Holding frame for a connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding frame (1) for a plug-in connector for receiving a plurality of contact inserts (2), comprising two side parts (11) and two end parts (12), wherein the end parts (12) each have a PE connection which has a metallic connection contact (3) and a spring-loaded terminal connection with a clamping spring (4) and a contact piece, and wherein an actuating element (6) is provided which can be moved from a first position into a second position, wherein the clamping leg (41) of the clamping spring (4) is deflected by the actuating element (6) in the second position of the actuating element (6) against its spring force. In the holding frame, a U-shaped contact chamber (7) is arranged on at least one of the two end parts (12), which contact chamber has a U-back (71), a first U-leg (72) and a second U-leg (73), wherein the first U-leg (72) forms the contact piece, wherein the clamping spring (4) and the actuating element (6) are arranged in the contact chamber (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding frame for a connector for accommodating multiple contact inserts, comprising two opposing side parts and two likewise opposing end parts. At least one of the two side parts has a PE connection, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such holding frames are used to accommodate several contact inserts that can be inserted into the holding frame. These inserts consist of an insulating body with a rectangular cross-section in which different contact elements can be arranged. Because the contact inserts can be inserted individually into the holding frame, it is possible to equip a holding frame with different contact inserts depending on the intended use. The holding frame with the contact inserts is therefore modular in design, so that the contact inserts are also referred to as contact insert modules or contact modules. The fully equipped holding frame, in which the respective contact inserts are inserted, can be inserted into a housing part of a connector and fastened therein, with the plug connector serving for fastening with a corresponding mating connector.

[0003] Various types of holding frames are known in practice which enable the modular insertion of individual contact inserts. For many years there have been holding frames which consist of two hingedly connected frame halves, whereby the contact inserts are inserted into corresponding recesses in the two frame halves when the holding frame is open and held in position when the holding frame is closed. There are also holding frames which have a fixed base frame into which the individual contact inserts are inserted into corresponding recesses in a first step. To hold and secure the contact inserts in the base frame, a fastening bracket is fixed to the base frame in a second step. The fastening bracket engages over projections which are formed on the end faces of the contact inserts and which engage in the corresponding recesses on the upper edge of the base frame.

[0004] DE 10 2015 103 563 A1 discloses a holding frame consisting of a rigid, rectangular base frame with two side parts and two end parts, wherein upwardly open recesses are formed at the upper edge of the side parts, which are laterally delimited by webs. Attached to the two side parts are a plurality of spring-elastic tabs separated from one another by slots, each of which has a recess formed therein. The tabs are arranged on the side parts such that the recesses in the tabs and the recesses in the side parts are aligned with one another. The upper edge of the recesses is each delimited by a bracket section on which an inwardly projecting locking lug is formed, which projects into the respective recess of a side part, such that the locking projection of a contact insert inserted into the holding frame is overlapped by the locking lug.The lower edge of the locking projection rests on the lower edge of the recess in the side part, while the lateral edges of the locking projection are held by the webs that laterally delimit the recess.

[0005] The tabs preferably consist of a spring-elastic sheet metal, so that the tabs have corresponding spring-elastic properties which enable the contact inserts to be inserted between two opposing tabs until the locking projections formed on the contact inserts are overlapped by the inwardly projecting locking lugs formed on the tabs and are thereby fixed in the holding frame.

[0006] The end pieces of this holding frame each have a flange section on which a PE connection is formed. The PE connection has a screw connection, so that a protective conductor can be electrically connected to the connection contact of the PE connection using the screw connection. A holding frame designed in this way enables simple yet secure attachment of the contact inserts in the holding frame, while also allowing for easy replacement of individual contact inserts.

[0007] DE 10 2019 135 726 A1 discloses a holding frame with a PE terminal provided on each of its two end pieces, each having a metal connection contact and a spring-loaded terminal connection. The spring-loaded terminal connection comprises a V-shaped clamping spring with a clamping leg and a contact piece, whereby the clamping leg and the contact piece form a terminal point for a protective conductor to be connected. The contact piece is punched out of the end piece and bent so that it protrudes perpendicularly from the end piece. Because the PE terminal in this holding frame has a spring-loaded terminal connection rather than a screw connection, a protective conductor can be connected very quickly and easily.

