Supporting frame for a connector

Abstract

A retaining frame (1) for a connector for receiving several contact inserts (2) is described and illustrated, with two opposing side parts (3, 3') and two opposing end parts (4, 4')), wherein the two end parts (4, 4')) are arranged perpendicular to the side parts (3, 3'), wherein at least one elastic tab (5, 5') is provided on each of the two side parts (3, 3') and wherein the tabs (5, 5') each have a locking means for fixing a locking projection (6) of a contact insert (2) inserted into the retaining frame (1), wherein at least one end part (4, 4') consists at least partially of an electrically conductive material and has a PE connection.In the mounting frame according to the invention, the connection of a protective conductor is particularly easy to produce because the PE connection has a screwless connection device (7) and a metallic connection contact (8, 9) which is electrically conductively connected to the connection device (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding frame for a connector for receiving several contact inserts, comprising two opposing side parts and two opposing end parts, wherein the two end parts are arranged perpendicular to the side parts, wherein at least one elastic tab is provided on each of the two side parts, and wherein the tabs each have a locking means for fixing a locking projection of a contact insert inserted into the holding frame, wherein at least one end part consists at least partially of an electrically conductive material and has a PE connection.

[0002] These types of mounting frames are designed to hold multiple contact inserts, each consisting of a rectangular insulating body containing various contact elements. Because the contact inserts can be individually inserted into the mounting frame, a frame can be configured with different inserts depending on the application. The mounting frame with the contact inserts is therefore modular, and the inserts are also referred to as contact insert modules or contact modules. The fully assembled mounting frame, containing the individual contact inserts, can be inserted into and secured within a connector housing, with the connector itself serving as the interface for mating with a corresponding mating connector.

[0003] Various types of mounting frames are known in practice, allowing for the modular insertion of individual contact inserts. Some mounting frames consist of two hinged frame halves, where the contact inserts are inserted into corresponding recesses in the frame when it is open and held securely in place when it is closed. Other mounting frames have a fixed base frame into which the individual contact inserts are first inserted into corresponding recesses. In a second step, a mounting bracket is attached to the base frame to secure and fasten the contact inserts. This bracket engages projections on the end faces of the contact inserts, which then fit into corresponding recesses at the top edge of the base frame.

[0004] From EP 1 801 927 B1, a retaining frame for a connector is known, which is formed in one piece and made of a plastic material. To secure the contact inserts to be inserted into the retaining frame, the two opposing side walls of the retaining frame have several elastic wall segments separated by slots, each with a window-like opening. This allows a contact insert, with its locking projections on its end faces, to be inserted between two opposing wall segments until the two locking projections engage in the opposing window-like openings. A disadvantage, however, is that the retaining frame is made entirely of plastic, so it is not suitable for protective earthing when installed in a metallic connector housing.

[0005] EP 3 480 898 A1 discloses a mounting frame for a connector, which is designed to be flexible and easy to handle due to its multi-part construction. Preferably, the mounting frame consists of two opposing side parts and two opposing end parts, the two end parts being arranged perpendicular to the side parts and allowing the side parts to be snapped into place with the end parts. Each of the two end parts has a PE screw contact, thus forming a PE wall. To secure the contact inserts in the mounting frame, locking windows are provided in the side parts, corresponding to the locking lugs of the contact inserts. However, the contact inserts must be inserted into the mounting frame before the frame is assembled, as otherwise the locking lugs of the contact inserts cannot be engaged in the locking windows in the side parts.

[0006] DE 10 2015 103 563 A1 discloses a holding frame made of an electrically conductive material, consisting of a rigid, rectangular base frame with two side parts and two end parts. The upper edge of the side parts has upwardly open recesses, which are laterally bounded by webs extending parallel to the insertion direction of a contact insert. Several spring-elastic tabs, separated from each other by slots, are attached to the two side parts. For this purpose, the lower sections of the slots are bent 180° around the lower edge of the corresponding side wall of the base frame. Additionally, the tabs each have a retaining tongue in their bent section, which engages in a corresponding retaining opening in the side part.

