Grounding module for a plug connector modular system, plug connector modular system and modular plug connector having a plug connector modular system

Abstract

In order to enable a cost-effective, easy-to-handle and space-saving solution for a reliable, mutual PE ("protective grounding") connection of a plurality of PE lines of a modular plug connector, in particular of a modular heavy-load plug connector, a grounding module (1) is proposed, the grounding module has an at least partially electrically conductive grounding plate (3) which is arranged in or on the module housing (10) perpendicular to the plug-in direction. The invention relates to a grounding plate (1) for a grounding module (1), comprising a through-opening (30, 30 ') for each of the PE plug contacts (2) as a contact receptacle for introducing the PE plug contacts (2) of the grounding module (1) and connecting the PE plug contacts to each other in an electrically conductive manner for the potential equalization of the grounding between the PE plug contacts (2). In particular, the PE plug contact (2) can have a push-in connection technique for connecting PE lines in a particularly inexpensive manner. Thus, for the problem of common grounding of the PE lines of the modular plug connector, and possibly the problem of grounding of the metal plug connector housing thereof, an easy-to-handle, well-defined, and mechanically stipulated and standard-compliant solution is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention is based on a grounding module for a modular plug connector system of the type according to independent claim 1 .

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention is based on a modular plug connector system having a grounding module according to claim 1 and a modular plug connector frame.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention is based on a plug connector, in particular a heavy-duty plug connector, having a plug connector housing and a plug connector modular system according to claim 14 .

[0004] Such a grounding module for a plug connector is required in order to ensure a correct grounding via the modular plug connector.

[0005] Modular plug connectors, such as modular heavy-duty plug connectors, which typically have a metal plug connector housing, are characterized by having a modular plug connector system comprising a plurality of plug connector modules, including different plug connector modules. The plug connector modules can be combined with one another as required. Therefore, such plug connector modules are required as components of a modular plug connector system so that such modular plug connectors, in particular heavy-duty industrial plug connectors, can be flexibly adapted to specific requirements regarding signal and energy transmission, for example, between two electrical devices. This allows different signals and / or electrical energy, such as optical and / or electrical analog and / or digital, to be transmitted in a flexible and combinable manner as required via the plug connection.

[0006] To this end, the corresponding plug connector modules are usually inserted into a matching plug connector modular frame of the plug connector modular system. A plug connector modular frame is sometimes also referred to as a retaining frame, hinged frame, module frame, or modular frame. The plug connector modular frame is therefore used to accommodate a plurality of identical and / or different plug connector modules and to securely fasten them, for example, to a surface and / or a device wall and / or to the plug connector housing, etc.

[0007] Plug connector modules typically each have a substantially cuboid insulating body as a module housing. The module housing can, for example, be constructed in two parts and consist of a contact carrier and a retaining plate that can be locked onto the contact carrier. The module housing can thus accommodate the plug contacts in its continuous contact chamber and secure them therein by means of the retaining plate that locks onto the contact carrier. Alternatively, the module housing can also be constructed in one piece. The plug contacts must then be introduced into the contact chamber on the cable connection side through the cable insertion opening so that they lock into the locking contour on the inner side of the contact carrier.

[0008] The plug contacts of different plug connector modules can be of different types. This makes the resulting plug connector highly flexible in functionality. For example, plug connector modules for transmitting electrical energy and / or analog and / or digital electrical signals, pneumatic plug connector modules, and optical plug connector modules can be accommodated in corresponding module housings and thus used in modular plug connector systems. Plug connector modules are also increasingly taking on measurement and data processing tasks and are therefore particularly sensitive to interference, in particular electrical and / or magnetic interference fields and stray emissions.

[0009] To hold a plurality of these modules in a plug connector housing, a plug connector modular frame is typically used, which is then also part of the plug connector modular system. The plug connector modular frame can, for example, be formed from two frame halves that can be pivoted relative to one another and are hingedly connected to one another. The plug connector modules are provided with, for example, substantially rectangular locking projections projecting from their narrow sides as retaining and polarizing means for securing and correctly aligning them in the plug connector modular frame.

[0010] In the lateral sections of the frame halves, recesses are provided, so-called "locking windows," which are designed as openings that are closed all around. When the plug connector module is introduced into the modular plug connector frame, the locking projections engage in a positive-locking manner. To insert the plug connector module, the modular plug connector frame is folded open, i.e., opened, with the frame halves folded open around the hinges only far enough to allow the plug connector module to be inserted. Subsequently, the frame halves are folded together, i.e., the modular plug connector frame is closed, with the retaining means reaching into the recesses and providing a secure, positive-locking hold of the plug connector module in the modular plug connector frame.

