Patent Application
20220384999
The present invention relates generally to industrial connectors and more specifically to a technique to aid in connecting a metal braid of a cable to a shield of the industrial connector.
Many automated processes depend on molded cable assemblies in industry. A variety of harsh environments are possible in many of these applications, requiring them to withstand a multitude of durability and weather resistance tests. Creating a cord set with a unique boot, while also meeting typical industry speeds and standards, allows for companies to enter this market and gives them an opportunity to compete in this industry. Some of these standards include IP67 for withstanding dust, dirt, sand and water, as well as NEMA 3, 4 and 6 for outdoor use.
Overmolded connectors come in different shapes and forms. A 90-degree connector is the most challenging due to the tight space and aggressive 90-degree bend for the cable or wires. Existing art depicts the use metal shields to manage the cable to for the 90° bend. This adds cost and complication to the designs.
Other variants utilize a shielded cable that has a metal braided sleeve that is bonded to the metal shield of the connector. The bonding is completed by either crimping the braid to the metal shield, soldering the braid to the metal shield, or performing both operations. The crimping and soldering also adds cost and assembly time to the assembly.
An industrial connector has a cylindrical metal shield with at least one slot in the rear of the shield for engaging a cable braid. In one embodiment, the shield also has a cable relief cut out of the rear opposite the at least one slot.
The connector shield 20 is longer in length compared to prior art. The additional length allows for the overmold to adhere to more surface area of the connector creating a greater seal for withstanding water submersion. The rear of the connector shield has a cable relief 21 to allow the cable to be routed through 90° to the connector axis. Two slots 22 are also cut on the top of the connector shield to route the cable braid through. The cable relief 21 and slots 22 are shown in
After soldering, the connector is overmolded with a thermoplastic elastomer. The overmolding creates a boot that protects the connector from the environment. The boot also provides the user with an ergonomic soft “hourglass” geometry that allows a secure grip from any angle to assist with the installation and removal of the connector. The overmold geometry is shown in
While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
