Innovative device connectivity solutions
As a leading supplier of connectivity technology for the three lifelines of data, signals and power, HARTING consistently strives to deliver cutting edge products and technological developments to its customers. Industry demands for innovations such as flexible production, modular solutions and miniaturised products are growing, so HARTING has expanded its range of reliable and innovative new connectors to meet the requirements of customers.
Control cabinets often contain myriad switches and connections, so the ability to quickly and efficiently disconnect and reconnect interfaces is vital if expensive machine downtime is to be avoided. That’s where HARTING’s PushPull technology comes into its own.
Developed with operators in mind, the PushPull family is available in a range of materials to suit customer requirements. From the robust V4 Industrial with a housing designed to protect from aggressive industrial chemicals to the sleek M12 with its capacity to deliver data transfer rates of up to 10GBit/s, the entire range uses a simple yet effective connection method.
PushPull incorporates an uncomplicated connection and termination technique which ensures total reliability. As the two sections are clicked into place, the audible feedback indicates the connection is secure, a tool-free method which guarantees an error-free connection. In addition, the sturdy housing is also inscribed with pronounced contours, which give the operator a firm grip on the connector.
To eliminate the possibility of incorrect connections, HARTING has fitted the PushPull range with colour-coded marks. Simply line up the yellow triangle on both the plug and socket to ensure both connections are orientated correctly. In addition, the user has the option to allocate colour codes to each PushPull plug and socket in an installation. For example, they could colour code data, signal and power lines to ensure easy identification and help reduce cabling errors.
In addition to the audible click, the PushPull range also comes with a spinlock which firmly secures the connecter in a mated condition, preventing any inadvertent disconnection.
The PushPull range is also extremely flexible and able to handle all user requirements. Whether users are looking to transmit data via an RJ45 or 690V / 16A of power via 5 poles, the broad range of interfaces, inserts and housing materials can provide a solution for specific applications.
HARTING has also turned its expertise to the use of connectors in switch cabinets. Previously, cables were installed through the bulkhead before contact inserts were assembled, a complex and time-consuming method. However, thanks to the Han-Eco B, users can now pre-assemble and rear mount inserts into the housing from the rear. This not only saves time and money; it also gives the flexibility to pre-assemble the switch cabinet units and cable harnesses separately.
Han-Eco B is available in a range of designs including bulkhead, surface mount and cable-to-cable, with sizes from 6B to 24B. Manufactured from high-performance plastic, which complies with standards IEC 61948 and EN 45545-2, the range offers IP65 protection and substantial weight savings compared to traditional metal housings. In addition, the hoods and housings are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, thanks to their resistance to environmental impacts.
Both monobloc and modular inserts can be inserted into the Han-Eco B housings, the latter in combination with the Han-Modular hinged frame, giving users an unparalleled choice of data, signal and power options. Furthermore, the Han-Eco B is entirely compatible with standard metal Han B housings, meaning both variants can be integrated into production equipment.
Sticking with Han connectors, the Han 1A is HARTING’s response to the trend towards miniaturisation in the industrial sector, such as the requirement for smaller interfaces on robotics and engineering equipment.
Made from lightweight yet durable polyamide plastic, the Han 1A is extremely versatile as it employs a modular system of inserts, meaning it can integrate contacts for the delivery of data, signal and power.
It can transmit a maximum of 16A and 400V. Modules for Cat. 5 or Cat. 6A are available for data transmission, and up to 12 D-Sub contacts can be constructed for signal interfaces. For areas which are particularly susceptible to interference, a shielded version is also available.
Only two components are required to quickly assemble an IP20 solution, while additional housing elements or single wire seals can easily extend the degree of protection to IP65, making it suitable for use outdoors. Thanks to the easy ‘click and mate’ design of all components, the connector can be assembled in seconds without the need for any tools. The range also includes useful accessories such as fasteners for wall mounting and colour coding pins to help identify different lines and reduce cabling errors.
Additionally, the flexible connection technology offers a secure solution for both rapid onsite installations using screw contacts, as well as the pre-assembly of separate units with crimp contacts.
What’s more, as the entire Han 1A connector system is based on just a few components, material supply is greatly simplified as a plug-in connection consists of a maximum of twelve different contacts. This gives users the flexibility to easily create simple and efficient interfaces for applications in mechanical engineering, automation, robotics, transportation, traffic engineering and the energy sector.
Within these markets, the flexibility of this new connector means it has a multitude of uses. In mechanical engineering, it provides an efficient solution for connecting tools and smaller machine modules such as heating and cooling units, fans, control terminals, lighting systems, drives and vibration conveyors.
A key current trend in manufacturing is that of factory modularisation. A modularly constructed facility offers flexibility in production, as each section of the factory can be individually accessed and maintained, giving you the option to alter production modules without disruption to other processes. HARTING’s modular connectivity solutions enable manufacturers to unlock a host of benefits, including adaptable production methods, reduced maintenance downtimes and shortened set up times.
With a portfolio of over 100 different inserts, the Han-Modular range gives users the flexibility to design connectors to their specific requirements. By combining individual modules for different transmission media into standard-sized industrial housings, multiple connectors can be integrated into a single unit, reducing the space required for connectors and saving money on components.
The new and improved Han Configurator can be used to design a solution. It’s an online 3D tool which allows users to construct a connector that meets their exact requirements. The design process starts with the selection of three inputs (contacts, voltage and current) to generate the first possible solution. At each stage of the process, users can receive suggestions for alternative interfaces, and the smart assistant feature will only allow users to apply valid configurations, avoiding numerous combination options and saving valuable design time.
Users of the Han Configurator can benefit from an onscreen 3D visualisation of the current configuration, meaning they can view their creation from a range of angles. It’s also extremely easy to download all documentation (including STP files) with a single click and quickly save, load and share configurations within a team; an ideal solution if team members are working remotely or in a different location from their colleagues. New features added recently also allow the customisation of hoods and housings.
Using the standard products mentioned above, HARTING can also offer customised cable assemblies, designed and built at its manufacturing facility in Northampton. Options include standard or custom cable lengths and a range of plastic or metal housings, with solutions available for industries including transportation, mechanical and plant engineering, automation technology, data centres and energy distribution.
