Mounting frame for a connector

Abstract

Retaining frame for a connector for receiving identical and / or different modules (3, 3'), comprising a base section for fixing a received module (3, 3') in a plane and a deformation section which can assume an insertion state and a holding state, wherein the insertion state allows the insertion of at least one module (3, 3') in a direction transverse to the plane into the retaining frame and a received module (3, 3') is fixed in the holding state, characterized in that the base section and the deformation section are at least partially made of different materials, wherein the base section is designed as the base frame (1) and the deformation section as at least two opposing cheek parts (2, 2') on the base frame (1), wherein the cheek parts (2, 2') have spring-elastic tabs (22, 22') which extend in the direction transverse to the plane over a circumferential section of the base frame (1) and in which a locking window (23, 23') is arranged as a locking element for receiving a locking lug (31, 31') of a module (3, 3'), wherein the base frame (1) is substantially rectangular in cross-section when viewed along the direction transverse to the plane and has two parallel opposite end faces (11, 11') and perpendicular to them two parallel opposite side parts (12, 12'), wherein the two end faces (11, 11') are shorter than the two side parts (12, 12'), wherein the side parts (12, 12') each have several symmetrically opposite ribs (122, 122') on a first edge, between which open recesses (123, 123') are formed so that the locking lugs (31, 31') of a received module can be received in the respective locking windows (23, 23'), wherein the webs (122, 122') have a length in the insertion direction which is greater than a width in the direction of the side parts (12, 12').

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding frame according to the preamble of the independent main claim 1.

[0002] Such holding frames are required to accommodate several similar and / or different modules. These modules can, for example, be insulating bodies intended as contact carriers for electronic and electrical, and possibly also for optical and / or pneumatic contacts. It is particularly important that the holding frame enables proper protective earthing in accordance with the connector standard EN61984, for example, for inserting the holding frame equipped with modules into metallic connector housings. State of the art

[0003] The publication EP 0 860 906 B1 describes a holding frame for holding connector modules and for installation in connector housings or.A known device for screwing onto wall surfaces, wherein the connector modules are inserted into the mounting frame and retaining means on the connector modules interact with recesses provided on opposite wall parts (side parts) of the mounting frame, wherein the recesses are designed as fully enclosed openings in the side parts of the mounting frame, wherein the mounting frame consists of two hinged halves, wherein the separation of the mounting frame is provided transversely to the side parts of the frame, and wherein hinges are arranged in the fastening ends of the mounting frame such that when the mounting frame is screwed onto a fastening surface, the frame parts align themselves in such a way that the side parts of the mounting frame are aligned perpendicular to the fastening surface and the connector modules have a positive locking connection with the mounting frame via the retaining means.In practice, such holding frames are usually manufactured using a die-casting process, in particular a zinc die-casting process.

[0004] The publication EP 2 581 991 A2 discloses a holding frame for connector modules, which has two frame halves that can be locked together by linearly displacing one frame half relative to the other frame half in a sliding direction, wherein each frame half has corresponding locking means which, when linearly displacing, cause the two frame halves to lock together in two different locking positions, in which the frame halves are spaced apart from each other at different distances.

[0005] Further mounting frames for connector modules can be found in the textbook “Connectors II New Technologies, Products and Management Concepts”, Knoblauch, Günter [et al.], 3rd edition, expert verlag Renningen, 2006, in particular on pages 154 to 193.

[0006] However, practice has shown that such retaining frames require complex operation during installation. For example, such retaining frames must be unscrewed and / or unlatched from the connector as soon as even a single module needs to be replaced. In the process, other modules that were not intended to be removed may also fall out of the retaining frame and then have to be reinserted before the frame halves are screwed together and / or latched together. Finally, all modules must be in their intended position simultaneously before the frame halves are joined, in order to be permanently secured in the retaining frame when the frame halves are joined, which complicates installation.

