Mounting frame, mating mounting frame, connector module, mating connector module, and connector assembly

Abstract

The present invention discloses a mounting frame, a connector module, a mating mounting frame, a mating connector module, and a connector assembly. [Solution] The mounting frame includes a frame body comprising a first top wall and a first bottom wall facing each other in the height direction, and two first side walls facing each other in the lateral direction, and a pair of elastic buckles formed on the outside of the two first side walls of the frame body, respectively. The mounting frame is a single-piece component, the frame body is used to secure a connector inserted therein, and the elastic buckles are used to lock the mounting frame and the mating mounting frame by engaging with projections on the mating mounting frame. In the present invention, the mounting frame is a single-piece component, and elastic buckles for engaging with the mating mounting frame are integrated thereon. Therefore, the present invention simplifies the structure of the mounting frame, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting frame for inserting and fixing a connector and a connector module including the mounting frame. In addition, the present invention further relates to a mating mounting frame for inserting and fixing a mating connector and a mating connector module including the mating mounting frame. In addition, the present invention further relates to a connector assembly including a connector module and a mating connector module.

Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, a mounting frame for inserting and fixing a connector generally includes a frame body and a lock catch member separated from the frame body. A connection hole is formed in the lock catch member, and a nut is embedded in the frame body. A bolt passes through the connection hole on the lock catch member and is screwed into the nut in order to fasten the lock catch member onto the frame body. The lock catch member is suitable for joining with a mating lock catch member on a mating mounting frame, thereby locking the mounting frame and the mating mounting frame. In this way, the connector in the mounting frame and the mating connector in the mating mounting frame can be locked in the fitting position.

[0003] Similarly, in the prior art, a mating mounting frame for inserting and fixing a mating connector generally includes a mating frame body and a mating lock catch member separated from the mating frame body. A connection hole is formed in the mating lock catch member, and a nut is embedded in the mating frame body. A bolt passes through the connection hole on the mating lock catch member and is screwed into the nut in order to fasten the mating lock catch member onto the mating frame body. The mating lock catch member is suitable for joining with the lock catch member of the mounting frame, thereby locking the mounting frame and the mating mounting frame. In this way, the connector in the mounting frame and the mating connector in the mating mounting frame can be locked in the fitting position.

[0004] Conventional technology involves complex structures for both the mounting frame and the mating mounting frame, requiring multiple separate components and the assembly of these components. This not only increases production costs but also reduces production efficiency. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems and defects of the prior art.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a mounting frame is provided. The mounting frame includes a frame body having a first top wall and a first bottom wall facing each other in the height direction and two first side walls facing each other in the lateral direction, and a pair of elastic buckles formed on the outside of the two first side walls of the frame body, respectively. The mounting frame is a single piece, the frame body is used to secure a connector inserted therein, and the elastic buckles are used to lock the mounting frame and the mating mounting frame by engaging with projections on a mating mounting frame.

[0007] According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mounting frame is a single injection-molded part.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the frame has a front and a rear side facing each other in its longitudinal direction, the connector is suitable for being inserted into the frame from the rear side, and the front part of the frame is suitable for being inserted into the mating frame of the mating mounting frame.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first locking groove is formed in the rear of the first top wall and the first bottom wall of the frame, the first locking groove on the first top wall of the frame being suitable for engaging with a first snap fit on the top wall of the connector case, and the first locking groove on the first bottom wall of the frame being suitable for engaging with a first snap fit on the bottom wall of the connector case, thereby locking the connector to the frame.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the frame is suitable for inserting a row of connectors, and a row of first locking grooves is formed on the rear of the first top wall and the first bottom wall of the frame, the row of first locking grooves on the first top wall of the frame is suitable for engaging with a first snap fit on the top wall of the case of the row of connectors, and the row of first locking grooves on the first bottom wall of the frame is suitable for engaging with a first snap fit on the bottom wall of the case of the row of connectors, locking the row of connectors into the frame.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first locking groove is T-shaped in order to engage with a T-shaped first snap-fit ​​on the connector, and the first locking groove on the first top wall of the frame and the first locking groove on the first bottom wall of the frame are asymmetrical in order to prevent the connector from being inserted into the frame in the wrong orientation.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic buckle includes a lock catch portion suspended outside the first side wall of the frame, the lock catch portion being movable relative to the first side wall of the frame between a locked position in which it engages with a projection on the mating mounting frame and an unlocked position in which it is separated from the projection on the mating mounting frame.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic buckle further includes a support rib formed on the outside of a first side wall of the frame, and a release portion connected to the support rib and extending rearward from the support rib. The lock catch portion is connected to the release portion and extends forward from the support rib, and the release portion and the lock catch portion are suspended outside the frame by the support rib. Pressing the release portion toward the first side wall of the frame can move the elastic buckle from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lock catch portion includes a pair of cantilevers located on both sides above and below the support rib, the fixed ends of the pair of cantilevers being connected to the unlock portion, and the free ends of the cantilevers being formed with hook portions suitable for engaging with projections on the mating mounting frame.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the two first side walls of the frame each have outwardly projecting finger support portions, the finger support portions being located behind and adjacent to the unlock portion, and when the unlock portion is pressed with a finger, the finger is supported by the finger support portion, which acts as a fulcrum for the force applied by the finger.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention provides a connector module, the connector module comprising a mounting frame and a connector inserted into and fixed to the frame of the mounting frame, the connector comprising a case and terminals installed on the case, the terminals being used to mate with mating terminals of a mating connector.

