MODULAR CONNECTORS

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular connector according to the preamble of claim 1. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Modular connectors are known from the prior art. For example, EP 0 742 608 discloses such a connector. Module parts, in which the electrical conductor elements are arranged, are connected to a frame. The module parts are then secured to the holding frame with a locking tab. A disadvantage of the connector according to EP 0 742 608 is, for example, the inaccurate positioning of the individual modules.

[0003] Another connector with modules that are attached to a base element is known from JP-H09-147960. This one has the disadvantage that the locking elements are located on the inside, which is disadvantageous in terms of accessibility.

[0004] EP2917974A1 discloses a modular connector according to the preamble of claim 1. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the object of providing a modular connector that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide a modular connector whose connector modules are easier to assemble.

[0006] This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Accordingly, a modular connector comprises a holding frame with two parallel side walls that laterally delimit a receiving space, and at least one connector module that can be inserted into the receiving space. The side walls have a plurality of holding-frame-side guide elements on the inner sides facing the receiving space, and the at least one connector module has at least one connector-module-side guide element on its outer side. The at least one connector-module-side guide element can be inserted into the holding-frame-side guide elements in such a way that the connector module is precisely positioned in the receiving space. The side walls have a latching structure on their outer sides, and the connector module has at least one latching tab that engages in the latching structure outside the receiving space.The at least one connector module comprises at least one functional element, such as an electrical functional element or an optical functional element or a fluidic functional element, with which functional element, in the mated state, a functional contact can be established with a functional element of a connector module of another connector.

[0007] By arranging the guide elements inside the receiving space, they are well protected from external mechanical influences. Arranging the locking structure on the outside has the advantage that the locking tab remains easily accessible, allowing a single connector module to be installed and replaced relatively easily.

[0008] Two modular connectors according to the present invention can be connected to each other to form a connector assembly. In other words, in a connector assembly, a first connector according to the invention is connected to a second connector according to the invention. The functional elements are designed such that a functional contact is established between the functional elements of the first connector and the functional elements of the second connector. The following description applies to both the first and the second connector. The first and second connectors can be connected to each other along a straight plugging direction.

[0009] The term "functional element" refers, for example, to an electrical connector with a pin end or a matching socket end. The pin end is located in a connector module of a first connector, and the socket end is located in a connector module of a second connector, which is connected to the first connector. Data signals or electrical energy can be transmitted via the electrical connector. However, the functional element can also be a fluidic, particularly a pneumatic, functional element. Regarding the assignment of the connector modules designed as socket ends and those designed as plug ends, it is conceivable to arrange all socket ends on one holding frame and all plug ends on another holding frame. However, it is also possible to arrange both socket ends and plug ends on one holding frame.

[0010] Preferably, the locking structure on the outside is a groove extending the entire length of the side wall. This offers the advantage that a single locking structure can be specified for all connector modules to be used, regardless of their position in the support frame.

[0011] Preferably, the locking tab of the connector module, when connected to the retaining frame, is located on the outside of the retaining frame. This allows for particularly good accessibility.

[0012] Preferably, two locking tabs are arranged per connector module, with one locking tab engaging the locking structure of one side wall and the other locking tab engaging the locking structure of the other side wall. This connects the connector module to the support frame on both sides, ensuring secure mounting of the connector module.

[0013] Preferably, the locking tab has a width that extends across the entire width of the connector module. However, it is particularly preferred that the locking tab is no wider than the width B of the connector module 5. This design can improve the rigidity and thus also the robustness against external influences.

[0014] Preferably, the outer side of the side wall, in the region in which the locking tab is located, has a recessed area extending from an outer side surface of the outer side into the side wall. The recessed area and the locking tab are designed such that the locking tab essentially does not protrude beyond the outer side surface, in particular such that the locking tab is essentially flush with the outer side surface. The locking tabs are embedded in the recessed area, which, on the one hand, creates a compact structure and, on the other hand, creates a structure in which the locking tabs cannot be easily removed.

