Contact insert for a plug-in connector that can be connected to a mating connector.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a contact insert for a connector part that can be plugged into a mating connector part according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a contact insert comprises a retaining frame and at least one contact module. The at least one contact module includes a module housing and at least one electrical contact element for electrical contact with the mating connector part, wherein the at least one contact module can be attached to the retaining frame to form the contact insert.Furthermore, the contact insert has at least one line connector connected to an electrical conductor, which has an insulating body on which the at least one electrical contact element is arranged, a locking element for locking the at least one line connector to the mating connector part, and an actuating element movable relative to the insulating body for unlocking the locking element, wherein the module housing has at least one receiving opening into which the actuating element of the at least one line connector can be inserted for connection with the module housing, wherein the module housing has two housing parts which form the receiving opening between them.

[0003] Such a contact insert can be manufactured modularly, with the mounting frame forming one or more slots for one or more contact modules, allowing the mounting frame to be modularly equipped with one or more contact modules. The contact insert configured in this way can then be inserted into the housing of a connector part to complete the connector part.

[0004] Different contact modules can provide different arrangements of contact elements, so that by modularly assembling the mounting frame, a modularly configurable connector part with a plug-in face provided by the contact modules can be created.

[0005] Different designs of modularly configurable contact inserts are known, for example, from DE 20 2012 103 360 U1, DE 20 2006 012 687 U1 and EP 1 026 788 A1. Further designs are known from US 7 140 911 B1, which discloses a contact insert according to the preamble of claim 1, US 2022 / 137392 A1, DE 10 2021 122 319 A1, WO 2006 / 079555 A1, DE 10 2004 046 259 B3 and DE 20 2017 006 920 U1.

[0006] Contact inserts can be used to create connector components that are used, for example, to connect an electrical cable to an electrical assembly, such as a control cabinet, or to another cable. Electrical power signals, as well as data signals, can be transmitted via the contact inserts and the contact modules attached to them.

[0007] While contact inserts with modular mounting frames are used particularly for so-called heavy-duty connectors (also known as industrial connectors) for use in industrial environments and are, for example, specially protected by surrounding housings, other connectors are known for data transmission. For example, so-called M12 connectors are used to create a data connection, such as an Ethernet connection, by establishing a four-pin connection. Since electromagnetic shielding is required for data transmission due to the transmission frequencies used (for example, in the gigahertz range), such connectors are specially adapted, particularly with regard to shielding, and are usually delivered to the customer by a supplier already assembled and connected to an electrical data cable.

[0008] Such line connectors used on a (data) line can in particular be designed as so-called push-pull connectors, which allow a plug-in connection with another line connector and are standardized in the IEC61076-2-010 standard.

[0009] German patent DE 20 2016 104 271 A1 describes a connector system in which at least one plug and one contact are arranged separately on a support body. The plug is held in the support body by means of an adapter.

[0010] DE 10 2018 122 848 A1 describes a module element for mounting on a holding frame, on which an M12 connector is arranged.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a contact insert for a connector part that can be plugged into a mating connector part and that can be equipped with a connection for a data line in a simple, modular manner, with easy assembly of the contact insert.

[0012] This problem is solved by an object having the features of claim 1.

[0013] Accordingly, the actuating element is formed by a sleeve that is movable relative to the insulating body along an actuating direction, and the actuating element of the at least one cable connector is, in a position in which the actuating element is connected to the module housing, actuated by moving the module housing relative to the insulating body in order to unlock the locking element.

[0014] The contact insert can be designed modularly with one or more contact modules, which are attached to a mounting frame. At least one contact module has a provision for the use of a wire connector that is connected to an electrical conductor.

[0015] The cable connector can be designed according to the so-called push-pull principle and has a locking element for locking it to the mating connector part when the connection is made, as well as an actuating element for unlocking the locking element. Such a cable connector can be plugged into another cable connector of the mating connector part and, when plugged in, is locked to the other cable connector via the locking element. By actuating the actuating element, in particular by moving the actuating element relative to the insulating body, the lock can be released, thus allowing the cable connector to be detached from the mating connector part.