[0007] Each tab has a recess, and the tabs are arranged on the side panels such that the recesses in the tabs and the recesses in the side panels are aligned with each other. The upper edge of each recess is bounded by a bracket section with an inwardly projecting locking lug. This locking lug projects into the respective recess of a side panel, so that the locking projection of a contact insert placed in the retaining frame is engaged by the locking lug formed on the tab. The lower edge of the locking projection rests on the lower edge of the recess in the side panel, while the lateral edges of the locking projection are held by the webs that laterally define the recess.

[0008] The tabs preferably consist of a spring-elastic sheet metal, so that the tabs have corresponding spring-elastic properties that allow the contact inserts to be inserted between two opposing tabs until the locking projections formed on the contact inserts are engaged by the inwardly projecting locking lugs formed on the tabs and are thereby fixed in the holding frame.

[0009] The end faces, which are made of an electrically conductive material, in particular sheet metal, each have a flange section with a PE connection. The PE connection has a screw terminal, allowing a protective conductor to be electrically connected to the PE terminal's contact point via the screw terminal.

[0010] This type of mounting frame allows for simple yet secure attachment of the contact inserts, and individual contact inserts can also be easily replaced. However, installation is somewhat complex, especially when connecting a protective conductor in confined spaces.

[0011] From EP 3 312 940 A1, a contact insert for a connector part is known, consisting of a frame part into which a contact module can be inserted and an earthing element that can be attached to an end face of the frame part. For this purpose, the earthing element has bent engagement sections into which corresponding engagement openings on an end face of the frame part can be inserted. A protective conductor can be connected to the earthing element by means of a spring element, by clamping the protective conductor from the clamping leg of the spring element against a contact section formed on the earthing element. The earthing element also has a contact lug that serves to make contact with a corresponding contact lug of a second contact insert.

[0012] A similar contact insert for a connector is known from DE 10 2017 105 079 A1. This document also discloses a grounding element that is attached to an end face of the frame part. The contacting device interacting with the grounding element has a spring element that is pivotably mounted with a bearing section on a counter-bearing section formed on the grounding element, so that a protective conductor can be clamped by the clamping leg of the spring element against a contact piece formed on the grounding element.

[0013] DE 10 2013 114 261 A1 discloses a protective contact arrangement for an electronics housing, which has a spring-loaded clamping connection. The known protective contact arrangement is designed to make spring-loaded contact with a mounting rail, for which purpose a special mounting slot is provided in the base area of ​​the electronics housing.

[0014] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a holding frame that is as easy to manufacture as possible and allows for the simplest possible assembly.

[0015] This problem is solved in the mounting frame described above, according to the features of claim 1. The PE connection has a screwless connection device and a metallic connection contact that is electrically connected to the connection device. The screwless connection device is designed as a spring-clamp connection comprising a clamping spring and a contact piece. A torsion spring is used as the clamping spring, having a clamping leg and a retaining leg connected to each other by a spring arc. The clamping leg of the clamping spring forms a clamping point for the protective conductor to be connected with the contact piece, in that the stripped end of the protective conductor is pressed by the clamping leg against the contact piece, which is electrically connected to the connection contact.The design of the PE connection as a spring-loaded clamp connection can be implemented particularly easily by forming the contact piece, against which the conductor to be connected is pressed by the clamping leg of the clamping spring, as one piece with the end face.

[0016] If the end face is made of sheet metal, in particular steel or copper, the contact piece can simply be punched out of the end face and bent. If, on the other hand, the end face is a die-cast part, in particular zinc or aluminum, the contact piece is preferably formed directly onto the end face during the die-casting process.

[0017] Because the mounting frame according to the invention has at least one PE connection that is not a screw connection but a screwless connection device, the effort required to connect a protective conductor is reduced. This also simplifies the assembly of the mounting frame, which is associated with a reduction in the assembly time of the individual mounting frames.

[0018] The advantage of a spring-loaded clamp connection with a torsion spring as the clamping spring is that no additional assembly step is required to connect a rigid conductor. The end of a rigid conductor can simply be inserted into the clamping point, as the clamping leg is deflected by the end of the rigid conductor during insertion. Once the protective conductor to be connected is inserted into the clamping point, it is securely held by the end of the clamping leg, which runs at an angle to the insertion direction of the conductor, thus preventing the conductor from being unintentionally pulled out of the clamping point.

