EP3607615B1 - Retaining frame - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a holding frame for connector modules and / or for connectors.

Such holding frames are used to populate a so-called heavy connector with various connector modules and various connectors. Connector modules differ from connectors in particular in their type and generally transmit control signals, while the connectors usually transmit high currents (power connectors). In addition to the transmission of control signals, connector modules can also be designed to transmit currents up to 200 A and up to 1000 V.

State of the art

From the EP 0 860 906 B1 a holding frame for connector modules is known. The holding frame can be installed in a connector housing. The modules must all have the same so-called plug-in path to the mating connector. This makes it difficult to integrate modules for high currents.

DE 10 2014 110 278 A1 , which is regarded as the closest prior art, tries to counter this problem by providing a holding frame consisting essentially of two angle plates and a module carrier. The angle plates are aligned in mirror image to each other and, when assembled and screwed together, offer a fastening surface with mounting spaces for connectors and with a further mounting space for the module carrier, which is provided for mounting connector modules.

The module carrier is in turn screwed onto the mounting surface. In this way, the connector modules and the connectors are mounted in different fastening levels and a compensation of the so-called overlap is provided, which can be extremely different for modules and connectors.

The manufacture and assembly of one from the DE 10 2014 110 278 A1 known and properly equipped holding frame with its elements to be screwed together above, in particular in different spatial directions, is disadvantageously expensive.

The German Patent and Trademark Office researched the following prior art in the priority application for this application: DE 10 2014 110 278 A1 and EP 0 860 906 B1 .

Task

The object of the invention is therefore to propose a holding frame that is suitable for a connector that can accommodate both connectors and connector modules, and that is particularly easy to manufacture, equip and assemble.

The object is achieved with the features of claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and / or the following description.

The holding frame proposed here is equally suitable for holding connector modules and for holding entire connectors. However, only modules or only plug connectors can be held.

The holding frame can be installed in a connector housing. As a rule, the holding frame is screwed to the connector housing to ensure a stable connection between the two parts.

The present invention relates in particular to a holding frame for holding connector modules and / or of connectors for installation in a connector housing, the holding frame being essentially in two pieces.

The holding frame has two side parts with at least one surface and at least one frame element, which can be assembled to form the holding frame. The side parts can be essentially identical and mirror images of one another, which is particularly advantageous for the manufacture and / or assembly of the side parts.

The surfaces of the joined side parts of the holding frame form a fastening surface with at least one recess for receiving a connector, the side parts being able to consist of an angle plate in a suitable manner. It is advantageous if the surfaces of the side parts touch each other.

The frame elements of the assembled side parts of the holding frame are spaced apart from one another and form at least one receiving area for receiving the connector modules.

It is particularly advantageous for the manufacture and / or assembly if the surface of a side part is formed in one piece with its frame element.

At least one fixing element with at least one fixing geometry is provided on the fixing surface, the fixing element being designed and being fixable on the fixing surface in such a way that the side parts joined to the holding frame are fixed to one another, and in addition a connector accommodated in the recess by means of the fixing element in the holding frame is axially fixed.

The above holding frame is therefore advantageously provided essentially only from two elements, namely the two side parts, which are held together and fixed by means of a further element, namely the fixing element, which also fixes the connector axially. The fixing element accordingly has an advantageous double function.

The production of these few elements is advantageously simple and inexpensive. This also applies to the assembly effort when assembling and equipping the holding frame with connectors and / or connector modules.

A fixing element of the projecting holding frame can suitably have at least one fixing geometry with a contour that corresponds positively with a contour of a groove in an insulating body of the connector and cooperates accordingly.

As an alternative or in addition to the protruding contour of the fixing geometry, two parallel fingers of the fixing element can suitably extend in one direction, starting from the fixing geometry of the fixing element, the fingers corresponding positively with the contour of the groove of the insulating body of the plug connector and interacting accordingly.

In this way, the connector can be fixed in a stable and particularly effective manner, in particular axially, in the holding frame. In addition, the above contours can also advantageously be designed and cooperate with one another and / or the fingers in such a way that the plug connector is fixed in the holding frame in a manner that prevents it from rotating.