[0015] Furthermore, the side wall has a first positioning element on its rear end face, which cooperates with a second positioning element arranged on the connector module. The arrangement of the positioning elements on the end face provides the further advantage that the connector module is guided by an additional element.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the first positioning element is a cam, and the second positioning element is a receptacle into which the cam engages. Alternatively, the second positioning element is a cam, and the first positioning element is a receptacle into which the cam engages.

[0017] Preferably, the guide element on the connector module side is at least one guide comb and the guide element on the holding frame side is at least one guide groove, wherein the at least one guide comb engages in the at least one guide groove.

[0018] The guide groove and the guide comb are therefore complementary or match each other.

[0019] Preferably, the guide grooves and the guide comb are oriented in the same direction as the plugging direction of the connector.

[0020] Preferably, the guide elements on one of the two side walls are designed differently from the guide elements on the other of the two side walls, such that a coding for the orientation of the connector modules can be achieved.

[0021] Particularly preferably, the guide elements each extend over at least half the depth of the receiving space. In other words, the guide elements extend over at least half the depth of the side wall.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the guide elements on the holding frame side and / or the guide elements on the connector module side have a main guide area and an insertion area, wherein the clearance between the connector module and the holding frame is greater in the insertion area than in the main guide area. This allows for a particularly advantageous structure to be created for the assembly of the connector module.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one connector module has a side surface, wherein the distance between the side surface and the guide elements is designed such that two adjacent connector modules can be brought into contact with each other at the side surfaces. This allows for particularly effective utilization of the available receiving space.

[0024] Preferably, the holding frame has two transverse walls, which are arranged at each end of the side walls and connect the side walls, wherein the side walls and the transverse walls are preferably formed in one piece.

[0025] Particularly preferably, the holding frame is designed as a rectangle. The receiving space is preferably designed as a cuboid.

[0026] Preferably, the transverse walls have a receptacle on the outside in which a grounding contact element is held. The grounding contact element is made of an electrically conductive material. The grounding contact element serves as a grounding contact and is then connected to the grounding contact element of a second connector.

[0027] The holding frame preferably has a guide structure that guides two holding frames during the insertion movement. The guide structure is preferably arranged on the two transverse walls. The guide structure preferably has a coding element to prevent incorrect insertion.

[0028] Preferably, the at least one connector module has a contact side, via which the functional element is accessible for connection to another connector. The connector module preferably also has a connection side, via which the functional element can be connected to a connection element, such as a connection cable or a connection hose. The connector module can preferably be inserted into the receiving space with its contact side facing forward.

[0029] In other words, this means that the connector module can be inserted into the receiving space in the plug-in direction of two connectors.

[0030] Preferably, the locking tab protrudes from the connection side.

[0031] Preferably, the side walls have a front end face and a rear end face, wherein the locking tab extends over the rear end face and wherein the front end face, when connected to a further connector, can be oriented towards the front end face of the further connector.

[0032] The plug connector module preferably protrudes from the receiving space, viewed in the plugging direction. The plug connector module is preferably designed such that a gap is created between the side wall and the plug connector module, into which gap a protruding plug connector module of a plug connector to be connected can protrude. In other words, the plug connector module of the first plug connector protruding from the receiving space protrudes into the gap of the second plug connector.

[0033] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a modular connector according to a particularly preferred embodiment; Fig. 2a is a further perspective view of the modular connector according to Figure 1 ; Fig. 2b shows a detailed view of a connector module for the modular connector according to one of the preceding figures; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of two connectors to be plugged together according to the Figures 1 and 2a ; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the assembled connector according to Figure 3 ; Fig. 5a a sectional view through the assembled connector according to Figure 4 ; Fig. 5b a sectional view through the assembled connector according to Figure 4 ; Fig. 6a perspective exploded view of the Figures 3 to 5 ; and Fig. 7 a perspective view of a holding frame for another connector. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] In the Figures 1 and 2a perspective views of a modular connector 1 are shown. The Figures 3 to 6 then show two of the connectors 1, which can be plugged together.

[0036] The modular connector 1 comprises a support frame 2 and at least one connector module 5 mounted on the support frame 2. Typically, a plurality of different connector modules 5 are mounted on the support frame 2, whereby the type of connector module 5 can vary.