[0019] To prevent unintentional contact with the PE terminal, a housing part is arranged at least on the end face that has a PE terminal. The housing part can preferably be attached to the end face by corresponding snap-in elements. The housing part, which is made of an insulating material, has a conductor entry opening for inserting the protective conductor to be connected and, preferably, an actuating opening for opening the clamping point. As previously explained, the clamping arm not only presses the protective conductor against the contact piece, thereby establishing an electrically conductive connection between the free end of the protective conductor and the contact piece, but the free end of the clamping arm also prevents the protective conductor from being unintentionally pulled out of the clamping point. To prevent a connected conductor from being intentionally removed from the clamping point, the housing part must be opened to allow for the opening of the clamping point.To release the spring-loaded clamp connection, the clamping leg of the clamping spring must be deflected against its spring force. For this purpose, a suitable actuating tool, for example the end of a screwdriver, can be inserted through the actuating opening into the housing part, the actuating opening being arranged in such a way that, when the actuating tool is inserted, the clamping leg is deflected against its spring force and thus lifted off the connected conductor.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, an actuating element is arranged in the actuating opening to open the clamping point. This element can be moved from a first position, in which the clamping point is closed, to a second position, in which the clamping point is open. In the second position of the actuating element, the clamping leg of the clamping spring is deflected by the actuating element against its spring force. The actuating element can be, for example, a pivotally mounted actuating lever or an actuating push button slidably arranged in the actuating opening. By arranging a suitable actuating element in the actuating opening, it can be ensured that the clamping spring is not damaged when the clamping point is opened, i.e., when the clamping leg is deflected, for example, by the use of an unsuitable actuating tool.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the retaining frame according to the invention, the end piece, which has a PE connection, is provided not only with the contact piece for the clamping point, but also with a fastening element for the clamping spring and preferably also with a stop element for the clamping leg of the clamping spring. The provision of such a fastening element ensures secure positioning and retention of the clamping spring. For this purpose, corresponding contact sections for the clamping spring can also be provided in the housing, so that the clamping spring is securely and functionally supported and positioned by the end piece and the housing part. The provision of an additional stop element on the end piece has the advantage that the clamping leg of the clamping spring is thereby protected against excessive deflection, which could damage the clamping spring or impair its spring properties.

[0022] The retaining frame according to the invention can, in principle, have a one-piece base frame formed by the two side parts and the two end parts. Such a base frame is preferably designed as a die-cast part, for example, a zinc die-cast part or an aluminum die-cast part. According to a preferred embodiment of the retaining frame according to the invention, however, the two side parts and the two end parts are initially designed or manufactured as separate components before the two side parts are firmly connected to the two end parts, in particular by welding, soldering, riveting, or stamping. In such a retaining frame composed of separate components, the individual components, i.e., the side parts and the end parts, preferably consist of sheet metal, for example, a sheet of steel or a sheet of a copper alloy.

[0023] For easy pre-positioning, the side panels and end panels preferably have interlocking contours at the connection points, so that the side panels and end panels can first be assembled or fitted together before being permanently joined at the connection points by welding, soldering, riveting, or embossing. The design of interlocking contours has the additional advantage that, in addition to a force-fit or material-fit, a form-fit is also created at the connection points.

[0024] Constructing the mounting frame from several separate components also offers the advantage of easily producing different mounting frames designed to hold varying numbers of contact inserts. For example, a mounting frame intended to hold six contact inserts would only require different, correspondingly longer side panels compared to one designed for four, while the same end panels could be used for both. The individual side panels could preferably be manufactured from a continuous die-cut strip, with different lengths being cut depending on the size of the mounting frame being produced.

[0025] As stated at the outset, the tabs on the side parts each have a locking element. These locking elements can be, for example, recesses or detent windows in the tabs. According to a preferred embodiment, two retaining elements are formed as locking elements on the upper part of the tabs in the insertion direction E of a contact insert. These retaining elements extend outwards from the upper part of the tab perpendicular to the insertion direction E. The tabs are arranged on the side parts such that at least one tab is positioned with its upper part between two detent projections, so that the retaining elements at least partially overlap the detent projections of the contact inserts when the contact inserts are inserted into the retaining frame.