[0007] The document EP 1 801 927 B1 discloses a holding frame consisting of a one-piece plastic injection-molded part. The holding frame is designed as a circumferential collar and has several wall segments separated by slots on its plug-in side. Two opposing wall segments each form an insertion area for a plug-in module, wherein the wall segments have window-like openings that serve to accommodate projections molded onto the narrow sides of the modules. Furthermore, a guide groove is provided in each wall segment. The guide groove is formed above the openings by means of an outwardly offset window web that has an insertion bevel on the inside. In addition, the plug-in modules have locking arms that are molded onto the narrow sides, acting in the direction of the cable connections, and that lock below the lateral collar wall, so that two independent locking means fix the plug-in modules in the holding frame.

[0008] A disadvantage of this prior art is, firstly, that it involves a plastic retaining frame, which, by its nature, is not suitable for protective earthing and thus not suitable for installation in metallic connector housings. However, the use of metallic connector housings requires such protective earthing, and this is necessary in many cases due to their mechanical robustness, temperature resistance, and electrically shielding properties, and is therefore desired by customers. Furthermore, it has been shown that the production of the aforementioned plastic retaining frames using injection molding is at least difficult and can only be achieved with considerable effort. Ultimately, the heat resistance of such a plastic retaining frame is not always sufficient for special applications, for example, near a blast furnace.Finally, the plastic material and shape, especially the thickness of the support frame, are primarily determined by the requirements of flexibility and not by those of temperature resistance at the relevant points.

[0009] An electrical fiber optic connector assembly according to US Pat. No. 5,352,133 A comprises a dielectric shell having a receptacle for receiving a connector in a mating position with a complementary connector device. A metal lock is secured to the dielectric shell and engageable with a complementary lock on the connector to automatically lock the connector in the receptacle when the connector is positioned therein in a mating direction. An overload protector overlies the metal lock in spaced-apart relationship to allow the metal lock to move only a limited extent into and out of engagement with the complementary lock to prevent overloading of the metal lock.A rib and slot engagement is provided between the connector and the sleeve to prevent rotation of the connector about an axis perpendicular to the mating direction of the connector to provide further overload protection for the metal latch.

[0010] A guide according to US 4 032 209 A has spaced-apart rails, each holding a plurality of clips, each clip located at a corresponding station. Thus, there is a pair of clips at each station. A multi-socket unit can be mounted between the rails at each station or at adjacent stations. An electrical component, such as a relay, can be plugged into each socket unit and, when plugged in, is engaged by the clips that hold the component and plug unit together, and the combination of the two is locked in the station(s) with the guide.

[0011] The document DE 295 080 95 U1 relates to a module insertion frame for receiving contact modules for insertion into plug connector housings, with a frame body consisting of two cheek parts and two head pieces, which are each located parallel to one another and form a receiving opening for the contact modules, with holding means on the cheek parts, by which the contact modules are fixed and held, with guide means on the head pieces, which on the one hand comprise a positive / male guide element and on the other hand a negative / female guide element, and with protective contact means which are formed on the head pieces, wherein the protective contact means are formed by one of the guide elements itself, which is connected in one piece to the frame body, and a single protective contact spring which is fastened to the other of the guide elements. Task

[0012] The object of the invention is to provide a design for a mounting frame which, on the one hand, has good heat resistance and high mechanical robustness and, in particular, enables appropriate protective earthing, especially a PE ("Protection Earth"), even when installed in a metallic connector housing, and which, on the other hand, also ensures convenient operation, especially when replacing individual modules.

[0013] This object is achieved in a first aspect with a holding frame of the type mentioned at the outset by the features of the characterising part of the independent main claim 1.

[0014] Such a holding frame is suitable for use in heavy-duty industrial connectors and can be made at least partially of an electrically conductive material. This allows for protective grounding, which can be achieved, for example, by having a PE contact in the holding frame or at least being equipped with such a PE contact.

