GB2542100A

GB2542100A - Module assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2542100A
Application number: GB1700797.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Schimmel Christian; Konig Uwe
Original assignee: Cobinet Fernmelde-Und; Dexgreen Ltd
Current assignee: Cobinet Fernmelde-Und; Dexgreen Ltd
Priority date: 2014-07-18
Filing date: 2014-07-18
Publication date: 2017-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2034-07-18
Also published as: DE112014006823A5; GB2542100B; WO2016008504A1; CN106537692B; GB201700797D0; CN204315742U; CN106537692A

Abstract

For a module assembly (1) for telecommunications and data technology comprising at least one connector module (2) which has a plurality of contact elements (10) located in receptacles (7) spaced apart from each other in a module housing (12), in order to allow a simple and reliable contacting of each connection module (2) with the respective wire ends without using a special tool and thereby to facilitate the guiding of wire ends from the cable side and jumper side (KS, RS) of the connector module (2) to the contact elements (10) which are securely connected to the latter, it is proposed that at each receptacle (7) the connector module (2) be provided with at least one feeder means (9) which is completely detachable from the module housing (12) or can at least be slid along the width of the module housing (12) from a usage position to an open position and back, into which feeder means the end of at least one wire can be inserted in an insertion direction running approximately perpendicular to the width of the module housing (12); that the feeder means (9) with at least one inserted wire be slid to the usage position so that the end of the wire electrically contacts the assigned contact element (10); and that each contact element (10) be provided with legs (17, 18) which enclose an angle with the plane spanned by the length and width of the connector module (2).

Description

Module arrangement

The invention relates to a module arrangement for telecommunications and data technology, having at least one connector module which has a plurality of contact elements which are arranged spaced apart from one another in a module housing and which electrically connect one end of a core of a cable of a cable side of the module arrangement or one end of a core of a cable of a jumpering side of the module arrangement to one of the respectively other core ends when contact is made, wherein, the module housing has receptacles which are arranged at a distance from and next to one another along the longitudinal extent of the said module housing and which run along a transverse extent of the module housing in a manner designed to be open towards a longitudinal side and in which the contact elements are accommodated, and wherein the contact elements make contact with core ends on the cable side and the jumpering side of the conneccor module on two longitudinal sides, which are situated opposite and averted from one another, of the module housing.

Module arrangements of this kind have long been known and are very widespread in telecommunications and data technology, for example for installation in distributor boxes in which a considerable number of connector modules in the form of so-called terminal or isolating strips are generally fitted on frames or troughs and used for connecting cable-side core ends to jumpering-side core ends.

In addition, different embodiments of connector modules have become established over the course of time, the said designs generally exhibiting a manufacturer-specific construction in which a once again manufacturer-specific tool is often required for connecting the core ends to the respective contact element, that is to say for making contact per se. This situation in turn means that fitters or servicing engineers ’usually have to carry a large number of different special tools in order to be able to actually test only one of the connected, jumpered lines and possibly exchange it or to be able to replace the module as a whole anci re-lay tne cores of the connector module, particularly when, as is common in distributor boxes, a uniform product is not used. The use of a tool which is incorrect because it does not fit involves the rush of the mooule in Question or even immediately adjacent connector modules being damaged.

In order to simplify the contact-making process, a module arrangement of the abovementroned type, in whxch pivotable feed aids are arranged in the region of the receptacles of the contact elements on the connector module, is already known from US 7,530,836. However, this module arrangement ensures that contact is made with the core ends by way of a secure connection only to a limited extent, since the contact elements which are used exert only slight restoring forces or torsion forces on the core end and, on account of the design of the connection modules, can be used as pure terminal strips with a permanent connection contact only for certain requirements.

The object is therefore to provide a module arrangement which allows the respective core ends to make contact with a universal connector module in a simple and reliable manner without the use of a soecial tool, and in the process feeds core ends from the cable side and the jumpering side on the connector module to the contact elements with a low level of expenditure, the said core ends being connected to the said contact elements in a reliable manner.

This object is achieved by a module arrangement of the kind described in the introductory part, in which the connector module at each receptacle has at least one feed means which can be completely detached from the module housing or can be moved, at least by movement along the transverse extent of the module housing, from a use position to an open position and vice versa, it being possible for the end of at least one core to be inserted into the said feed means in a plugging direction which runs approximately perpendicular to the transverse extent of the module housing, in which the feed means, which is provided with the at least one plugged-in core, makes electrical contact with the end of the core by way of the associated contact element by moving to the use position, and in which the contact elements each have limbs which form an angle with the plane which is spanned by the longitudinal extent and the transverse extent of the connector module.

