EP2581991B1 - Holder frame for connector - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a holding frame for arranging a plurality of connector modules for power transmission, signal or data transmission or pneumatic connector modules.

For holding a plurality of connector modules, it is known to arrange them in a common support frame. Such a housing-provided arrangement is referred to as a heavy connector. The GB 965560 shows, for example, one with a composite of two parts holding frame for connector modules heavy connector. The holder frame parts of this heavy connector are plugged together and locked together.

The idea of the two-part frame was again taken up in the DE 197 07 120 C1 , The latter document shows a holding frame for mounting connector modules, which consists of two hinged halves. The connector modules of this arrangement are inserted into the open support frame and aligned the halves of the support frame when screwed onto a mounting surface, so that the connector modules are arranged in a form-fitting manner in the support frame. However, this arrangement requires the attachment of the holding frame to a flat mounting surface. In addition, the connector modules can tilt it.

The invention has the object to provide a support frame in which the connector modules are always aligned straight and space-saving in the support frame regardless of a flat mounting surface, and allows a particularly simple, yet very reliable mounting of the connector modules.

The object is achieved with a support frame for connector modules, which has two frame halves, the relative by linear displacement of a frame half the other half of the frame in a sliding direction are latched together, wherein on the frame halves each corresponding locking means are provided which cause a linear locking a latching of the two frame halves together in two different locking positions in which the frame halves are spaced apart at different distances.

This has the advantage that the frame halves are spaced far enough apart in the first detent position that the connector module is easily inserted into the holding frame, without this being adjusted. Only in the second detent position, the connector module is fixed immovably in the support frame.

In this case, preferably first interlocking means are provided on the support frame, which cooperate in the first detent position with first positive locking means of the connector module, so that this is aligned in the first detent position at the same time in the holding frame in a direction of extension transverse to the sliding direction.

In addition, second positive locking counter-measures are preferably provided on the holding frame, which cooperate in the second detent position with second positive locking means. By aligning in the direction of extension, the second positive locking means and positive locking counter means are aligned with each other so that the frame halves are slidable and latched into one another without the connector module can tilt in the holding frame.

The first and second positive locking means and counter means are preferably arranged in a grid to each other, so that connector modules of different widths can be arranged in the holding frame. It is preferred that the grid size is very small, so that a large number of different module sizes can be used for the holding frame.

The frame halves of the holding frame according to the invention are opened or closed by a pure linear movement in the sliding direction. In this case, they preferably have guide means and corresponding thereto counter-guide means, wherein the guide means is guided during displacement of a frame half relative to the other frame half along the guide counter-means and the Guide means and the anti-countermeasure form a linear guide. As a result, the frame halves can not tilt when moving in the sliding direction. The arrangement of connector modules in a support frame according to the invention is therefore very easy and quick overall.

The object is further achieved with a connector module which can be inserted into a plug-in direction in the holding frame according to the invention, and with a connector assembly with the holding frame according to the invention and the connector module.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Halterahmens, in welchen Steckverbindermodule eingesetzt sind oder werden, wobei sich der Halterahmen in einer Geschlossenraststellung befindet;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht mehrerer Steckverbindermodule;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Halterahmens aus Fig. 1 in einer Montageraststellung;

Fig. 4

eine Sprengansicht des Halterahmens aus Fig. 3;

Fig. 5a,b,

Detailvergrößerungen aus Fig. 4;

Fig. 6a,b

eine Seitenansicht eines Randbereichs des Halterahmens aus Fig. 1 und eine Schnittansicht des Halterahmens aus Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 7a, b

eine gegenüber Fig. 6a um 90° gedrehte Seitenansicht des Halterahmens aus Fig. 1 und eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie A-A; und

Fig. 8

ein Übergehäuse für die Anordnung nach Art der Fig. 1.

Fig. 9

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Halterahmens;

Fig. 10

eine perspektivische Ansicht mehrerer Steckverbindermodule;

Fig. 11

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Halterahmens aus Fig. 9 in einer Montageraststellung;

Fig. 12

eine Sprengansicht des Halterahmens aus Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 a, b

Detailvergrößerungen aus Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 a, b

eine Seitenansicht eines Randbereichs des Halterahmens aus Fig. 9 und eine Schnittansicht des Halterahmens aus Fig. 9;

Fig. 15 a, b

eine gegenüber Fig. 14 um 90° gedrehte Seitenansicht des Halterahmens aus Fig. 9 und eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie E-E;

Fig. 16

ein Übergehäuse für die Anordnung nach Art der Fig. 9.