[0011] Modular plug connector frames can be constructed in a variety of ways. For example, modular plug connector frames with a rigid base frame can also be used. The base frame can be manufactured, in particular, using a die-casting method, such as zinc die-casting, and can be provided with multiple flexible sidewall components on its longitudinal sides, such as stamped and bent components made of spring-elastic sheet metal. The sidewall components can have locking mechanisms, such as locking windows or locking hooks, to which the plug connector modules, for example, lock with their locking projections. For example, two sidewall components can be provided for each plug connector module, i.e., one sidewall component on each longitudinal side of the base frame, or one or more sidewall components with multiple tabs can also be used. For example, a locking element can be provided on each sidewall component and / or each tab. This modular plug connector frame has the advantage that the plug connector modules can be individually inserted into and removed from the modular plug connector frame with minimal effort, for example, also automatically. The base frame can also be made of metal and have a PE connection, such as a screw terminal, for protective earthing. The base frame thus allows grounding of the metallic plug connector housing, which is common for heavy-duty plug connectors and into which the heavy-duty plug connector is installed, for example screwed. Background Art

[0012] From document DE 197 07 120 C1 a modular plug connector frame ("holding frame") for freely combining a plurality of different plug connector modules is known, wherein the plug connector modules are inserted into the modular plug connector frame and holding mechanisms on the plug connector modules interact with recesses provided on opposite wall parts (side parts) of the modular plug connector frame in order to hold the plug connector modules in a form-fitting manner in the modular plug connector frame.

[0013] In the prior art, modular plug connector systems with such plug connector modules are disclosed in numerous documents and publications in a number of different variants using such modular plug connector frames, which are also known as retaining frames, module frames, hinged frames or module frames, are presented at trade fairs and are often used in the industrial sector in the form of heavy-duty plug connectors. For example, they are described in the documents DE 10 2013 106 279 A1, DE 10 2012 110907 A1, DE 10 2012 107 270 A1, DE 20 2013 103 611 U1, EP 2 510 590 A1, EP 2 510589 A1, DE 20 2011 050 643 U1, DE 296 01 998 U1, EP 1 353 412 A2, DE 102015 104562 A1, EP 3 067 993 A1, EP 1 026 788 A1, EP 2 979 326 A1, EP 2 917 974 A1.

[0014] For example, EP 0 860 906 B1 discloses a modular plug connector frame in the form of an articulated frame for holding plug connector modules and for installation into a plug connector housing or for screwing onto a wall. The plug connector modules are inserted into the modular plug connector frame. Retention mechanisms are provided on the plug connector modules, interacting with windows provided on opposing side parts of the modular plug connector frame. The windows are located in rectangular recesses, which are formed as through-openings in the side parts of the modular plug connector frame and are closed on all sides.

[0015] In the embodiment as an articulated frame, the modular plug connector frame consists of two frame halves that are articulated together, with the split portion of the modular plug connector frame being arranged transversely to the side parts of the frame. A hinge is provided at the fastening end of the modular plug connector frame, so that when the modular plug connector frame is screwed onto a fastening surface, the side parts are oriented perpendicularly to the fastening surface, thereby connecting the modular plug connector modules to the modular plug connector frame in a form-fitting manner via retaining means. In practice, such modular plug connector frames are usually manufactured using a die-casting method, in particular a zinc die-casting method.

[0016] Document DE 10 2015 114 703 A1 discloses a development of such a modular plug connector frame designed as an articulated frame. The modular plug connector frame disclosed therein has at least one fastening mechanism, via which the frame halves can be fixed relative to each other in two positions, namely an open position and a closed position, which significantly simplifies handling.

[0017] Document DE 20 2013 103 611 U1 shows two frame halves that can be screwed together extremely stably, can be manufactured cost-effectively using stamping and bending technology, and can be screwed together. These frame halves are suitable for accommodating modules, particularly pneumatic ones. A modular plug connector frame assembled in this manner exhibits only very low creep properties even under high, long-term mechanical loads. However, a disadvantage is that the effort required to add or replace plug connector modules is extremely high.

[0018] However, practice has shown that such modular plug connector frames require complex operations during installation. For example, even if only a single module is to be replaced, such modular plug connector frames must be unscrewed and / or unlocked from the plug connector housing. Other plug connector modules, which are not intended to be removed at all, can also fall out of the modular plug connector frame and must then be reintroduced before the frame halves are screwed together and / or locked. Finally, before the frame halves are joined together, all plug connector modules must be simultaneously in their intended positions in order to be finally fixed in the modular plug connector frame when the frame halves are joined together, which makes installation difficult.

[0019] Document EP 1 801 927 B1 discloses a one-piece modular plug connector frame made of plastic material. The modular plug connector frame is designed as a circumferential flange and has multiple wall sections separated by gaps on its plug-in side. Each two opposing wall sections form an insertion area for the plug connector module, wherein the wall sections have window-like openings for accommodating protrusions molded into the narrow sides of the plug connector module. In addition, guide grooves are provided in each wall section. The guide grooves are formed above the openings by means of outwardly offset window plates, which have insertion bevels on the inside. In addition, the plug connector module has locking arms that are molded into the narrow sides so as to act toward the cable terminals and lock below the lateral flange walls, so that two independent locking mechanisms secure the plug connector module in the modular plug connector frame. This plastic frame has the disadvantage that it cannot achieve PE protective earthing because it does not contain conductive material.

