Retaining frame for a plug connector, and equipping method

Abstract

The application relates to the field of retaining frames for modules, in particular retaining frames for a plug connector for accommodating identical and / or different modules. Alternatives to the known retaining frames are presented.

Description

[0001] The present application relates to the field of mounting frames for modules and in particular to mounting frames for a connector for accommodating similar and / or different modules.

[0002] Mounting frames are used to accommodate several identical and / or different modules. These modules can be, for example, insulating bodies that serve as contact carriers for electronic and electrical, and possibly also optical and / or pneumatic, contacts.

[0003] DE 20 2010 009 199 U1 discloses an insulating body for an electrical connector, which is multi-part and designed to receive at least one electrical contact, wherein the multi-part insulating body is designed as a cassette and comprises a first cassette part and a second cassette part connected thereto, wherein the two cassette parts are movable relative to each other in the connected state for opening and closing the insulating body. DE 20 2010 009 199 U1 further discloses a connector with at least one such insulating body, wherein the insulating body is arranged in a retaining frame encompassing the insulating body and the retaining frame has at least one locking element with which the retaining frame can be detachably attached to a module receptacle.

[0004] DE 20 2015 106 434 U1 discloses a holding frame for receiving modular contact inserts, with an opening into which at least one contact insert can be inserted in an insertion direction, and a frame wall that at least partially limits the opening, which has an edge and at least one recess formed in the edge into which a projection element of the contact insert can be inserted when a contact insert is inserted into the opening, wherein a locking element arranged on the side wall has a bracket section which, in a locking position, limits the at least one recess opposite to the insertion direction in order to hold the projection element of the contact insert in the recess opposite to the insertion direction, and is movable from the locking position to a release position transversely to the insertion direction in order to release the projection element for removing the contact insert from the holding frame.

[0005] EP 2 312 700 A1 discloses an element for an electrical connector and an electrical connector with such an element. The element has a frame containing a receiving opening for receiving connector modules along an insertion direction. A fastening unit, i.e., a mounting rod, fastens the modules to the frame. The fastening unit engages with the modules and the frame along the engagement directions, which differ from the insertion direction of the modules. The frame includes a through-opening provided with the fastening unit. The through-opening is formed on a side wall of the frame and is oriented in the engagement direction.

[0006] CN 203 277 786 U discloses a module mounting frame structure, including a frame body and sliding frames on both sides. A spatial structure formed by the frame body and the sliding frames on both sides is used to accommodate one or more modules. The frame body and the sliding frames are provided with multiple grooves. Both sides of each module are provided with positioning hubs that correspond to the grooves. The sliding frames on both sides are closed and locked, so that the positioning hubs of the modules are blocked in sealed grooves formed by the interaction of the frame body and the sliding frames. When the sliding frames are released, the module can be easily inserted, and then the sliding frames are closed. These actions achieve a secure fixation of the module. The module mounting frame structure has the advantage that the module can be easily disassembled and securely mounted.

[0007] EP 2 945 229 A1 discloses locking arrangements for connector systems, wherein a connector system comprises a cartridge with at least one cavity configured to hold connector modules. The cartridge has at least one opening and is designed to receive the connector modules through the corresponding at least one opening. The cartridge contains at least one sliding lock that is movable in the longitudinal direction. The at least one sliding lock has at least one profile groove configured to receive a locking cam of the corresponding connector module to secure the connector modules to the cartridge, and further has a preload element coupled thereto.The pretensioning element pretensions the at least one sliding lock in a pretensioning direction, forcing the at least one sliding lock to return to a locked position after the cam is received in the profile groove. At least one release slide can be actuated on the corresponding slide lock, designed to move to force the slide lock from the locked position to a release position to disengage the cam from the corresponding profile groove, thus ejecting each of the connector modules contained in the cartridge. The connector system has a release mechanism configured to move the at least one release slide.

[0008] From the publication EP 0 860 906 B1, a mounting 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 mounting frames are usually manufactured using a die-casting process, in particular a zinc die-casting process.

[0009] The publication EP 2 581 991 A1 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.

[0010] In practice, however, it has become apparent that such mounting frames require complex handling during assembly. For example, these mounting frames must be unscrewed and / or unlatched from the connector as soon as even a single module needs to be replaced. In doing so, other modules, whose removal was not intended, may also fall out of the mounting frame and then have to be reinserted before the frame halves are screwed together and / or locked into place. Finally, all modules must be in their designated positions simultaneously before the frame halves are joined, in order to be permanently fixed in the mounting frame during assembly, which complicates the process.

[0011] The publication EP 1 801 927 B1 discloses a retaining frame consisting of a one-piece injection-molded plastic part. The retaining frame is designed as a circumferential collar and has several wall segments separated by slots on its insertion side. Two opposing wall segments each form an insertion area for a connector module, the wall segments having window-like openings that serve to receive projections molded onto the narrow sides of the modules. Furthermore, each wall segment has a guide groove. The guide groove is formed above the openings by means of an outwardly offset window rib that has an insertion chamfer on its inner side. Additionally, the connector modules have locking arms molded onto the narrow sides, acting in the direction of the cable connections, and which engage below the side of the collar wall, so that two independent locking means secure the connector modules in the retaining frame.

[0012] One disadvantage of this state of the art is that it involves a plastic mounting frame, which, by its nature, is not suitable for protective earthing according to the connector standard EN61984. Therefore, such a mounting frame cannot be used for installation in metallic connector housings. However, the use of metallic connector housings requires such protective earthing, which is often necessary and desired by customers due to their mechanical robustness, temperature resistance, and electrical shielding properties. Furthermore, it has been shown that manufacturing the aforementioned plastic mounting frames using injection molding is at least difficult and can only be achieved with considerable effort. Finally, the heat resistance of such a plastic mounting frame is not always sufficient for specific applications, for example, near a blast furnace.

[0013] In order to specify a design for a retaining frame that, on the one hand, exhibits good heat resistance and high mechanical robustness, and which, in particular, also enables appropriate protective earthing, especially PE ("Protection Earth"), when installed in a metallic connector housing, and which, on the other hand, also ensures convenient operation, especially when replacing individual modules, the German patent application DE 10 2013 113 976 A1 proposes providing a base section (preferably die-cast, for example from zinc or aluminum or a corresponding alloy) for fixing a received module in a plane and a deformation section (preferably a spring-elastic sheet metal processed by stamping and bending technology) that can assume an insertion state and a holding state.wherein the insertion state allows the insertion of at least one module in a direction transverse to the plane into the holding frame and a received module is fixed in the holding state. Here, the base section and the deformation section are in any case at least partially formed from different materials.

[0014] Such a holding frame allows for greater flexibility through suitable material combinations by separating the material properties of the base body from those of the deformation section.

[0015] In the retaining frames described in DE 10 2013 113 976 A1, the deformation section is formed by cheek sections attached to the outside of a base frame. Each cheek section has a bending line at its lower end where it is folded by 180°, so that a final edge of the cheek section is located within the base frame. To secure the cheek section, the base frame is provided with external mounting pins that engage in corresponding mounting recesses when a cheek section is attached.

[0016] One of the objectives underlying the present application is to provide alternatives to the known mounting frames, which in particular allow the insertion of one or more conventional modules (see implementation of EP 0 860 906 B1, EP 1 801 927 B1 or DE 10 2013 113 976 A1; or other known modules, see e.g. EP 2 581 991 A1) into the mounting frame even when the mounting frame is already installed.

[0017] According to the invention, a first aspect proposes a holding frame arrangement for a connector for receiving similar and / or different modules, as defined in claim 1.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for equipping a holding frame arrangement for a connector for receiving similar and / or different modules with a module is proposed, as defined in claim 6.

[0019] Part of the background to these aspects can be found in the following considerations.

[0020] In the mounting frame known, for example, from DE 10 2013 113 976 A1, side panels are attached to the outer sides of the base frame. The locking lugs of the modules then engage in the locking slots of the side panels when the modules are inserted into the mounting frame. It has now been recognized that, by providing the mounting clip(s), known modules can be used without modifications to the modules themselves to allow the module and (base) frame to be joined together, even with a deformation associated with the fixing process (at least also) on the side of the module.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, the fixing tabs are designed to allow elastic deformation between a tensioned state and a relaxed state.

[0022] Elastic deformation means that when the force acting on the fixing tab(s) that causes deformation into the tensioned state is removed (e.g., the force exerted on the fixing tabs by the inner surfaces of the side walls when the module is inserted with its outer cheeks in contact with the tab(s)), the fixing tab(s) themselves ensure the return to the relaxed state. However, it is also possible for the deformation to be plastic, as long as sufficient reversibility of this deformation is guaranteed to allow a desired number of insertion and removal cycles of the module.

[0023] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, the base frame on the one hand and the mounting bracket(s) on the other hand are at least partially made of different materials.

[0024] Within the scope of the present invention, the base frame and mounting bracket(s) fulfill different functions. The base frame should preferably significantly determine the overall stiffness of the support frame, while the mounting bracket(s) should possess the simplest possible and preferably elastic deformability. These different functions are best achieved largely independently of each other by selecting separate and suitable materials for the base frame and mounting bracket(s).

[0025] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, the base frame is at least partially manufactured by die casting, in particular from a metal, preferably zinc or aluminium, or a metal alloy, preferably a zinc or aluminium alloy.

[0026] Known approaches and techniques for manufacturing a conventional base frame can also be used for base frames used in the present invention, provided the shapes are appropriately adapted geometrically.

[0027] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, the cheeks are connected to each other.

[0028] Connecting the cheeks of the mounting bracket allows for better retention of the cheeks when attaching the mounting bracket or cheeks before inserting the module into the base frame.