[0016] The cable connector (in the mounted position of the contact insert) is arranged on the contact module and permanently connected to it. The module housing of the contact module has a receiving opening in which the actuator of the cable connector is inserted for connection to the module housing. For assembly, the cable connector can be positioned on the module housing so that the actuator rests in the receiving opening and is thus secured within it.

[0017] By inserting the actuator into the receiving opening of the module housing, a connection is created between the contact module and the cable connector. The cable connector can then be attached to the contact module, and may already be pre-assembled with the corresponding electrical cable.

[0018] The cable connector can, for example, be a standardized cable connector, such as one conforming to the IEC61076-2-010 standard.

[0019] Because the cable connector can be pre-assembled and connected to the associated cable on the contact module, the manufacturer can supply the cable connector together with the cable, and then the user can connect it to a contact insert. Particularly when the cable connector is designed as a data connector on a data cable, it can thus be pre-assembled, for example with an already installed electromagnetic shield, and installed on the contact insert. To connect the cable connector to the contact module, the actuator is inserted into the receiving opening of the module housing, and then the module housing can be attached to the mounting frame for configuring the contact insert.

[0020] According to the invention, the module housing comprises two housing parts that can be separated to allow the insertion of the cable connector into the receiving opening. The housing parts form the receiving opening between them. When the housing parts are joined, the cable connector is received in the receiving opening between the housing parts in such a way that the actuating element is fixed between the housing parts and thus firmly connected to the module housing.

[0021] According to the invention, the actuating element is formed by a sleeve that is displaceable relative to the insulating body along an actuation direction. The actuating element can preferably implement a push-pull principle. The contact insert with the attached wire connector can, for example, be placed against a corresponding mating connector part along a mating direction. Placement can particularly occur in a mating direction (push). The actuating element can be displaceable relative to the insulating body along the mating direction, so that the actuating element can be actuated, for example, against the mating direction (pull) to release the connection and thus disengage the locking element.

[0022] Due to its design as a sleeve, the actuating element completely surrounds the insulating body and has an essentially cylindrical basic shape.

[0023] In one embodiment, the actuating element has at least one positive-locking section for positive connection with the module housing. In a position where the actuating element is inserted into the receiving opening of the module housing, the positive-locking section of the actuating element engages with a corresponding mating positive-locking section on the module housing, thus creating a positive connection between the actuating element and the module housing. This positive locking can, in particular, exist along a plug-in direction, along which the contact insert can be plugged into the mating connector part, so that the actuating element is positively locked to the module housing along the plug-in direction and cannot be moved independently of the module housing along this plug-in direction.

[0024] The direction of actuation, along which the actuating element is to be actuated, is preferably directed along the plugging direction, so that the actuating element can be moved along the plugging direction relative to the insulating body in order to unlock the locking element.

[0025] In one embodiment, the actuating element has a cylindrical body from which at least one positive-locking section projects radially. The actuating element thus has a cylindrical basic shape. The at least one positive-locking section projects radially from the cylindrical body and can be formed, for example, by an annular section circumferentially around the body or by any other radially projecting shape. In a position where the actuating element is connected to the module housing, the at least one positive-locking section engages in a mating positive-locking section of the module housing, for example, in the form of a recess complementary to the positive-locking section of the actuating element, thus creating a positive-locking connection between the actuating element and the module housing.

[0026] Because the actuator is held in the receiving opening of the module housing when the cable connector is attached to the contact module, a fixed connection is created between the actuator and the module housing. This means that the actuator can only be moved relative to the insulating body together with the module housing. Actuation of the actuator is therefore achieved by moving the module housing, which, in its mounted position, is held against the retaining frame of the contact insert, which in turn is firmly connected to a housing of the associated connector part.