[0037] The holding frame 2 comprises two parallel side walls 3, which laterally delimit a receiving space 4. The side walls 3 are arranged at a distance from one another. Transverse walls 21 are arranged at the free ends of the side walls 3, which connect the two side walls 3 to one another. The side walls 3, and here also the transverse walls 21, delimit a receiving space 4. In the embodiment shown, the receiving space 4 is essentially formed as a cuboid.

[0038] The at least one connector module 5 can be at least partially inserted into the receiving space 4 and, as already mentioned, is mounted on the holding frame 2.

[0039] The side walls 3 have a plurality of guide elements 7 on the holding frame side on the inner sides 6 facing the receiving space 4. Furthermore, the at least one connector module 5 has at least one connector module side guide element 9 on its outer side 8. The two guide elements 7, 9 serve to guide the connector module 5 during the assembly process and for precise positioning after assembly. The at least one connector module side guide element 9 can be inserted into the guide elements 7 on the holding frame side in such a way that the connector module 5 can be inserted into the receiving space 4 and, once inserted, is precisely positioned in the receiving space 4. The guide elements 7, 9 for the connector module 5 protrude into the receiving space 4 during an insertion movement E.

[0040] The number of guide elements 9 on the connector module side depends essentially on the width of the connector module 5.

[0041] The side walls 3 have a locking structure 11 on their outer sides 10. Furthermore, the connector module 5 has at least one locking tab 12, which engages with the locking structure 11 outside the receiving space 4.

[0042] The at least one connector module 5 has at least one functional element 13. The functional element 13 can, for example, be an electrical contact element, which is designed as a pin side or as a socket side. However, the functional element can also be a fluidic functional element, such as a pneumatic coupling. With the functional element 13, a functional contact can be established when two connectors 1 are plugged together. This is then determined based on the Figures 3 to 5 explained in more detail.

[0043] In the embodiment shown, the locking structure 11 on the outer sides 10 of the side walls 3 is a groove 14 extending completely over the entire length L of the side wall 3. The groove 14 runs continuously, i.e. without interruption, over the entire length L of the side wall 3. The continuous groove 14 has the advantage that the locking tab 12 can engage accordingly on the locking structure 11 without lateral mechanical force.

[0044] The lateral guidance and positioning transverse to the long side of the side wall 3 is provided by the guide elements 7, 9, while the connector module 5 is secured in the direction of the insertion movement E by the locking tab 12 engaging in the groove 14.

[0045] When the connector module 5 is connected to the holding frame 2, the locking tab 12 comes to rest on the outer side 10 of the holding frame 2 and engages accordingly in the groove 14. The locking tab 12 engages around a rear end face 17 of the side wall 3 and then projects outwardly with respect to the receiving space 4 along the side wall 3 to the point of engagement in the groove 14. In other words, the locking tab 12 provides a U-shaped space 27 which encloses parts of the side wall 3. The actual locking tab 12 is arranged on one side of this U-shaped space 27, and the connector module-side guide elements 9 are arranged on the other side.

[0046] At least two locking tabs 12 are arranged per connector module 5, with one locking tab 12 engaging with the locking structure 11 of one side wall 3 and the other locking tab 12 engaging with the locking structure 11 of the other side wall 3. This means that both side walls 3 are each connected to a locking structure 11 of the connector module 5. This two-sided and symmetrical engagement with respect to the receiving space 4 has the advantage of ensuring good support for the connector module 5 in the receiving space 4 of the holding frame 2.

[0047] The locking tab 12 preferably has a width that extends across the entire width of the connector module 5. This means that with a wide connector module 5, the locking tab 12 is also wider than with a narrower connector module 5. However, it is also possible for the locking tab 12 to have a narrower width than the connector module 5 or to be formed in multiple parts.

[0048] Inside the connector module 5, there are receiving locations 28 in which the functional elements 13 are mounted. These receiving locations 28 can be of any shape and essentially depend on the shape of the functional element 13. Typically, however, the receiving locations 28 are designed such that the functional element 13 is mounted firmly, yet replaceably, in the receiving location 28 of the connector module 5.