[0029] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, each cheek has at least one locking tab which is designed to engage with a lower edge of a module in the insertion direction.

[0030] Using such a locking tab, in conjunction with an upper edge of the window of the cheek, a defined positioning of cheek and module relative to each other is achieved in the insertion direction, whereby a lower edge of the window with respect to the locking lug is not relevant.

[0031] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, the base frame has recesses extending from an upper edge of the base frame in the insertion direction, each of which is designed to at least partially receive a locking lug of a module.

[0032] The recesses in the base frame allow the locking lugs to be guided when inserting the module into the base frame, and a different width of the recesses (corresponding to the different widths of the locking lugs) can also be used to achieve coding or reverse polarity protection.

[0033] On the other hand, if the top edge of the base frame is essentially flat and the bottom edge is designed accordingly, the combination of module and mounting bracket can still be moved in the longitudinal direction of the base frame after insertion.

[0034] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, the fixing tabs are designed to engage with the lower edge of the base frame.

[0035] If the fixing tabs are designed to engage with the lower edge of the base frame, it is unnecessary to provide an additional edge or recess (with an edge) where the fixing tabs engage.

[0036] According to a third aspect of the invention, a retaining frame for a connector for receiving similar and / or different modules is proposed, as defined in claim 7.

[0037] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for equipping a holding frame for a connector for receiving similar and / or different modules with a module is proposed, as defined in claim 10.

[0038] Part of the background to these aspects can be found in the following considerations.

[0039] In the retaining frames known from EP 0 860 906 B1 and EP 2 581 991 A1, the partially divided retaining frame as a whole yields to the modules or their locking tabs during insertion, thus clearing a path to a position where the module can be secured by the returning retaining frame. The retaining frames from EP 1 801 927 B1 and DE 10 2013 113 976 A1 also provide for a similar yielding action, although here only a portion of the retaining frame yields, while the rest of the frame remains essentially in its installed state. What these approaches have in common, however, is that the "making room" is achieved by yielding outwards, which can result in a correspondingly larger space requirement. This space requirement can be reduced by decreasing the thickness of the yielding element, although this is associated with lower strength and / or higher demands on the material properties.

[0040] Within the scope of the present invention, it was recognized that the path for the locking lug of a module can also be cleared by providing a locking element in an insertion position that allows insertion, wherein after (or during) insertion the locking element is pivoted from the insertion position to the holding position in order to hold the module there.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, the locking element has a deflection section which, in the insertion position, projects into a path of the locking lug and is designed to deflect when the locking lug is inserted, such that the insertion of the module pivots the locking element at least partially from the insertion position to the holding position.

[0042] If the insertion of the module itself initiates the transition from the insertion position to the holding position, this has the advantage that no separate operation by a user is required. It may be designed so that the insertion of the module already effects the complete transition, thus requiring no further operation. However, it is also possible that the holding position is not fully reached due to the deflection of the deflection section in front of the module's locking lug, and / or that securing the holding position still requires user intervention, for example, to engage the locking element.

[0043] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the retaining frame has a locking element which, in the holding state of the retaining frame, is designed to prevent the locking element from pivoting back into the insertion state.

[0044] The locking element can be implemented, for example, by bringing a portion of the locking element into a positive fit with a corresponding counterpart section of the base frame. It can be provided that this positive fit, or the locking mechanism in general, is not releasable (without destruction), with a releasable locking mechanism being preferred within the scope of the invention.

[0045] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the base frame on the one hand and the locking element on the other hand are at least partially made of different materials.

[0046] Within the scope of the present invention, the base frame and the locking element(s) fulfill different functions. The base frame should preferably significantly determine the overall stiffness of the mounting frame, while the locking element(s) should have the simplest possible pivoting capability and, if necessary, elastic deformation for locking. These different functions are best achieved largely independently of each other by selecting separate and suitable materials for the base frame and the locking element(s).

[0047] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, the base frame is at least partially manufactured by die casting, in particular from a metal, preferably zinc or aluminium, or a metal alloy, preferably a zinc or aluminium alloy.

[0048] Known approaches and techniques for manufacturing a conventional base frame can also be used for base frames used in the present invention, provided the shapes are appropriately adapted geometrically.

[0049] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a retaining frame for a connector for receiving similar and / or different modules is proposed, as defined in claim 11 or 15.

[0050] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a holding frame for a connector for receiving identical and / or different modules is proposed, as defined in claim 16 or 17.

[0051] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, a method for equipping a holding frame for a connector for receiving similar and / or different modules with a module is proposed, as defined in claim 18.

[0052] Part of the background to these aspects can be found in the following considerations.

[0053] It was particularly deemed desirable to present a solution that allows for great flexibility in the design of the retaining frame through a suitable and largely independent choice of materials for a base frame and side panels, thereby reducing the likelihood that the components formed separately due to the different materials, namely the base frame and side panels, will detach from each other or that the holding effect of the side panels will otherwise be restricted or diminished.

[0054] To better prevent misalignment of the mounting pin and recess in an arrangement such as that shown in German patent application DE 10 2013 113 976 A1, it would be possible to fix the pin and recess together using suitable additional measures, such as gluing or soldering. However, this does not allow for a tighter connection by the cheek pieces themselves and, due to the additional work step, also increases the effort required to manufacture the mounting frame, resulting in higher costs.

[0055] If the arrangement of fastening pins and fastening recesses, or a comparable variant based on the teaching of German patent application DE 10 2013 113 976 A1, were moved to the inside of the base frame, this would likely prevent the arrangement from coming loose when the side panels are bent. However, this would result in a reduction in the tightness of the fixation, as the longer lever arm (extending to the lower edge of the support frame) would make the side panels even easier to bend. Furthermore, with such a design, the area of ​​the side panels bent around the lower edge of the support frame would be subjected to stress. Particularly when manufactured using stamping and bending techniques, it is to be expected that repeated stress in this area at the lower edge of the support frame would lead to faster material fatigue and thus to failure of the side panels.

[0056] On the other hand, with otherwise essentially the same dimensions of the mounting frame, a tighter fixation could be achieved by manufacturing the cheek parts from a stiffer material and / or with a greater material thickness, although this would mean greater effort in the production of the cheek parts - for example by stamping and bending technology.

[0057] It was realized that greater stability and improved module fixation are achieved by arranging the side panels so that they extend along the inside of the base frame and from there in the opposite direction to the module insertion. When the side panels bend open during module insertion, the pivot point is located at the (upper) edge of the base frame and no longer at an arrangement of mounting pins and recesses, or even at the previously deformed lower edge. Because the base frame supports the side panel during bending, the corresponding spring travel is kept to a minimum.In addition, the module being introduced counteracts the lifting of the cheek part from the inside of the base frame by its presence, so that comparatively less effort is required when attaching the cheek parts to the base frame, without any risk of loosening, which would cause deformation of the cheek parts.

[0058] Furthermore, the base frame can be made comparatively shorter (in the insertion direction) because the side panels guide and hold the respective module. The base frame then holds the side panels, which in turn hold the modules. It is also possible, however, to provide an upper edge of the base frame as a stop for the locking tabs of the modules.

[0059] The modules are thus preferably held and fixed only by the cheek parts acting as spring arms, which are arranged on the inside of the frame for greater stability and spring force, resulting in a shorter spring travel of the cheek parts, making the construction "tighter".

[0060] By arranging the spring section of the cheek pieces within the base frame, stability is further increased. Moreover, the pivot and bending point of the material is located not in the lower, already plastically deformed area, but in the center of the spring plate. This area also does not suffer from material fatigue as quickly as the already plastically deformed (bent) area.

[0061] According to claims 11 and 16, the positive locking between the cheek part and the base frame is achieved by an engagement of at least one undercut on and / or in the cheek part with at least one undercut on and / or in the inside of the side wall of the base frame, wherein the cheek part and the base frame are designed such that a) the engagement can be established and / or released by pivoting the cheek part about the edge of the base frame, or b) the engagement can be achieved by moving the cheek part relative to the base frame in the insertion direction along an inside of the side wall with a relaxation of an elastic deformation of at least one part of the cheek part.

[0062] When pivoting the cheek part to engage, it can advantageously be used that releasing the positive locking would be associated with pivoting in the opposite direction, whereby such pivoting is prevented by an inserted or in-the-way module.

[0063] Even the loosening of a positive fit achieved by displacement with corresponding elastic deformation is prevented by an inserted module, so that in this case too, protection against loosening of the positive fit is provided in the context where this protection is most needed, namely when inserting the module.

[0064] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, in the above variant b), the cheek parts are connected to each other by a web extending along the end face of the base frame, preferably by two opposing webs extending along the end faces of the base frame, wherein the outer dimensions of the cheek parts with the web(s) in the plane defined by the base frame are determined according to the inner dimensions of the base frame.

[0065] In particular, it can be provided that the cheek parts are designed in the form of a frame adapted to the internal geometry of the base frame and surrounding its inside.

[0066] In another embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the engagement of the undercuts forms a positive fit that prevents movement of the cheek part relative to the base frame against the insertion direction, wherein the clamp section forms such a positive fit with the base frame that also prevents movement of the cheek part relative to the base frame in the insertion direction.

[0067] In this variant, positive locking mechanisms are formed in two separate areas of the retaining frame, each preventing movement, with the directions of these movements running along the insertion direction and being opposite to each other.

[0068] In a further variant of the above embodiment, aspect b) provides that the clamp section has a guide section which is guided in a groove and / or a slot of the base frame during the relative displacement of the cheek part relative to the base frame.

[0069] The guide allows a predetermined movement of the cheek part during assembly along the insertion direction, while this guide also ensures that the cheek part rests against the base frame during insertion.