[0020] Document DE 10 2013 113 975 B4 discloses a modular plug connector frame for heavy-duty plug connectors, in particular a modular plug connector frame made of zinc die-casting, for accommodating identical and / or different plug connector modules. The modular plug connector frame consists of a basic frame with a rectangular cross-section, which has two side parts that are opposite each other. Side wall parts made of a flexible material, in particular a spring-elastic plate, are respectively arranged on the side parts. When the plug connector module is introduced into the modular plug connector frame perpendicular to the frame plane, the side wall parts initially bend outwards away from the side parts. The side wall parts can in particular have tabs with locking projections, which are suitable for individually locking the plug connector modules at their locking projections in the modular plug connector frame. This structural form basically has the advantage that the plug connector modules can be inserted and removed individually without thereby hindering the fastening of other plug connector modules. Furthermore, the structural form allows the modular plug connector frame to consist of metal and to have PE contacts or to be equipped with such PE contacts, thereby enabling protective grounding of the metal plug connector housing into which the modular plug connector frame is screwed, and to a certain extent also enabling electrical shielding and / or magnetic shielding of the plug connector module.

[0021] Furthermore, in the prior art, document DE 103 03 800 B3 discloses a device for securing a plug-in connector contact insert in an electrically conductive plug-in connector housing. The plug-in connector housing is a so-called "half-shell housing," meaning it is formed from two half-shells that can be joined together and connected to one another. For selective use, the plug-in connector housing has three separate circular housing openings. Typically, one of the housing openings is used as an insertion opening for a cable. The two remaining unused housing openings can then be provided with blind plugs to seal the housing. Furthermore, a plate flange positioned on the plug-in connector contact insert to be secured can be secured in the plug-in connector using special spring elements. Therefore, in this design, only a single plug-in connector contact insert in the form of an insulator is used, so that typically only a single connecting cable and, accordingly, only a single PE (Protection Earth) line can be considered, which can be electrically conductively connected to one of the two plate flanges for grounding, for example.

[0022] Against this background, the goal of document DE 10 2016 111 467 B3 is to integrate such a modular plug connector system into a half-shell housing. If the plug connector modules are modules with electrical contacts, each module typically requires its own cable with an associated PE line. For safety reasons, each PE line must then be in contact with the grounding element of the plug connector.

[0023] Of course, the grounding component must be electrically conductive. The grounding component can be, for example, the aforementioned holding frame or a portion thereof, as long as the holding frame is formed of electrically conductive material.

[0024] Furthermore, the document assumes that each module is supplied with its own cable and that the cables are routed together through a single cable feed of the connector housing. As already mentioned above, since each cable has its own PE line for safety reasons, it is known to combine and crimp several or all of the PE lines together in one eyelet for their common grounding, provided that several or all of them have at least similar cross-sections.

[0025] However, this common crimping of the individual strands has the disadvantage that it cannot be easily supplemented with another PE line later. Therefore, it is not possible to subsequently insert the associated additional PE line into the eyelet when retrofitting another module. Furthermore, this design does not allow for the associated PE line to be individually disconnected from the crimped ground connection when removing an individual module without also disconnecting the other PE line.

[0026] To enable individual contact and release of the PE line, the document also presupposes the known use of a shielding clamp, to which the grounding line is individually screwed. However, this has the disadvantage of requiring a high amount of space in the wiring area of ​​the housing, as the wiring space in the housing half is often extremely limited. Furthermore, this solution carries the risk of damage to the line due to friction and / or compression caused by the edges of the grounding clamp.

[0027] This document addresses the need for an operationally reliable, space-saving, and individual contacting possibility for multiple PE lines within such a half-shell housing. The document therefore addresses the object of overcoming the aforementioned problems and cost-effectively reducing the effort required for grounding a plug-in connector having a half-shell housing by means of multiple PE (“Protection Earth”) conductors.

[0028] To this end, the document proposes to use the second cable outlet of the half-shell housing for a new purpose, namely as a mounting opening, by equipping it with an electrically conductive base body. The base body has at least three threaded holes spaced apart from one another on the connection side, wherein a contact screw can be screwed into each of the threaded holes.

[0029] After multiple PE lines are screwed onto the base body, they are electrically conductively connected to one another via the base body, thus sharing a common ground potential. This allows each plug connector module to have its own cable, each of which can have its own PE line, and all of the PE lines can be electrically connected to one another, without requiring unnecessarily large installation space in the plug connector housing. Furthermore, the holding frame can be electrically conductively connected to the base body, i.e., to the common ground potential, with its PE terminals via connecting wires.

[0030] However, it is disadvantageous here that the device and method, as described in the document, presuppose a half-shell housing with unused housing openings, i.e., a total of at least two cable inlets / cable outlets, one of which serves as a cable feedthrough and the other as a mounting opening for the base body.

