Modular plug connector

Abstract

A modular plug connector (1) comprising a holding frame (2) and at least one plug connector module (5), the holding frame (2) having two side walls (3) which extend parallel to one another and laterally delimit a receiving space (4), the at least one plug connector module (5) being insertable into the receiving space (4), wherein the side walls (3) have a plurality of holding frame side guide elements (7) on their inner side (6) facing the receiving space (4) and the at least one plug connector module (5) has at least one plug connector module side guide element (9) on its outer side (8), wherein the at least one plug connector module side guide element (9) is insertable into the holding frame side guide elements (7) such that the plug connector module (5) is precisely positioned in the receiving space (4), wherein the side walls (3) have a latching structure (11) on their outer side (10) and the plug connector module (5) has at least one latching tab (12) which engages in the latching structure (11) outside the receiving space (4), and wherein the at least one plug connector module (5) comprises at least one functional element (13), for example an electrical or a fluid functional element, with which a functional contact can be established with a functional element of a plug connector module (5) of another plug connector in a plugged-together state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular plug connector according to the preamble of claim 1. Existing technology

[0002] Modular plug connectors are known in the prior art. For example, EP 0 742 608 discloses such a plug connector. In this case, a modular component, in which electrical conductor elements are arranged, is connected to a frame. The modular component is then fixed relative to the retaining frame by a latching lug. A disadvantage of the plug connector according to EP 0 742 608 is, for example, that the positioning of individual modules is not precise.

[0003] Another type of plug connector, which has a module fixed to the base element, can be found in JP-H09-147960. This is disadvantageous because the latching element is located internally, which is detrimental in terms of accessibility. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Starting with the prior art, the objective of this invention is to provide a modular plug connector that overcomes the shortcomings of existing technologies. In particular, the objective of this invention is to provide a modular plug connector in which the plug connector modules can be more easily assembled.

[0005] This objective is achieved through the subject matter of claim 1. Therefore, the modular plug connector includes a retaining frame and at least one plug connector module. The retaining frame has two sidewalls extending parallel to each other and laterally defining a receiving space, in which the plug connector module can be mounted. The sidewalls have a plurality of retaining frame side guides on their inner sides facing the receiving space, and at least one plug connector module has at least one plug connector module side guide on its outer side. The at least one plug connector module side guide can be inserted into the retaining frame side guide, and more precisely, such that the plug connector module is precisely positioned within the receiving space. The sidewalls have a latching structure on their outer sides, and the plug connector module has at least one latch lug engaging with the latching structure outside the receiving space. The at least one plug connector module includes at least one functional element, such as an electrical, optical, or fluid functional element, through which functional contact can be established with functional elements of another plug connector's plug connector module in a mating state.

[0006] Because the guide element is arranged within the housing space, it is well protected from external mechanical influences. The advantage of arranging the latch structure on the outside is that the latch lug remains easily accessible, and individual plug connector modules can be assembled and replaced relatively easily.

[0007] Two modular plug connectors according to the invention can be connected to each other to form a plug connector arrangement. In other words, in the plug connector arrangement, the first plug connector according to the invention is connected to the second plug connector according to the invention. The functional elements are designed accordingly such that functional contact is established between the functional elements of the first plug connector and the functional elements of the second plug connector. In this case, the following description applies to both the first and second plug connectors. In this case, the first and second plug connectors can be connected to each other along a linear insertion direction.

[0008] The term "functional element" is understood to mean, for example, an electrical plug connector having a pin side or a mating receptacle side. In this case, the pin side is located in the plug connector module of the first plug connector, while the receptacle side is located in the plug connector module of the second plug connector connected to the first plug connector. Data signals, or electrical energy, can be transmitted through the electrical plug connector. However, the functional element can also be a fluid functional element, particularly a pneumatic functional element. Regarding the allocation of plug connector modules designed as receptacle-side and plug connection modules designed as plug-side, it is conceivable to allocate all receptacle-side components to one retaining frame and all plug-side components to another retaining frame. However, it is also possible to arrange the receptacle-side and plug-side components on a single retaining frame.

[0009] The latching structure on the outer side is preferably a recess that extends fully along the entire length of the sidewall. This has the advantage that a single latching structure can be provided for all plug connector modules to be installed, regardless of their position within the retaining frame.

