Pin connector

Abstract

A pin connector (2) having a peripheral frame (5) with a series of through openings (6) in the center and a plurality of modules (7) each engaging a respective through opening (6) and provided with a series of electrical pin contacts (4) and with a support plate (8) made of plastic material and having a series of first through holes (9) engaging the respective electrical pin contacts (4). The peripheral frame (5) has a plurality of linear sliding guides (14) each arranged in the area of a through opening (6) designed to guide the insertion of the support plate (8) of a module (8) into the through opening (6) to allow the translation of the support plate (8) only in an installation direction (D) and provided with a limit stop (15) which terminates the insertion. An interlocking connection system (18) is provided which is activated when the support plate (8) of each module (7) hits the limit stop (15).

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Italian Patent Application No. 102020000004009, filed on February 26, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to pin connectors.

[0004] The present invention finds advantageous applications in electronic control units for automotive applications, which will be explicitly referenced in the following description without losing their generality. Existing technology

[0005] Electronic control units used in automotive applications include printed circuit boards (PCBs) that support electronic circuitry and are equipped with pin connectors.

[0006] Pin connectors consist of one or more rows of electrical pin contacts, which are typically spaced apart by a pin distance (often called "pitch") ranging from 1.00 mm (0.04 inches) to 6.00 mm (0.236 inches), with a typical value of 2.54 mm (0.1 inches).

[0007] In modern electronic control units used in automotive applications, pin connectors can include a large number of electrical pin contacts (more than two hundred), and therefore, they can have significant size and relatively high manufacturing costs. When it is necessary to change an existing electronic control unit, the corresponding pin connector also needs to be changed, and changes to the corresponding pin connector can become particularly complex and expensive, especially when the pin connector has significant size (i.e., with a large number of electrical pin contacts).

[0008] Patent application US2012276761A1 describes a pin connector comprising a peripheral frame having a series of through openings at the center and a separate body supporting multiple modules, each module engaging a corresponding through opening and having a series of electrical pin contacts and a support plate made of plastic material and having a series of first through holes engaged by the corresponding electrical pin contacts. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pin connector that can be manufactured in a simple and economical manner.

[0010] According to the present invention, a pin connector is provided, comprising:

[0011] The outer frame has a series of through openings at its center; and

[0012] Multiple modules, each module engaging with a corresponding through opening, and provided with a series of electrical pin contacts and a support plate made of plastic material having a series of first through holes engaging with the corresponding electrical pin contacts;

[0013] The outer frame includes multiple linear sliding guides, each arranged in the area of ​​the through-opening. A support plate, designed to guide the module, is inserted into the through-opening to allow translation only in the installation direction, and is equipped with a stop to terminate the insertion.

[0014] An interlocking connection system is installed, which is activated when the support plate of each module touches the limit stop. Once activated, it prevents the support plate from moving away from the through opening, thereby establishing a firm connection between the support plate and the outer frame.

[0015] The pin connector is characterized in that each module is completely separate from and independent of other modules. It has no contact points with other modules except through contact with the outer frame, and can be inserted into the outer frame independently of other modules.

[0016] The appended claims describe embodiments of the invention and form part of the description.

[0017] Brief description of the attached figures

[0018] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some non-limiting embodiments of the invention, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electronic control unit for automotive applications equipped with a pin connector according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Rear 3D view of the pin connector.

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded stereoscopic rear view of a portion of the pin connector.

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A rear 3D view showing details of the pin connector.

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional plan view of a portion of the pin connector.

[0024] Figure 6 and Figure 7 During two different installation steps Figure 2A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a portion of a pin connector.

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Rear perspective view of different embodiments of the pin connector.

[0026] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An exploded stereoscopic rear view of a portion of the pin connector.

[0027] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A rear 3D view showing details of the pin connector.

[0028] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional plan view of a portion of the pin connector.

[0029] Figure 12 and Figure 13 During two different installation steps Figure 8 A three-dimensional cross-section view of a portion of a pin connector.