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a first embodiment of a holding frame in which connector modules are or are used, wherein the holding frame is in a closed locked position;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of a plurality of connector modules;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of the holding frame Fig. 1 in a mounting position;

Fig. 4

an explosive view of the holding frame Fig. 3 ;

5a, b,

Detail enlargements off Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 6a, b

a side view of an edge region of the holding frame Fig. 1 and a sectional view of the holding frame Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 7a, b

one opposite Fig. 6a turned 90 ° side view of the holding frame Fig. 1 and a sectional view along the line AA; and

Fig. 8

a housing for the arrangement of the type Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 9

a perspective view of a second embodiment of a holding frame;

Fig. 10

a perspective view of a plurality of connector modules;

Fig. 11

a perspective view of the holding frame Fig. 9 in a mounting position;

Fig. 12

an explosive view of the holding frame Fig. 11 ;

Fig. 13 a, b

Detail enlargements off Fig. 12 ;

Fig. 14 a, b

a side view of an edge region of the holding frame Fig. 9 and a sectional view of the holding frame Fig. 9 ;

Fig. 15 a, b

one opposite Fig. 14 turned 90 ° side view of the holding frame Fig. 9 and a sectional view along the line EE;

Fig. 16

a housing for the arrangement of the type Fig. 9 ,

Fig. 1 shows a two-part support frame 1, which is composed of two mating and latchable frame halves 2, 3 (see Fig. 4 ).

The frame halves 2, 3 are in Fig. 4 shown in completely separate state. They are each U-shaped in a plan view and have a base leg 4 and two shorter side legs 5, 6. Preferably, the two frame halves 2, 3 are the same except for later to be explained holding and coding, which simplifies the production and cheaper.

The frame halves 2, 3 are designed to correspond to one another in such a way that they can be plugged together, wherein they can be locked together in a first detent position and in a second detent position. In the embodiment shown here, the two side legs 5, 6 of the frame halves 2, 3 each have the same structure. However, it is also an embodiment conceivable in which the frame halves 2, 3 each have differently shaped side legs 5, 6. For latching together, the frame halves 2, 3 respectively in the region of the side legs 5, 6 corresponding, engageable with each other guide means 7 and counter-guide means 8, which are formed here as a guide contours. These guide means 7 and contours 8 make it possible in a simple manner, the frame halves 2, 3 zusammenzustecken and move relative to each other. Moving in a sliding direction X is in Fig. 3 shown by an arrow. The guide means 7 and counter-guide means 8 together realize an advantageous, secure linear guide of the frame halves 2, 3.

In the illustrated embodiment, the guide means 7 and counter-guide means 8 form the mating form-fitting elements of a trapezoidal in section sectional guide web 7 and a trapezoidal in section sliding receptacle 8 a dovetail guide. The guide is not necessarily a dovetail guide, but on the other hand is well suited for this task by their safe leadership properties. In the following, therefore, the term guide means 7 and guide bar and guide counter 8 and shift recording are used synonymously. Overall, the frame halves 2, 3 thus on two linear guides 11, in particular dovetail guides, relative to each other.

There are also on the frame halves 2, 3, preferably in each case in or on the guide means 7 and guide counter-8, mutually corresponding and mutually engageable locking means 13, 14a, 14b are provided which are formed so that they can be locked together in two different locking positions are, wherein the two base legs 4 are spaced far different from each other in the two locking positions.

The first of the locking means 13 is preferably formed as a projection and arranged on the guide means 7 (s. Fig. 5a ). In the following, therefore, the term projection is used synonymously for the first of the locking means 13. The projection 13 is in two corresponding recesses 14 a, 14 b, which are arranged spaced apart in the sliding direction X and which are arranged in the guide counter-means 8 (s. Fig. 5b ), latchable In the following, therefore, the term recess is used interchangeably for a second and third latching means 14a, 14b. Of the Projection is integrated into the guide means or separately attached thereto, for example in a recess such as a groove. It can also be made of a different material. Preferably - but not mandatory - the frame is made of metal and the projection of plastic.

Here, the projection 13 is therefore on the guide web 7 and the two recesses 14 a, b are therefore arranged on the slide receptacle 8.

In Fig. 3 the first detent position is shown. In this locking position, the distance 91 between the two basic legs 4 is slightly larger than the distance 92 in the second detent position, in the Fig. 1 is shown. It is in Fig. 3 to an assembly position. In the second detent position of Fig. 1 the base legs 4, however, are arranged closer to each other. It is a closed position.

