Here, all the necessary cables are already laid in the energy chain, have the correct labeling and cable length, are strain-relieved and can be fitted with the appropriate connectors on request. Igus offers "Module Connect" for this e-chain and cable system, making it even easier to connect the energy chain system. This is a flexible plug-in module in which the individual contact carriers are fixed. The electrician connects the Readychain systems in seconds.

"The interface not only offers users the opportunity to drastically reduce the time and effort required for assembly and disassembly work in their own factory and on site at the customer's premises, for example during commissioning," says Markus Hüffel, Product Manager Readychain and Readycable at Igus. "The risk of faulty connections, which often result in lengthy troubleshooting, is also reduced to zero." Furthermore, electricians do not have to worry about wiring or pin assignments at any time. "All of this is already done in a pre-assembled e-chain with Module Connect."

Plug-in module follows the modular principle

In the Module Connect, the contact carriers can be positioned next to each other in a plastic frame. A fixing element is used here, which can be fastened with screws. The user now has the option of connecting several plugs together individually using the modular principle. There are guide channels for mounting clips on the top and bottom of the housing as well as on the side. For example, two enclosures can be stacked horizontally and supplemented with two vertical enclosures on the sides. Such an individual interface would consist of 16 plugs that can be connected simultaneously with a single movement. "Customers can flexibly adapt the plug-in modules to the filling and geometry of the e-chain," emphasizes Markus Hüffel. "This enables optimum cabling in terms of function and design."

Once the user has defined the shape, locking elements can be inserted into the guide grooves on the outer housings. Screws secure the housings as soon as the connectors are plugged together. This guarantees that plug connections do not come loose in everyday use. Thanks to the flat design of the housing and the high contact density, Module Connect is also a space-saving system. The connectors are used wherever a large number of cables need to be connected in a confined space - for example between e-chains and the control cabinet. Users not only save space, but also weight. The plug-in modules are made of fiber-reinforced high-performance plastic. They are 50 percent lighter than conventional rectangular connectors and at the same time robust against environmental influences.

Igus cooperates with rectangular connector specialist Harting

Igus relies on its collaboration with Harting for this. After the initial idea for Module Connect and the subsequent development of the first 3D-printed prototypes, the collaboration with the connector specialist began in order to make Module Connect as robust and reliable as possible. Harting provides 100 inserts from its "Han Modular" range to fit the Module Connect. The Han Modular series comprises flexible, compact and lightweight connectors for connection solutions in the industrial, transportation, energy technology and automotive sectors. They guarantee a high level of reliability thanks to fault-free contact between the connector and cable cores. In addition, precise fixing of the insulator and a snug fit in the connector are guaranteed.

Customers benefit from the time savings

There are several manufacturers who offer pre-assembled cable carriers. "However, a plug-in module like Module Connect is unique on the market," emphasizes Hüffel, recalling the early days of the product. "We presented a prototype of the module connector at the Hannover Messe 2018 to analyze reactions from the industry. The feedback was so positive that we launched the system on the market in summer 2019."