Locking device for a plug connection with plug state detection

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector module pair (1) comprising a first (2) and a second (3) connector module, which are designed to be pluggable together. The first connector module (2) has a locking means, enabling the modules to be reversibly locked. Each module has a contact arrangement (15, 16), one of which is functionally coupled to the locking means. The contact arrangements contain several contacts for electrical connection, with one contact of an arrangement having a mechanical offset relative to the other contacts of the same arrangement in the insertion direction (Z). The contact arrangements are fixedly connected to the associated module. The offset means that an electrical connection of the offset contact only occurs when the modules are in a fully inserted state.The invention further relates to a connector module (2) for a modular connector system and a method for locking a pair of connector modules (1).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a pair of connector modules that are designed to be plugged into one another and reversibly locked together. The invention further relates to a connector module and a method for locking a pair of connector modules.

[0002] These types of connector modules are typically used in modular industrial connectors. The industrial connectors can be equipped with different connector modules, making them particularly versatile in industrial environments.

[0003] The connector modules are inserted into so-called mounting frames, which in turn are screwed into industrial connector housings. DE 10 2013 113 976 B4 discloses such a mounting frame for a heavy-duty connector for accommodating identical and / or different connector modules. The mounting frame consists of a base body with two opposing side panels. Each side panel has a cheek section made of a flexible material attached to it. When a connector module is inserted into the mounting frame, these cheek sections are bent outwards away from the side panel, thus fixing the connector modules in a plane within the base body.

[0004] To ensure a secure connection between a plug connector and its mating connector, a mechanical locking mechanism is required. This protects the connection from unintentional opening. Industrial plug connectors are typically locked together using locking levers mounted externally on the housing. State of the art

[0005] Locking devices attached to the outside of the connector housing can be easily damaged, for example if a connector is dropped. Therefore, connectors with a locking device located inside the housing are also known.

[0006] The 10 2011 004 648 A1 shows a system consisting of a charging connector for an electric vehicle and an associated charging socket. The charging connector has at least two electrical contact elements which are equipped with a drive and are axially displaceable.

[0007] WO 2017 / 167327 A1 describes another system consisting of two connector modules that can be reversibly locked together by means of a locking device. The system includes a limit switch for detecting the plug-in status.

[0008] A disadvantage is that the mating status of connectors is detected using limit switches, such as microswitches or pushbuttons. However, these typically have a switching path, which can inevitably lead to tolerances in detecting the mating status, particularly the final position of the connector in the socket. Precise detection of the final position is desirable in many respects. To allow for high mechanical tolerance in the final position, the locking mechanism must be robustly designed to prevent jamming or even damage if the locking mechanism is activated but the connector is not yet fully in its final position.

[0009] Solutions such as providing power transmission via gear stages or a locking mechanism with tolerance compensation are known from the prior art, but can lead to higher manufacturing costs and / or a reduction in availability.

[0010] Other technical devices, such as light barriers, Hall sensors, etc., for detecting the mating status are also known from the prior art; however, their use leads to a more complex design, higher manufacturing costs, and potentially additional maintenance if the connector modules are used in harsh industrial environments. Furthermore, these devices can exhibit high tolerances in their detection, which, as mentioned above, can negatively affect the service life of the mechanical components. Task

[0011] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a connector module pair, a connector module and a method for locking a connector module pair, which overcome the disadvantages and limitations of the prior art.

[0012] The present invention further aims to provide a connector module pair, a connector module and a method for locking the connector module pair, which enable precise, i.e. safe, detection of the plug-in state of the connector modules of the connector module pair, in particular their end position, thereby allowing the locking mechanism to be designed in a mechanically simplified manner, which can lead to a reduction in manufacturing costs and an improvement in availability.

[0013] Alternatively, the present invention aims to provide a connector module pair, a connector module and a method for locking the connector module pair, which are simpler in design than those in the prior art and can therefore be manufactured or implemented more cost-effectively.