[0008] Additionally, a housing part is attached to each of the end parts of the known holding frame. The housing part consists of an insulating material and has a conductor insertion opening for inserting the protective conductor to be connected and an actuating opening. In order to intentionally release a connected conductor from the clamping point or spring-loaded terminal connection, the clamping leg of the clamping spring must be deflected against its spring force. For this purpose, an actuating element is arranged in the actuating opening, which can be moved from a first position in which the clamping point is closed to a second position in which the clamping point is open. In the second position of the actuating element, the clamping leg is deflected by the actuating element against its spring force, so that a connected conductor can be pulled out of the spring-loaded terminal connection or a flexible conductor can be inserted into the open clamping point.By arranging the actuating element in the actuating opening, it can be ensured that the clamping spring is not damaged when opening the clamping point, for example by using an unsuitable actuating tool.

[0009] Since the retaining frames are designed to be inserted into and secured within a connector housing, the available space for the retaining frame and thus also for the PE connection is limited. When using a PE connection with a spring-cage terminal located in a housing, this can result in only protective conductors with a smaller cross-section being able to be connected to the spring-cage terminal compared to a PE connection with a screw connection.

[0010] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a holding frame which enables the simplest possible connection of a protective conductor even when the available installation space is limited.

[0011] This object is achieved in the holding frame described at the outset with the features of patent claim 1. In the holding frame according to the invention, a U-shaped contact chamber is arranged on at least one of the two end parts, said contact chamber having a U-back, a first U-leg and a second U-leg, wherein the U-back is arranged parallel to the end part and the first U-leg forms the contact piece. The clamping spring of the spring-loaded clamp connection and the actuating element are at least partially arranged in the contact chamber, such that the U-shaped contact chamber also serves to accommodate the clamping spring and the actuating element. The holding frame preferably has a PE connection on both end parts, so that a corresponding U-shaped contact chamber is then also provided on both end parts.

[0012] In the holding frame according to the invention, the use of a U-shaped contact chamber eliminates the need for an additional housing. The actuating element is therefore not arranged in an actuating opening formed for this purpose in an additional housing, but directly in the U-shaped contact chamber. The arrangement of the actuating element in the contact chamber is such that movement of the actuating element between its first position and its second position is possible. In the first position of the actuating element, in which the clamping leg of the clamping spring is not deflected against its spring force, a section of the actuating element can protrude slightly from the contact chamber, so that the actuating element is then only partially arranged in the contact chamber.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuating element has a first wall arranged perpendicular to the U-shaped back of the contact chamber. The wall of the actuating element, the first U-shaped leg, which forms the contact piece and is opposite the first wall of the actuating element, and a part of the U-shaped back of the contact chamber form an insertion area for a protective conductor to be connected. The insertion area is located in front of the contact area, in which the clamping point for the protective conductor to be connected is arranged, in the insertion direction of the protective conductor to be connected.

[0014] The actuating element arranged in the contact chamber thus serves not only to open the terminal point, but also to form the insertion area for a protective conductor to be connected. The insertion area into which a protective conductor to be connected is inserted is thus not formed by a conductor insertion opening formed in a housing in the holding frame according to the invention, but rather by parts of the contact chamber and at least a first wall of the actuating element. This means that even with limited installation space, an insertion area with a relatively large cross-sectional area can be provided, enabling the connection of conductors with a correspondingly large conductor cross-section.

[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment, the actuating element has not only a first wall, but also a second wall, which is arranged perpendicular to the first wall and adjacent to the front part of the holding frame. The insertion area for a protective conductor to be connected is then formed by the two walls of the actuating element as well as by the first U-leg and part of the U-back of the contact chamber. Since the two walls of the actuating element and also the U-leg to the U-back are each arranged perpendicular to one another, the insertion area is generally rectangular. The formation of a second wall on the actuating element, which is arranged adjacent to the front part of the holding frame, results in improved guidance of the actuating element in the contact chamber when the actuating element is moved from its first position to its second position or from its second position to its first position.

