Sensor Module for Modular Connector

Abstract

A sensor module (1) for a modular connector (2), in particular for a modular electrical connector and / or a modular fluid connector, comprising a carrier housing (3) having a receiving space (4) accessible via an opening (5) and closed by a wall portion (6), and an engagement structure (7) disposed on an outer surface (8), a sensor element (9) comprising a printed circuit board (10) and at least one sensor (11) disposed on the printed circuit board (10) for measuring physical properties, wherein the printed circuit board (10) is attached to the carrier housing (3) within the receiving space (4) and extends out of the receiving space (4) through the opening (5) from the receiving space (4), the sensor module (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor module for a modular connector according to claim 1, an identification mechanism according to claim 10, a modular connector according to claim 13, and a connector system according to claim 16.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a modular connector. The modular connector includes a plurality of modules having different connector elements. The modular connector includes a module having a switch that supplies an electrical signal to a control unit such as a programmable logic controller.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a sensor module for an electrical connector.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a sensor module with improved characteristics of a sensor structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This object is achieved by the sensor module according to claim 1. The sensor module according to claim 1 is a sensor module for a modular connector, in particular a modular electrical connector and / or a modular fluid connector, and includes a carrier housing having an accommodation space that is accessible through an opening and closed by a wall portion, and an engagement structure disposed on an outer surface, a printed circuit board, and a sensor element including at least one sensor disposed on the printed circuit board for measuring physical properties. The printed circuit board is attached to the carrier housing within the accommodation space and extends out of the accommodation space through the opening.

[0007] In other words, a part of the printed circuit board is disposed within the accommodation space while extending outside the accommodation space.

[0008] The arrangement of the printed circuit board as described above has the advantage that at least one sensor can be arranged based on its characteristics. For example, a sensor that needs to be protected from ambient influences can be arranged inside the accommodation space, and a sensor that requires a certain amount of air to function can be arranged outside the accommodation space.

[0009] Furthermore, the portion of the printed circuit board protruding from the accommodation space also has the advantage of generally being surrounded by air at a lower temperature than the air within the accommodation space. This portion is usually surrounded by the housing of the plug, but the amount of air within this housing is usually larger than the amount of air within the accommodation space, resulting in a cooling effect.

[0010] Furthermore, the portion of the printed circuit board protruding from the accommodation space can be grasped, and the printed circuit board can be handled very easily, which also has the advantage of greatly simplifying the assembly of the sensor module.

[0011] Furthermore, with respect to the modular connector outlined below, there is also the advantage that the sensor module can be arranged at any position. Therefore, during the assembly of such a connector, the sensor module can be arranged, for example, at the most practical position or a particularly notable position.

[0012] The first portion of the printed circuit board extends into the accommodation space, and the second portion of the printed circuit board extends outside the accommodation space. When viewed in a direction orthogonal to the side surface where the opening of the carrier housing is disposed, it is preferable that the length of the first portion is shorter than, longer than, or equal to the length of the second portion.

[0013] In a first modification, at least one of the sensors is disposed on the first portion. In a second modification, at least one of the sensor elements is disposed on the second portion. In a third modification, at least one of the sensors is disposed on the first portion and at least one of the sensor elements is disposed on the second portion.

[0014] The wall portion defining the accommodation space includes a front wall and side walls extending from the front wall. The opening enabling access to the accommodation space is surrounded by the side walls. The front wall is preferably rectangular. The side walls preferably extend in a direction orthogonal to the front wall. The accommodation space is preferably in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0015] The first width of the accommodation space is equal to the width of the printed circuit board, and the second width of the accommodation space in a direction orthogonal to the first width is preferably greater than the maximum thickness of the printed circuit board.

[0016] The width of the accommodation space is preferably provided such that at least one sensor mounted on the printed circuit board does not contact the inner side of the wall portion facing the accommodation space.

[0017] The carrier housing preferably includes a first carrier housing portion and a second carrier housing portion, and the first carrier housing portion and the second carrier housing portion are preferably connected to each other by at least one connecting element.

[0018] The connecting element can be at least one screw and a corresponding nut. Alternatively, the connecting element may be provided with at least one fitting tab that engages with an opening corresponding to the other of the carrier housing parts on one of the carrier housing parts. Alternatively, an alignment structure with pins and openings may be provided on the carrier housing part, and the carrier housing part can be integrally held by a frame structure and a functional module described later in relation to the connector.