In this way, however, the assembly of the holding frame and in particular also its assembly with a plug connector is particularly simple and thus saves time and money.

By means of the above advantageous contour of the fixing geometry of the fixing element, which cooperates with the groove, a rail-like guidance of the connector is provided.

This also advantageously creates the possibility of providing a large number of fixing elements with preassembled plug connectors for particularly simple assembly.

The fixing element can be screwed to at least one of the joined side parts of the holding frame in a suitable manner. Here, the fixing element can be integrally formed with one of the side parts and screwed to the other side part. According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing element can also be screwed to both side parts. An embodiment of this embodiment is described below with reference to the drawings.

In this way, not only is a stable holding frame provided, but another possibility is created to enable the mounting of the holding frame in a particularly simple manner. The fixing element can namely be pre-assembled on one of the two side parts, after which in the final assembly with simultaneous loading of the Holding frame only two elements are assembled to the holding frame.

Instead of screwing the fixing element to one of the side parts, the fixing element can also be formed in one piece with one of the side parts, or the fixing element can be integrated in one of the side parts. This possibility can be provided in particular by means of a correspondingly increased thickness of the side part integral with the fixing element.

A corresponding thickness compensation of the assembled side parts can, if necessary, be provided during the assembly of the holding frame in a connector housing by means of suitable measures on the fastening means of the holding frame in the connector housing and / or on the connector housing.

The fixing geometry of the fixing element can suitably have, for example, the contour of a flat square or hexagon wrench.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the frame elements of the side parts of an assembled holding frame are arranged opposite one another and can provide a frame for a receiving area for accommodating the connector modules, so that a module carrier which is advantageously integral with the side parts is provided for the connector modules.

This is advantageous since this eliminates a further assembly step for fastening a module carrier on the fastening surface of the holding frame. A desirable mounting level of the connector modules to compensate for their plug paths to the connectors, the mounting level, in particular by the Fastening surface can be fixed, can be provided in a simple manner, in particular by means of a suitable height of the frame elements of the module carrier.

In a suitable manner, recesses are formed in the frame elements to provide the module carrier which is integral with the holding frame and which cooperate with latching elements of module housings of the connector modules in such a way that the connector modules are fastened in the module carrier provided by the frame elements.

The holding frame with the advantageous features described above can suitably have two spaced apart areas of the fastening surface with two central frame elements arranged opposite one another, so that two spaced apart areas are provided for receiving plug connectors and a central area is provided for receiving plug connector modules.

Embodiment

Fig. 1A

eine Draufsicht auf zwei gegenüberliegende voneinander beabstandete Seitenteile eines Halterahmens nach einer Ausführung der Erfindung;

Fig. 1B

eine Draufsicht auf ein Fixierelement zur Fixierung zweier zu einem Halterahmen zusammengesetzter Seitenteile von Fig. 1A;

Fig. 1C

das Fixierelement von Fig. 1C von der anderen Seite;

Fig. 2A

die zusammengesetzten und mit dem Fixierelement von Fig. 1B fixierten Seitenteile des Halterahmens von Fig. 1A ;

Fig. 2B

den Halterahmen von Fig. 2A mit in dem Halterahmen gehaltenen Steckverbindern und Steckverbindermodulen;

Fig. 3A

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Halterahmens von Fig. 2A;

Fig. 3B

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Halterahmens von Fig. 2B.

Fig. 4A

eine Seitenansicht auf den Halterahmen von Fig. 2B und Fig. 3B aus der Richtung R von Fig. 3B;

Fig. 4B

einen Isolierkörper eines Steckverbinders von Fig. 4A; und

Fig. 4C

einen Teilschnitt des Halterahmens von Fig. 4A.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail below. Show it:

Figure 1A

a plan view of two mutually spaced side parts of a holding frame according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1B

a plan view of a fixing element for fixing two side parts assembled from a holding frame of Figure 1A ;

1C

the fixing element from 1C from the other side;

Figure 2A

the composite and with the fixing element of Fig. 1B fixed side parts of the holding frame from Figure 1A ;

Figure 2B

the holding frame from Figure 2A with connectors and connector modules held in the holding frame;

Figure 3A

a perspective view of the holding frame of Figure 2A ;

Figure 3B

a perspective view of the holding frame of Figure 2B .

