Holding frame and plug connector

Abstract

A retaining frame (1) is designed to receive at least one connector element (2), wherein the retaining frame (1) comprises exactly two frame parts (3) designed identically to each other, wherein each of the frame parts (3) has at least one bearing structure (4) for supporting the at least one connector element (2), wherein each of the frame parts (3) has a first connecting structure (5) and a second connecting structure (6), wherein the first connecting structure (5) of one frame part (3) and the second connecting structure (6) of the other frame part (3) can be brought into engagement to connect the two frame parts (3) to each other, and wherein in the connected state the two frame parts (3) provide a receiving space (7) for the at least one connector element (2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a holding frame for at least one connector according to claim 1 or claim 3 and to an electrical connector according to claim 16. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Modular connectors are known from the prior art. Such connectors typically comprise a frame element in which various connector elements are arranged. For example, EP 4 169 130 discloses such a connector.

[0003] EP 2 920 849 discloses a holding frame for a connector. The holding frame consists of a frame base and a securing frame, which in turn consists of two separate parts. EP 2 920 849 is disadvantageous with regard to assembly, particularly machine assembly. In particular, assembly is comparatively time-consuming. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the object of providing a holding frame for receiving a connector element that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a particularly preferred object of the present invention is to provide a holding frame for receiving a connector element that is easier to assemble and / or produce.

[0005] These and other objects are achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Accordingly, a holding frame is designed to receive at least one connector element. The holding frame comprises or contains exactly two identically designed frame parts. Each of the frame parts has at least one bearing structure for supporting the at least one connector element. Each of the frame parts has a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure, wherein the first connecting structure of one frame part and the second connecting structure of the other frame part can be brought into engagement with one another to connect the two frame parts. In the connected state, the two frame parts provide a receiving space for the at least one connector element.

[0006] The holding frame has the advantage that it consists of only two elements and is therefore very easy to assemble.

[0007] The receiving space is essentially cuboid-shaped. The connector elements preferably protrude from the receiving space.

[0008] The bearing structure is designed such that the connector element is firmly mounted in the support frame. The connector element comprises at least one electrical or fluidic contact element, with which the connector element can be connected to a corresponding contact element of another connector element.

[0009] The bearing structure is preferably arranged on the frame part such that the bearing structure faces the receiving space; i.e., the bearing structure is located within the receiving space. Alternatively, the bearing structure is arranged on the frame part such that the bearing structure faces away from the receiving space; i.e., the bearing structure is located outside the receiving space.

[0010] Preferably, the holding frame is provided exclusively from the two frame parts.

[0011] Preferably, the frame parts are designed identically to one another, such that these two frame parts can be joined together to form the holding frame or such that these two frame parts can be joined together hermaphroditically to form the holding frame.

[0012] The identical design of the two frame parts to be joined together to form a holding frame has an advantage in production and storage, since only one form of frame element needs to be produced for each frame size.

[0013] Preferably, the two frame parts are designed such that they can be joined together at a relative angular orientation of 180° around a pivot axis. The pivot axis runs through the center of the two frame parts or the receiving space in the joined state and is perpendicular to a plane spanned by the front edge of the frame parts.

[0014] This type of design offers an advantage during assembly. Regarding spatial orientation, the two frame sections must be aligned relative to each other and then simply need to be oriented around the pivot axis so that the connecting structures can be engaged.

[0015] A holding frame according to claim 3 solves the problem of providing a modular holding frame designed to receive at least one connector element. The holding frame according to claim 4 comprises at least two frame parts. At least two of said frame parts, which are opposite one another, have at least one bearing structure for supporting the at least one connector element. Each of the frame parts has a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure. The first connecting structure of one frame part and the second connecting structure of another frame part can be brought into engagement with one another to connect the two frame parts. In the connected state, the frame parts provide a receiving space for the at least one connector element.

[0016] In the following, preferred embodiments or optional features for the holding frames according to the two independent claims 1 and 3 are described in more detail.

[0017] Preferably, the first connection structure is configured differently from the second connection structure. Alternatively, the first connection structure is configured identically to the second connection structure.