[0019] Alternatively, the carrier housing is provided as a single part.

[0020] The printed circuit board is preferably attached by a shape fit and / or a pressure fit connection to the carrier housing. In particular, one of the carrier housing or the above-mentioned carrier housing parts has at least one, preferably two, embossed parts that engage with at least one, preferably two, indentation parts provided on the printed circuit board.

[0021] The printed circuit board preferably includes at least one communication module disposed outside the accommodation space. The communication module can be a mechanical connection interface for connecting a connector of a signal cable and / or a wireless communication module.

[0022] The printed circuit board preferably includes a microcontroller and / or a battery.

[0023] The first engagement structure is preferably disposed on the first wall of the wall portion, and the second engagement structure is preferably disposed on the second wall disposed opposite to the first wall of the wall portion. The engagement structure is preferably an embossed part extending in a direction away from the outer surface of the wall portion. Alternatively, the engagement structure is provided by a bracket element or a clip element.

[0024] At least one sensor is preferably selected from the following group. A temperature sensor configured to measure the ambient temperature, which is a physical property, and / or, A temperature sensor configured to measure a specific temperature, which is a physical property, and / or, A humidity sensor configured to measure the ambient humidity, which is a physical property, and / or, A pressure sensor configured to measure the ambient air pressure, which is a physical property, and / or, An altitude sensor configured to measure the altitude, which is a physical property, and / or, A vibration sensor configured to measure the vibration, which is a physical property, and / or, A light sensor configured to measure the illuminance, which is a physical property, and / or, An inclination sensor configured to measure the inclination, which is a physical property, and / or, An acceleration sensor configured to measure the acceleration, which is a physical property, and / or, A mating cycle sensor configured to measure the number of mating cycles, which is a physical property, and / or, A flow sensor configured to measure the volumetric flow rate, which is a physical property.

[0025] The mating cycle sensor is preferably a short-range wireless communication sensor or a radio frequency identification device. With these devices, it is also possible to identify the connector.

[0026] In certain embodiments, some sensors may be provided within a single sensor device. For example, it is possible to integrate a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor within a single sensor device.

[0027] The ambient temperature is preferably the ambient temperature within the housing.

[0028] The term "specific temperature" is understood to mean that the temperature at a specific location is measured. For example, the temperature of the contact element of the connection interface or the temperature at a specific location of the housing.

[0029] The acceleration sensor preferably measures acceleration along at least one axis, preferably three axes.

[0030] In the above list, one sensor is listed for each characteristic, but it is also possible to add two or more sensors to measure the same characteristic.

[0031] An identification mechanism for a modular connector, particularly for a modular electrical connector and / or a modular fluid connector, includes a first carrier housing provided with an active-side identification device and a second carrier housing provided with a passive-side identification device, and the active-side identification device is configured to identify the passive-side identification device. One of the carrier housings has a recess, and the other of the carrier housings has a shaft, and the shaft and the recess are configured such that the shaft is inserted and received in the recess. Each of the carrier housings includes an engagement structure.

[0032] The identification device is preferably a radio frequency identification device. The passive-side identification device is provided by a chip and a coil. The chip and the coil are powered by the active-side sensor device so that the information stored in the passive-side identification device can be read by the active-side identification device.

[0033] The active-side identification device and the passive-side identification device are preferably arranged in their respective carrier housings such that identification is possible only when the shaft is fully inserted into the recess. Alternatively, the active-side identification device and the passive-side identification device are arranged in their respective carrier housings such that identification is possible while the shaft is inserted into the recess.

[0034] The first carrier housing and the second carrier housing have at least one wall portion that at least partially partitions the accommodation space. The at least one wall portion has an outer surface. The outer surface of the first carrier housing and the outer surface of the second carrier housing are in a planar engagement state when the shaft is completely inserted into the recess, or while the shaft is being inserted into the recess. The identification device is preferably arranged in the accommodation space behind the outer surface.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the active side identification device is electrically connected to the at least one printed circuit board described above. This connection enables the transmission of energy and / or data between the active side identification device and the at least one printed circuit board.

[0036] The modular connector includes at least one sensor module according to the above description and / or at least one of the carrier housings of the identification mechanism according to the above description. The modular connector further includes at least one functional module and a bearing frame. The bearing frame has two frame elements with frame-side engagement structures and two connecting elements. The frame elements and the connecting elements are arranged to form an internal space.