[0010] The latch lug of the plug connector module is preferably located outside the retaining frame when connected to the retaining frame. This ensures particularly good accessibility.

[0011] Preferably, each plug connector module is provided with two latching lugs, one of which engages with a latching structure on one side wall, and the other latching lug engages with a latching structure on the other side wall. The plug connector module is thus connected to both sides of the retaining frame, which ensures proper installation of the plug connector module.

[0012] The latch lug preferably has a width extending across the entire width of the plug connector module. However, the latch lug is particularly preferably not wider than the width of the plug connector module. This design results in increased rigidity, and therefore improved robustness against external influences.

[0013] Preferably, the outer side of the sidewall has a recessed area in the region where the latch lug is located, extending from the outer surface of the outer side into the sidewall. The design of the recessed area and the latch lug ensures that the latch lug does not substantially protrude beyond the outer surface, and in particular, that the latch lug is substantially flush with the outer surface. The latch lug is then embedded in the recessed area, thereby creating a compact structure on the one hand, and a structure that makes the latch lug difficult to release on the other.

[0014] The sidewall preferably has a first positioning element on its rear end face, which mates with a second positioning element disposed on the plug connector module. Another advantage of arranging the positioning element on the end face is that the plug connector module can be guided by additional elements.

[0015] The first positioning element is particularly preferably a cam, and the second positioning element is a receiver in which the cam engages. Alternatively, the second positioning element is a cam and the first positioning element is a receiver in which the cam engages.

[0016] The plug connector module-side guide element is preferably at least one guide ridge, and the retaining frame-side guide element is at least one guide groove, wherein at least one guide ridge engages in at least one guide groove.

[0017] Therefore, the guide groove and guide ridge are designed to complement or match each other.

[0018] The guide groove and guide ridge are preferably oriented in the same direction as the insertion direction of the plug connector.

[0019] Preferably, the guide element on one of the two sidewalls is designed to be different from the guide element on the other sidewall, so that the orientation of the plug connector module can be encoded.

[0020] In each case, the guide element is particularly preferably extended beyond at least half the depth of the receiving space. In other words, the guide element extends to at least half the depth of the sidewall.

[0021] The retaining frame-side guide element and / or the plug connector module-side guide element are particularly preferably characterized by having a main guide region and an insertion region, wherein the gap between the plug connector module and the retaining frame in the insertion region is larger than the gap in the main guide region. Therefore, a particularly advantageous structure can be constructed for assembling the plug connector module.

[0022] At least one plug connector module preferably has a side surface, wherein the spacing between the side surface and the guide element is designed such that two adjacent plug connector modules can contact each other at the side surface. Therefore, the available receiving space can be utilized particularly well.

[0023] The retaining frame preferably has two transverse walls, each arranged at the end of a side wall and connected to the side wall, wherein the side wall and the transverse walls are preferably designed as a single unit.

[0024] The frame is preferably designed as a rectangle. The accommodating space is preferably designed as a cuboid.

[0025] The transverse wall preferably has a receiving element on the outer side, in which the grounding contact element is held, wherein the grounding contact element is made of a conductive material. The grounding contact element serves as a grounding contact, which is then connected to the grounding contact element of the second plug connector.

[0026] The retaining frames preferably have a guide structure that guides the two retaining frames during insertion and movement. The guide structure is preferably arranged on two transverse walls. The guide structure preferably has coded elements to prevent incorrect mating.

[0027] At least one plug connector module preferably has a contact side through which the functional element is accessible for insertion with another plug. The plug connector module preferably also has a connection side through which the functional element can be connected to a connecting element, such as a connecting cable or connecting hose. The plug connector module can preferably be installed first in the receiving space with its contact side facing outwards.

[0028] In other words, the plug connector module can be installed in the receiving space along the insertion direction of the two plug connectors.

[0029] The latch lug is preferably protruding from the connection side.

[0030] The sidewall preferably has a front face and a rear face, wherein the latch lug extends on the rear face, and wherein the front face is oriented relative to the front face of the other plug connector when connected to another plug connector.