[0018] Preferably, the connecting structures are designed such that a positive and / or non-positive connection can be provided between the first connecting structure of one of said frame parts and the second connecting structure of another of said frame parts.

[0019] Preferably, the connecting structures are designed in such a way that the connecting structures themselves provide the connection between the two frame parts. This eliminates the need for third-party fasteners such as screws or rivets.

[0020] In one variant, one of the two connecting structures is designed to be elastically springy, while the other is rigid. In an alternative variant, both connecting structures are designed to be elastically springy.

[0021] Preferably, the connecting structures are located in two corner regions of the receiving space or the holding frame that are diametrically opposite one another with respect to the receiving space.

[0022] Preferably, the first connecting structure has a first locking structure, and the second connecting structure has a second locking structure. In the connected state, the first locking structure is locked to the second locking structure.

[0023] Preferably, the first locking structure has at least one locking tab and the second locking structure has at least one locking receptacle into which the locking tab engages in a locking manner.

[0024] The locking tab is preferably designed as an elastically spring-loaded locking tab. The locking receptacle is preferably designed as a rigid locking receptacle.

[0025] Preferably, the first locking structure has two, in particular exactly two, locking tabs that are spaced apart from one another. Furthermore, the second locking structure also has two, in particular exactly two, locking receptacles. In the connected state, the locking receptacles are located between the locking tabs, and each of the locking tabs engages the associated locking receptacle in a locking manner.

[0026] Preferably, the locking tab engages in the locking receptacle in such a way that the locking tab lies firmly in the locking receptacle with respect to a movement in a first direction.

[0027] The term “fixed” means that when the locking tab is engaged with the locking receptacle, a relative displacement between the locking tab and the locking receptacle is impossible without the application of force.

[0028] Preferably, the at least two locking tabs engage around the at least two locking receptacles in such a way that the two locking tabs are firmly located in the two locking tabs with respect to a movement in a second direction.

[0029] Preferably, the at least one locking tab engages behind the locking receptacle for locking in a third direction. Particularly preferably, each of the frame elements has a stop surface oriented such that the connector elements are clamped in the interior by said engagement of the locking tab and by contact with the stop surfaces.

[0030] The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction and the third direction is perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

[0031] Preferably, the at least one locking tab has a fixed end, with which the at least one locking tab is integrally formed on the said frame part. Furthermore, the at least one locking tab has a free end, which is located opposite the fixed end. An extension protrudes from the said frame part, which extension is spaced apart from the locking tab and extends in the same direction as the locking tab.

[0032] Preferably, the holding frame is designed so that that for the engagement of the two connecting structures with each other with respect to a first direction, the first connecting structure has a first outer surface and a second outer surface running parallel and spaced therefrom, and the second connecting structure has a first inner surface and a second inner surface running parallel and spaced therefrom, wherein in the connected state the first outer surface can be brought into contact with the first inner surface and the second outer surface can be brought into contact with the second inner surface;and / or that for the engagement of the two connecting structures with each other with respect to a second direction which runs perpendicular to the first direction, the first connecting structure has a third inner surface and a fourth inner surface running parallel and spaced therefrom, and the second connecting structure has a third outer surface and a fourth inner surface running parallel and spaced therefrom, wherein the third inner surface can be brought into contact with the third outer surface and the fourth inner surface can be brought into contact with the fourth outer surface; and / or that for the engagement of the two connecting structures with each other with respect to a third direction which runs perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the first connecting structure has a fifth inner surface and the second connecting structure has a fifth outer surface, wherein the fifth inner surface can be brought into contact with the fifth outer surface.

[0033] Preferably, the first outer surface, the first inner surface, the second outer surface, and the second inner surface are each oriented parallel to the first direction. Preferably, the third inner surface, the fourth inner surface, the third outer surface, and the fourth outer surface are each oriented parallel to the second direction. Preferably, the fifth outer surface and the fifth inner surface are each oriented parallel to the third direction.

[0034] The said inner surfaces and outer surfaces are designed as flat surfaces at the point where the inner surfaces come into contact with the outer surfaces.

