Sensor module for modular connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor module (1) for a modular connector (2), in particular for a modular electrical and / or fluid connector, comprising: a carrier housing (3), which has a receiving space (4), which can be accessed through an opening (5) and is closed by a wall (6), and an engagement structure (7), which is arranged on an outer side (8) of the carrier housing (3); a sensor element (9) comprising a printed circuit board (10) and at least one sensor (11) measuring a physical property, the at least one sensor (11) being arranged on the printed circuit board (10), the printed circuit board (10) being mounted to the carrier housing (3) within the receiving space (4) and extending from the receiving space (4) through the opening (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor module for a modular connector according to claim 1 , an identification device according to claim 10 , a modular connector according to claim 13 and a connector system according to claim 16 . Background Art

[0002] WO 2020 / 011309 discloses a modular connector. The modular connector includes a plurality of modules with different connector elements. The modular connector includes a module having a switch for providing an electrical signal to a control unit (e.g., a programmable logic controller).

[0003] DE 10 2015 105 262 discloses a sensor module for an electrical connector. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a sensor module having enhanced performance with respect to the sensor structure.

[0005] This object is achieved by a sensor module according to claim 1. According to claim 1, a sensor module for a modular connector, in particular for a modular electrical and / or fluid connector, comprises: a carrier housing having a receiving space, which is accessible through an opening and is closed by a wall, and a coupling structure, which is arranged on the outer side of the carrier housing; and a sensor element, which comprises a printed circuit board and at least one sensor for measuring a physical property, wherein the at least one sensor is arranged on the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is mounted to the carrier housing in the receiving space and extends out of the receiving space through the opening.

[0006] In other words, this means that the printed circuit board is partially arranged within the receiving space and extends beyond the receiving space.

[0007] The layout of the printed circuit board as described above has the advantage that at least one sensor can be arranged based on its characteristics. For example: a sensor that needs to be protected from environmental influences will be placed inside the accommodation space. A sensor that requires a certain amount of air for operation can be placed outside the accommodation space.

[0008] Another advantage is that the portion of the printed circuit board extending out of the accommodation space is usually surrounded by air having a lower temperature than the air in the accommodation space. Although this portion is usually surrounded by the housing of the plug, the air volume in the housing is usually greater than the air volume in the accommodation space, so cooling can be achieved.

[0009] A further advantage is that the assembly of the sensor module is considerably simpler, since the portion of the printed circuit board that extends out of the receiving space can be gripped, so that the printed circuit board can be handled very easily.

[0010] With regard to a modular connector as described below, the sensor module has another advantage: the sensor module can be placed at any position. Thus, during assembly of such a connector, the sensor module can be placed, for example, at the most logical position, or at a position of particular interest.

[0011] Preferably, the printed circuit board extends into the receiving space with a first section and extends out of the receiving space with a second section, wherein the length of the first section, viewed from a side perpendicular to the opening of the carrier housing, is less than, greater than or equal to the length of the second section.

[0012] In a first variant, at least one of the sensors is arranged on a first section. In a second variant, at least one of the sensor elements is arranged on a second section. In a third variant, at least one of the sensors is arranged on a first section and at least one of the sensor elements is arranged on a second section.

[0013] The walls defining the accommodation space include a front wall and side walls extending from the front wall. An opening into the accommodation space is surrounded by the side walls. Preferably, the front wall has a rectangular shape. Preferably, the side walls extend perpendicular to the front wall. The accommodation space preferably has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0014] Preferably, a first width of the receiving space is equal to a width of the printed circuit board, and a second width of the receiving space, which is oriented perpendicularly to the first width, is greater than a maximum thickness of the printed circuit board.

[0015] Preferably, the width of the accommodation space is arranged so that there is no contact between the at least one sensor mounted on the printed circuit board and the inner side of the wall facing the accommodation space.

[0016] Preferably, the carrier housing is provided with a first carrier housing part and a second carrier housing part, wherein the first carrier housing part and the second carrier housing part are preferably connected together by at least one connecting element.

[0017] The connecting element may be at least one screw and a corresponding nut. Alternatively, the connecting element may also be provided with at least one snap-in tab on one of the carrier housing parts, which snap-in tab engages in a corresponding opening on the other of the carrier housing parts. Alternatively, an orientation structure with a pin and an opening may also be provided on the carrier housing part, and the carrier housing parts may also be held together by a frame structure and a functional module, as described below in conjunction with the connector.