[0031] Viewed from the insertion direction, the plug connector module preferably protrudes beyond the receiving space. The plug connector module is preferably designed such that an intermediate space is created between the sidewall and the plug connector module, into which the protruding plug connector module of the plug connector to be connected can protrude. In other words, the plug connector module of the first plug connector, protruding from the receiving space, protrudes into the intermediate space of the second plug connector.

[0032] Other embodiments of the invention are described in detail in the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. In the drawings,

[0034] Figure 1 A perspective view of a modular plug connector according to a particularly preferred embodiment is shown;

[0035] Figure 2a It shows that according to Figure 1 Another perspective view of the modular plug connector;

[0036] Figure 2b A detailed view of a plug connector module for a modular plug connector according to one of the foregoing figures is shown;

[0037] Figure 3 It shows that according to Figure 1 and Figure 2a A 3D view of two mating plug connectors;

[0038] Figure 4 It shows that according to Figure 3 A 3D view of the mating plug connector;

[0039] Figure 5a It shows crossing according to Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the mating plug connector;

[0040] Figure 5b It shows crossing according to Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the mating plug connector;

[0041] Figure 6 It shows Figures 3 to 5b 3D exploded view; and

[0042] Figure 7 A perspective view of a retaining frame for another plug connector is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0043] A perspective view of modular plug connector 1 is shown below. Figure 1 and Figure 2a As shown. Next Figures 3 to 6 Two types of plug connector 1 are shown, which can be used together.

[0044] The modular plug connector 1 includes a retaining frame 2 and at least one plug connector module 5 mounted on the retaining frame 2. Typically, multiple different plug connector modules 5 are mounted on the retaining frame 2, and the types of plug connector modules 5 can be different.

[0045] The retaining frame 2 includes two side walls 3 that extend parallel to each other and laterally define a receiving space 4. In this case, the side walls 3 are arranged spaced apart from each other. A transverse wall 21 connecting the two side walls 3 to each other is arranged at the free ends of the side walls 3. In this case, the side walls 3 and the transverse wall 21 define the receiving space 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving space 4 is substantially designed as a cuboid.

[0046] At least one plug connector module 5 can be at least partially installed in the receiving space 4 and, as already mentioned, mounted on the retaining frame 2.

[0047] The sidewall 3 has a plurality of retaining frame side guide elements 7 on its inner side 6 facing the receiving space 4. Furthermore, at least one plug connector module 5 has at least one plug connector module side guide element 9 on its outer side 8. Both guide elements 7 and 9 are used to guide the plug connector module 5 during assembly and for precise positioning after assembly. In this configuration, at least one plug connector module side guide element 9 can be inserted into the retaining frame side guide element 7; more precisely, this insertion allows the plug connector module 5 to be pushed into the receiving space 4 and, after being pushed into the receiving space 4, to be installed in a precisely positioned manner. The guide elements 7 and 9 allow the connector module 5 to protrude into the receiving space 4 during insertion movement E.

[0048] The number of guide elements 9 on the side of the plug connector module is basically determined by the width of the plug connector module 5.

[0049] The sidewalls 3 have latching structures 11 on their outer sides 10. The plug connector module 5 also has at least one latching lug 12, which engages in the latching structure 11 on the outer side of the receiving space 4.

[0050] At least one plug connector module 5 has at least one functional element 13. The functional element 13 can be, for example, an electrical contact element designed to be pin-side or receiver-side. However, the functional element can also be a fluid functional element, such as a pneumatic connector. Functional contact with the functional element can be established when both plug connectors 1 are mated. (Reference) Figures 3 to 5b This will be explained in more detail.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the latching structure 11 on the outer side 10 of the sidewall 3 is a groove 14 that extends completely along the entire length L of the sidewall 3. In this case, the groove 14 extends continuously along the entire length L of the sidewall 3, i.e., without interruption. The advantage of the continuous groove 14 is that the latch lug 12 can be correspondingly locked in the latching structure 11 without lateral mechanical force.

[0052] Lateral guidance and positioning laterally to the longitudinal side of the sidewall 3 are provided by guide elements 7 and 9, while the plug connector module 5 is secured in the direction of insertion movement E by a latch lug 12 locked in the groove 14.