Figure 4A

a side view of the holding frame of Figure 2B and Figure 3B from the direction R from Figure 3B ;

Figure 4B

an insulating body of a connector from Figure 4A ; and

Figure 4C

a partial section of the holding frame of Figure 4A .

The figures contain partially simplified, schematic representations. Identical reference numerals are sometimes used for identical, but possibly not identical elements. Different views of the same elements could be scaled differently.

Figure 1A shows a plan view of two opposite, slightly spaced side parts 11 and 12 of a holding frame 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. Here is too Figure 1A and also representative of the other drawings, briefly stated that, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, only one of the identical elements is provided with a reference symbol in the drawings for each identical or similar element of the holding frame 1. For example, the side parts 11 and 12 of the holding frame 1 face from Figure 1A together four identical bores 16, only one of the bores 16 being provided with a reference symbol in the drawing.

The two side parts 11, 12 are essentially symmetrical and in one piece both with respect to one another and in themselves. See mirror levels E1 and E2 in Figure 1A . At both ends of one The central frame element 14 extends in each case symmetrically formed E2 with a surface 13 and a side wall 17 angled from the surface 13. The angled side wall 17 serves in particular the stability / rigidity of the holding frame 1 and is most clearly in 3A and B shown.

Merely the arrangement of the bores 15 and 15 'in the surfaces 13 and the formation from below with reference to FIG 3A and 3B The recesses 141 described in the frame elements 14 are excluded from the essentially symmetrical configuration of the two opposite side parts with respect to E1.

The surfaces 13 of the side parts 11, 12 assembled as intended in the drawing at E1 touch and form with their surfaces 13 two spaced apart regions of a fastening surface 10 of the holding frame 1. Between the two surfaces 13 there is the receiving region 140, which is of the two opposite frame elements 14 is limited, and which interrupts the fastening surface 10.

The side parts 11, 12 are formed such that in the fastening surface 10 of the assembled holding frame 1 from Figure 1A four circular recesses 130 are provided, each of which forms a receiving area 130 for a plug connector 3. The two central frame elements 14 delimit the central receiving area 140, which is suitable for receiving connector modules 4, in particular for signal contacts. In the opposite frame elements 14, as mentioned above, recesses 141 are formed which cooperate with latching elements of the connector modules 4, which is described below with reference to FIG 3A and 3B is described. In this way, the frame elements 14 form a module carrier which is formed in one piece with the side parts 11, 12 to accommodate connector modules 4.

Figure 1B shows a fixing element 2 for fixing the side parts 11, 12 of E1 on their contacting surfaces 13 to a holding frame 1 Figure 1A . The fixing element 2, like the holding frame 1, is also suitably provided from a sheet metal in which bores 25 and 25 'are provided which correspond to the bores 15 and 15' of the fastening surface 10, respectively.

Starting from a fixing geometry 20 of the fixing element 2, parallel fingers 21 extend in one direction, so that the fixing geometry 20 is exposed in one direction and a wrench-like contour is provided. It is clear that the fixing element 2 of this embodiment of the invention corresponding to the number of recesses 130 of the fastening surface 10 is designed with three fingers 21 and two fixing geometries 20, and on the fastening surface 10 of Figure 1A two fixing elements 2 are provided turned accordingly. 1C shows a correspondingly turned fixing element 2 of Figure 1B ;

The fixing geometry 20 and in each case two opposing fingers 21 of the fixing element 2 are designed to correspond to a recess 130 of the holding frame 1 such that when the fixing element 2 is arranged as intended on the fastening surface 10 of the holding frame 1 with a congruent match of the position of the bores 15 and 25 or 15 'and 25' cover the fixing geometry 20 and the two fingers 21 predetermined sections of the recess 130.

