Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to a panel mount system and more particularly to an over moulding of a panel mount connector and a method for operating the same.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In the electronic world, the electronic conductor allows electric connectors to connect to electronic devices. The electrical connector connects the conductors of an electrically shielded cable with an electrical component. Several types of connectors are available such as panel mount connectors. The panel mount connectors is a mechanical feature built into the design of a connector half. It allows the connector to be secured to an equipment panel, external case, or enclosure.
[0003] The panel mount connector as the name indicates is designed to mount on a panel. Among many uses, panel connectors are used in many outdoor applications. Therefore, in the outdoor application, there is a threat of damaging the connector due to the air, water, dust, moisture, dirt, humidity, rust and the like. Once the connector is damaged there is not supply of current through the cable and hence the equipment does not give the desired output. Therefore, there is a need of a system that provides this connector. The current approach recommends designing an inner mould and then applying an outer mould. However, the solution is not working as it was leaving a significant gap between the connector and moulding material. Because of the poor adhesion as there was no back surface to the connector to grip the material.
[0004] Hence, there is a need for a panel mount system that addresses the aforementioned issues.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0005] In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a panel mount connector mounted on indoor and outdoor appliances is provided. The panel mount connector includes a connector unit. The connector includes a bar, a moulding component, and a plurality of holes. The bar is mechanically connected to a bare surface of the connector unit. The bar is adapted to provide a longitudinal extension to the connector unit. The moulding component is moulded on the surface of the metallic bar. The moulding component protects the connector unit from environmental calamities. The plurality of holes is positioned along the circumference of the metallic bar. The plurality of holes provides grip to the moulding component.
[0006] In accordance with another embodiment, a method for operating a panel mount connector is disclosed. The method includes connecting, by a bar, a bare surface of the connector unit, wherein the bar is adapted to provide a longitudinal extension to the connector unit. The method also includes moulding, by a moulding component of the connector, on the surface of the metallic bar, wherein the moulding component protects the connector unit from environmental calamities. Further, the method includes griping, by a plurality of holes of the connector unit, the moulding component on the metallic bar.
[0007] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a panel mount connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the connector unit and the of the bar in an inoperative condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the connection of the connector unit and the bar in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the panel mount connector with the moulding component moulded on the bar in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the connector unit and the bar in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the connection of the connector unit and the bar in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0014] FIG. 7 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method of operation of a panel mount connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0017] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
[0019] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a panel mount system and a method for operating the same. As used herein, the term “panel mount” is a mechanical feature built into the design of a connector unt half. The panel mount allows the connector unit to be secured to an equipment panel, for indoor or outdoor application. The connectors fitted with panel mount features may be cable connectors. Further, the system described hereafter in FIG. 1 is the panel mount system and method for operating the same.
[0021] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a panel mount system (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The panel mount system (100) is mounted on indoor and outdoor appliances. The panel mount system (100) includes a connector unit (102), wherein the connector unit (102) includes a bar (104), and a moulding component (108).
[0022] The bar (104) is mechanically connected to a bare surface of the connector unit (102). The bar (104) is adapted to provide a longitudinal extension to the connector unit (102). The bar (104) further includes a plurality of holes (106). The plurality of holes (106) is positioned along the circumference of the bar (104). The plurality of holes (106) provides grip to the moulding component (108).
[0023] The moulding component (108) is moulded on the surface of the bar (104). The moulding component (108) protects the connector unit (102) from environmental calamities.
[0024] The panel mount system (100) with the moulding component (108) is moulded on the bar (104). The connector unit (102) allows the over-moulding by connecting the bar (104) to the rear side connector surface. The front side of the connector surface connects the connector unit (102) with the cable. The over-moulding is having IP 67 rating. The moulding component (108) is with IP67 protection. However, after over-moulding there may not be any gap in between the connector unit (102) and the moulding component (108) due to the enhanced adhesion as there is surface at the rear portion of the connector unit (102) to grip the moulding component (108).
[0025] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the connector unit (102) and the of the bar (104) in an inoperative condition in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the connector unit (102) is adapted to fit into an equipment which is placed indoors or outdoors. In another embodiment, the connector unit (102) has ingress protection due to the moulding by the moulding component (108). Ingress protection is an international standard used to rate the degree of protection in enclosures against at least one of intrusion of objects, water, dust, or accidental contact. In yet one embodiment, the ingress protection (IP) which is IP67 represents one of the highest levels of protection offered by an IP rating. IP67 rating provides complete protection against the ingress of dust and airborne particles, protection against water and liquids, up to and including immersion in up to one meter of water, and the like. The IP67 rating allows the panel mount system (100) to be installed for application of irrigation equipment. For such purposes, IP 67 protection is a mandatory requirement. In one embodiment, in IP 67: 6 is protection against contact with objects greater than 1mm in diameter such as a wire or a tool and complete protection against dust. IP 67: 7 is the protection against short periods of immersion in water while under pressure between 15 cm to 1 m.