[0053] When the plug connector module 5 is connected to the retaining frame 2, the latch lug 12 is located on the outer side 10 of the retaining frame 2 and engages accordingly in the groove 14. In this case, the latch lug 12 surrounds the rear end face 18 of the sidewall 3 and then protrudes outward along the sidewall 3 relative to the receiving space 4 until it reaches the point where it engages in the groove 14. In other words, the latch lug 12 provides a U-shaped space 27 surrounding a portion of the sidewall 3. In this case, the actual latch lug 12 is arranged on one side of the U-shaped space 27, while the plug connector module side guide element 9 is arranged on the other side.

[0054] For each plug connector module 5, at least two latching lugs 12 are provided, one latching lug 12 engaging with a latching structure 11 of one sidewall 3, and the other latching lug 12 engaging with a latching structure 11 of another sidewall 3. That is, both sidewalls 3 are connected to the corresponding latching structure 11 of the plug connector module 5. The advantage of this bilaterally symmetrical enclosure relative to the receiving space 4 is that it allows for a good installation of the plug connector module 5 within the receiving space 4 of the retaining frame 2.

[0055] The latch lug 12 preferably has a width that extends over the entire width of the plug connector module 5. That is, the latch lug 12 in a wide plug connector module is wider than in a relatively narrow plug connector module 5. However, the latch lug 12 may also have a width narrower than the plug connector module 5 or be formed of multiple parts.

[0056] The receiving points 28, in which the functional element 13 is mounted, are arranged within the plug connector module 5. These receiving points 28 can have any form and are substantially dependent on the shape of the functional element 13. However, the receiving points 28 are designed such that the functional element 13 is typically mounted in the receiving points 28 of the plug connector module 5 in a fixed but replaceable manner.

[0057] The outer side 8 of the sidewall 3 has a recessed region 15 in the area where the latch lug 12 is located. In this case, the recessed region 15 extends from the outer surface 16 of the outer side 8 into the sidewall 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the recessed region 16 extends over the entire length L of the sidewall 3. In this case, the recessed region 15 and the latch lug 12 are designed such that the latch lug 12 does not protrude beyond the outer surface 16. The latch lug 12 is particularly preferably flush with the outer surface 16. In addition, a groove 14 further deepening the recessed region 15 is arranged in the recessed region 15.

[0058] Furthermore, the sidewall 3 has at least one first positioning element 18 on its rear end face 17. In this case, the first positioning element 19 cooperates with at least one second positioning element 19 arranged on the plug connector module 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the first positioning element 18 is a cam, and the second positioning element 19 is a receptacle into which the cam extends. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning element 18 is offset in the longitudinal direction L relative to the retaining frame side guide element 7, and additionally helps to prevent the plug connector module from tilting.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the plug connector module-side guide element 9 is designed as a guide ridge. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining frame-side guide element 7 is designed as a guide groove. In this case, the guide ridge can be pushed into the guide groove and thus engage in the guide groove. In this case, all guide elements 7, 9 extend parallel to each other. The guide element 7 on one of the two sidewalls 3 can be designed differently from the guide element 7 on the other sidewall, thus enabling the encoding of the orientation of the plug connector module 5 relative to the receiving space 4. That is, the plug connector module 5 can only be installed in the receiving space 4 in one direction.

[0060] Preferably, the grid spacing between the guide slots is less than 5 mm, more preferably 2 to 4 mm, and particularly about 3.5 mm. This provides a very finely spaced grid, which saves space because the modules can be positioned in a more refined structural manner.

[0061] The guide element 7 on the frame side extends at least half the depth of the receiving space 4. In other words, the guide element 7 extends at least half the depth T of the sidewall 3.

[0062] The retaining frame side guide element 7 on one sidewall 3 is particularly preferably extended only along a portion of the depth T of the sidewall 3, while the retaining frame side guide element 7 on the other sidewall 3 extends along the entire depth. The plug connector module 5 can have an encoding surface 36. The encoding surface 36 is in Figure 2b As shown in the diagram. In this configuration, the coding surface 36 is arranged such that if the plug connector module 5 is incorrectly pushed into the receiving space 4, the coding surface 36 abuts against the retaining frame side guide element 7, which extends throughout its depth, and thus prevents it from being inserted. The correct position is shown in the diagram. Figure 5b In the cross-sectional view, the coding surface is located in the area without the retaining frame side guide element 7.

