EP3286806B1 - Holding frame for holding plug connector modules - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a support frame for mounting connector modules, in particular for installation in connector housing or for screwing to wall surfaces, wherein the connector modules are inserted into the support frame and, for example, support means cooperate with the connector modules provided on opposite wall parts (side parts) of the support frame recesses. The invention further relates to a corresponding manufacturing method and a method for equipping such a holding frame.

Such support frames are used to hold connector modules, the support frame equipped with various connector modules and then inserted into a connector housing and bolted to it. In this case, the support frame must be mechanically stable in order to withstand the insertion and pulling forces occurring when assembling or disconnecting the connector can.

From the company publication of HARTING Elektronik GmbH "Heavy Duty Connectors, Han-Modular, 16 3" is a substantially rectangular support frame is known which is provided with perpendicular to the mounting plane extending side walls. The connector modules are provided with latching hooks, which when inserting the Plug connector modules in the holding frame with the side walls, thus firmly held in this.

An exchange, d. H. In particular, a removal / release of the connector modules is then possible only with special disassembly tools.

A training against this solution will be DE 197 07 120 C1 and EP 0 860 906 A2 described where a support frame according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed. Aim of the revelation of DE 197 07 120 C1 and EP 0 860 906 A2 It is that the connector modules as simple as possible can be installed and removed. However, it should nevertheless be ensured that the holding frame has a high mechanical stability in order to withstand the insertion and removal forces during assembly or separation of a plug connection.

The support frame described therein consists of two connected via joints frame halves with attachment ends, which are provided with fastening screws. The joints are provided at the attachment ends of the support frame, wherein the possibility of pivoting the frame halves is provided transversely to the side parts of the support frame. To form the joints, respective projections are provided on the attachment ends of the holding frame or the side parts, which engage in corresponding recesses.

In which DE 197 07 120 C1 or EP 0 860 906 A2 disclosed holding or hinged frame difficulties in the assembly are known and it can happen during assembly that used modules unintentionally escape from the holder. To counteract such an unwanted solution of modules once used already a separate component is used, but in turn can be lost.

The invention has the object of developing the known support frame to the effect that the known difficulties overcome or at least reduced, which in particular improved handling and a safer assembly and assembly of the support frame is desired.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a support frame for supporting connector modules, the connector modules being insertable into the support frame and plug-in module retention means on the connector modules having support frame support means provided on opposite side portions of the support frame cooperate, wherein the holding frame comprises two holding frame halves hingedly connected to attachment ends of the holding frame, wherein the separation of the holding frame is provided parallel to the side parts of the holding frame, wherein the articulated connection allows a plug-in state and a holding state of the holding frame, wherein the holding frame halves in such a state are pivoted about a longitudinal axis to each other, that one or more connector modules between the side parts can be introduced, and wherein in the holding state, the holding frame halves are pivoted relative to the inserted state that one or more inserted connector modules have a positive connection with the holding frame via the support means. The holding frame is characterized in that the holding frame has an elastic fixing element, which is designed for releasable fixing of the holding frame halves in the inserted state and the holding state, wherein at least to solve the fixation and / or to a change between the insertion and holding state, a restoring force of the elastic fixing element is overcome.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a support frame for mounting connector modules so that the connector modules are insertable into the support frame and cartridge module retention means can cooperate with the connector modules with support frame retention means provided on opposite side portions of the support frame. The method includes the steps of providing two support frame halves each having a side portion of the support frame, pivotally connecting the support frame halves to attachment ends with each other along the side portions of the support frame, the hinge connection permitting an inserting state and a retaining state of the support frame, and in the inserting state, the support frame halves are pivoted about a longitudinal axis to each other, that one or more connector modules between the side parts can be introduced, wherein in the holding state, the holding frame halves are pivoted relative to the inserted state that one or more inserted connector modules have a positive connection with the holding frame via the support means. The method is characterized by an attachment of an elastic fixing element, which is designed for releasable fixing of the holding frame halves in the inserted state and the holding state, wherein at least to solve the fixation and / or to a change between the insertion and holding state, a restoring force of the elastic fixing overcome, wherein the attachment of the elastic fixing element is effected by a positive, non-positive and / or material connection.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for assembling a holding frame with connector modules, in particular a holding frame according to one of claims 1 to 13, proposed, wherein the holding frame comprises two holding frame halves, wherein the separation of the holding frame is provided parallel to the side parts of the holding frame. The method includes the steps of providing a plug-in state of the support frame, wherein in the plug-in state, the two support frame halves hingedly connected to each other at attachment ends of the support frame are pivoted about a longitudinal axis relative to each other such that one or more connector modules can be inserted between the side members, wherein the provision of the plug-in state a detachable fixing of the holding frame halves to each other by an elastic fixing element, the loading of the holding frame in the inserted state with one or more connector modules and the provision of a holding state of the holding frame by pivoting the holding frame halves with respect to the insertion state, so that the one or more inserted connector modules via plug module Holding means on the connector modules and provided on opposite side parts of the holding frame holding frame holding means a positive connection with de m holding frame, wherein the provision of the holding state comprises a releasable fixing the holding frame halves to each other by the elastic spring element, wherein the provision of the holding state at least to solve the fixation in the inserted state and / or to a change between the insertion and holding state overcoming a restoring force of the elastic fixing includes.