[0014] According to the invention, these problems are solved by a connector module pair, a connector module, and a method for locking the connector module pair according to the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0015] In a first aspect, a connector module pair for a modular connector system, comprising a first connector module and a second connector module, is disclosed, wherein the connector modules are designed to be pluggable together.

[0016] The first connector module has a locking means by which the connector modules can be reversibly locked together, wherein each connector module has a contact arrangement, one of the contact arrangements being functionally coupled to the locking means, wherein each contact arrangement has a plurality of contacts designed for mutual electrically conductive connection of the contact arrangements, wherein one contact of a contact arrangement has a mechanical offset relative to the other contacts of the same contact arrangement in one insertion direction, wherein the contact arrangements are each fixedly and immovably connected to the associated connector module, and wherein the mechanical offset is designed such that an electrical connection of the offset contact only occurs when the connector modules are in a fully inserted state.

[0017] Additionally, one of the contact arrangements can be functionally coupled to the locking device via an electronic circuit that can detect the plugged-in state based on the delayed electrical contact of the offset contact and activate the locking device.

[0018] The offset contact, also known in technical terms as mechanically leading or lagging in the insertion direction, is arranged within a connector module such that the end position of the fully inserted connector modules coincides with the contact point or position of the offset contact with the mating contact arrangement. This makes it possible to measure the contact point and / or the presence of an electrical connection of the offset contact and thus reliably detect the end position or position, or at least draw conclusions about it. This is achieved in particular by functionally coupling one of the contact arrangements with the locking mechanism, so that the locking mechanism can be activated when the contacts of the first and second connector modules are electrically connected.

[0019] A connector module, preferably the first one, is then configured to detect the plug-in status based on the existing electrical connection.

[0020] In a further development of the first aspect, the connector module pair can comprise a contact arrangement with contacts that project in the mating direction. The mechanical offset relative to the other contacts of the same contact arrangement can be achieved by shortening the length of one of the projecting contacts. Alternatively, the mechanical offset can be achieved by positioning the contact at a corresponding offset. The length or shortening of the offset contact is measured with respect to an axis parallel to a mating axis. In both cases, the offset can be described as mechanically leading or lagging in the mating direction.

[0021] In a second further development of the first aspect, the first connector module can have a printed circuit board and the contact arrangement can be located in an edge area of ​​the printed circuit board.

[0022] In a third further development of the first aspect, the contact arrangements can be designed as printed circuit board connectors. At least one contact arrangement can be designed as a printed circuit board connector, whereby the mating contact arrangement can be designed differently, but functionally identical.

[0023] In a further development of the first aspect, the first connector module can have an electric motor which engages with the locking means for reversibly locking the connector modules, so that the electric motor can drive the locking means, wherein the locking means can comprise a camshaft with at least one cam which can be set into a rotational movement by the electric motor.

[0024] Furthermore, the first connector module can include an electronic control unit, which is mounted on the circuit board of the first connector module and electrically connected to the electric motor. The control unit can be implemented as a programmable component, e.g., as a microprocessor, field-programmable gate array, or similar. Alternatively, the control unit can be implemented with analog components such as transistors, operational amplifiers, and / or logic gates.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the first connector module can have an electronic circuit which can be arranged on the printed circuit board and can be electrically connected to the contacts of the contact arrangement of the first connector module, wherein the electronic circuit can be configured to generate an output signal based on a measurement of a voltage difference between two contacts, wherein the output signal can represent the mating state of the connector modules.

[0026] As previously described, the point of contact, or the existence of an electrical connection with the offset contact, is detected by measuring a voltage difference across the contacts of the contact assembly. From this voltage difference measurement, the final position of the connector modules in the mated state can be determined. The combination of the offset contact assembly and the electrical circuitry can replace the function of a mechanical or mechatronic limit switch, with the offset contact assembly being essential for its operation. If the control unit uses analog components, the electronic circuitry can be part of the control unit or at least functionally related to it.

[0027] Furthermore, the electronic circuit can include a threshold switch with hysteresis, having a hysteresis width, and be configured or designed to generate the output signal based on the measurement of the voltage difference between two contacts. The output signal of the electronic circuit can then depend directly on the output signal of the threshold switch or at least influence it.