[0063] Furthermore, the sidewall 3 has at least one first positioning element 18 on its rear end face 17. In this case, the first positioning element 19 cooperates with at least one second positioning element 19 arranged on the plug connector module 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the first positioning element 18 is a cam, and the second positioning element 19 is a receptacle into which the cam extends. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning element 18 is offset in the longitudinal direction L relative to the retaining frame side guide element 7, and additionally helps to prevent the plug connector module from tilting.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the plug connector module-side guide element 9 is designed as a guide ridge. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining frame-side guide element 7 is designed as a guide groove. In this case, the guide ridge can be pushed into the guide groove and thus engage in the guide groove. In this case, all guide elements 7, 9 extend parallel to each other. The guide element 7 on one of the two sidewalls 3 can be designed differently from the guide element 7 on the other sidewall, thus enabling the encoding of the orientation of the plug connector module 5 relative to the receiving space 4. That is, the plug connector module 5 can only be mounted in the receiving space 4 in one direction.

[0065] Preferably, the grid spacing between the guide slots is less than 5 mm, more preferably in the range of 2 to 4 mm, and particularly about 3.5 mm. This provides a very finely spaced grid, which saves space because the modules can be positioned in a more precise structural manner.

[0066] The guide element 7 on the frame side extends at least half the depth of the receiving space 4, that is, the guide element 7 extends at least half the depth T of the sidewall 3.

[0067] The retaining frame side guide element 7 on one of the sidewalls 3 is particularly preferably extended only along a portion of the depth T of the sidewall 3, while the retaining frame side guide element 7 on the other sidewall 3 extends along the entire depth. Furthermore, the plug connector module 5 can have an encoding surface 36. The encoding surface 36 in... Figure 2b As shown in the diagram. In this case, the arrangement of the coding surface 36 is such that if the plug connector module 5 is incorrectly pushed into the receiving space 4, the coding surface 36 rests against the retaining frame side guide element 7, which extends throughout the depth, thus preventing it from being inserted. The correct position is as follows: Figure 5b As shown in the cross-sectional view, the coding surface is located in the area where the retaining frame side guide element 7 is not present.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the plug connector module side guide element 9 may have an insertion region 25 and a main guide region 26. In this case, the insertion region 25 is arranged in front of the main guide region 25. In the illustrated embodiment, the insertion region 25 is designed as an inclined plane. In this case, the gap between the plug connector module 5 and the retaining frame 2 in the insertion region 25 is larger than the gap in the main guide region 26, so the plug connector module 5 can be more easily installed in the receiving space 4.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining frame side guide element 7 does not have an insertion region 25, but only includes a main guide region 26. However, the retaining frame side guide element 7 may also be equipped with an insertion region 26.

[0070] At least one plug connector module 5 has a side surface 20. In this case, the spacing between the side surface 20 and the guide elements 7, 9 is preferably such that two adjacent plug connector modules 5 can be in near contact with each other in a fixed manner at their side surfaces 20. That is, there is a preferred gap between two adjacent plug connector modules 5 in the retaining frame 2. This gap is preferably kept as small as possible.

[0071] The transverse wall 21 has a receiving member 22 on its outer side. A grounding contact element 23 can be held on this receiving member. The grounding contact element 23 is preferably made of a conductive material and can be used as a contact. The grounding contacts 23 of the two mating plug connectors 1 are electrically connected to each other.

[0072] Furthermore, guide structures 32 are respectively arranged on the transverse wall 21. The guide structures 32 guide the two plug connectors 1 to engage along the insertion movement S. Figure 3 As shown, the guide structure 32 can be designed as a guide lug 33 in one of the plug connectors 1 and as a guide opening 34 in the other. In this case, the guide lug 33 can be inserted into the guide opening 34. The guide lug 33 and the guide opening 34 preferably have coding elements. These coding elements are indicated by reference numerals 37 and 38. The coding element 37 is, for example, a groove 37, while the coding element 38 is, for example, a spring 38 engaged in the groove, such as... Figure 3 As shown. Figure 3 The dashed lines in the text represent collaboration.

[0073] Figure 3 A modular plug connector according to the above description is shown. In this case, all insertion points are occupied by corresponding plug connector modules 5 with different fittings. In this case, each of the plug connector modules 5 has a contact side K through which the functional element 13 is accessible for insertion with another plug connector.