[0027] When the connector part is plugged into the mating connector part, the wire connector on the contact module makes a plug-in connection with a corresponding wire connector on the mating connector part. This creates a locking mechanism between the wire connectors, thus securing the connection. To disconnect the connection, a user can grasp the housing of the connector part and move it in the opposite direction to the mating connector part, thereby also moving the contact insert with the retaining frame and the module housing, which is permanently attached to the retaining frame, relative to the mating connector part.This activates the actuating element of the cable connector and thus releases the locking mechanism, allowing the cable connector to detach from the mating connector part according to the push-pull principle, and thus the connector part can be removed from the mating connector part.

[0028] The actuating element is thus activated by engaging the housing of the parent connector part. Because the actuating element is fixed to the module housing of the contact module, which in turn is held in the retaining frame that is rigidly connected to the housing of the connector part, engagement of the connector part housing is transferred to the actuating element and results in the release of the locking mechanism. This creates a connector part in which a locking mechanism is established via one or more line connectors, whereby the locking mechanism can be released by moving the entire housing of the connector part according to the push-pull principle.

[0029] In one embodiment, the actuating element has an actuating section for acting on the locking element. When actuated, the actuating element acts on the locking element via the actuating section, for example by pushing the locking element out of a locked position and thus releasing the lock.

[0030] In one embodiment, the at least one cable connector has an electrically conductive plug-in section arranged on the insulating body, on which the actuating element is slidably guided and which can be plugged into the mating connector part to transfer a ground potential. The plug-in section is, for example, electrically connected to a shield of the cable, so that the plug-in section provides shielding on the side of the cable connector and transfers the shielding potential to the mating connector part for uninterrupted shielding even at the transition between the cable connector and the mating connector part.

[0031] The actuating element is guided in a sliding manner on the plug section, so that the actuating element can be moved on the plug section, especially for unlocking the cable connector.

[0032] In one embodiment, the locking element is electrically conductive and electrically connected to the plug section. The locking element can, in particular, be arranged on the plug section and thus be directly connected to it. A locking connection with the mating connector is established via the locking element, for which purpose the locking element rests against the mating connector in the locked position. The ground potential for shielding can thus be transferred to the mating connector via the electrically conductive locking element, for example, an electrically conductive plug section on a cable connector of the mating connector.

[0033] In one embodiment, the locking element is elastically adjustable relative to the plug section by actuating the actuating element in order to unlock the locking element. The locking element can, for example, be designed as an elastic spring element which, in the locked position, bears against the mating connector part, such as a plug section of a cable connector of the mating connector part, under elastic preload. This ensures that, in the plugged-in position, the locking element establishes a defined electrical connection for transferring the ground potential and also provides a mechanical lock. By actuating the actuating element, the locking element can be elastically deflected relative to the plug section, thereby releasing the lock.The locking element can, for example, have an elastically adjustable locking leg on which the actuating element acts when actuated and which can be moved out of a locking position by the actuating element in order to release the cable connector from the mating connector part.

[0034] In one embodiment, the mounting frame has a frame opening into which at least one contact module can be inserted to form the contact insert. The module housing has a first locking element, while the mounting frame has a second locking element. The first and second locking elements interlock when the at least one contact module is inserted into the frame opening, thus securing the contact module in the frame opening of the mounting frame. The mounting frame can therefore be modularly equipped with one or more contact modules by inserting the one or more contact modules into the frame opening of the mounting frame. In the inserted position, the contact modules are locked to the mounting frame via locking elements on the module housing, creating a secure connection between the contact modules and the mounting frame.

[0035] The mounting frame can provide multiple slots, arranged, for example, along a specific direction. Contact modules can be attached to these slots to create a variably configurable contact insert with a variable mating face determined by the contact modules.

[0036] Once the contact insert has been mounted by fitting one or more contact modules to the mounting frame, the contact insert can be placed into a housing of a connector part to complete the connector part.

[0037] In one embodiment, such a connector component comprises a housing and a contact insert of the type described above, which is enclosed within the housing. In its assembled position, the housing is firmly connected to the contact insert's retaining frame. The housing encloses the contact insert, thus providing mechanical protection for it. The housing can be made of metal or plastic. Enclosing the contact insert within the housing allows for the creation of a particularly robust connector suitable for use in industrial environments, capable of withstanding operational stresses and environmental influences.