[0026] Such a retaining frame also differs from those known from the prior art in that each tab has two retaining elements as a locking mechanism, with these two retaining elements interacting with two locking projections on the contact inserts. In contrast, in the prior art, each tab has only one locking element, so that each tab interacts with only one locking projection on a contact insert, regardless of whether the locking element is designed as a locking window or a locking lug. The two locking projections, which are at least partially engaged by the two retaining elements of a tab, can be formed either on two contact inserts arranged side by side in the retaining frame, or on a single contact insert, which then has twice the width.

[0027] When a contact insert is placed in the retaining frame, a detent projection formed on its end face is engaged by at least one retaining element of a tab. If the contact insert is located between two tabs, its detent projection is engaged by one retaining element of each of the two tabs, i.e., by a total of two retaining elements. The retaining elements preferably have a length perpendicular to the insertion direction E of the contact inserts that is only slightly less than the corresponding extension of a detent projection of a contact insert, so that only a small gap remains between two retaining elements of two adjacent tabs that together engage a detent projection.

[0028] To facilitate the insertion of the contact inserts into the retaining frame, the retaining elements of the tabs are preferably designed or arranged to form an insertion ramp for a locking projection of a contact insert. Such an insertion ramp can be achieved, for example, by arranging the retaining elements at a slight angle to the insertion direction E or to the longitudinal extent of the tabs at the upper region of the tabs. The retaining elements are thus slightly inclined relative to the insertion direction E.

[0029] As stated at the outset, at least one elastic tab is provided on each of the two side parts of the mounting frame. Preferably, more than one tab, for example two, three, four, five, or even more tabs, are provided on each side part. Preferably, the at least one tab is formed integrally with the respective side part, so that fastening the tabs to the side parts is not necessary, thus eliminating a corresponding manufacturing step. The tabs are then preferably molded onto the upper edge of the side parts. The respective side part and the tabs molded onto it are then essentially flat, which is advantageous due to the typically limited installation space for a mounting frame in a connector housing.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the tabs have two shoulders, each positioned a distance below a retaining element. The distance between a shoulder and the opposing retaining element is chosen such that the locking projection of a contact insert placed in the retaining frame rests on the shoulder and is simultaneously partially engaged by the retaining element. Because the tabs have shoulders that serve as supports for the locking projections of the contact inserts, the tabs can be relatively large. When a contact insert is inserted between two opposing tabs, the tabs spring apart slightly without requiring much force, allowing the contact insert with its two locking projections to slide between the retaining elements of the tab.

[0031] Regardless of whether the tabs of the retaining frame are formed as separate components or integrally with the side panels, the tabs of one side panel preferably have a different width in their upper region than the tabs of the other side panel. The formation of tabs of different widths, at least in their upper region, on the two opposing side panels results in a different distance between two adjacent tabs in the upper region on the two side panels. This allows for a coding system for the individual slots, enabling the insertion of the contact inserts in only one orientation, provided that the locking projections on the two end faces of the contact inserts also have different widths.

[0032] In detail, there are several ways to design and further develop the holding frame according to the invention. Reference is made to both the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of a holding frame, Fig. 2 an exploded view of the holding frame according to Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 a perspective view of a second embodiment of a holding frame, with three inserted contact inserts, Fig. 4 an end part of the holding frame according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 3 , obliquely from the side, Fig. 5 the front part of the retaining frame according to Fig. 4with a housing, once with a closed clamping point and once with an open clamping point, Fig. 6 a perspective view of a third embodiment of a retaining frame. and Fig. 7 the retaining frame according to Fig. 6 , with a side panel with the housing removed.

[0033] The Figure 1 and 6 Figure 1 shows two different embodiments of a retaining frame 1 according to the invention, each in perspective view, obliquely from above, where "above" is the side of the retaining frame 1 from which a contact insert 2 is inserted into the retaining frame 1 in the insertion direction E. While the retaining frames 1 according to the Fig. 1 and 6 designed to accommodate two contact missions each, is in Figure 3 a variant of the mounting frame 1 according to Fig. 1 shown, in which the three contact inserts 2 are plugged in.