[0015] The holding frame has a base section and a deformation section, which are at least partially formed from different materials. The base section serves to fix a received module in a plane. The deformation section can assume an insertion state and a holding state, wherein the insertion state allows insertion of at least one module into the holding frame in a direction transverse to the plane, wherein a received module is fixed in the holding state.

[0016] The support frame comprises a base frame as the base section and at least two cheek parts as the deformation section. The base frame is then made of a different material than the cheek parts and thus advantageously has less elasticity and thus greater rigidity than the cheek parts.

[0017] The deformation section, in particular the cheek part(s), can be formed from a material that, according to its stress / strain diagram, is more elastic, i.e., has a lower modulus of elasticity, than the material from which the base section, in particular the base frame, is formed. Conversely, the material of the base section can be stiffer than the material from which the deformation section is formed. For example, the material of the base frame, according to its stress / strain diagram, can have a modulus of elasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the material from which the cheek parts are formed.

[0018] The value of the elastic modulus is greater the more resistance a material offers to elastic deformation.

[0019] Furthermore, the material from which the deformation section is formed can, according to its stress / strain diagram, have a larger elastic range than the material from which the base section is formed.

[0020] In particular, the basic section, especially the basic frame, can be designed to be stiff, especially ideally rigid.

[0021] The deformation section, i.e. the cheek parts, is designed to be spring-elastic and can advantageously be made from a spring-elastic sheet metal.

[0022] A spring-elastic sheet is understood to be a sheet that has spring-elastic properties, such as reversible deformability, in particular when a corresponding restoring force is applied, for example a sheet that is made of spring steel or a comparable material.

[0023] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0024] One advantage of the invention is that the modules can be inserted into and removed from the holding frame individually and with very little effort, which particularly facilitates manual assembly. The spring-elastic properties of the deformable section, particularly the cheek part(s), allow modules to be inserted or removed individually with very little effort. At the same time, the base frame's rigidity provides the necessary mechanical stability for holding the inserted modules.

[0025] Advantageously, the use of one or more metallic materials ensures high temperature resistance and particularly high mechanical robustness of the support frame for both the basic section (i.e., the base frame) and the deformation section (i.e., the side panels), compared to materials such as plastic.

[0026] A further advantage of using one or more metallic materials is that the holding frame enables protective earthing for electrical safety, in particular a PE protective earthing of a metallic connector housing into which the holding frame is inserted. This also ensures, as an additional advantage, shielding of the signals transmitted by the connector. This shielding can provide protection against external interference fields. However, it can also be shielding to prevent or reduce emitted interference, i.e. to protect the environment against interference fields from the connector. In other words, not only are the signals transmitted by the modules protected from external interference fields, but the environment is also protected from interference caused by current flowing through the modules.

[0027] A particularly significant additional advantage of using one or more metallic materials is that the holding frame is, on the one hand, particularly heat-resistant and, on the other hand, through the use of spring-elastic sheet metal, for example, it still has a sufficiently high elasticity in the required places to allow the modules to be inserted and removed from the module frame individually and with little effort. It is therefore particularly advantageous if the holding frame has spring-elastic sheet metal in suitable places, as this makes it significantly more heat-resistant than a plastic frame that is otherwise functionally comparable from a mechanical point of view, while being at least as elastic. The associated modules can be designed accordingly compactly, so that they can still be made of plastic and yet are relatively heat-resistant.

[0028] It is particularly advantageous that the support frame has several different sections, for example a first and a second section, which have different elasticities, because it can then apply a higher section modulus in the area of ​​highest bending stress. The first section corresponds to the basic section. The second section corresponds to the deformation section.

[0029] These different areas, namely the base section and the deformation section, are made of different materials and thus exhibit different material properties, in particular different moduli of elasticity.

[0030] The second section, the deformation section, can therefore exhibit higher elasticity than the first section, which corresponds in particular to the base section. Conversely, the first section can thus possess greater stiffness than the second. In particular, the first section can be rigid, and the second section can be spring-elastic. Such elasticity or stiffness can be achieved, as already mentioned, through the material used and / or through the geometric design of these sections, especially the base section and the deformation section.