[0038] A connector consists of a first connector part and a second connector part, which can be connected to each other in a plugging direction. The connector parts can each be designed as described above and each has a contact insert with a retaining frame and at least one contact module, as well as a cable connector arranged on the contact module.

[0039] The underlying concept of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1A A view of an embodiment of a connector with connector parts that can be plugged together along a plugging direction; Fig. 1A Sectional view along line AA according to Fig. 1A ; Fig. 1C an enlarged view in section A after Fig. 1B Fig. 2 a sectional view of two wire connectors in the inserted position; Fig. 3 a schematic diagram of a wire connector with an actuating element and a locking element in conjunction with a plug section of another wire connector; Fig. 4 a view of an embodiment of a wire connector on an associated cable; Fig. 5 a side view of the arrangement according to Fig. 4 ; Fig. 6 a view of a housing part of a module housing of a contact module; Fig. 7 a perspective view of the housing part of the module housing with a cable connector mounted on it. Fig. 4 ; Fig. 8 the arrangement according to Fig. 7 , with two cable connectors arranged on the housing part; Fig. 9 the arrangement according to Fig. 8 , after attaching another housing part to complete the contact module; Fig. 10 a view of the contact module after Fig. 9 , in a mounted position arranged on the retaining frame of the contact insert; Fig. 11 a view of an embodiment of a (to the line connector according to Fig. 4 complementary) wire connector; Fig. 12 a view of a housing part of a module housing of a contact module for receiving the wire connector according to Fig. 11 ; Fig. 13 a view of the housing part after Fig. 12 with two cable connectors attached to it, according to Fig. 11 ; Fig. 14 the arrangement according to Fig. 13 , with a further housing part arranged on the housing part to complete the contact module; Fig. 15 the contact module according to Fig. 14 , in a mounted position attached to a holding frame; and Fig. 16 a view of two complementary contact inserts to be connected together.

[0040] A in Fig. 1A-1C In one embodiment, the connector 1 has a first connector part 2 and a second connector part 3, which can be connected to each other in a plugging direction E. The first connector part 2 is, for example, arranged on an electrical assembly, such as a control cabinet, and is fixed to a device wall 21 by means of a housing 20. The second connector part 3, on the other hand, is connected, for example, to a cable 31, which extends into a housing 30 of the connector part 3 via a cable outlet 300 and is secured to the cable outlet 300 by means of a cable clamp 301 in the form of a retaining nut, thus providing strain relief.

[0041] The connector parts 2, 3 of the illustrated embodiment particularly implement so-called heavy-duty connectors (also referred to as industrial connectors), which are suitable for use in industrial environments and are designed to be durable and resistant.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector parts 2, 3 each have a contact insert 4, 5 which is enclosed in the respective associated housing 20, 30 of the connector part 2, 3 and creates a plug-in face on the respective associated connector part 2, 3 for plug-in connection of the connector parts 2, 3 to each other.

[0043] As can be seen from the sectional views according to Fig. 1B and 1CAs can be seen, the contact inserts 4, 5 are each formed by a retaining frame 41, 51 and contact modules 40, 50 arranged thereon. At least one contact module 40, 50 of each contact insert 4, 5 has cable connectors 6, 7 arranged on it, which are connected to associated cables 60, 70 and have electrical contact elements 62, 72 for establishing an electrical connection between the connector parts 2, 3.

[0044] The first cable connectors 6 are assigned to the first connector part 2 and are arranged on the contact insert 4 of the first connector part 2. The second cable connectors 7, on the other hand, are assigned to the second connector part 3 and are arranged on the contact insert 5 of the second connector part.

[0045] Fig. 2 shows two mutually associated, complementary line connectors 6, 7 in the plugged-in position, but without further components of the respective associated contact inserts 4, 5 and the connector parts 2, 3.

[0046] The first cable connector 6 is shown in different views in Fig. 4-10 The second cable connector 7, in contrast, is shown in different views in Fig. 11-15 depicted.