The advantages of this embodiment will be explained in more detail below.

The holding frame 1 is used to hold or hold connector modules 15a, b, c, d, ... (see Fig. 1 and 2 ). The connector modules 15a, b, c, d,... Can have a different width in an extension direction Y transverse to the sliding direction X. They each have a housing 16 and usually a connection side 161 for connecting at least one conductor or a plug or the like. And a plug-in side 162 with a mating face for mating with a corresponding connector module (not shown), wherein the connection side 161 and the mating side 162 are not shown in detail here.

The entire support frame 1 with the assembled connector modules 15 a, b, c, d, ... can be inserted into an outer housing 17. Fig. 8 shows the insertable into the outer housing 17 holding frame 1 without the connector modules 15a, b, c, d, .... In this way, a so-called heavy connector is realized, which can be plugged together with a corresponding heavy connector (not shown here).

On the housings 16 of insertable into the support frame 1 connector modules 15 a, b, c, d, ... are first and second positive locking means 18, 19 formed with the corresponding first and second positive locking counter 20, 21 on Holding frame 1 can be brought into engagement. The form-fitting counter-means 20, 21 are formed here as form-fitting contours.

In this case, the mutually corresponding first positive locking means 18 and positive locking counter-means 20 are designed such that they already engage in the assembly position with each other. In the assembly position, however, the second positive locking means 19 and positive locking counter 21 are not yet engaged with each other.

The first positive locking means 18 and positive locking counter 20 are designed in the manner of attacks, which limit the insertion of the connector modules 15a, b, c, d, ... in the holding frame 1 in a direction of insertion Z transversely to the sliding direction X and transverse to the extension direction Y.

It is expedient and advantageous if the first positive locking means 18 are holding webs, which are each arranged on the base leg 4 of the holding frame 1 facing sides of the housing 16, and preferably extend in the sliding direction X. Corresponding to this, the first form-fitting counter-means 20 are advantageously edge recesses, which are each arranged on a side facing the connector modules 15a, b, c, d, ... edge 23 of the base leg 4. The second form-fitting means 19 may be one or more projections on the side of the housing 16 facing the base leg 4, which cooperate with second form-fitting counter-means 21 formed as recesses 21, which are arranged in the base leg 4. In the following, therefore, the terms first positive locking means 18 and retaining web, first positive locking counter means 20 and edge recess, second positive locking means 19 and molding and second positive locking counter 21 and recess are used interchangeably.

In order to improve the stability, the holding webs 18 arranged on the housing 16 of the connector modules 15a, b, c, d,... Are here connected to one another by transverse webs 22 in each case.

In this advantageous embodiment, the retaining webs come with the insertion of a connector module 15a, b, c, d, ... in the mounting position in the mounting position 1 when reaching the edge 23 of the support frame 1 with this engages, so that the connector module 15a, b, c, d, ... comes to rest on the support frame 1. In the assembly position, the holding webs 18 already ensure a correct alignment of the respective connector module 15a, b,... In the direction of extent Y. The edge cutouts 20 can be spaced apart from one another on the holding frame 1 on one or both legs 4 in a grid dimension. By choosing a small grid dimension in the extension direction Y and very narrow connector modules 15 a, b, c, d, ... can be aligned correctly in the support frame 1.

The projections 19 extend in the sliding direction X of the frame halves 2, 3 less than the holding webs 18. The recesses 21 are preferably formed as circumferentially closed through holes and have a corresponding to the projections 19 contour, which is positively inserted into the recesses 21. As a result of the alignment of the connector module 15a, b, c, d,... To the holding frame 1, which has already been correctly carried out in the assembly position, the formations 19 and recesses 21 are also correctly aligned with one another already in the assembly position and therefore can be plugged together, but are not yet in place Engagement with each other. Only when moving the two holding frame halves 2, 3 in the closed position, they engage with each other. Since the recesses 21 are circumferentially closed, the connector module 15a, b, c, d, ... is now fixed securely in the holding frame 1 immovable.

In particular, the second positive locking means can also be formed "reversed", i. it projections are arranged on the inside of the base legs 4 and recesses, such as receptacles, holes or blind holes formed on the connector modules (not shown).

The second positive locking means 19 may be provided in one or both basic legs 4 of the holding frame 1. They can also have the same or different contours, for example to realize a twist protection and / or a coding.