[0028] Threshold switches are characterized by a defined threshold value that serves as a reference. When an input signal exceeds or falls below this threshold, the switch or the electronic circuit itself changes its output state.

[0029] Alternatively, the electronic circuit can include a threshold switch, which can be designed to generate an output signal when a first threshold of a voltage difference measured between two contacts is exceeded, and to invert the output signal when a second, lower threshold is not exceeded, with the difference between the first and second thresholds being referred to as the hysteresis width.

[0030] The hysteresis width of the threshold switch can be proportional to the size of the mechanical offset of one contact relative to the other contacts of the same contact arrangement, where size in this context can mean a length difference between the offset contact and the other contacts of the same contact arrangement.

[0031] Alternatively, the hysteresis width of the threshold switch can be defined linearly proportional to the distance (mechanical offset) measured in the insertion direction between the contact in question and the other contacts of the same contact arrangement, whereby the hysteresis width can be determined by multiplying the mechanical offset by a proportionality constant.

[0032] In a further preferred development of the first aspect, the electronic circuit can be electrically connected to the control unit.

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit can be designed to drive the electric motor, depending on the output signal of the electronic circuit (or threshold switch), to move the camshaft and lock the connector modules. When the output signal is present, the electric motor can drive the locking mechanism or the camshaft to lock the pair of connector modules. When the output signal is no longer present, i.e., upon a signal change, the electric motor can drive the locking mechanism to unlock the pair of connector modules.

[0034] The training courses of the first aspect can be combined with each other as desired, provided this is sensible and technically possible.

[0035] In a second aspect, a connector module for a modular connector system is disclosed, wherein the connector module is designed according to the first aspect (including all further developments or a combination thereof). Preferably, the connector module is the first connector module of the connector module pair according to the first aspect.

[0036] In a third aspect, a method for locking a connector module pair according to the first aspect (including all further developments or a combination thereof) is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: Joining the first and second connector modules to form a plug connection by simultaneously plugging and electrically connecting the contact arrangements, wherein the electrical connection of the contact having the mechanical offset is delayed compared to the other contacts of the same contact arrangement, wherein the delayed electrical connection of the offset contact only takes place when the connector modules are in a fully plugged-in state.

[0037] This enables the detection of the presence or absence of an electrical connection and / or a change in the state of an electrical connection of the offset contact with the contact arrangement.

[0038] In a further training course, the process may include the following additional steps: Measuring the voltage difference between two contacts; and outputting a signal when the voltage difference exceeds a predefined threshold.

[0039] In this way, the state of the electrical connection can be detected, and the control unit can react accordingly by outputting the output signal.

[0040] Furthermore, the procedure can include the following steps in further training: Controlling the electric motor to lock the connector module pair in response to the generation of the output signal, wherein the electric motor rotates the camshaft to lock the connector modules.

[0041] The process steps can, advantageously, be carried out in the previously specified order. Examples of implementation

[0042] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail below. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a connector module pair consisting of a first connector module and a second connector module, Fig. 2 a sectional view of the first connector module, and Fig. 3 a sectional view of the first and second connector modules in the mated state, Figs. 4 different embodiments of a contact arrangement, Fig. 5 an electronic threshold circuit, Fig. 6 a state diagram for a mating operation.

[0043] The figures contain simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for elements that are the same but may not be identical. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently. Directional indications such as "left," "right," "up," and "down" are to be understood in relation to the respective figure and may vary between the individual representations compared to the object depicted.

[0044] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a connector module pair 1 consisting of a first connector module 2 and a second connector module 3. The connector modules 2 and 3 have a substantially cuboid shape. Each connector module 2 and 3 has retaining pins 4 on its narrow sides, which allow it to be fixed in a retaining frame (not shown) of an industrial connector (not shown). The process of fixing the connector modules 2 and 3 in a retaining frame is sufficiently described in DE 10 2013 113 976 B4.