[0047] The cable connectors 6, 7 implement a push-pull connection. Each cable connector 6, 7 has an insulating body 61, 71 with an insulating section 610, 710 projecting towards the other cable connector 7, 6, on which electrical contact elements 62, 72 are arranged. The contact elements 62 of the first cable connector 6 form socket contacts into which the contact elements 72 of the second cable connector 7, in the form of pin contacts, can be inserted for electrical contact.

[0048] The cable connectors 6, 7, together with the associated cables 60, 70, establish a data connection. Each cable connector 6, 7 has a plug section 63, 73 made of an electrically conductive material, which is connected to a shield of the cable 60, 70 and is therefore at the ground potential of the shield of the cable 60, 70. To connect the cable connectors 6, 7, the plug sections 63, 73 are plugged into each other, so that the plug section 73, designed as a so-called male part, engages with the plug section 63, designed as a so-called female part, thereby creating a plug connection between the cable connectors 6, 7.

[0049] The cable connector 6 has a locking element 65, which is a ring-shaped element (see Fig. 3 in conjunction with Fig. 4 ) is arranged within the plug-in section 63 and projects radially inwards from the plug-in section 63 with a plurality of tabs arranged circumferentially around the plug-in section 63. In the plug-in position, the locking element 65 creates a locking connection between the plug-in sections 63 and 73. For plug-in connection, the plug-in sections 63 and 73 are plugged into each other along a plug-in direction E. The plug-in section 73 slides into the plug-in section 63 in the plug-in direction E, so that in the plug-in position, the plug-in section 73 of the second plug-in 7 with a locking head 730 lies behind the locking element 65, thus preventing the plug-in 73 from being pulled out against the plug-in direction E by the locking element 65.In the inserted position, the cable connectors 6, 7 are thus locked together and cannot be removed from each other, at least not without releasing the locking mechanism, in the opposite direction of insertion E.

[0050] By means of one or more seals 630, a moisture-tight transition is created between the cable connectors 6, 7 in the plugged position, so that moisture in particular cannot enter the area of ​​the contact elements 62, 72 on the cable connectors 6, 7.

[0051] An actuating element 64, in the form of a substantially cylindrical sleeve, is arranged on the plug section 63 of the cable connector 6. This actuating element is slidable along the plug section 63 along an actuation direction B (directed along the plugging direction E). By sliding the actuating element 64 in the actuation direction B, it can be moved along the plug section 63, causing the actuating element 64 to act on the tabs of the locking element 65 with an actuation section 640, elastically adjusting them relative to the plug section 63. This releases the locking mechanism of the cable connectors 6 and 7, allowing them to be disconnected from each other along the plugging direction E.

[0052] Because the cable connectors 6, 7 can be plugged into each other along the insertion direction E (push) and then disconnected from each other by sliding the actuating element 64 along the opposite direction B, thereby releasing the locking element 65 (pull), the connectors 6, 7 implement a push-pull connection. The cable connectors 6, 7 are easy to connect, are reliably locked together in the plugged-in position, and can be conveniently disconnected from each other by a user by releasing the locking mechanism.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, a locking mechanism is created by the locking element 65 on the side of the cable connector 6. It should be noted that the cable connector 7 also has a locking element 75 and an actuating element 74 for unlocking the locking element 75, which enables a connection to another cable connector via the locking element 75. The locking element 75 and the actuating element 74 are specifically provided to ensure compatibility with other connectors.

[0054] The cable connectors 6 and 7 are primarily used to establish a data connection, for example an Ethernet connection, and are designed, for instance, as four-pin connectors with a so-called M12 mating face. These cable connectors can be standardized.

[0055] Because in such data connections the cable connector 6, 7 must be connected, for example, to a shield of an associated data line 60, 70, such cable connectors 6, 7 are usually delivered by a manufacturer in a pre-assembled manner to a user who then uses the cable connectors 6, 7 together with the already connected lines 60, 70 in the intended manner.