[0034] In all embodiments, the retaining frame 1 has a rectangular base shape and consists of two opposing side parts 3, 3' and two opposing end parts 4, 4', the two end parts 4, 4' being arranged perpendicular to the side parts 3, 3'. In the embodiment according to the Figures 1 and 2 Each has only one elastic tab 5, 5', which is formed integrally with the side parts 3, 3' and arranged opposite each other. In the embodiment according to the Figure 3 Two tabs 5, 5' per side part 3, 3' are provided, wherein the tabs 5, 5' are formed integrally with the side parts 3, 3' and are arranged opposite each other in pairs.

[0035] In the embodiment according to the Figures 6 and 7Two separate tabs are attached to the base frame (shown only) in pairs, opposite each other, as separate components to the two side parts 3, 3'. The tabs can be designed like the tabs shown and described in DE 10 2015 103 563. The tabs can be attached to the side parts 3, 3' by riveting or snapping.

[0036] The in the Figs. 1 to 3 The mounting frame 1 shown also differs from the one shown in the Figs. 6 and 7 the illustrated retaining frame 1, that in the embodiments according to the Figs. 1 to 3 the side parts 3, 3' and the end parts 4, 4' each consist of sheet metal, in particular sheet steel, and are designed as separate components, whereas in the embodiment according to the Figs. 6 and 7the side parts 3, 3' and the end parts 4, 4' form a one-piece base frame and are manufactured using the die-casting process as a zinc die-cast part or as an aluminum die-cast part.

[0037] The mounting frame shown in the figures has a PE connection on each of its two end faces, 4, 4', wherein the PE connection is formed by a screwless connection device 7 and a connection contact 8, 9. One connection contact 8 is designed as a contact pin, while the other connection contact 9 is designed as a contact socket. In the preferred embodiments shown in the figures, the screwless connection device 7 is designed as a spring-clamp connection comprising a clamping spring 10 and a contact piece 11. The approximately V-shaped or U-shaped clamping spring 10 has a clamping leg 12 and a retaining leg 13, wherein the clamping leg 12 together with the contact piece 11 forms a clamping point for a protective conductor to be connected.In the connected state, the stripped end of the protective conductor is pressed by the end of the terminal leg 12 against the contact piece 11, which is electrically connected to a terminal contact 8, 9.

[0038] The mounting frame 1 according to the invention comprises, in addition to the two side parts 3, 3' and the two end parts 4, 4', two housing parts 14, each of which is arranged on an end part 4, 4'. The housing parts 14 are attached to the end parts 4, 4' in particular by means of corresponding snap-fit ​​elements, so that the housing parts 14 can be attached to the end parts 4, 4' simply and without tools. The housing parts 14 each have a conductor entry opening 15 for inserting the protective conductor to be connected and an actuating opening 16 for opening the clamping point. An actuating element 17 is slidably arranged in the actuating opening 16 such that it can be moved from a first position ( Fig. 5a), in which the clamping point is closed, into a second position ( Fig. 5b ), in which the clamping point is open, is displaceable. In the second position of the actuating element 17, which is designed as a push button, the clamping leg 12 of the clamping spring 10 is deflected by the free end arranged inside the housing part 14, so that the free end of the clamping leg 12 is spaced apart from the contact piece 11. In the sectional view according to Fig. 5a is the aforementioned first position of the actuating element 17 or the clamping leg 12 and in the Fig. 5b The second position is shown. Moving the actuating element 17 from its first position to the second position can be done, for example, using the tip of a screwdriver.

[0039] From the separate illustration of a front part 4 in Fig. 4It is evident that in the end piece 4, which is made of sheet metal, the contact piece 11 is formed integrally with the end piece 4. The contact piece 11 is first punched out on three sides and then bent from the base surface of the end piece 4 by approximately 90°. In addition to the contact piece 11, the end piece 4 also has two tab-shaped fastening elements 18 for holding and fixing the clamping spring 10 and a stop element 19 for the clamping leg 12 of the clamping spring 10. The two fastening elements 18 and the stop element 19 are also formed by punching out and bending from the base surface of the end piece 4. This ensures a secure positioning and holding of the clamping spring 10 on the end piece 4 in a simple manner, with the clamping spring 10 being additionally held in position by contact surfaces formed in the housing part 14.

[0040] Fig. 2Figure 1 shows that in the illustrated embodiment, the retaining frame 1 consists of individual components, namely, in particular, the two side parts 3, 3' and the two end parts 4, 4', which are firmly connected to one another. For easy pre-positioning, the side parts 3, 3' and the end parts 4, 4' have interlocking contours 20, 21 at the connection points. This allows the side parts 3, 3' and the end parts 4, 4' to be first inserted into one another before being firmly connected to each other, for example, by welding, soldering, or embossing.