[0035] Preferably, said surfaces are realized on the above-described at least one locking recess and on the above-described at least one locking tab.

[0036] Preferably, each frame part has a first frame web and a second frame web, with the second frame web extending at an angle (α, alpha) to the first frame web. The angle (α, alpha) is preferably 90°. At an angle (α, alpha) of 90°, the frame part has the shape of an "L."

[0037] Preferably, the first connecting structure is arranged at the free end of the first frame web. Preferably, the second connecting structure is arranged at the free end of the second frame web. Preferably, the first frame web is longer than, shorter than, or the same length as the second frame web.

[0038] Preferably, one of the frame webs has a flange portion protruding from the frame web, wherein the flange portion has engagement structures. The engagement structures are designed for engagement with another retaining frame, which is part of another connector, and / or for connection to a housing.

[0039] Preferably, the connecting structures have bevels which promote the process of engagement of the connecting structures with one another.

[0040] An electrical connector comprises a support frame as described above and at least one connector element mounted in said support structures.

[0041] Preferably, said support structure is at least one recess extending from the side of the receiving space into the frame part, and the connector element preferably has at least one protrusion that engages into the at least one recess. Alternatively, the support structure is at least one protrusion extending from the side of the receiving space away from the frame part, and the connector element has at least one recess into which the at least one protrusion engages. In both variants, the engagement takes place inside the receiving space.

[0042] In a further alternative, the bearing structure is at least one recess extending from outside the receiving space into the frame part, and the connector element has at least one spring arm with a protrusion that engages in the at least one recess. In a further alternative, the bearing structure is at least one protrusion that extends from outside the receiving space away from the frame part, and the connector element has at least one spring arm with a recess into which the at least one protrusion engages.

[0043] A method for assembling a plug connector is characterized in that, in a first step, the at least one connector element is connected to at least one frame part, and in a subsequent second step, the other frame part is connected to said frame part. An alternative method is characterized in that, in a first step, the frame parts are connected to one another, and in a subsequent second step, the at least one connector element is inserted into the receiving space.

[0044] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a support frame according to an embodiment of the present invention before assembly; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the support frame according to Figure 1 with connector elements during assembly; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the holding frame according to Figures 1 and 2 in the assembled state; Fig. 4 a side view of the holding frame according to the preceding figures in the assembled state; Fig. 5 a front view of the holding frame according to the preceding figures in the assembled state; Fig. 6 a top view of the holding frame according to the preceding figures in the assembled state; Fig. 7a a sectional view along the section line AA of the Figure 6 ; and Fig. 7b a sectional view along the section line BB of the Figure 6 . DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] The figures show a holding frame 1 which is designed to receive at least one connector element 2, or a connector with a holding frame 1 and at least one connector element 2.

[0047] The Figure 1 shows the support frame 1 before assembly. The support frame 1 according to the embodiment comprises exactly two identically designed frame parts 3. The two frame parts 3 can be assembled to form the support frame 1. Furthermore, each of the frame parts 3 has a first connecting structure 5 and a second connecting structure 6. The connecting structures 5, 6 are arranged at the ends of the frame part 3.

[0048] The Figure 2shows the support frame 1 during assembly. At least one connector element 2 has been placed on one of the two frame parts 3. In a next step, the other of the two frame parts 3 is mounted. The first connecting structure 5 of one frame part 3 and the second connecting structure 6 of the other frame part 3 can be brought into engagement with one another to connect the two frame parts 3.

[0049] Each of the frame parts 3 has at least one bearing structure 4 for supporting the at least one connector element 2. The bearing structure 4 here is a recess 21 that extends into the frame part 3. The connector element has a protrusion 22 that engages in the recess 21.

[0050] Starting from the position in the Figure 2The two frame parts 3 are displaced relative to each other in the direction of arrow P until the connecting structures 5, 6 engage with each other. For easier engagement, the connecting structures 5, 6 may have bevels 26.

[0051] In the Figures 3 to 7a The assembled holding frame 1 or the assembled connector is shown. When assembled, the two frame parts form a receiving space 7 for the at least one connector element 2. The at least one connector element 2 is located partially or entirely within the receiving space 7. Here, the at least one connector element 2 protrudes from the receiving space 7 on both sides. A flush or recessed arrangement would also be conceivable.