[0070] According to claim 12 or 17, the clamping section extends into a recess and / or an opening in the side wall of the base frame and fills the recess and / or the opening.

[0071] With holes or the like in the base frame, which are filled by part of the clamp section, a positive fit (and possibly also a material and / or force fit) is achieved, which can prevent the positive fit from being released, at least with a module that is inserted or in the process of being inserted.

[0072] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the base frame on the one hand and the cheek parts on the other hand are at least partially formed from different materials.

[0073] Within the scope of the invention, the base frame and the side panel(s) fulfill different functions. The base frame should preferably significantly determine the overall stiffness of the support frame, while the side panels should possess the simplest possible and preferably elastic deformability. These different functions are best achieved largely independently of each other by selecting appropriate materials for the base frame and the fixing element(s).

[0074] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the base frame is at least partially manufactured by die casting, in particular from a metal, preferably zinc or aluminium, or a metal alloy, preferably a zinc or aluminium alloy.

[0075] Known approaches and techniques for manufacturing a conventional base frame can also be used for base frames used in the present invention, provided the shapes are appropriately adapted geometrically.

[0076] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the cheek parts are formed from a spring sheet and / or an elastic plastic.

[0077] It was found that a fixing bracket engaging with the base frame also allows for the fixing of locking lugs, and that, with a suitable design, the fixing bracket can be attached in a simple and quick manner.

[0078] If several locking lugs are secured together by a locking bar, the corresponding release also occurs simultaneously. However, it is also possible to provide for several locking bars on each side.

[0079] Depending on the design of the fixing bracket (e.g., regarding material selection), a suitable type of fastening can be chosen, whereby in this case a positive locking mechanism is particularly preferred, since this can be prepared with little effort during manufacturing and achieved when using the retaining frame arrangement if the design is clever.

[0080] In another embodiment, the fixing bracket is designed to allow elastic deformation when attached to the base frame.

[0081] Elastic deformation means that a stable situation arises when the force acting on the fixing bracket is removed, provided the design of the fixing bracket and base frame is appropriately chosen. However, it can also be intended that the deformation be plastic, as long as sufficient reversibility of this deformation is ensured to allow a desired number of insertion and removal cycles of the module.

[0082] In another embodiment, the base frame on the one hand and the fixing bracket on the other hand are at least partially made of different materials.

[0083] The base frame and fixing brackets fulfill different functions. The base frame should preferably determine the overall rigidity of the support frame, while the fixing bracket(s) should possess the simplest possible, preferably elastic, deformability. These different functions are best achieved largely independently of each other by selecting appropriate materials for the base frame and fixing element(s).

[0084] In another embodiment, the base frame is at least partially manufactured by die casting, in particular from a metal, preferably zinc or aluminum, or a metal alloy, preferably a zinc or aluminum alloy.

[0085] Known approaches and techniques for manufacturing a conventional base frame can also be used for base frames used in the present invention, provided the shapes are appropriately adapted geometrically.

[0086] In one embodiment, the base frame has two guide sections projecting in the opposite direction of insertion following each edge section. These guide sections are designed to guide a locking lug of a module and fix an inserted module in the longitudinal direction of the base frame via the locking lug.

[0087] The combination of guide sections and edge sections creates a receptacle for the corresponding locking lugs in the basic frame for one (or more) module(s). Particularly when the guide sections have different distances between them, a predetermined orientation of the modules can be ensured during insertion, thus preventing incorrect insertion orientations and any associated problems or hazards.

[0088] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the fixing bracket is essentially linear in the area between the engagement elements. A linear design is very simple to manufacture, requiring only the possible reshaping of the engagement elements (e.g., in the case of a fixing element made of wire). If the fixing sections of the base frame, for example, at or in sections projecting from the respective ends of the side wall or side walls opposite the insertion direction, have holes for receiving the engagement elements above an upper edge of the inserted locking lugs, these can also be linear and inserted into the holes for fixing. A slot-like design similar to a bayonet fitting can also be provided for such a hole.

[0089] In addition to a linear design of at least the central area of ​​the fixing bracket, a shape comparable to a (multiple) rectangular curve can also be provided, whereby in particular (e.g., with a continuous and linear stop edge) a locking lug is included in each of the "rectangles".

[0090] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the fixing sections of the base frame are formed in the end faces of the base frame.

[0091] According to a tenth aspect of the invention, a retaining frame for a connector for receiving similar and / or different modules is proposed, as defined in claim 19.

[0092] According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, a method for equipping a holding frame for a connector for receiving similar and / or different modules with a module is proposed, as defined in claim 20.

[0093] Part of the background to these aspects can be found in the following considerations.

[0094] It was recognized that the geometry of a holding frame allows a fixing element to be attached to the side wall of the base frame in such a way that it can be moved between a holding state and an insertion state without the fixing element hindering the insertion of the module in the insertion state and without requiring additional space.

[0095] In an advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the fixing element is positively attached to the inside or outside of the base frame or within a side wall of the base frame.

[0096] As long as sufficient fastening is ensured, the invention is not limited to a specific relative positioning of the fixing element with respect to the side wall, and can therefore be arranged inside (i.e. in the interior of the retaining frame), outside or in a cavity extending approximately in the insertion direction inside the side wall, with combinations of these being possible.

[0097] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the base frame on the one hand and the fixing element on the other hand are at least partially formed from different materials.

[0098] Within the scope of the invention, the base frame and the fixing element(s) fulfill different functions. The base frame should preferably significantly determine the overall stiffness of the mounting frame, while the fixing element(s) should merely secure the locking lugs. These different functions are best achieved largely independently of each other by selecting appropriate materials for the base frame and the fixing element(s).

[0099] In another advantageous embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the base frame is at least partially manufactured by die casting, in particular from a metal, preferably zinc or aluminum, or a metal alloy, preferably a zinc or aluminum alloy, while the fixing element(s) are preferably made of plastic or sheet metal.

[0100] Known approaches and techniques for manufacturing a conventional base frame can also be used for base frames used in the present invention, provided the shapes are appropriately adapted geometrically.

[0101] In these aspects of the invention, the base frame and / or the fixing element have at least one locking element which, by means of a form and / or frictional locking mechanism, releasably locks the fixing element at least in the holding state.

[0102] With a corresponding locking mechanism, an unintentional release of the holding state is better avoided.

[0103] Features of advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the present application are defined in particular in the dependent claims, with further advantageous features, embodiments and configurations also being apparent to the person skilled in the art from the above explanation and the following discussion.

[0104] The subject matter of the present application will now be further illustrated and explained with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Here, it will be shown that... Fig. 1 a mounting bracket of a holding frame arrangement of a first embodiment together with a module, Fig. 2 a partial sectional view of a holding frame arrangement of the first embodiment with an inserted module and a mounting bracket attached thereto, Fig. 3 a perspective view of a holding frame arrangement of the first embodiment with an inserted module and a mounting bracket attached thereto, Fig. 4 a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the inventive method for equipping the holding frame arrangement of the first embodiment with a module, Fig. 5 a partially transparent side view of a part of a holding frame of a second embodiment, Fig. 6 a locking element of the second embodiment, Fig. 7 a partially transparent top view of a part of the holding frame made of Fig. 5 Fig. 8 a perspective view of a holding frame of a third embodiment with modules, Fig. 9 an exploded view of part of the holding frame made of Fig. 8 Fig. 10 a perspective view of a holding frame according to a variant of the third embodiment, Fig. 11 a detailed view of the representation from Fig. 10 Fig. 12 a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the inventive method for equipping a holding frame of the second or third embodiment with a module, Fig. 13 a perspective view of a holding frame of a fourth embodiment with inserted modules, Fig. 14 a sectional view of the holding frame with modules made of Fig. 13 , Fig. 15 a top view of part of the mounting frame with modules made of Fig. 13 und Fig. 14 Fig. 16 a perspective view of a partially completed mounting frame of a fifth embodiment, Fig. 17 a perspective sectional view of the mounting frame made of Fig. 16 Fig. 18 a perspective view of a holding frame according to a sixth embodiment, Fig. 19 a perspective view of the side parts of the holding frame made of Fig. 18 , Fig. 20 a view of the mounting frame made of Fig. 18 with cheek parts partially inserted into the base frame, Fig. 21 a perspective view of a holding frame according to a variant of the sixth embodiment, Fig. 22 a partial perspective view of the base frame of the holding frame made of Fig. 22 , Fig. 23 a view of the mounting frame made of Fig. 21 with a cheek section partially inserted into the base frame, Fig. 24 a perspective partial sectional view of a holding frame according to another variant of the sixth embodiment, Fig. 25 an interior view in partial sectional representation of the holding frame made of Fig. 24 , Fig. 26 an outside view of the mounting frame made of Fig. 24 , Fig. 27 a view of a cheek part of the retaining frame made of Fig. 24 , Fig. 28 another view of the cheek part from Fig. 27 , Fig. 29 a top view of a slot receptacle for a clamp section of the variant of the sixth embodiment from Fig. 24 Fig. 30 a schematic flowchart of a further embodiment of the inventive method for equipping a holding frame with a module, Fig. 31 a perspective view of a composite holding frame arrangement with inserted modules, which is not covered by the claims, Fig. 32 a perspective detail view of the holding frame arrangement with modules made of Fig. 31 , Fig. 33 a perspective view of the mounting frame arrangement from Fig. 31 und Fig. 32 with a released fixing bracket, Fig. 34 a schematic flowchart of a method for equipping a holding frame arrangement with a module not covered by the claims, Fig. 35 a perspective view of the holding frame according to an eighth embodiment in the holding state, Fig. 36 a side view of the holding frame made of Fig. 35 In the insertion state, Fig. 37 shows a perspective detail view of the retaining frame. Fig. 35 and Fig. 36 in the holding state, and Fig. 38 a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of the inventive method for equipping a holding frame with a module.