[0074] according to Figure 3 The two plug connectors 1 can be connected to each other along the insertion movement S. In this case, all functional elements 13 of all plug connector modules 5 are connected to each other. Then, the contact sides K of the two plug connectors 1 contact each other in the mating state.

[0075] Opposite to the contact side K, each of the plug connector modules 5 has a connection side A. The functional element 13 can be connected to a connecting element (not shown in the figure), such as a connecting cable or a connecting hose, through this connection side A.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the plug connection module 5 can be initially installed in the receiving space 4 with its contact side K. That is, the plug connector module 5 can be installed in the receiving space 4 along the direction of insertion movement S. In this case, the latch lug 12 in the illustrated embodiment also protrudes from the connection side A accordingly.

[0077] Figure 4 According to Figure 3 The plug connector is in the mating state.

[0078] Figure 5a and Figure 5b It shows that according to Figure 4 A cross-sectional view. In this figure, it can be clearly seen that, viewed from the insertion direction S, the plug connector module 5 of the top plug connector 1 protrudes from the receiving space 4. Conversely, the bottom plug connector module 5 has an intermediate space 29 between the side wall 3 and the plug connector module 5. Figure 5a and Figure 5b The plug connector module 5 of the top plug connector 1 is now shown extending from the receiving space 4 into the intermediate space 29. This structure is particularly advantageous if the functional element is designed as a pin-receiver structure. In this case, in Figure 5a and Figure 5b In the top plug connector 1, the functional element 13 is designed as a pin-side functional element 30, while the functional element 13 of the bottom plug connector 1 is designed as a receptacle-side functional element 31. Therefore, the area of ​​the pin-side functional element 13 protruding from the receptacle space 4 can be protected from external mechanical influences by the area 35 of the plug connector module 5 that also protrudes from the receptacle space 4. Touch protection during insertion is also provided.

[0079] according to Figures 3 to 5b Exploded view of the plug connector in Figure 6 As shown in the image.

[0080] Figure 7 Another embodiment of the retaining frame 2 is shown. In this case, the length of the sidewall 3 is designed to be less than that according to... Figures 1 to 6 The length of the sidewall 3 in this embodiment. Needless to say, other lengths are also conceivable.

[0081] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0082] 1 plug connector

[0083] 2. Maintain the framework

[0084] 3 sidewalls

[0085] 4 storage space

[0086] 5-plug connector module

[0087] 6 inner side

[0088] 7. Retaining frame side guide element

[0089] 8 outer side

[0090] 9-plug connector module side guide element

[0091] 10 outer

[0092] 11-latch structure

[0093] 12 latch lugs

[0094] 13 functional components

[0095] 14 grooves

[0096] 15 Depression Area

[0097] 16 outer surface

[0098] 17 back end face

[0099] 18 First positioning element

[0100] 19 Second positioning element

[0101] 20 side surfaces

[0102] 21 Horizontal Wall

[0103] 22 housings

[0104] 23 Grounding contact element

[0105] 24 front face

[0106] 25 Insertion Area

[0107] 26 Master Boot Record

[0108] 27 U-shaped space

[0109] 28 accommodation points

[0110] 29 Intermediate Space

[0111] 30-pin side functional element

[0112] 31 Accommodation component side functional element

[0113] 32-guide structure

[0114] 33 Guide Lug

[0115] 34 guide openings

[0116] 35 prominent areas

[0117] 36-code surface

[0118] 37 coding elements

[0119] 38 coding elements

[0120] A Connection Side

[0121] B width

[0122] K contact side

[0123] E Insert Move

[0124] T Depth

[0125] S Insertion Direction

[0126] L length

Claims

1. A modular plug connector (1), comprising: - A retaining frame (2) having two sidewalls (3) extending parallel to each other and laterally defining a receiving space (4), and - At least one plug connector module (5), which can be installed into the receiving space (4), The sidewall (3) has a plurality of retaining frame side guide elements (7) on its inner side (6) facing the receiving space (4), and the at least one plug connector module (5) has at least one plug connector module side guide element (9) on its outer side (8), wherein the at least one plug connector module side guide element (9) is insertable into the retaining frame side guide element (7) so that the plug connector module (5) is installed in the receiving space (4) in a precisely positioned manner. The sidewall (3) has a latching structure (11) on its outer side (10), and the plug connector module (5) has at least one latching lug (12) that engages in the latching structure (11) outside the receiving space (4). The at least one plug connector module (5) includes at least one functional element (13), through which functional element (13) can establish functional contact with the functional element of the plug connector module (5) of another plug connector in a mating state, and The sidewall (3) has a first positioning element (18) on its rear end face (17), which cooperates with a second positioning element (19) arranged on the plug connector module (5).