It was found that at the in DE 197 07 120 C1 or EP 0 860 906 A2 disclosed holding or hinged frame occurring difficulties occur because there is no clearly defined and (more or less) fixed fixed position for the open state is provided, in which the modules are to be mounted. This results in an occasionally somewhat bulky assembly. For the closed state, there is also no fixed state, unless the separate component is attached, which, however, an additional complication of handling is connected.

Against this background, the inventors have set themselves the goal of realizing two exactly defined positions for the holding frame. In the open position, the modules should be optimally mounted and the frame should be fixed in this position. In the closed position to prevent the mounting frame unintentionally reopens after inserting the modules.

The plug-in state and the holding state are preferably each structurally defined by the design of the holding frame halves, so that parts of the holding frame halves collide in a respective state and thus prevents further pivoting on the holding state or the plug-in state. However, such a limitation can also be achieved by the design of the elastic fixing element. However, a determination of the holding state and / or the insertion state can also be given by a suitable choice of locking positions or the like, without necessarily pivoting beyond the respective state as such would be impossible.

In an advantageous embodiment, the elastic fixing element comprises a spring leaf attached to a holding frame half with a latching element for engagement with an engagement element of the other holding frame half.

In this context, the spring leaf can act in at least two ways. One possibility of action is that by the spring force itself acts on the other half of the holding frame to hold the holding frame halves in at least one of the states of holding state and inserted state via the force. Another possibility of action is that the spring leaf holds the locking element via its spring force in engagement. The possibilities of action can also be combined.

In a variant of the above embodiment, a) the spring blade in a state between the insertion state and the holding state for causing a restoring force in the direction of the holding state and the locking element for engagement with the engagement element in the inserted state or b) the spring leaf in a state between the Plug-in state and the holding state for effecting a restoring force in the direction of the insertion state and the latching element configured for engagement with the engagement element in the holding state.

It may be provided, for example, that the spring leaf is substantially relaxed by holding in the holding state (or has a tension that holds the holding state in a stop between the holding frame halves), wherein the spring leaf deformed by pivoting the holding frame halves against each other to the insertion state and thus (continue ) is stretched. In the (thus tensioned) plug-in state, this state can then be fixed by engagement of latching element and engagement element.

In a further variant or modification of the above variant, a restoring force of the spring leaf is counteracted in order to release the engagement of detent element and engagement element.

In the example explained above, the engagement would preferably be ensured by the restoring force of the spring leaf.

Alternatively or additionally, the spring leaf locking element and engagement element in a positive connection (eg as a pin and hole) hold, with a solution of this positive connection is achieved by a deformation of the spring leaf itself as such not with a transition between the insertion and holding state in Relationship stands. An example of this is a spring blade attached to one (or both) mounting end (s) of a support frame half and having two holes in a portion extending to the other support frame half into which a pin or other comparable projection of the other Holding frame half extends in a positive manner to secure the respective state. Starting from about the insertion state, in which the pin is in positive engagement with a hole, the spring leaf can be lifted in the region of the pin from the other half of the holding frame, so that hole and pin are no longer engaged. Then, the holding frame is brought from the insertion state into the holding state, the spring can be relaxed again, so that the pin comes into engagement with the other hole. It can also be provided that the pin and holes are each designed so that when a certain force the lifting of the spring leaf by a geometric design (eg, a kind of ramp) is possible, even if this is not a form fit in the strict sense but only a frictional connection represents. However, the positive connection in the strict sense can still be present when first a deformation of the spring leaf occurs by a force on the holding frame halves, with which then the geometric configuration is only effective.

It is also possible that a restoring force of the spring leaf can be counteracted to release the engagement in two ways. A first way is already explained above lifting the spring leaf, so that latching element and engagement element are spatially separated from each other in different levels. Another way is that the spring leaf also not transverse to its surface (ie, approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support frame in an arrangement on the side of the attachment end or when mounted on the top or bottom parallel to the insertion of the plug-in modules) but also can be deformed in the plane of the surface. Does that know Spring leaf about an L-shaped type, so that the leg of the "L" is about a flat notch with a pin on the other half of the holding frame in a frictional engagement, so can by a sufficiently large force, the angle of the "L" so spread or can be upset that the pin leaves the notch and can get into another notch.

In a further variant or modification of the above variants, the other holding frame half has a first and a second engagement element and the detent element is configured for engagement with the first and the second engagement element or the spring leaf has a second detent element.

In this case, it can be achieved by a suitable combination of engagement elements and latching element or latching elements that a fixing engagement is provided in each case both in the plug-in state and in the holding state.

In a further embodiment, however, which can be combined with the above embodiment and its variants and modifications, the articulated connection is designed such that a distance between a first portion of the one holding frame half and a second portion of the other holding frame half at a transition between male and Holding state assumes an extreme value, wherein the first and the second portion are coupled together via the elastic fixing element.

In the transition from one state to another, the elastic fixing element is upset or stretched to the relative position of the holding frame corresponding to the extreme value, so that in each case a restoring force acts to the initial state. Only when the position to the extreme value is overcome, the then acting in the reverse direction restoring force of the elastic fixing in the direction of the new state.

In a further embodiment, however, which can be combined with the above embodiments and their variants and modifications, a first portion of the one holding frame half and a second portion of the other holding frame half are coupled together via the elastic spring element, wherein a pivot axis of the articulated connection between a Connecting line between the first and the second section in the inserted state and a connecting line between the first and the second section is in the holding state.