[0045] The first connector module 2 has a pin 5 projecting in the insertion direction. The pin 5 is essentially cuboid in shape. Holes 6 are formed or molded into the narrow sides of the pin 5, each containing a ball 7. During the insertion process, the pin 5 is guided into a corresponding receptacle 8 of the second connector module 3. Holes 9 are formed or molded into the narrow sides of the receptacle 8. When inserted, the holes 6 of the pin 5 of the first connector module 2 align with the corresponding holes 9 of the receptacle 8 of the second connector module 3.

[0046] As in Figure 2As shown, a camshaft 10 is arranged in the first connector module 2. The axis of rotation 11 of the camshaft runs parallel to the insertion direction of the first connector module 1. The camshaft 10 extends largely within the pin 5. At the end furthest from the pin 5, the camshaft 10 is connected to an electric motor 12, which can be used to set the camshaft 10 into a rotational movement.

[0047] The camshaft 10 has two cams, a first cam 10A and a second cam 10B. The cams 10A and 10B are essentially widenings of the rod-shaped base of the camshaft 10. The cams 10A and 10B are perpendicular to each other in cross-section. The second cam 10B extends largely within the pin 5 of the first connector module 2. When the second cam 10B is brought into contact with the balls 7 by a rotational movement of the camshaft 10, the balls 7 are at least partially pressed out of the holes 6 of the pin 5 of the first connector module 2 and into the holes 9 of the receptacle 8 of the second connector module 3. In this state, the connected connector modules 2 and 3 can no longer be pulled apart. The connector modules 2 and 3 are considered locked together in this state.

[0048] The first connector module 2 contains two pushbuttons 13 and 14. Each pushbutton 13 and 14 has a switch 13A and 14A, respectively, which can be used to activate the respective pushbutton 13 and 14. The first pushbutton 13 is located at the interface between the electric motor 12 and the camshaft 10 at the level of the first cam 10A. The second pushbutton 14 is located further away from this, in the direction of insertion, at the level of the second cam 10B of the camshaft 10.

[0049] As previously mentioned, the cams 10A and 10B of the camshaft 10 are perpendicular to each other in cross-section. When the first button 13 is activated via the first cam 10A, the balls 7 are not pushed by the second cam 10B out of the holes 7 of the pin 5 and into the holes 9 of the receptacle 8. The connector modules 2 and 3 are then in an unlocked state and can be pulled apart. When the second button 14 is activated via the second cam 10B, the balls 7 have been pushed by the second cam 10B out of the holes 7 of the pin 5 and into the holes 9 of the receptacle 8, as shown in Figure 3 The connector modules 2 and 3 are now in a locked position and cannot be pulled apart.

[0050] The aforementioned locking states can be monitored and initiated via a microprocessor 20. The microprocessor 20 is electrically connected to the electric motor 12 and the pushbuttons 13, 14 and can control them accordingly, or evaluate their signals. The locking states can be detected via the pushbuttons 13, 14. The first connector module 2 also includes an electronic circuit 30, which will be described in more detail below. For applications where no further functionality is required, e.g., in low-cost applications, the functionality of the microprocessor 30 can also be replaced by analog components such as logic gates and transistors, which perform the control and monitoring tasks accordingly. These analog components are also connected to the electric motor 12, the pushbuttons 13, 14, and the electronic circuit 30 and are arranged on the circuit board 19.

[0051] The first connector module 2 shows, as in the Figures 2 and 3 The diagram shows a plug-in extension 15 arranged next to the pin 5. Contact elements are arranged in the plug-in extension. The second connector module 3 has a socket 16 into which the plug-in extension 15 can be inserted during the plugging process. The plug-in extension 15 and the socket 16 each form an interface, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0052] The first connector module 3 optionally has an electrical interface 17 on one narrow side, which can be connected to a mounting frame (not shown). The interface 17 has three contact pins 18. The first connector module 2 can communicate with other connector modules located in the mounting frame via the interface 17 and / or receive or transmit signals and / or data from another location. For example, the locking states mentioned above can be communicated via this interface 17, and / or a locking or unlocking command can be received. Furthermore, the connector module 2 can be powered via the electrical interface 17.