This arrangement of the composite support frame 1 of Figure 1A with the two fixing elements 2 from 1B and 1C is in one Top view of the holding frame 1 from Figure 2A and in a perspective view of Figure 3A shown.

In this embodiment described with reference to the drawings, the fixing element 2 is designed such that it is screwed to the two side parts 11, 12 for its intended function. In this embodiment, the side parts 11, 12 and the fixing element 2 are particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

According to an embodiment not shown in the drawings, at least one of the fixing elements 2 can also be formed in one piece with the side part 12, the respective bores 15 'and 25' being omitted. This alternative embodiment is advantageous for a particularly simple assembly of the holding frame 1. In this context, reference is also made here in particular to the description below 3A and 3B referred.

The side parts 11, 12 of the in Figure 2A and 3A The holding frame 1 shown are fixed by means of two fixing elements 2. For this purpose, screws 5 are provided for the bores 15 and 25. The bores 15, 15 'and 25, 25' can suitably be threaded bores or can also be designed as simple holes. The fixing elements 2 are fixed by means of the screws 5, 5 'on the fastening surface 10 of the holding frame 1 and in turn fix the side parts 11, 12.

The screws 5, 5 'and 6 correspond to the holes 15, 25 and 15', 25 'and 16 of the fastening surface 10 and the fixing element 2. The screws 5, 5' are in this embodiment, as in the drawing shown, suitably screwed in the same direction as the other screws 6 from above to the holding frame 1. Of course, the screws 5, 5 'can also be screwed to the holding frame 1 from below.

In an advantageous and simple assembly of the holding frame 1, at least one fixing element 2 is initially fixed with a screw 5 as intended on the side part 12 and then the two side parts 11, 12 are joined together. This is particularly advantageous when assembling and simultaneously equipping the holding frame 1 with plug connectors 3 and / or plug connector modules 4 in essentially one step, which is described below with reference to Figure 3B will describe.

The screws 6 corresponding to the bores 16 are provided for mounting and fastening the holding frame 1 in a connector housing (not shown in the drawings). The holes 16 can also be designed as threaded holes or as simple through holes.

Figure 2B shows the holding frame 1 of Figure 2A with connectors 3 and connector modules 4 held in the holding frame 1. According to its design, the holding frame 1 is completely equipped with, for example, four recesses 130 and the dimensions of the receiving area 140. In the above based on Figure 1A Four plug-in connector modules 4, which have already been briefly described and provided by means of the opposite frame elements 14, are accommodated, corresponding latching elements of the module housing being latched to the recesses 141 of the frame elements 14. See also 3A and 3B and the corresponding description.

The connectors 3 arranged in the recesses 130 are designed as heavy connectors for high-current contacts with the contacts 31, which are housed in a cylindrical insulating body 30 and are insulated accordingly. The dimensions of the insulating body 30 correspond to the dimensions of the circular recesses 130 in such a way that the diameter of an insulating body 30 corresponds approximately to the diameter of a recess 130.

Accordingly, the peripheral edge 33 of the insulating body 30 covers, as can be seen most clearly in the illustration of FIG Figure 2B can also be seen from a region of two fingers 21 and the fixing geometry 20 of a fixing element 2 assigned to the fingers 21, which in turn as above with reference to FIG Figure 2A cover corresponding areas of a recess 130 assigned to them. The possibility of this arrangement is created in that the peripheral edge 33 of a cylindrical insulating body 30 has a groove 32, the dimensions and contour of which correspond to the dimensions and the contour of the fixing geometry 20 of the fixing element 2 in a form-fitting manner.

The above form-fitting interaction of the contours of the groove 32 of the insulating body 30 and the fixing geometry 20 of the fixing element 2 is also here in particular on the drawings 4A to 4C and their description referenced.

The height or thickness of the fixing element 2 corresponds positively to the height or thickness of the groove 32 of the insulating body 30 and the contour of the groove 32 corresponds positively to the contour of the fixing geometry 20 and the distance between two fingers 21 of the fixing element 2 assigned to the fixing geometry 20 In this embodiment, the contour of the groove 32 of the insulating body 30 is designed in a suitable manner and as an example as a hexagon, which corresponds to the hexagon contour open to one side, which is provided by a fixing geometry 20 and the two fingers 21 assigned to it.