The way in which the contact elements are designed in accordance with the principle of so-called LSA contacts (contacts without soldering, screwing or wire- stripping) in an angular position, in particular a 45° position, that is to say with the limbs of the said contact elements forming an angle with the plane which is spanned by the longitudinal extent and the transverse extent of the connector module, make the contact elements particularly reliable in respect of connection in this case owing to the occurrence of restoring forces and torsion forces at the connection of the core end to the contact element. In this case, the limbs of the contact element form the contact slot of an insulation-displacement contact which cuts into and clamps the end of the core. At the same time, the respective core ends can be fed particularly well, for example by being plugged into a guide, at the feed means which is located in the open position or is completely detached from the module housing, after which contact is made with the respective core end by the reverse movement of the feed means from the open position to the closed position, wherein the feed means is moved in its receptacle. The entire process, including the contact“making operation, can be performed in this case without the aid of special tools which are tailored to the connector module, wherein a "normal" tool, such as a screwdriver or a wire cutter for example, as is always carried by a fitter, should not to be included amongst the said special tools. In. this case, the contact-making operation which has been performed is particularly reliable in respect of connection since it is also maintained when the feed means is moved back to the open position after contact is made with the core end which is held on the contact element. In respect of the plugging direction of the core end, "approximately" perpendicular means that a slight deviation can be made from the vertical in order to benefit a simpler plugging process by slight inclination of the plugging direction. Longitudinal sides of a connector module of the module arranaement should, as is clear with reference to the preamble, be understood to mean those sides on which the receptacles of the contact elements are arranged adjacent to one another.

An advantageous embodiment of the module arrangement according to the invention can comprise the contact elements each being associated in pairs with receptacles which are situated opposite one another, on the longitudinal sides of the module housing, so that a receptacle on the module housing in each case accommodates a twin core, which is usually used for each communication connection, wherein the contact elements pass through the module housing, on the shortest path from a receptacle or side towards the respectively opposite, averted longitudinal side of the module housing, into the interior of the said module housino,

In an expedient embodiment of the module arrangementf the feed means is, for example, in the form of a slide which can be moved between the open position and the use position within the receptacle, which is associated with it, in the manner of a carriage. In this case, the feed means which is in the form of a slide is prefex'ably guided by the walls of its receptacle or, for example, by at least one rail which is located in the receptacle.

In order to protect the feed means itself, the associated receptacle and to protect, in particular during operation, the contact element with which the core end makes contact, the feed means can be held at least in its closed position by a retaining device. However, it is also feasible for the said retaining device or a further retaining device to be used to hold the feed means in a captive manner on the module housing in its open position too.

In an expedient development, the retaining device can be formed here, for example, by a region of a wall of the feed means forming a latching or snap-action connection with a region of the module housing.

Another expedient refinement of the module arrangement can comprise the feed means having at least one guide part, in particular one guide part for each core, which guide part holds the end of the cores or cores in the state plug-connected to the feed means, so that the plugged-in cores cannot become detached from the feed means again and in this way feeding is made easier.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the module arrangement, the feed means forms, by way of its inner base, a boundary for the fed core end or ends during the plugging movement, so that, when a base of the feed means, which is in the form of a slide for example, is oriented transverse to the plugging direction, the cores are always plugged into the feed means at approximately the same length. In this way, the core ends also project to a certain extent at the point at which contact is made, so that the said core ends are advantageously not lost even when the cores are subjected to tensile loading against the plugging direction, during the contact-making process itself or when the feed means is moved back to the open position.

In order to be able to feed the cores which are plug-connected to the feed means to the contact elements of the connector module quickly and reliably in a suitable manner, a stop is formed on the feed means in an expedient development of the module arrangement, the said stop extending between the limbs of the contact element, and as a result pressing the core end between the said limbs, when the feed means moves over to the use position. This can be designed, for example, as a kind of separating wall which likewise forms an angle, specifically the complementary angle of 90°, in relation to the plane which is spanned by the longitudinal extent and the transverse extent of the connector module, so that the said separating wall engages between the limbs of the contact element. In this case, the end side or end face of the separating wall forms a kind of abutment for the core end and pushes the said core end when the feed means moves to its contact position, which at the feed means corresponds to the use position of the said feed means.