[0016] To ensure that the actuating element can be easily moved from its first position to its second position, at least one guide element is formed on the actuating element, which engages with a corresponding guide element in the contact chamber as the actuating element moves between its first position and its second position. Preferably, at least two guide elements are formed on the actuating element, and two corresponding guide elements are formed in the contact chamber, with the guide elements on the actuating element being formed, for example, as pins, and the corresponding guide elements in the contact chamber being formed as recesses or grooves. The pins on the actuating element are then guided in the corresponding recesses or grooves in the contact chamber as the actuating element moves.

[0017] Preferably, at least one guide element or a pin of the actuating element rests against a stop in the recess in the contact chamber both in its first position and in its second position. In addition, a locking projection can be formed in a recess in the contact chamber, by means of which locking projection the actuating element locks in its second position and / or in its first position. The design of the guide elements on the actuating element or in the contact chamber can also be reversed, so that, for example, guide grooves are formed on the actuating element and corresponding guide pins are formed in the contact chamber. It is also possible for one guide groove and one guide pin, or several guide grooves and several guide pins, to be formed on the actuating element and on the contact chamber.

[0018] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the actuating element has a rib on the side facing the end part, to which a corresponding groove is formed in the end part of the holding frame. When the actuating element moves between its first position and its second position, the rib of the actuating element is then guided in the groove of the end part. The formation of the rib on the actuating element and the groove in the end part of the holding frame is preferably provided in addition to the formation of the previously described guide elements on the actuating element and in the contact chamber.

[0019] It has been explained above that in the holding frame according to the invention, the actuating element has at least a first wall which, together with the first U-shaped leg and part of the U-shaped back of the contact chamber, forms or delimits the insertion area for a protective conductor to be connected. Since a conductor inserted into the insertion area is to be pressed by the free end of the clamping leg against the first U-shaped leg of the contact chamber forming the contact piece in the contact area arranged behind the insertion area in the insertion direction of the protective conductor, the actuating element must not be designed and arranged in such a way that the free end of the clamping leg cannot extend into the contact area.

[0020] Therefore, according to one embodiment of the invention, a recess is formed in the first wall of the actuating element, through which the clamping leg of the clamping spring extends. In the assembled state, the clamping spring is thus arranged on both sides of the first wall of the actuating element such that at least the free end of the clamping leg protrudes through the recess in the first wall of the actuating element, so that the clamping leg can press an inserted protective conductor against the contact piece at the clamping point.

[0021] According to an alternative embodiment, the first wall of the actuating element is divided into two parts, so that it has a first part and a second part separated from each other by a free space. In this embodiment, the clamping leg of the clamping spring extends through the free space between the two parts of the first wall, with the free end of the clamping leg also extending into the region of the clamping point.

[0022] What both designs of the first wall of the actuating element have in common is that the part of the wall that is located in front of the free space or recess, viewed in the insertion direction of the protective conductor to be connected, delimits the insertion area for the protective conductor to be connected on one side. When the actuating element is moved from its first position to its second position, the clamping leg of the clamping spring is deflected by the end of the first part of the first wall facing the recess or free space.

[0023] A leg spring is preferably used as the clamping spring. This leg has a clamping leg and a holding leg that are connected to each other by a spring arch. The advantage of using a leg spring as a clamping spring is that no additional assembly step is required to connect a rigid conductor. The end of a rigid conductor can be easily inserted into the terminal point because the clamping leg is deflected by the end of the rigid conductor when inserted. Once the protective conductor to be connected is inserted into the terminal point, it is securely held by the end of the clamping leg, which runs diagonally to the insertion direction of the conductor, thus preventing the conductor from being accidentally pulled out of the terminal point.

[0024] The actuating element divides the contact chamber into the insertion area and the contact area adjoining it in the insertion direction of the protective conductor to be connected, as well as a receiving area formed on the other side of the first wall of the actuating element, in which the holding leg, the spring arch and part of the clamping leg of the clamping spring are arranged.

[0025] Initially, it is stated that the contact piece is electrically connected to the terminal contact of the PE connection. The terminal contact and the contact chamber can be designed as two separate components that are electrically and firmly connected to each other using a suitable joining method, such as riveting or welding. An electrically conductive but detachable connection between the contact chamber and the terminal contact is also conceivable, for example, by screwing the terminal contact into a corresponding threaded hole in the contact chamber.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, however, the contact chamber and the connecting contact are formed as a single piece. The contact chamber and the connecting element are preferably designed as a stamped and bent part, whereby the connecting contact can in particular be a contact pin or a contact socket, which are formed by bending or rolling after stamping.