In other words, two opposing and parallel fingers 21 with the fixing geometry 20 assigned to them have the contour of a hexagon wrench, which interacts with a corresponding hexagon nut, which is formed in the groove 32 of the insulating body 30 described above, and from the outer edge of the insulating body 30 is stepped inwards. This also ensures that the insulating body 30 is prevented from rotating.

A connector 3 held in a holding frame 1 of the invention therefore rests with an insulating body 30 as described above, first with the edge 33 of its insulating body 30 in a form-fitting manner against the edge of the recess 130 of the fastening surface 10. In addition, the wrench-like contour of the fingers 21 and the fixing geometry 20 of the fixing element 2 arranged on the fastening surface 10 is arranged in a form-fitting manner in the groove 32 of the insulating body 30. In this way, the connector 3 is fixed axially stable in the holding frame 1. It is clear that the fixing geometry 20 can also have a square contour or another contour with its fingers 21 instead of a hexagonal contour, which permits a rail-like insertion of the insulating body 30 into the fixing element 2, which is described below with reference to FIG Figure 3B is described.

After the fixing element 2 on the one hand fixes the side parts 11, 12 of the holding frame and, moreover, fixes the connector 3 axially and non-rotatably in the holding frame, the fixing element 2 has a corresponding advantageous double function.

3A and 3B each show a perspective view of the empty mounting frame 1 of FIG Figure 2A and of the holding frame 1 equipped with the connector modules 4 and the connectors 3 from Figure 2B .

The fastening surface 10 of the side parts 11 and 12 designed as angled sheets is angled at their outer edges, whereby the side walls 17 of the holding frame 1 are provided, which stabilize the holding frame 1 and impart a predetermined rigidity. The opposite frame elements 14 each connect to the side walls 17 and form the frame of the receiving area 140, after which a module carrier for receiving the connector modules 4 is provided. Corresponding recesses 141 are formed in the frame elements 14, which correspond to locking elements of the module housing of the connector modules 4 in such a way that connector modules 4 inserted in the holding frame 1 are accommodated in a stationary manner in the module carrier.

The frame elements 14 of the module carrier are advantageously formed in one piece with the respective side parts 11, 12, according to which a holding frame 1 according to the invention can be produced inexpensively in a simple manner.

It is clear that the dimensioning and positioning of the frame elements 14 is designed in accordance with the dimensions of the connector modules 4 provided for their accommodation. It is also clear that the dimensions of the surfaces 13 with their recesses 130 are designed accordingly for the dimensions of the plug connectors 3 provided for them. In the embodiment described here, the frame elements 14 are correspondingly stepped inwards with respect to the side walls 17.

Like the gradation described above, the attachment level E4 of the connector modules 4 to the dimensions of the connector modules 4, in particular also in relation to the dimensions of the connector 3, can be designed in a simple manner by a corresponding height of the

Frame elements 14 and their recesses 141 is provided. In this way, the plug connector 3 and the plug connector module 4 can be mounted and fastened in different fastening levels E3 and E4. This is particularly desirable for extensive compensation of their overlap, which can vary greatly in the connector modules 4 and the connectors 3, as stated at the beginning.

The mounting level E3 of the connector 3 is determined on the one hand by the mounting surface 10. In addition, a desirable mounting position of a connector 3 can also be determined by the position of the groove 32 in its insulating body 30. In this context, here too Figure 4A and the related description referenced.

In the case of an advantageously simple assembly of the holding frame 1, the plug connectors 3 are suitably positioned between the side parts 11 and 12 for their intended reception, with at least one suitably already on the surface 13 of the side part 12, which is provided for the fixing geometry 20 of the fixing element 2 Fixing element 2 can be attached or pre-assembled. Then the two side parts 11, 12 are joined together as intended and the fixing elements 2 with their fingers 21 and their fixing geometries 20 are inserted laterally into the groove of the insulating body 30 of the plug connector 3. Finally, the fixing elements 2 are also screwed to the side part 11 and in this way the side parts 11, 12 are fixed to one another, so that a mounted holding frame 1 is provided, and moreover the plug-in connectors 3 are arranged axially and axially in one holding step and are fixed against rotation.