[0037] At least one sensor module is partially arranged in the internal space, and the engagement structure of the sensor module engages with the frame-side engagement structure.

[0038] At least one functional module is partially arranged in the internal space, and the engagement structure of the functional module engages with the frame-side engagement structure.

[0039] The carrier housing is partially arranged in the internal space, and the engagement structure of the carrier housing engages with the frame-side engagement structure.

[0040] The engagement structures of the sensor module, the functional module, and the carrier housing are preferably similar to or substantially identical to each other so as to engage with the same bearing frame.

[0041] The functional module preferably comprises contact elements for establishing contact with another modular connector. The contact elements can be electrical contact elements and / or fluid contact elements. The contact elements are arranged on the functional module carrier element. As described above, the functional module carrier element is also connected to the frame.

[0042] The functional module has a front face that defines a connection plane, and the front wall of the carrier housing preferably extends within this plane. The shafts of the first carrier housing or the second carrier housing preferably extend away from this plane, respectively.

[0043] The modular connector further comprises a connector housing, and the printed circuit board preferably extends within the connector housing.

[0044] In one embodiment, the frame-side engagement structure is provided by a groove into which the above-described embossed portion engages. In another embodiment, the frame-side engagement structure is provided by the frame itself, whereby the above-described bracket element or clip element clamps the frame.

[0045] The connector system comprises the modular connector according to the above description and a corresponding modular connector having at least one functional module connectable to the functional module of the modular connector. When there is at least one sensor module, at least one blind module is arranged at the corresponding position of the at least one sensor module, and / or when there is at least one carrier housing, at least one other carrier housing is arranged at the corresponding position of the at least one carrier housing.

[0046] Further embodiments of the present invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0047] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Each drawing is intended to illustrate the current preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0048]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sensor module 1 for a modular connector 2. The modular connector 2 is preferably an electrical connector and / or a fluid connector.

[0050] The sensor module 1 includes a carrier housing 3 and a sensor element 9.

[0051] The carrier housing 3 has a receiving space 4. The receiving space 4 serves to partially accommodate the sensor element 9. The receiving space 4 is accessible via an opening 5. Except for the opening 5, the receiving space 4 is closed by a wall portion 6. Further, an engaging structure 7 is arranged on the outer surface 8 of the carrier housing 3.

[0052] The sensor element 9 comprises a printed circuit board 10 and at least one sensor 11 for measuring physical properties. Examples of the at least one sensor 11 will be described later. The at least one sensor 11 is arranged on the printed circuit board 10.

[0053] As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, the printed circuit board 10 is attached to the carrier housing 3 within the receiving space 4 and extends out of the receiving space 4 through the opening 5. In the present embodiment, the printed circuit board 10 has a first portion 12 extending into the receiving space 4 and a second portion 13 extending out of the receiving space 4. When viewed in a direction orthogonal to the side surface of the carrier housing 3 where the opening 5 is arranged, the length of the first portion 12 is shorter than the length of the second portion 13. Other configurations are also possible.

[0054] In the present embodiment, some of the sensors are arranged on the first portion 12 and are thus also located within the receiving space 4. Further, other sensors are arranged on the second portion 13 and are thus located outside the receiving space 4.

[0055] Preferably, a plurality of sensors 11 are arranged on the printed circuit board 10. In the present embodiment, the sensors 11 are arranged on both sides of the printed circuit board 10. It is also possible to provide sensors on only one side of the printed circuit board 10.

[0056] As described above, the carrier housing 3 comprises a wall portion 6 that defines the receiving space. In the present embodiment, the wall portion comprises a front wall 14 and side walls 15 extending from the front wall 14. The opening 5 is surrounded by the side walls 15. The front wall 14 is rectangular in shape. The side walls 15 preferably extend in a direction orthogonal to the front wall 14.

[0057] In this embodiment, the carrier housing 3 includes a first carrier housing portion 16 and a second carrier housing portion 17, and the first carrier housing portion 16 and the second carrier housing portion 17 are connected to each other by at least one connecting element 18. In this embodiment, the at least one connecting element 18 is a nut 29 corresponding to a screw 28.