[0027] As previously explained, the contact chamber is U-shaped, so that it has a U-back and two U-legs that protrude approximately perpendicularly from the U-back. According to a preferred embodiment, the contact chamber additionally has a section that extends essentially perpendicular to the insertion direction of a conductor to be connected and is arranged as an extension of the insertion area or contact area. This section is preferably bent away from the first U-leg, which forms the contact piece of the spring-cage terminal connection. The bent section then forms a push-through protection for a protective conductor to be connected, thereby preventing a conductor to be connected from being inserted too far into the connection point.

[0028] The contact chamber can be secured to the corresponding end piece by forming corresponding locking elements on the end piece and on the contact chamber. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, a receiving pocket for accommodating the pre-assembled assembly comprising the contact chamber, clamping spring, and actuating element is formed on the end piece that has the PE connection. Forming a corresponding receiving pocket on one end piece, preferably on both end pieces, has the advantage that the clamping spring and the actuating element can be pre-assembled on the contact chamber, and then the pre-assembled assembly can be simply inserted into the receiving pocket and preferably locked therein.

[0029] To ensure secure and permanent attachment of the contact chamber or pre-assembled module, the receiving pocket preferably has four walls and a substantially rectangular base. The four walls thus form a substantially rectangular receiving pocket. A first wall is formed by the end part of the holding frame. The second wall is arranged parallel to the end part or first wall, while the third and fourth walls are each arranged perpendicular to the first and second walls between the first and second walls. The internal dimensions of the receiving pocket are adapted to the external dimensions of the contact chamber so that the contact can be inserted into the receiving pocket with little play. In addition, an opening is formed in the base of the receiving pocket through which the connection contact connected to the contact chamber can be pushed when it is inserted into the receiving pocket.

[0030] To ensure that the contact chamber or the assembly comprising contact chambers, clamping spring, and actuating element is securely and firmly arranged in the receiving pocket, the contact chamber has at least one locking element that engages with a corresponding counter-locking element on a wall of the receiving pocket. In particular, locking lugs and locking recesses can be provided as the locking element and counter-locking element. Preferably, at least one resilient locking lug is formed on the U-shaped back of the contact chamber, which engages with a corresponding locking recess in the second wall of the receiving pocket.

[0031] If a particularly secure and permanent fixation of the contact chamber or the pre-assembled assembly in the receiving pocket is desired, a deformation area is formed on at least one wall, preferably the second wall of the receiving pocket, at the end facing away from the bottom. The deformation area is intended for a form-fitting connection with the contact chamber, for which purpose the deformation area can be reshaped by a stamping process after the assembly has been inserted into the receiving pocket.

[0032] In detail, there are several possibilities for designing and developing the holding frame according to the invention. Reference is made to the dependent patent claims as well as to the following description of a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a holding frame, with and without connected protective conductor, Fig. 2 the support frame according to Fig. 1, top view, Fig. 3 a perspective view of the holding frame, with two inserted contact inserts, Fig. 4 a section of the support frame according to Fig. 1, with and without connected protective conductor, partially cut, Fig. 5 two perspective views of the actuating element, Fig. 6 two perspective views of a first assembly comprising contact insert, actuating element and clamping spring, Fig. 7 two perspective views of a second assembly comprising contact insert, actuating element and clamping spring, Fig. 8 a perspective view of the holding frame according to Fig. 1, without the assembly inserted into the receiving pocket, and Fig. 9 the support frame according to Fig. 8 in top view.

[0033] The Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a holding frame 1 according to the invention, in a perspective view, obliquely from above, wherein “top” refers to the side of the holding frame 1 from which a contact insert 2 is inserted in the insertion direction E into the holding frame 1. Fig. 2 shows the support frame 1 from above and Fig. 3 the holding frame 1 in perspective view as Fig. 1, with two inserted contact inserts 2. The holding frame 1 can also have a length such that it is suitable for receiving a different number of contact inserts 2, for example four, five, six or more contact inserts 2.