[0049] The outer side 8 of the side wall 3 has a recessed area 15 in the region in which the locking tab 12 comes to rest. The recessed area 15 extends from an outer side surface 16 of the outer side 8 into the side wall 3. In the embodiment shown, the recessed area 15 extends over the entire length L of the side wall 3. The recessed area 15 and the locking tab 12 are designed such that the locking tab 12 does not protrude beyond the outer side surface 16. Particularly preferably, the locking tab 12 is flush with the outer side surface 16. In said recessed area 15, the groove 14 is also arranged here, which further deepens the recessed area 15.

[0050] Furthermore, the side wall 3 has at least one first positioning element 18 on its rear end face 17. This first positioning element 18 cooperates with at least one second positioning element 19 arranged on the connector module 5. In the embodiment shown, the first positioning element 18 is a cam, and the second positioning element 19 is a receptacle into which the cam extends. In the embodiment shown, the positioning element 18 is offset in the longitudinal direction L from the guide element 7 on the holding frame side and additionally helps prevent the connector modules from tilting.

[0051] The guide element 9 on the connector module side is designed as a guide comb in the embodiment shown. The guide element 7 on the holding frame side is designed as a guide groove in the embodiment shown. The guide comb can be pushed into the guide groove and thus engages in the guide groove. All guide elements 7, 9 run parallel to one another. The guide elements 7 on one of the two side walls 3 can be designed differently than the guide elements 7 on the other of the two side walls 3. This can provide coding for the orientation of the connector modules 5 with respect to the receiving space 4. This means that the connector modules 5 can only be inserted into the receiving space 4 in a single orientation.

[0052] The pitch between the guide grooves is preferably less than 5 millimeters, preferably in the range of 2 to 4 millimeters, especially around 3.5 millimeters. This has the advantage of providing a very finely divided pitch, which saves space because the modules can be positioned more precisely.

[0053] The guide elements 7 on the holding frame side extend over at least half the depth of the receiving space 4. In other words, this means that the guide elements 7 extend over at least half the depth T of the side wall 3.

[0054] Particularly preferably, the guide elements 7 on the holding frame side extend on one of the side walls 3 only over a partial area of the depth T of the side wall 3, while the guide elements 7 on the holding frame side extend over the entire depth on the other of the side walls 3. The connector module 5 can further comprise a coding surface 36. The coding surface 36 is Figure 2b The coding surface 36 is arranged in such a way that if the connector module 5 is inserted incorrectly into the receiving space 4, the coding surface 36 rests against the guide elements 7 on the holding frame side, which extend over the entire depth, and therefore cannot be inserted. In the sectional view of the Figure 5b the correct position is shown, whereby the coding surface lies in the area in which no guide elements 7 on the holding frame side are present.

[0055] In the embodiment shown, the guide elements 9 on the connector module side can have an insertion area 25 and a main guide area 26. The insertion area 25 is arranged at the front of the main guide area 26. In the embodiment shown, the insertion area 25 is designed as an inclined plane. The clearance between the connector module 5 and the holding frame 2 is greater in the insertion area 25 than in the main guide area 26. This allows the connector module 5 to be inserted more easily into the receiving space 4.

[0056] In the embodiment shown, the guide element 7 on the holding frame side does not have an insertion area 25, but only comprises the main guide area 26. However, the guide element 7 on the holding frame side can also be equipped with an insertion area 26.

[0057] The at least one connector module 5 has a side surface 20. The distance between the side surface 20 and the guide elements 7, 9 is preferably such that two adjacent connector modules 5 can be brought into contact with each other almost at the side surfaces 20. This means that there is preferably play between two adjacent connector modules 5 in the holding frame 2. The play is preferably kept as small as possible.

[0058] The transverse walls 21 have a receptacle 22 on the outside. A grounding contact element 23 can be held in this receptacle. The grounding contact element 23 is preferably made of an electrically conductive material and can be used as a contact. The grounding contact elements 23 of two plug-in connectors 1 are electrically connected to one another.