[0017] According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the top and bottom walls of the connector case are each formed with a first snap fit, which engages with a first locking groove on the mounting frame to lock the connector to the frame of the mounting frame.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector module includes a plurality of connectors which are inserted into and fixed to the frame of the mounting frame and are arranged in a row along the lateral direction of the frame.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a mating mounting frame is provided. The mating mounting frame includes a mating frame body having a second top wall and a second bottom wall facing each other in the height direction and two second side walls facing each other in the lateral direction, and a plurality of projections formed on the outside of the two second side walls of the mating frame body, wherein the mating mounting frame is a single piece, the mating frame body is used to secure a mating connector inserted therein, and the projections are used to lock the mounting frame and the mating mounting frame together with an elastic buckle on the mounting frame.

[0020] According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating mounting frame is a single injection-molded part.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating frame has a front and a rear side that are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction, the mating connector is suitable for insertion into the mating frame from the front side of the mating frame, and the front part of the frame is suitable for insertion into the mating frame from the rear side of the mating frame.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a second locking groove is formed in the front of the second top wall and the second bottom wall of the mating frame, the second locking groove on the second top wall of the mating frame being suitable for engaging with a second snap fit on the top wall of the case of the mating connector, and the second locking groove on the second bottom wall of the mating frame being suitable for engaging with a second snap fit on the bottom wall of the case of the mating connector, thereby locking the mating connector to the mating frame.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating frame is suitable for inserting a row of mating connectors, and a row of second locking grooves is formed on the front of the second top wall and second bottom wall of the mating frame, the row of second locking grooves on the second top wall of the mating frame is suitable for engaging with a second snap fit on the top wall of the case of the row of mating connectors, and the row of second locking grooves on the second bottom wall of the mating frame is suitable for engaging with a second snap fit on the bottom wall of the case of the row of mating connectors, locking the row of connectors into the mating frame.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second locking groove is T-shaped for engaging with a T-shaped second snap-fit ​​on the mating connector, and the second locking groove on the second top wall of the mating frame and the second locking groove on the second bottom wall of the mating frame are asymmetrical to prevent the mating connector from being inserted into the mating frame in the wrong orientation.

[0025] Another aspect of the present invention provides a mating connector module. The mating connector module includes a mating mounting frame and a mating connector inserted into and fixed to the mating frame body of the mating mounting frame, the mating connector includes a case and a mating terminal installed in the case, the mating terminal being used to mate with the terminal of the connector.

[0026] According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the top and bottom walls of the mating connector case are each formed with a second snap fit, which engages with a second locking groove on the mating mounting frame to lock the mating connector to the mating frame body of the mating mounting frame.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector module includes a plurality of mating connectors, which are inserted into and secured to the mating frame body of the mating mounting frame and are arranged in a row along the lateral direction of the mating frame body.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes the aforementioned connector module and the aforementioned mating connector module. The mating connector module fits with the connector module. The front portion of the frame body of the mounting frame is inserted into the mating mounting frame, and the connector fits with the mating connector. The elastic buckle on the mounting frame joins with the protrusion on the mating mounting frame to lock the connector module and the mating connector module in the fitting position.

[0029] In each of the foregoing exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the mounting frame is an integral part, and an elastic buckle for joining with the mating mounting frame is integrated thereon. Therefore, the present invention simplifies the structure of the mounting frame, reduces the manufacturing cost, and improves the production efficiency.

