Compact connector systems for confined spaces

(See binder at Machine Building North, 10 April 2025, on stand 92)

These are specifically designed for applications requiring highly compact and robust solutions, offering new possibilities, for example, in automation and robotics, as well as in measurement and control technology.

In applications such as circuit board assembly, every millimetre often matters. More and more, custom connector systems are needed that can be used in the smallest of spaces. This was also the case for a provider of complete solutions for the electrical engineering and IT industries.

"The company approached us as a connector specialist to see if we could offer one of our smallest connectors for its application. After reviewing the requirements, it quickly became clear that only an angled version would be suitable. We didn't have this in our portfolio at the time. This led to a new development, which has since attracted interest from other customers. As a result, we will soon be adding the angled M5 panel mount connectors to our standard portfolio," explains Guido Werner, Product Manager at binder.

Space-critical requirements

The angled M5 panel mount connectors form a crucial part of the connector system, enabling mechanical and electrical connections in tight spaces.

The M5 panel mount connectors are particularly suitable for use in applications where space constraints are a central challenge. The areas of application can be very specific, and the solutions accordingly tailored. Typical application areas include industrial camera technology, sensors for automation, analytical devices, cobots, and drones. The connectors are aimed at markets where high reliability and robustness are required, such as robotics and measurement technology.

The development of this panel mount connectors was a challenge for binder. "An angled version of our M5-size panel mount connectors is, in itself, a design challenge," explains Guido Werner. "Additionally, the customer required the component dimensions to be reduced to a maximum of 7.5 mm x 7.5 mm, so that as many parts as possible could be placed side by side on the circuit board. This brought us up against geometric limits such as wall thickness and clearance and creepage distances.

"Material selection also became a factor. New contacts and a new housing were needed for the panel mount connectors. New production tools had to be developed to ensure that the angled panel mount connectors could be reliably produced in series. But the effort was worth it. In the end, we successfully realised a high-quality component."

Barely visible to the naked eye are the spread positioning pins, which ensure optimal twist protection on the circuit board even before soldering. Another quality feature is the recessed O-ring, which ensures a reliable seal with the housing. The O-ring is precisely pressed against the housing when the panel mount connectors is connected, ensuring an optimal sealing effect. This eliminates the risk of damaging the seal by over-tightening.