Retaining frame for a connector housing for an industrial connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a retaining frame (2') for a connector housing (1, 1') of an industrial connector and for receiving identical and / or different connector modules (5), wherein the retaining frame (2') has latching means with which it can be latched in the connector housing (1, 1') or wherein the retaining frame (2') is at least partially enclosed by the material of the connector housing (1, 1') and is thus an integral component of the connector housing (1, 1'). The invention also relates to a system consisting of such a retaining frame (2') and at least two connector modules (5) that are received in the retaining frame (2').

Description

[0001] Title: Retaining frame for a connector housing of an industrial connector

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention is based on a holding frame for a connector housing of an industrial connector according to the preamble of independent claim 1. The invention further relates to a system comprising a connector housing, a holding frame and at least two connector modules accommodated in the holding frame according to the preamble of independent claim 10.

[0004] Such holding frames are used to accommodate and hold connector modules that are used in modular industrial connectors.

[0005] Connector modules are required as part of a modular connector system to flexibly adapt a connector, especially a heavy-duty industrial connector, to specific requirements regarding signal and power transmission, e.g., between two electrical devices. For this purpose, connector modules are typically inserted into corresponding holding frames, sometimes also referred to as articulated frames, module frames, or modular frames. The holding frames thus serve to accommodate several similar and / or different connector modules and securely attach them to a surface and / or a device wall and / or in a connector housing, etc.

[0006] The connector modules typically each have a substantially cuboid-shaped insulating body or housing. These insulating bodies or housings can serve, for example, as contact carriers, accommodating and securing contacts of various types. The function of a connector formed in this way is therefore very flexible. For example, pneumatic modules, optical modules, modules for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical analog and / or digital signals can be accommodated in the respective insulating body or housing and thus be used in the modular connector system. Connector modules are increasingly also taking on measurement and data technology tasks.

[0007] Ideally, holding frames are used which are formed from two frame halves which are connected to one another in an articulated manner. The connector modules are provided with approximately rectangular or cuboid-shaped holding means which protrude from the narrow sides. Recesses in the form of openings which are closed on all sides are provided in the side parts of the frame halves, into which the holding means insert when the connector modules are inserted into the holding frame. To insert the connector modules, the holding frame is unfolded, i.e. opened, with the frame halves being unfolded around the joints only far enough for the connector modules to be inserted. The frame halves are then clipped together, i.e. the holding frame is closed, with the holding means moving into the recesses and ensuring a secure, positive fit for the connector modules in the holding frame.

[0008] The modular industrial connectors described above offer a high degree of flexibility and can be configured for a wide variety of applications by assembling connector modules with different functions together in a common mounting frame. However, the number of connector module slots in a mounting frame is limited. This limits the flexibility of an industrial connector. State of the art

[0009] DE 197 07120 C1 shows a holding frame consisting of two hinged halves, allowing a connector module to be easily inserted into a module slot when opened and positively secured in its slot when the halves are closed. The holding frame, equipped with several connector modules, is then screwed into a connector housing. Such a holding frame is particularly stable and, in particular, absorbs the insertion and removal forces of the connector well. However, when inserting the holding frame into the connector housing beforehand, the frame halves can accidentally open, complicating assembly. Furthermore, a two-part holding frame is quite expensive to manufacture.

[0010] DE 10 2017 124632 A1 shows a holding frame for an industrial connector for accommodating similar and / or different connector modules, wherein the holding frame essentially consists of a three-dimensionally bent wire frame.

[0011] Such a retaining frame can be manufactured inexpensively. However, assembling a modular industrial connector with such a retaining frame is more difficult because the delicate retaining frame does not reliably hold the connector modules in place, making it difficult to screw the retaining frame into the connector housing.

[0012] The German Patent and Trademark Office has searched the following prior art in the priority application for the present application: DE 197 07 120 C1 , DE 10 2017 124632 A1 , DE 10 2018 115 371 A1 , EP 2 537 212 B1 , EP 2 930 794 A1 and WO 2021 / 254822 A1.

[0013] The object of the invention is to propose a holding frame that enables simple assembly of a modular industrial connector and at the same time can be produced cost-effectively.

[0014] The problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and the following description.

[0016] The holding frame according to the invention is intended for a connector housing of an industrial connector. The holding frame serves to accommodate similar and / or different connector modules. The holding frame has locking means with which it can be locked into the connector housing. Alternatively, the holding frame is at least partially enclosed by the material of the connector housing and is thus an integral part of the connector housing.

[0017] The latter means that the retaining frame is directly overmolded with the connector housing material, for example, in an injection molding process. In this case, it would be a plastic housing. A plastic housing with an integrated retaining frame would enable a particularly lightweight modular industrial connector, which is advantageous in various applications.