Depending on the nature of the locking elements of the module housing of the connector modules 4, the connector modules 4 can be inserted into a mounting frame 1 as described and assembled from above into the module carrier provided for them, so that the locking elements engage with the recesses 141 of the frame elements 14 of the module carrier and that Connector modules 4 are attached. This is the case with suitable elastic locking elements with spring properties. In the case of latching elements with different properties, the connector modules 4 can be positioned and accommodated as intended when the side parts 11, 12 are joined together in a manner similar to the connector 3 as described above.

Alternatively and just as advantageously, a fixing element 2 can also first be introduced into the groove of an insulating body 30, wherein the fixing element 2 can also advantageously already be preassembled on the side part 12, in order to then be assembled with the side part 11 to form a holding frame 1 for final assembly . The side part 11 lies with the edge of its recess 130 namely only on the peripheral edge 33 of the insulating body 30 and can also be joined axially from below with the side part 12 and the connector 3 pre-assembled in this way. The above advantageous assembly method also lends itself in particular to the above-mentioned alternative embodiment of the invention with a one-piece side part 12 and fixing element 2.

In other words, fixing elements 2 and / or plug-in connectors 3 and / or side parts 12 can each be preassembled with one another for a desirably simple and inexpensive assembly.

The above-described advantageous assembly of a holding frame 1 according to the invention, also here with reference to FIG The drawings described execution, in particular by a synopsis of 1A and B and 3A and 3B clarifies.

When executing the connector 3 from Figure 3B a bead is also provided above the groove 32 of its insulating body 30 corresponding to the fixing element 2.

Figure 4A shows a side view of the holding frame 1 of Figure 3B from the direction R from Figure 3B , Figure 4B shows one of the insulating body 30 of the connector 3 of the holding frame 1 of Figures 4A and 4C shows a partial section of the holding frame 1 of Figure 4A through the section A along the line S of Figure 4A .

For the sake of simplicity and clarity, the bulge of the insulating body 30 above the groove 32 and the screws 5 and 6 has been omitted here.

The side part 11 of the holding frame 1 from Figure 4A lies facing in the direction of view and the opposite side part 12 faces away from the direction of view and cannot be seen. The modules 4 are like the modules 4 of Figure 3B not completely inserted into the intended module carrier in order to clarify its elements provided for locking with the recesses 141 of the frame element 14 on the basis of the drawing.

The level E4 identifies the mounting level E4 for attaching the connector modules 4 and is spaced apart from the mounting level E3 for attaching the connector 3, so that a desirable compensation of the plug-in path of the connector modules 4 and the connector 3 is provided. The mounting level E4 is determined by the height of the frame elements 14 and / or the arrangement of the recesses 141 and the mounting level E3 is by the fastening surface 10 and / or the position of the groove 32 in the insulating body 30 is fixed.

The partial section through section A of Figure 4A goes along the line S through the fixing element 2 with its fixing geometry 20 and its fingers 21 and the connector 3 with its insulating body 30, groove 32 and contact element 31. The elements of the section are in Figure 4C represented by solid lines, while the non-cut elements, namely the side parts 11 and 12 in Figure 4C are shown in dashed lines. The dashed lines indicate a corresponding section through the fastening surface 10, in which the edge 33 of the insulating body 30 bears against the edge of the recess 130.

As already mentioned above, the groove 32 of the embodiment described here has a hexagon geometry which interacts with the geometry of the fixing element 2. The insulating body 30 has, in particular in the area of its outside groove 32 on the inside two opposing flats to increase its wall thickness for a desirable stability. It is clear that the insulating body 30 of the plug connector 3 is suitably cylindrical on the outside and inside on the area of its plug-in path.

Even if different aspects or features of the invention are shown in each case in combination in the figures, unless otherwise stated, it is obvious to the person skilled in the art that the combinations shown and discussed are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding units or feature complexes from different exemplary embodiments can be exchanged with one another.