[0030] By describing the present invention as follows while referring to the drawings, other objects and merits of the present invention will become clear, which can contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] Displays a schematic perspective view of a mounting frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side. [Figure 2] Displays a schematic perspective view of a mounting frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear side. [Figure 3] Displays a longitudinal sectional view of a mounting frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Displays a schematic perspective view of a mating mounting frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the rear side. [Figure 5] Displays a schematic perspective view of a mating mounting frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side. [Figure 6]A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a mating mounting frame according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 7] An exploded schematic diagram of a mounting frame and a mating mounting frame according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram of the assembly of a mounting frame and a mating mounting frame according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] The means of solving the technical problem of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, through the examples. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same or similar components. The following description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings is intended to interpret the overall inventive spirit of the present invention and should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0033] In the following detailed description, many specific details are given to facilitate interpretation and to allow for a full understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure. However, it is evident that one or more embodiments can be implemented without these specific details. Where necessary, known structures and devices are shown in illustrations for the sake of simplicity in the drawings.

[0034] According to one overall technical concept of the present invention, a mounting frame is provided. The mounting frame includes a frame body having a first top wall and a first bottom wall facing each other in the height direction and two first side walls facing each other in the lateral direction, and a pair of elastic buckles formed on the outside of the two first side walls of the frame body, respectively. The mounting frame is a single piece, the frame body is used to secure a connector inserted therein, and the elastic buckles are used to lock the mounting frame and the mating mounting frame by engaging with projections on the mating mounting frame.

[0035] According to another overall technical concept of the present invention, a connector module is provided. The connector module includes a mounting frame and a connector inserted into and fixed to the frame of the mounting frame, the connector including a case and terminals installed on the case, the terminals being used to mate with mating terminals of a mating connector.

[0036] According to another overall technical concept of the present invention, a mating mounting frame is provided. The mating mounting frame includes a mating frame body having a second top wall and a second bottom wall facing each other in the height direction and two second side walls facing each other in the lateral direction, and a plurality of projections formed on the outside of the two second side walls of the mating frame body, wherein the mating mounting frame is a single piece, the mating frame body is used to secure a mating connector inserted therein, and the projections are used to lock the mounting frame and the mating mounting frame together by engaging with an elastic buckle on the mounting frame.

[0037] According to another overall technical concept of the present invention, a mating connector module is provided. The mating connector module includes a mating mounting frame and a mating connector inserted into and fixed to the mating frame body of the mating mounting frame, the mating connector includes a case and mating terminals installed in the case, the mating terminals being used to mate with the terminals of the connector.

[0038] According to another overall technical concept of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly includes the aforementioned connector module and the aforementioned mating connector module. The mating connector module mates with the connector module. The front portion of the frame of the mounting frame is inserted into the mating mounting frame, and the connector mates with the mating connector. An elastic buckle on the mounting frame engages with a projection on the mating mounting frame to lock the connector module and the mating connector module into a mated position.