[0105] In the accompanying drawings and the explanations relating to these drawings, corresponding or related elements are marked with corresponding or similar reference symbols, where appropriate, even if they are found in different embodiments.

[0106] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a mounting bracket 20 of a holding frame arrangement 1 of the first embodiment together with a module 9.

[0107] Module 9 is a conventional module, such as those already known, for example, in the implementations of the teachings of EP 0 860 906 B1, EP 1 801 927 B1 or DE 10 2013 113 976 A1, whereby the invention, with appropriate design, can also be used for other comparable modules, such as those according to EP 2 581 991 A1. The module 9 shown here has, in a conventional manner, two locking lugs 91 attached to each other on the end faces of the module, which are of different widths to ensure unambiguous orientation.

[0108] The mounting bracket 20 comprises two cheeks 21, spaced apart sufficiently to allow the module 9 with its locking lugs 91 to be inserted into a respective window 22 of the cheeks 21 without significant play. At their end (in the insertion direction), each cheek 21 has a fixing tab 23 extending outwards in the opposite direction of insertion. In addition, each cheek 21 has two locking tabs extending inwards in the opposite direction of insertion, slightly below the window 22 on the outer sides of the cheek 21. The cheeks 21 of the mounting bracket 20 are connected to each other by two connecting webs 25, which extend longitudinally along the module 9 in such a way that the interior of the module 9, i.e., the area in which cables (not shown) or similar components of the module 9 run, is not obstructed.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting bracket 20 is provided for only one module 9, although the invention is not to be understood as being limited to this, since several modules 9 can also be connected together with one mounting bracket.

[0110] Fig. 2 shows a partial sectional view of a retaining frame arrangement 1 of the first embodiment with inserted module 9 and attached mounting bracket 20.

[0111] As already shown from Fig. 1 As explained, the month bracket 20 comprises two cheeks 21 with a fixing tab 23 and locking tabs 24, wherein the cheeks 21 are connected to each other via connecting webs along the longitudinal direction of the module 9.

[0112] The mounting bracket 20 is shown here in a state in which it is attached to the module 9, wherein the combination of module 9 and mounting bracket 20 is inserted into and secured in a base frame 10 of the retaining frame arrangement 1.

[0113] The fixing tabs 23 extend outwards in the opposite direction of insertion and engage with a lower edge 15 of the base frame 10. The locking tabs 24 extend inwards in the opposite direction of insertion and each has an edge on the outside of the module (see also Fig. 1 ) in intervention.

[0114] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a holding frame arrangement 1 of the first embodiment with inserted module 9 and attached mounting bracket 20.

[0115] In the representation of Fig. 3 The retaining frame arrangement 1 and the module 9 are shown obliquely in one direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0116] The base frame 10 of the holding frame arrangement 1 has two end faces 11 and two side walls 12, which are opposite each other.

[0117] The side walls 12, which are designed here to accommodate six single modules (or a corresponding number of double or multiple modules), each have recesses 13 at the corresponding locations, the width of the recesses 13 corresponding to the width of the corresponding locking lug 91 of the module 9.

[0118] At the lower end of each recess 13, the base frame 10 has an edge 14 against which the locking lug 91 of the module 9 rests in the inserted state.

[0119] In Fig. 3 An inserted module 9 is shown together with the corresponding mounting bracket 20, in which the fixing tabs 23 are located on the lower edge 15 of the base frame 10 and the locking tabs 24 are located on the module 9.

[0120] The base frame 10 is designed similarly to a frame as described in EP 0 860 906 B1 and has the option of being opened after removal of the base frame 10 to allow the removal of a module 9 together with the mounting clip 20. However, unlike the base frame from EP 0 860 906 B1, the side walls 12 are each made of a thinner material (to make room for the mounting clip 20), and the recesses 13 also differ from the locking windows in EP 0 860 906 B1 in that the upper limits are omitted (so that the locking lug 91 of the modules 9 can be inserted when the base frame 10 is installed).

[0121] In the embodiment discussed here, the mounting bracket 20, when attached and inserted, is positioned with a cheek 21 between the module 9 and a side wall 12 of the base frame. However, it is also possible for the mounting bracket and the base frame to be designed such that the cheeks are arranged outside the base frame, in which case the edge and the upper edge of the window, in particular, secure the module, and because the cheeks are located on the outside, the fixing tabs are then directed inwards. A combination of inside and outside arrangements is also possible.

[0122] Fig. 4 shows a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the inventive method for equipping the holding frame arrangement of the first embodiment with a module.

[0123] In step S10, the mounting bracket is attached to the module so that each locking lug of the module is received in a window of a cheek of the mounting bracket.

[0124] In step S11, the module with the attached mounting bracket is inserted into the base frame.

[0125] During the insertion of S11, the fixing tabs of the mounting bracket are deformed so that they are essentially flush with the other areas of the cheeks.

[0126] In at least part of the insertion process S11, the locking lugs of the module are also guided through the boundaries of the recesses in the side walls (step S13).

[0127] Finally, the locking lugs come into contact (step S14) with the edge of the base frame (lower boundary of the recesses), whereby essentially simultaneously in step S15 the fixing tabs are released, relax and engage with the lower edge of the base frame, so that the inserted module is fixed by the respective upper edges of the window and the edges of the base frame along the insertion direction and the recesses of the base frame in the longitudinal direction of the base frame.

[0128] In this embodiment, the mounting bracket is first attached to the module, and then the module-mounting bracket combination is inserted into the base frame. However, it is also possible to first insert the module into the base frame, followed by inserting the mounting bracket to secure the module within the base frame. In this case, the mounting bracket's flanges run between the module and the base frame or outside the base frame. If the flanges run inside the base frame, the opening in the flange must be extended to its lower edge to allow passage over the locking lug. With flanges running outside the base frame, this may be unnecessary if the mounting bracket is bent accordingly.

[0129] Fig. 5 shows a partially transparent side view of part of a holding frame 2 of a second embodiment. Fig. 6 shows a locking element of the second embodiment and Fig. 7 shows a partially transparent top view of part of the mounting frame. Fig. 5 .

[0130] The retaining frame 2 has a base frame 210, which is only partially shown here, except for what will become clear from the following, but is comparable to a base frame described in the other embodiments.

[0131] The base frame has end faces (not shown here) and side walls 212, each of which has several stops 214 for a lower edge of a locking lug 91 of a module 9. Next to or between the stops 214, projecting sections 213 are located at a distance corresponding to the width of the locking lug 91 and extend from the height of the stops 214 in the opposite direction of insertion.

[0132] In each projecting section 213, a bearing is provided for a locking element 220, which receives the locking element 220 in such a way that it can be rotated or pivoted about a pivot axis 216 perpendicular to the plane of the side wall 212.

[0133] In contrast to this embodiment, in two projecting sections enclosing an area of ​​a stop and thus adjacent to each other, respective locking elements can be provided opposite each other, which are then, for example, mirror images of each other.

[0134] The in the Fig. 5 , 6 und 7 The bolt elements 220 shown each have a holding section 222 and a deflection section 226, which are arranged offset from each other by an angle of approximately 90° around the pivot axis.

[0135] In the right part of Fig. 5 The locking element 220 is shown in an insertion state in which the deflection section 226 projects into the area above the stop 214.

[0136] When a module 9 with the corresponding locking lug 91 is inserted into the retaining frame 2 between the projecting sections 213, the offset section 226 is displaced, causing the locking element 220 to pivot. With a suitable shape of the offset section 226, the action of the locking lug 91 on the offset section 226 can be extended until the locking lug 91 abuts the stop 214.

[0137] In the left part of the illustration of Fig. 5 The locking element 220 is shown in a holding position. By pivoting the locking element 220 when the locking lug 91 is inserted, the holding section 222 comes to lie above the locking lug 91, so that the holding section 222 and the stop 214 enclose the locking lug together.

[0138] In addition to the holding section 222 and the deflection section 226, the locking element 227 has a locking element 227 which engages with the base frame 210 when the holding state is assumed and prevents the locking element 220 from pivoting back by means of a positive locking mechanism.

[0139] The locking element 220 is pre-tensioned in the installed state by a spring (not shown) along the pivot axis 216 (approximately to the right (outwards from the perspective of the retaining frame 2) in the illustration of the Fig. 7 ), wherein, by applying a force from the outside against the spring, the locking element 227 can be disengaged from its engagement with the base frame 210, such that the locking element can be moved from the holding state to the insertion state.

[0140] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a holding frame 3 of a third embodiment with modules 9 and Fig. 9 shows an exploded view of part of the mounting frame made of Fig. 8 .

[0141] The retaining frame 3 comprises a base frame 310, which has end faces 311 and side walls 312. The side faces 312 are provided with several stops 314, each located between two adjacent sections 313 that project forward from the stops 314 in the opposite direction of insertion. For each stop 314, one of the corresponding projecting sections 313 is equipped with a locking element 320 that pivots about a pivot axis 316, which is perpendicular to a plane defined by the corresponding side wall 312.

[0142] The locking element 320 can assume at least one insertion state in which it leaves a path open for a locking lug 91 of a module 9 to be inserted between the projecting sections 313 to the stop 314, and a holding state is also provided in which the locking element 320, together with the stop 314, encloses and secures the locking lug 91 of the module 9. In the insertion state, the locking element 320, which is held on the pivot axis 316, is also locked to the opposite projecting section 313 by means of a locking element 327 in the form of a latching hook.

[0143] In the third embodiment (as well as in the variant discussed below), a locking element 320 defines a locking lug 91, although the invention can also be implemented in such a way that one locking element defines several locking lugs.