[0018] Preferably, the connector modules can be reversibly locked into the holding frame. This allows, for example, incorrectly inserted connector modules to be removed and correctly positioned. The holding frame has at least two module slots for accommodating a respective connector module. Preferably, each module slot has two opposing locking tabs that interact with retaining means molded onto the connector modules in such a way that the respective connector module is secured in the respective module slot and thus held in the holding frame.

[0019] The holding resistor preferably has a PE terminal. The PE terminal enables protective earthing of the holding resistor or a connector.

[0020] Preferably, the PE connection is designed as a screw connection or as a crimp connection or as a conductor welded to the holding ohm.

[0021] It is advantageous if the holding resistor is made of a metallic material, preferably a spring plate. In this case, the holding resistor can also serve as a protective conductor transfer in a plug-in connection, as shown in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] For this purpose, the holding ohm preferably has at least one transfer tab which is provided for electrically contacting a holding ohm of a mating connector.

[0023] Advantageously, the transfer tab extends in the plug-in direction. This positioning of the transfer tab is particularly space-saving and easy to install on the holder frame.

[0024] In a particularly preferred variant of the invention, the holding frame has two transfer tabs arranged diagonally opposite each other on the holding frame. This ensures reliable ground transfer, even if the connectors are not brought together in absolute parallel alignment.

[0025] The invention further relates to a system comprising a connector housing, a holding frame which is designed as described above and at least two connector modules which are accommodated in the holding frame.

[0026] Advantageously, the system has at least one connector module which is formed from two independent functional units fixed to one another.

[0027] A functional unit is an independent component. The functional unit can function independently, i.e., without another functional unit connected to it. A functional unit does not become technically usable until two or more functional units are combined to form a connector module.

[0028] A functional unit preferably has at least one contact element and / or one sensor. The contact element can be, for example, an electrical contact element for current or signal transmission. The contact element can also be an optical contact element to which, for example, an optical fiber is connected. A functional unit can have several contact elements, in particular also several different contact elements. For example, electrical and optical contact elements can be mixed with one another. The sensor can be, for example, a current sensor that monitors an adjacent contact element, for example arranged in an adjacent functional unit. However, temperature sensors, optical sensors, in particular scattered light sensors, or other sensors can also be provided.A functional unit can also contain multiple sensors, especially different sensors. A functional unit can also contain one or more sensors and one or more contact elements at the same time.

[0029] The functional units of a connector module can operate completely independently of one another. However, the functional units can also experience a synergistic effect when combined, especially when sensors from one functional unit are combined with contact elements from another.

[0030] Example

[0031] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail below. They show:

[0032] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a connector housing of an industrial connector,

[0033] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a holding frame equipped with various connector modules,

[0034] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a holding frame according to the invention,

[0035] Fig. 4 is a further perspective view of a holding frame according to the invention and

[0036] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative connector housing of an industrial connector with integrated retaining frame.

[0037] Some of the figures contain simplified, schematic representations. Identical reference symbols are used for similar, but possibly not identical, elements. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently. Directional references such as "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" are to be understood with reference to the respective figure and may vary in the individual illustrations relative to the object depicted.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a connector housing 1 of an industrial connector. The connector housing 1 is typically made of a metallic material and is manufactured, in particular, using a zinc die-casting process. Such a connector housing is robust and has good electromagnetic shielding properties, making it particularly suitable for harsh industrial environments. Alternatively, the connector housing 1 can also be made of plastic, in particular the same plastic as the connector modules 5 according to the invention. Instead of the threaded holes 3, screw sleeves would then be provided. In this case, an industrial connector would be lighter than a comparable connector with a metal housing.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a holding frame 2 equipped with various connector modules 5, which is known from the prior art. The holding frame 2 has a frame-shaped configuration and has screws 4 at each of its corners. The connector housing 1 has an approximately rectangular cross-section and has corresponding threaded holes 3 in its corners inside the housing. The holding frame 2 can be fastened in the connector housing 1 using the screws 4 in conjunction with the associated threaded holes 3.

[0040] The holding frame 2 consists of two frame halves 9 that are connected to one another in an articulated manner. Recesses 10 are provided in the respective frame halves 9 of the holding frame 2, into which the holding means 8 of the connector module 5 or the connector modules 5 are inserted during insertion. When the frame halves 9 are folded together, the holding means 8 are completely inserted into the recesses 10, thereby creating a positive fit for the connector module 5 or the connector modules 5 in the holding frame 2.

[0041] Figures 3 and 4 show a perspective view of a support frame 2' according to the invention. The support frame 2' has a substantially rectangular cross-section. The support frame 2' has lateral frame walls 14, each of which is bounded at the top and bottom by frame end sections 13a, 13b.