[0018] Alternatively, the carrier housing is provided as a one-piece element.

[0019] Preferably, the printed circuit board is mounted by a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection with the carrier housing. In particular, the carrier housing or one of the above-mentioned carrier housing parts comprises at least one, preferably two, raised elements which engage in at least one, preferably two, recesses of the printed circuit board.

[0020] Preferably, the printed circuit board comprises at least one communication module, which is preferably located outside the accommodation space. The communication module may be a mechanical connection interface to connect a connector of a signal cable, and / or the communication module may be a wireless communication module.

[0021] Preferably, the printed circuit board comprises a microcontroller and / or a battery.

[0022] Preferably, the first engagement structure is arranged on a first wall of the wall and the second engagement structure is arranged on a second wall of the wall, the second wall being arranged opposite to the first wall. Preferably, the engagement structure is a protrusion extending away from the outside of the wall. Alternatively, the engagement structure is provided by a bracket element or a clamping element.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of:

[0024] a temperature sensor configured to measure ambient temperature as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0025] a temperature sensor configured to measure a specific temperature as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0026] a humidity sensor configured to measure ambient humidity as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0027] an air pressure sensor configured to measure ambient air pressure as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0028] an altitude sensor configured to measure altitude as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0029] a vibration sensor configured to measure vibration as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0030] an optical sensor configured to measure illumination as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0031] a tilt sensor configured to measure tilt as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0032] an acceleration sensor configured to measure acceleration as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0033] a mating cycle sensor configured to measure a number of mating cycles as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0034] A flow sensor is configured to measure volume flow as the physical characteristic.

[0035] Preferably, the mating cycle sensor is a near field communication sensor or a radio frequency identification device. Utilizing these devices, the connector can also be identified.

[0036] In certain embodiments, some sensors may be provided in a single sensor device. For example, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor may be integrated in a single sensor device.

[0037] Preferably, the ambient temperature is the ambient temperature in the housing.

[0038] The term “specific temperature” is to be understood as measuring the temperature at a specific location, for example, the temperature at a specific location on a contact element or housing of a connection interface.

[0039] Preferably, the acceleration sensor measures acceleration along at least one axis, preferably along three axes.

[0040] The list as described above mentions one sensor for each characteristic. However, more than one sensor may also be added to measure the same characteristic.

[0041] An identification device for a modular connector, in particular for a modular electrical and / or fluid connector, comprising a first carrier housing with an active identification device and a second carrier housing with a passive identification device, wherein the active identification device is configured to identify the passive identification device,

[0042] wherein one of the carrier housings has a recess and the other of the carrier housings has a shaft, wherein the shaft and the recess are configured such that the shaft can be inserted into and received by the recess; and

[0043] Wherein, each of the carrier shells includes a coupling structure.

[0044] Preferably, the identification device is a radio frequency identification device. The passive identification device is provided by a chip and a coil. The chip and the coil are powered by an active sensor device, so that the information stored on the passive identification device can be read by the active identification device.

[0045] Preferably, the active identification device and the passive identification device are arranged on the respective carrier housing so that identification becomes possible only when the shaft is fully inserted into the recess. Alternatively, the active identification device and the passive identification device are arranged on the respective carrier housing so that identification becomes possible during the insertion of the shaft into the recess.

[0046] Preferably, the first carrier shell and the second carrier shell have at least one wall that at least partially defines the accommodating space, wherein at least one wall has an outer surface, and the outer surface of the first carrier shell is in flat engagement with the outer surface of the second carrier shell when the shaft is fully inserted into the recess or during the insertion of the shaft into the recess, wherein the identification device is arranged behind the outer surface and in the accommodating space.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the active identification device is electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board as described above. Through this connection, energy and / or data can be transmitted between the active identification device and the at least one printed circuit board.

[0048] A modular connector comprises at least one of the carrier housings of at least one sensor module as described above and / or one identification device as described above. The modular connector further comprises at least one functional module and a support frame. The support frame has two frame elements with frame-side joint structures and two connecting elements, and the frame elements and the connecting elements are arranged to form an internal space.

[0049] The at least one sensor module is partially disposed in the interior space, and wherein the engagement structure of the sensor module engages with the frame-side engagement structure.

[0050] The at least one functional module is partially arranged in the inner space, and wherein the engagement structure of the functional module engages with the frame-side engagement structure.