[0031] The German Patent and Trademark Office searched the priority application of the present application and found the following prior art: DE 10 2015 106416 B3, DE 10 2019 101 822 B4, DE 10 2017 124 632 A1 and DE 10 2018 133 135 A1. Summary of the Invention

[0032] The object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective, easy-to-use, and space-saving solution for reliably connecting multiple PE lines of a modular plug connector to each other ("protective earth") . In particular, the solution should also be usable in the field of modular plug connectors, in particular modular heavy-duty plug connectors, and for grounding their preferably metallic plug connector housings. The plug connector housing can be constructed in one piece and have only a single cable entry.

[0033] This object is achieved by the subject matter of independent claim 1 .

[0034] A grounding module for a modular plug connector system comprises the following components:

[0035] A substantially cuboid module housing comprising:

[0036] o two mutually opposite narrow sides extending in the plug-in direction, wherein at least one fastening element is respectively integrally formed on the outer side of each of the narrow sides;

[0037] o two mutually opposite broad sides, which also extend in the plug-in direction and are arranged perpendicular to the narrow sides;

[0038] o a cable connection side extending perpendicularly to the plug-in direction, the cable connection side having at least three cable entry openings;

[0039] o a plug-in side lying parallel to and opposite the cable connection side;

[0040] o a contact chamber at each cable entry opening, extending in the plug-in direction and connecting the cable connection side to the plug-in side, said contact chamber being used to accommodate a respective PE (“protective earth”) plug contact;

[0041] For each contact chamber, there is in each case one PE plug contact arranged or to be arranged therein, wherein each PE plug contact has the following components:

[0042] o a cable connection area at the first end on the cable connection side for connecting a PE line, and

[0043] o a plug-in region at a second end on the plug side, lying opposite the first end, which serves for plug-in connection with a PE mating plug-in contact of a further grounding module of a mating plug-in connector which can be plugged into the plug-in connector,

[0044] The grounding module also has the following components:

[0045] - an at least partially electrically conductive grounding plate arranged in or on the module housing perpendicular to the plug-in direction, said grounding plate having a respective through-opening as a contact receptacle for each of the PE plug-in contacts, for introducing the PE plug-in contacts and for electrically conductively connecting said PE plug-in contacts to one another, thereby serving for grounding potential equalization between said PE plug-in contacts.

[0046] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0047] A major advantage of the present invention is that the grounding module is designed as a plug connector module and can therefore be accommodated together with further plug connector modules in a plug connector modular frame.

[0048] The further plug connector modules can be, in particular, plug connector modules for transmitting electrical energy and / or analog and / or digital electrical signals. Thus, the plug connector modules have at least one electrical plug contact, in particular a so-called "push-in" plug contact, which is particularly user-friendly with regard to the cable connection process and will be explained in more detail below. The further plug connector modules can each be connected to an electrical cable, each of which has a plurality of electrical lines, one of which is designed as a ground line, i.e., a PE ("protective earth") line. Thus, at least one of the electrical lines of at least one of the cables is connected to each plug connector module. The corresponding PE line of each cable can be connected to a connection region of a respective one of the PE plug contacts of the grounding module, which PE plug contacts are likewise electrical plug contacts, in particular the aforementioned particularly user-friendly push-in plug contacts. Thus, a common ground connection for potential equalization between the individual PE lines is provided with minimal manual effort.

[0049] The modular plug connector system thus equipped can also be used without a plug connector housing, for example, at a wall feedthrough of a switch cabinet. The at least one further PE plug contact of the grounding module, i.e., not yet connected to the PE line of one of the cables, can then be connected via a respective further PE line to a potential equalization rail of the switch cabinet and / or to a PE terminal of the modular plug connector frame, thereby ensuring a common ground potential with the switch cabinet.

[0050] In a similar manner, the grounding module enables all PE lines of a cable to be commonly grounded at the metal plug connector housing of the modular plug connector with minimal manual effort. To this end, a cable can be introduced into the plug connector housing through its cable inlet and connected to the modular plug connector system as described above. Another PE line can then be connected to another PE plug contact with a ground terminal, such as a conventional grounding screw, of the modular plug connector frame. The modular plug connector frame can then be inserted into the plug opening of the plug connector housing, in particular screwed onto it, so that the metal plug connector housing is also grounded, i.e., connected to the common potential of the PE lines.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the through-openings of the ground plate have a substantially circular basic shape. "Substantially circular" in this context means that, for example, each through-opening can have inwardly directed lamellae.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the ground plate consists of metal, in particular of a spring-elastic plate, and therefore has a high electrical conductivity and can be produced simply and cost-effectively, for example, by a punching method or a punch-bending method.

[0053] Especially, through-opening can punch out from ground plate with punching method / punching bending method.In addition, the thin slice of described inwardly directed elasticity can punch out from ground plate equally and bend slightly on the plug-in direction.