To Fig. 4 are formed as holes second interlocking means 19, for example, in one base leg 4 round and square in the other, so that the connector modules 15a, b, c, d, ... with corresponding Formations round and angular type can be positioned only in one orientation in the support frame 1. Because the support frame 1 can not bring in its closed position in the correct orientation.

In the Fig. 9 to 16 a second embodiment of a two-part support frame 1 is shown. In turn, it consists of two clip-together frame halves 2, 3 which can be locked together, but which have a shorter longitudinal extent than the first exemplary embodiment. However, this is not absolutely necessary. In Fig. 12 the two frame halves are shown in completely separate condition. They are in turn each U-shaped in plan view with the base leg 4 and two shorter side legs 5.6.

The frame halves 2, 3 are designed to correspond to one another in such a way that they can be plugged together, wherein they can be locked together in a first detent position and in a second detent position. For latching together, the frame halves 2, 3 in turn in the region of the side legs 5, 6 corresponding, engageable with each other guide means 70 and antagonist means 80 on. These guide means 70 and contours 80 make it possible in a simple manner to assemble the frame halves 2, 3 and to move them relative to each other. The guide means 70 and counter-guide means 80 together realize an advantageous, secure linear guide of the two frame halves 2, 3.

In the second exemplary embodiment, the guide means 70 and guide counter-means 80 are designed as plug-in positive-locking elements of a rectangular guide web 70 and a rectangular cut-in receiving receptacle 80 of a slide guide. The guide is not necessarily a slotted guide, but on the other hand is well suited for this task by their safe leadership properties. In the following, therefore, the term guide means 70 and guide bar and guide counter means 80 and shift recording are used synonymously.

There are also on the frame halves 2, 3, preferably in each case in or on the guide means 70 and guide counter-means 80, mutually corresponding and engageable with each other locking means 130, 140 are provided, which are formed are that they can be locked together in two different locking positions, wherein the two base legs 4 are spaced at different distances in the two locking positions.

The first of the latching means 130 is preferably formed by two latching cams 131, 132 which pass through recesses at one in the exemplary orientation of Fig. 13 upper (or narrow edge / narrow side) edge of the guide web 70 are formed (s. Fig. 13 ). The latching means 140 is preferably designed as a latching device 80 arranged above the latching device which engages in the latching cams 131, 132. The latching device 140 is preferably made of plastic to allow sufficient elasticity, and is recessed in a corresponding recess or recess within the side leg 6.

Upon engagement of the latching device 140 in the first latching cam 131, a first detent position is realized. This is in Fig. 9 shown. In this first detent position, the distance 91 between the two base legs 4 is slightly larger than the distance 92 in the second detent position, in the Fig. 11 is shown. It is in Fig. 9 to an assembly position. In the second detent position of Fig. 11 the base legs 4, however, are arranged closer to each other. It is a closed position. It is achieved when the latching device 140 engages in the second latching cam 132.

In order to complement the latching device 140 and the corresponding latching cams 131, 132, a further latching means 160 is preferably provided on the guide web 70, which cooperates with a counter-latching means 170 to prevent a user from damaging the plastic spring, if he the holder frame with a opens to great force.

The locking means 160 is preferably formed as a nose bridge, which is arranged at the transverse edge of the guide web 70. The nose bridge 160 serves as an end stop in the closed position and engages in a counter-locking means 170, which is formed as a window or recess in the rear part of the slide receptacle 80. The nose bridge 160 forms when engaging in the window 170 from a solid and safe against external influences and stable locking connection.

The advantage over the first embodiment is that the cross section of the guide web can be made narrower, so that material and space can be saved. While in the first embodiment, the locking means disposed within the guide bar and is relatively solid, the locking cams 131, 132 are formed as simple recesses on the upper edge of the guide bar, so that they are very space-saving. This applies equally to the corresponding locking device 140.

reference numeral

holding frame

1

frame halves

2.3

base leg

4

side leg

5.6

Guide means, guide bar

7

Antidote, Sliding Shock

8th

Distance in the mounting position

91

Distance in the closed position

92

Linear guide, dovetail guide

11

latching means

13, 14a, 14b

connector modules

15a, b, c, d, ...

casing

16

terminal side

161

mating side

162

About housing

17

first positive locking means, retaining web

18

second positive locking means, molding

19

first positive locking counterpart, edge recess

20

second positive locking counterpart, recess

21

transverse leg

22

Edge on the base leg

23

sliding direction

X

extension direction

Y

insertion

Z

Guide means, guide bar

70

Antidote, Sliding Shock

80

First locking means

130

Second locking means, locking device

140

First catch cam

131

Second locking cam

132

nosepiece

160

window

170

crossbars

220

Claims (17)