[0144] The locking element 320 has two tongues in a region of the pivot axis 316, which are provided with projections that extend within corresponding holes in the projecting section 313. By pressing the tongues together, the projections are released from the holes, so that the locking element 320 can be replaced.

[0145] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a holding frame 3' according to a variant of the third embodiment and shows Fig. 11 shows a detailed view of the representation Fig. 10 .

[0146] The retaining frame 3', like the retaining frame 3 of the third embodiment, has a base frame 310' with end faces 311' and side walls 312'. The side walls 312' correspond – with the exception of the one mentioned below – to the side walls 312 of the third embodiment discussed above, and, like those, have stops 314' and projecting sections 313'.

[0147] Locking elements 320' which can pivot about a pivot axis 316' are also provided with locking elements 327' in the form of locking hooks.

[0148] Unlike the 320 bar elements made of Fig. 8 and 9 The locking elements 320' are permanently connected to the base frame 310'. The connection is made by riveting, although other methods can also be used.

[0149] Fig. 12 Figure 1 shows a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the inventive method for equipping a holding frame of the second or third embodiment with a module.

[0150] The method includes a step S20 of inserting the module into the base frame of the holding frame, up to the respective stops of the base frame for the module's locking lugs. Furthermore, a step S21 involves pivoting the locking element, which is pivotally mounted on a section of the base frame projecting against the insertion direction about a pivot axis perpendicular to the side wall of the base frame, from an insertion position that allows the module to be inserted into the holding frame in the insertion direction, to a holding position in which the inserted module is held by its locking lug between the stop and the locking element.

[0151] In the second embodiment, the pivoting occurs at least simultaneously with the insertion and is also caused by the insertion itself, whereby the pivoting can also take place separately after the (complete) insertion.

[0152] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a holding frame 4 of a fourth embodiment with inserted modules 9, while Fig. 14 a sectional view of the mounting frame 4 with modules 9 made of Fig. 13 und Fig. 15 a top view of part of the support frame 4 with modules 9 made of Fig. 13 und Fig. 14 show.

[0153] The retaining frame 4 comprises a base frame 410 and side panels 420 attached to it.

[0154] The basic frame 410 has two end faces 411 and two side walls 412, which are opposite each other.

[0155] In the depictions of Fig. 13 bis 15 Modules 9 are each inserted or plugged into the holding frame 4, extending through the base frame 410 in the insertion direction (from top to bottom). Fig. 13 und Fig. 14 extend.

[0156] In this embodiment, the side panels 420 are designed to hold six (individual) modules 9 each, although other numbers of modules are also possible. For example, with the same overall capacity, two side panels can be used side by side on each side, each designed to hold three modules. It is also possible to provide a separate side panel for each module or module position. As with the other mounting frames, the mounting frames in this embodiment can also accommodate modules with a greater width (in the longitudinal direction of the mounting frame), for example, modules equipped with two locking lugs on each side and twice as wide as a single module.

[0157] The modules 9 are each received by their locking lugs 91 in locking windows 422 of the side panels 420. The side panels 420 are each held on the base frame 410 and, in turn, hold the modules 9 via the locking windows 422, so that the modules 9 are fixed along the insertion direction. With the appropriate design of the locking windows 422, the modules 9 are fixed to the longitudinal direction of the retaining frame 4, with the modules 9 being fixed in their own longitudinal direction by the distance between the opposing side panels 420.

[0158] The locking windows 422 are also designed differently on the opposite cheek parts 420, resulting in a coding for the modules 9 that provides a unique insertion orientation (or orientation when fixing).

[0159] The cheek parts 420 are each provided with slots 432 between the locking windows 422, so that each resulting tab can be bent open largely independently of adjacent tabs to allow separate insertion or removal of a module 9.

[0160] As particularly in Fig. 14 As can be seen, the cheek parts 420 each have at least one clamp section 428, which here extends around an upper edge 414 of the base frame 410, with the cheek parts 420 themselves extending completely above a lower edge 415 of the base frame 410.

[0161] In addition to the clamping section(s) 428, each cheek section 420 has one or more undercuts 429, which are located on the outside of the cheek section 420, i.e. facing the inside of the base frame 410, with the inner wall also having an undercut 417 at the corresponding location.

[0162] If the cheek piece 420 is tilted slightly during the assembly of the retaining frame 4 (approximately clockwise for the right cheek piece 420 in Fig. 14 ) with the clamp section 428 attached to the (upper) edge 414 of the base frame 410 and thus pivoted (counterclockwise at the right cheek part 420 in Fig. 14 When the cheek section 420 comes to rest on the inside of the base frame 410, the undercuts 417 and 429 engage, thus securing it against displacement in the opposite direction of insertion. The clamping section 428 holds the cheek section 420 to the base frame 410, allowing the retaining frame 4 to be handled.

[0163] When a module 9 is inserted into the holding frame 4 thus produced, its lower area ensures that the positive fit between the undercuts 417, 429 is secured, since the module 9 presses the side parts 420 against the inner sides of the base frame 410. Therefore, the positive fit is not released even if, during insertion of the module 9, the side part 420 is deformed in the area of ​​a detent window 422 to allow passage of the detent lug 91 of the module 9 to the height of the detent window 422.

[0164] As can be seen from the left part of Fig. 14 As can be seen, it is not necessary for the elements of the undercuts 417, 419 and the clamp section 428 to extend over the entire cheek part 420 in its longitudinal direction.

[0165] In Fig. 14 und 15 It is particularly noticeable that the end faces of the modules 9 are in contact with the inner sides of the cheek pieces 420.

[0166] Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of a partially completed support frame 5 of a fifth embodiment and Fig. 17 shows a perspective sectional view of the mounting frame 5 from Fig. 16 .

[0167] The retaining frame 5 has a base frame 510 with opposing end faces 511 and side walls 512. The base frame 510 also has several recesses 513, each roughly defining an area into which a locking lug of a module (not shown) comes to rest when inserted. The recesses each have an edge 514 at their lower end. In the area between the edge 514 and a lower edge 515 of the side wall 512, the side wall 512 in this embodiment has several through openings 519 in the form of holes.

[0168] The mounting frame 5 in the Fig. 16 und 17 is only partially completed insofar as only one cheek section 520 is present, so that one side wall 512 is not yet equipped with a corresponding cheek section.

[0169] The cheek section 520 has several locking windows 522, each designed to receive a locking lug of a module. The area of ​​the cheek section 520 surrounding the locking windows 522 is matched to the size of the recess 513 to which it is adjacent, so that the cheek section 520 can be bent outwards with this area when a module is inserted into the area of ​​the recess 513.

[0170] The side panel 520 also has several clamp sections 528 that fit the openings 519 of the base frame 510 and extend through these openings 519 when the side panel 520 is mounted to the base frame 510. If the side panel 520 is made of a thermoplastic material, for example, the clamp sections 528 can be melted, resulting in a close bond between the side panel 520 and the base frame 510.

[0171] Double or multiple modules can also be introduced in the case of the fifth embodiment, whereby coding by differently designed snap windows is also possible.

[0172] Fig. 18 shows a perspective view of a holding frame according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 19 shows a perspective view of the cheek parts of the support frame made of Fig. 18 and Fig. 20 shows a view of the mounting frame Fig. 18 with cheek sections partially inserted into the base frame.

[0173] The retaining frame comprises a base frame 610 and an inner frame formed from side panels 620 and webs 630.

[0174] The base frame 610 has end faces 611 and side walls 612, which are opposite each other. In an inner area between a lower edge 615 (in the insertion direction) and an upper edge 614, the base frame also has undercuts 617 in the form of projections.

[0175] The side panels 620 are arranged opposite each other and connected by the webs 630. Corresponding to the undercuts 617 of the base frame 610, each side panel 620 has undercuts 629 in the form of openings.

[0176] Above each edge 614, each cheek section 620 is equipped with a respective locking window 622 for receiving a locking lug of a module (not shown). The areas around the locking windows 622 are designed to be flexible and allow deformation with support from the edge 614, thus enabling the locking lug to pass through.

[0177] Furthermore, each side panel 620 has clamping sections 628 between the areas around the locking windows 622, which engage around a corresponding edge section on the top of the base frame 610 and thus prevent displacement of the side panels 620 in the insertion direction. In the installed state, the side panels 620 do not extend beyond the lower edge 615 of the base frame 610.

[0178] When modules are inserted into the holding frame 6, the position of the cheek parts 620 on the inner wall of the base frame 610 is thereby stabilized.

[0179] Fig. 21 shows a perspective view of a holding frame 6' according to a variant of the sixth embodiment. Fig. 22 shows a perspective partial view of the base frame 610' of the support frame 6' made of Fig. 22 und Fig. 23 shows a view of the mounting frame 6' from Fig. 21 with a cheek section 620' partially inserted into the base frame 610'.

[0180] The in the Fig. 21 bis 23 The illustrated variant differs from the embodiment shown in the Fig. 18 bis 20 in the way in which the position of the cheek parts 620' on the inner wall of the base frame 610' is ensured.

[0181] As in the above embodiment, the retaining frame 6' comprises a base frame 610' with end faces 611', side walls 612', a lower edge 615', upper edges 614' and undercuts 617' and side pieces 620' with locking windows 622', clamping sections 628' and undercuts 629', so that reference can be made to the above explanations.

[0182] In contrast to the approach of spacing the cheek sections by means of webs, the base frame 610' of this variant has a groove 618' in the joint area of ​​end faces 611' and side walls 612', which is designed to receive a guide section 631' of a cheek section 620'. When the cheek section 620' is attached to the base frame 610', the guide sections 631' engage in the groove 618' and thus hold the respective cheek section 620' to the inside of the base frame 610'.