In order to be able to operate the feed means without further assistance from a special tool, the said feed means can advantageously have, for example, an engagement means by way of which the said feed means can be grasped by hand or by an auxiliary means and possibly can be moved. In this case, it is sufficient for manual operation when, for example, only the edges of the feed means, for example of a slide, can be grasped, so that a force can be exerted in a fixed direction. An auxiliary means can be formed, for example, by a screwdriver; a slot-like engagement means on the feed means would be sufficient in order for the said screwdriver to exert the required force.

In order to be able to guide the cores, which have the core ends and are associated with the respective cable, towards the connector module and its contact elements or away from the said connector module, without undesirably pinching the cores after contact is made by means of the feed means or subjecting the said cores to further unfavourable loading, provision can be made in a further development for a through-passage to be associated with each contact element on the module housing, the said through-passage passing through the housing wall of the said module housing on the transverse side and being open towards the longitudinal side of the module housing. As a result, the core can be guided to the contact-making position via the opening in the module housing longitudinal side and there then not be subject to any further stresses, which are caused by the said housing, as it passes through the housing.

In an expedient development, the through-passage can in this case form a slot which tapers conically from the longitudinal side, but also have different cross sections.

Xn tne case or the described module arrangements, rt may be the case, owing to a lack of space, that no ring strain relief of the entire cable can be provided when cables are fed to the connector modules. In order to remedy this situation and to protect the cores against a corresponding tensile loading, provision can be made in an advantageous embodiment of the module arrangement to provide in each case one retaining means at the receptacles of at least one longitudinal side of the module housing, it being possible for the fed corses to be arranged at the said holding means in a manner relieved of strain. In this case, the said retaining means is preferably provided in such a way that each core can be individually relieved of strain by a corresponding device. However, devices for jointly relieving cores of strain can also be provided.

In this case, an advantageous development can involve the retaining means being formed in each case by one or a plurality of angled projections which project from the outer wall of the module housing. These projections can each relieve one or more cores of strain and, preferably, but in no way necessarily, be arranged on the transverse side of the module housing in the region ot the respectxve receptacle*

During production of the connector module and handling of the said connector module when laying and making contact with the core ends, an embodiment of the module arrangement with the receptacles at a uniform spacing can advantageously be provided. In this case, "uniformly" firstly means that the receptacles can be at a uniform spacing in each case in pairs, and therefore all receptacles can be at a uniform spacing in relation to one another. However, secondly, this can also mean that the spacing between the receptacles follows a specific pattern and individual receptacles or a plurality of receptacles are arranged in groups on the respective connector module.

In order to be able to design the connector module or connector modules of the module arrangement according to the invention in a more flexible manner, a further opening in the module housing can be associated with each receptacle on one or both longitudinal sides of the connector mod-ale in another embodiment, it being possible for contact to be made with the contact elements which are associated with the receptacle at the said further opening. The openings in question can preferably be provided for the purpose of feeding a test contact or an overvoltage protection means to the contact element or contact elements. In this case, the connector modules themselves can advantageously be in the form of both so-called terminal strips and also in the form of isolating strips, that is to say both with permanent contact elements and also with contact elements which provide the option of disconnection for connection isolation, for example for test purposes.

The invention will be explained in greater detail below in the drawing with reference to exemplary embodiments, In the drawing, in a partially schematic illustration,

Figure 1 shows a perspective side view of the jumpering side of a module arrangement according to the invention having connector modules, the receptacles of the said connector modules being arranged on the longitudinal side of the module housing;

Figure 2 shows a perspective side view of the rear face of the module arrangement from Figure 1 by way of the cable side of the connector modules;

Figure 3 shows a further perspective side view of the module arrangement from Figures I and 2 from a different viewing angle looking at the jumpering side and with feed means on one of the connector modules in the open posrtron at the receptacles,·

Figures 4 , 5 show perspective side views of individual connector modules of the module arrangement from Figures 1 to 3 looking at the jumpering side {Figure 4) and the cable side (Figure 5};

Figures 6-9 show various perspective side views of sections of a connector module of the module arrangement from Figures 1 to 5 with different positions of the feed means $

Figure 10 shows a perspective side view of two slides of the feed means, which slides can, at opposite receptacles of the module housing, feed core ends to two contact elements which are associated with the respectively identical receptacle,

Figures 11, 12 show perspective side views of two different contact elements for connector modules of Figures 1 to 9 ?