[0054] The lamella has the advantage that the PE plug contact can be received in the through-opening with a force fit.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, each of the PE plug contacts has a preferably cylindrical pressing region between its cable connection region and its plug region, wherein the diameter of the pressing region is greater than the diameter of the plug region. With the aid of the pressing region, the corresponding PE plug contact can be arranged in a form-fitting manner in the corresponding through-opening of the ground plate and thereby connected to the ground plate in a force-fitting and electrically conductive manner, and thus also to the corresponding other PE plug contact. In particular, the pressing region can slightly bend any lamellae present in the plugging direction so that the lamellae mechanically and electrically contact the pressing region in an elastic manner with the aid of a restoring force corresponding to their deflection. In particular, in order to improve the electrical connection to the pressing region of the PE plug contact, the pressing region can have grooves on its surface extending in the plugging direction, also referred to as "knurling" in technical terms, and can thus be implemented as knurled sections.

[0056] In a preferred design, the PE module's fastening elements can be formed by locking projections molded into the narrow sides. This is advantageous for compatibility with existing systems. This grounding module can thus be installed into existing modular plug connector frames along with other existing plug connector modules. Because other plug connector modules often have locking projections of different sizes as polarization mechanisms, i.e., to ensure their correct orientation within the modular plug connector frame, it can be particularly advantageous if the grounding module, whose polarization is less critical, is also equipped with two such locking projections of different sizes for compatibility reasons.

[0057] In a preferred design, the module housing can be embodied in at least two parts, wherein a first part of the module housing is formed by a retaining plate and wherein a second part of the module housing is formed by a contact carrier, wherein the connection side of the module housing belongs to the retaining plate and wherein the plug-in side, narrow side and wide side of the module housing belong to the contact carrier, and wherein after the grounding plate is introduced into the contact carrier, the retaining plate can be joined to the contact carrier on the cable connection side and can be locked to the contact carrier.

[0058] This is particularly advantageous for simplifying the production of the module housing using the injection molding method, as the interior areas of the two parts, particularly with regard to the retaining contours for the ground plate and the PE plug contact, can be significantly better implemented separately in the respective injection molds. However, this is also particularly advantageous for introducing the ground plate. It can be inserted into the contact carrier and secured in its final position in the grounding module by the retaining plate. Furthermore, the PE plug contact can also be similarly inserted into the contact carrier and plugged into the through-opening of the ground plate, and then finally secured in the grounding module by latching the retaining plate.

[0059] In another advantageous embodiment, the cable connection area of ​​the PE plug contact can be implemented using so-called "push-in technology." For this purpose, the cable connection area can include a busbar and a clamping spring. The busbar has a cage that opens on the cable connection side for inserting electrical conductors, i.e., PE lines, in the insertion direction. The cage is used to clamp and electrically contact the corresponding PE line using the clamping spring disposed therein, with the insertion direction of the electrical conductors running parallel to the plugging direction.

[0060] The push-in technology is advantageous because it is simple to manufacture. Furthermore, the work is reduced because the PE lines simply need to be inserted into the cable entry openings of the grounding module to connect them. Furthermore, it is advantageous that already existing designs of push-in plug contacts can be used as PE plug contacts.

[0061] A modular plug connector system comprises a modular plug connector frame with a plurality of electrical plug connector modules accommodated therein. The electrical plug connector modules are characterized in that, unlike optical or pneumatic modules, each of the electrical plug connector modules has at least one electrical plug contact. One of the plug connector modules accommodated in the modular plug connector frame is embodied as a grounding module according to any of the preceding claims. Its PE plug contact is included in the electrical plug contact.

[0062] Furthermore, other non-electrical plug connector modules, such as optical or pneumatic ones, can naturally also be accommodated in the modular plug connector frame. However, in order to make the use of the grounding module worthwhile, at least two other electrical plug connector modules should also be arranged in the modular plug connector frame, i.e., a total of three, namely the grounding module and two other electrical plug connector modules, should be arranged in the modular plug connector frame. The ground potential of the electrical cables belonging to the other electrical plug connector modules can then be advantageously connected via their PE lines via the grounding module.

[0063] The modular plug connector system also has the aforementioned plurality of electrical cables, each of which has a plurality of electrical lines, one of which is designed as a PE line. At least one of the electrical lines of at least one of the cables is connected to each of the electrical plug connector modules, wherein the corresponding PE line of each cable is connected to a connection region of a respective one of the PE plug contacts of the grounding module.

[0064] To this end, the number of PE plug contacts on the grounding module is greater than the number of electrical cables and, therefore, the number of PE lines. This means that, in the above-described arrangement, at least one PE terminal of the grounding module can be used for a second, in particular, separate, PE line. The PE plug contacts of the grounding module can be connected to PE terminals of the modular plug connector frame on the connection side via the second PE line. This also "grounds" the modular plug connector frame; i.e., the grounding plate is electrically conductively connected to the modular plug connector frame via the PE plug contacts and the second PE line.