[0052] From the embodiment shown, it is clear that the support frame 1 is provided exclusively from the two frame parts 3. This means that no further elements are required to form the support frame 1. The two frame parts 3 are identical to one another. In a corresponding orientation relative to one another, the two frame parts 3 can be connected to one another. In particular, the two frame parts 3 are designed such that the two frame parts 3 can be joined hermaphroditically to form the support frame 1.

[0053] The two frame parts 3 are designed in such a way that they can be joined together in a relative angular orientation of preferably 180° around a pivot axis S. The pivot axis S is in the Figure 1 and in the Figure 3The pivot axis S runs through the center point M of the two frame parts 3 and is perpendicular to a plane spanned by the front edge 8 of the frame parts 3.

[0054] Each frame part 3 has a first frame web 15 and a second frame web 16. The two frame webs 15, 16 extend at an angle α, alpha to each other. The angle α, alpha is preferably 90°. The two frame webs form an "L" shape or are L-shaped. The first frame web 15 is longer than the second frame web 16. The frame webs 15, 16 define the receiving space 7.

[0055] The first connecting structure 5 is arranged at the free end 17 of the first frame web 15 and the second connecting structure 6 is arranged at the free end 18 of the second frame web 15.

[0056] One of the frame webs, here the second frame web 16, has a flange portion 19 protruding from the frame web 16. The flange portion 19 has engagement structures 25. The engagement structures 25 serve to accommodate positioning elements for connecting two connectors that comprise the holding frame according to the invention.

[0057] The two frame parts 3 each form a half-frame, with the dividing plane of the half-frame extending through two edges diametrically opposite one another with respect to the receiving space 7. This means that each frame part 3 does not define a frame on its own, but merely a part of the frame, and that the holding frame is only created when the two frame parts 3 are assembled. The dividing plane is in the Figure 3symbolized by a line T, whereby the parting plane is spanned by the line T and the pivot axis S. The parting plane is not a razor-sharp plane which divides the two frame parts 3 exactly at the parting plane, but rather parts of the connecting structures 5, 6 of the respective frame part extend to the other side of the parting plane.

[0058] The connecting structures 5, 6 are located in two corner areas 23 which are diametrically opposite one another with respect to the receiving space 7.

[0059] In the embodiment shown, the first connecting structure 5 is designed differently than the second connecting structure 6. The connecting structures 5, 6 are designed such that a positive and / or non-positive connection can be provided between the first connecting structure 5 of one of the frame parts 3 mentioned and the second connecting structure 6 of another of the frame parts 3 mentioned. As explained further below, this is a snap-in connection. In the embodiment shown, the connecting structures 5, 6 are further designed such that only the connecting structures 5, 6 as such provide the connection between the two frame parts 3. This means that no further elements, such as screws and the like, are necessary to establish the connection.

[0060] In the embodiment shown, at least one of the two connecting structures 5 is elastically resilient and the other of the two connecting structures 6 is rigid.

[0061] In the embodiment shown, the first connecting structure 5 has a first locking structure 9 and the second connecting structure 6 has a second locking structure 10, wherein in the connected state, the first locking structure 9 is locked to the second locking structure 10. The first locking structure 9 has at least one, here two, locking tabs 11. The locking tab 11 is designed as an elastically spring-loaded locking tab 11. The second locking structure 10 has at least one, here two, locking receptacles 12, into which the locking tab 11 engages in a locking manner. The locking receptacle 12 is designed as a rigid locking receptacle.

[0062] The two locking tabs 11 are spaced apart from each other. The two locking receptacles 12 are also spaced apart from each other. When connected, the locking receptacles 12 are located between the locking tabs 11, and each of the locking tabs 11 engages the associated locking receptacle 12 in a locking manner.

