EP3613107B1 - Retaining frame for a plug connector and equipping method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the field of holding frames for modules and in particular to holding frames for a plug connector for accommodating similar and/or different modules.

Retaining frames are used to hold several modules that are similar and/or different to one another. These modules can be insulating bodies, for example, which are provided as contact carriers for electronic and electrical and possibly also for optical and/or pneumatic contacts.

EP 2 945 229 A1 discloses latch assemblies for connector systems, a connector system including a cartridge having at least one cavity configured to retain connector modules therein. The cartridge has at least one opening and the cartridge is configured to receive the connector modules through the corresponding at least one opening. The cartridge houses at least one slide latch which is longitudinally movable. The at least one slide latch has at least one profiled groove configured to latch-receive a cam of the corresponding connector module to fix the connector modules to the cartridge and further has a biasing member coupled thereto. The biasing member biases the at least one slide lock in a biasing direction, the biasing member urging the at least one slide lock to return to a locked position after the cam is received in the profile groove. At least one disengagement slide is operable on the respective slide latch which is adapted to be moved to force the slide latch to move from the latched position to a release position to disengage the cam from the respective profile groove to disengage each of the eject the connector module received in the cartridge from the cartridge. The connector system has a release mechanism configured to move the at least one release slider.

JP H08 273753 A discloses a plug-in and unplug connector. In order to allow efficient performance of insertion and extraction of multiple connectors, in JP H08 273753 A suggested that connector-containing body are provided with frames, with frame blocks holding the frames, with sections containing the connectors, and with driving means that move the connectors in the insertion-extraction direction. Projection movement windows are provided in the frames, from which projections of the connectors protrude. The driving means are each equipped with a driving slide guided by guide portions of the frames, which moves the connectors in the insertion-extraction direction by moving the projections.

DE 20 2015 106434 U1 discloses a holding frame according to the preamble of claim 1.

From the pamphlet EP 0 860 906 B1 discloses a holding frame for holding connector modules and for installation in connector housings or for screwing to wall surfaces, with the connector modules being inserted into the holding frame and holding means on the connector modules interacting with recesses provided on opposite wall parts (side parts) of the holding frame, with the recesses acting as openings closed on all sides are formed in the side parts of the holding frame, the holding frame consisting of two halves which are hinged to one another, the separation of the holding frame being provided transversely to the side parts of the frame, and joints being arranged in the fastening ends of the holding frame in such a way that when Screwing the holding frame onto a mounting surface, the frame parts align in such a way that the side parts of the holding frame are aligned at right angles to the mounting surface and the connector modules have a positive connection with the holding frame via the mounting means. In practice, such holding frames are usually manufactured in a die-casting process, in particular in a zinc die-casting process.

The pamphlet EP 2 581 991 A1 discloses a holding frame for connector modules, which has two frame halves, which can be latched together by linear displacement of one frame half relative to the other frame half in a sliding direction, with latching means corresponding to one another being provided on the frame halves, which upon linear displacement cause the two frame halves to latch into one another in two cause different locking positions in which the frame halves are spaced at different distances from each other.

In practice, however, it has been shown that such holding frames require complex operation during assembly. For example, such holding frames must be unscrewed and/or unlatched from the connector as soon as even a single module is to be replaced. The other modules, whose removal was not desired at all, may also fall out of the holding frame and then have to be reinserted before the frame halves are screwed together and/or locked in place. Finally, before the frame halves are assembled, all modules must be in the intended position at the same time in order to be finally fixed in the holding frame when the frame halves are assembled, which makes assembly more difficult.

The pamphlet EP 1 801 927 B1 discloses a support frame made from a one-piece plastic injection molding. The holding frame is designed as a peripheral collar and has a plurality of wall segments separated by slots on its plug-in side. Two opposite wall segments each form an insertion area for a connector module, with the wall segments having window-like openings which serve to accommodate projections formed on the narrow sides of the modules. Furthermore, a guide groove is provided in each of the wall segments. The guide groove is formed above the openings by means of a window web which is offset outwards and has an insertion bevel on the inside. In addition, the plug-in modules have latching arms which are formed on the narrow sides and act in the direction of the cable connections and latch below the lateral collar wall, so that two independent latching means fix the connector modules in the holding frame.

The disadvantage of this prior art is that it is a holding frame made of plastic, which is generically not suitable for protective earthing, for example according to the connector standard EN61984, so that such a holding frame is not suitable for installation in metallic connector housings can be used. However, the use of metallic connector housings requires such a protective earthing and is necessary in many cases due to their mechanical robustness, their temperature resistance and their electrically shielding properties and is therefore desired by the customer. Furthermore, it has been shown that the production of the above-mentioned plastic holding frames in the injection molding process is at least difficult and can only be realized with great effort. Finally, the heat resistance of such a plastic holding frame is not always sufficient for special applications, for example in the vicinity of a blast furnace.

In order to specify a design for a holding frame which, on the one hand, has good heat resistance and high mechanical robustness and which, in particular when installed in a metallic connector housing, enables appropriate protective earthing, in particular PE ("Protection Earth"), and which on the other hand also has a comfortable usability, especially when replacing individual modules, is guaranteed in the publication DE 10 2013 113 976 A1 proposed to provide a base section (preferably made by die casting, for example made of zinc or aluminum or a corresponding alloy) for fixing a received module in a plane and a deformation section (preferably a spring-elastic sheet metal processed by stamping and bending technology) which can assume an insertion state and a holding state , wherein the insertion state allows at least one module to be inserted in a direction transverse to the plane into the holding frame and a received module is fixed in the holding state. In this case, the base section and the deformation section are at least partially formed from different materials in any case.