[0183] The interaction of undercuts 617', 629' and clamp sections 628' prevents movement of the cheek part 620' relative to the base frame 610' along the insertion direction.

[0184] Fig. 24 shows a perspective partial sectional view of a holding frame according to another variant of the sixth embodiment. Fig. 25 shows an interior view in partial sectional representation of the mounting frame. Fig. 24 and Fig. 26 shows an outside view of the mounting frame made of Fig. 24 . Fig. 27 shows a view of a cheek section of the mounting frame made of Fig. 24 and Fig. 28 shows a different view of the cheek area. Fig. 27 .

[0185] Compared to the above embodiment from the Fig. 18 bis 20 and the variant from the Fig. 21 bis 23 Another variant is shown here, which again uses a different approach to securing the cheek parts 620" to the inside of the base frame 610".

[0186] Otherwise, as in the above embodiment and its variant, the retaining frame 6" comprises a base frame 610" with end faces 611", side walls 612", a lower edge 615", upper edges 614" and undercuts 617" and side pieces 620" with locking windows 622", clamp sections 628" and undercuts 629", so that reference can be made to the above explanations.

[0187] However, here the clamp sections 628" are designed such that they do not wrap around an edge of the base frame 610" in its longitudinal direction, but rather around an edge formed by a slot extending in the insertion direction from the upper edge of the base frame 610". Alternatively or additionally, a clamp section 628" can also extend through an opening in the base frame 610".

[0188] The positioning of the clamp section 628" in the insertion direction provides stability against lifting of the corresponding cheek part 620" from the inside of the base frame 610".

[0189] Fig. 29 shows a top view of a slotted recess for a clamp section of the variant of the sixth embodiment from Fig. 24 It is not necessary for the clamp section 628" to extend to the outside of the base frame 610", as the clamp section 628" can also be included in a recess such as that shown in Fig. 29 is illustrated.

[0190] Fig. 30 Figure 1 shows a schematic flowchart of a further embodiment of the inventive method for equipping a holding frame with a module.

[0191] In step S30, a basic frame is first provided, which defines a plane perpendicular to an insertion direction of a module into the holding frame and has opposite end faces and side walls.

[0192] In step S31, at least two cheek parts are attached opposite each other to the side walls of the base frame, such that each cheek part extends within the base frame along an inner side of the base frame opposite to the insertion direction and beyond an edge of the base frame opposite to the insertion direction, wherein each cheek part has at least one locking window as a locking element for receiving a locking lug of the module in its area extending beyond the edge of the base frame, wherein the cheek parts are designed for elastic bending deformation between an insertion state, which allows the module to be inserted into the holding frame in the insertion direction, and a holding state, in which an inserted module is fixed at least along the insertion direction by the engagement of the locking lug in the locking window.

[0193] In this process, or as a consequence thereof, in step S32 a positive fit of each cheek part is achieved with the base frame, at least with regard to a relative displacement along the insertion direction.

[0194] Each cheek section has at least one clamp section that extends above a lower edge of the base frame into the base frame, through the base frame and / or around an edge of the base frame.

[0195] With the holding frame thus created, the next step in S33 is to insert the module into the base frame, wherein the insertion S32 takes place between the at least two cheek parts, wherein the insertion S32 includes an elastic bending of the cheek parts, which are supported by the base frame, to an insertion state.

[0196] The method includes an elastic re-deformation of the cheek parts from the insertion state to a holding state, wherein the inserted module is fixed in the holding state by the engagement of the locking lug in the locking window at least along the insertion direction, whereby an inserted module prevents the positive locking between cheek parts and base frame from disengaging.

[0197] Fig. 31 shows a perspective view of a composite holding frame arrangement with inserted modules, which is not covered by the claims. Fig. 32 shows a perspective detail view of the mounting frame arrangement 7 with modules 9 made of Fig. 31 und Fig. 33 shows a perspective view of the mounting frame arrangement 7 from Fig. 31 und Fig. 32 with a loosened fixing bracket 720.

[0198] The base frame 710 of the support frame arrangement 7 comprises opposing end faces 711 and opposing side walls 712.

[0199] The side walls 712 each have recesses 713 partially bordered by an edge section 714 and two guide sections 732, each of which is intended to receive a locking lug 91 of a module 9.

[0200] The guide sections 732 are provided on opposite side walls 712 at different distances from each other, so that the insertion of a corresponding module 9 is only possible in one orientation.

[0201] In Fig. 31 The retaining frame arrangement 7 is shown in its assembled state, i.e., the fixing bracket 720 is attached to the base frame 710.

[0202] Here, the fixing bracket 720 extends along an upper edge of the base frame 710 and closes off the recesses 713 in each case, so that the locking lugs 91 and thus the modules 9 are fixed against movement in a direction defined by the side walls.

[0203] The fixing bracket 720 has claws 727 bent at 90° at each of its ends as examples of an engagement element 727. The claws 727 engage with undercuts 717 in the end faces 711 of the base frame 710, so that the fixing bracket 720 is attached to the base frame 710.

[0204] Only one fixing bracket 720 is provided here, although one fixing bracket 720 can also be provided for each of the two side walls 712. It is also possible to design the fixing bracket to be shorter, for example, so that only one or a few locking lugs are engaged by it.

[0205] To attach the fixing bracket 720, which is made of wire here, the fixing bracket 720 can, for example, be placed on the upper edge of the base frame 710, followed by pivoting the fixing bracket 720 about its longitudinal axis.

[0206] Since the wire-made fixing bracket 720 has a certain flexibility and elasticity, the engagement elements 727 can also be engaged one after the other – for example, by twisting the fixing bracket (see Fig. 33 , where only one engagement element 727 is engaged).

[0207] Fig. 34 A schematic flowchart shows a method for equipping a holding frame arrangement with a module that is not covered by the claims.

[0208] The method for fitting a mounting frame arrangement with a module comprises inserting S40 of the module into a base frame of the mounting frame arrangement.

[0209] This base frame defines a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the module into the holding frame arrangement and has opposing end faces and side walls.

[0210] By inserting step S40, the locking lugs of the module are placed against the respective upper edge sections of the side walls in the insertion direction (step S41).

[0211] After the modules to be introduced have been inserted, step S42 involves attaching a fixing bracket, which has an engagement element at each of its ends.

[0212] By attaching S42, both engagement elements are brought into engagement with a corresponding fixing section of the base frame.

[0213] In this way, the fixing bracket is attached to the base frame with engagement elements in such a way that one or more locking lugs of the inserted module(s) are held between the edge section of the base frame and the fixing bracket, at least with respect to movement in the insertion direction.

[0214] Fig. 35 shows a perspective view of the holding frame 8 according to an eighth embodiment in the holding state, while Fig. 36 a side view of the mounting frame 8 from Fig. 35 in the introduction state and Fig. 37 a perspective detail view of the mounting frame 8 from Fig. 35 and Fig. 36 show in the holding position.

[0215] The base frame 810 of the holding frame 8 comprises end faces 811 and side walls 812. In addition, the base frame 810 has recesses on its upper side, each ending with an edge 814 for receiving a locking lug 91 of a module 9.

[0216] A fixing element 820 is attached to the side wall 812 of the base frame 810, by means of guides 831 on the side wall 812 of the base frame 810, which extend through corresponding elongated holes 834 of the fixing element 820.

[0217] The fixing element 820 is thus displaceable along the longitudinal direction of the side wall and can in particular be set into an insertion state ( Fig. 36 ) and a hold state ( Fig. 35 , Fig. 37 ) assume.

[0218] In the holding position, a respective projection 822 of the fixing element 820 extends into the area of ​​the recess and, together with the edge 814, fixes the locking lug 91 of the module 9 along the insertion direction.

[0219] In the insertion state, the projection 822 is removed from the area of ​​the respective recess, so that the way is clear for the insertion (or removal) of a module 9.

[0220] To simplify handling, the fixing element 820 has a handle 833 projecting in the opposite direction to the insertion direction.

[0221] The base frame 810 also has locking elements 835, which are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the side wall 812 in front of and behind the fixing element 820 and which hold the fixing element 820 in the holding state or in the insertion state by means of a frictional engagement.

[0222] Fig. 38 Figure 1 shows a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the inventive method for equipping a holding frame with a module.

[0223] The starting point for the assembly is a holding frame in an insertion state, wherein the insertion (S50) of the module into a base frame of the holding frame takes place, which defines a plane transverse to an insertion direction of the module into the holding frame and has opposite end faces and side walls, wherein a fixing element is attached to a side wall of the base frame, which is in the insertion state that allows the insertion of the module in the insertion direction into the holding frame.

[0224] After the insertion S50 is completed, and the locking lug is therefore in contact with an edge of the base frame (or the fixing element) (step 51), in the following step S52 the fixing element is moved along a longitudinal direction of the side wall with the module inserted, from the insertion state to a holding state, in which the inserted module is fixed by a locking lug of the module and the fixing element at least along the insertion direction.

[0225] The fixing element has a projection extending along the longitudinal direction, which in the holding state fixes the locking lug of the module and in the insertion state is removed from an insertion path of the locking lug.

[0226] Even though the figures show various aspects or features of the subject matter of the present application in combination, it is apparent to the person skilled in the art – unless otherwise stated – that the combinations shown and discussed are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding units or sets of features from different embodiments can be interchanged.