[0063] The locking tabs 11 and the locking receptacles 12 engage with each other in the embodiment shown as follows. The locking tab 11 engages with the locking receptacle 12 in such a way that the locking tab 11 lies firmly in the locking receptacle 12 with respect to a movement in a first direction R1. Furthermore, the at least two locking tabs 11 encompass the at least two locking receptacles 12 in such a way that the two locking tabs 11 lie firmly in the two locking tabs 11 with respect to a movement in a second direction R2. The second direction R2 runs at right angles to the first direction R1. With respect to a third direction R3, which runs at right angles to the first direction R1 and the second direction R2, the at least one locking tab 11 engages behind the at least one locking receptacle 12. The engagement behind the locking receptacle 12 by the locking tab 11 in the third direction R3 is Figures 4 and 7bshown. The locking tab 11 only comes into contact with a surface facing away from the receiving frame 7. This means that there is a slight play between the locking tab 11 and the locking receptacle 12 in the third direction R3. This play can be almost or completely eliminated in the assembled state if the inserted connector elements have an undersize or an oversize in the third direction R3 with respect to the extension of the receiving space 7 in the third direction R3. If there is an undersize, there is slight play in the rear engagement, and if there is an oversize, the play in the rear engagement is completely eliminated.

[0064] In the embodiment shown, each of the frame elements 3 has a stop surface 20 which is oriented in such a way that the connector elements 2 are clamped or fixed with play in the interior by the said engagement of the locking tab 11 and by the contact with the stop surfaces 20,

[0065] The at least one locking tab 11 has a fixed end 13 and a free end 14. The at least one locking tab 11 is integrally formed on the frame part 3 with the fixed end 13. The free end 14 protrudes from the frame part 3. Furthermore, the frame part 3 has an extension 24 protruding from the frame part 3. The extension 24 is spaced apart from the locking tab 11 and protrudes from the frame part 3 in the same direction as the locking tab 3.

[0066] The following explanations concern the locking tab 11 and the locking recesses described above as well as alternative arrangements of the connecting structures 5, 6.

[0067] Preferably, the connecting structures 5, 6 are designed to engage with each other with respect to a first direction R1, that the first connecting structure 5 has a first outer surface 5-1 and a second outer surface 5-2 running parallel and spaced therefrom, and that the second connecting structure 6 has a first inner surface 6-1 and a second inner surface 6-2 running parallel and spaced therefrom, wherein in the connected state the first outer surface 5-1 can be brought into contact with the first inner surface 6-1 and the second outer surface 5-2 can be brought into contact with the second inner surface 6-2.

[0068] Preferably, the connecting structures 5, 6 are designed to engage with each other with respect to a second direction R2, which is perpendicular to the first direction R1, that the first connecting structure 5 has a third inner surface 5-3 and a fourth inner surface 5-4 running parallel and spaced therefrom, and the second connecting structure 6 has a third outer surface 6-3 and a fourth inner surface 6-4 running parallel and spaced therefrom, wherein the third inner surface 5-3 can be brought into contact with the third outer surface 6-3 and the fourth inner surface 5-4 can be brought into contact with the fourth outer surface 6-4.

[0069] Preferably, the connecting structures 5, 6 are designed to engage with each other with respect to a second direction R2, which is perpendicular to the first direction R1 and to the second direction R2, that the first connecting structure 5 has a fifth inner surface 5-5, and the second connecting structure 6 has a fifth outer surface 6-5, wherein the fifth inner surface 5-5 can be brought into contact with the fifth outer surface 6-5.

[0070] In another embodiment, which is not shown in the figures, the holding frame 1 has at least two frame parts 3. At least two of the frame parts 3, which are opposite one another with respect to the receiving space, have at least one bearing structure 4 for supporting the at least one connector element 2. Each of the frame parts 3 has a first connecting structure 5 and a second connecting structure 6, wherein the first connecting structure 5 of one frame part 3 and the second connecting structure 6 of another frame part 3 can be brought into engagement with one another to connect the two frame parts 3. In the connected state, the frame parts 3 provide a receiving space 7 for the at least one connector element 2. The first connecting structure 5 and the second connecting structure 6 are preferably designed according to the first and second connecting structures shown in the figures and described above. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 Holding frame 22 Survey 2 Connector element 23 Corner area 3 frame part 24 appendage 4 Warehouse structure 25 Intervention structure 5 first connection structure 26 Bevel 5-1 first outdoor area 5-2 second outside area M Center 5-3 third inner surface S Swivel axis 5-4 fourth inner surface T line 5-5 fifth inner surface R1 first direction 6 second connection structure R2 second direction 6-1 first inner surface R3 third direction 6-2 second inner surface P Arrow 6-3 third outside area 6-4 fourth inner surface 6-5 fifth outdoor area 7 recording room 8 leading edge 9 first resting structure 10 second locking structure 11 locking tab 12 Snap-in mount 13 fixed end locking tab 14 free end locking tab 15 first frame web 16 second frame web 17 free end first frame web 18 free end second frame web 19 Flange section 20 Stop surface 21 recess