[0065] A modular plug connector, in particular a modular heavy-duty plug connector, which is provided, for example, for industrial use and has the following components:

[0066] -Metal plug connector housing;

[0067] - the above-mentioned modular plug connector system, wherein

[0068] o The cables of the modular plug connector system are introduced into the plug connector housing through a cable entry of the plug connector housing, and

[0069] o wherein the modular plug connector frame is inserted into the plug opening of the plug connector housing, in particular screwed onto the insertion opening of the plug connector housing, so that

[0070] o The metal plug connector housing is grounded, ie connected in an electrically conductive manner to the grounding plate and thus to the PE line of the electrical cable.

[0071] Advantageously, the handling is very simple, since the PE line only has to be plugged into the terminal of the grounding module of the modular plug connector system. Furthermore, a clearly defined and mechanically and standard-compliant solution to the problem of common grounding of the PE lines of the modular plug connector is thus achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in the drawings and will be explained in detail below. The drawings show:

[0073] Figure 1a Shown is a grounding module;

[0074] Figure 1b Shows the PE plug contact of the grounding module;

[0075] Figure 1c A PE plug contact is shown with a knurled pressing area;

[0076] Figure 1d A ground plate having a through opening is shown;

[0077] Figure 2a Showing a grounding module in a second embodiment;

[0078] Figure 2b Shows the PE plug contact portion of the grounding module in the second embodiment;

[0079] Figure 2c A PE plug contact is shown with a knurl-free pressing area;

[0080] Figure 2d A ground plate having a through opening with a thin sheet is shown;

[0081] Figures 3a to 3c Shown is a modular system of plug connectors.

[0082] The drawings contain partially simplified schematic diagrams. Identical, but possibly different, elements are sometimes designated by the same reference numerals. Different views of the same element may be scaled differently. Directional indications, such as "left," "right," "upper," and "lower," are to be understood with reference to the corresponding figures and may vary in the individual figures relative to the objects shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] Figure 1a and Figure 2a Two grounding modules 1 are shown in two slightly modified embodiments relative to one another, viewed from the plug-in side. Figure 1b to Figure 1d as well as Figure 2b to Figure 2d Its main components are shown separately.

[0084] Figure 1a and Figure 1b The grounding module 1 is shown as viewed from the plug-in side. The grounding module 1 has a substantially cuboid module housing 10. The module housing 10 has two mutually opposite narrow sides 11, 12 extending in the plug-in direction. A latching projection 118, 128 is integrally formed on the outside of each of the narrow sides 11, 12 as a fastening element.

[0085] Furthermore, the grounding module 1 has two mutually opposite broad sides 13 , 14 , which also extend in the plug-in direction and are arranged perpendicular to the narrow sides 11 , 12 .

[0086] Furthermore, the grounding module 1 has a cable connection side 15 extending perpendicularly to the plug-in direction, which has eight cable lead-in openings 150, which are visually obscured by the grounding module 1 in the illustration, but are not visible in the figure. Figure 3b It can be clearly seen in.

[0087] For this purpose, the plug side 16 of the plug connector module 1 can be clearly seen in this illustration.

[0088] Furthermore, plug-in regions 26 of eight PE (“protective earth”) plug contacts 2 can be seen, which project through through-openings 30 of the ground plate 3 .

[0089] exist Figure 1b and Figure 2b In FIG. 1 , the PE plug contact 2 is shown together with the ground plate 3 , but the module housing 10 is not shown.

[0090] Each of the PE plug contacts 2 has, at a first end on the cable connection side, a cable connection region 25 (at the Figure 3b can be seen in ).

[0091] Furthermore, the PE plug contact 2 has Figure 1c and Figure 2c The plug-in area 26 can be seen particularly clearly in FIG.

[0092] Furthermore, each PE plug contact 2 has a cylindrical crushing region 23 between its cable connection region 25 and its plug region 26. Figure 1c In the case of the pressing area, the pressing area is knurled by grooves ("knurling") 233 extending in the plug-in direction. Figure 1d The ground plate 3 , shown separately in FIG. 1 , has a plurality of cylindrical through-openings 30 with a smooth inner contour.

[0093] On the contrary, Figure 2c The PE plug contact shown in FIG has no knurling at its pressing area 23 ′, that is, it is implemented without knurling, that is, it has no grooves (“knurling”) 233. Figure 2d The through-opening 30 ′ of the ground plate 3 shown in FIG. 1 has inwardly directed lamellae 303 .

[0094] The grooves 233 of the PE plug contact 2 or the lamellae 303 of the ground plate 3 serve to improve the electrical conductivity and the mechanical connection between the ground plate 3 and the PE plug contact 2 plugged into its corresponding through-opening 30 , 30 ′.

[0095] at last, Figures 3a to 3c A plug connector modular system 100 is shown.