[0051] The carrier case portion is arranged in the internal space, and the engaging structure of the carrier case is engaged with the frame-side engaging structure.

[0052] Preferably, the engagement structures of the sensor module, the functional module and the carrier housing are similar or substantially identical to each other, so that they engage with the same support frame.

[0053] Preferably, the functional module comprises a contact element to establish a connection with another modular connector. The contact element may be an electrical contact element and / or a fluid contact element. The contact element is arranged on a functional module carrier element, which, as described above, is also connected to the frame.

[0054] Preferably, the functional module comprises a front side defining a connection plane, wherein the front wall of the carrier housing extends in said plane. Preferably, the axis of the first carrier housing or the second carrier housing, respectively, extends away from said plane.

[0055] Preferably, the modular connector further comprises a connector housing, wherein the printed circuit board extends into the connector housing.

[0056] In one embodiment, the frame side engagement structure is provided by a groove into which the protrusion engages. In an alternative embodiment, the frame side engagement structure is provided by the frame itself, whereby the bracket element or clamping element clamps the frame.

[0057] A connector system comprises a modular connector according to the above description and a corresponding modular connector having at least one functional module that can be connected to the modular connector, wherein, if present, at least one blind module is placed at a corresponding position of at least one sensor module, and / or wherein, if present, at least one other carrier shell is placed at a corresponding position of at least one carrier shell.

[0058] Further embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are used to illustrate the current preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0060] Figure 1 A perspective view of a sensor module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0061] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 A first cross-sectional view of a sensor module;

[0062] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 a second cross-sectional view of a sensor module;

[0063] Figure 4 Shown according to Figures 1 to 3 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a sensor module;

[0064] Figure 5 A perspective view of a connector system is shown, the connector system comprising a Figures 1 to 3 A modular connector of a sensor module and a corresponding modular connector;

[0065] Figure 6 Shown according to Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a connector system; and

[0066] Figure 7 Shown according to Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the connector system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Figure 1A perspective view of a sensor module 1 is shown for use with a modular connector 2. The modular connector 2 is preferably an electrical and / or fluid connector.

[0068] Sensor module 1 comprises a carrier housing 3 and a sensor element 9 .

[0069] The carrier housing 3 has a receiving space 4. The receiving space 4 serves to partially receive a sensor element 9. The receiving space 4 is accessible via an opening 5. Apart from the opening 5, the receiving space 4 is closed by a wall 6. Furthermore, a joining structure 7 is arranged on an outer side 8 of the carrier housing 3.

[0070] The sensor element 9 includes a printed circuit board 10 and at least one sensor 11 that measures a physical property. Examples of the at least one sensor 11 are listed below. The at least one sensor 11 is arranged on the printed circuit board 10.

[0071] As in Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen in the figure, the printed circuit board 10 is mounted to the carrier housing 3 in the accommodation space 4 and extends from the accommodation space 4 through the opening 5. In this embodiment, the printed circuit board 10 extends into the accommodation space 4 with a first section 12 and extends out of the accommodation space 4 with a second section 13. When viewed from a side perpendicular to the carrier housing 3 where the opening 5 is located, the length of the first section 12 is less than the length of the second section 13. Other configurations are also possible.

[0072] In the present example, some sensors are arranged on the first section 12 and are therefore also located within the receiving space 4 . Furthermore, other sensors are arranged on the second section 13 and are therefore located outside the receiving space 4 .

[0073] Preferably, a plurality of sensors 11 are arranged on the printed circuit board 10. In this example, the sensors 11 are arranged on both sides of the printed circuit board 10. Alternatively, a sensor may be arranged on only one side of the printed circuit board 10.

[0074] As described above, the carrier housing 3 includes a wall 6 defining the accommodation space. In this example, the wall includes a front wall 14 and a side wall 15 extending from the front wall 14. The opening 5 is surrounded by the side wall 15. The front wall 14 has a rectangular shape, and preferably, the side wall 15 extends perpendicular to the front wall 14.

[0075] In this example, the carrier housing 3 is provided with a first carrier housing part 16 and a second carrier housing part 17, wherein the first carrier housing part 16 and the second carrier housing part 17 are connected together by at least one connecting element 18. In this embodiment, the at least one connecting element 18 is a screw 28 and a corresponding nut 29.