[0031] The first section, the base section, can be made of a rigid material, such as a zinc alloy, an aluminum alloy, or a copper alloy. The second section, in particular the deformation section, can be made of a spring-elastic material, such as a spring-elastic steel sheet.

[0032] The first section, in particular the base section, can be manufactured using a casting process, for example, a zinc die-casting or aluminum die-casting process, or by milling from, for example, a copper alloy. For example, the first section, in particular the base section, can preferably be the surrounding base frame. The base frame can therefore be, in particular, a zinc die-cast part. The base frame has a substantially rectangular cross-section, meaning it has two parallel end faces and, perpendicular to these, two parallel side faces, the two end faces being shorter than the two side faces. Both the end faces and the side faces can have a substantially rectangular shape.

[0033] Furthermore, the second area, i.e., the deformation section, is formed from at least two, preferably two, separate cheek sections, each of which preferably consists of a spring-elastic sheet metal part. The two cheek sections can optionally be made of the same material, in particular spring-elastic sheet metal, and can also have the same thickness. For example, the two cheek sections can preferably be stamped from the same sheet metal.

[0034] Each side panel can be essentially flat and preferably has a rectangular shape. It thus has two opposing long edges, namely a first and a second edge, and perpendicular to these, two opposing short edges, namely a third and a fourth edge. The side panel has, in particular, slots at regular intervals starting at its first edge and preferably extending perpendicularly to it towards the second edge, preferably straight slots, thereby forming freestanding tabs in the side panel. Furthermore, a locking window can be arranged in each of these tabs as a locking element. These locking windows are designed to receive locking lugs of inserted modules in order to lock the modules in the mounting frame.Furthermore, each cheek section can have several fastening elements, in particular fastening recesses preferably in a round shape, for fastening to the base frame.

[0035] Advantageously, each of the two side panels can be attached to the base frame on one outer side of the other, so that two spring-loaded tabs of the two side panels are symmetrically opposite each other. Furthermore, these tabs can be slightly bent outwards at their ends, away from the base frame and thus from each other, to facilitate the insertion of a module.

[0036] The base frame can have fastening elements, such as round mounting pins, on the corresponding side panel, preferably on both side panels. These fastening elements can engage in the mounting recesses of the corresponding side panel and thus hold the side panels to the base frame, for example, by snapping and / or by a positive and non-positive connection. Additionally or alternatively, the side panels can be attached to the base frame by gluing, welding, soldering, riveting and / or screwing, or by any other type of fastening.

[0037] The associated modules can be essentially cuboid in shape and can have a width on each of their two opposing end faces that corresponds to the width of a tab. Each module advantageously has a locking lug on each of its two end faces, which can also be essentially cuboid in shape. Each of the spring-loaded tabs of the retaining frame advantageously has a locking window, which can be essentially rectangular, and which is provided for the preferably positive-locking reception of such a locking lug.

[0038] The two locking lugs of a module can differ from each other, for example, in their shape and / or size, particularly in their length, and the tabs on both sides of the mounting frame can have corresponding windows that also differ from each other and whose size and / or shape correspond to one of the locking lugs. This has the advantage that the orientation of each module in the mounting frame is defined. In other words, the locking windows and the locking lugs can be used, by virtue of their shape and / or size, as coding means, particularly as polarizing means, for orienting the modules in the mounting frame.

[0039] Advantageously, the tabs of the mounting frame are slightly bent away from the frame at a free-standing end, which simplifies module insertion. Inserting a module into the mounting frame is therefore particularly user-friendly. A module is first inserted between two tabs of the mounting frame and then slides along the bent end sections of the tabs with its two end faces and, in particular, with the integrated locking lugs. This causes the two tabs to bend apart briefly until the respective locking lugs are engaged by the corresponding locking window of the respective tab and thus lock into place. Upon engagement of the locking lugs in the respective locking window, the tabs preferentially spring back to their original position. In this way, the modules can be individually locked into the mounting frame.