If the connecting line or line of action of the elastic fixing element is in the holding state approximately above the pivot axis, a force must first be exerted for pivoting until the line of action passes through the pivot axis. After such a transition, the elastic fixing element acts so that its restoring force supports the further transition to the insertion state (since the pivot axis is now below the action line).

In a variant of the two preceding embodiments, the elastic spring element is a clip spring, which is arranged in particular in a plane defined by a fastening element.

With a suitable clamp spring, the embodiments can be realized in an advantageous manner, wherein the end portions of the clamp spring engage at suitable positions of the holding frame halves. From a handling point of view, it is particularly advantageous in this case if a substantially flat clamping spring is arranged parallel to the end of the sides of the end regions of the holding frame halves, since in this case the clip spring does not protrude from the holding frame body or only insignificantly.

In a further embodiment, however, which can be combined with the above embodiments and their variants and modifications, the elastic fixing element comprises a hinge portion and a latching portion, wherein the hinge portion hingedly connects the holding frame halves, so that in the inserted state a first hinge restoring force in the direction of the holding state and / or in the holding state, a second joint restoring force acts in the direction of insertion, wherein the locking portion holds the holding frame halves in a latching position counter to the first joint restoring force or in the holding state against the second joint restoring force and wherein the latching portion against a latching restoring force of the latching position in a release position can be brought is, in which the latching portion allows a transition between holding state and inserted state.

The formed as (not necessarily integral or integrally executed) part of the elastic fixing member hinge portion allows to provide a relative to the relative pivoting of the holding frame halves directly related force, this force, for example in conjunction with a structurally related stop, are used can provide a defined holding state and / or insertion state. The male state or the holder state may also be caused to be relaxed in this state, the joint portion. It is, however it is also possible to use a force acting in each case in the holding state and in the inserted state in the joint section in conjunction with a respective locking over the latching section for fixing.

In a variant of the above embodiment, the hinge portion and the latching portion are formed integrally as elements of the elastic fixing member.

A design of an elastic fixing element, which provides both the joint portion and the latching portion in a component, in particular of a material, reduces the total number of components used and thus reduces the structure associated with a separate installation in the production of the holding frame.

It should be noted that even with a one-piece forming of the joint portion and latching portion in an elastic spring element of the holding frame, in particular at the longitudinal opposite ends, may be equipped with two separate elastic spring elements. This applies regardless of the embodiment discussed here.

In a further variant or modification of the above variant of the joint portion is relaxed in the inserted state or in the holding state, wherein the latching portion is configured for fixing the holding frame halves, when the joint portion is relaxed.

In the vicinity of the relaxed state of the joint portion, a restoring force of the joint portion would be correspondingly small with respect to a small deflection, so that the definition of the corresponding state would be somewhat blurred or soft as it were. With an additional fixation by the latching portion of the corresponding state can be defined sharply.

In another variant or modification of the above variant, the hinge portion is configured for holding the male state or the hold state by the first or second hinge restoring force.

It is possible to form the holding frame in such a way that the articulated section has a tension in the inserted state or in the holding state, so that a force acts which is actually a further swiveling apart (in the inserted state) or pivoting in the opposite direction (Hold state) would cause if the holding frame halves would not already abut each other. In such a case, a transition from the corresponding state to the other state would be associated with a force against the force of the joint portion, this other state can be fixed by the latching portion.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the elastic spring element connects the holding frame halves electrically at least in the holding state.

In addition to the advantages in terms of handling, an embodiment of the spring element for the electrical connection of the holding frame halves allows a defined and secure electrical contact between the frame halves. Known solutions for electrical contacting were achieved by additional components, which then addressed only the electrical contact and no further structural or functional advantages. In this embodiment, the invention allows an increase in security (especially with respect to a PE transfer) in combination with an improvement of the handling for the user in only one multifunctional component or component complex.

Preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in particular in the dependent claims, it being understood that an embodiment which is described in connection with a method according to the invention is also to be understood as an embodiment of a device according to the invention, and vice versa. Preferred and / or advantageous embodiments of the invention, in addition to the definition in the claims also result from the further description and explanation. The embodiments defined in the dependent claims, like the other embodiments disclosed herein, may be combined with each other, unless features are mutually exclusive.

Fig. 1a und 1b

Ansichten eines geschlossenen Halterahmens noch ohne elastisches Fixierelement,

Fig. 2a und 2b

Ansichten des Halterahmens ohne elastisches Fixierelement aus Fig. 1a und 1b in geöffnetem Zustand.

Fig. 3a und 3b

Ansichten eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Halterahmens,

Fig. 4a und 4b

Ansichten eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Halterahmens,

Fig. 5a, 5b und 5c

Ansichten eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Halterahmens,

Fig. 6a, 6b und 6c

Ansichten eines vierten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Halterahmens,

Fig. 7

ein Ablaufdiagramm zur Illustration eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Herstellungsverfahrens und

Fig. 8

ein Ablaufdiagramm zur Illustration eines Ausführungsbeispiels erfindungsgemäßen Bestückungsverfahrens.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Show / show here

Fig. 1a and 1b

Views of a closed holding frame still without elastic fixing element,

Fig. 2a and 2b

Views of the holding frame without elastic fixing from Fig. 1a and 1b in open condition.