[0030] Figure 14 and Figure 15 During assembly Figure 8 Two different perspective views of a portion of a pin connector; and

[0031] Figure 16 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the protrusion of the guide wall of the support plate of the pin connector. Detailed Implementation

[0032] exist Figure 1 In this context, the number 1 generally represents an electronic control unit used in automotive applications.

[0033] The electronic control unit 1 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) supporting electronic circuitry, the PCB having a pin connector 2 and being inserted into a metal or plastic container 3, the pin connector 2 protruding from one end of the metal or plastic container 3.

[0034] A pin connector consists of one or more rows of electrical pin contacts 4, which are spaced apart by a distance (often called "pitch") ranging from 1.00 mm (0.04 inches) to 6.00 mm (0.236 inches).

[0035] according to Figure 2 and Figure 3The pin connector 2 includes a peripheral frame 5, which is preferably made of plastic or (alternatively) metal and has a series of through openings 6 at its center (especially, in the embodiment shown in the figures, six through openings 6). Each through opening 6 of the peripheral frame 5 is engaged by a corresponding module 7, which is provided with a series of electrical pin contacts 4 and a support plate 8, which is made of plastic (i.e., an electrically insulating material) and has a series of through holes 9 engaged by the corresponding electrical pin contacts 4. In other words, the support plate 8 of each module 7 is a matrix in which the electrical pin contacts 4 are securely received to hold the electrical pin contacts 4 in the desired position.

[0036] according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Each electrical pin contact 4 has a straight front portion, a straight rear portion, and an engagement portion. The straight front portion engages with a through hole 9 of a corresponding support plate 8 and exits from the pin connector 2. The straight rear portion is perpendicular to the front portion and configured to couple to a printed circuit board. The engagement portion connects the front portion to the rear portion.

[0037] according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The pin connector 2 includes two side-by-side trays 10 arranged perpendicular to the support plate 8 of the module 7, and each has a series of through holes 11 that engage with the rear portion of the corresponding electrical pin contact 4. The function of the trays 10 is to keep the electrical pin contacts 4 separate from each other, ensuring a secure second anchoring point for the electrical pin contacts 4 before they are soldered onto the printed circuit board (and thus during the production, storage, and transportation of the pin connector 2); that is, the electrical pin contacts 4 are anchored in front to the support plate 8 (because they are arranged through the through holes 9 of the support plate 8) and in the rear to the trays 10 (because they are arranged through the through holes 11 of the trays 10).

[0038] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, each tray 10 is associated with three corresponding modules 7, i.e., the through-hole 11 of the same tray 10 is engaged by the rear portions of the electrical pin contacts 4 of the three modules 7 arranged side by side. According to other embodiments not shown herein, there are different numbers of trays 10, such as a single tray 10 for all six modules 7 or three, four, five, or six trays 10 arranged side by side.

[0039] The outer frame 5 has three mounting brackets 12 that protrude from the outer frame 5 and provide corresponding anchoring points for the trays 10; specifically, each tray 10 has two respective hooks 13, which are arranged at opposite ends of the tray 10 and interlocked (i.e., due to their elastic deformation) into their respective seats obtained in the mounting brackets 12. The central mounting bracket 12 (arranged in the center of the outer frame 5) is obviously shared by the two trays 10, i.e., it provides support for the two trays 10.

[0040] according to Figure 5 The outer frame 5 has multiple linear sliding guides 14, each arranged in the region of the through opening 6, designed to guide the support plate 8 of the module 7 into the through opening 6 to allow the support plate 8 to translate only in the installation direction D, and equipped with a stop block 15 to terminate the insertion. In other words, each linear sliding guide 14 consists of a channel into which a portion of the support plate 8 of the module 7 is inserted with minimal clearance, so that this portion of the support plate 8 can only translate along the channel in the installation direction D (because any other movement is completely prevented due to contact with the channel wall). The edge of the support plate 8 of each module 7 is larger than the channel defining the linear sliding guide 14 and contacts the corresponding edge of the outer frame 5 surrounding the through opening 6 and defining the stop block 15.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, each linear sliding guide 14 has an outwardly flared shape, the size of which gradually decreases as the support plate 8 of the corresponding module 7 moves forward during its insertion; in this way, each linear sliding guide 14 performs an automatic centering function. Specifically, each linear sliding guide 14 has two inclined guide walls 16, and each support plate 8 of the module 7 has two inclined guide walls 17, the guide walls 17 having the same inclination as the guide walls 16 and being coupled to the guide walls 16 (i.e., sliding on the guide walls 16). For example, the guide walls 16 and 17 have an inclination of approximately 2-3°.