[0058] The printed circuit board 10 is preferably attached by a shape fit and / or a press fit connection with the carrier housing 3. FIG. 4 shows the first carrier housing portion 16. The first carrier housing portion 16 includes two embossed portions 30. The embossed portions 30 are arranged on both sides of the accommodation space 4. The printed circuit board 10 includes two indentation portions 31. The embossed portions 30 and the indentation portions 31 are provided such that the embossed portions 30 engage with the indentation portions 31. By this engagement, the first carrier housing portion 16 and the printed circuit board 10 are mechanically connected. It is also possible to connect the printed circuit board to the second carrier housing portion 17 in the same manner.

[0059] The printed circuit board 10 includes at least one communication module 19. The communication module 19 is preferably arranged outside the accommodation space 4. In this embodiment, the communication module 19 is a mechanical connection interface for connecting a connector of a signal cable. Alternatively or in addition, the communication module 19 is a wireless communication module.

[0060] Furthermore, the printed circuit board 10 includes a microcontroller and / or a battery.

[0061] As can be seen from FIG. 1, the first engagement structure 7 is arranged on the first wall portion of the wall portions, and the second engagement structure 7 is arranged on the second wall portion of the wall portions. The second wall portion is arranged opposite to the first wall portion. The engagement structure 7 is an embossed portion extending in a direction away from each wall portion.

[0062] At least one sensor is preferably selected from the following group. A temperature sensor configured to measure the ambient temperature, which is a physical property, and / or A temperature sensor configured to measure a specific temperature, which is a physical property, and / or A humidity sensor configured to measure the ambient humidity, which is a physical property, and / or An air pressure sensor configured to measure the ambient air pressure, which is a physical property, and / or An altitude sensor configured to measure the altitude, which is a physical property, and / or A vibration sensor configured to measure the vibration, which is a physical property, and / or An optical sensor configured to measure the illuminance, which is a physical property, and / or An inclination sensor configured to measure the inclination, which is a physical property, and / or An acceleration sensor configured to measure the acceleration, which is a physical property, and / or A mating cycle sensor configured to measure the number of mating cycles, which is a physical property, and / or A flow rate sensor configured to measure the volume flow rate, which is a physical property.

[0063] Figures 5 to 7 are diagrams showing a connector system including a modular connector C1 and a corresponding modular connector C2. Thereby, the modular connector C1 and the corresponding modular connector C2 can be connected to each other.

[0064] The modular connector C1 comprises at least one of the above-described sensor module 1, at least one functional module 20, and a bearing frame 21. In this embodiment, two sensor modules 1 are arranged. The bearing frame 21 has two frame elements 22 provided with a frame-side engagement structure 23 and two connecting elements 24, and these frame elements 22 and connecting elements 24 are arranged so as to form an internal space 25. At least one sensor module 1 and at least one functional module 20 are partially arranged in the internal space 25. As can be seen from FIG. 7, the engagement structure 7 of the sensor module 1 engages with the frame-side engagement structure 23. The frame-side engagement structure 23 is a groove in which the engagement structure 7 of the sensor module 1, here the embossed engagement structure 7, engages. Similarly, the functional module 20 comprises an engagement structure that engages with the frame-side engagement structure 23.

[0065] The functional module 20 comprises a front face 26 that defines a connection face P, and the front wall 14 of the carrier housing 3 extends in this plane.

[0066] The modular connector further comprises a connector housing, and a printed circuit board extends within this connector housing.

[0067] The corresponding modular connector C2 preferably has a structure similar to that of the modular connector C1. However, in the position of the sensor module 1, the corresponding modular connector C2 comprises at least one blind module 27. Such a blind module 27 has no specific electrical or fluid function and mainly functions as a distance retaining part between the functional modules within the corresponding modular connector C2. The blind module 27 is connected to the frame element 23 of the corresponding modular connector C2 in the same way as the sensor module 1 is connected to the frame element 23 of the modular connector C1.

[0068] FIGS. 5 and 6 also show an identification mechanism related to the modular connector C1 and the corresponding modular connector C2.