[0096] exist Figure 3a shows a detail of a modular plug connector system 100 from the perspective of the plug-in side. The modular plug connector system 100 has a modular plug connector frame 4 with a screw flange 44 and fastening screws 45 extending through its threaded holes. This allows the modular plug connector frame 4 to be screwed into a plug opening of a (not shown) metal plug connector housing, more specifically a metal sleeve housing, and can be tightened therein using the fastening screws 45. This electrically conductively connects the modular plug connector frame 4 to the metal plug connector housing.

[0097] Figure 3b and Figure 3c The plug connector modular frame 4 is shown with the grounding module 1 inserted therein. Figure 3b The arrangement is shown looking at the cable connection side 15 of the grounding module 1; Figure 3c The same arrangement is shown with the plug side 16 visible. Here, the latching projections 118, 128 engage in latching windows 418, 428 of the frame halves 41, 42, which can be securely folded away. Therefore, for reasons of clarity, the plug connector modular system 100 is shown here without the other plug connector modules. It is clear to a person skilled in the art, and further disclosed within the context of the present invention, that the plug connector modular frame 4 is configured to accommodate further electrical plug connector modules.

[0098] In other words, further electrical plug connector modules—not shown—can also be accommodated in the modular plug connector frame 4. Each of these electrical plug connector modules then includes a cable (not shown) with multiple conductors. One of these is a PE line (not shown), which is plugged into one of the contact chambers 120 through a respective cable entry opening 150 on the connection side 15 and automatically connected to the corresponding PE plug contact 2 by a push-in method through the interaction of the clamping spring 7 and the cage 254 of the cable connection area 25. The connection can then be released again by actuating the actuator 257.

[0099] The PE lines of different cables can therefore be connected to the PE plug contacts 2 in each case with only very little effort and thus be electrically conductively connected to the ground plate 3 and thus to one another.

[0100] As in Figure 3bAs can be seen particularly clearly in FIG, one of the PE plug contacts 2 is connected via a further PE line 6 to a ground terminal 46 of the metal plug connector modular frame 4. The plug connector modular frame 4 is thereby grounded and, in turn, the metal plug connector housing (not shown) into which the plug connector modular frame is installed.

[0101] Thus, grounding module 1 achieves a particularly easy-to-use and self-explanatory configuration, by means of which a common grounding of multiple different PE lines 6 is defined and fixedly installed within the plug connector. Furthermore, by means of a plug-in connection via the plug sections 460, 461 of the grounding terminal 46 of the plug connector modular frame 4, and also via the plug area 26 of the PE plug contact 2, a PE connection to a mating plug connector (not shown) can be achieved, thereby significantly improving the current-carrying capacity of the PE connection. This operation is very cost-effective, as the PE line 6 only needs to be plugged into the terminal of grounding module 1 of modular plug connector system 100. Furthermore, a clearly defined, mechanically compliant, and standard-compliant solution to the problem of common grounding of the PE lines of modular plug connectors is achieved.

[0102] Applicant: HARTING Electronic Foundation GmbH & Co. KG Title of the invention: Grounding module for a modular plug connector system, modular plug connector system, and modular plug connector having a modular plug connector system

[0103] Reference Signs List

[0104] 1 Grounding module

[0105] 10 Module housing

[0106] 11, 12 narrow side

[0107] 13, 14 wide side

[0108] 15 Cable connection side

[0109] 16 Connecting side

[0110] 118, 128 Fastening element / locking projection

[0111] 120 contact chamber

[0112] 150 Cable entry opening

[0113] 2 PE plug contacts

[0114] 23, 23' Squeeze Zone

[0115] 233 groove, "knurling"

