EP3345255B1 - System consisting of a plug connector module frame and adapter elements - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a system consisting of a connector module frame and one or more adapter elements.

Modular connectors are, for example, from the DE 81 11 418 U1 and the EP 0 097 255 B1 known.

The connector after the EP 0 097 255 B1 is placed on a carrier body, to which in turn a conductor connection block is attached, which consists of disc-shaped, lined-up insulating segments. The insulating segments have recesses into which the associated contact elements are inserted.

In order to enable access to the contact elements even in the plugged state, it is further provided that chamber-shaped openings are provided in the insulating body, into which a pin-shaped extension of the end regions of the contact elements projects. The insulating bodies each have a recess on their upper side, into which a spacer bolt is inserted, transverse to the insulating segments, which is screwed to the outside of a frame part. By screwing the segments together, they are positioned against each other.

In the known embodiment, the number, the position and the assignment of the individual insulating bodies are fixed. For replacement, the spacer bolt must be loosened, the frame removed and the contact body removed from the carrier body before a new assembly can take place.

From the publication DE 38 34 651 A1 modular socket contacts are known. The supporting bodies on the longitudinal frame parts are designed as cut strips, whereby the frame is weakened. Connectors in a wide variety of configurations are known. Since the housings and frames of such connectors are standardized many times (e.g. in the DIN 43 652 standard), but on the other hand there is a high demand for customer-specific or application-oriented contact assignments, it is desirable to provide connectors that can be equipped with freely configurable contact carriers ,

From the publication DE 87 17 110 U1 a connector is known in which a frame is provided from two parts, in which differently designed contact modules can be used. The frame consists of two separate frame parts, one of which has a guide rail with a stop edge on each long side. The contact modules each have corresponding webs on the side, so that they cannot fall through the frame part in their inserted state. The second frame part is placed on the first frame part in which the contact modules are located and screwed to it. The second frame part also has lateral webs which engage in corresponding recesses on the upper side of the contact carriers, so that these are held captively in the screwed frame. This solution is problematic insofar as the assembly is relatively complex and the necessary maintenance work can only be carried out with difficulty. Furthermore, the two-part frame is relatively complex to manufacture and therefore expensive.

From the publication DE 31 42 182 C2 is a plug connection with interchangeable plug inserts for different plug-in elements for receiving printed circuit boards with standardized male connectors, in which a female connector is formed from a one-piece frame and segments of different shapes, the inner longitudinal sides of the frame on one side as rectangular grooves and on the opposite side are designed as prismatic webs, the longitudinal sides of the frame being provided with different openings for the positive locking of the segments by means of locking lugs.

From the publication EP 0 202 916 A2 it is also known to form the locking plate with a handle projecting beyond the end face of the contact carrier.

From the publication DE 93 01 220 U1 a multi-pole plug-in device is known which has a plastic base body with contact springs which are provided for contacting with contact knives assigned to them. The contact blades are arranged in several open chambers of a plug connection part and the contact springs arranged in the plastic base body are connected to connection elements with connection elements via flexible cables.

The contact springs assigned to the contact blades of the chambers are arranged in a plurality of block-shaped interconnectable plastic bodies and the plastic base body has recesses provided with latching means in which the plastic bodies assigned to the chamber can be detachably latched. The recess of the plastic base body assigned to the chamber can thus be individually equipped with plastic bodies, the contact springs of which are connected to connection elements via flexible cables.

From the DE 1 590 072 A an electrical connector housing assembly with an insulating plate is known, wherein electrical connectors are attached to the plate. The plate has a rectangular opening into which several rectangular connector housings can be inserted. For this purpose, laterally projecting webs are provided on both sides of a first opposite pair of sides, which can form a releasable connection with the plate.

From the DE 20 2012 010 735 U1 is a connector with a frame for releasably latching a plurality of contact carrier modules that are formed in different widths known.

From the US4032209A a modular connector is also known.