By separating the material properties of the base body from those of the deformation section, such a holding frame allows greater flexibility through suitable material combinations.

At the in DE 10 2013 113 976 A1 In the holding frame described, the deformation section is formed by cheek parts, which are attached to the outside of a base frame, with the cheek parts each having a bending line in their lower end area, on which the cheek parts are folded through 180°, so that a closing edge of the respective cheek part is inside the Base frame is located. In order to fasten the cheek part, it is provided that the base frame has fastening pins on the outside, which engage in corresponding fastening recesses when a cheek part is attached.

From EP 0 860 906 B1 and EP 2 581 991 A1 Known holding frames do not allow a module to be inserted or removed when the holding frame is installed, since the frame halves have to be moved as a whole here. While this restriction for out EP 1 801 927 B1 and DE 10 2013 113 976 A1 known holding frame does not apply, there is a problem here in that when equipping or removing in the installed state, a space must be provided which has a width that is greater than the width of the modules, i.e. greater than the dimension of the outer edges of the opposite locking lugs to each other. The EP 1 801 927 B1 and DE 10 2013 113 976 A1 each have limitations for the locking windows that the locking lugs of the modules, which move outwards, in the width direction, when a module is inserted, so that the minimum required installation space is given by the width of the module plus the respective strengths of the locking window limitations, with additional space being required as a result of pivoting during deformation .

One objective underlying the present invention is to provide a holding frame that allows a module to be inserted and possibly also removed with the smallest possible space requirement, even in an installed state.

It is therefore desirable to present a solution that allows a mounting frame to be populated with a module in an installed state with little or no additional space around the mounting frame.

According to the invention, according to a first aspect, a holding frame for a connector for accommodating modules of the same type and/or different is proposed, as defined in claim 1 .

According to the invention, according to a second aspect, a method for equipping a holding frame for a connector for accommodating similar and/or different modules with a module is proposed, as defined in claim 6 .

Part of the background to the present invention is found in the following considerations.

At the out EP 0 860 906 B1 and EP 2 581 991 A1 known holding frame, the holding frame divided into parts as a whole gives way to the modules or their latching lugs during insertion, in order to clear a path to a position of the module in which the module can be fixed by the returning holding frame. Also the holding frame off EP 1 801 927 B1 and DE 10 2013 113 976 A1 provide a similar evasion, but here only a part of the holding frame, which can otherwise essentially remain in the installed state. What these approaches have in common, however, is that the "making room" takes place by moving outwards, which can result in a correspondingly greater need for space. This space requirement can be reduced by reducing the thickness of the yielding element, although this is associated with lower strength and/or higher demands on the material properties.

It was recognized within the scope of the present invention that the way for the latching lug of a module can also be cleared by parts of the holding frame deflecting sideways, i.e. along a plane resulting from the side wall of the holding frame, with such deflection not increasing Space required to the outside brings with it. The space that surrounds the detent laterally (in the sense of the side wall plane) is thus used here to a certain extent.

The rigid base frame, which serves as a stable framework, forms a basis for the holding frame according to the invention. In or on this base frame, for example, clip springs are attached as fixing elements that are firmly connected to the base frame. If a module is pushed in, these springs (opposite each other) swing sideways, let the module (or its locking lugs) pass and snap together again as soon as the module has reached its end position in the holding frame. The module is now held between the legs of the clip spring. In the retaining frames known from the prior art, sheet metal elements pivot outwards, away from the module, so that additional space is required compared to the module width. In the context of this invention, as an example of a fixing element, the clip spring does not pivot outwards (away from the module), but moves laterally, ie perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the module. In this way, no additional space is required in the longitudinal direction of the module.

The fixing element has a round or rectangular wire and/or an elastic plastic or spring steel sheet.

The formation of the fixing element and in particular of the fixing arm from a round or rectangular wire allows simple and inexpensive production, with the wire being brought into the shape required to fulfill its shape in a suitable manner. The wire itself preferably retains an elasticity that then ensures elastic deformation when the module is inserted. Production from an elastic plastic is also possible at low cost. With a suitable design in terms of shape, the invention can also be implemented with a fixing element stamped from sheet metal.

In an advantageous embodiment of one aspect of the invention, the base frame has a stop for the locking lug in the direction of insertion.

With a stop, the spatial design of the base frame defines the positioning of the module within the base frame (and thus within the holding frame). The base frame itself can thus be used to absorb loads from the module that are caused by a train on the module (e.g. when loosening a plug connection) without such loads acting on the fixing element.

In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the base frame has a guide for guiding the latching lug when the module is inserted into the holding frame.

With such a guide, the path of the module during insertion is specified, so that an error during insertion can be better prevented. Because the more stable base frame guides the module, damage to the fixing elements can also be prevented in the event of incorrect operation.

If guides with, for example, different widths are provided on the opposite sides of the base frame, this can be used in conjunction with a corresponding design of the locking lugs of the module for reverse polarity protection, in which a module can only be inserted in the holding frame in a predetermined orientation.

In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the fixing element is form-fitting, force-fitting and/or material-to-material on the inside and/or attached to the outside of the base frame and/or within a side wall of the base frame, in particular glued, welded, soldered, riveted, latched and/or screwed.

As long as sufficient attachment as such is ensured, the invention is not limited to a specific relative positioning of the fixing element with respect to the side wall, i.e. it can be inside (i.e. in the interior of the holding frame), outside or also in a direction extending approximately inside the side wall in the direction of insertion Cavity are arranged, and combinations can be provided.