Fig. 3a and 3b

Views of a first embodiment of a holding frame according to the invention,

Fig. 4a and 4b

Views of a second embodiment of a holding frame according to the invention,

Fig. 5a, 5b and 5c

Views of a third embodiment of a holding frame according to the invention,

Fig. 6a, 6b and 6c

Views of a fourth embodiment of a holding frame according to the invention,

Fig. 7

a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a manufacturing method according to the invention and

Fig. 8

a flowchart for illustrating an embodiment of the invention mounting method.

In the FIGS. 1a, 1b . 2a and 2b is schematically shown a support frame 1 for connector modules 2, wherein in Fig. 2a and 2b the holding frame is open and in Fig. 1a and 1b closed is.

The holding frame 1 is after the insertion of connector modules 2 for installation in connector housing (see DE 197 07 120 C1 and EP 0 860 906 A2 ) or for fixing over a breakthrough of a mounting surface / mounting wall provided.

The support frame 1 consists of two connected via joints 3 holding frame halves 4, 5 with attachment ends 6, which can be provided with mounting screws (not shown), and side panels 8. The joints 3 are provided on the attachment ends 6 of the support frame 1, wherein the possibility of pivoting the frame halves 4, 5 is provided transversely to the side parts 8 of the holding frame 1 (as from the comparison of Fig. 1a, 1b and 2a, 2b can be seen). To form the joints 3 each formations are provided on the attachment ends 6 of the support frame 1, which engage in corresponding recesses. After introduction of the projections in the recesses, the side parts are pivotable about the longitudinal axis (rotatable).

The connector modules 2 are provided with projecting, approximately rectangular holding means 9 and may have additional resilient latching hooks (not shown). In the side parts 8 of the frame halves 4, 5 formed as all-round closed openings recesses 11 are provided, in which the support means 9 dive when inserting the connector modules 2 in the support frame 1.

To insert the connector modules 2 of the support frame 1 is opened, d. H. open, wherein the frame halves 4, 5 are opened to the joints 3 so far that the connector modules 2 can be used.

For prefixing the connector modules 2, the possibly provided latching hooks can initially engage under the lower edges of the side parts 8 of the frame halves 4, 5 during insertion.

Subsequently, the frame halves 4, 5 are capped together, d. H. the holding frame 1 is closed, wherein the holding means 9 reach into the recesses 11 and a secure, positive retention of the connector modules 2 in the holding frame 1 is effected.

The attachment ends 6 each have a mounting portion which in the screwed-on state (see Fig. 1a and 1b ) extends parallel to the mounting surface (not shown). The extension plane of this attachment portion extends in the case of Fig. 1b horizontally and at right angles to the plane of the drawing.

In the region of the attachment portion are the projections 7 and recesses 10 of the holding frame halves 5, 4, which are in the assembled state of the holding frame with each other.

Here, the projections 7 of the frame half 5 extend in the plane of extension in the direction of the frame half 4, more precisely in the recesses 10 of the frame half 4. The projections 7 and recesses 10 are respectively disposed at the outermost end of the fixing portions (in the longitudinal direction). Since the projections 7 thus to a certain extent enclose the opposite holding frame half 4 in the plane of extent, thus a relative displacement along the longitudinal axis for the frame half 4, 5 and thus also for the side parts 8 is prevented. In other words, it blocks in the presentation of Fig. 1a upper projection 7 in engagement with the corresponding recess 10 a movement obliquely right above (in the illustration), while the lower projection 7 in engagement with the corresponding recess 10 prevents a movement obliquely bottom left (in the illustration).

In an alternative or supplementary variant, the recess may also be slit-shaped, so that a lateral displacement of the side parts 8 in both directions is prevented by the engagement of a single projection. slot type is to be understood in this context that the recess has at least two opposite flanks, which abuts the projection, whereby the lateral displacement is prevented. This variant is therefore not limited to a slot as a return, as well as, for example, a return with the shape of a mushroom, a semicircle, a triangle, etc. are to be regarded as slit-shaped.

It is also possible with suitable dimensioning and design of the holding frame halves that identical holding frame halves can be assembled into a holding frame, in which case each holding frame half each having a projection and a recess (at opposite ends).

Preferably, the projection 7 is designed as long as in this embodiment, that the engagement is not terminated even in the unfolded state of the support frame 1 (see Fig. 2b ), so that the prevention of lateral movement is maintained even in the unfolded state. This prevents the support frame from being unintentionally disassembled into its halves.

In the FIGS. 1a, 1b . 2a and 2b holding frame are still shown without elastic fixing elements, this illustration is used to better understand the basic structure of a holding frame according to the invention.

Without this needing to be addressed separately in the following discussion of the individual embodiments, it is provided that also holding frame according to the invention can have a security function against falling apart of the holding frame due to a displacement of the holding frame halves against each other in the longitudinal direction, as they FIGS. 1a, 1b . 2a and 2b can be seen. In particular, the invention also includes an embodiment of the holding frame halves such that a holding frame half in at least one attachment portion has a projecting towards the other holding frame half projection which engages in a recess in the mounting portion of the other holding frame half, so that a lateral displacement of the side parts is prevented.

Deviating from the representation in the FIGS. 1a, 1b . 2a and 2b However, the holding frame halves can also be designed as substantially rigid die cast elements, in particular zinc, in which case can be dispensed with the backup function.

Elements of the embodiments, which are opposite to the elements in the representations in the FIGS. 1a, 1b . 2a and 2b essentially unchanged or modified irrelevant to the invention, also find again in the discuss below figures are provided with identical or similar reference numerals, each additional discussion is unnecessary.