[0069] The identification mechanism includes a first carrier housing 32 and a second carrier housing 33. The first carrier housing 32 is attached to the modular connector C1, and the second carrier housing 33 is attached to the corresponding modular connector C2. The first carrier housing 32 is provided with an active-side identification device 33, and the second carrier housing 34 is provided with a passive-side identification device 35. The active-side identification device 33 is configured to identify the passive-side identification device 35. One of the carrier housings 32, 34, in the drawing, the second carrier housing 34 has a recess 36, and the other of the carrier housings 34, 32, in the drawing, the first carrier housing 32 has a shaft 37. The shaft 37 and the recess 36 are configured such that the shaft 37 is inserted into and received by the recess 36. Further, each of the carrier housings is provided with an engagement structure 7. This engagement structure can be provided in the same manner as the engagement structure outlined with respect to the carrier housing on which the printed circuit board is disposed.

[0070] The active-side identification device 33 and the passive-side identification device 35 are arranged in their respective carrier housings 32, 34 such that identification is possible only when the shaft 37 is completely inserted into the recess 36, or such that identification is possible while the shaft 37 is being inserted into the recess 36.

[0071] As can be seen from the drawings, particularly FIG. 6, the first carrier housing 32 and the second carrier housing 34 have at least one wall portion 6 that at least partially partitions the accommodation space 4. The at least one wall portion has an outer surface 38, and the outer surface 38 of the first carrier housing 32 and the outer surface 38 of the second carrier housing 34 are in a planar engagement state when the shaft 37 is completely inserted into the recess 36. The identification devices 33, 35 are arranged within the accommodation space 4 behind the outer surface 38.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0072] 1... Sensor module 3... Carrier housing 4... Accommodation space 5… Opening 6… Wall portion 7… Engagement structure 8… Outer surface 9… Sensor element 10… Printed circuit board 11… Sensor 12… First part 13… Second part 14… Front wall 15… Side wall 16… First carrier housing part 17… Second carrier housing part 18… Connecting element 19… Communication module 20… Function module 21… Bearing frame 22… Frame element 23… Frame side engagement structure 24… Connecting element 25… Internal space 26… Front face 27… Blind module 28… Screw 29… Nut 30… Embossed part 31… Indented part 32… First carrier housing 33… Active side identification device 34… Second carrier housing 35… Passive side identification device 36… Recess 37… Shaft 38… Outer face C1… Modular connector C2… Corresponding modular connector P… Plane

Claims

1. A sensor module (1) for a modular connector (C1), in particular a modular electrical connector and / or a modular fluid connector, comprising: a carrier housing (3) having a receiving space (4) that is accessible through an opening (5) and closed by a wall portion (6), and an engaging structure (7) disposed on an outer surface (8); a sensor element (9) comprising a printed circuit board (10) and at least one sensor (11) disposed on the printed circuit board (10) for measuring physical properties; characterized in that: the printed circuit board (10) is attached to the carrier housing (3) within the receiving space (4) and extends out of the receiving space (4) through the opening (5) from the receiving space (4); a sensor module (1).

2. A first portion (12) of the printed circuit board (10) extends into the receiving space (4), and a second portion (13) of the printed circuit board (10) extends out of the receiving space (4), the length of the first portion (12) being shorter than, longer than, or equal to the length of the second portion (13) when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the side surface of the carrier housing (3) where the opening (5) is disposed, the sensor module (1) according to claim 1.

3. At least one of the sensors (11) is disposed on the first portion (12), and / or at least one of the sensor elements (9) is disposed on the second portion (13), the sensor module (1) according to claim 2.

4. The wall portion includes a front wall (14) and side walls (15) extending from the front wall (14), the opening (5) being surrounded by the side walls (15), the front wall (14) preferably being rectangular in shape, and / or the side walls (15) preferably extending in a direction orthogonal to the front wall (14), the sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The carrier housing (3) includes a first carrier housing portion (16) and a second carrier housing portion (17), the first carrier housing portion (16) and the second carrier housing portion (17) being preferably connected to each other by at least one connecting element (18); or the carrier housing is provided as a single piece, the sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The printed circuit board (10) is the sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is attached by shape fitting and / or pressure fitting connection with the carrier housing.

7. The printed circuit board (10) preferably includes at least one communication module (19) disposed outside the accommodation space (4), and the communication module (19) is a mechanical connection interface for connecting a connector of a signal cable and / or a wireless communication module; and / or, The printed circuit board (10) is the sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which includes a microcontroller and / or a battery.