[0042] according to Figure 6 and Figure 7 For each through opening 6, an interlocking connection system 18 is provided. When the support plate 8 of each module 7 touches the limit stop 15, the interlocking connection system 18 is activated. Once activated, the interlocking connection system 18 prevents the support plate 8 from moving away from the through opening 6, thereby forming a firm connection between the support plate 8 and the outer frame 5 (i.e., no movement is allowed between the support plate 8 and the outer frame 5).

[0043] For each through opening 6, the interlocking connection system 18 includes a series of teeth 19 that project inward toward the interior of each through opening 6 and are connected to the outer frame 5 via elastically deformable arms 20. Furthermore, the interlocking connection system 18 includes a series of abutments 21 formed in the support plate 8 of each module 7 and designed to receive the teeth 19. Figure 4 For each through opening 6, four teeth 19 are provided, arranged around the linear sliding guide 14, and therefore, for each support plate 8 of module 7, four adjacent portions 21 are provided; according to different embodiments (e.g., in Figure 10 As shown in the figure, for each through opening 6, two teeth 19 are provided, which are arranged in the regions on opposite sides of the linear sliding guide 14, and thus for each support plate 8 of module 7, two adjacent portions 21 are provided.

[0044] That is, each through opening 6 has two or four teeth 19 arranged one or two on the right side of the through opening 6 and one or two on the left side, and the support plate 8 of each module 7 has two or four adjacent portions 21 arranged one or two on the right side of the support plate 8 and one or two on the left side.

[0045] The number, shape, and / or arrangement of the teeth 19 (and therefore the adjacent portions 20) are different according to other embodiments not shown herein.

[0046] according to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the preferred embodiment shown, each tooth 19 has an inclined outer wall 22, and each abutment 21 is formed in a body 23, which is part of the support plate 8 and has an inclined outer wall 24 (typically having an inclination similar to that of the inclined outer wall 22); during the sliding of the support plate 8 along the mounting direction D, each inclined outer wall 22 slides on the corresponding inclined outer wall 24, thereby pushing its own tooth 19 outward, thereby allowing its tooth 19 to move across the corresponding body 23 to abut against the abutment 21 at the end of the mounting movement.

[0047] according to Figure 3 Each module 7's support plate 8 includes two pushing areas 25, which form a pushing zone on which force can be applied. This pushing zone is oriented along the mounting direction D to connect the support plate 8 to a corresponding through opening 6 in the outer frame 5. Specifically, the two pushing areas 25 are arranged at two opposite ends of the support plate 8, i.e., one on the right side of the support plate 8 and the other on the left side. Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the push area 25 is defined at the top of each post oriented parallel to the mounting direction D and projecting from the support plate 8. In other words, during the assembly of the pin connector 2, the support plate 8 of each module 7 needs to be pushed into the corresponding through-hole 6 with a given force, along the mounting direction D, until it encounters a stop block, and until the connection system 18 is activated (following the elastic deformation of the arm 20); however, pushing the support plate 8 of each module 7 with a given force without contacting the electrical pin contacts 4 in any way (as they are very thin and easily deformed) would be cumbersome. Therefore, the push area 25 is provided, which provides a push zone oriented along the mounting direction D on which force can be applied to engage the support plate 8 into the corresponding through-hole 6 of the outer frame.

[0048] Figure 8-15 Showing Figure 2-7 The variant of pin connector 2 shown.