[0053] Both connector modules 2, 3 have a printed circuit board 19, 19', whereby only the printed circuit board 19 of the first connector module 2 has further electronic components, such as the microprocessor 20. The plug extension 15 and the socket 16 are arranged in an edge region of the printed circuit boards 19, 19', so that they align and can be electrically contacted with each other during the plugging process of the connector modules 2, 3.

[0054] The second connector module 3, apart from the aforementioned socket 16 on the circuit board 19', has no further electrical or electronic components, making it simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Furthermore, the circuit board 19' could be omitted entirely if the socket 16 is mounted in another way, which would lead to further cost reductions.

[0055] The plug extension 15 and the socket 16 of the Figures 2 and 3, each representing a contact arrangement, are in the Figures 4A to 4C They are described in more detail and can be designed differently. Figure 4A The plug extension 15 has three identical electrical contacts 15A, which are designed as pin contacts. In contrast, in the socket 16, one contact 16B is shorter than the other contacts 16A of the socket 16, which leads to a mechanical offset d and thus to a difference in length with respect to the plug axis. The contacts 16A, 16B of the socket 16 are designed as socket contacts. Figure 4B In contrast, one electrical contact 15B of the plug extension 15 is shortened, and the contacts 16A of the socket 16 are of the same length. The arrangement of the plug extension 15 and the socket 16 in Figure 4C is functionally identical to the arrangements in Figures 4A and 4B, wherein the mechanical offset d is produced not by a variation in the length of a contact, but by the offset arrangement of the contact 15C.

[0056] All plug-in extensions 15 and sockets 16 of the preceding or following embodiments can be designed as printed circuit board connectors. Of course, other types of connectors can also be used that achieve the identical function, which will now be described in more detail.

[0057] The plug-in extension 15 and the socket 16, in particular their contacts, are arranged on the circuit board such that the contact pair already establishes a conductive connection during the plugging process before the offset contact establishes an electrically conductive connection. The offset contact only establishes an electrically conductive connection during the plugging process when the connector modules are in a fully plugged-in state and thus in their final position. The final position naturally has a certain tolerance range, which is preferably less than 1 mm.

[0058] In detail, this means that when inserting the plug-in extensions 15 into the socket 16 of the Figures 4A to 4CFirst, two contacts are electrically connected before the third contact establishes an electrical connection. The electrical connection of the offset contact is therefore delayed. Conversely, when the plug-in extensions 15 are released from the socket 16, the electrical connection of the offset contact is interrupted first, before the electrical connection of the remaining contacts of the contact arrangement is interrupted.

[0059] In conjunction with the in Figure 5 The electronic circuit 30 shown can be identified by the information provided in the Figures 4A to 4C The contact arrangements shown indicate the plug-in status of connector modules 2 and 3. The contacts of socket 16 of the second connector module 3 are bridged on the output side, representing an electrical short circuit.

[0060] During the insertion process of the connector modules 2, 3, the contact pair 15A of the plug extension 15 first makes an electrical connection with the contacts of the socket 16, whereby the first contact of the contact pair 15A provides a supply voltage VCC, which is applied to the second contact of the contact pair 15A via the bridge S of the socket 16.

[0061] Depending on the position of the first switch S1, a current flows through the first resistor R1 and the first diode D1, thus closing the second switch S2. Conversely, when the first switch S1 is closed, a current flows through the first resistor R1 to ground, keeping the second switch S2 open. The switching position of the first switch S1 depends on the aforementioned second button and is represented by the switching signal B, which in this case is inverted (indicated by an underscore). This means that when the second button is not sending a signal, corresponding to the "unlocked" state, the first switch S1 is closed and the second switch S2 is open, thus outputting the output signal C of the electronic circuit 30. This output signal C is available to the microprocessor 20 via an electrical connection.