1. A holding frame (1) for plug connector modules (15a, b, ...), comprising two frame halves (2, 3) which can be latched to each other by linear displacement of the one frame half (2) relative to the other frame half (3) in a sliding direction (X), wherein mutually corresponding latching means (13, 14a, 14b; 130, 140) are provided on the frame halves (2, 3), which latching means produce a latching of the two frame halves (2, 3) to each other in two different latching positions during linear displacement, in which the frame halves (2, 3) are spaced from each other at a different distance (91, 92), characterized in that it comprises at least one guide means (70) and at least one counter-guide means (80) which jointly form a slide guide.
2. A holding frame (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one guide means (7; 70) and at least one counter-guide means (8; 80), which are each arranged on one of the frame halves (2, 3), wherein the guide means (7; 70) is guided in a sliding direction (X) along the counter-guide means (8; 80) during linear displacement of the one frame half (2) relative to the other frame half (3).
3. A holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching means (13, 14a, 14b; 130, 140) are arranged on the guide means (7; 70) and on the counter-guide means (8; 80).
4. A holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide means (7) and the counter-guide means (8) form a dovetail guide (11).
5. A holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame halves (2, 3) are each formed in a U-shaped manner and comprise a base leg (4) and two side legs (5, 6), wherein the guide means (7; 70) and the counter-guide means (8; 80) are each arranged on one of the two side legs (5, 6) of a frame half (2, 3).
6. A holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching means (13, 14a, 14b) comprise a projection (13) and two mutually spaced recesses (14a, 14b), wherein the projection (13) is arranged on a side leg (5, 6) of the one frame half (2, 3) and the recesses (14a, 14b) are arranged on a side leg (5, 6) of the other frame half (2, 3).
7. A holding frame (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the latching means (130; 140) comprise a latching device (140) and two mutually spaced detent cams (131, 132), wherein the latching device (140) is arranged on a side leg (5, 6) of the one frame half (2, 3) and the detent cams (131, 132) are arranged on a side leg (5, 6) of the other frame half (2, 3).
8. A holding frame (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that a latching means (160) is provided on the guide means (70) and a counter-latching means (170) on the counter-guide means (80).
9. A holding frame (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the latching means (160) is formed as a nose bridge and the latching means (170) as a window.
10. A holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first interlocking counter-means (20) and a second interlocking counter-means (21), wherein the first interlocking counter-means (20) is provided to interact in an interlocking manner in the first latching position with a first interlocking means (18) of a plug connector module (15) arranged in the holding frame (1), and wherein the second interlocking counter-means (21) is provided in order to interact in an interlocking manner in the second latching position with a second interlocking means (19) of the plug connector module (15).
11. A holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first interlocking counter-means (20) is formed by a boundary recess in an edge (23) of the base leg (4) of one of the frame halves (2, 3), which edge faces the plug connector module (15).
12. A holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second interlocking counter-means (21) is formed by a recess in the base leg (4) of one of the frame halves (2, 3).
13. A plug connector module (15) which can be inserted in an insertion direction (Z) into a holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises first interlocking means (18) and second interlocking means (19), which are provided for interaction with first interlocking counter-means (20) and second interlocking counter-means (21) of the holding frame (1).
14. A plug connector module (15) according to claim 14, characterized in that the first interlocking means (18) is formed by a holding web which extends in the sliding direction (X):
15. A plug connector module (15) according to one of the claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the second interlocking means (19) is formed by an integral formed part.
16. A plug connector arrangement having a holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one plug connector module (15) arranged in a holding frame (1), characterized in that a first interlocking counter-means (20) is provided on the holding frame (1) and a first interlocking means (18) on the plug connector module (15), which in a first latched position of the holding frame (1) allow an orientation of the plug connector module (15) in a direction of extension (Y) transversely to the sliding direction (X) and transversely to the insertion direction (Z).
17. A plug connector arrangement according to claim 17, characterized in that a second interlocking counter-means (21) is provided on the holding frame (1) and a second interlocking means (19) on the plug connector module (15), which are arranged in engagement with respect to each other in a second latched position of the holding frame (1) in such a way that the plug connector module (15) is non-displaceably fixed in the holding frame (1).

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