Depending on the design of the fixing element (e.g. with regard to the choice of material), a suitable type of attachment can be selected, with a form fit being particularly preferred in the present case, since this can be achieved with little effort in the manufacture or assembly of the holding frame if the design is skilful.

In one aspect of the invention, the fixing element is fitted in a depression on the inside of the side wall and is fixed in the insertion direction by limitations of the depression, the fixing element also having a clamping piece which extends through an opening in the side wall and/or around an edge the side wall extends to the outside of the side wall and with which the fixing element is secured against falling out of the recess.

Due to the fact that the fixing element is provided in a depression on the inside of the side wall, the fixing element is well secured against external influences, particularly when the module is inserted. The depression also allows the base frame with its inner side face to again guide the module in the transverse direction when it is inserted, so that the fixing element is in turn less exposed to the risk of damage. The clamping piece also provides a form fit against movement transverse to the side wall, while the delimitations of the recess secure the fixing element as a whole against movement within a plane defined by the side wall by means of a form fit.

In one aspect of the invention, the fixing element is clamped with a clamping section on the inside of the side wall.

As an alternative or in addition to the above aspect, the fixing element can also be connected to a projection protruding from a part of the inside of the side wall as a clamping section with a frictional connection achieved by clamping. In one variant, the fixing element can extend around the projection and, in another, supplementary or alternative variant, can be arranged inside the projection (from another point of view inside a recess).

However, it is also possible that part of the fixing element extends through an opening in the side wall and is clamped in this opening.

In one aspect of the invention, the fixing element is arranged in parts on the outside of the side wall and in parts on the inside of the side wall and interlocks with at least a part of the base frame.

This aspect can also be an alternative to the two previous ones or combined with one or both.

In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the fixing arm has a fixing hook with a flank and a shoulder, the flank being intended to come into contact with the latching lug of the module when the module is inserted, so that when the module slides along Detent on the edge of the fixing arm is deformed in the direction of the insertion state, the shoulder being configured for at least partial engagement with the detent of an inserted module in the holding state.

The shaping of the fixing hook results on the one hand from the spatial design in a desired cooperation between the fixing arm and the locking lug of the module when the module is inserted into the holding frame. On the other hand, the step that preferably occurs with the flank ensures the form fit with the locking lug in a simple manner.

In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the fixing arm has a manipulation element that protrudes beyond an upper edge of the base frame and/or an inserted module and allows manual deformation of the fixing arm.

If the fixing arm extends so far that it is accessible to a user even with the module inserted and fixed, this can allow a module to be removed from the holding frame without any additional tools or the like, in which the user slides the fixing arm over the Brings manipulation element in the insertion state, in which the module can be removed.

In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the fixing element is designed for fixing the module in the holding state by means of a positive fit of the fixing arm with the latching lug of the module.

Even if the invention is not limited to fixing or holding the module by means of a positive fit between the fixing element (mainly the fixing arm) and the locking lug, i.e. a friction fit or other force fit can also be provided, for example, the use of a positive fit is possible due to the associated reliability and the possibility of being able to use a relatively simple construction for this purpose.

In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the fixing element is designed for elastic deformation between the insertion state and the holding state.

An elastic deformation means that with the omission of the force acting on the fixing element, which causes a deformation from the holding state to the insertion state (e.g. the force caused by the displacement of the fixing arm(s) through the locking lug(s) of the module during insertion ), the fixing element itself ensures the return to the holding state. However, it can also be provided that the deformation is a plastic deformation, as long as sufficient reversibility of this deformation is ensured to allow a desired number of insertion and removal cycles of the module.

In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the fixing element has two fixing arms, between which there is a latching area for receiving a latching lug of a module.

The invention can basically already be implemented by the provision of a fixing arm in the context of a fixing element, in particular when a secure form fit of the locking lug and fixing arm can be achieved through an interaction of the geometric design of the base frame (e.g. with a stop and a guide). However, if two fixing arms are provided, which enclose the latching lug of an inserted module between one another in the holding state, the same form-fit dimension can be achieved with a reduced extent of deformation per fixing arm.

The invention is also not limited to a fixing element with two fixing arms, since a fixing element can also have several fixing arms within the scope of the invention, one or two of which are provided for holding a latching lug of a module in the holding state.

As an alternative to two fixing arms of a fixing element being provided together to hold a locking lug of a module, two fixing elements that are otherwise separate from one another can also interact, with a fixing arm of one fixing element together with a fixing arm of the other fixing element defining and delimiting the locking area for receiving the locking lug.

In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, two fixing elements are provided opposite one another on the two side walls for fixing a module with opposite locking lugs, multiple fixing elements preferably being provided next to one another in the longitudinal direction of the side walls. In particular, it is preferred that the holding frame is consistently equipped with fixing elements on the respective opposite sides on the side walls for all module locations that are respectively provided for receiving an inserted module.

The base frame on the one hand and the fixing element on the other hand are at least partially formed from different materials.

Within the scope of the invention, the base frame and fixing element(s) fulfill different functions. The base frame should preferably essentially determine the general rigidity of the holding frame, while the fixing element or elements should have the simplest possible and preferably elastic deformability. These different functions can best be fulfilled largely independently of one another by choosing your own suitable material for the base frame and fixing element(s).

The base frame is at least partially made by die casting from a metal, preferably zinc or aluminum, or a metal alloy, preferably a zinc or aluminum alloy.

Known approaches and techniques for the production of a conventional base frame can also be used for base frames that are used within the scope of the present invention if the shapes are suitably adapted geometrically. Features of advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in particular in the dependent claims, with further advantageous features, designs and configurations for the person skilled in the art also being inferred from the above explanation and the following discussion.