A disadvantage of the modular connectors known in the prior art is the fact that different connector manufacturers also offer different contact carrier modules. However, since each manufacturer has adapted its contact carrier modules to its module frame in terms of locking geometry and shape, it is hardly possible for a user to be able to mount modules from one manufacturer as well as modules from the other manufacturer in a connector module frame. However, this means a large variety of parts for users in industry and a high level of inventory, because depending on the application, the user has to choose one or the other variant.

Furthermore, there is the disadvantage that a user, who has once decided on a certain modular connector system, cannot use contact carrier modules from another manufacturer for later changes, repairs or maintenance measures, even if these are partly in a grid in terms of size and also in terms of technology Conditions are almost identical, but differ in specific locking geometries and other details.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a versatile solution in which a user can use and use different contact carrier modules, ie contact carrier modules with different latching geometries, in one and the same modular connector.

Another task is that the contact carrier modules can be mounted in the modular connector as easily as possible and can be detached again.

This object is achieved by a system with the features of claim 1.

The basic idea of the present invention is to provide a system in which a specifically designed connector module frame is developed in such a way that specific adapter elements can be fixed to the module frame and into which contact carrier modules can be mounted which have a counter-locking geometry not provided by the module frame.

Thus, on the one hand, the connector module frame can be used for a basic design of a contact carrier module, which can be mounted without an adapter element, and further contact carrier modules deviating therefrom can be fastened in the connector module frame after the specifically designed adapter elements can be fastened to holder sections provided for this purpose on the contact carrier module or can be snapped into place.

According to the invention, a system is therefore provided, consisting of a connector module frame with a plurality of latching elements along two module frame side walls for fastening contact carrier modules which have a counter-latching geometry corresponding to the latching elements and one or more adapter elements for fastening to or without tools the module frame side walls in order to fasten contact carrier modules with a counter-locking geometry that does not correspond to the locking elements.

This means that the further contact carrier modules have a different from the locking geometry of the aforementioned contact carrier modules, i. H. have different counter-locking geometry.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is therefore provided that the connector module frame has as a module frame with two module frame side walls arranged in the longitudinal direction and two module frame side walls connecting these module frame side walls and oriented in the transverse direction.

Accordingly, contact carrier modules can be used in this module frame, which are adapted in particular in terms of their geometric width and length.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the latching elements are designed as lugs protruding from the longitudinal module frame side walls, preferably arranged in a specific or defined grid. This ensures that the contact carrier modules of a special width can be arranged side by side in a fixed assembly grid in the module frame.

It is further advantageous if webs, preferably webs projecting upwards, are arranged adjacent to or between the lugs on the module frame side walls in such a way that they form a lateral stop for the adapter elements as soon as they are properly fastened to the module frame side walls.

It is further preferred if the aforementioned webs continue to represent or form lateral stops for at least one design of the contact carrier modules.

It is further advantageously provided that holding elements are provided on the longitudinally extending module frame side walls for fastening the adapter elements mentioned above.

In a preferred type of assembly, the adapter elements are pushed on the module frame side walls to the respective holding elements and brought into their final assembly position.

It is therefore advantageously provided if the holding elements on the module frame side walls are each formed with an undercut for inserting corresponding adapter-side holding sections. In this way, the adapter elements can be "drawer-like" in their mounting position, with the adapter-side holding sections engaging behind the undercuts of the module elements on the module frame side.

According to the invention, it is provided that the adapter elements consist of a web, to which a frame part with a window-like opening connects in one piece.

According to the invention, different adapter elements can be provided, each of which is adapted to the corresponding shape of counter-latching elements of further contact carrier modules. The geometric shape can also be matched to the different dimensions and tolerances of the contact carrier modules to be assembled accordingly.

According to the invention, it is further advantageously provided that the adapter elements have holding sections projecting laterally on the web, preferably designed with a triangular cross section, so that they form a ramp-shaped section.