[0076] Preferably, the printed circuit board 10 is mounted by means of a positive and / or force-locking connection to the carrier housing 3 . Figure 4 The first carrier housing part 16 is shown. The first carrier housing part 16 comprises two protrusions 30. The protrusions 30 are arranged on opposite sides of the receiving space 4. The printed circuit board 10 comprises two recesses 31. The protrusions 30 and the recesses 31 are arranged so that the protrusions 30 engage with the recesses 31. This engagement provides a mechanical connection between the first carrier housing part 16 and the printed circuit board 10. Likewise, the printed circuit board can also be connected to the second carrier housing part 17 in the same way.

[0077] The printed circuit board 10 includes at least one communication module 19. Preferably, the communication module 19 is located outside the accommodation space 4. In this embodiment, the communication module 19 is a mechanical connection interface to connect a connector of a signal cable. Alternatively or additionally, the communication module 19 is a wireless communication module.

[0078] Furthermore, the printed circuit board 10 comprises a microcontroller and / or a battery.

[0079] from Figure 1 It can be seen that the first engagement structure 7 is arranged on a first wall of the wall and the second engagement structure 7 is arranged on a second wall of the wall, the second wall being arranged opposite to the first wall. The engagement structure 7 is a protrusion extending away from the corresponding wall.

[0080] Preferably, the at least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of:

[0081] a temperature sensor configured to measure ambient temperature as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0082] a temperature sensor configured to measure a specific temperature as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0083] a humidity sensor configured to measure ambient humidity as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0084] an air pressure sensor configured to measure ambient air pressure as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0085] an altitude sensor configured to measure altitude as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0086] a vibration sensor configured to measure vibration as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0087] an optical sensor configured to measure illumination as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0088] a tilt sensor configured to measure tilt as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0089] an acceleration sensor configured to measure acceleration as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0090] a mating cycle sensor configured to measure a number of mating cycles as said physical characteristic; and / or

[0091] A flow sensor is configured to measure volume flow as the physical characteristic.

[0092] Figures 5 to 7 A connector system with a modular connector C1 and a corresponding modular connector C2 is shown. Thus, the modular connector C1 and the corresponding modular connector C2 can be connected together.

[0093] The modular connector C1 includes at least one sensor module 1, at least one functional module 20 and a support frame 21. In this example, two sensor modules 1 are arranged. The support frame 21 has two frame elements 22 with frame-side engagement structures 23 and two connecting elements 24, which are arranged to form an internal space 25. The at least one sensor module 1 and the at least one functional module 20 are partially arranged in the internal space 25. Figure 7 It can be seen that the engagement structure 7 of the sensor module 1 is engaged with the frame-side engagement structure 23. The frame-side engagement structure 23 is a groove into which the engagement structure 7 (here in a convex shape) of the sensor module 1 is engaged. Likewise, the functional module 20 has an engagement structure that engages with the frame-side engagement structure 23.

[0094] The functional module 20 comprises a front side 26 which defines a connection plane P, wherein the front wall 14 of the carrier housing 3 extends in said plane.

[0095] The modular connector also includes a connector housing, wherein the printed circuit board extends into the connector housing.

[0096] Preferably, the corresponding modular connector C2 has a similar structure to the modular connector C1. However, at the location of the sensor module 1, the corresponding modular connector C2 includes at least one blind module 27. Such a blind module 27 does not have any specific electrical or fluidic function and mainly serves as a distance keeper between the functional modules in the corresponding modular connector C2. The blind module 27 is connected to the frame element 23 of the corresponding modular connector C2 in a similar way to how the sensor module 1 is connected to the frame element 23 of the modular connector C1.

[0097] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Also shown is an identification device connected to the modular connector C1 and the corresponding modular connector C2.

[0098] The identification device includes a first carrier shell 32 and a second carrier shell 33. The first carrier shell 32 is mounted to the modular connector C1, and the second carrier shell 33 is mounted to the corresponding modular connector C2. The first carrier shell 32 is provided with an active identification device 33, and the second carrier shell 34 is provided with a passive identification device 35. The active identification device 33 is configured to identify the passive identification device 35. One of the carrier shells 32 and 34 (the second carrier shell 34 in the figure) has a recess 36, and the other of the carrier shells 34 and 32 (the first carrier shell 32 in the figure) has a shaft 37. The shaft 37 and the recess 36 are configured so that the shaft 37 can be inserted into the recess 36 and accommodated by the recess 36. In addition, each of the carrier shells includes a coupling structure 7. The coupling structure can be provided in a manner similar to the coupling structure of the carrier shell arranged with a printed circuit board as described above.