Fig. 1

eine Ansicht eines Halterahmens gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung mit Modulen,

Fig. 2

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der Ansicht von Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

einen anderen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der Ansicht von Fig. 1,

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht eines Halterahmens gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung mit Modulen,

Fig. 5

eine ausschnittsweise Seitenansicht des Halterahmens aus Fig. 4,

Fig. 6

eine vergrößerte Ansicht des Halterahmens aus Fig. 4 ohne Module,

Fig. 7

eine teilweise Schnittdarstellung des Halterahmens aus Fig. 4 ohne Module,

Fig. 8

zwei Ansichten eines Fixierelements des Haltrahmens aus Fig. 4,

Fig. 9

eine Ansicht eines Halterahmens gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung mit Modulen,

Fig. 10

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der Ansicht von Fig. 9,

Fig. 11

einen anderen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der Ansicht von Fig. 9,

Fig. 12

eine Ansicht eines Halterahmens gemäß einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung mit Modulen,

Fig. 13

eine ausschnittsweise Seitenansicht des Halterahmens aus Fig. 12,

Fig. 14

eine vergrößerte Ansicht des Halterahmens aus Fig. 12 ohne Module,

Fig. 15

eine teilweise Schnittdarstellung des Halterahmens aus Fig. 12 ohne Module,

Fig. 16

zwei Ansichten eines Fixierelements des Haltrahmens aus Fig. 12,

Fig. 17

eine Ansicht eines Halterahmens gemäß einem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,

Fig. 18

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der Ansicht von Fig. 17,

Fig. 19

eine Ansicht eines Fixierelements des Haltrahmens aus Fig. 17,

Fig. 20

eine Ansicht eines Halterahmens gemäß einem sechsten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung mit Modulen,

Fig. 21

eine ausschnittsweise Seitenansicht des Halterahmens aus Fig. 20,

Fig. 22

eine vergrößerte Ansicht des Halterahmens aus Fig. 20 ohne Module,

Fig. 23

eine andere vergrößerte Ansicht des Halterahmens aus Fig. 20 ohne Module,

Fig. 24

zwei Ansichten eines Fixierelements des Haltrahmens aus Fig. 20,

Fig. 25

eine teilweise Schnittansicht eines Halterahmens gemäß einem siebten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung mit Modulen,

Fig. 26

eine andere teilweise Schnittansicht des Halterahmens aus Fig. 25, und

Fig. 27

ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zur Bestückung eines Halterahmens mit einem Modul.

The present invention is further illustrated and explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Here shows

1

a view of a holding frame according to a first embodiment of the invention with modules,

2

an enlarged detail of the view from 1 ,

3

Another enlarged section of the view from 1 ,

4

a view of a holding frame according to a second embodiment of the invention with modules,

figure 5

a partial side view of the holding frame 4 ,

6

an enlarged view of the holding frame 4 without modules

7

a partial sectional view of the holding frame 4 without modules

8

two views of a fixing element of the holding frame 4 ,

9

a view of a holding frame according to a third embodiment of the invention with modules,

10

an enlarged detail of the view from 9 ,

11

Another enlarged section of the view from 9 ,

12

a view of a holding frame according to a fourth embodiment of the invention with modules,

13

a partial side view of the holding frame 12 ,

14

an enlarged view of the holding frame 12 without modules

15

a partial sectional view of the holding frame 12 without modules

16

two views of a fixing element of the holding frame 12 ,

17

a view of a holding frame according to a fifth embodiment of the invention,

18

an enlarged detail of the view from 17 ,

19

a view of a fixing element of the holding frame 17 ,

20

a view of a holding frame according to a sixth embodiment of the invention with modules,

21

a partial side view of the holding frame 20 ,

22

an enlarged view of the holding frame 20 without modules

23

Another enlarged view of the holding frame 20 without modules

24

two views of a fixing element of the holding frame 20 ,

25

a partial sectional view of a holding frame according to a seventh embodiment of the invention with modules,

26

Figure 12 shows another partial sectional view of the holding frame 25 , and

27

a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for equipping a holding frame with a module.

In the accompanying drawings and the explanations of such drawings, where appropriate, corresponding or related elements are designated by corresponding or similar reference characters, even though they may be found in different embodiments.

1 shows a view of a holding frame according to a first embodiment of the invention with modules, wherein 2 an enlarged detail of the view from 1 shows and 3 Another enlarged section of the view from 1 shows.

The holding frame 1 is shown here with an already inserted module 9 and a further module 9 which is offset relative to the inserted module 9 against the direction of insertion.

The holding frame 1 comprises a base frame 111 which has two end faces 112 (only one shown) and two side walls 113 (only one shown).

Starting from the upper edge of the base frame 111, this has three receptacles for latching lugs 91 of modules 9 in each side wall 113, which are delimited by a stop 114 and two guides 115 lying opposite one another.

The number of recordings is used here only for illustration and the invention is not limited in this respect, so that other numbers of modules can be provided in the holding frame according to the invention.

The guides 115 are provided on opposite sides of the base frame 111 at different distances, so that a wider locking lug 91 of a module can be accommodated on one side than on the opposite side. This allows protection against polarity reversal or incorrect orientation of the module 9 when it is plugged in.

The side walls 113 each have a depression 116 on some of their insides. This depression 116 can also be described as the side walls 113 having a smaller wall thickness in certain areas 116 when the outside is planar, as in this example, so that there is a certain free space between the side wall 113 and an inserted module 9 along the side wall 113 .