The FIGS. 3a and 3b show views of a first embodiment of a holding frame according to the invention.

The basic construction of the support frame 100 is the shape of a hinged frame as shown in FIGS FIGS. 1a, 1b . 2a and 2b is shown or in DE 197 07 120 C1 and EP 0 860 906 A2 will describe. At the level of fixing screws 12 attached to fixing ends 6, a spring blade 30 is fixed on a frame half 5 as an example of an elastic fixing element (here with rivets 35). The spring leaf 30 has two fingers 31, 32. The two fingers 31, 32 of the spring leaf extend into the region of the other, second frame half 4 and hold them in the closed position, ie the holding state, as shown in FIG Fig. 3a is shown.

To the support frame 100 from the in Fig. 3a shown holder state in the mounting position (insertion state) for the modules to bring, as in Fig. 3b is shown, the holding frame 100 is pivoted against the force of the spring leaf 30, wherein finally the second finger 32 engages in a recess 34 on the other half of the holding frame 4 and thus fixes the support frame 100 in the open position (insertion state). For locking the finger 32 is provided at its end with a nose 33 as an example of a locking element which engages in the recess 34. The recess 34 is an example of an engagement member.

To release the fixation of the plug-in state, as in Fig. 3b is illustrated, the nose 33 of the finger 32 against the restoring force of the finger 32 and the spring leaf 30 is lifted out of the recess 34, so that the holding frame halves 4, 5 are brought into the holding state due to the spring action of the spring blade 30.

An advantage of dividing the spring blade 30 into two fingers 31, 32 is that when the finger 32 is lifted from the recess 34, the other finger 31 already urges the other holding frame half 4 in the direction of the holding state (clockwise in FIG Fig. 3b ).

Notwithstanding that in the FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrated embodiment, both fingers of the spring leaf may be provided with a nose which engages in a respective recess for fixing, wherein the nose of a finger and the corresponding recess in the other half of the holding frame for fixing the insertion state and the nose of the other finger and the corresponding recess for Fixation of the holding state serve.

It is also possible that the spring leaf is not divided into two fingers, and thereby has a nose which can engage either in one or two recesses to fix one or both states.

Another modification may be that the support of the spring leaf is not as in FIG. 3b shown on the surface of the attachment end 6 but located at an edge of the other half of the holding frame, so that an interaction of this edge can be used with a projection on the spring leaf to a fixation. In Fig. 3b It can be seen that a spring leaf attached to the holding frame half 5 would come into contact with the lower half edge of the holding frame half 4 facing the holding frame half 5 during pivoting and would thereby be put under tension. In such a case, a division of the spring blade could cause a finger (comparable to finger 31) provides a restoring force acting in the direction of the holding state, the other, shorter finger (comparable to finger 32) comes off the edge and with the inner half of the holding frame half 4 directed towards the holding frame half 5 reaches a fixation which can be released by a spreading apart of the shorter finger.

With the in the FIGS. 3a and 3b In the embodiment shown, a two-part frame is provided which is brought into an open end position solely by the rotation of the frame halves by means of spring force and engages there. From the open end position he (only) by unlocking the locking finger spring back into the closed position and then remains in this.

By a suitable construction (not shown), a reversal of the constellation can be achieved, so that the spring leaf causes a restoring force in the direction of the insertion state in a state between the inserted state and the holding state, wherein a nose or other latching element for engagement with a Engagement element (eg a recess) is configured in the holding state.

In the case of the first embodiment, the latching element is a nose 33 and the engagement element 34 is a recess. However, it is also provided that the engagement element is formed by a projection or the like on the holding frame half, wherein the detent element e.g. may be an opening in the spring leaf. Combinations of nose and projection or similar structures are also possible.

The FIGS. 4a and 4b show views of a second embodiment of a holding frame according to the invention. Here, the insertion state (dashed line) and the holding state is shown in each case, wherein the FIGS. 4a and 4b differ in the opposite direction.

The basic construction of the holding frame 200 is, similar to the first embodiment, the shape of a hinge frame, as in the FIGS. 1a, 1b . 2a and 2b is shown or in DE 197 07 120 C1 and EP 0 860 906 A2 will describe.

In a respective frontal plane which is perpendicular to a mounting surface (not shown, see attachment ends 6) and to the side parts 8 of the holding frame 200, two different locking plates 40, 41 are provided as further examples of elastic fixing elements.

The locking plates 40, 41 are designed so that on one side a cylindrical mandrel 44 of the holding frame surface 4 in two recesses 43, 46 on or in the locking plate 40, 41 can engage. The other side is firmly connected to the holding frame half (here by screws 45). The recesses are designed so that the holding frame 200 is fixed in an open and a closed position.

The locking plates 40, 41 are different variants of an elastic fixing element and can be used either individually, in duplicate or, as shown here, in mixture.

In Fig. 4a It can be seen that the mandrel 44 extends in the holding state through the upper of the two recesses 43 of the locking plate 41, while extending in the inserted state through the lower of the two recesses 43. Thus, there is in each case a positive fixing, which can be canceled by a spreading of the locking plate 41 from the holding frame main body. In this respect, the locking plate 41 has a spring property in this direction and can therefore be considered as a spring leaf.