[0059] Furthermore, a guide structure 32 is arranged on the transverse wall 21. The guide structure 32 guides two plug-in connectors 1 along the plug-in movement S. The guide structure 32 can, as shown in the Figure 3 shown, be designed as a guide tab 33 on one of the connectors 1 and as a guide opening 34 on the other connector 1. The guide tab 33 can be inserted into the guide opening 34. Preferably, the guide tab 33 and the guide opening 34 have coding elements. These coding elements are designated by the reference numerals 37 and 38. The coding element 37 is, for example, a groove 37 and the coding element 38 is, for example, a tongue 38 engaging in the groove, as in the Figure 3 The dashed line in the Figure 3 symbolizes the interaction.

[0060] In the Figure 3A modular connector according to the above description is shown. All slots are occupied by corresponding connector modules 5 with different features. Each of the connector modules 5 has a contact side K, via which the functional element 13 is accessible for connection to another connector.

[0061] The two connectors 1 according to the Figure 3 can be connected to one another along a plug-in movement S. In this process, all functional elements 13 of all connector modules 5 are connected to one another. The contact sides K of the two connectors 1 then come into contact with one another in the connected state.

[0062] Opposite the contact side K, each of the connector modules 5 has a connection side A. Via this connection side A, the functional element 13 can be connected to a connection element not shown in the figures, such as a connection cable or a connection hose.

[0063] In the embodiment shown, the connector module 5 can be inserted into the receiving space 4 with its contact side K facing forward. This means that the connector module 5 can be inserted into the receiving space 4 in the direction of the insertion movement S. In the embodiment shown, the locking tab 12 also protrudes accordingly from the connection side A.

[0064] In the Figure 4 The connector is installed according to the Figure 3 shown in the assembled state.

[0065] The Figures 5a and 5b shows a sectional view according to the Figure 4. In this illustration, it can be clearly seen that the connector module 5 of the upper connector 1 protrudes from the receiving space 4 when viewed in the plugging direction S. In contrast, the lower connector module 5 has a gap 29 between the side wall 3 and the connector module 5. In the Figures 5a and 5b It is now shown that the part of the connector module 5 of the upper connector 1 that protrudes from the receiving space 4 protrudes into the intermediate space 29. This configuration is particularly advantageous when the functional elements are designed as a pin-socket configuration. Figures 5a and 5bThe functional element 13 in the upper connector 1 is designed as a pin-side functional element 30, and the functional element 13 of the lower connector 1 is designed as a socket-side functional element 31. Due to the protruding area 35 of the connector module 5 from the receiving space 4, the areas of the pin-side functional element 13, which also protrude from the receiving space 4, can be protected accordingly from external mechanical influences. Furthermore, contact protection is provided during the plugging process.

[0066] In the Figure 6 An exploded view of the connector is then shown according to the Figures 3 to 5 shown.

[0067] In the Figure 7 a further embodiment of a holding frame 2 is shown. Here, the length of the side walls 3 is smaller than the length of the side walls 3 of the embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 6. Other lengths are of course also conceivable. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 connectors 28 Reception center 2 Holding frame 29 space 3 side wall 30 pin-side functional element 4 recording room 31 socket-side functional element 5 Connector module 6 inside 32 Management structure 7 holding frame-side guide element 33 guide tab 34 Guide opening 8 outside 35 protruding area 9 connector module-side guide element 36 Coding area 37 Coding element 10 outside 38 Coding element 11 Rest structure A Connection side 12 locking tab B Width 13 functional element K Contact page 14 Nut E Insertion movement 15 Area of specialization T depth 16 outer side surface S Plug-in direction 17 rear front side 18 first positioning element L length 19 second positioning element 20 side surface 21 Cross walls 22 Recording 23 Earthing contact element 24 front face 25 insertion area 26 Main management area 27 U-shaped room