Reference list

1

Holding frame

10th

Contact surface, mounting surface

11, 12

Side part, angle plate

13

surface

130

Intake, recess

14

Frame element

140

Recording area

15, 15 '

drilling

16

drilling

17th

Side wall

2nd

Fixing element, fixing plate

20

Fixing geometry, holding geometry

21

finger

25.25 '

drilling

3rd

Connectors

30th

Insulating body

31

Contact element

32

Groove

33

edge

4th

Connector module

5.5 '

screw

6

screw

E1, E2

Level, mirror level

E3, E4

Level, mounting level

A

Neckline

R

direction

S

line

Claims (14)

1. Holding frame (1) for holding connector modules (4) and/or connectors (3) for installation in a connector housing, wherein the holding frame (1) is formed substantially in two pieces, having the features:

   two side parts (11, 12) with at least one surface (13) and at least one frame element (14) are configured to be able to be assembled to form the holding frame (1);

   the surfaces (13) of the assembled side parts (11, 12) form a fastening surface (10) with at least one recess (130) for receiving a connector (3);

   the frame elements (14) of the assembled side parts (11, 12) of the holding frame (1) are spaced apart from one another and form at least one receiving region (140) for receiving the connector modules (4) ;

   characterized in that

   at least one fixing element (2) with at least one fixing geometry (20) is provided on the fastening surface (10), said fixing element (2) being configured and able to be fixed to the fastening surface (10) such that the side parts (11, 12) assembled to form the holding frame (1) are fixed to one another by means of the fixing element (2), and in that furthermore a connector (3) accommodated in a recess (130) is axially fixed in the holding frame (1) by means of the fixing element (2).
2. Holding frame (1) according to Claim 1, wherein:

   the side parts (11, 12) are substantially identical and able to be assembled to form the holding frame (1) in a mirror-inverted manner with respect to one another; and

   the side parts (11, 12) each consist of an angle plate with at least one surface (13), wherein the surfaces (13) of the assembled side parts (11, 12) touch one another and

   the frame element (14) of a side part (11, 12) is formed in one piece with the surface (13) thereof.
3. Holding frame (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing element (2) is furthermore configured and arranged such that twist prevention of a connector (3) arranged in a recess (130) is provided.
4. Holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixing element (2) has at least one fixing geometry (20) with a contour that corresponds in a form-fitting manner to, and accordingly cooperates with, a contour of a groove (32) in an insulating body (30) of a connector (3).
5. Holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 3, wherein:
   two parallel fingers (21) extend in one direction from the fixing geometry (20) of the fixing element (2), wherein the fingers (21) correspond in a form-fitting manner to, and accordingly cooperate with, a contour of a groove (32) in an insulating body (30) of a connector (3).
6. Holding frame (1) having the features according to Claims 4 and 5.
7. Holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing element (2) is screwed together with at least one of the assembled side parts (11, 12) of the holding frame (1).
8. Holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing element (2) is formed in one piece with one of the side parts (11, 12).
9. Holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing geometry (20) of the fixing element (2) has the contour of a flat hexagonal open-end spanner.
10. Holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (130) corresponds in a form-fitting manner to an outer encircling rim (33) of the connector (3), and
    the fixing geometry (20) of the mounted fixing element (2) covers a part of the recess (130).
11. Holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame elements (14) of the side parts (11, 12) of the assembled holding frame (1) are arranged opposite one another and form a frame of the receiving region (140) for accommodating the connector modules (4), such that a module carrier, in one piece with the side parts (11, 12), is provided for the connector modules (4).
12. Holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein recesses (141) are formed in the frame elements (14), said recesses (141) cooperating with catch elements of module housings of the connector modules (4).
13. Holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, having two spaced-apart surfaces (13) of the fastening surface (10) and having two central frame elements (14) arranged opposite one another, such that two spaced-apart regions for receiving connectors (3) are provided, and a central region (140) for receiving connector modules (4) is provided.
14. Holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, having four recesses (130) for receiving connectors (3).

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