2. The modular plug connector (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The latch structure (11) on the outer side (10) of the sidewall (3) is a groove (14) that extends completely over the entire length (L) of the sidewall (3).

3. The modular plug connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When the latch lug (12) of the plug connector module (5) is connected to the retaining frame (2), it is located on the outside (10) of the retaining frame (2).

4. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Two latch lugs (12) are provided for each plug connector module (5), one latch lug (12) engaging with a latch structure (11) of one sidewall (3) and the other latch lug (12) engaging with a latch structure (11) of the other sidewall (3).

5. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The latch lug (12) has a width that extends substantially over the entire width of the plug connector module (5).

6. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The outer side (10) of the sidewall (3) has a recessed area (15) in the region where the latch lug (12) is located, the recessed area (15) extending from the outer surface (16) of the outer side (10) into the sidewall (3), wherein the recessed area (15) and the latch lug (12) are designed such that the latch lug (12) does not protrude substantially beyond the outer surface (16) or the latch lug (12) is substantially flush with the outer surface (16).

7. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first positioning element (18) is a cam, and the second positioning element (19) is a receptacle in which the cam engages; or the second positioning element (19) is a cam, and the first positioning element (18) is a receptacle in which the cam engages.

8. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plug connector module side guide element (9) is at least one guide ridge, and the retaining frame side guide element (7) is at least one guide groove, wherein the at least one guide ridge engages in the at least one guide groove.

9. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The retaining frame side guide element (7) on one of the two sidewalls (3) is designed to be different from the retaining frame side guide element (7) on the other sidewall of the two sidewalls (3) so as to realize the coding for the orientation of the plug connector module (5).

10. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The retaining frame side guide element (7) extends over at least half the depth (T) of the receiving space (4).

11. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The guide elements (7, 9) have an insertion region (25) and a main guide region (26), wherein the gap between the plug connector module (5) and the retaining frame (2) in the insertion region (25) is greater than the gap in the main guide region (26).

12. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one plug connector module (5) has a side surface (20), wherein the spacing between the side surface (20) and the guide elements (7, 9) is designed such that two adjacent plug connector modules (5) can contact each other at the side surface (20).

13. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The retaining frame (2) has two transverse walls (21), which are respectively disposed at the ends of the side wall (3) and connected to the side wall (3).

14. The modular plug connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The retaining frame (2) has a guide structure (32) which guides the two retaining frames (2) during insertion movement.

15. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one plug connector module (5) has a contact side (K) through which the functional element (13) is accessible for insertion into another plug connector, and the plug connector module (5) has a connection side (A) through which the functional element (13) can be connected to a connection element, wherein the plug connector module (5) can be installed in the receiving space (4) first with its contact side (K).

16. The modular plug connector (1) as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The latch lug (12) protrudes from the connecting side (A).

17. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sidewall (3) has a front face (24) and a rear face (17), wherein the latch lug (12) extends on the rear face (17), and wherein the front face (24) is oriented relative to the front face (24) of the other plug connector (1) when connected to the other plug connector (1).

18. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Viewed from the insertion direction (S), the plug connector module (5) protrudes from the receiving space (4) with a protruding area (35).

19. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plug connector module (5) is designed such that an intermediate space (29) is created between the side wall (3) and the plug connector module (5), and the protruding area of ​​the plug connector module (5) can protrude into the intermediate space (29).

20. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The functional element is an electrical functional element, an optical functional element, or a fluid functional element.

21. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The connecting element is a connecting cable or a connecting hose.

22. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The sidewall (3) and the transverse wall (21) are designed as a single unit.

23. The modular plug connector (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The guiding structure has coding elements (37, 38).

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