In the same way, it is preferred if the holding elements on the module frame side walls are also formed with an undercut that is triangular in cross section, so that the ramp-shaped sections of the adapter-side holding elements interact as sliding surfaces with the corresponding corresponding side walls of the holding elements on the module frame side walls.

It is also advantageously provided that the opening in the frame part of the adapter elements is designed as a T-shaped opening.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that in the assembled state of one or the adapter elements, the respective web rests on one of the module frame side walls, while the frame part protrudes at least partially over the top of the module frame side wall in this section, such that the window-like opening likewise protrudes over said module frame side wall or its upper side, so that a passage is formed for a corresponding counter-latching means of a contact carrier module.

It is furthermore advantageously provided if in the assembled state of an adapter element a latching element projects into or through part of the opening of the adapter element, another part of said opening remaining open, so that, as previously explained, a counter-latching geometry of a contact carrier module by the remaining part of the opening for fastening the same can pass through.

It is further provided according to the invention that the system is designed with at least one first contact carrier module with a counter-locking geometry corresponding to the locking elements for locking in the module frame, and with at least one second contact carrier module which is attached to two diametrically opposite adapter elements with its counter-locking elements in the module frame.

In principle, further first or second contact carrier modules can also be present in the system or mounted in the module frame.

It is further provided according to the invention in an advantageous embodiment that first and second lateral counter-locking geometries are formed on said first contact carrier module, which are each formed from two interconnected spring arms, between each of which there is a gap for engagement with the locking elements on the module frame side. In other words, this means that there is an essentially U-shaped arm, formed from the two spring arms mentioned, which can be pushed over the module frame side wall and attached to the latching elements on the module frame side.

It is further provided according to the invention if a first and second lateral catch geometry is formed on the second contact carrier module, which projects as a projection from the respective side wall of the second contact carrier module.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a modular connector consisting of several identical and / or different contact carrier modules and a connector module frame as described above.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Steckverbinder- Modulrahmens;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Adapterelementes;

Fig. 3

ein Zwischenmontagezustand, bei dem das Adapterelement aus Fig. 2 am Modulrahmen der Fig. 1 befestigt wird;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht ähnlich der Fig. 3, bei der das Adapterelement vollständig montiert ist;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Steckverbinder-Modulrahmens gemäß Fig. 1 mit zwei Kontaktträgermodulen mit unterschiedlicher Rastgeometrie, die in dem Steckverbinder-Modulrahmen montiert sind;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten Kontaktträgermoduls.

Further embodiments of the invention result from the subclaims. The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment and the following figures. The figures show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of an embodiment of a connector module frame;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of an adapter element according to the invention;

Fig. 3

an intermediate assembly state in which the adapter element Fig. 2 on the module frame of the Fig. 1 is attached;

Fig. 4

a perspective view similar to Fig. 3 , in which the adapter element is fully assembled;

Fig. 5

a perspective view of the connector module frame according to Fig. 1 with two contact carrier modules with different snap-in geometry, which are mounted in the connector module frame;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of a first contact carrier module.

The invention is described below with reference to 1 to 5 explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment. The same reference symbols indicate the same functional and / or structural features.

In the Fig. 1 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a module frame 10 according to the invention is shown. The module frame 10 consists of two longitudinally oriented module frame side walls 12a, 12b which run essentially parallel and two module frame side walls 12c, 12d connecting these module frame side walls 12a, 12b, which also run parallel.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the connector module frame 10 is a module frame formed from the four module frame side walls 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d mentioned above. On the module frame side walls, in the present example arranged outside, there are latching elements 11. In the present exemplary embodiment, the latching elements 11 as lugs 13 protrude laterally from the module frame side walls 12a, 12b in a fixed grid. The lugs 13 are each located on cut-outs 17 of the module frame side walls 12a, 12b and specifically immediately below the top 16 of the module frame side walls 12a, 12b in these sections.