Claims

1. Holding frame (1) which is designed to receive at least one plug connector element (2), wherein the holding frame (1) comprises exactly two frame parts (3) which are designed identically to one another, wherein each of the frame parts (3) has at least one bearing structure (4) for bearing the at least one plug connector element (2), wherein each of the frame parts (3) has a first connecting structure (5) and a second connecting structure (6), wherein the first connecting structure (5) of one frame part (3) and the second connecting structure (6) of the other frame part (3) can be brought into engagement with one another to connect the two frame parts (3), and wherein, in the connected state, the two frame parts (3) provide a receiving space (7) for the at least one plug connector element (2).

2. Holding frame (1) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe holding frame (1) is provided exclusively from the two frame parts (3); and / or that the frame parts (3) are designed identically to one another, such that these two frame parts (3) can be joined together to form the holding frame (1) or such that these two frame parts (3) can be joined hermaphroditically to form the holding frame (1).

3. Holding frame (1) which is designed to receive at least one plug connector element (2), wherein the holding frame (1) comprises at least two frame parts (3), wherein at least two of said frame parts (3), which are opposite one another, have at least one bearing structure (4) for supporting the at least one plug connector element (2), wherein each of the frame parts (3) has a first connecting structure (5) and a second connecting structure (6), wherein the first connecting structure (5) of one frame part (3) and the second connecting structure (6) of another frame part (3) can be brought into engagement with one another to connect the two frame parts (3), and wherein, in the connected state, the frame parts (3) provide a receiving space (7) for the at least one plug connector element (2).

4. Holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe two frame parts (3) are designed such that they can be joined together in a relative angular orientation of preferably 180° about a pivot axis (S), wherein the pivot axis (S) runs through the center point (M) of the two frame parts (3) and at right angles to a plane spanned by the front edge (8) of the frame parts (3).

5. Holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connecting structure (5) is designed differently than the second connecting structure (6); or that the first connecting structure (5) is designed identically to the second connecting structure (6).

6. Holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatthe connecting structures (5, 6) are designed such that a positive and / or non-positive connection can be provided between the first connecting structure (5) of one of said frame parts (3) and the second connecting structure (6) of another of said frame parts (3); and / or that the connecting structures (5, 6) are designed such that only the connecting structures (5, 6) as such provide the connection between the two frame parts; and / or that one of the two connecting structures (5) is elastically resilient and the other of the two connecting structures (6) is rigid; or that both connecting structures (5, 6) are elastically resilient; and / or that the connecting structures (5, 6) are arranged in two corner regions (23) which are diametrically opposite one another with respect to the receiving space (7).

7. Holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connecting structure (5) has a first latching structure (9) and the second connecting structure (6) has a second latching structure (10), wherein in the connected state the first latching structure (9) is latched to the second latching structure (10).

8. Holding frame (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the first locking structure (9) has at least one locking tab (11) and that the second locking structure (10) has at least one locking receptacle (12) into which the locking tab (11) engages in a locking manner.

9. Holding frame (1) according to claim 7, characterized in thatthe first latching structure (9) has two, in particular exactly two, latching tabs (11) which are spaced apart from one another, and that the second latching structure (10) has two, in particular exactly two, latching receptacles (12), wherein in the connected state the latching receptacles (12) are located between the latching tabs (11) and wherein each of the latching tabs (11) engages in a latching manner in the associated latching receptacle (12).