Figures 13-16 show different perspective side views of a slide of a connector module from Figures 1 to 9 from various viewing angles , and

Figure 17 shows an end-face perspective side view of a connector module from Figures 1 to 9 with an overvoltage protection magazine fed on the cable side of the module and connected to the module.

Figure 1 to Figure 3 show a module arrangement, denoted 1 overall, having two connector modules 2 'which are arranged immediately adjacent to one another, and, in the illustration of Figures 1 to 3, one above the Gther, In this case, the connector modules 2 are held on a mounting trough 3 on which they are plug-connected to mounting openings 4 which are located in the region of the two ends of the respective connector modules 2 and which extend over and are latched to latching tongues 5 of the mounting trough 3, which latching tongues are provided with latching openings 6 and are situated opposite one another on the mounting trough 3. Whereas Figures 1 and 3 show the connector modules 2 by way of the jumpering side RS in this case, Figure 2 shows the cable side KS of the connector modules 2 which as a.t tne rear nix tne use position* It can be dean that the connector modules 2 have, in each case on both longitudinal sides, that is to say on the cable side KS and the jumpering side RS, in each case ten receptacles 7 in which in each case one feed means 9 in the form of a slide 11 is accommodated, wherein the slides in Figures 1 and 2 are each located entirely in their open position, whereas this applies only to the connector module 2 which is at the bottom as seen by the viewer in Figure 3, whereas, on the lower connector module 2, the slides of the feed means 9 are all moved from their use position to the open position. The core ends have not been illustrated in any of the illustrations in the drawings figures for reasons of clarity.

Figures 1 to 3 further also show that, at the connector modules 2, the transverse sides of the said connector modules are each provided with two through-passages 8 in the region of each of the receptacles 7, the said through-passages serving to feed the cores to the respective contact elements 10, not shown in Figures 1 to 3, The through-passages 8 in question are open on the longitudinal sides of the connector modules and run inwards in a conical manner in the direction of the transverse extent of the connector module 2 starting from the longitudinal side. Projections 13 which, in a manner projecting perpendicularly from the transverse side, form strain-relief means for the fed cores while at the same time guiding the core ends, are further shown on the cable side KS of the connector modules 2 on the transverse side of the 3aid connector modules. The said projections 13 can be in the form of, for example, angular elements or can be T-shaped or else be in the form of a mushroom head, this list not making any claim to completeness.

In this respect, Figures 1 to 3 show a module arrangement 1 having in each case two connector modules 2 which have a plurality of contact elements 10 which are arranged spaced apart from one another in a module housing 12. The contact elements 10 electrically connect one end of a core of a cable of a cable side KS of the module arrangement 1 or one end of a core of a cable of a jumpering side R8 of the module arrangement 1 to one of the respectively other core ends when contact is made, wherein the module housing 12 has receptacles 7 which are arranged at a uniform distance from and next to one another along the longitudinal extent of the said module housing. The said receptacles 7 run along a transverse extent of the module housing 12 in a manner designed to be open towards a longitudinal side and the contact elements 10 are accommodated in the said receptacles. The contact elements 10 moreover make contact with core ends of the cable side KS and the jumpering side RS of the connector module 2 on two longitudinal sides, which are situated opposite and averted from one another, of the module housmg .

The said module arrangement is distinguished in that the connector module 2 at each receptacle 7 has at least one feed means 9 which can be completely detached from the module housing 12 or can be moved, at least by movement along the transverse extent of the module housing .12, from a use position to an open position and vice versa, it being possible for the end of at least one core to be inserted into the said feed means in a plugging direction which runs approximately perpendicular to the transverse extent of the module housing 12, in that the feed means 9, which is provided with the at least one plugged-in core, makes electrical contact with the end of the core by way of the associated contact element 10 by moving to the use position,, and in that the contact elements 10 each have limbs which form an angle with the plane 'which is spanned by the longitudinal extent and the transverse extent ot the connector module 2. This creates a module arrangement 1 which allows the respective core ends to make contact with the respective strip in a simple and reliable manner without the use of a special tool, and in the process feeds core ends from the cable side KS and the jumpering side RS on the connector module 2 to the contact elements 10 with a low level of expenditure, the said core ends being connected to the said contact elements in a reliable manner.