[0099] The active identification device 33 and the passive identification device 35 are arranged on the respective carrier housing 32 , 34 such that identification becomes possible only when the shaft 37 is completely inserted into the recess 36 or such that identification becomes possible during the insertion of the shaft 37 into the recess 36 .

[0100] It can be seen from the accompanying drawings, especially from Figure 6 It can be seen that the first carrier housing 32 and the second carrier housing 34 have at least one wall 6 which at least partially delimits the accommodation space 4. At least one wall has an outer surface 38 which is in flat engagement with the outer surface 38 of the first carrier housing 32 and the outer surface 38 of the second carrier housing 34 when the shaft 37 is fully inserted into the recess 36. The identification device 33, 35 is arranged behind the outer surface 38 in the accommodation space 4.

[0101] Reference numerals list

[0102] 1Sensor module

[0103] 3 Carrier shell

[0104] 4Accommodation space

[0105] 5 Opening

[0106] 6 walls

[0107] 7Joint structure

[0108] 8 Outer side

[0109] 9Sensor element

[0110] 10. Printed Circuit Board

[0111] 11 Sensors

[0112] 12 Part 1

[0113] 13 The second section

[0114] 14 Anterior wall

[0115] 15 Sidewall

[0116] 16 first carrier housing part

[0117] 17 Second carrier housing part

[0118] 18 Connecting elements

[0119] 19 Communication module

[0120] 20 functional modules

[0121] 21 Support frame

[0122] 22 frame elements

[0123] 23 Frame side joint structure

[0124] 24 connection elements

[0125] 25Interior Space

[0126] 26Front side

[0127] 27 blind modules

[0128] 28 screws

[0129] 29 Nut

[0130] 30 bulges

[0131] 31 Notch

[0132] 32 first carrier housing

[0133] 33 Active identification device

[0134] 34 second carrier housing

[0135] 35 Passive identification devices

[0136] 36 recesses

[0137] 37 Axis

[0138] 38 External surface

[0139] C1 Modular Connectors

[0140] C2 corresponding modular connector

[0141] P-Plane

Claims

1. A sensor module (1) for a modular connector (C1), in particular for a modular electrical and / or fluid connector, the sensor module comprising: A carrier housing (3) having a receiving space (4) which is accessible via an opening (5) and a coupling structure (7), the receiving space being closed by a wall (6), the coupling structure being arranged on an outer side (8) of the carrier housing (3), and A sensor element (9) comprising a printed circuit board (10) and at least one sensor (11) for measuring a physical property, wherein the at least one sensor (11) is arranged on the printed circuit board (10), The printed circuit board (10) is mounted on the carrier housing (3) in the accommodating space (4), and extends from the accommodating space (4) through the opening (5) out of the accommodating space (4).

2. The sensor module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The printed circuit board (10) extends into the accommodating space (4) with a first section (12) and extends out of the accommodating space (4) with a second section (13), wherein, when viewed from a side perpendicular to the carrier housing (3) where the opening (5) is located, the length of the first section (12) is less than, greater than or equal to the length of the second section (13).

3. The sensor module (1) according to claim 2, wherein: At least one of the sensors (11) is arranged on the first section (12), and / or at least one of the sensor elements (9) is arranged on the second section (13).

4. The sensor module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The wall comprises a front wall (14) and a side wall (15) extending from the front wall (14), wherein the opening (5) is surrounded by the side wall (15), wherein the front wall (14) preferably has a rectangular shape, and / or wherein the side wall (15) preferably extends perpendicular to the front wall (14).

5. The sensor module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The carrier housing (3) is provided with a first carrier housing part (16) and a second carrier housing part (17), wherein the first carrier housing part (16) and the second carrier housing part (17) are preferably connected together via at least one connecting element (18); Or wherein the carrier housing is provided as a one-piece component.

6. The sensor module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The printed circuit board (10) is mounted by means of a positive and / or force-locking connection to the carrier housing.

7. The sensor module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The printed circuit board (10) comprises at least one communication module (19), the at least one communication module is preferably located outside the accommodating space (4), wherein the communication module (19) is a mechanical connection interface for connecting a connector of a signal cable, and / or the communication module (19) is a wireless communication module; And / or wherein the printed circuit board (10) comprises a microcontroller and / or a battery.