10. Holding frame (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the locking tab (11) engages in the locking receptacle (12) in such a way that the locking tab (11) lies firmly in the locking receptacle (12) with respect to a movement in a first direction (R1).

11. Holding frame (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least two locking tabs (11) engage around the at least two locking receptacles (12) in such a way that the two locking tabs (11) lie firmly in the two locking tabs (11) with respect to a movement in a second direction (R2).

12. Holding frame (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the at least one locking tab (11) with respect to a locking in a third direction (R3), which engages behind at least one locking receptacle (12), wherein preferably each of the frame elements (3) has a stop surface (20) which is oriented such that the plug-in connector elements are clamped or fixed with play by said engagement behind the locking tab and by contact with the stop surfaces in the interior.

13. Holding frame (1) according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the at least one locking tab (11) has a fixed end (13), with which the at least one locking tab (11) is formed on said frame part (3), and a free end (14) which lies opposite the fixed end (13), wherein an extension (24) protrudes from said frame part (3), which extension (24) is spaced from the locking tab (3) and runs in the same direction as the locking tab (3).

14. Holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that for the engagement of the two connecting structures (5, 6) with each other with respect to a first direction (R1) - the first connecting structure (5) has a first outer surface (5-1) and a second outer surface (5-2) running parallel and spaced therefrom, and - the second connecting structure (6) has a first inner surface (6-1) and a second inner surface (6-2) running parallel and spaced therefrom, wherein in the connected state the first outer surface (5-1) can be brought into contact with the first inner surface (6-1) and the second outer surface (5-2) can be brought into contact with the second inner surface (6-2); and / or thatfor the engagement of the two connecting structures (5, 6) with each other with respect to a second direction (R2), which runs perpendicular to the first direction (R1), - the first connecting structure (5) has a third inner surface (5-3) and a fourth inner surface (5-4) running parallel and spaced therefrom, and - the second connecting structure (6) has a third outer surface (6-3) and a fourth inner surface (6-4) running parallel and spaced therefrom, wherein the third inner surface (5-3) can be brought into contact with the third outer surface (6-3) and the fourth inner surface (5-4) can be brought into contact with the fourth outer surface (6-4); and / or thatfor the engagement of the two connecting structures (5, 6) with each other with respect to a third direction (R3) which is perpendicular to the first direction (R1) and to the second direction (R2), - the first connecting structure (5) has a fifth inner surface (5-5), and - the second connecting structure (6) has a fifth outer surface (6-5), wherein the fifth inner surface (5-5) can be brought into contact with the fifth outer surface (6-5).

15. Holding frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each frame part (3) has a first frame web (15) and a second frame web (16) which runs at an angle (α, alpha) inclined to the first frame web (15), wherein the angle (α, alpha) is preferably 90°.

16. Holding frame (1) according to claim 15, characterized by that the first connecting structure (5) is arranged at the free end (17) of the first frame web (15); and / or thatthe second connecting structure (6) is arranged at the free end (18) of the second frame web (15); and / or that the first frame web (15) is longer than, shorter than, or equal to the length of the second frame web (16); and / or that one of the frame webs (15, 16) has a flange section (19) projecting from the frame web (16), wherein the flange section (19) has engagement structures.

17. Electrical connector comprising a holding frame according to one of the preceding claims and at least one connector element mounted in said bearing structures.

18. Electrical connector according to claim 17, characterized in thatthe bearing structure (4) is at least one recess (21) extending from the side of the receiving space (7) into the frame part (3), and the plug connector element (2) has at least one elevation (22) which engages in the at least one recess (21); or the bearing structure (4) is at least one elevation extending from the side of the receiving space (7) away from the frame part (3), and the plug connector element (2) has at least one recess into which the at least one elevation (22) engages; or the bearing structure (4) is at least one recess extending from outside the receiving space (7) into the frame part (3), and the plug connector element (2) has at least one spring arm with an elevation which engages in the at least one recess;or the bearing structure (4) is at least one elevation which extends from outside the receiving space (7) away from the frame part (3), and that the connector element (2) has at least one spring arm with a recess into which the at least one elevation engages;

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