[0056] It is proposed here to use cable connectors 6, 7, such as those found, for example, in Fig. 2 , 4 , 5 and 11The diagrams show that the connectors 6 and 7 are used on connector parts 2 and 3, which can be used to create heavy-duty connectors (industrial connectors). The cable connectors 6 and 7 are attached to and used on the associated contact modules 40 and 50 without requiring any modification to the connector parts 6 and 7. When connecting the connector parts 2 and 3, the cable connectors 6 and 7 of the connector parts 2 and 3 are connected to each other in a plug-in manner, whereby a locking mechanism is created on each cable connector 6 and 7, which can then be released together by simultaneously actuating the actuating elements 64 of the cable connectors 6 and 7.

[0057] As this is shown Fig. 6-9 for the cable connector 6 and out Fig. 12-14 As can be seen for the cable connector 7, contact modules 40, 50 for use with the cable connectors 6, 7 are formed from housing parts 400, 500, which have receiving openings 401, 501 for receiving the cable connectors 6, 7 and can be joined together to complete the respective contact module 40, 50. Fig. 9 Such a contact module 40 is shown using two line connectors 6. Fig. 14 In contrast, a contact module 50 is shown using two cable connectors 7.

[0058] For each contact module 40, 50, two housing parts 400, 500 are joined together to form a module housing 406, 506. The housing parts 400, 500 together form two receiving openings 401, 501, in each of which a cable connector 6, 7 can be received.

[0059] As this is shown Fig. 4 und 5 in conjunction with Fig. 6 for the cable connector 6 and out Fig. 11 und 12 As can be seen for the cable connector 7, positive locking sections 641, 741 are formed on the actuating element 64, 74 of the respective cable connector 6, 7, which project radially from a cylindrically shaped body 642, 742 of the actuating element 64, 74 designed as a sleeve. The positive locking sections 641, 741 are each formed as circumferential, ring-shaped sections on the outside of the body 642, 742 and, in the inserted position of the cable connector 6, 7, engage in associated positive locking sections 402, 502 in the form of groove-shaped recesses within the associated receiving opening 401, 501 of the housing parts 400, 500, so that a positive locking connection is created between the actuating element 64, 74 and the module housing 406, 506 and the actuating element 64, 74 is positively connected to the module housing 406, 506 along the plug-in direction E.

[0060] The cable connectors 6, 7 are thus each attached to and secured on the associated module housing 406, 506. In this way, a contact module 40, 50 is created, as shown in Fig. 9 for two cable connectors 6 and in Fig. 14 shown for two cable connectors 7.

[0061] Each contact module can now be inserted into the retaining frame 41, 51 of the contact insert 4, 5 to form the contact insert 4, 5, as shown in Fig. 10 for contact use 4 and in Fig. 15 for the contact insert 5. Because the contact modules 40, 50 with the line connectors 6, 7 arranged on them are complementary to each other and can be connected to each other to establish an electrical (data) connection, complementary contact inserts 4, 5 are created in this way, which can be connected to each other to connect the higher-level connector parts 2, 3.

[0062] As this is shown Fig. 10 and 15 As can be seen, each retaining frame 41, 51 has lateral frame parts 410, 510 which are connected to each other via end-face flange sections 413, 414, 513, 514 and form a plurality of adjacent slots for receiving contact modules 40, 50. Locking elements 411, 511 in the form of mechanical springs are arranged on the lateral frame parts 410, 510, which serve to establish a locking connection with locking elements 405, 505 on the module housings 406, 506 of the contact modules 40, 50 when the contact modules 40, 50 are inserted into the frame opening 412, 512 of the retaining frame 41. In the inserted position, the contact modules 40, 50 are thus firmly connected to the retaining frame 41, 51 and are therefore firmly and securely fixed to the retaining frame 41, 51.

[0063] For the formation of connector parts 2, 3 (see Fig. 1A-1C The contact inserts 4, 5 can be connected to their respective housings 20, 30 by screwing the flange sections 413, 414, 513, 514 together, thus fixing the contact inserts 4, 5 to the housings 20, 30. The connector parts 2, 3 are therefore assembled, with mating faces on the connector parts 2, 3 being created via the contact modules 40, 50 on the mounting frames 41, 51.