[0042] The holding frame 2' has several module slots 7, of which only three are indicated by dashed boxes in Figure 3. The holding frame 2, 2' can accommodate a connector module 5 in each module slot 7.

[0043] Each module slot 7 of the holding frame 2' has two opposing locking tabs 11. The locking tabs 11 are arranged between two webs 12 that essentially point in the insertion direction SR and that abut the frame end sections 13a, 13b at their ends. The webs 12 are also slightly drawn into the interior of the holding frame or extend into the interior of the holding frame in certain areas.

[0044] The locking tabs 11 interact with the retaining means 10 formed on the connector modules in such a way that the respective connector module 5 is locked in the respective module slot 7 and thus held in the holding frame 2'. This function is described in more detail below.

[0045] The webs 12 run parallel to each other. The distance between the webs corresponds to the width of the retaining means 10 of the connector module 5. The retaining means 10 of the connector module 5 are pressed against the frame end section 13b via the locking tab 11 arranged between the webs 12. This holds or fixes the connector modules 5 in the retaining frame 2'. The connector modules 5 can be removed from the retaining frame 2' by pushing back the locking tabs 11 manually or using a tool.

[0046] The holding frame 2' has a PE terminal 16 to which a PE conductor 17 is connected. The PE conductor 17 is preferably part of a multi-core cable (not shown) that is connected to the connector.

[0047] The holding frame 2' has transfer tabs 15 pointing in the plugging direction and arranged diagonally to each other. The transfer tabs 15 are located at two corners of the holding frame 2' and are bent in an S shape. When plugged in, the transfer tabs 15 of a first holding frame 2' engage the transfer tabs 2' of a second holding frame 2', creating electrical contact between the holding frames 2'. This allows for a PE transfer or protective conductor transfer of the plug connection.

[0048] Figure 5 shows an industrial connector with a bulkhead housing 1'. Locking brackets 18 are pivotably mounted on suitable pins on the narrow sides of the connector housing 1'. A holding frame 2' is arranged within the connector housing 1'. The individual module slots 7 of the holding frame 2' are equipped with connector modules 5, each of which consists of two individual functional units 6.

[0049] Although various aspects or features of the invention are shown in combination in the figures, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art—unless otherwise stated—that the illustrated and discussed combinations are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding units or feature complexes from different embodiments can be interchanged.

[0050] Connector housing

[0051] Holding frame

[0052] threaded hole

[0053] screw

[0054] Connector module

[0055] functional unit

[0056] Module space

[0057] Mounting materials

[0058] frame half

[0059] Recess of the holding frame 2

[0060] Locking tab of the holding frame 2'

[0061] web a > b Frame end sections

[0062] frame wall

[0063] Transfer tab

[0064] PE connection

[0065] PE conductor

[0066] locking bracket

Claims

Claims 1. Holding frame (2') for a connector housing (1, 1') of an industrial connector and for receiving similar and / or different connector modules (5), characterized in that the holding frame (2') has locking means with which it can be locked in the connector housing (1, 1') or that the holding frame (2') is at least partially enclosed by the material of the connector housing (1, 1') and is therefore an integral part of the connector housing (1, 1').

2. Holding frame (2') according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector modules (5) can be reversibly locked into the holding frame (2').

3. Holding frame (2') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding frame (2') has at least two module locations (7) for each receiving a plug-in connector module (5) and that each module location (7) has two opposing locking tabs (11) which interact with holding means (10) formed on the plug-in connector modules (5) in such a way that the respective plug-in connector module (5) is secured in the respective module location (7) and is thereby held in the holding frame (2').

4. Holding frame (2') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding frame (2') is made of a metallic material, preferably of a spring sheet.

5. Holding frame (2') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding frame (2') has at least one transfer tab (15) which is provided for electrically contacting a holding frame (2') of a mating connector.

6. Holding frame (2') according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the transfer tab (15) extends in the plug-in direction (SR).

7. Holding frame (2') according to the two preceding claims, characterized in that the holding frame (2') has two transfer tabs (15) which are arranged diagonally opposite one another on the holding frame (2').

8. Holding frame (2') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding frame (2') has a PE connection (16).

9. Holding frame (2') according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the PE connection (16) is designed as a screw connection and / or as a crimp connection and / or as a conductor (17) welded to the holding frame (2') and / or as a conductor tab punched into the holding frame (2'), for example for connection with a flat plug connector.

10. System consisting of a connector housing (1, 1'), a holding frame (2') designed according to one of the preceding claims and at least two connector modules (5) which are accommodated in the holding frame (2'). 11 . System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connector module (5) consists of two independent functional units (6) fixed to one another.

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