In Fig. 4b It can be seen that a corresponding mandrel 44 is in each case in the holding state and in the inserted state in a recess or notch 46 of the locking plate 40, which are provided on the inside of the U-shaped locking plate 40. The locking plate 40 also has an elasticity in the frontal plane, so that with a sufficient force by a small spreading of the U-shape of the mandrel 44 is released from the respective notch 46 and can get along the leg of the locking plate to each other notch 46. So here there is no positive connection but only a traction for fixation.

An advantage of a combination of the locking plates 40, 41 is that for the respective release not both sides must be unlocked by Abspreizen to bring the holding frame in the open or closed position.

The FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c show views of a third embodiment of a holding frame according to the invention.

The basic construction of the support frame 300 is similar to the first and second embodiments, the shape of a hinge frame, as in the FIGS. 1a, 1b . 2a and 2b is shown or in DE 197 07 120 C1 and EP 0 860 906 A2 will describe.

In front side parts, which extend perpendicular to a mounting surface (not shown, see attachment ends 6) and to the side parts 8 of the support frame 300, clamp springs 50 are provided, wherein the clamp springs are each provided on the inside of the end face parts so that a in Substantially flush surface forms. This flush shape prevents it from jamming or the like when inserting a plug-in module (not shown).

Each clip spring 50 per se is an example of an elastic fixing element.

The clamp spring 50 holds the two holding frame halves 4, 5 together under a certain bias.

As in Fig. 5b can be seen, is in the closed state (holding state) by acting on the holding frame halves 4, 5 end points 51 of the staple spring 50 certain line of action 52 of the biasing force by a certain amount above the joint 3 and defined by the hinge 3 pivot axis or a appropriate Plane 53. This causes the support frame 300 to be held in the closed position because counterclockwise torque acts on the hinge 3 by the biasing force of the spring (see arrow 54).

If the frame 300 is now brought against the biasing force into the open position (plug-in state) for mounting the modules (not shown), the line of action 52 shifts into the area below the joint 3 or the plane 53, as shown in FIG Fig. 5c is shown, and thus causes the holding frame 300 pivots in the open position and remains in this position, since now an opposite torque acts on the joint 3 (see arrow 55).

The effect of the clamp spring 50 used here can be explained in other ways. The possible pivoting range of the holding frame halves 4, 5 to each other by the design of the holding frame halves 4, 5 and the joint 3 to the area between the holding state ( Fig. 5b ) and the plug-in state ( Fig. 5c ) (inclusive). The holding frame halves 4, 5 and the clamp spring 50 are arranged and designed in this case so that the distance between the end points 51 (or points of attack) of the clamp spring assumes an at least local minimum in the holding state and in the plug-in state. To get about from the holding state to the insertion state, therefore, the staple spring must be spread against their respective restoring force. At at least one point between the holder state and the plug-in state, the distance between the end points 51 is maximum, so that after overcoming this point further pivoting is supported by the restoring force of the staple spring 50. The maximum of the distance between the end points is preferably only at one point, which thus defines a labile maximum between the two states.

The FIGS. 6a . 6b and 6c show views of a fourth embodiment of a holding frame according to the invention.

The basic construction of the support frame 400 is similar to the shape of a hinged frame as shown in FIGS FIGS. 1a, 1b . 2a and 2b is shown or in DE 197 07 120 C1 and EP 0 860 906 A2 is described. Unlike in the first, second and third embodiment, however, here is not formed by a projection and recess joint (see, eg Fig. 1b or 2 B ) intended.

The articulated connection of the holding frame halves 4 ', 5' of the holding frame 400 is achieved here by a part of an omega spring 60 as an example of an elastic fixing element.

The omega spring 60 includes a hinge portion 61 and a latch portion 62.

The hinge portion 61 extends in corresponding recesses of the holding frame halves 4 ', 5' and obtained in this embodiment by pivoting the holding frame halves 4 ', 5' from the holding state (see Fig. 6b ) in the inserted state (see Fig. 6c ), a bending stress by which the holding frame 400 tends to return to the holding state.

The latching portion 62 is connected to the hinge portion 61 and allows - against a restoring force - an elastic deformation along the longitudinal axis of the holding frame, so that a bending stress can be built up.

In the holding state, two projections 63 of the latching portion 62 extend into corresponding recesses 64 of the holding frame halves 4 ', 5', so that the holding frame is fixed in addition to the action of the hinge portion 61 in the holding state by locking.

To release this fixation or locking the locking portion 62 is bent so that the projections 63 come free from the recesses 64. With such a release of the support frame can be spread against the restoring force applied by the joint portion and thus brought into the inserted state.

If the latching portion 62 is released in the inserted state, the projections 63 move between the inner edges 65 of the holding frame halves 4 ', 5', so that by a cooperation of the inner edges 65 (or possible recesses therein) with the projections 63 a return of the holding frame 400 in the holding state is prevented.

Only when the latching portion 62 or the projections 63 of the latching portion 62 is removed by a corresponding bending of the latching portion 62 from the area between the holding frame halves, the transition from the insertion state to the holding state can take place.

The holding frame halves can be configured identically to one another, since the asymmetry given by the joint in the other exemplary embodiments is no longer necessary.

Fig. 7 shows a flowchart for illustrating an embodiment of a manufacturing method according to the invention.

The manufacturing method is used to produce a holding frame according to the invention, ie a holding frame for holding connector modules, so that the connector modules can be inserted into the holding frame and plug module holding means on the connector modules can cooperate with provided on opposite side parts of the holding frame holding frame holding means.