[0064] Because the actuating elements 64, 74 of the cable connectors 6, 7 are fixed to the module housings 406, 506, the actuating elements 64, 74 together with the module housings 406, 506 are movable relative to the other components of the cable connectors 6, 7, in particular the assembly created by the insulating body 61, 71, the plug section 63, 73 and the locking element 65, 75. This makes it possible to actuate the actuating elements 64, 74 of all cable connectors 6, 7 together by grasping the housings 20, 30, so that the cable connectors 6, 7 can be easily connected to each other by attaching the connector parts 2, 3 and creating a locking connection via the cable connectors 6, 7, but the connection can also be easily released again by grasping the housings 20, 30 of the connector parts 2, 3 and releasing the locking mechanism.

[0065] As this is shown Fig. 16 As can be seen, the contact inserts 4, 5 can be connected to each other along the insertion direction E. Upon connection, the cable connectors 6, 7 lock together. If, in order to disconnect the associated connector parts 2, 3, one of the connector parts 2, 3 is pulled, the housing 20, 30 of the respective connector part 2, 3 moves. This movement is transmitted via the housing 20, 30 to the retaining frames 41, 51 and, from there, to the module housings 406, 506 of the contact modules 40, 50. Due to the fixed connection with the module housing 406, 506, the actuating elements 64, 74 on the cable connectors 6, 7 are thus moved, releasing the locking mechanism of the cable connectors 6, 7.

[0066] This results in simple operation of the connector parts 2, 3 for both making the connection and for disconnecting it.

[0067] Because the module housings 406, 506 of the contact modules 40, 50 are adapted to accommodate pre-assembled, optionally standardized, cable connectors 6, 7, cable connectors 6, 7 with attached cables 60, 70 can be manufactured and delivered, which a user can then attach to module housings 406, 506 and thus use with contact modules 40, 50. This allows, in particular, a user to use existing, pre-assembled data cables in a variable, modular manner with contact modules 40, 50.

[0068] By adapting the shape of the receiving openings 401, 501 on the module housings 406, 506, a contact module 40, 50 can be adapted to a specific cable connector 6, 7, so that basically very different cable connectors 6, 7 can be used on contact modules 40, 50.

[0069] The underlying idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can also be realized in other ways.

[0070] In particular, mounting frames, contact modules and cable connectors may have a completely different shape than described in the exemplary embodiments.

[0071] A data connection can advantageously be established via cable connectors, whereby cable connectors can be single-pole, two-pole or multi-pole, for example four-pole.

[0072] In particular, an Ethernet connection, especially a Fast Ethernet connection, can be established via cable connectors of the type described here. Bezugszeichenliste

[0073] 1 Connector 2 Connector part 20 Housing 21 Device wall 3 Connector part 30 Housing 300 Cable exit 301 Screw fastening 31 Cable 4 Contact insert 40 Contact module 400 Housing part 401 Receipt opening 402 Positive locking sections 403 Plug opening 404 Plug section 405 Locking element 406 Module housing 41 Retaining frame 410 Frame walls 411 Locking element (locking spring) 412 Frame opening 413, 414 Flange section 415, 416 PE contact 5 Contact insert 50 Contact module 500 Housing part 501 Receipt opening 502 Positive locking sections 504 Plug section 505 Locking element 506 Module housing 51 Retaining frame 510 Frame walls 511 Locking element (locking spring) 512 Frame opening 513, 514 Flange section 515,516 PE contact 6 Cable connector 60 Cable 61 Insulating body 610 Insulating body section 62 Contact elements 63 Plug section 630 Seal 64 Actuating element 640 Actuating section 641 Positive locking sections 642 Sleeve body 65 Locking element 7 Cable connector 70 Cable 71 Insulating body 710 Insulating body section 72 Contact elements 73 Plug section 730 Locking head 74 Actuating element 741 Positive locking sections 742 Sleeve body 75 Locking element E Plug direction,