[0034] The holding frame 1 has a rectangular basic shape and consists of two opposing side parts 11 and two likewise opposing end parts 12, wherein the end parts 12 are arranged perpendicular to the side parts 11. In the illustrated embodiment, two elastic tabs 13 are attached to each of the two side parts 11, wherein the tabs 13 lie opposite one another in pairs on the side parts 11. The tabs 13 serve to attach contact inserts 2 inserted into the holding frame 1. The contact inserts 2 each have a locking projection on their end faces for this purpose, wherein the locking projections are each engaged over by retaining lugs 14 in the inserted state, which are bent inwards on the tabs 13. However, the invention is not limited to the illustrated design of the tabs 13.The tabs can, for example, also be designed like the tabs shown and described in DE 10 2015 103 563 A1 or DE 10 2019 135 726 A1.

[0035] The holding frame 1 shown in the figures has a PE connection on each of its two end parts 12, each of which is formed by a connection contact 3 and a spring-loaded terminal connection. The connection contact 3 is designed as a contact pin 31 on one end part 12 and as a contact socket 32 on the other end part 12. The spring-loaded terminal connection is formed by a clamping spring 4 and a contact piece. As can be seen from the sectional view according to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the V-shaped clamping spring 4 has a clamping leg 41, a holding leg 42, and a spring arch 43 arranged between the clamping leg 41 and the holding leg 42. The clamping leg 41, together with the contact piece, forms a clamping point for a protective conductor 5 to be connected, so that the stripped end of the protective conductor 5, in the connected state, is pressed against the contact piece by the end of the clamping leg 41.

[0036] In order to release a connected protective conductor 5 from the terminal point, the clamping leg 41 of the clamping spring 4 must be deflected against its spring force. For this purpose, an actuating element 6 is provided, which can be moved from a first position ( Fig. 4a), in which the clamping point is closed, into a second position ( Fig. 4b), in which the clamping leg 41 is deflected. In the holding frame 1, a U-shaped contact chamber 7 is attached to each of the two end parts 12, in which the clamping spring 4 and the actuating element 6 are arranged.

[0037] The U-shaped contact chamber 7, which is particularly used in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, has a U-back 71 as well as a first U-leg 72 and a second U-leg 73. The U-back 71 is arranged parallel to the front part 12, while the two U-legs 72, 73 are arranged perpendicular to the U-back 71 and thus also perpendicular to the front part 12. From the sectional view according to Fig. 4 shows that the contact piece, which together with the clamping leg 41 of the clamping spring 4 forms the spring-loaded terminal connection, is formed by the first U-shaped leg 72. A connected protective conductor 5 is thus pressed against the first U-shaped leg 72 by the free end of the clamping leg 41, so that the protective conductor 5 is electrically connected to the contact chamber 7. Since the contact chamber 7 is formed integrally with the connection contact 3, a connected protective conductor 5 is thus electrically connected to the connection contact 3.

[0038] As can be seen in particular from the separate illustration of the actuating element 6 according to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the actuating element 6 has a first wall 61 and a second wall 62, which are arranged perpendicular to one another. The first wall 61 of the actuating element 6 is divided into two parts, so that a free space 65 is formed between the two parts of the wall 61, through which the clamping leg 41 of the clamping spring 4 extends.

[0039] The arrangement of the actuating element 6 in the contact chamber 7 forms an insertion area 8 for the protective conductor 5 to be connected, which is delimited by the two walls 61, 62 of the actuating element 6 and by the first U-shaped leg 72 and part of the U-shaped back 71 of the contact chamber 7. The actuating element 6 thus serves not only to actuate the clamping leg 41 of the clamping spring 4, but also to divide the contact chamber 7 into an insertion area 8 and the contact area 81 adjoining it in the insertion direction E of the protective conductor 5 to be connected, as well as a receiving area 82 formed on the other side of the first wall 61 of the actuating element 6, in which the holding leg 42, the spring arch 43 and part of the clamping leg 41 of the clamping spring 4 are arranged. To hold the clamping spring 4, a bearing section 76 is formed on the U-back 71 of the contact chamber 7, which extends perpendicular to the U-back 71.The holding section 76 serves to position and hold the spring arch 43 of the clamping spring 4.