[0062] When connector modules 2 and 3 are pushed further together Z, the offset or shortened contact 15B is also connected to socket 16, thereby applying the supply voltage VCC to this contact 15B as well. This causes a current to flow through the second resistor R2 via the second diode D2 to the switching input of the second switch S2, closing the second switch S2 and setting the output signal C of the electronic circuit 30 to zero, as the output is switched to ground. The output signal C is also an inverted signal (indicated by an underscore). As long as no voltage is applied to the offset contact 15B and the state of the second switch does not represent "closed," an output signal C is generated. The electrical contacting of the offset contact 15B occurs synchronously when connector modules 2 and 3 are fully inserted, i.e., in their final position.

[0063] The switches S 1 , S 2 can be implemented as semiconductor switches, with the switching input being considered the basis of the semiconductor switch.

[0064] The electronic circuit 30 can be described as a threshold circuit or hysteresis circuit, where the hysteresis, i.e. when the output signal changes from one state to the other, depends on the offset or length difference of the offset contact 15B to the contact pair 15A of the plug extension 15.

[0065] As previously indicated, the electronic circuit 30 is electrically connected to the microprocessor 20, which receives the output signal C. When the output signal changes from a "high" state to a "low" state, the microprocessor 20 begins to control the electric motor, thereby moving the aforementioned camshaft and locking the connector module pair. The locking is confirmed by a change in the state of the Figure 3second button 14 shown was detected.

[0066] In summary, the plug-in state detection is achieved by combining a contact arrangement 15 with a mechanically offset contact 15A and an electronic circuit 30. This eliminates the need for limit switches or other functionally identical devices from the prior art. Plug-in state detection is reliable and precise because an electronically defined state exists for every state during a plug-in operation. Furthermore, the states are always defined even during a disconnection operation, so the preceding considerations can also be applied to the disconnection process.

[0067] Figure 6 For further explanation, it shows the states from Figure 5 qualitative signal level during a plugging operation.

[0068] The plugging process begins at time T0, when the connector modules are moved towards each other. At this time, the output voltage Vc is present at the output of the electronic circuit, and the voltage VB is present at the switching input of the first switch, meaning the second switch is open. Both states are then "high". As the connector modules are moved further together, the contact pair of the plug extension is made contact, resulting in the voltage VR1 being present across the first resistor (see time T1). The output voltage Vc and the voltage at the switching input of the first switch VB remain in the "high" state. As the connector modules are pushed further together, the offset contact of the plug extension is also made contact, causing the voltage VR2 to drop across the second resistor (time T2). Simultaneously, the output of the electronic circuit changes to zero with the output voltage Vc.The second switch is in the "low" state because it connects the output to ground. In this state, the connector modules are fully plugged in, i.e., in their final position.

[0069] This causes the microprocessor to control the electric motor until the camshaft has pressed the balls into the recesses and the connector modules or connector module pair are locked. This state is detectable at time T3, when the switching input of the first switch corresponds to the voltage VB, since the second button is actuated by the camshaft's position in its end position.

[0070] The arrangement of the contacts and the electronic circuitry clearly define the states at every point during the plugging process.

[0071] Even though the figures show various aspects or features of the invention in combination, it is apparent to the person skilled in the art – unless otherwise stated – that the combinations shown and discussed are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding units or sets of features from different embodiments can be interchanged. Reference symbol list

[0072] 1 Connector module pair 2 First connector module 3 Second connector module 4 Retaining pin 5 Pin 6 Hole 7 Ball 8 Receptacle 9 Hole 10 Camshaft 10A First cam 10B Second cam 11 Rotary axis 12 Electric motor 13 First push button 13A Switch of the push button 14 Second push button 14A Switch of the push button 15 Plug extension 15A Pin contact 15B, 15B Pin contact with offset due to shortening or 16 Socket 16A Socket contact 16B Socket contact with offset due to shortening 17 Interface 18 Contact pin 19, 19' Circuit board 20 Microprocessor 30 Electronic circuit, threshold circuit A, B, C Electrical signals (underlined means d offset, distance D x diode R x resistor S x semiconductor switch SK short circuit VCC supply voltage Z insertion process in insertion direction)