[0040] At the same time, the module is held securely in the preferably rigid base frame. To release the modules, the two corresponding tabs simply need to be bent away from each other. The respective module can then be individually removed from the mounting frame, while the other modules remain locked in place. This ensures a secure hold of the module in the mounting frame with a comparatively low actuation force, which is particularly advantageous for ease of use.

[0041] A further advantage is that the modules are already held in the mounting frame with sufficient holding force by the aforementioned design and therefore do not require any additional locking devices, such as locking arms, apart from their locking lugs, as this significantly simplifies their design and thus their manufacturing effort, while simultaneously ensuring a compact design and thus also high heat resistance of the modules and therefore of the entire connector.

[0042] In one embodiment, it is particularly advantageous if these two cheek parts are identical, i.e., despite the two-part design of the support frame, only cheek parts of one type need to be manufactured, which further reduces the manufacturing effort.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the two cheek sections differ in the size and / or shape of their locking windows. This has the advantage that the orientation of each module, which accordingly also has two different locking lugs, is defined. In other words, the locking windows and locking lugs can thus serve as coding means for orienting the modules by virtue of their shape.

[0044] For protective earth (PE) connection, the mounting frame can be equipped with a corresponding PE module, which, for example, establishes an electrical contact between a connected earthing cable and the mounting frame (which is at least partially electrically conductive, especially metallic) via an electrically conductive grounding clamp. This allows the mounting frame to be fitted with a PE contact.

[0045] Alternatively, the mounting frame itself can have a PE contact, for example a screw terminal, for the grounding cable. Such a PE contact can, for instance, be molded onto the base frame. Example

[0046] An embodiment illustrating the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail below. The drawing shows: Fig. 1. A basic framework; Fig. 2 a,b a first cheek section from two different perspectives; Fig. 2 c,d a second cheek section from two different perspectives; Fig. 3 a,b a module from two different perspectives; Fig. 4 a,b a holding frame with an inserted PE module from two different perspectives.

[0047] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a base frame 1. This base frame 1 has a substantially rectangular cross-section, i.e., it has two parallel end faces 11, 11' and two parallel side parts 12, 12' perpendicular to these, the two end faces 11, 11' being shorter than the two side parts 12, 12'. Both the end faces 11, 11' and the side parts 12, 12' are themselves substantially rectangular, with a flange 13, 13' projecting perpendicularly from each end face 11, 11', each of which has two screw holes 131, 131', so that the base frame 1 has a total of four screw holes 131, 131'.

[0048] The two side parts 12, 12' each have several symmetrically arranged, relatively short webs 122, 122' on a first edge. In the present embodiment, "short" means that the length of the webs 122, 122' (as shown in the drawing) is less than their width. The present embodiment is therefore not according to the invention. In an embodiment according to the invention, the webs 122, 122' are longer; their length exceeds their width. Open recesses 123, 123' are thus formed between these webs 122, 122'.

[0049] In the present example, four such open recesses 123, 123' are provided on each cheek section 2, 2', but of course a different number of recesses would also be conceivable, for example three, five, six, seven or eight. The number of open recesses 132, 132' in each side section 12, 12' corresponds to the number of modules 3 that the corresponding mounting frame is capable of accommodating.

[0050] Furthermore, each side panel 12, 12' has several fastening pins 124, 124' for fastening the corresponding cheek panel 2, 2'. In the present case, the fastening pins 124, 124' have a circular cross-section; however, any other shape would also be conceivable; the fastening pins 124, 124' could, for example, also be oval, rectangular, square, triangular, pentagonal, n-sided, or any other flat shape.

[0051] The retaining frame thus has two cheek parts 2, 2', namely a first cheek part 2 and a second cheek part 2'.