This free space is delimited in the plane of the side wall 113 by limitations 117, at which the wall thickness in the present example increases in a shoulder or step to the other wall thickness of the side wall 113.

Below (ie further in the direction of insertion) each receptacle, each side wall 113 has an opening 118 which is continuous from the outside to the inside and which also has a section with a reduced wall thickness on the inside of the side wall 113 .

In addition, a fixing element 120 is attached to the base frame 111 in the area of each receptacle.

The fixing element 120 comprises two fixing arms 121 which are connected to one another - in this exemplary embodiment - in such a way that the fixing element extends between the boundaries 117 in such a way that a form fit in the plane defined by the side wall 113 between the boundaries 117 and the fixing element 120 this is fixed in this plane. In this case, however, the fixing arms 121 can move within the depression 116 with a corresponding deformation of the fixing element 120 .

In the middle of the fixing element 120 formed from rectangular wire, this has a clamping piece 122 that extends through the opening 118 in the side wall 113 and rests against the wall on the outside of the side wall in the section with the reduced wall thickness, so that by the relative relationship of the clamping piece 122 and the rest of the fixing element 120 to one another, the fixing element is held on the side wall.

At the ends of the fixing arms 121 of the fixing element 120 extending counter to the direction of insertion there is a fixing hook 123 which is formed by bending the wire in an approximately triangular shape and has a flank 124 and a shoulder 125 . Between the fixing arms 121, in particular between the shoulders 125 and the stop 114 of the base frame, there is a latching area 126 for receiving the respective latching lug 91 of a module 9.

If the module 9 is inserted into the holding frame 1, the latching lugs 91 each come between the guides 115 of the base frame 111 and then reach the fixing hooks 123 of the fixing arms 121 of the respective fixing element 120. A certain amount of force when continuing the insertion causes the latching lugs 91 , which each slide along the flanks 124, the fixing arms 121 are deformed, the fixing hooks 123 being moved laterally in the sense of transversely to the module 9. When the respective latching lug 91 has completely passed the fixing hooks 123, the force that maintains the deformation of the fixing arms 121 no longer acts on the fixing hooks 123 or fixing arms 121, and the fixing arms spring back into a position such as that in 2 can be seen. It should be noted that plastic deformation is also possible, although a corresponding action by a user is then necessary in order to bring about the return of the fixing arms.

With a locking lug 91 of a module 9 in the locking area 126, the shoulders 125 and the stop 114 enclose the locking lug in such a way that a forward and backward movement of the module 9 in the insertion direction is not possible or only possible to a very limited extent. Due to the contact of the guides 115 with the locking lug 91, this is also fixed or almost fixed in the transverse direction of the module 9 (the longitudinal direction of the holding frame 1). With appropriate dimensioning of the inner sides of the side walls 113 from one another, a movement of the module 9 in its longitudinal direction can also be prevented or limited, so that the module 9 is fixed in three spatial directions.

The fixation of the module 9 in the holding frame can be released if there is a possibility of external action on the fixation arms 121 in order to remove the fixation hooks 123 in front of the locking lug 91 of the module (by bending up the fixation arms 121 accordingly).

Shoulder 125 preferably has a slight incline in the direction of fixing arm 121, so that when a force acts against the direction of insertion on an inserted module 9 with a certain deformation of fixing element 120, shoulder 125 comes to rest flat on the surface of the latching lug in order to better to suppress further bending.

However, it is also possible for the step to have a slope in the opposite direction, so that bending open the fixing arms is possible with a correspondingly large expenditure of force without damaging the holding frame.

4 shows a view of a holding frame according to a second embodiment of the invention with modules. figure 5 shows a partial side view of the holding frame 4 and 6 shows an enlarged view of the holding frame 4 without modules. 7 shows a partial sectional view of the holding frame 4 without modules and 8 shows two views of a fixing element of the holding frame 4 .

The holding frame 2 of the second exemplary embodiment comprises, comparable to that of the first exemplary embodiment, a base frame 211 with two end faces 212 and two side walls 213. Unlike the first exemplary embodiment, the holding frame 2 is designed to accommodate six modules 9 and to fix them using their locking lugs 91 provided.

Similar to the first embodiment, the base frame 211 includes respective guides 215 and stops 214 for receiving the locking lugs 91.

Modified compared to the first exemplary embodiment, the depression 216 extends almost over the entire inside of the side wall 213, so that the limitations 217 can also be regarded as projections.

As in the first exemplary embodiment, openings 218 are provided in the side walls 213 to accommodate clamping pieces 222 of the fixing elements 220 .

According to the first exemplary embodiment, a fixing element 220 comprises two fixing arms 221 and a clamping piece 222, the fixing arms 221 defining a latching area 226 between them and each having a fixing hook 223 with a flank 224 and a shoulder 225 at their end.

With the exception of the number of modules 9 to be accommodated and the design of the inner sides of the side walls 213, the second exemplary embodiment essentially corresponds to the first exemplary embodiment, so that reference is made to the above for a further explanation.

9 shows a view of a holding frame according to a third embodiment of the invention with modules, wherein 10 an enlarged detail of the view from 9 shows and 11 Another enlarged section of the view from 9 shows.

The holding frame 3 of the third embodiment includes, as in the case of the first embodiment, a base frame 311 with two end faces 312 and two side walls 313. The main properties of the base frame 311 are identical to the base frame 111 of the first embodiment.

