Holding frame for modular industrial plug connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding frame (2) which is provided for accommodating a plug-in connector module (5, 5') and which is built into a plug-in connector housing (1), wherein the holding frame (1) is composed of at least two frame parts (9, 9') which are connected to one another via a hinge and which can be pivoted relative to one another along a pivot axis (A) into an accommodation position and into a holding position, wherein the holding frame (2) can be equipped with the plug-in connector module (5, 5') in the accommodation position, and wherein the plug-in connector module (5, 5') is held in the holding frame (2) against falling out in the holding position, wherein an elastic body (14) is clamped between the frame parts (9, 9'), whereby the frame parts (9, 9') can be locked in their accommodation position and / or holding position, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is based on a retaining frame for modular industrial plug connectors as described in the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0002] This retaining frame is used to hold multiple plug connector modules, which are then inserted into and screwed together with the plug connector housing. Here, the retaining frame must be mechanically stable to withstand the mating and pulling forces that occur during the engagement or disengagement of the plug connection.

[0003] Connector modules are needed as part of modular connector systems to enable connectors, especially heavy-duty industrial connectors, to be flexibly adapted to specific requirements, such as signal and energy transmission between two electrical devices. For this purpose, connector modules are typically inserted into corresponding retaining frames, sometimes referred to as hinged frames, module frames, or modular frames. Thus, the retaining frame serves to accommodate multiple connector modules of the same type and / or different from each other, and to reliably secure the connector modules to surfaces and / or device walls and / or connector housings, etc. Background Technology

[0004] A retaining frame for a plug-in connector module is known from DE 19 707 120 C1. The retaining frame consists of two halves connected to each other via hinges. A locking hook of the plug-in connector module engages with a recess on the side of the corresponding half. The hinge, or an end-side hinge, is disposed in the fastening end of the retaining frame. When the retaining frame is screwed onto the fastening surface, the frame components are oriented such that the sides of the retaining frame are perpendicular to the fastening surface. Thus, the plug-in connector module is secured in the retaining frame. The retaining frame of DE 19 707 120 C1 does not have a clearly defined opening position for equipping the retaining frame with the plug-in connector module. Therefore, installation can occasionally be somewhat awkward, especially for inexperienced personnel.

[0005] When a retaining frame is successfully fitted with a plug-in connector module, the retaining frame must be in a closed state or closed position to secure the plug-in connector module. To address this issue, EP 3 345 257 A1 discloses a retaining frame into which the plug-in connector module can be inserted, wherein the retaining frame consists of two halves that can be connected to each other, wherein the halves can be oriented relative to each other in at least two positions and can be secured in each position by a retaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism is thus securely fixed to each frame half, which increases the manufacturing cost of such a frame. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a retaining frame that is simple to operate and can be manufactured at low cost.

[0007] The objective is achieved through the subject matter of independent claim 1.

[0008] Advantageous designs of the invention are given in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] The retaining frame according to the invention is configured to accommodate multiple plug connector modules. The retaining frame is then either inserted into the plug connector housing or screwed onto, for example, a machine wall.

[0010] The retaining frame according to the invention comprises two frame components that can be connected to each other. Each of the frame components has a side face and an end face. The two frame components define a pivot axis approximately in their contact area, the pivot axis extending parallel to the longitudinal side of the half.

[0011] The frame components can pivot open relative to each other along the pivot axis into a receiving position and pivot closed into a holding position.

[0012] In the receiving position, the retaining frame may be equipped with a plug-in connector module. In the retaining position, the plug-in connector module is held securely within the retaining frame to prevent detachment.

[0013] According to the invention, an elastomer is sandwiched between frame components, whereby the frame components can be locked in their receiving position and their holding position, respectively.

[0014] The assembly of the plug connectors using the retaining frame according to the invention is performed as follows: First, the retaining frame is opened into its receiving position. An elastomer ensures that the frame components are held in their desired positions relative to each other. Then, a desired number of plug connector modules are placed into the open retaining frame. Subsequently, the retaining frame is closed into its retaining position. Here, the elastomer undergoes slight, reversible deformation, and a corresponding force must be applied. In the retaining position, the elastomer ensures that the frame components remain in their desired positions, and the plug connector modules do not fall out of the retaining frame again.

[0015] Preferably, the frame components are at an angle α not equal to 180° relative to each other along the pivot axis in their receiving position. In the receiving position, angle α is then between 130° and 170°, but preferably between 155° and 165°. In this angular position of the half, the plug-in connector module can be inserted into the retaining frame particularly easily.