[0052] The Fig. 2 a and Fig. Figures 2c each show one of these cheek sections 2, 2' in a first perspective, where the viewing direction is perpendicular to it. Fig. 2 b and Fig. Figure 2d shows the respective cheek section 2, 2' from an oblique view. Each cheek section 2, 2', which in the present embodiment is preferably a stamped and bent part, has three slots 21, 21' through which four equally sized tabs 22, 22' are formed. The number of tabs 22, 22' of the respective cheek section 2, 2' corresponds to the number of open recesses 123, 123' on each of the two side parts 12, 12' of the base frame 1.

[0053] Each tab 22, 22' of each cheek section 2, 2' has a locking window 23, 23'. The locking windows 23 of the first cheek section 2 are larger than the locking windows 23' of the second cheek section 2'. The two cheek sections 2, 2' thus differ from each other in the size of their locking windows 23, 23'. Furthermore, additional fastening recesses 24, 24' are provided in the cheek sections 2, 2'. In the present embodiment, these recesses have a circular shape, but they could, of course, have any other shape, such as oval, rectangular, square, triangular, pentagonal, n-sided, or any other flat shape.

[0054] The mounting pins 124, 124' of the base frame 1 fit snugly into the respective mounting recesses 24, 24' of the corresponding side panels 2, 2', so that the respective side panel 2, 2' can be attached to the corresponding side panel 12, 12'. Additionally, the respective side panel 2, 2' can be further attached to the corresponding side panel 12, 12' by other means, for example by gluing, welding, soldering, riveting and / or screwing.

[0055] In the Fig. 2 b and Fig. Figure 2d shows that the respective cheek section 2, 2' is folded by 180° at a bend line B, B' in the lower end region and thus reinforced in this area. A lower edge K, K' of the corresponding sheet metal lies between the fastening recesses 24 and a corresponding bend line B, B', so that the fastening recesses 24, 24' are uncovered and the fastening pins 124, 124' can be inserted into them without hindrance.

[0056] The Fig. 3 a and the Fig. Figure 3b shows a module 3 that can be inserted into the mounting frame in one possible configuration, shown from two different views. Of course, other modules with a similar configuration can also be used.

[0057] Module 3 has a first locking lug 31 on a first longitudinal side 32, which is designed to engage in a locking window 23 of the first side panel 2. On a second longitudinal side 32' opposite this first longitudinal side 32, module 3 has a second locking lug 31', which is narrower than the first locking lug and is designed to engage in a locking window 23' of the second side panel 2'. Furthermore, the module has a very compact design, which improves its heat resistance.

[0058] The orientation of module 3 in the holding frame is determined by the shape of the locking lugs 31, 31' and the shape of the windows 23, 23'.

[0059] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a fully assembled mounting frame, in which the two side pieces 2, 2' are attached to the base frame. The mounting pins 124, 124' of the base frame engage in the mounting recesses 24, 24' of the corresponding side pieces 2, 2'. This attachment is further enhanced by the fact that the lower edge K, K' of each side piece 2, 2' is flush with the corresponding side piece 12, 12' of the base frame 1. In addition to or as an alternative to the mounting pins 124, 124' and the mounting recesses 24, 24', the side pieces 2, 2' can also be soldered, welded, screwed, riveted, or otherwise attached to the base frame 1.

[0060] The cheek parts 2, 2' have a higher elasticity, particularly in the area of ​​their tabs 22, 22', than the base frame 1. Conversely, the base frame 1, which may be manufactured using a die-casting process, in particular a zinc die-casting process, has a greater stiffness than the two spring-elastic cheek parts 2, 2', which may, for example, be made of spring-elastic sheet steel.

[0061] This means that a certain force, for example 10 N, acting on any tab 22 of a cheek part 2 at the level of its locking window 23 perpendicular to the surface of the cheek part 2, directed from the inside out with respect to the retaining frame, causes a deflection of the tab 22, measurable at the level of its locking window 23, which is greater than the deflection that the base frame 1 experiences at any point when an equally large force, for example also 10 N, acts at that point perpendicular to its end face 11, 11' or to its side part 12, 12', directed from the inside out with respect to the base frame.