Figures 4 and 5 each show a connector module 2 of the module arrangement 1 from the preceding figures on their own, firstly looking at the jumpering side RS of the connector module 2 (Figure 4) and secondly looking at the cable side KS, with the omission of the mounting trough 3 on 'which the connector modules 2 were arranged in the preceding figures. As in Figures 1 to 3, Figures 4 and 5 each show the connector module 2 with its module housing on which the, in this case, ten receptacles 7 which are arranged next to one another along the longitudinal extent of the module housing 12 are provided, the said receptacles accommodating the feed means 9 in the form of the slides 11. The through-passages 8 which are located on the transverse sides are further shown along the two longitudinal sides of the respective connector module 2; the projections 13 in the region of the receptacles of the cable side ES of the respective connector module 2 are likewise shown.

Figures 6 to 9 show, in greater detail, a section of a connector module 2 of the module arrangement 1, in which, in Figure 6, the slides 11 of the feed means Sf in as much as they are depicted, are all shown in their closed use position. Figure 6 clearly shews that the through-passages 8 on the transverse side of the connector module 2 are designed to be open on the longitudinal side, Figure 6 also shows that in each case one opening 14 is located on the module housing 12, below the receptacles 7 of the slides 11 of the feed means 9 as seen by the viewer, the said opening making the contact element 10, which is associated with the respective receptacle 7 and is not shown in Figure 6, accessible to a test device which can be fed through the opening 14, the test device being able to interrupt the electrical connection at the contact element 10.

Figures 7 to 9 show approximately the same section of the connector module as in Figure 6, wherein different positions for the slides 11 of the feed means are shown at the two receptacles 7 which are located furthest to the left as seen by the viewer, whereas slides 11 which are further illustrated in the said figures are each located in the open position which is held at the respective receptacle 7. In Figure 7, the two slides 11 on the far left are located in their closed use position in which they make contact with the core ends, which are to be guided to the contact elements 10 and are not shown, by way of the contact elements 10, wherein each of the slides 11 is able to make contact with a pair of cores. In Figure 8, these two slides 11, which are on the far left as seen by the viewer, are released from their respective open position at the module housing 12 and are now located in front of the receptacle 7 which is associated with them, wherein they allow the contact elements 10 of the respective receptacle which are arranged, like the core ends which are to be fed. in pairs in the receptacle 7 to be viewed. The two slides 11 on the far left are then entirely omitted from Figure 9, In this case, the respective contact elements 10 with their limbs 17, 18, which taper from their free end to form a slot in their clear cross section, in which slot the core end with which contact is to be made is held in the use position, are shown in a manner arranged beneath the respective through-passage 8 as seen by the viewer.

Figures 8 and 9 also clearly show that the limbs 17, 18 of the contact elements 10 form an angle with the plane which is spanned by the longitudinal extent and the transverse extent of the connector module 2. in the present case the plane which is spanned by the limbs 17, 18 farms an angle of 45° with the said limbs, the contact elements 10 therefore having a so-called 45° contact. The contact elements 10 are accommodated on the module housing 12 in each case with their region of the limbs 17, 18, which region is averted from the free end, in a contact support 16 which prevents extension of the contact element 10 when it is acted on by forces which are exerted by the slides 11 and holds the contact element 10, and in particular the limbs 17, 18 of the said contact element, stationary.

Figure 10 shows, with the omission of the module housing 12, slides 11 of the feed means 9, which slides are associated with two receptacles 7 which are situated opposite one another on the longitudinal sides of the connector module 2 which are averted from one another, and to which core ends of pairs of cores which are associated with one another are therefore connected. The slide 11 is located, in this case, in its closed use position on that side of the contact element which is averted from the viewer, whereas the said slide is shown in its open position on that side of the contact element 10 which faces the viewer.