[0227] The technical features of the mounting frames or mounting frame arrangements discussed above, which are intended for fixing, securing, or the like of the modules, are preferably provided on both side walls of the base frame, particularly in a symmetrical or mirrored form (with the exception of the coding), so that each module is held by both locking lugs. However, within the scope of the present invention(s), it is also possible for such features to be present only on one side wall. Furthermore, it is possible to combine embodiments of different aspects, such that a mounting frame or mounting frame embodiment has features of one aspect on one side or in one section, while another side or section has features of a different aspect. Bezugszeichenliste

[0228] 1 Mounting frame arrangement 2 Mounting frame 3, 3' Mounting frame 4 Mounting frame 5 Mounting frame 6, 6', 6" Mounting frame 7 Mounting frame arrangement 8 Mounting frame 9 Module 10 Base frame 11 End face 12 Side wall 13 Recess 14 Edge 15 Edge 20 Mounting bracket 21 Side 22 Window 23 Fixing tab 24 Locking tab 25 Connecting web 91 Locking lug 210 Base frame 212 Side wall 213 Projecting section 214 Stop 216 Swivel axis 220 Latch element 222 Holding section 226 Diverting section 227 Locking element 310, 310' Base frame 311, 311' End face 312, 312' Side wall 313, 313'projecting section 314, 314'stop 316, 316's pivot axis 320, 320'locking element 327, 327'locking element 410base frame 411front 412side wall 414edge 415edge 417undercut 420cheek section 422latting window 428clamp section 429undercut 432slot 510base frame 511front 512side wall 514edge 515edge 519opening 520cheek section 522latting window 528clamp section 610, 610', 610"base frame 611, 611', 611"front 612, 612',612"Side wall 614, 614', 614"Edge 615, 615', 615"Edge 617, 617', 617"Undercut 618'Groove 620, 620', 620"Cheek section 622, 622', 622"Retaining window 628, 628', 628"Clamp section 629, 629',629" Undercut 630 Web 631' Guide section 710 Base frame 711 End face 712 Side wall 713 Recess 714 Edge section 717 Fixing section 720 Fixing bracket 727 Engagement element 732 Guide section 810 Base frame 811 End face 812 Side wall 814 Edge 820 Fixing element 822 Projection 831 Guide 833 Handle 834 Slot 835 Locking element S10 Attaching the mounting clip to the module S11 Inserting the module S12 Deforming the fixing tab S13 Guiding the locking lugs S14 Engaging the locking lugs S15 Releasing the fixing tab S20 Inserting the module S21 Swiveling the locking element S30 Providing a base frame S31 Attaching cheek pieces S32 Achieving a positive fit S33 Inserting the module S40 Inserting the module S41 Applying the locking lug S42 Attaching the fixing bracket S50 Inserting the module S51 Applying the locking lug S52 Moving the fixing element,

Claims

1. A holding frame arrangement (1) for a plug connector for receiving similar and / or different modules (9), comprising: a base frame (10) which defines a plane transverse to an insertion direction of a module (9) into the holding frame arrangement (1), and which has mutually opposite end faces (11) and mutually opposite side walls (12), and one or more mounting clips (20), each of which having two mutually opposite flanges (21), wherein each of the flanges (21) has a window (22) for receiving a latching lug (91) of a module (9) and a fixing tab (23), wherein each mounting clip (20) is adapted to be mounted on a module (9), such that a module (9) fitted with the mounting clip (20) and inserted into the base frame abuts with its latching lugs (91) respective upper edges (14) of the side walls (12), in the insertion direction, wherein the fixing tabs (23) engage with respective lower edges (15) of the side walls (12), in the insertion direction, so that the inserted module (9) is fixed in place along the insertion direction at least.

2. The holding frame arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the flanges are connected to each other.

3. The holding frame arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each flange (21) has at least one latching tab (24) which is adapted for engagement with a lower edge of a module (9), in the insertion direction.

4. The holding frame arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base frame (10) has recesses which extend in the insertion direction from an upper edge of the base frame (10), in the insertion direction, each of said recesses being adapted to at least partially accommodate a latching lug (91) of a module (9).

5. The holding frame arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing tabs (23) are adapted for engagement with the lower edge (15) of the base frame (10).

6. A method of populating a holding frame arrangement (1) for a plug connector for receiving similar and / or different modules (9) with a module (9), said method comprising the steps of: attaching (S10) a mounting clip (20) comprising two mutually opposite flanges (21) which each have a window (22) for receiving a latching lug (91) of a module (9) and a fixing tab (23), to the module (9), such that each latching lug (91) of the module (9) is received in a window (22) of a flange (21), and inserting (S11) the module (9) into a base frame (10) which defines a plane transverse to an insertion direction of the module (9) into the holding frame arrangement (1), and which has mutually opposite end faces (11) and mutually opposite side walls (12), wherein the result of insertion (S12) is that the latching lugs (91) of the module (9) abut respective upper edges (14) of the side walls (13), in the insertion direction, and the combined result of attachment (S11) and insertion (S12) is that the fixing tabs (23) engage with respective lower edges (15) of the side walls (12), in the insertion direction, such that the inserted module (9) is fixed in place along the insertion direction at least.

7. A holding frame (2, 3) for a plug connector for receiving similar and / or different modules (9), comprising: a base frame (210, 310) which defines a plane transverse to an insertion direction of a module (9) into the holding frame (2, 3), and which has mutually opposite end faces and mutually opposite side walls (212, 312), and wherein the side walls (212, 312) of the base frame each have stops (214, 314) for latching lugs of a module, wherein adjacent to at least one stop (214, 314), the base frame (212, 312) has a portion (213, 313) which protrudes in the opposite direction to the insertion direction and which is provided with a locking member (220, 320) which is pivotable about a pivot axis (216, 316) oriented transversely to the side wall (212, 312), wherein the locking member (220, 320) is adapted to adopt an insertion position that allows the module (9) to be inserted in the insertion direction into the holding frame (2, 3), and a holding position in which an inserted module (9) is held by the latching lug (91) of the module (9) between a stop (214, 314) and the locking member (220, 320).

8. The holding frame (2) according to claim 7, wherein the locking member (220) has a yielding portion (226) which projects into a path of the latching lug (91) in the insertion position and is adapted to yield in such a way, when the latching lug (91) is inserted, that the locking member (220) is pivoted at least partially from the insertion position to the retention position by insertion of the module (9).

9. The holding frame (2, 3) according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a blocking member (227, 327) which is adapted to prevent the locking member (220, 320) from pivoting back to the insertion state when the holding frame (2, 3) is in the holding state.

10. A method of populating a holding frame (2, 3) for a plug connector for receiving similar and / or different modules (9) with a module (9), said method comprising the steps of: inserting (S20) the module (9) into a base frame (210, 310) of the holding frame (2, 3), which defines a plane transverse to an insertion direction of the module (9) into the holding frame (2, 3) and which has mutually opposite end faces (311) and mutually opposite side walls (212, 312), as far as respective stops (214, 314) on the base frame (210, 310) for latching lugs (91) of the module (9), wherein adjacent to at least one stop (214, 314), the base frame (210, 310) has a portion (213, 313) which protrudes in the opposite direction to the insertion direction and which is provided with a locking member (220, 320) which is pivotable about a pivot axis (216, 316) oriented transversely to the side wall (212, 312), and pivoting (S21) the locking member (220, 320) from an insertion position that allows the module (9) to be inserted in the insertion direction into the holding frame (2, 3) to a holding position in which the inserted module (9) is held by the latching lug (91) of the module (9) between the stop (214, 314) and the locking member (320, 330).

11. A holding frame (4, 6, 6', 6") for a plug connector for receiving similar and / or different modules (9), comprising: a base frame (410, 610, 610', 610") which defines a plane transverse to an insertion direction of a module (9) into the holding frame and which has mutually opposite end faces (411, 611, 611', 611") and mutually opposite side walls (412, 612, 612', 612"), and at least two flange parts (420, 620, 620', 620"), which are attached to the side walls (412, 612, 612', 612") of the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610") opposite each other, wherein each flange part (420, 620, 620', 620") extends inside the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610") along an inner face of the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610") in the opposite direction to the insertion direction and beyond an edge (414, 614, 614', 614") of the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610") in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, wherein each flange part (420, 620, 620', 620") has at least one latching window (422, 622, 622', 622"), in the region extending beyond the edge (414, 614, 614', 614") of the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610"), as a latching element for receiving a latching lug (91) of the module (9), wherein the flange parts (420, 620, 620', 620") are designed to undergo elastic bending and deformation between an insertion state which allows the module (9) to be inserted into the holding frame (4, 6, 6', 6") in the insertion direction, and a holding state in which an inserted module (9) is fixed in place at least along the insertion direction by the latching lug (91) engaging into the latching window (422, 622, 622', 622"), wherein each flange part (420, 620, 620', 620") is in form-locking engagement with the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610"), at least with regard to a relative displacement along the insertion direction, and has at least one clip section (428, 628, 628', 628") extending above a lower edge of the base frame (415, 615, 615', 615") into the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610"), through the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610") and / or around an edge (414, 614, 614', 614") of the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610"), wherein release of the form-locking engagement is prevented by an inserted module (9) wherein the form-locking engagement between the flange part (420, 620, 620', 620") and the base frame (410, 620, 620', 620") is provided by engagement of at least one undercut (429, 629, 629', 629") on and / or in the flange part (420, 620, 620', 620") with at least one undercut (417, 617, 617', 617") on and / or in the inside of the side wall (412, 612, 612', 612") of the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610"), wherein the flange part (420, 620, 620', 620") and the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610") are designed so that a) engagement can be produced and / or released by pivoting the flange part (420) about the edge (414) of the base frame (410), or b) engagement can be achieved by de-tensioning an elastic deformation of at least a part of the flange part (620, 620', 620") when moving the flange part (620, 620', 620") relative to the base frame (610, 610', 610") in the insertion direction along an inner side of the side wall (612, 612', 612").