[0040] To guide the actuating element 6 during its movement from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, two guide elements 63 designed as pins are arranged on the actuating element 6, which engage in corresponding guide elements 74 in the contact chamber 7, as can be seen from the Fig. 6b and Fig. 7b. The pins 63 are arranged on an end face of the first wall 61 of the actuating element 6, so that the guide elements 74 designed as recesses are correspondingly formed in the U-shaped back 71 of the contact chamber 7. In addition, the actuating element 6 has a rib 64 as a further guide element on the end face of the first wall 61 opposite the pins 63. Since the rib 64 is not opposite the U-shaped back 71 of the contact chamber 7, but rather the end part 12 of the holding frame 1, a groove 15 corresponding to the rib 64 is formed in the end part 12, in which groove the rib 64 is guided during a movement of the actuating element 6 between its first position and its second position.

[0041] To facilitate the displacement of the actuating element 6 from its first position to its second position, an actuating section 66 is formed in the first wall 61 of the actuating element 6, into which, for example, the tip of a screwdriver can be inserted. As can be seen from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the actuating section 66 is arranged such that it is accessible from the same direction from which a protective conductor 5 to be connected is inserted into the insertion area 8.

[0042] The Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 each show two different perspective views of a pre-assembled assembly 10, which consists of the contact chamber 7, the clamping spring 4 and the actuating element 6. In the Fig. In the assembly 10 shown in Figure 6, a pin contact 31 is provided as a connection contact, while in the Fig. In the assembly 10 shown in Figure 7, the connecting contact is designed as a socket contact 32. Both the pin contact 31 and the socket contact 32 are formed integrally with the contact chamber 7, namely, they are arranged adjacent to the lower section of the U-shaped back 71 in the insertion direction E. The contact chamber 7 with the contact pin 31 or the contact socket 32 can be simply manufactured as a stamped and bent part.

[0043] To prevent a protective conductor 5 from being inserted too far into the contact chamber 7, a section 75 on the first U-shaped leg 72 is bent so that it is arranged perpendicular to the insertion direction E of the protective conductor 5 to be connected and in extension of the insertion area 8 below the contact area 81. The section 75 thus serves as a push-through protection for a protective conductor 5 to be connected.

[0044] For fastening the contact chamber 7 or the assembly 10 to the holding frame 1, a receiving pocket 9 is formed on each of the two end parts 12. The rectangular receiving pocket 9 has four walls 91 - 94 and a rectangular base 95. From the two illustrations according to the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, which show the holding frame 1 without the assembly 10 and without tabs 13, it can be seen that the first wall 91 of the receiving pocket 9 is formed by an end part 12 of the holding frame 1. So that an assembly 10 with a connection contact 3 formed integrally with the contact chamber 7 can be inserted into the receiving pocket 9, a corresponding opening 96 is formed in the base 95 of the receiving pocket 9, through which the pin contact 31 or the socket contact 32 can protrude.

[0045] To secure the assembly 10 or the contact chamber 7 in the receiving pocket 9, two resilient locking elements 77 are provided on the U-shaped back 71 of the contact chamber 7, and counter-locking elements 97 are formed as openings in the second wall 92 of the receiving pocket 9 opposite the end part 12. When the assembly 10 is inserted into the receiving pocket 9, the locking elements 77 engage the corresponding counter-locking elements 97, so that the contact chamber 7 or the assembly 10 is securely held in the receiving pocket 9. Reference symbol 1 holding frame 10 Assembly 11 Side panel 12 Front part 13 tab 14 Retaining lug 15 grooves 2 contact insert 3 connection contact 31 pin contact 32 socket contact 4 clamping spring 41 clamping legs 42 holding legs 43 spring bow 5 protective conductors 6 Actuating element 61 1st Wall 62 2nd wall 63 Pin (guide element) 64 rib 65 free space 66 operating section 7 Contact chamber 71 U-back 72 U-leg (contact piece) 73 U-legs 74 Recess (guide element) Section 75 (through-hole protection) 76 stopping section 77 locking element 8 Insertion area 81 Contact area 82 Recording area 9 Recording pocket 91 - 94 walls 95 Floor 96 Opening 97 Counter-locking element E Insertion direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2015 103 563 A1 [0004, 0034] DE 10 2019 135 726 A1 [0007, 0034]