[0062] The base frame 1 therefore has a greater stiffness than the side panels 2, 2'. Conversely, the side panels 2, 2' have a higher elasticity than the base frame.

[0063] The following information assumes that the mounting frame is fixed at four corner points. For example, it can be fixed by screwing it to the four screw holes 131, 131' of its flanges 13, 13' in or on a metallic connector housing.

[0064] If, for example, a force of 10 N acts on the tab 22 of a cheek section 2 at the level of its locking window 23 and perpendicular to the surface of the cheek section 2, this tab 22 will be reversibly deflected by a path length of at least 0.2 mm, preferably at least 0.4 mm, and in particular at least 0.8 mm, i.e., for example, more than 1.6 mm. If an equally large force of 10 N acts, for example, in the middle of its side section 12 perpendicular to the surface of the side section 12, acting from the inside out with respect to the base frame 1, the base frame 1 will be deflected even in this area, where its stiffness is at its lowest, by a path length of less than 0.2 mm, preferably less than 0.1 mm, and in particular less than 0.05 mm, i.e., for example, less than 0.025 mm. Thus, the base frame 1 is stiffer than the cheek pieces 2, 2'.In particular, the base frame 1 is to be regarded as rigid and the cheek parts 2, 2' are each to be described as spring-elastic.

[0065] This ensures that the modules are held and, in particular, locked in place with high holding force while requiring low actuation forces, which significantly simplifies operation, especially the insertion and removal of individual modules 3. Furthermore, the side panel 2 is spring-elastic, and its elasticity is selected, in particular according to the values ​​specified above, such that the modules 3 can be inserted and removed manually. At the same time, the base frame 1 is rigid, and its rigidity, in particular according to the values ​​specified above, is high enough to hold the inserted modules 3 with sufficient strength to ensure the intended function of the associated connector.This ensures that the modules 3, and therefore also the contacts within the modules 3, are positioned geometrically precisely and mechanically stable enough to reliably make electrical contact with corresponding mating contacts of a comparable mating plug.

[0066] Such a connector and a corresponding mating connector, which are not shown in the drawing, may additionally have a preferably metallic housing into which a mounting frame, wholly or partially equipped with modules 3, is inserted.

[0067] In the Fig. 4 a and Fig. The mounting frame shown in 4b holds a specially designed PE module 3', which in its basic form corresponds to the one shown in Fig.The PE module 3' corresponds to module 3 a, b shown. Additionally, the PE module 3' has an electrically conductive PE contact 33', which is electrically connected via the PE module 3' to an electrically conductive grounding clamp 34' also belonging to the PE module 3'. The PE contact 33' can, for example, be a screw contact, i.e., the PE contact 33' has a grounding screw 35' suitable for connecting a grounding cable to the PE contact 33' and mechanically fixing it therein. This grounding cable is electrically connected to the base frame 1 via the PE module 3' grounding clamp 34', which is clamped to one of the end faces 11' of the mounting frame.

[0068] Alternatively, the mounting frame can itself have such a PE contact, for example a PE screw contact, on its base frame 1. The PE contact can, for example, be molded onto the base frame 1. This can be done during the manufacturing of the base frame 1, for example using injection molding. List of reference symbols 1 Basic frame 11, 11' End faces 12, 12' side panels 122, 122' Bridges 123, 123' open recesses 124, 124' Mounting pin 13, 13' flanges 131, 131' screw holes 2, 2' cheek pieces 21, 21 slots 22, 22' tabs 23, 23' Rastfenster 24, 24' mounting recesses B, B' bending line K, K' lower edge Module 3 3' PE module 31, 31' Rastnasen 32, 32' long side 33' PE contact 34' Grounding clamp 35' grounding screw The following is a list of examples:

[0069] Exemplary embodiment 1. Holding frame for a connector for receiving identical and / or different modules (3, 3'), comprising a base section (1) for fixing a received module (3, 3') in a plane and a deformation section (2, 2') which can assume an insertion state and a holding state, wherein the insertion state allows at least one module (3, 3') to be inserted into the holding frame in a direction transverse to the plane and a received module (3, 3') is fixed in the holding state. characterized in that the basic section (1) and the deformation section (2, 2') are at least partially made of different materials.