[0049] Figure 8-15 The pin connector 2 shown is... Figure 2-7 The difference in the pin connector 2 shown is that, Figure 8-15 In the pin connector 2 shown, each through-hole 6 has only two teeth 19 (instead of four), with one tooth 19 arranged on the right side of the through-hole 6 and one on the left side (e.g., as shown). Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown), therefore, each module 7's support plate 8 has only two adjacent portions 21 (instead of four), arranged one on the right side of the support plate 8 and one on the left side. The presence of two unique teeth 19 (with larger dimensions) instead of four teeth 19 (with smaller dimensions) makes it easier and faster for the module 7 to be inserted into the corresponding through opening 8 of the outer frame 5, as the connection of two teeth 19 (with larger dimensions) in each adjacent portion 21 is easier to operate than the connection of four teeth 19 (with smaller dimensions) in each adjacent portion 21.

[0050] Figure 8-15 The pin connector 2 shown is... Figure 2-7 The difference in the pin connector 2 shown is that, Figure 2-7 In the pin connector 2 shown, each adjacent portion 21 is recessed into the support plate 8 (e.g., as shown in the figure). Figure 6 (as shown), and therefore, the corresponding main body 23 remains within the dimensions of the rest of the support plate 8; however, in Figure 8-15 In the pin connector 2 shown, each adjacent portion 21 is arranged at a given distance from the rest of the support plate 8 (e.g., as shown in the figure). Figure 12As shown), and therefore, the corresponding main body 23 protrudes from the support plate 8.

[0051] Figure 8-15 The pin connector 2 shown is... Figure 2-7 The difference in the pin connector 2 shown is that, Figure 8-15 In the pin connector 2 shown, each guide wall 17 formed on the support plate 8 is coupled with a given interference (i.e., with an interference other than zero) to a corresponding guide wall 16 obtained in the linear guide 14 of the through opening 6 of the outer frame 5; in other words, due to the interference connection between each guide wall 17 obtained in the support plate 8 and the corresponding guide wall 16 obtained in the linear guide 14 of the through opening 6, a (small) deformation (tending to elasticity) of the support plate 8 and the outer frame 5 is required in order to insert the support plate 8 into the corresponding through opening 6. This deformation requires a greater force to insert the support plate 8 into the corresponding through opening 6, and therefore, a greater force is also required to remove the support plate 8 from the corresponding through opening 6, thereby increasing the "resistance" (firmness) of the connection between the support plate 8 and the outer frame 5.

[0052] according to Figure 14 and 15 In the preferred embodiment shown, each guide wall 17 has a plurality of protrusions (projections, ribs) 26 that protrude from the wall of the support plate 8 and define an interference fit with the wall of the corresponding through opening 6 of the peripheral frame 5; that is, the interference fit between each support plate 8 and the corresponding through opening 6 is determined solely by the presence of the protrusions 26 protruding from the wall of the support plate 8. Preferably, there are no protrusions 26 in the guide wall 17.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, each protrusion 26 is oriented parallel to the mounting direction D. Figure 16 In the preferred embodiment shown, each protrusion 26 typically has a maximum thickness H ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, and particularly, a maximum thickness of approximately 0.2 mm. Figure 16 In the preferred embodiment shown, each protrusion 26 has a front portion that is similar to a wedge shape (i.e., has an inclined plane that gradually increases in thickness as it moves forward in the mounting direction D) (i.e., the portion that first contacts the corresponding guide wall 16 formed in the linear guide 14 relative to the mounting direction D) so as to determine the gradual deformation when the support plate 8 of the module 7 is inserted into the corresponding through opening 6 of the outer frame 5.

[0054] In summary, the interference fit between each support plate 8 and the corresponding through opening 6 requires generally elastic deformation of the support plate 8 and the outer frame 5, and at least partially plastic deformation of the protrusions 26 (which perform the interference fit).

[0055] exist Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 In the embodiment shown, the protrusion 26 exists only on the wall of the support plate 8; according to other embodiments not shown herein, the protrusion 26 also exists on the wall of the through opening 6, or the protrusion 26 exists only on the wall of the through opening 6.

[0056] Figures 8-15 The pin connector 2 shown has four actuation regions 25, which are arranged at two opposite ends of the support plate 8, two on the right side of the support plate 8 and two on the left side of the support plate 8; in particular, the four actuation regions 25 are arranged around the guide wall 17 in the regions at the four vertices of the support plate 8. Figures 8-15 In the illustrated embodiment, the pushing region 25 is defined at the top of an annular edge that surrounds each support plate 8, is oriented parallel to the mounting direction D, and protrudes from the support plate 8.