As in the first exemplary embodiment, the base frame 311 includes respective guides 315 and stops 314 for accommodating the locking lugs 91, a recess 316 with limitations 317 for accommodating the fixing element 320 being provided on the inside of the side wall 313 in each case. Openings 318 are also provided in each of the side walls 313 for receiving clamping pieces 322 of the fixing elements 320 in the third exemplary embodiment.

According to the first exemplary embodiment, a fixing element 320 comprises two fixing arms 321 and a clamping piece 322, with the fixing arms 321 defining a latching area 326 between them and a fixing hook 323 with a flank 324 and a shoulder 325. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, however, the fixing hook 323 is not provided at the respective end of the fixing arm 321, since in this exemplary embodiment the fixing arm 321 is continued by a manipulation element 327 in each case.

The manipulation element 327 extends counter to the insertion direction beyond an upper edge of the base frame 311 and an upper edge of the inserted modules 9, so that a user can spread the fixing elements 320 without a separate tool in order to remove an inserted module 9 again.

With the exception of the added manipulation elements 327, the third exemplary embodiment corresponds to the first exemplary embodiment, so that reference is made to the above for a further explanation.

12 shows a view of a holding frame according to a fourth embodiment of the invention with modules and 13 shows a partial side view of the holding frame Fig. 12. Fig. 14 shows an enlarged view of the holding frame 12 without modules, where 15 a partial sectional view of the holding frame 12 without modules shows and 16 two views of a fixing element of the holding frame 12 shows.

The holding frame 4 of the fourth exemplary embodiment comprises, as in the case of the second exemplary embodiment, a base frame 411 with two end faces 412 and two side walls 413. The main properties of the base frame 411 are identical to the base frame 211 of the second exemplary embodiment.

As in the second exemplary embodiment, the base frame 411 includes respective guides 415 and stops 414 for accommodating the locking lugs 91, with an approximately continuous recess 416 being provided on the inside of the side wall 413 with limitations 417, which can also be referred to as projections, for accommodating the fixing element 320. Openings 418 are also provided in each of the side walls 413 for receiving clamping pieces 422 of the fixing elements 420 in the fourth exemplary embodiment.

According to the second exemplary embodiment, a fixing element 420 comprises two fixing arms 421 and a clamping piece 422, the fixing arms 421 defining a latching area 426 between them and each having a fixing hook 423 with a flank 424 and a shoulder 425. Unlike the second embodiment is the However, fixing hooks 423 are not provided at the respective end of the fixing arm 421, since in this exemplary embodiment the fixing arm 421 is continued by a manipulation element 427 in each case.

Similar to the third exemplary embodiment, the manipulation element 427 extends counter to the insertion direction beyond an upper edge of the base frame 411 and an upper edge of the inserted modules 9, so that a user can spread the fixing elements 420 open without a separate tool in order to close an inserted module 9 again remove.

With the exception of the added manipulation elements 427, the fourth exemplary embodiment corresponds to the second exemplary embodiment, so that reference is made to the above for a further explanation.

17 shows a view of a holding frame according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. 18 shows an enlarged detail of the view from 17 and 19 FIG. 12 shows a view of a fixing element of the holding frame 17 .

The holding frame 5 of the fifth embodiment is in 17 shown without inserted modules, although modules 9, as shown in the representations of the above exemplary embodiments, are also suitable and provided for insertion into the holding frame 5.

However, this exemplary embodiment and the invention in general are not limited to such modules 9 and it should be obvious that the invention can also be used, for example, for modules whose dimensions correspond to a double module, ie which have two latching lugs on each side.

The holding frame 5 comprises a base frame 511 with two end faces 512 and two side walls 513. Similar to the previously discussed exemplary embodiments, the side walls 513 each have several (here six) combinations of guides 515 and a stop 514 for receiving a locking lug of a module.

In the area of a combination of guides 515 and stop 514, a fixing element 520 is attached to the inside of side wall 513 in each case.

Unlike the above embodiments, the inside of the side wall 513 for each fixing element 520 has a clamping portion 519 of the Inside of the side wall 513 protrudes inward and on which the fixing element 520 is clamped. In this case, the fixing element has a section which runs around the clamping section 519 and which is in a non-positive connection with the clamping section 519 .

In this exemplary embodiment, the fixing element 520 is made of an elastic plastic and—similar to the above exemplary embodiments—has two fixing arms 521, at the ends of which pointing opposite to the direction of insertion a fixing hook 523 with a flank 524 and a shoulder 525 is arranged. The fixing arms 521 have between them, defined in the installed state by the inner sides of the fixing arms 512, the shoulders 525 and the stop 514, a latching area 526 in which a latching lug of a module (not shown here) is accommodated in the inserted state.

As an alternative to plastic, the fixing element can also be formed from wire, for example--as in the above exemplary embodiments--punching or the like from sheet metal is also possible.

With regard to the way in which modules are inserted and held, the holding frame 5 corresponds to the above exemplary embodiments, so that reference is made to the above.

20 shows a view of a holding frame according to a sixth embodiment of the invention with modules. 21 shows a partial side view of the holding frame 20 and 22 shows an enlarged view of the holding frame 20 without modules. 23 Figure 12 shows another enlarged view of the holding frame 20 without modules and 24 shows two views of a fixing element of the holding frame 20 .

The holding frame 6 of the sixth exemplary embodiment has a base frame 611 with side walls 613 and end faces 612 . In this exemplary embodiment, the holding frame 6 is designed to accommodate six modules 9 (or also three double modules), with the modules 9 each being held in the holding frame 6 by means of fixing elements 620 .