[0016] Preferably, the frame components are at an angle α of approximately 180° to each other along the pivot axis in their held position. Here, "approximately" means that the angle α may also deviate slightly from 180° when, for example, the sides of the frame components are to be slightly inclined to each other in order to secure the plug connector module in a force-fitting manner. In this case, the angle α may deviate from 180° by ±3°.

[0017] Preferably, the frame components are each made of zinc die-cast material. This material has proven suitable for retaining the frame.

[0018] Preferably, the pivot axis extends along the longitudinal axis of the retaining frame. Alternatively, the pivot axis extends centrally through the retaining frame. In this case, the frame components are constructed to approximately the same size. Consequently, the frame components can be manufactured simply.

[0019] Preferably, the frame components are connected to each other via hinged joints. Thus, the hinged connection of the frame components has only one defined axis of motion.

[0020] Preferably, one frame component has at least one hinge joint. The other frame component has at least one hinge receptacle that mates with the hinge joint. The hinge joint of the first frame component can engage with the hinge receptacle of the second frame component, thereby providing a hinged connection between the frame components. Through this hinged connection, the frame components can be oriented relative to each other.

[0021] Preferably, the elastomer has a retaining section with a U-shaped cross-section. Preferably, the retaining section encloses the end section of the frame component. The end section is preferably a flange that protrudes from the end face of the frame component. For example, the PE contact portion of the retaining frame is also fastened to the flange.

[0022] Preferably, the elastomer is made of glass fiber reinforced TPU. Particularly preferred is that the elastomer has a Shore hardness D between 70 and 80.

[0023] These material parameters ensure low wear of the elastomer while providing both comfortable operability and holding force in the appropriate location.

[0024] A Shore hardness of exactly 73 (D) has proven to be particularly preferred. This material value provides high stiffness while maintaining good ductility. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and are described in more detail below. The drawings show:

[0026] Figure 1 A perspective view of the connector housing of an industrial plug connector is shown;

[0027] Figure 2A perspective view of a retaining frame equipped with multiple plug-in connector modules is shown;

[0028] Figure 3 A perspective view of a retaining frame equipped with only one plug-in connector module is shown;

[0029] Figure 4 A top view showing the end face of the retaining frame in its receiving position;

[0030] Figure 5 A top view showing the elastic body without the remaining components retaining the frame; and

[0031] Figure 6 A top view showing the end face of the retaining frame in the retaining position. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The accompanying drawings contain partially simplified schematic diagrams. Partially, the same reference numerals are used for equivalent but potentially different elements. Different views of the same element may be scaled differently. Directional descriptions such as "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" should be understood with reference to the corresponding drawings and may vary relative to the objects shown in the various views.

[0033] Figure 1 The diagram shows a connector housing 1 for an industrial plug-in connector. The connector housing 1 is typically made of metallic materials, and particularly manufactured using a zinc die-casting method. This connector housing 1 is robust and has good electromagnetic shielding properties, making it especially suitable for harsh industrial environments.

[0034] exist Figure 2 As can be seen, a retaining frame 2 is equipped with multiple plug-in connector modules 5, 5'. The retaining frame 2 has a frame-shaped construction and screws 4 at its corner regions. The plug-in connector housing 1 has a generally rectangular cross-section and corresponding threaded holes 3 at its corner regions inside the housing. The retaining frame 2 can be fastened to the plug-in connector housing 1 by means of the screws 4, in conjunction with the corresponding threaded holes 3.

[0035] The retaining frame 2 is composed of two frame parts 9 hingedly connected to each other. Each of the corresponding frame parts 9 of the retaining frame 2 has an opening 10, into which the retaining mechanism 8 of the plug-in connector modules 5, 5' or multiple plug-in connector modules 5, 5' is recessed during engagement. When the frame halves 9 are folded, the retaining mechanism 8 is fully inserted into the opening 10, thereby achieving form-fit retention of the plug-in connector modules 5, 5' or multiple plug-in connector modules 5, 5' within the retaining frame 2. The plug-in connector modules 5, 5' have contact cavities 6 configured to accommodate contact elements.

[0036] exist Figure 3 The retaining frame 2 is shown in its receiving position. The two frame components 9, 9' are connected to each other via hinges. The frame components 9, 9' can pivot relative to each other along a pivot axis (A) to open into... Figure 3 The visible receiving position, and pivot closed to in Figure 2 The position is maintained as visible in the middle.

[0037] The frame components 9 and 9' have outwardly projecting flanges 7, which are equipped with PE contact elements 11 at the frame components.