8. The sensor module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first engaging structure (7) is arranged on a first wall of the wall, and the second engaging structure (7) is arranged on a second wall of the wall, the second wall being arranged opposite to the first wall.

9. The sensor module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one sensor (10) is selected from the group consisting of: a temperature sensor configured to measure ambient temperature as said physical characteristic; and / or a temperature sensor configured to measure a specific temperature as said physical characteristic; and / or a humidity sensor configured to measure ambient humidity as said physical characteristic; and / or an air pressure sensor configured to measure ambient air pressure as said physical characteristic; and / or an altitude sensor configured to measure altitude as said physical characteristic; and / or a vibration sensor configured to measure vibration as said physical characteristic; and / or an optical sensor configured to measure illumination as said physical characteristic; and / or a tilt sensor configured to measure tilt as said physical characteristic; and / or an acceleration sensor configured to measure acceleration as said physical characteristic; and / or a mating cycle sensor configured to measure a number of mating cycles as said physical characteristic; and / or A flow sensor is configured to measure volume flow as the physical characteristic.

10. An identification device for a modular connector, in particular for a modular electrical and / or fluid connector, the identification device comprising a first carrier housing (32) having an active identification device (33) and a second carrier housing (34) having a passive identification device (35), wherein the active identification device (33) is configured to identify the passive identification device (35), in, One of the carrier housings (32, 34) has a recess (36), and the other of the carrier housings (32, 34) has a shaft (37), wherein the shaft (37) and the recess (36) are configured such that the shaft (37) can be inserted into and received by the recess (36), and Wherein, each of the carrier shells comprises a joining structure (7).

11. The identification device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The active identification device (33) and the passive identification device (35) are arranged on the corresponding carrier housing (32, 34) so ​​that identification becomes possible only when the shaft (37) is fully inserted into the recess (36); or, the active identification device (33) and the passive identification device (35) are arranged on the corresponding carrier housing (32, 34) so ​​that identification becomes possible during the insertion of the shaft (37) into the recess (36).

12. The identification device according to claims 10 and 11, characterized in that The first carrier shell (32) and the second carrier shell (34) have at least one wall (6) at least partially delimiting the accommodating space (4), wherein the at least one wall (6) has an outer surface (38), the outer surface (38) of the first carrier shell (32) and the outer surface (38) of the second carrier shell (34) being in flat engagement when the shaft (37) is fully inserted into the recess (36) or during the insertion of the shaft (37) into the recess (36), wherein the identification device (33, 35) is arranged behind the outer surface (38) in the accommodating space (4).

13. A modular connector (C1), comprising: at least one sensor module (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 9; and / or at least one of the carrier housings of an identification device according to claims 10 to 12; at least one functional module (20) and A support frame (21) having two frame elements (22) with frame-side engagement structures (23) and two connecting elements (24), the two frame elements (22) and the two connecting elements (24) being arranged to form an inner space (25), wherein the at least one functional module (20) is partially arranged in the internal space (25), and the engaging structure of the functional module (20) is engaged with the frame side engaging structure (23), wherein, if present, the at least one sensor module (1) is partially arranged in the inner space (25), and the engagement structure (7) of the sensor module (1) is engaged with the frame-side engagement structure (23); and Wherein, if present, the carrier housing (32, 34) is partially arranged in the inner space (25), and the engaging structure (7) of the carrier housing (32, 34) is engaged with the frame-side engaging structure (23).

14. The modular connector according to claim 13, wherein: The functional module (20) comprises a front side (26) defining a connection plane, wherein the front wall (14) of the carrier housing (3) extends within the plane; and / or wherein the axis (37) of the first carrier housing (32) or the second carrier housing (34) respectively extends away from the plane (P).

15. The modular connector of claim 13 or 14, further comprising a connector housing, wherein the printed circuit board extends into the connector housing.

16. The modular connector according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that: When the at least one sensor module (1) and the at least one carrier housing are present, the active identification device is electrically connected to at least one printed circuit board.

17. A connector system comprising a modular connector (C1) according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 16 and a corresponding modular connector (C2) having at least one functional module connectable to the functional module of the modular connector (C1), in, If present, placing at least one blind module (27) at a corresponding position of the at least one sensor module (1); and / or Wherein, if present, at least one other carrier housing (34) is placed at a corresponding position of the at least one carrier housing (32).

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