Starting from a lower portion of the base frame 611, several projections extend counter to the insertion direction, each of which widens at its end and has guides 615 there, on which a locking lug 91 of a module 9 when Insertion into the holding frame 6 are guided along. Thus, the five protrusions present in the central portion of each side wall 613 each have a T-shape, while the protrusions at the end of the side wall 613 have an inverted L-shape. The lower section of the base frame 611 also has a stop 614 for each detent 91, which limits an insertion depth.

Each fixing element 620 has two fixing arms 621, at the end of which is located opposite to the direction of insertion there is a fixing hook 623 in each case. Each fixing hook 623 has a flank 624 and a shoulder 625, the fixing arms and in particular the shoulders 625 together with the guides 615 and the stop 614 defining a latching area 626 for receiving a latching lug 91.

The fixing elements 620, which are produced from a round wire in the present case, are each held on the base frame 611 by a twist.

Starting from the fixing hooks 623, the fixing arms 621 each (in the installed state) initially extend in the insertion direction to a height below the stop 614, where the wire is bent in such a way that the course of the fixing element 620 leads to the stop 614. The stop 614 is designed in such a way that a slot is formed between the inside and the outside of the base frame 611, in which the fixing element 620 partially extends. The wire of the fixing element 620 reverses its direction there and runs at a height below the stop 614 in the direction of the end faces 612 of the base frame 611. In each case beyond the ends of the legs that have the guides 615 projections, the direction of the wire changes to the opposite direction the direction of insertion, with the wire of the fixing element 620 forming the legs on the outside of the base frame 611. Above the base frame 611, the fixing element 620 has a bracket 628, so that the fixing element results from a continuous wire from fixing hook 623 to fixing hook 623.

The fixing element 620 is fixed in the base frame 611 by changing from a course on the inside of the base frame 611 to a course on the outside of the base frame 611 and corresponding blocking by elements of the base frame 611 .

With regard to the process of inserting a module 9 and the details of holding a locking lug 91 of the module 9, reference is made to the statements above.

25 shows a partial sectional view of a holding frame according to a seventh embodiment of the invention with modules and 26 Figure 12 shows another partial sectional view of the holding frame 25 .

The holding frame 7 of the seventh exemplary embodiment comprises a base frame 711 with end faces 712 and side walls 713. In the representations of FIG 25 and 26 the holding frame 7 is shown in a half section in the longitudinal direction, once with a view of an inside of the side wall 713 ( 25 ) and once looking at the outside of the side wall 713 ( 26 ).

The inside of the side wall 713 has a plurality of clamping sections 719 designed as depressions for partially receiving a fixing element 720 .

In contrast to the above exemplary embodiments, the base frame 711 only has a guide 715 in each of its outer regions in the longitudinal direction, with a continuous stop 714 otherwise extending between the guides.

The fixing elements 720 are each clamped in their lower region in the clamping sections 719 and have fixing arms 721 which, in the installed state, extend beyond the stop 714 counter to the direction of insertion.

Similar to the above exemplary embodiments, the fixing arms 721 each have fixing hooks 723, each with a flank 724 and a shoulder 725.

In comparison to the above exemplary embodiments, the fixing elements 720 are offset by half a module width, in which case a respective latching area 726 is defined between the fixing arms 721 of adjacent fixing elements 721, which is delimited by the stop 714 and the fixing arms 723 with the shoulders 725. During insertion, the locking lug 91 of a module 9 reaches this locking area 726 and is then held there.

According to the different arrangement, the fixing hooks 723 of the fixing elements 720 are directed outwards in the direction of the side wall 713, with the corresponding fixing arm 721 being deformed in the direction of the other fixing arm 721 of the fixing element 720 when it is inserted.

From the point of view of a locking lug 91 of a module 9, however, there are still two adjacent fixing hooks 723 directed towards one another, which then, however, form two fixing elements 720 belong and together hold an inserted locking lug 91 and thus fix the module 9.

In this respect, reference can also be made here to the above discussions with regard to operation and the processes involved in introducing a module.

27 shows a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for equipping a holding frame with a module.

The method according to the invention serves to equip a holding frame (as is provided, for example, in the exemplary embodiments discussed above) for a connector for accommodating identical and/or different modules with a module.

To this end, the method has a step S1 of inserting the module into a base frame. This base frame defines a plane transverse to a direction of insertion of the module into the holding frame and has opposite end faces and side walls (see above).

In a part of the insertion S2 (step S2), a latching lug of the module passes a portion of a fixing arm of a fixing element that is attached to a side wall of the base frame and that for deformation between an insertion state that allows the module to be inserted in the insertion direction into the holding frame , and a holding state is configured in which an inserted module is fixed by the latching lug of the module and the fixing element at least along the direction of insertion.

In connection with the insertion S2, the section through which the locking lug passes is widened (step S3), so that the insertion state (step S4) is finally established. When passing (S2), the fixing element is in the insertion state (S4) at least for a moment.

After passing (S2), the method includes springing back (step S5) the fixing member from the insertion state to the holding state (step S6).

As already explained several times above, the deformation S5 (just like the widening S3) includes a movement of at least the fixing arm of the fixing element in the longitudinal direction of the side wall.

After a module is inserted and held in the hold state, the process can be repeated for another module until the entire holding frame is populated.