[0038] Frame component 9 has a hinge joint 12, which is connected to a hinge receiving portion of another frame component 9' that matches the hinge joint. This achieves a hinged connection between the two frame components 9 and 9'.

[0039] exist Figure 4 The image shows a top view of the end face of the retaining frame 2 in its open position. In this view, the angle α formed between the frame components 9 and 9' along the pivot axis A can be seen. An elastomer 14 is disposed or clamped between the frame components 9 and 9' in the flange region. In this embodiment, the angle α is approximately 160°. In this angular position, the plug-in connector modules 5 and 5' can be comfortably inserted into the receiving area of ​​the retaining frame 2.

[0040] exist Figure 5 The elastic body 14 that holds the frame 2 is shown separately. The elastic body 14 has a U-shaped segment 13 that surrounds the flange 7' of the frame member 9' on the inside. Due to its elastomeric or rubbery properties, the elastic body 14 can be securely clamped between the frame members 9 and 9' without slipping off.

[0041] Opposite to the U-shaped section 13, the elastomer 14 has a locking section with an inclined side 16 from which a locking pin 15 protrudes downward at an end. In the receiving position of the retaining frame 2, the locking pin 14 is supported on the flange 7 of the opposite frame member 9, thereby preventing the retaining frame 2 from closing.

[0042] exist Figure 6 The image shows a top view of the end face of the retaining frame 2 in the retaining position. In the retaining position of the retaining frame 2, the locking pin 15 engages above the edge 7a protruding perpendicularly to the flange 7 on the end side of the opposite frame member 9, thereby preventing the retaining frame 2 from opening.

[0043] Even though different aspects or features of the invention are shown in combination in the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, unless otherwise stated, that the shown and discussed combinations are not the only feasible combinations. In particular, corresponding sets of units or features in different embodiments can be interchanged with each other.

[0044] List of reference numerals

[0045] 1. Connector housing

[0046] 2. Maintain the framework

[0047] 3 Threaded holes

[0048] 4 screws

[0049] 5. Connector Module

[0050] 6. Contact cavity

[0051] 7. Flange

[0052] 7a Edge of flange 7

[0053] 8. Maintenance mechanism

[0054] 9 Frame Components

[0055] 10 Openings

[0056] 11 PE contact elements

[0057] 12 Hinged Joints

[0058] 13 Locking section with U-shaped cross-section

[0059] 14. Elastomers

[0060] 15 Locking pins

[0061] 16. Inclined side

[0062] A pivot axis

Claims

1. A retaining frame (2) configured to receive a plug connector module (5, 5') and be fitted into a plug connector housing (1), wherein the retaining frame (2) comprises at least two frame members (9, 9') connected to each other via hinges, the frame members being pivotally open relative to each other along a pivot axis (A) into a receiving position and pivotally closed into a retaining position, wherein the retaining frame (2) is capable of equipping the plug connector module (5, 5') in the receiving position, and wherein the plug connector module (5, 5') is securely held in the retaining frame (2) in the retaining position, characterized in that, An elastomer (14) is held between the frame components (9, 9'), thereby enabling the frame components (9, 9') to be locked in their receiving and / or holding positions, respectively.

2. The retaining frame (2) according to claim 1. Its features are, The frame components (9, 9') are at an angle α not equal to 180° to each other along the pivot axis in their receiving positions, wherein the angle α is between 130° and 170°, but preferably between 155° and 165°.

3. The retaining frame (2) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The frame components (9, 9') are at an angle α of approximately 180° to each other along the pivot axis in their holding position.

4. The retaining frame (2) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The pivot axis (A) extends along the longitudinal axis of the retaining frame (2), so that the frame components (9, 9') are configured to be approximately the same size.

5. The retaining frame (2) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The frame components (9, 9') are connected to each other via hinge-like joints.

6. The retaining frame (2) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, One frame component (9) has at least one hinge joint (12), and another frame component (9') has at least one hinge receiving portion that matches the hinge joint.

7. The retaining frame (2) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The elastomer (14) has a retaining section (13) with a U-shaped cross-section.

8. The retaining frame (2) as described in the preceding claim. Its features are, The retaining section (13) encloses the flange (7') of the frame component (9').

9. The retaining frame (2) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The elastomer (14) is made of glass fiber reinforced TPU.

10. The retaining frame (2) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The elastomer (14) has a Shore hardness D between 70 and 80.

11. The retaining frame (2) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The elastomer (14) has a locking section.

12. The retaining frame (2) according to the preceding claim. Its features are, The locking section has an inclined side (16), from which a locking pin (15) protrudes at the end.

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