[0041] The two end faces 4, 4' each have a flange section 22, 22', each connected to a metallic terminal contact 8, 9. Furthermore, the flange sections 22, 22' have holes for receiving screws that allow the mounting frame 1 to be screwed into a connector housing. The flange sections 22, 22' also serve to receive the housing parts 14, which are attached to the end faces 4, 4' above the flange sections 22, 22'.

[0042] To enable the contact inserts 2, which are inserted into the retaining frame 1, to be fixed in the retaining frame 1, the contact inserts 2 each have a locking projection 6 on their opposite end faces. Furthermore, the tabs 5, 5' each have two retaining elements 23 on their upper region 24. The two retaining elements 23 of a tab 5, 5' extend perpendicular to the insertion direction E of a contact insert 2 in opposite directions from the upper region 24 of the tab 5, 5' outwards, so that when the contact inserts 2 are inserted, their locking projections 6 are partially engaged by the retaining elements 23. Fig. 3It is evident that the tabs 5, 5' are arranged on the side parts 3, 3' such that each tab 5, 5' is positioned with its upper region 24 between two locking projections 6 of two contact inserts 2. The tabs 5, 5' are thus located with their central axis between two contact inserts 2 inserted into the retaining frame 1.

[0043] The in Fig. 1 The illustrated retaining frame 1 is designed to hold two contact inserts 2, each contact insert 2 having a locking projection 6 on each of its end faces. Alternatively, a double-width contact insert can also be used in the retaining frame 1, which then has two locking projections on each of its two end faces. The one shown Fig. 3The illustrated retaining frame 1, on the other hand, is designed to accommodate three contact inserts 2 of "single" width. Of course, the retaining frame according to the invention can also have a length suitable for accommodating a different number of contact inserts, for example, four, five, six or more contact inserts 2.

[0044] To facilitate the insertion of a contact insert 2 into the retaining frame 1, the retaining elements 23 are arranged on the tabs 5, 5' such that they form an insertion ramp for a detent projection 6 of a contact insert 2. For this purpose, the retaining elements 23 are bent away from the tabs 5, 5' such that they are inclined slightly to the insertion direction E. A contact insert 2 can thus be easily inserted between two opposing tabs 5, 5', with the tabs 5, 5' being deflected slightly outwards as the detent projections 6 slide along the retaining elements 23.

[0045] In the embodiment of the retaining frame according to the Figs. 1 to 3The tabs 5, 5' are formed integrally with the side parts 3, 3'. For this purpose, the tabs 5, 5' are molded onto the upper edge 25 of the sides 3, 3', extending from the upper edge 25 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction E. To ensure that the contact inserts 2 have a defined end position when inserted into the retaining frame 1, two shoulders 26 are formed on each of the tabs 5, 5', each located slightly below a retaining element 23. The free distance between the shoulders 26 and the retaining elements 23 is adapted to the corresponding height of the locking projections 6 of the contact inserts 2. When the contact inserts 2 are inserted, the locking projections 6 rest on the shoulders 26 of the tabs 5, 5' and are simultaneously partially engaged by the retaining elements 23.

[0046] From the exploded views according to the Fig. 2It is also evident that the two end faces 4, 4' of the retaining frame 1 are identical. This simplifies the manufacture of the retaining frame 1. The two opposing side faces 3, 3', however, differ in that the tab 5 of one side face 3 is wider in its upper region 24 than the tab 5' of the other side face 3'. This results in the distance between the tab 5 of one side face 3 and the two end faces 4, 4' being smaller than the distance between the tab 5' of the other side face 3' and the end faces 4, 4'. This allows for coding of the individual slots, ensuring that the contact inserts 2 can only be inserted in exactly one orientation if the locking projections 6 on the two end faces of the contact inserts 2 are also of different widths.

[0047] To improve the spring-elastic properties of the tabs 5, 5', recesses 27 are punched out in the individual tabs 5, 5'. This allows the side parts 3, 3' on the one hand and the tabs 5, 5' on the other hand to exhibit different elasticities even if the tabs 5, 5' and the side parts 3, 3' are formed in one piece or if the separate tabs 5, 5' are made of the same material as the side parts 3, 3'.

