits per side, the housings provides advanced reliability and assembly productivity by using crimp termination and gold-plated 18 to 28 wire gauge terminals. Receive more information on Molex Mini-HMC connectors.

Automation applications requiring miniaturized field devices now have new M8 male and female connectors from ERNI. The male connectors will be a 4-pin version with the female offered in 3-and 4-pin versions. The M8 connectors are ideal where M12 connectors are too large such as power supply or bus connections. With an interconnect geometry that complies with the IEC 61067-2-101 standard, a connected assembly’s protection rating meets IP67 in accordance with the IEC 61076-2-101 standard. The modular design allows the connectors to be manufactured in different heights and allows customers the ability to select the optimum termination technique, such as SMT, through-hole-reflow or press-fit. Based on its use of high-temperature-resistant plastic, the insulator is ideal for soldering. The connectors target traditional range of applications in automation including connecting sensors and actuators technology as well as expanded use for power supply and bus connections. Receive more information on ERNI M8 connectors.

SINGLE CONNECTOR FOR SERVOMOTORS

ITT Electronic Components’ new Cm3 servomotor connector replaces two conventional circular connectors and reduces internal wiring connections to four steps. The connectors are 50 percent smaller and lighter than circular designs. Featuring a low profile for small spaces, the connector provides a high degree of vibration and shock resistance and is shielded and sealed for reliability. Designed for motors with a flange size of 100 by 100 mm or less, the connector meets all the requirements for DIN EN61984 safety compliance. The IP67 sealed housing contains two sealed entries for power and feedback cables, a single power insulator and three feedback insulators. Each insulator has six signal contacts separated by metal shielded walls. The shell has a first-make/last-break power ground contact. Units have an operating voltage of up to 630V, a 48V signal rating and current ratings of 2A for signal and 18A for power. The connector’s rugged design uses a zinc die cast shell, high-temperature insulator material, high quality contacts and Fluor rubber seals. The connector targets servomotor applications in food packaging, marking and labeling, machines and laser trimming systems, printing and assembly lines. Receive more information on ITT Electronic Components Cm3 connector.

Providing environmental sealing protection to IP56, the new Universal MATE-N-Lock connectors from Tyco Electronics uses 20 to 14 AWG wire and standard Universal MATE-N-LOK contacts and seals. The connectors are ideal for industrial machinery, HVAC equipment, vending machines and various commercial applications. A rear-mount flange design allows the connector to be pre-installed on a wire harness simplifying final installation to placing the harnessed connector into the bulkhead hole and fasten the lock nut. Available in 4, 6, 9 and 12 contact positions, the connectors use three levels of sealing protection: bulkhead seal, wire entry seals and an interfacial seal. On a fully energized connector, the four contact position unit can handle up to 15A per contact and the twelve position unit up to 11A with 14 AWG wire. Receive more information on Tyco Electronics Universal MATE-N-LOK sealed bulkhead connectors.