[0057] Assembly of the pin connector 2 requires pushing the module 7 with a given force along the mounting direction D (especially when there is a protrusion 26) and applying the thrust to the module 7, pressing it against the corresponding push area 25, inserting one individual module 7 at a time into the through opening 6 of the outer frame 5; that is, assembly of the pin connector 2 requires applying the thrust (along the mounting direction D) to the support plate 8 of the module 7 by pressing only the top of the corresponding push area 25 (arranged on two opposite sides of the support plate 9). Each module 7 is pushed along the mounting direction D until the corresponding support plate 8 contacts the corresponding stop, and thus until the two (four) teeth 19 of the support plate 8 engage the corresponding abutment 21.

[0058] Each module 7 is fixed to the outer frame 5 only by mechanical connection (i.e., by mechanical interlocking) without the use of adhesives for any type of gluing and without the need for any type of thermal welding.

[0059] It should be noted that each module 7 is completely separate from and independent of the other modules 7, with no contact points with the other modules 7 except through contact with the outer frame 5, and can be inserted into the outer frame 5 independently of the other modules 7; this feature leads to two positive effects: first, the same modules 7 can be easily used to assemble pin connectors 2 of different sizes (i.e., it is sufficient to use fewer or more modules 7 of the same type), and secondly, securing the modules 7 in the outer frame 5 requires less thrust, as a single module 7 can be locked in place at a time (therefore, there is no risk of deformation or breakage of the outer frame 5 due to excessive mechanical stress).

[0060] The embodiments described herein can be combined with each other without exceeding the scope of protection of the invention.

[0061] The pin connector 2 according to the present invention has different advantages.

[0062] In particular, the aforementioned pin connector 2 is easy and economical to manufacture because it consists of a limited number of parts, for example, it can be manufactured by injection molding (especially when the outer frame 5 is also made of plastic material), and it can be easily installed in an automated manner.

[0063] The plastic molding process, the bending process that bends the electrical pin contacts 4, and the assembly process are performed on a single module 7 in a small size and in a small quantity (i.e., in a small size and in a small quantity of electrical pin contacts 4), so these processes are relatively simple.

[0064] By keeping the design of the individual module 7 unchanged and by changing the number of modules 7 and the design of the peripheral frame 5, it is possible to obtain a new pin connector 4, which is invested in only one part of the process flow that defines the manufacturing and assembly of the peripheral frame 5; that is, the module-based concept allows the use of existing modules 7 to reduce the initial investment in the new pin connector 2.

[0065] Therefore, in order to obtain the new pin connector 2, it is only necessary to invest in the plastic molding and mounting line conversion of the outer frame 5 in order to accept the new outer frame 5 and reuse what is already available for manufacturing individual modules 7.