[0070] Exemplary embodiment 2. Holding frame according to exemplary embodiment 1, characterized in that the base section (1) is designed as a base frame (1) and the deformation section (2, 2') is designed as at least one cheek part (2, 2') on the base frame (1).

[0071] Exemplary embodiment 3. Holding frame according to one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 2, characterized in that the base section (1) at least partially encloses at least a part (K, K') of the deformation section (2, 2') and / or at least a part of the deformation section (2, 2') is arranged on the outside of the base section (1).

[0072] Exemplary embodiment 4. Retaining frame according to one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 3, characterized in that the retaining frame is made in multiple parts and the base section (1) and the deformation section (2, 2') are positively, force-fit and / or materially bonded to each other, in particular glued, welded, soldered, riveted, snapped and / or screwed together.

[0073] Exemplary embodiment 5. Holding frame according to one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 3, characterized in that the base section (1) and the deformation section (2, 2') are integrally designed.

[0074] Exemplary embodiment 6. Holding frame according to one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 5, characterized in that the deformation section (2, 2') is designed for elastic deformation between insertion state and holding state or plastic deformation from insertion state to holding state.

[0075] Exemplary embodiment 7. Holding frame according to exemplary embodiment 6, characterized in that the deformation section (2, 2') has or consists of spring-elastic sheet metal (2, 2').

[0076] Exemplary embodiment 8. Mounting frame according to one of the exemplary embodiments 1 to 7,

Claims

[1] Holding frame for a connector for receiving similar and / or different modules (3, 3'), with a base section for fixing a received module (3, 3') in a plane and a deformation section which can assume an insertion state and a holding state, wherein the insertion state allows insertion of at least one module (3, 3') in a direction transverse to the plane into the holding frame and a received module (3, 3') is fixed in the holding state, characterized by that the base section and the deformation section are at least partially made of different materials, wherein the base section is designed as a base frame (1) and the deformation section as at least two opposing cheek parts (2, 2') on the base frame (1), wherein the cheek parts (2, 2') have resilient tabs (22, 22') which extend in the direction transverse to the plane beyond a circumferential section of the base frame (1) and in each of which a locking window (23, 23') is arranged as a locking element for receiving a locking lug (31, 31') of a module (3, 3'), wherein the base frame (1) is substantially rectangular in cross-section when viewed along the direction transverse to the plane and has two mutually parallel, opposite end faces (11, 11') and, at right angles thereto, two mutually parallel, opposite side parts (12, 12'), wherein the two end faces (11, 11') are shorter than the two side parts (12, 12'), wherein the side parts (12, 12') each have on a first edge a plurality of webs (122, 122') arranged symmetrically opposite one another, between which open recesses (123, 123') are formed so that the locking lugs (31, 31') of a received module can be received in the respective locking windows (23, 23'), wherein the webs (122, 122') have a length in the insertion direction which is greater than a width in the direction of the side parts (12, 12'). [2] Holding frame according to claim 1, characterized by that the base section at least partially encloses at least a part of the deformation section and / or at least a part of the deformation section is arranged outside the base section. [3] Holding frame according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized bythat the holding frame is made up of several parts and the base section and the deformation section are connected to each other in a form-fitting, force-fitting and / or material-fitting manner. [4] Holding frame according to claim 3, characterized by that the base section and the deformation section are glued, welded, soldered, riveted, locked and / or screwed. [5] Holding frame according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the base section and the deformation section are integrally constructed. [6] Holding frame according to claim 1, characterized by that the deformation section (2, 2') comprises or consists of spring-elastic sheet metal (2, 2'). [7] Holding frame according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a PE contact (33').

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