Furthermore, over the top 16 of the longitudinal module frame side walls 12a, 12b projecting webs 15 are provided with shoulders 15a, which act as a lateral contact for the adapter elements 20 (see 2 to 5 ) are formed and as a lateral system for the counter-locking geometry 31 of the contact carrier modules 30, as is shown in FIG Fig. 5 can be seen.

An exemplary first contact carrier module 30, which can be installed in the connector module frame 10 without using an adapter element 20, is shown in FIG Fig. 6 shown. The contact carrier module 30 shown has receptacles (not shown) for electrical contacts. A counter-locking geometry 31 is formed on the side of the contact carrier module 30 in order to fasten the contact carrier module 30 to the connector module frame 10. In the present exemplary embodiment, the counter-locking geometry 31 is formed from two spring arms 33a, 33b, which are connected to one another at the end face via a transverse section 33c, with the formation of an intermediate gap 34. The nose 13 described above can dip into the gap 34 around the contact carrier module 30 in its mounting position.

Furthermore, as in Fig. 5 can be seen, in the assembled position, the previously described paragraph 15a of the web 15 is designed as a support for an edge of the counter-locking geometry 31 of the contact carrier module 30. In this respect, a lateral projection 33d of the counter-locking geometry 31 engages under the underside of the web 15, while side edges 33e lie laterally against the web 15, and a projection 33f of the counter-locking geometry 31 dips into the respective shoulder 15a of the web 15.

The interaction of the abutment surfaces, projections and locking elements described above, which together form the locking geometry and counter-locking geometry between the connector module frame 10 and the contact carrier module 30, ensures that the contact carrier module is securely seated in the connector module frame 10.

In order to fasten a contact carrier module 30 'with a counter-locking geometry 31' differing therefrom in the previously described connector module frame 10, one uses the in Fig. 2 adapter element 20 according to the invention shown.

The adapter element 20 has a web 23, to which holding sections 22a, 22b connect laterally, each of which is designed with a triangular cross section. A frame part 24, which has a window-like, T-shaped opening 25 in the present exemplary embodiment, is integrally formed on the web 23.

In the assembled state, the adapter-side holding sections 22a, 22b engage behind the undercuts 14a, 14b of the holding elements 14.

The assembly is in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 described in more detail. An adapter element 20 can be inserted from below with its adapter-side holding sections 22a, 22b behind the undercuts 14a, 14b of adjacent holding elements 14 in the manner of a drawer.

In the Fig. 4 is the adapter element in its fully inserted state, in which the previously described locking element 11, that is, the nose 13, projects through the lower part of the T-shaped opening 25 and thus fixes the adapter element in its end position against displacement upwards. In this position, the holding sections 22a, 22b of the adapter element 20 engage behind the aforementioned undercuts 14a, 14b of the holding elements 14. In this state, one remains as in FIG Fig. 4 Partial opening of the window-like opening 25 shown, so that the corresponding counter-latching elements 31 'of the contact carrier module 30' corresponding to the Fig. 5 can be assembled. In the assembled state, the counter-latching elements 31 ′ dive through the remaining part of the window-like opening 25 and the contact carrier module 30 ′ is held firmly in the connector module frame 10.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described here, but can also be further defined by combining different described features. In particular, geometrical adaptations can be provided with regard to the accommodation of other further contact carrier modules 30, 30 '.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Connector module frame

11

locking element

12a, 12b, 12c, 12d

Module frame sidewall

13

nose

14

retaining element

14a, 14b

undercut

15

web

15a

paragraph

16

top

17

outbreak

20

adapter element

22a, 22b

holding section

23

web

24

frame part

25

opening

30

Contact carrier module

30 '

Contact carrier module

31

Counter-locking geometry

31 '

Counter-locking geometry

33a, 33b

spring arm

33c

section

33d

projection

33e

side edge

33f

head Start

34

gap

Claims (14)