[0066] Attached Figure Reference Number List

[0067] 1 Electronic control unit

[0068] 2 Pin Connectors

[0069] 3 containers

[0070] 4 electrical plug contacts

[0071] 5. External Frame

[0072] 6 Through-opening

[0073] 7 modules

[0074] 8 Support plates

[0075] 9 Through holes

[0076] 10 pallets

[0077] 11 Through Holes

[0078] 12 Mounting bracket

[0079] 13 hooks

[0080] 14 Linear sliding guide

[0081] 15 Limit blocks

[0082] 16 Guide Wall

[0083] 17. Guide Wall

[0084] 18 Connection System

[0085] 19 teeth

[0086] 20 arms

[0087] 21 Adjacent parts

[0088] 22. Sloping outer wall

[0089] 23 Main Body

[0090] 24. Sloping outer wall

[0091] 25. Promote regional development

[0092] 26. Prominent

[0093] D Installation direction

[0094] H height

Claims

1. A pin connector (2) comprising: - a peripheral frame (5) having a series of through openings (6) in the center; - and - a plurality of modules (7), each of which engages a respective said through opening (6) and is provided with a series of electrical pin contacts (4) and with a support plate (8) made of plastic material and having a series of first through holes (9) engaging the respective said electrical pin contacts (4); - wherein said peripheral frame (5) has a plurality of linear sliding guides (14), each of which is arranged in the area of a said through opening (6) and is designed to guide the insertion of the support plate (8) of a said module (7) into the through opening (6) to allow the translation of the support plate (8) only in a direction of installation (D) and is equipped with a limit stop (15) which terminates the insertion; and - wherein an interlocking connection system (18) is provided which is activated when the support plate (8) of each said module (7) comes into contact with the limit stop (15) and, once activated, prevents the removal of the support plate (8) from the through opening (6), thus establishing a firm connection between the support plate (8) and the peripheral frame (5); - said pin connector (2) being characterized in that each said module (7) is completely separate from and completely independent of the other said modules (7), has no contact points with the other said modules (7) except through the contact of the peripheral frame (5) and can be inserted into the peripheral frame (5) alone and completely independently of the other said modules (7); and - each module (7) engages a respective through opening (6) to the extent of a given mechanical interference and therefore only as a result of the deformation of the module (7) and / or the deformation of the peripheral frame (5).

2. The pin connector (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that - for each through opening (6), the interlocking connection system (18) comprises: - a series of first teeth (19) projecting towards the inside of the through opening (6) and connected to the peripheral frame (5) by elastically deformable arms (20); and - a series of abutments (21) obtained in the support plate (8) of a respective said module (7) and designed to receive the first teeth (19).

3. The pin connector (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that: - each first tooth (19) has a first inclined outer wall (22); - each abutment (21) is obtained in a body (23) which is an integral part of the support plate (8) and has a second inclined outer wall (24).

4. The pin connector (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that Each through opening (6) has only two first teeth (19), arranged one on the right and one on the left, and each module (7) has only two abutments (21) of the support plate (8), arranged one on the right and one on the left.

5. The pin connector (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that Each abutment (21) is arranged at a given distance from the rest of the support plate (8) and, therefore, the respective body (23) protrudes from the support plate (8).

6. The pin connector (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that Each linear sliding guide (14) has an outwardly flared shape which progressively reduces the size of the outwardly flared shape in the case of a forward movement of the support plate (8) of the respective module (7) in its insertion.

7. The pin connector (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that The wall of each support plate (8) or of each through opening (6) has a plurality of protrusions (26) which protrude from the wall and determine an interference between each support plate (8) and the respective through opening (6).

8. The pin connector (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that Each protrusion (26) is oriented parallel to the direction of installation (D) and has a wedge-shaped front portion.

9. The pin connector (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support plate (8) of each module (7) comprises at least two push areas (25) which constitute push zones on which a force can be applied, oriented along the direction of installation (D) in order to couple the support plate (8) in the respective through opening (6) of the peripheral frame (5); and The push areas (25) are defined at the top of elements oriented parallel to the direction of installation (D) and protruding from the support plate (8).

10. The pin connector (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each electrical pin contact (4) has a straight front portion which engages the first through opening of the respective support plate (8), a straight rear portion perpendicular to the front portion and configured to be coupled with a printed circuit board, and an engagement portion connecting the front portion to the rear portion; and At least one tray (10) is provided, perpendicular to the support plates and having a series of second through openings engaged by the rear portions of the electrical pin contacts (4) of the at least two modules (7) side by side.

11. The pin connector (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that The second through holes (11) of the same tray (10) are engaged by the rear portions of the electrical pin contacts (4) of at least two modules (7) side by side.

12. Method for the installation of a pin connector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps of: providing a peripheral frame (5); providing a plurality of modules (7); and inserting one single module (7) at a time into the through openings (6) of the peripheral frame (5) by pushing the modules (7) along the direction (D).

13. The installation method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The support plate (8) of each module (7) comprises at least two push areas (25) defined at the top of elements oriented parallel to the direction of installation (D) and protruding from the support plate (8); and Each module (7) is pushed along the direction of installation (D) and into the respective through opening (6) of the peripheral frame (5) by pressing the respective support plate (8) only on the push areas (25).

14. The method of installing of claim 12, wherein, The modules (7) are secured to the peripheral frame (5) only by mechanical interlocking, thus without the need to use gluing or welding.

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