In a first step 70, two holding frame halves are provided, each with a side portion of the holding frame, are hinged together at attachment ends in a following step 71, wherein the articulated connection allows a plug-in state and a holding state of the holding frame, wherein in the inserted state, the holding frame halves in such a Longitudinal axis are pivoted to each other, that one or more connector modules between the side parts can be introduced, wherein in the holding state, the holding frame halves are pivoted relative to the inserted state that one or more inserted connector modules have a positive connection with the holding frame via the support means.

The method further comprises a step of attaching 72 at least one elastic fixing element, which is designed for releasably fixing the holding frame halves in the inserted state and the holding state, wherein at least to solve the fixation and / or to a change between the insertion and holding state, a restoring force of the elastic Fixing element is overcome.

The attachment 72 of the elastic fixing element is effected by a positive, non-positive and / or material connection.

The order of steps 70, 71 and 72 is not necessary for the manufacturing process. Thus, the attaching step 72 may also be part of the provision 70 of the holding frame halves and / or between steps 70 and 71.

Fig. 8 shows a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of an assembly method according to the invention.

The method according to the invention for equipping a holding frame with connector modules, in particular a holding frame, as described here and shown in the figures, comprises the following steps:
First, in step 80, an inserting state of the holding frame is provided, wherein in the insertion state, the two hinged at attachment ends of the holding frame holding frame halves are pivoted to each other about a longitudinal axis to one another that one or more connector modules between the side parts can be introduced.

The provisioning step 80 comprises detachably fixing the holding frame halves 81 to each other by an elastic fixing member.

In the plug-in state, the holding frame can be equipped in a loading step 82 with one or more connector modules.

The loading 82 is followed by provision 83 of a holding state of the holding frame with pivoting of the holding frame halves relative to the inserting state such that the one or more inserted connector modules form-fit via plug-in module retention means to the connector modules and to support frame support means provided on opposite side portions of the support frame having the holding frame.

The provision 83 of the holding state comprises releasably fixing 84 of the holding frame halves to each other by the elastic spring member.

The fixing 84 in the holding state is a overcoming 85 of a restoring force of the elastic spring element at least for solving the fixation in the inserted state and / or to a change between the insertion and holding state ahead.

The invention preferably allows a clearly fixed open frame position for the assembly or insertion of the modules. After insertion of the modules in the frame and the positioning of the frame halves in the closed state, this is against unintentional opening within certain limits or at least in Secured frame of its normal handling, without the need to install an additional security element. In embodiments, a defined electrical contact between the frame halves is achieved by the elastic fixing.

A fixation of the frame halves in the open / closed state can thus be integrated in the support frame itself, so that no losable items vorlägen. Unintentional opening of the holding frame halves after assembly or insertion of the modules is prevented by spring force.

Claims (15)

1. A holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400) for holding plug connector modules (2),
   wherein the plug connector modules (2) can be inserted into the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400) and plug module mounting means (9) on the plug connector modules (2) interact with holding frame mounting means (11) provided on opposing side parts (8) of the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400),
   wherein the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400) comprises two holding frame halves (4, 4', 5, 5'), which are connected to each other, on fastening ends (6) of the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400), in an articulated manner, wherein the separation of the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400) is provided parallel to the side parts (8) of the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400),
   wherein the articulated connection (3, 60) permits a plug-in state and a holding state of the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400),
   wherein, in the plug-in state, the holding frame halves (4, 4', 5, 5') are pivoted with respect to each other about the longitudinal axis in such a way that one or multiple plug connector modules (2) can be installed between the side parts (8), and
   wherein, in the holding state, the holding frame halves (4, 4', 5, 5') are pivoted with respect to the plug-in state in such a way that one or multiple inserted plug connector modules (2) is/are interlocked with the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400) via the mounting means (9, 11),
   characterized in that
   the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400) includes an elastic fixing member (30, 40, 41, 50, 60) which is designed for detachably fixing the holding frame halves (4, 4', 5, 5') in the plug-in state and in the holding state, wherein a restoring force of the elastic fixing member (30, 40, 41, 50, 60) must be overcome at least for the release of the fixation and/or for a changeover between plug-in state and holding state.
2. The holding frame (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1,
   whererin the elastic fixing member (30, 40) comprises a leaf spring (30, 40) which has been attached to one holding frame half (5) and includes a detent member (33, 43, 46) for engagement with an engaging member (34, 44) of the other holding frame half (4).
3. The holding frame (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein

   a) the leaf spring (30), in a state between the plug-in state and the holding state, is designed for effectuating a restoring force in the direction of the holding state, and the detent member (33) is designed for engagement with the engaging member (34) in the plug-in state, or