1. System comprising a plug connector module frame (10) having a plurality of latching elements (11) along two module frame side walls (12a, 12b) for the purpose of fastening contact carrier modules (30), which have a mating latching geometry (31) which corresponds to the latching elements (11), and comprising one or more adapter elements (20) for being fastened to the module frame side wall or walls (12a, 12b) without using a tool, in order by means of the adapter elements (20) to fasten to said module frame side wall or walls contact carrier modules (30') with a mating latching geometry (31') which does not correspond to the latching elements (11) and is different therefrom, wherein the adapter elements (20) are formed such that they in each case comprise a web (23) which is adjoined in an integral manner by a frame part (24) with a window-like opening (25) for the latching in each case to the latching element (11) and the mating latching geometry (31') which does not correspond thereto.
2. System according to Claim 1, characterized in that the plug connector module frame (10) has as a module frame with two module frame side walls (12a, 12b) which are arranged in the longitudinal direction and two module frame side walls (12c, 12d) which connect said module frame side walls (12a, 12b) and are oriented in the transverse direction in relation thereto.
3. System according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the latching elements (11) are in the form of lugs (13) which project out of the longitudinally running module frame side walls (12a, 12b) and are preferably arranged in a defined grid pattern.
4. System according to Claim 3, characterized in that webs (15) are respectively arranged adjacent to or between the lugs (13) in such a way that they form a lateral stop for the adapter elements (20) as soon as said adapter elements are fastened to the module frame side walls (12a, 12b) in the intended manner.
5. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that holding elements (14) for the purpose of fastening the adapter elements (20) are respectively provided on the module frame side walls (12a, 12b) which run in the longitudinal direction.
6. System according to Claim 5, characterized in that the holding elements (14) are each formed with an undercut (14a, 14b) on the side for the purpose of inserting adapter-side holding sections (22a, 22b).
7. System according to Claim 6, characterized in that the adapter elements (20) have holding sections (22a, 22b) which project laterally from the web (23) and are preferably formed with a triangular cross section.
8. System according to Claim 6, characterized in that the opening (25) is in the form of a T-shaped opening in the respective adapter elements (20).
9. System according to one of the preceding Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, when an adapter element (20) is in the mounted state, the web (23) bears against one of the module frame side walls (12a, 12b), whereas the frame part (24) projects at least partially beyond the top side (16) of the module frame side wall (12a, 12b) in this section region.
10. System according to one of the preceding Claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, when an adapter element (20) is in the mounted state, a latching element (11) respectively protrudes into or through a portion of the opening (25), wherein another portion of the opening (25) remains open, so that a mating latching geometry (31') of a contact carrier module (30') can pass through the remaining portion of the opening (25) for the purpose of fastening said contact carrier module.
11. System according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one first contact carrier module (30) with a mating latching geometry (31) which corresponds to the latching elements (11) and at least one second contact carrier module (30') with a mating latching geometry (31') which does not correspond to the latching elements (11) and is different therefrom, characterized in that the at least one first contact carrier module (30) is latched in the module frame (10), and also the at least one second contact carrier module (30') in the module frame (10) is fastened by way of its mating latching geometry (31') to two adapter elements (20), which are situated diametrically opposite one another.
12. System according to Claim 11, characterized in that a first and second lateral mating latching geometry (31) are in each case formed on the first contact carrier module (30), which first and second lateral mating latching geometries are each formed from two spring arms (33a, 33b) which are connected to one another and between which there is a gap (34) for engagement by the latching elements (11).
13. System according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that a first and second lateral mating latching geometry (31') are in each case formed on the second contact carrier module (30') which projects out of the respective side wall of the second contact carrier module (30') as a projection.
14. Modular plug connector comprising a system according to one of Claims 11 to 13, wherein the system comprises a plurality of contact carrier modules (30) with a mating latching geometry (31) which corresponds to the latching elements (11) and contact carrier modules (30') with a mating latching geometry (31') which does not correspond to the latching elements (11).

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