[0026] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the connection of the connector unit (102) and the bar (104) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment the bar (104) is mechanically connected to the connector unit (102) by soldering. Soldering is a process of joining two or more metals by melting and putting a filler metal into the joint. The soldering temperature for metal bar (104) soldering is 470°C. In another embodiment, the bar (104) is made of metallic material to allow electric current flow when used in an electronic device.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the panel mount system (100) with the moulding component (108) moulded on the bar (104) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the moulding is done with a thermoplastic elastomer material. The thermoplastic elastomer material used ensures a proper grip and adhesion with the connector unit (102) and ensures that there are no gaps between the moulding component (108) and the connector unit (102). In one embodiment, the moulding component (108) is free from plasticizers and phthalates and other banned materials and thereby making the connector unit (102) environment-friendly and recyclable. In one embodiment, the length of the connector unit (102) is 19.9 mm. In one embodiment, the length of the moulding component (108) is 30.62mm. In one embodiment, the height of the front end of the connector unit (102) is 12 mm.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the connector unit (102) and the bar (104) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bar (104) is with the plurality of holes (106) positioned along the circumference of the bar (104). In another embodiment, the plurality of holes (106) positioned on the circumference of the bar (104) may be obtained by drilling the bar (104) with 12 drills. After drilling, the bar (104) is soldered at the rear portion of the connector unit (102). In one embodiment, the moulding component (108) is a thermos-plastic elastomer (TPU) material. The thermos-plastic elastomer is used to ensure proper grip and adhesion with the connector unit (102) and ensure there may not be any gaps.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the connection of the connector unit (102) and the bar (104) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the length of the connector unit (102) measures 19.8 mm. In one embodiment, the length of the bar (104) is 12 mm, and height of the bar (104) is 12.7mm.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method (200) of operation of a panel mount system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (200) includes connecting, by a bar, a bare surface of the connector unit, wherein the bar is adapted to provide a longitudinal extension to the connector in step (202). The method also includes protecting, the connector unit by ingress protection, wherein the ingress protection is an international standard used to rate the degree of protection in enclosures against at least one of the intrusion of objects, water, dust, or accidental contact. The method also includes making, the bar by a metallic material to allow electric current flow when used in electronic devices. The method also includes soldering, the bar to the connector unit, wherein the soldering is a process of joining two or more metals by melting and putting a filler metal into the joint, and wherein soldering temperature for metal bar soldering is 470°C.
[0031] The method also includes griping, by a plurality of holes of the connector unit, the moulding component on the metallic bar in step (204). The method also includes drilling, the plurality of holes positioned on the circumference of the bar with 12 drills.
[0032] Further, the method also includes moulding, by a moulding component of the connector unit, on the surface of the metallic bar, wherein the moulding component protects the connector unit from environmental calamities in step (206). The method also includes making, the connector unit environment-friendly and recyclable by using the moulding component free from plasticizers and phthalates and other banned materials. The method also includes moulding, with a thermoplastic elastomer material, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer material used ensures a proper grip and adhesion with the connector unit and ensures that there are no gaps between the moulding component and the connector unit.
[0033] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an over-moulding of the panel mount connector mounted on indoor and outdoor appliances. The system in the present disclosure provides proper grip and adhesion with the connector and ensures there are not any gaps. The system disclosed in the present disclosure provides IP 67 Protection with respect to dust and water, protection from UV rays, oil resistance, cold resistance, protection from ageing, safety enhancement, chemical resistance, and the like. The raw material used for the moulding component for over-moulding, does not contain plasticizers and phthalates or other banned materials. The moulding component is recyclable therefore it does not harm the environment. The panel mount system disclosed in the present disclosure facilitates industries for unexplored application. The panel mount system disclosed reduces engineering efforts, time and investments of the engineers.
[0034] Further, the panel mount system in the present disclosure allows the connector to be used in various of outdoor applications. The panel mount system is used in many applications which involve exposure to water and dust. The panel mount system may be primarily used in sensors, encoders, and actuators. Further, the application of the system may be explored in chemical, food and pharma industries where safety and reliability are major concerns.
[0035] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0036] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. , Claims:1. A panel mount connector (100) mounted on indoor and outdoor appliances, wherein the panel mount connector (100) comprises:
a connector unit (102) comprising:
a bar (104) mechanically connected to a bare surface of the connector unit (102), wherein the bar (104) is adapted to provide a longitudinal extension to the connector unit (102), and wherein the bar (104) comprises:
a plurality of holes (106) positioned along the circumference of the bar (104); and
a moulding component (108) moulded on the surface of the bar (104) and griped by the plurality of holes (106), wherein the moulding component (108) protects the connector unit (102) from environmental calamities.
2. The panel mount connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bar (104) is mechanically connected to the connector unit (102) by soldering, wherein the soldering is a process of joining two or more metals by melting and putting a filler metal into the joint, and wherein soldering temperature for the metal bar (104) soldering is 470°C.

3. The panel mount connector (100) as claimed in claim1, wherein the bar (104) is made of metallic material to allow electric current flow when used in electronic devices.
4. The panel mount connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moulding is done with a thermoplastic elastomer material, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer material used ensures a proper grip and adhesion with the connector unit (102) and ensures that there are no gaps between the moulding component (108) and the connector unit (102).
5. The panel mount connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moulding component (108) is free from plasticizers and phthalates and other banned materials and thereby making the connector unit (102) environment-friendly and recyclable.
6. The panel mount connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector unit (102) has ingress protection due to the moulding by the moulding component (108), and wherein the ingress protection is an international standard used to rate the degree of protection in enclosures against at least one of the intrusion of objects, water, dust, or accidental contact.
7. A method (200) comprising:
connecting, by a bar, a bare surface of the connector unit, wherein the bar is adapted to provide a longitudinal extension to the connector unit; (202)
moulding, by a moulding component of the connector unit, on the surface of the metallic bar, wherein the moulding component protects the connector unit from environmental calamities; (204) and
griping, by a plurality of holes of the connector unit, the moulding component on the metallic bar. (206)

Dated this 22nd day of December 2022
Signature

Jinsu Abraham
Patent Agent (IN/PA-3267)
Agent for the Applicant