   b) the leaf spring, in a state between the plug-in state and the holding state, is designed for effectuating a restoring force in the direction of the plug-in state, and the detent member is designed for engagement with the engaging member in the holding state.
4. The holding frame (100, 200) as claimed in claim 2 or 3,
   wherein a restoring force of the leaf spring (30, 40, 41) must be counteracted in order to release the engagement of detent member (33, 43, 56) and engaging member (34, 44).
5. The holding frame (100, 200) as claimed in one of claims 2 to 4,
   wherein the other holding frame half (4) comprises a first and a second engagement element, and
   the detent member is designed for engagement with the first and the second engaging member or the leaf spring (30, 40, 41) comprises a second detent member.
6. The holding frame (300) as claimed in claim 1,
   wherein the articulated connection is designed in such a way that a distance between a first section (51) of the one holding frame half (4) and a second section (51) of the other holding frame half (5) increases during a transition between plug-in state and holding state, wherein the first and the second sections (51) are coupled to each other via the elastic fixing member (50).
7. The holding frame (300) as claimed in claim 1 or 6,
   wherein a first section (51) of the one holding frame half (4) and a second section (51) of the other holding frame half (5) are coupled to each other via the elastic spring element (50), wherein a pivot axis of the articulated connection (3) is located between a connecting line (52) between the first and the second sections (51) in the plug-in state, and a connecting line (52) between the first and the second sections (51) in the holding state.
8. The holding frame (300) as claimed in claim 6 or 7,
   wherein the elastic spring element (50) is a clamp spring (50) which, in particular, is situated in a plane defined by a fastening element (6).
9. The holding frame (400) as claimed in claim 1,
   wherein the elastic fixing member (60) includes a joint section (61) and a detent section (62),
   wherein the joint section (61) connects the holding frame halves (4', 5') to each other in an articulated manner, and therefore, in the plug-in state, a first joint restoring force acts in the direction of the holding state and/or, in the holding state, a second joint restoring force acts in the direction of the plug-in state,
   wherein the detent section (62), in a detent position, holds the holding frame halves (4', 5') in the plug-in state counter to the first joint restoring force or, in the holding state, counter to the second joint restoring force, and wherein the detent section (62) can be brought from the detent position, counter to a detent restoring force, into a release position, in which the detent section (62) permits a transition between holding state and plug-in state.
10. The holding frame (400) as claimed in claim 9,
    wherein the joint section (61) and the detent section (62) are jointly integrally formed as elements of the elastic fixing member (60).
11. The holding frame (400) as claimed in claim 9 or 10,
    wherein the joint section (61) is unloaded in the plug-in state or in the holding state, wherein the detent section (62) is designed for fixing the holding frame halves (4', 5') when the joint section (61) is unloaded.
12. The holding frame (400) as claimed in claim 9 or 10,
    wherein the joint section (61) is designed for holding the plug-in state or the holding state by means of the first or the second joint restoring force.
13. The holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400) as claimed in one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the elastic spring element (30, 40, 41, 50, 60) electrically connects the holding frame halves (4, 5) to each other at least in the holding state.
14. A method for producing a holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400) for holding plug connector modules (2), and therefore the plug connector modules (2) can be inserted into the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400) and plug module mounting means (9) on the plug connector modules (2) can interact with holding frame mounting means (11) provided on opposing side parts (8) of the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400), including the steps:

    providing (70) each of two holding frame halves (4, 4', 5, 5') with one side part (8) of the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400), and

    connecting (71), in an articulated manner, the holding frame halves (4, 4', 5, 5') to each other, at fastening ends (6), along the side parts (8) of the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400), wherein the articulated connection (3, 60) permits a plug-in state and a holding state of the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400), wherein, in the plug-in state, the holding frame halves (4, 4', 5, 5') are pivoted with respect to each other about a longitudinal axis in such a way that one or multiple plug connector modules (2) can be installed between the side parts (8), wherein, in the holding state, the holding frame halves (4, 4', 5, 5') are pivoted with respect to the plug-in state in such a way that one or multiple inserted plug connector modules (2) is/are interlocked with the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400) via the mounting means (9, 11),

    characterized by

    attaching (72) an elastic fixing member (30, 40, 41, 50, 60) which is designed for detachably fixing the holding frame halves (4, 4', 5, 5') in the plug-in state and in the holding state, wherein a restoring force of the elastic fixing member (30, 40, 41, 50, 60) must be overcome at least for the release of the fixation and/or for a changeover between plug-in state and holding state,

    wherein the attaching (72) of the elastic fixing member (30, 40, 41, 50, 60) takes place by means of an interlocked, force-locked, and/or bonded connection.
15. A method for populating a holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400) with plug connector modules (2), the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400) includes two holding frame halves (4, 4', 5, 5'), wherein the separation of the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400) is provided parallel to the side parts of the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400), including the steps:

    providing (80) a plug-in state of the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400), wherein, in the plug-in state, the two holding frame halves (4, 4', 5, 5'), which are connected to each other in an articulated manner at fastening ends of the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400), are pivoted with respect to each other about the longitudinal axis in such a way that one or multiple plug connector modules (2) can be installed between the side parts (8),

    wherein providing (80) the plug-in state includes detachably fixing (81) the holding frame halves (4, 4', 5, 5') with respect to each other by means of an elastic fixing member (30, 40, 41, 50, 60),

    populating (82) the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400) in the plug-in state with one or multiple plug connector modules (2), and

    providing (83) a holding state of the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400) by pivoting the holding frame halves (4, 4', 5, 5') with respect to the plug-in state, and therefore the one inserted plug connector module (2) or the multiple inserted plug connector modules (2) is/are interlocked with the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400) via plug module mounting means (9) on the plug connector modules (2) and via holding frame mounting means (11) provided on opposing side parts (8) of the holding frame (100, 200, 300, 400),

    wherein providing (83) the plug-in state includes detachably fixing (84) the holding frame halves (4, 4', 5, 5') with respect to each other by means of the elastic fixing member (30, 40, 41, 50, 60),

    wherein providing (83) the holding state includes overcoming (85) a restoring force of the elastic fixing member (30, 40, 41, 50, 60) at least for releasing the fixation in the plug-in state and/or for a changeover between plug-in state and holding state.

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