Claims

1. A modular connector (1) comprising a retaining frame (2) having two side walls (3) running parallel to each other which laterally define a receiving space (4), and at least one plug connector module (5) which can be inserted into the receiving space (4), wherein the side walls (3) have a plurality of guide elements (7) on the inside (6) facing the receiving space (4) on the retaining frame side, and the at least one plug connector module (5) has on its outside (8) at least one guide element (9) on the plug connector module side, wherein the at least one guide element (9) on the plug connector module side can be inserted into the guide elements (7) on the retaining frame in such a way that the plug connector module (5) is precisely positioned in the receiving space (4), wherein the side walls (3) have a latching structure (11) on their outer sides (10) and the plug connector module (5) has at least one latching tab (12) which engages in the latching structure (11) outside the receiving space (4), and wherein the at least one plug connector module (5) has at least one functional element (13), such as an electrical functional element or an optical functional element or a fluidic functional element, with which functional element (13) a functional contact can be established in the plugged-in state with a functional element of a plug connector module (5) of a further plug connector, characterized in that the side walls (3) have, on their rear end side (17), a first or at least one first positioning element (18), which interacts with a or at least one second positioning element (19) arranged on the plug connector module (5).

2. The modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching structure (11) on the outer side (8) is a groove (14) extending completely over the entire length (L) of the side wall (3).

3. The modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching tab (12) of the plug connector module (5) lies on the outer side (8) of the retaining frame (2) in the connected state with the retaining frame (2).

4. The modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two latching tabs (12) are arranged per plug connector module (5), with one latching tab (12) engaging with the latching structure (11) of one side wall (3) and the other latching tab (12) engaging with the latching structure (11) of the other side wall (3).

5. The modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching tab (12) has a width which extends substantially over the entire width of the plug connector module (5).

6. The modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer side (8) of the side wall (3) has, in the region in which the latching tab (12) comes to rest, a recessed area (15) which extends from an outer side face (16) of the outer side (8) into the side wall (3), wherein the recessed area (15) and the latching tab (12) are configured such that the latching tab (12) does not project substantially beyond the outer side face (16), in particular such that the latching tab (12) is substantially flush with the outer side face (16).

7. The modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first positioning element (18) is a cam and that the second positioning element (19) is a receptacle in which the cam engages; or in that the second positioning element (19) is a cam and that the first positioning element (18) is a receptacle in which the cam engages.

8. The modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element (9) on the plug connector module side is at least one guide comb and that the guide element (7) on the retaining frame side is at least one guide groove, wherein the at least one guide comb engages in the at least one guide groove; and / or that the guide elements (7) on one of the two side walls (3) are designed differently from the guide elements (7) on the other of the two side walls (3), such that a coding for the orientation of the plug connector modules (5) can be achieved; and / or that the guide elements (7) extend over at least half the depth (T) of the receiving space (4); and / or that the guide elements (7, 9) have an insertion region (25) and a main guide region (26), the play between the plug connector module (5) and the retaining frame (2) being greater in the insertion region (25) than in the main guide region (26).

9. The modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one plug connector module (5) has a side face (20), the distance between the side face (20) and the guide elements (7, 9) being designed such that two adjacent plug connector modules (5) can be brought into contact with one another at the side faces (20).

10. The modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining frame (2) has two transverse walls (21) which are each arranged at the end sides on the side walls (3) and connect the side walls (3), the side walls (3) and the transverse walls (21) preferably being designed in one piece.

11. The modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining frame (2) has a guide structure (32) by means of which two retaining frames (2) are guided during the plugging movement, the guide structure preferably having coding elements (37, 38).

12. The modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one plug connector module (5) has a contact side (K) via which the functional element (13) is accessible for a plugging operation to another plug connector, and that the plug connector module (5) has a connection side (A) via which the functional element (13) can be connected to a connection element, such as a connection cable or a connection tube, wherein the plug connector module (5) can be inserted into the receiving space (4) with its contact side (K) facing forward.

13. The modular connector (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the latching tab (12) projects from the connection side (A).

14. The modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side walls (3) have a front end side (24) and a rear end side (17), wherein the latching tab (12) extends beyond the rear end side (17) and wherein the front end side (24) being orientable in the connected state with another connector (1) to the front end side (24) of the other connector (1).

15. The modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug connector module (5), as viewed in the plugging direction (S), has a region (35) which projects out of the receiving space (4); and / or in that the plug connector module (5) is designed such that an intermediate space (29) is formed between the side wall (3) and the plug connector module (5), into which intermediate space a protruding region of a plug connector module (5) can project.