As already shown in Figure 10, Figures 11 and 12 show even more clearly that the limbs 17, 18 of the contact elements 10 are angled in relation to an imaginary plane from which the limbs 17, IS project away at one or more webs 19. This imaginary plane is parallel to that plane ’which is spanned by the longitudinal extent and the transverse extent of the connector module 2. The contact element 10 in Figure 11 corresponds to the contact element in Figure 10 and forms a contact element for a so-called isolating strip, that is to say a connector module on which the cable side and jumpering side on the contact element 10 can be separated from one another by a corresponding separating device, not shown, which acts at the separating point 21. In contrast, Figure 12 shows a contact element which is intended for a pure terminal strip which has continuous limbs 17, 18 and test contacts 20 which are accessible via the openings 14, 15 in the module housing.

Figures 13 to 16 show, in various perspectives, a slide 11 of the feed means of a connector module 2, in Figure 16 together with a section of a contact element from Figure 11. In this case, the illustrations in Figures 13 to 16 initially show, as already shown in Figure 10, that in each case one guide lug 24 is located on side walls of the slide 11, the said guide lug being used to guide the respective slide in respect of its movement out of the open position to the use position and vice versa in a guide rail which is located on the inner wall of its receptacle 7.

The engagement means 23 on the slide 11 f which engagement means is open at the top and into which a suitable object, fox* example a screwdriver, can engage in order to move the slide 11, is also shown. Finally, Figures 13 to 16 show that two guide parts 22 which project from an inner wall of the slide in the movement direction of the said slide during the movement to the \Ase position are provided on the slide. The said guide parts 22 are provided with arms 25 which run substantially parallel to one another and which, in their retaining region, are provided in embossed form in order to capture the respective core end, moreover the arms 25 are prestressed in a sprung manner against widening, so that the core ends which are held between the said arms are firmly held. In this case, it is further shown that the end of a core which is or is to be plug-connected to the guide part can be inserted in a plugging direction which runs approximately perpendicular to the transverse extent of the module housing 12. In the present case, the plugging direction differs from the vertical direction in as much as the plugging direction is slightly inclined in the opening direction of the slide 11, this making the plugging process easier. The inner base 28 of the slide 11 of the feed means 9 also forms a stop for the plugging process with the core ends.

Only Figures 15 and 16 show that the limb engagement means 26 are provided on the slide 11 level with the limbs 17, 18 of the contact elements 10, the limbs 17, 18 of the contact element 10 engaging with the said limb engagement means in the use position. In this case, the limb engagement means 26 have the same angular configuration as the limbs of the contact elements 10, in order to be able to receive the said limbs. In this case, a stop, which is formed by a web 27 which separates the two parallel limbs 17, 18 of one side of the contact element 10 to a certain extent, is located between the limb engagement means 26 of a contact element 10 on the slide 11 as feed means 9. When the slide 11 of the feed means 3 moves over to the use position, the said web 27 extends as a stop between the limbs 17, 18 of the contact element 10 and presses, by way of its end face, the core end into the slot between the said limbs, so that contact with the core end in question is ensured.

Finally, Figure 17 shows a connector module 2 of a module arrangement 1 from Figures 1 to 3, with an overvoltage protection magazine 23 being arranged on the cable side KS of the said module arrangement, the overvoltage protection magazine engaging into the openings 15 in the said cable side.

Accordingly, the above-described invention relates to a module arrangement 1 for telecommunications and data technology, having at least one connector module 2 which has a plurality of contact elements 10 which are arranged spaced apart from one another in a module housing 12 and ’which electrically connect one end of a core of a cable of a cable side KB of the module arrangement 1 or one end of a core of a cable of a jumpering side RS of the module arrangement 1 to one of the respectively other core ends when contact is made, wherein the module housing 12 has receptacles 7 which are arranged at a distance from and next to one another along the longitudinal extent of the said module housing and which run along a transverse extent of the module housing 12 in a manner designed to be open towards a longitudinal side and in which the contact elements 10 are accommodated, and wherein the contact elements 10 make contact with core ends of the cable side KB and. the jumpering side RS of the connector module 2 on two longitudinal sides, which are situated opposite and averted from one another, of the module housing 12.

In order to provide a module arrangement which allo'ws the respective core ends to make contact with the respective connector module in a simple and reliable manner without the use of a special tool, and in the process to feed core ends from the cable side KS and the jumpering side RS on the connector module 2 to the contact elements 10 with a low level of expenditure, the said core ends being connected to the said contact elements in a reliable manner, the connector module 2 at each receptacle 7 has at least one feed means 3 which can be completely detached from the module housing 12 or can be moved, at least by movement along the transverse extent of the module housing 12, from a use position to an open position and vice versa, it being possible for the end of at least one core to be inserted into the said feed means in a plugging direction which runs approximately perpendicular to the transverse extent of the module housing 12, the feed means 9, which is provided with the at least one plugged-in core, makes electrical contact with the end of the core by way of the associated contact element 10 by moving to the use position, and the contact elements 10 each have limbs 17, is 'which form an angle with the plane which is spanned by the longitudinal extent and the transverse extent of the connector module 2.