8. The first engaging structure (7) is disposed on the first wall of the wall portion, and the second engaging structure (7) is disposed on the second wall disposed opposite to the first wall of the wall portion. The sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. At least one of the sensors (10) A temperature sensor configured to measure the ambient temperature which is the physical property, and / or A temperature sensor configured to measure a specific temperature which is the physical property, and / or A humidity sensor configured to measure the ambient humidity which is the physical property, and / or A barometric pressure sensor configured to measure the ambient air pressure which is the physical property, and / or An altitude sensor configured to measure the altitude which is the physical property, and / or A vibration sensor configured to measure the vibration which is the physical property, and / or A light sensor configured to measure the illuminance which is the physical property, and / or An inclination sensor configured to measure the inclination which is the physical property, and / or An acceleration sensor configured to measure the acceleration which is the physical property, and / or A mating cycle sensor configured to measure the number of mating cycles which is the physical property, and / or A flow rate sensor configured to measure the volumetric flow rate which is the physical property The sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is selected from the group consisting of.

10. An identification mechanism for modular connectors, particularly for modular electrical connectors and / or modular fluid connectors, A first carrier housing (32) provided with an active side identification device (33), A second carrier housing (34) provided with a passive-side identification device (35). The active-side identification device (33) is configured to identify the passive-side identification device (35). One of the carrier housings (32, 34) has a recess (36), the other of the carrier housings (34, 32) has a shaft (37), and the shaft (37) and the recess (36) are configured such that the shaft (37) is inserted and received within the recess (36). Each of the carrier housings is provided with an engagement structure (7). An identification mechanism.

11. The active-side identification device (33) and the passive-side identification device (35) are arranged on their respective carrier housings (32, 34) such that identification is possible only when the shaft (37) is completely inserted into the recess (36); or the active-side identification device (33) and the passive-side identification device (35) are arranged on their respective carrier housings (32, 34) such that identification is possible while the shaft (37) is inserted into the recess (36). The identification mechanism according to claim 10.

12. The first carrier housing (32) and the second carrier housing (34) have at least one wall portion (6) that at least partially partitions a housing space (4), at least one of the wall portions has an outer surface (38), and the outer surface of the first carrier housing (32) and the outer surface (38) of the second carrier housing (34) are in a planar engagement state when the shaft (37) is completely inserted into the recess (36) or while the shaft (37) is inserted into the recess (36). The identification device (33, 35) is arranged in the housing space (4) behind the outer surface (38). The identification mechanism according to claim 10 or 11.

13. At least one sensor module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and / or at least one of the carrier housings of the identification mechanism according to claims 10 to 12; At least one functional module (20). A bearing frame (21) having two frame elements (22) provided with a frame-side engagement structure (23) and two connecting elements (24), wherein the frame elements (22) and the connecting elements (24) are arranged to form an internal space (25). A modular connector (C1) comprising: At least one of the functional modules (20) is partially disposed in the internal space (25), and the engagement structure of the functional module (20) engages with the frame-side engagement structure (23). When at least one of the sensor modules (1) is present, the at least one sensor module (1) is partially disposed in the internal space (25), and the engagement structure (7) of the sensor module (1) engages with the frame-side engagement structure (23). When the carrier housing (32, 34) is present, the carrier housing (32, 34) is partially disposed in the internal space (25), and the engagement structure (7) of the carrier housing (32, 34) engages with the frame-side engagement structure (23). Modular connector (C1).

14. The functional module (20) comprises a front face (26) defining a connection face, and the front wall (14) of the carrier housing (3) extends in the plane; and / or the shaft (37) of the first carrier housing (32) or the second carrier housing (34) extends away from the plane (P) respectively. The modular connector according to claim 13.

15. The modular connector according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising a connector housing, wherein the printed circuit board extends into the connector housing.

16. When at least one of the sensor modules (1) and at least one of the carrier housings are present, the active-side identification device is electrically connected to at least one of the printed circuit boards. The modular connector according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

17. A connector system comprising the modular connector (C1) according to any one of claims 13 to 16 and a corresponding modular connector (C2) having at least one functional module connectable to the functional module of the modular connector (C1). When there is at least one said sensor module (1), at least one blind module (27) is arranged at a corresponding position of at least one said sensor module (1), and / or When there is at least one said carrier housing (32), at least one other said carrier housing (34) is arranged at a corresponding position of at least one said carrier housing (32), Connector system.

Images