Claims

[1] Holding frame (1) for a connector for receiving a plurality of contact inserts (2), with two opposite side parts (11) and two likewise opposite end parts (12), wherein at least one of the two end parts (12) has a PE connection which has a metallic connection contact (3) and a spring-loaded terminal connection, wherein the spring-loaded terminal connection comprises a clamping spring (4) and a contact piece, wherein the clamping spring (4) comprises a clamping leg (41) which, together with the contact piece, forms a clamping point for a protective conductor (5) to be connected, wherein the contact piece is electrically conductively connected to the connection contact (3), and wherein an actuating element (6) is provided which can be moved from a first position in which the clamping point is closed into a second position in which the clamping point is open, wherein the clamping leg (41) of the clamping spring (4) is deflected by the actuating element (6) in the second position of the actuating element (6) against its spring force, characterized by , that a U-shaped contact chamber (7) is arranged on at least one of the two end parts (12), which contact chamber has a U-back (71), a first U-leg (72) and a second U-leg (73), wherein the U-back (71) is arranged parallel to the end part (12) and the first U-leg (72) forms the contact piece, and that the clamping spring (4) and the actuating element (6) are at least partially arranged in the contact chamber (7). [2] Holding frame (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the actuating element (6) has a first wall (61) which is arranged perpendicular to the U-back (71) of the contact chamber (7), and that the wall (61) of the actuating element (6), the first U-leg (72) which forms the contact piece, and a part of the U-back (71) of the contact chamber (7) form an insertion area (8) for a protective conductor (5) to be connected. [3] Holding frame (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that the actuating element (6) has a second wall (62) which is arranged perpendicular to the first wall (61) and adjacent to the end part (12) of the holding frame (1), so that the insertion area (8) for a protective conductor (5) to be connected is formed by the first wall (61) and the second wall (62) of the actuating element (6) as well as by the first U-leg (72) and a part of the U-back (71) of the contact chamber (7). [4] Holding frame (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat at least one guide element (63) is formed on the actuating element (6) and at least one corresponding guide element (74) is formed in the contact chamber (7), wherein the guide element (63) on the actuating element (6) and the guide element (74) in the contact chamber (7) engage with one another in such a way that the actuating element (6) is guided during a movement between its first position and its second position in the contact chamber (7). [5] Holding frame (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the actuating element (6) has a rib (64) on the side facing the end part (12) and a corresponding groove (15) is formed in the end part (12) of the holding frame (1), in which groove the rib (64) is guided during a movement of the actuating element (6) between its first position and its second position. [6] Holding frame (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized bythat the first wall (61) of the actuating element (6) is divided into two parts or a recess is formed in the first wall (61) of the actuating element (6), and that the clamping leg (41) of the clamping spring (4) extends through the free space (65) between the two parts of the first wall (61) or through the recess in the first wall (61). [7] Holding frame (1) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized by that the first wall (61) of the actuating element (6) has an actuating section (66) which is designed in particular for inserting an alarm device. [8] Holding frame (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the contact chamber (7) and the connection contact (3) are formed in one piece. [9] Holding frame (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized bythat on the contact chamber (7), in particular on the first U-leg (72), a section (75) is bent which extends substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction (E) of a protective conductor (5) to be connected. [10] Holding frame (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that a holding section (76) for the clamping spring (4) is formed on the contact chamber (7), in particular on the U-back (71). [11] Holding frame (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that at least on the end part (12) which has the PE connection, a receiving pocket (9) is formed for receiving the pre-assembled assembly (10) comprising contact chamber (7), clamping spring (4) and actuating element (6). [12] Holding frame (1) according to claim 11, characterized bythat the receiving pocket (9) has four walls (91, 92, 93, 94) and a substantially rectangular base (95), that the first wall (91) is formed by the end part (12), and that the base (95) has an opening (96) through which the connection contact (3) projects. [13] Holding frame (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that the contact chamber (7) has at least one locking element (77) which locks with a corresponding counter-locking element (97) which is formed on a wall (92) of the receiving pocket (9). [14] Holding frame (1) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by that at least one wall (92) of the receiving pocket (9) has, at its end facing away from the bottom (95), a deformation region which is provided for forming a positive connection with the contact chamber (7). [15] Holding frame (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized bythat at least one elastic tab (13) is provided on each of the two side parts (11) and that the tabs (13) each have a locking means (14) for fixing a locking projection of a contact insert (2) inserted into the holding frame (1).

Images