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

Reference List

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

holding frame

9

module

91

detent

111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711

base frame

112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712

face

113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713

Side wall

114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714

attack

115, 215, 315, 415, 515, 615, 715

guide

116, 216, 316, 416

deepening

117, 217, 317, 417

limitation

118, 218, 318, 418

opening in side wall

519, 719

clamping section

120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720

fixing element

121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721

fixation arm

122, 222, 322, 422

clamping piece

123, 223, 323, 423, 523, 623, 723

fixing hook

124, 224, 324, 424, 524, 624, 724

flank

125, 225, 325, 425, 525, 625, 725

Unit volume

126, 226, 326, 426, 526, 626, 726

rest area

327, 427

manipulation element

628

hanger

S1

Introduce

S2

Happen

S3

expand

S4

insertion state

S5

springback

S6

holding state

Claims (6)

1. A holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) for a plug connector for receiving similar and/or different modules (9), comprising:

   a base frame (111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711), made at least partly by die casting of a metal or of a metal alloy, which defines a plane transverse to an insertion direction of a module (9) into the holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and which has mutually opposite end faces (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712) and mutually opposite side walls (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713), and

   a fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) which is attached to a side wall (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713) of the base frame (111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711) and which is designed for deformation between an insertion state which allows the module (9) to be inserted into the holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) in the insertion direction, and a holding state in which an inserted module (9) is held in place, along the insertion direction at least, by a latching lug (91) of the module (9) and by the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720),

   wherein the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) includes a round or rectangular wire and/or an elastic plastic or spring steel strip.

   characterized in that

   wherein the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) is so designed that the deformation includes a pivoting movement of at least one fixing arm (121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721) of the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) in the longitudinal direction of the side wall (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713),

   wherein

   - the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420) is mounted in a recess (116, 216, 316, 416) on the inner side of the side wall (113, 213, 313, 413) and is fixed in place in the direction of insertion by boundaries (117, 217, 317, 417) of the recess (116, 216, 316, 416), wherein the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420) also includes a clamping piece (122, 222, 322, 422) that extends through an opening (118, 218, 318, 418) in the side wall (113, 213, 313, 413) and/or around an edge of the side wall (113, 213, 313, 413) to the outer side of the side wall (113, 213, 313, 413) and with which the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420) is secured against falling out of the recess (116, 216, 316, 416), or

   - the fixing member (520, 720) is clamped in place by means of a clamping section (519, 719) on the inner side of the side wall (513, 713), or

   - the fixing member (620)) is arranged with parts on the outer side of the side wall (613) and with parts on the inner side of the side wall (613) and is intertwined with at least a part of the base frame (611).
2. The holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) according to claim 1, wherein the base frame (111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711) has a stop (114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714) for the latching lug (91) in the direction of insertion.
3. The holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding frame (111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711) has a guide (115, 215, 315, 415, 515, 615, 715) for guiding the latching lug (91) on insertion of the module (9) into the holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7).
4. The holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing arm (121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721) has a fixing hook (123, 223, 323, 423, 523, 623, 723) having a sloping face (124, 224, 324, 424, 524, 624, 724) and a shoulder (125, 225, 325, 425, 525, 625, 725), wherein the sloping face (124, 224, 324, 424, 524, 624, 724) is provided to come into contact with the latching lug (91) of the module (9) on insertion of the module (9), such that when the latching lug (91) slides along the sloping face (124, 224, 324, 424, 524, 624, 724), the fixing arm (121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721) is deformed in the direction of the insertion state, wherein the shoulder (125, 225, 325, 425, 525, 625, 725) is designed to engage at least partly with the latching lug (91) of an inserted module (9) in the holding state.
5. The holding frame (3, 4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing arm (321, 421) has a manipulation member (327, 427) that projects beyond an upper edge of the base frame (311, 411) and/or of an inserted module (9) and allows the fixing arm (321, 421) to be manually deformed.
6. A method of populating a holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) for a plug connector for receiving similar and/or different modules (9) with a module (9), said method comprising the steps of:

   inserting (S1) the module (9) into a base frame (111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711), made at least partly by die casting of a metal or of a metal alloy, which defines a plane transverse to an insertion direction of the module (9) into the holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and which has mutually opposite end faces (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712) and mutually opposite side walls (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713),

   wherein the insertion step (S1) includes passing (S2) a latching lug (91) of the module (9) past a section of a fixing arm (121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721) of the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720), that is attached to a side wall (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713) of the base frame (111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711) and that is designed to allow deformation between an insertion state (S4) which allows the module (9) to be inserted into the holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and a holding state (S6) in which an inserted module (9) is held in place, along the insertion direction at least, by the latching lug (91) of the module (9) and by the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720),

   wherein the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) is in the insertion state (S4) for at least a moment during the passing step (S2),

   wherein the method includes deforming (S5) the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) from the insertion state (S4) to the holding state (S6) and

   wherein deforming (S5) includes a pivoting movement of at least the fixing arm (121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721) of the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) in the longitudinal direction of the side wall (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713),

   wherein the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) includes a round or rectangular wire and/or an elastic plastic or spring steel strip.

   wherein

   - the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420) is mounted in a recess (116, 216, 316, 416) on the inner side of the side wall (113, 213, 313, 413) and is fixed in place in the direction of insertion by boundaries (117, 217, 317, 417) of the recess (116, 216, 316, 416), wherein the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420) also includes a clamping piece (122, 222, 322, 422) that extends through an opening (118, 218, 318, 418) in the side wall (113, 213, 313, 413) and/or around an edge of the side wall (113, 213, 313, 413) to the outer side of the side wall (113, 213, 313, 413) and with which the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420) is secured against falling out of the recess (116, 216, 316, 416), or

   - the fixing member (520, 720) is clamped in place by means of a clamping section (519, 719) on the inner side of the side wall (513, 713), or

   - the fixing member (620)) is arranged with parts on the outer side of the side wall (613) and with parts on the inner side of the side wall (613) and is intertwined with at least a part of the base frame (611).

Images