12. The holding frame (6, 6', 6") according to aspect b) of claim 11, wherein the flange parts (620, 620', 620") are connected to each other by a web (630) extending along the end face of the base frame, preferably by two webs (630) extending opposite one another along the end faces (611, 611', 611") of the base frame (610, 610', 610"), wherein the outer dimensions of the flange parts (620, 620', 620"), including the web(s) (630) in the plane defined by the base frame (610, 610', 610"), are determined according to the the inner dimensions of the base frame (610, 610', 610").

13. The holding frame (4, 6, 6', 6") according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the engagement of the undercuts (417, 429, 617, 617', 617", 629, 629', 629") produces a form fit that prevents movement of the flange part (420, 620, 620', 620") relative to the base frame (410, 620, 620', 620") in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, wherein such a form fit that also prevents movement of the flange part (420, 620, 620', 620") relative to the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610") in the insertion direction is formed by the clip section (428, 628, 628', 628") with the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610").

14. The holding frame (6, 6', 6") according to aspect b) of claim 11, wherein the clip section (628, 628', 628") has a guide portion (631') which is guided in a groove (618') and / or a slot in the base frame (610, 610', 610") when the flange part (620, 620', 620") is moved relative to the base frame (610, 610', 610").

15. A holding frame (5) for a plug connector for receiving similar and / or different modules (9), comprising: a base frame (510) which defines a plane transverse to an insertion direction of a module (9) into the holding frame and which has mutually opposite end faces (511) and mutually opposite side walls (512), and at least two flange parts (520), which are attached to the side walls (512) of the base frame (510) opposite each other, wherein each flange part (520) extends inside the base frame (510) along an inner face of the base frame (510) in the opposite direction to the insertion direction and beyond an edge (514) of the base frame (510) in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, wherein each flange part (520) has at least one latching window (522), in the region extending beyond the edge (514) of the base frame (510), as a latching element for receiving a latching lug (91) of the module (9), wherein the flange parts (520) are designed to undergo elastic bending and deformation between an insertion state which allows the module (9) to be inserted into the holding frame (5) in the insertion direction, and a holding state in which an inserted module (9) is fixed in place at least along the insertion direction by the latching lug (91) engaging into the latching window (522), wherein each flange part (520) is in form-locking engagement with the base frame (510), at least with regard to a relative displacement along the insertion direction, and has at least one clip section (528) extending above a lower edge of the base frame (515) into the base frame (510), through the base frame (510) and / or around an edge (514) of the base frame (510), wherein release of the form-locking engagement is prevented by an inserted module (9), wherein the clip section (528) extends into a recess and / or an opening (519) in the side wall (512) of the base frame (510) and fills the recess and / or the opening (519).

16. A method of producing a holding frame (4, 6, 6', 6") for a plug connector for receiving similar and / or different modules (9), said method comprising the steps of: providing (S30) a base frame (410, 610, 610', 610") which defines a plane transverse to an insertion direction of a module (9) into the holding frame and which has mutually opposite end faces (411, 611, 611', 611") and mutually opposite side walls (412, 612, 612', 612"), and attaching (S31) at least two flange parts (420, 620, 620', 620") opposite each other to the side walls (412, 612, 612', 612") of the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610"), wherein each flange part (420, 620, 620', 620") extends inside the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610") along an inner face of the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610") in the opposite direction to the insertion direction and beyond an edge (414, 614, 614', 614") of the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610") in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, wherein each flange part (420, 620, 620', 620") has at least one latching window (422, 622, 622', 622"), in the region extending beyond the edge (414, 614, 614', 614") of the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610"), as a latching element for receiving a latching lug (91) of the module (9), wherein the flange parts (420, 620, 620', 620") are designed to undergo elastic bending and deformation between an insertion state which allows the module (9) to be inserted into the holding frame (4, 6, 6', 6") in the insertion direction, and a holding state in which an inserted module (9) is fixed in place at least along the insertion direction by the latching lug (91) engaging into the latching window (422, 622, 622', 622"), and producing (S32) a form fit between each flange part (420, 620, 620', 620") and the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610"), at least with regard to relative displacement along the insertion direction, wherein each flange part (420, 620, 620', 620") has at least one clip section (428, 628, 628', 628") extending above a lower edge (415, 615, 615', 615") of the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610") into the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610"), through the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610") and / or around an edge (414, 614, 614', 614") of the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610"), wherein the form-locking engagement between the flange part (420, 620, 620', 620") and the base frame (410, 620, 620', 620") is provided by engagement of at least one undercut (429, 629, 629', 629") on and / or in the flange part (420, 620, 620', 620") with at least one undercut (417, 617, 617', 617") on and / or in the inside of the side wall (412, 612, 612', 612") of the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610"), wherein the flange part (420, 620, 620', 620") and the base frame (410, 610, 610', 610") are designed so that a) engagement can be produced and / or released by pivoting the flange part (420) about the edge (414) of the base frame (410), or b) engagement can be achieved by de-tensioning an elastic deformation of at least a part of the flange part (620, 620', 620") when moving the flange part (620, 620', 620") relative to the base frame (610, 610', 610") in the insertion direction along an inner side of the side wall (612, 612', 612").

17. A method of producing a holding frame (5) for a plug connector for receiving similar and / or different modules (9), said method comprising the steps of: providing (S30) a base frame (510) which defines a plane transverse to an insertion direction of a module (9) into the holding frame and which has mutually opposite end faces (511) and mutually opposite side walls (512), and attaching (S31) at least two flange parts (520) opposite each other to the side walls (512) of the base frame (510), wherein each flange part (520) extends inside the base frame (510) along an inner face of the base frame (510) in the opposite direction to the insertion direction and beyond an edge (514) of the base frame (510) in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, wherein each flange part (520) has at least one latching window (522), in the region extending beyond the edge (514) of the base frame (510), as a latching element for receiving a latching lug (91) of the module (9), wherein the flange parts (520) are designed to undergo elastic bending and deformation between an insertion state which allows the module (9) to be inserted into the holding frame (5) in the insertion direction, and a holding state in which an inserted module (9) is fixed in place at least along the insertion direction by the latching lug (91) engaging into the latching window (522), and producing (S32) a form fit between each flange part (520) and the base frame (510), at least with regard to relative displacement along the insertion direction, wherein each flange part (520) has at least one clip section (528) extending above a lower edge (515) of the base frame (510) into the base frame (510), through the base frame (510) and / or around an edge (514) of the base frame (510), wherein the clip section (528) extends into a recess and / or an opening (519) in the side wall (512) of the base frame (510) and fills the recess and / or the opening (519).

18. A method of populating a holding frame (4, 5, 6, 6', 6") for a plug connector for receiving similar and / or different modules (9) with a module (9), said method comprising the steps of: providing a holding frame (4, 5, 6, 6', 6") according to any one of claims 11 to 15, in particular by performing the steps of the method according to claim 16 or 17, and inserting (S33) the module (9) into the base frame (410, 510, 610, 610', 610"), wherein said insertion is between the at least two flange parts (420, 520, 620, 620', 620"), wherein said insertion (S33) includes elastic bending of the flange parts (420, 520, 620, 620', 620"), which are supported by the base frame (410, 510, 620, 620', 620"), into an insertion state, wherein the method includes elastic deformation of the flange parts (420, 520, 620, 620', 620") back from the insertion state to a holding state, wherein the inserted module (9) is fixed in the holding state at least along the insertion direction by the latching lug (91) engaging into the latching window (422, 52, 622, 622', 622"), wherein release of the form fit between flange parts (420, 520, 620, 620', 620") and the base frame (410, 510, 610, 610', 610") is prevented by an inserted module (9).

19. A holding frame (8) for a plug connector for receiving similar and / or different modules (9), comprising: a base frame (810) which defines a plane transverse to an insertion direction of a module (9) into the holding frame (8), and which has mutually opposite end faces (811) and mutually opposite side walls (812), and a fixing member (820) which is attached to a side wall (812) of the base frame (810) and is adapted for displacement along a longitudinal direction of the side wall (812) between an insertion state that allows the module (9) to be inserted into the holding frame (8) in the insertion direction, and a holding state in which an inserted module (9) is fixed in place, along the insertion direction at least, by a latching lug (91) of the module (9) and the fixing member (820), wherein the fixing member (820) has a protrusion (822) extending in the longitudinal direction, which fixes the latching lug (91) of the module (9) when in the holding state, and which is removed from an insertion path of the latching lug (91) when in the insertion state, wherein the base frame (810) and / or the fixing member (820) have at least one blocking member (835) that, in the holding state at least, releasably blocks the fixing member (820) by means of form-locking and / or frictional engagement.

20. A method of populating a holding frame (8) for a plug connector for receiving similar and / or different modules (9) with a module (9), said method comprising the steps of: inserting (S50) the module (9) into a base frame (810) which defines a plane transverse to an insertion direction of the module (9) into the holding frame (8) and which has mutually opposite end faces (811) and mutually opposite side walls (812), wherein a fixing member (820) which is in an insertion state that allows the module (9) to be inserted into the holding frame (8) is mounted on a side wall (812) of the base frame, and moving (S52) the fixing member, when a module (9) is inserted, along a longitudinal direction of the side wall (812) from the insertion state into a holding state in which the inserted module (9) is fixed in place, along the insertion direction at least, by a latching lug (91) of the module (9) and the fixing member (820), wherein the fixing member (820) has a protrusion (822) extending in the longitudinal direction, which fixes the latching lug (91) of the module (9) when in the holding state, and which is removed from an insertion path of the latching lug (91) when in the insertion state, wherein the base frame (810) and / or the fixing member (820) have at least one blocking member (835) that, in the holding state at least, releasably blocks the fixing member (820) by means of form-locking and / or frictional engagement.

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