Claims

1. Holding frame (1) for a plug connector for receiving a plurality of contact modules (2), with two opposing side parts (3, 3') and two likewise opposing end parts (4, 4'), wherein the two end parts (4, 4') are arranged perpendicular to the side parts (3, 3'), wherein at least one elastic tab (5, 5') is provided on each of the two side parts (3, 3') and the tabs (5, 5') each have a locking means for fixing a latching projection (6) of a contact module (2) inserted into the holding frame (1), and wherein at least one end part (4, 4') is at least partially made of an electrically conductive material and has a PE terminal, characterized in that the PE terminal has a screwless connection device (7) and a metallic connection contact (8, 9) which is electrically conductively connected to the connection device (7), that the screwless connection device (7) is designed as a spring-loaded terminal connection which has a clamping spring (10) and a contact piece (11), that the clamping spring (10) has a clamping leg (12) and a holding leg (13), wherein the clamping leg (12) with the contact piece (11) form a clamping point for a protective conductor to be connected, and that the contact piece (11) is electrically conductively connected to the connection contact (8, 9), and that the end part (4, 4') and the contact piece (11) are formed in one piece.

2. Holding frame (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a housing part (14) is arranged on at least the end part (4, 4') which has a PE terminal, wherein the housing part (14) consists of an insulating material, and has a conductor insertion opening (15) for inserting the protective conductor to be connected and an actuating opening (16) for opening the clamping point.

3. Holding frame (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that an actuating element (17) is arranged in the actuating opening (16), that the actuating element (17) can be moved from a first position, in which the clamping point is closed, into a second position, in which the clamping point is open, wherein the clamping leg (12) of the clamping spring (10) is deflected by the actuating element (17) against its spring force in the second position of the actuating element (17).

4. Holding frame (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least the end part (4, 4') which has a PE terminal is made of sheet metal, in particular steel sheet or sheet of a copper material, and that the contact piece (11) is punched out of the end part (4, 4') and bent.

5. Holding frame (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least the end part (4, 4') which has a PE terminal is designed as a die-cast part, in particular as a zinc die-cast part or aluminum die-cast part, and that the contact piece (11) is molded on the end part (4, 4') in the die-casting process.

6. Holding frame (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a fastening element (18) for the clamping spring (10) and / or a stop element (19) for the clamping leg (12) of the clamping spring (10) is or are designed on the end part (4, 4') which has a PE terminal.

7. Holding frame (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the side parts (3, 3') and the end parts (4, 4') are designed as separate components, wherein the two side parts (3, 3') are firmly connected to the two end parts (4, 4'), in particular welded, soldered, riveted or stamped together.

8. Holding frame (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the side parts (3, 3') and the end parts (4, 4) have interlocking contours (20, 21) at the connection points.

9. Holding frame (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the two end parts (4, 4') are designed identically.

10. Holding frame (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a flange section (22, 22') which is electrically conductively connected to the metallic connection terminal (8, 9) is arranged at least on the end part (4, 4') which has a PE terminal.

11. Holding frame (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that two holding elements (23) are designed as latching means on the upper region (24) of the tabs (5, 5') in the insertion direction E of a contact modul (2), that the holding elements (23) of a tab (5, 5') extend outwardly perpendicular to the insertion direction E in the opposite direction from the upper region (24) of the tab (5, 5'), and that the tabs (5, 5') are arranged on the side parts (3, 3') in such a way that in each case a tab (5, 5') is arranged at least with its upper region (24) between two latching projections (6), so that the holding elements (23) at least partially overlap the latching projections (6) of contact moduls (2) inserted into the holding frame (1).

12. Holding frame (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the tabs (5, 5') are designed integrally with the side parts (3, 3').

13. Holding frame (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that two shoulders (26) are formed on the tabs (5, 5'), each of which is located below a holding element (23), so that the latching projection (6) of a contact module (2) inserted into the holding frame (1) rests on a shoulder (26).

14. Holding frame (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the tabs (5) of one side part (3) have a different width in their upper region (24) than the tabs (5') of the other side part (3') in their upper region (24).

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