[0116] 25 Cable connection area

[0117] 254 Cage

[0118] 257 Manipulator

[0119] 26 docking area

[0120] 3 Ground plate

[0121] 30, 30' through opening

[0122] 303 slices

[0123] 4-plug connector modular frame

[0124] 41, 42 frame halves

[0125] 44 Screw flange

[0126] 45 Fastening bolts

[0127] 46 Grounding terminal for modular frame of plug connector

[0128] 460, 461 grounding terminal plug section

[0129] 6 Another PE line / ground line

[0130] 7 Clamping spring

[0131] 100 plug-in connector modular system

Claims

1. A grounding module (1) for a modular plug connector system (100), wherein the grounding module (1) comprises the following components: A substantially cuboid module housing (10) comprising: o two mutually opposite narrow sides (11, 12) extending in the plug-in direction, wherein at least one fastening element (118, 128) is molded onto the outside of each of the narrow sides (11, 12); o two mutually opposite broad sides (13, 14) which also extend in the plug-in direction and are arranged perpendicular to the narrow sides (11, 12); o a cable connection side (15) extending perpendicularly to the plug-in direction, the cable connection side having at least three cable lead-in openings (150); o a plug-in side (16) located parallel to and opposite to the cable connection side (15); o a contact chamber (120) extending in the plugging direction at each cable entry opening (150) and connecting the cable connection side (15) to the plugging side (16), the contact chamber being used to accommodate a respective PE ("protective earth") plug contact (2); For each contact chamber (120), there is a PE plug contact (2) arranged or to be arranged therein, wherein each PE plug contact (2) has the following components: o a cable connection area (25) at a first end on the cable connection side for connecting a PE line (5), and o a plug-in region (26) at a second end on the plug-in side, opposite the first end, for plugging into a PE mating plug-in contact of another grounding module of a mating plug-in connector that can be plugged into the plug-in connector, The grounding module (1) further comprises the following components: - an at least partially electrically conductive grounding plate (3) arranged in or on the module housing (10) perpendicular to the plug-in direction, the grounding plate having a respective through-opening (30, 30') as a contact receptacle for each of the PE plug-in contacts (2) for introducing the PE plug-in contacts (2) and for electrically conductively connecting the PE plug-in contacts to one another, thereby serving for grounding potential equalization between the PE plug-in contacts (2).

2. The grounding module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the grounding plate (3) is made of metal.

3. The grounding module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grounding plate (3) is formed by a spring-elastic plate.

4. The grounding module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the through-opening (30') is punched out of the grounding plate (3) and comprises inwardly directed elastic lamellae (303).

5. A grounding module (1) according to any one of the above claims, wherein each of the PE plug-in contacts (2) has an extrusion area (23, 23') between its cable connection area (25) and its plug-in area (26), wherein the diameter of the extrusion area (23, 23') is larger than the diameter of the plug-in area (26), wherein the corresponding PE plug-in contact (2) is arranged in the corresponding through-opening (30, 30') of the grounding plate (3) with its extrusion area (23, 23') in a shape-fitting manner and is connected to the grounding plate (3) in a force-fitting and conductive manner, thereby also being connected to the corresponding other PE plug-in contact (2).

6. The grounding module (1) according to claim 5, wherein the pressing region (23) of the PE plug contact (2) has a groove (233) extending in the plugging direction on its surface.

7. The grounding module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening elements of the grounding module (1) are formed by latching projections (118, 128) molded onto the narrow sides (11, 12).

8. A grounding module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module housing (10) is implemented in at least two parts, wherein a first part of the module housing (10) is formed by a retaining plate, and wherein a second part of the module housing (10) is formed by a contact carrier, wherein the cable connection side (15) of the module housing (10) belongs to the retaining plate, and wherein the plug-in side (16), narrow side (11, 12) and wide side (13, 14) of the module housing (10) belong to the contact carrier, and wherein after the grounding plate (3) is introduced into the contact carrier, the retaining plate can be joined to the contact carrier on the cable connection side and can be locked to the contact carrier.

9. The grounding module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the grounding plate (3) is plugged onto the plug-in contact (2) protruding from the module housing (10) on the plug-in side outside the module housing (10).

10. A grounding module (1) according to any one of the above claims, wherein the cable connection area (25) of the PE plug contact portion (2) has a busbar and a clamping spring (7), wherein the busbar has a cage (254) that is open on the cable connection side for introducing the PE line (6) in the introduction direction, wherein the cage (254) is used to clamp and electrically contact the PE line (6) by means of the clamping spring (7) arranged in the cage (254), wherein the introduction direction of the PE line (6) extends parallel to the plug-in direction.

11. A plug connector modular system (100), which has a plug connector modular frame (4) together with a plurality of electrical plug connector modules accommodated or to be accommodated therein, each of the electrical plug connector modules having at least one electrical plug contact portion (2), wherein one of the plug connector modules is implemented as a grounding module (1) according to any of the above claims.

12. A plug connector modular system (100) according to claim 11, wherein the plug connector modular system (100) also has a plurality of electrical cables, each of which has a plurality of electrical lines, one of which is implemented as a PE line, wherein at least one of the lines of at least one of the cables is connected to each plug connector module (1), wherein the corresponding PE line of each cable is respectively connected to the cable connection area (25) of each PE plug contact part (2) of the grounding module (1).

13. The modular plug connector system (100) according to claim 12, wherein the number of PE plug contacts (2) of the grounding module (1) is greater than the number of electrical cables.

14. A plug-in connector modular system (100) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the plug-in connector modular frame (4) has at least one grounding terminal (46) for another PE line (6), wherein one of the PE plug-in contacts (2) of the grounding module (1) is connected to the grounding terminal (46) of the plug-in connector modular frame (4) via the other PE line (6) on the connection side, so that the grounding plate (3) is conductively connected to the plug-in connector modular frame (4) via the above-mentioned PE plug-in contact (2) and the other PE line (6).

15. A modular plug connector, comprising a metal plug connector housing and a plug connector modular system (100) according to claim 14, wherein the cables of the plug connector modular system (100) are introduced into the plug connector housing through a cable entry of the plug connector housing, and wherein the plug connector modular frame (4) is inserted into the plug opening of the plug connector housing, thereby being conductively connected to the plug connector housing, thereby grounding the metal plug connector housing.

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