Claims

1. Contact insert (4, 5) for a plug-in connector part (2, 3) which can be plug-connected to a mating plug-in connector part, having a holding frame (41, 51), at least one contact module (40, 50) which has a module housing (406, 506) and at least one electrical contact element (62, 72) for making electrical contact with the mating plug-in connector part, wherein the at least one contact module (40, 50) can be attached to the holding frame (41, 51) in order to form the contact insert (4, 5), and at least one line plug-in connector (6, 7) which is connected to an electrical line (60, 70) and has an insulating body (61, 71) on which the at least one electrical contact element (62, 72) is arranged, a locking element (65, 75) for locking the at least one line plug-in connector (6, 7) to the mating plug-in connector part, and an actuating element (64, 74) which can be moved relative to the insulating body (61, 71) for unlocking the locking element (65, 75), wherein the module housing (406, 506) has at least one receiving opening (401, 501) into which the actuating element (64, 74) of the at least one line plug-in connector (6, 7) can be inserted for connection to the module housing (406, 506), wherein the module housing (406, 506) has two housing parts (400, 500) which form the receiving opening (401, 501) between them, characterized in that the actuating element (64, 74) is formed by a sleeve which is displaceable relative to the insulating body (61, 71) along an actuating direction (B), and in that the actuating element (64, 74) of the at least one line plug-in connector (6, 7), in a position in which the actuating element (64, 74) is connected to the module housing (406, 506), can be actuated by moving the module housing (406, 506) relative to the insulating body (61, 71) in order to unlock the locking element (65, 75).

2. Contact insert (4, 5) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the actuating element (64, 74) has at least one form-fitting section (641, 741) for form-fitting connection to the module housing (406, 506).

3. Contact insert (4, 5) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the contact insert (40, 50) can be plug-connected to the mating plug-in connector part along a plug-in direction (E), wherein the at least one form-fitting section (641, 741) of the actuating element (64, 74), in a connected position, is connected in a form-fitting manner to the module housing (406, 506) for fixing along the plug-in direction (E).

4. Contact insert (4, 5) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the actuating element (64, 74) can be moved relative to the insulating body (61, 71) along the plug-in direction (E) in order to unlock the locking element (65, 75).

5. Contact insert (4, 5) according to any of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the actuating element (64, 74) has a cylindrical body (642, 742), from which the at least one form-fitting section (641, 741) radially projects.

6. Contact insert (4, 5) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (64, 74) has an actuating section (640, 740) for acting on the locking element (65, 75).

7. Contact insert (4, 5) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one line plug-in connector (6, 7) has an electrically conductive plug-in section (63, 73) which is arranged on the insulating body (61, 71) and on which the actuating element (64, 74) is displaceably guided and which can be plug-connected to the mating plug-in connector part in order to transfer an earth potential.

8. Contact insert (4, 5) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the locking element (65, 75) is electrically conductive and is electrically connected to the plug-in section (63, 73).

9. Contact insert (4, 5) according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the locking element (65, 75) can be elastically adjusted with respect to the plug-in section (63, 73) by actuating the actuating element (64, 74) in order to unlock the locking element (65, 75).

10. Contact insert (4, 5) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding frame (41, 51) has a frame opening (412, 512) into which the at least one contact module (40, 50) can be inserted for forming the contact insert (4, 5), wherein the module housing (406, 506) has a first latching element (405, 505) and the holding frame (41, 51) has a second latching element (411, 511), wherein the first latching element (405, 505) and the second latching element (411, 511) are latched to each other in a position of the at least one contact module (40, 50) in which it is inserted into the frame opening (412, 512).

11. Plug-in connector part (2, 3) having a housing (20, 30) and a contact insert (4, 5) according to any of the preceding claims received in the housing (20, 30), wherein the housing (20, 30) is fixedly connected to the holding frame (41, 51) of the contact insert (4, 5) in an assembled position.

12. Plug-in connector (1), having a first plug-in connector part (2) according to Claim 11 and a second plug-in connector part (3) according to Claim 11, wherein the first plug-in connector part (2) and the second plug-in connector part (3) can be plug-connected to each other.