Claims

1. A connector module pair (1) for a modular connector system, comprising a first connector module (2) and a second connector module (3) that are designed to be pluggable together, wherein the first connector module (2) has a locking means by which the connector modules (2, 3) can be reversibly locked together, wherein each connector module (2, 3) has a contact arrangement (15, 16), wherein one of the contact arrangements (15, 16) is functionally coupled to the locking means, wherein each contact arrangement (15, 16) has a plurality of contacts designed for mutual electrically conductive connection of the contact arrangements (15, 16), wherein one contact of a contact arrangement (15, 16) has a mechanical offset relative to the other contacts of the same contact arrangement (15, 16) in a plugging direction (Z), wherein the contact arrangements (15,16) each are firmly and immovably connected to the associated connector module (2, 3), wherein the mechanical offset is designed such that an electrical connection of the offset contact only occurs when the connector modules (2, 3) are in a fully plugged-in state.

2. Connector module pair (1) according to claim 1, wherein a contact arrangement (15, 16) has contacts projecting in the insertion direction (Z), wherein the mechanical offset relative to the other contacts of the same contact arrangement (15, 16) is formed by shortening a length of a projecting contact or by offsetting a contact.

3. Connector module pair (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first connector module (2) has a printed circuit board (19) and wherein the contact arrangement (15) is arranged in an edge region of the printed circuit board (19).

4. Connector module pair (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the contact arrangements (15, 16) are designed as printed circuit board connectors.

5. Connector module pair (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first connector module (2) has an electric motor (12) which engages with the locking means for reversible locking of the connector modules (2, 3), wherein the locking means comprises a camshaft (10) with at least one cam (10A, 10B) which can be set into a rotational movement by the electric motor (12).

6. Connector module pair (1) according to claim 5, further comprising an electronic control unit (20) which is arranged on the circuit board (19) of the first connector module (2) and is electrically connected to the electric motor (12).

7. Connector module pair (1) according to claim 6, comprising an electronic circuit (30) arranged on the printed circuit board (19) of the first connector module (2) and electrically connected to the contacts of the contact arrangement (15) of the first connector module (2), wherein the electronic circuit (30) is configured to generate an output signal (C) by measuring a voltage difference between two contacts, wherein the output signal (C) represents the mating state of the connector modules (2, 3).

8. Connector module pair (1) according to claim 7, wherein the electronic circuit (30) comprises a threshold switch with a hysteresis having a hysteresis width and is arranged to generate the output signal (C) based on the measurement of the voltage difference between two contacts.

9. Connector module pair (1) according to claim 8, wherein the hysteresis width of the threshold switch is proportional to the size of the mechanical offset of one contact relative to the other contacts of the same contact arrangement (15, 16).

10. Connector module pair (1) according to claim 6 and one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the electronic circuit (30) is electrically connected to the control unit (20).

11. Connector module pair (1) according to claim 10, wherein the control unit (20) is configured to control the electric motor (12) depending on the output signal (C) of the electronic circuit (30) in order to move the camshaft (10) and to lock the connector modules (2, 3).

12. Connector module (2, 3) for a modular connector system, configured according to one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Method for locking a pair of connector modules (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the following steps: - joining the first and the second connector module (2, 3) to form a plug connection while simultaneously plugging together and electrically connecting the contact arrangements (15, 16), wherein the electrical connection of the contact having the mechanical offset relative to the other contacts of the same contact arrangement (15, 16) is delayed, wherein the delayed electrical connection of the offset contact only takes place when the connector modules (2, 3) are in a fully plugged-in state.

14. Method according to claim 13, further comprising: - measuring the voltage difference between two contacts; - outputting an output signal (C) when the voltage difference exceeds a predetermined threshold; and - selectively driving the electric motor (20) to lock the connector module pair (1) in response to the generation of the output signal (C), wherein the electric motor (12) rotates the camshaft (10) to lock the connector modules (2, 3).

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