Claims

1. Module arrangement {1} for telecommunications and data technology, having at least one connector module (2) which has a plurality of contact elements (10) which are arranged spaced apart from one another* in a module housing (12) and 'which electrically connect one end of a core of a cable of a cable side {KS) of the module arrangement (1) or one end of a core of a cable of a jumpering side (RS) of the module arrangement {1) to one of the respectively other core ends when contact is made, wherein the module housing (12) has receptacles (7} which are arranged at a distance from and next to one another along the longitudinal extent of the said module housing and which run along a transverse extent of the module housing (12) in a manner designed to be open towards a longitudinal side and in which the contact elements {10} are accommodated, and wherein the contact elements (10) make contact with core ends of the cable side (KS) and the jumpering side {RS} of the connector module {2} on two longitudinal sides, which are situated opposite and averted from one another, of the module housing {12), characterized in that the connector module {2} at each receptacle {7} has at least one feed means {9} which can be completely detached from the module housing {12} or can be moved, at least by movement along the transverse extent of the module housing (12), from a use position to an open position and vice versa, it being possible for the end of at least one core to be inserted into the said feed means in a plugging direction which runs approximately perpendicular to the transverse extent of the module housing {12), in that the feed means (9), which is provided with the at least one plugged-in core, makes electrical contact with the end of the core by way of the associated contact element (10) by moving to the use position, and in that the contact elements (10) each have limbs (17, 18) which form an angle with the plane which is spanned by the longitudinal extent and the transverse extent of the connector module {2}.

2. Module arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that the contact elements (10) are each associated in pairs with receptacles (7) which are situated opposite one anot.herf on the longitudinal sides of the module housing (12),

3. Module arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the feed means (9} is in the form of a slide (11) which can be moved between its open position and its use position within the receptacle (7), which is associated with it, in the manner of a carriage.

4. Module arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the feed means (9) is held at least in its closed position by a retaining device.

5. Module arrangement according to Claim 4, characterized in that the holding device is formed by a region of a wall of the feed means forming a latching or snap-action connection with a region of the module housing.

6. Module arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed means (9) has at least one guide part (22), in particular one guide part (22) for each core, which guide part, holds the end of the cores or cores in the state plug-connected to the feed means {9}.

7. Module arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the feed means (9) forms, by way of its inner base (28) , a boundary for the fed core end or ends during the plugging movement.

8. Module arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a stop is formed on the feed means {9), the said stop extending between the limbs {17, 18) of the contact element {10), and as a result pressing the core end between the said limbs, when the feed means {9} moves over to the use position,

9, Module arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed means {9) has an engagement means (23) by way of which the said feed means can be grasped by hand or by an auxiliary means and possibly can be moved,

10. Module arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a through-passage {8) is associated with each contact element {10) on the module housing {12}, the said through-passage passing through the housing wall of the said module housing on the transverse side and being open towards the longitudinal side of the module housing {12),

11. Module arrangement according to Claim 10, characterized in that the through-passage {8) forms a slot which tapers conically from the longitudinal side,

12, Module arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each case one retaining means is provided at the receptacles (7) of at least one longitudinal side of the module housing {12), it being possible for the fed cores to be arranged at the sard holding means in a manner relieved of strain,

13, Module arrangement according to Claim 12, characterised in that the retaining means is formed in each case by one or a plurality of angled projections (13 3 which project from the outer wall of the module housing {123.

14. Module arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacles {7} of the connector module (2} are provided at a uniform spacing.

15. Module arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further opening (14, 15) in the module housing (12} is associated with each receptacle (7} on one or both longitudinal sides of the connector module (2) , it being possible for contact to be made with the contact elements (10) which are associated with the receptacle (7) at the said further opening.

16. Module arrangement according to Claim 15, characterized in that the openings {14, 15} are provided for feeding a test contact or an overvoltage protection means.