[0039] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the mounting frame 1 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the mounting frame 1 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear; Figure 3 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the mounting frame 1 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the mating mounting frame 2 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear; Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the mating mounting frame 2 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front; Figure 6 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the mating mounting frame 2 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 shows an exploded schematic view of the mounting frame 1 and mating mounting frame 2 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 8 shows an assembled schematic view of the mounting frame 1 and mating mounting frame 2 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, a mounting frame 1 is disclosed in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The mounting frame 1 includes a frame body 10 and a pair of elastic buckles 14. The frame body 10 includes a first top wall 11 and a first bottom wall 12 facing each other in the height direction Z, and two first side walls 13 facing each other in the lateral direction X. The pair of elastic buckles 14 are formed on the outside of the two first side walls 13 of the frame body 10, respectively. The mounting frame 1 is a single unit, the frame body 10 is used to secure a connector (not shown) inserted therein, and the elastic buckles 14 are used to lock the mounting frame 1 and the mating mounting frame 2 by engaging with projections 24a on the mating mounting frame 2.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the mounting frame 1 may be an integral injection-molded part. This reduces manufacturing costs and improves manufacturing efficiency.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the frame 10 has a front side and a rear side that face each other in the vertical direction Y, the connector is suitable for being inserted into the frame 10 from the rear side, and the front part 10a of the frame 10 is suitable for being inserted into the mating frame 20 of the mating mounting frame 2.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, a first locking groove 15 is formed on the rear of the first top wall 11 and the first bottom wall 12 of the frame 10. The first locking groove 15 on the first top wall 11 of the frame 10 is suitable for joining with the first snap fit on the top wall of the connector case, and the first locking groove 15 on the first bottom wall 12 of the frame 10 is suitable for joining with the first snap fit on the bottom wall of the connector case, thereby locking the connector to the frame 10.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the frame 10 is suitable for inserting a row of connectors, and a row of first locking grooves 15 is formed on the rear of the first top wall 11 and the first bottom wall 12 of the frame 10, respectively, and the row of first locking grooves 15 on the first top wall 11 of the frame 10 is suitable for joining with the first snap fit on the top wall of the case of the row of connectors, and the row of first locking grooves 15 on the first bottom wall 12 of the frame 10 is suitable for joining with the first snap fit on the bottom wall of the case of the row of connectors, thereby locking the row of connectors to the frame 10.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the first locking groove 15 is T-shaped in order to connect with the T-shaped first snap-fit ​​on the connector. The first locking groove 15 on the first top wall 11 of the frame 10 and the first locking groove 15 on the first bottom wall 12 of the frame 10 are asymmetrical in order to prevent the connector from being inserted into the frame 10 in the wrong orientation.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic buckle 14 includes a lock catch portion 140 that is suspended and supported on the outside of the first side wall 13 of the frame 10, and the lock catch portion 140 is movable between a locked position in which it engages with a projection 24a on the mating mounting frame 2 and an unlocked position in which it is separated from the projection 24a on the mating mounting frame 2 relative to the first side wall 13 of the frame 10.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic buckle 14 further includes a support rib 143 and a release portion 142. The support rib 143 is formed on the outside of the first side wall 13 of the frame 10. The release portion 142 is connected to the support rib 143 and extends rearward from the support rib 143. The lock catch portion 140 is connected to the lock release portion 142 and extends forward from the support rib 143, and the lock release portion 142 and the lock catch portion 140 are floatingly supported on the outside of the frame 10 by the support rib 143. By pressing the release portion 142 toward the first side wall 13 of the frame 10, the elastic buckle 14 can be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the lock catch portion 140 includes a pair of cantilevers 141 located on both the upper and lower sides of the support rib 143, the fixed ends of the pair of cantilevers 141 are connected to the unlock portion 142, and a hook portion 14a is formed on the free end of the cantilever 141, which is suitable for joining with a projection 24a on the mating mounting frame 2.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, two first side walls 13 of the frame 10 each have finger support portions 16 that protrude outward. The finger support portions 16 are located behind the unlock portion 142 and are adjacent to the unlock portion 142. When the unlock portion 142 is pressed with a finger, the finger is supported by the finger support portion 16, and the finger support portion 16 becomes the fulcrum for the force applied by the finger.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, another exemplary embodiment of the present invention further discloses a connector module. The connector module includes a mounting frame 1 and a connector (not shown). The connector is inserted into and secured to a frame 10 of the mounting frame 1. The connector includes a case (not shown) and terminals installed in the case (not shown), the terminals being used to mate with mating terminals (not shown) of a mating connector (not shown).

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, a first snap fit is formed on the top wall and bottom wall of the connector case, respectively. The first snap fit engages with a first locking groove 15 on the mounting frame 1 to lock the connector to the frame 10 of the mounting frame 1.

[0052] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector module includes a plurality of connectors, which are inserted into and fixed to the frame 10 of the mounting frame 1, and are arranged in a row along the lateral direction X of the frame 10.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, another exemplary embodiment of the present invention further discloses a mating frame 2. The mating frame 2 includes a mating frame body 20 and a plurality of projections 24a. The mating frame body 20 includes a second top wall 21 and a second bottom wall 22 facing each other in the height direction Z, and two second side walls 23 facing each other in the lateral direction X. The plurality of projections 24a are formed on the outside of the two second side walls 23 of the mating frame body 20, respectively. The mating frame 2 is a single unit, the mating frame body 20 is used to secure a mating connector inserted therein, and the projections 24a are used to lock the mounting frame 1 and the mating frame 2 together by engaging with an elastic buckle 14 on the mounting frame 1.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating mounting frame 2 may be an integral injection-molded part. This reduces manufacturing costs and improves manufacturing efficiency.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating frame 20 has a front side and a rear side that face each other in the vertical direction Y, the mating connector is suitable for insertion into the mating frame 20 from the front side, and the front part 10a of the frame 10 is suitable for insertion into the mating frame 20 from the rear side.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, a second locking groove 25 is formed on the front of the second top wall 21 and the second bottom wall 22 of the mating frame 20. The second locking groove 25 on the second top wall 21 of the mating frame 20 is suitable for joining with the second snap fit on the top wall of the case of the mating connector, and the second locking groove 25 on the second bottom wall 22 of the mating frame 20 is suitable for joining with the second snap fit on the bottom wall of the case of the mating connector, thereby locking the mating connector to the mating frame 20.

[0057] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating frame 20 is suitable for inserting a row of mating connectors, and a row of second locking grooves 25 is formed on the front of the second top wall 21 and the second bottom wall 22 of the mating frame 20, respectively. The row of second locking grooves 25 on the second top wall 21 of the mating frame 20 is suitable for joining with the second snap fit on the top wall of the case of the row of mating connectors, and the row of second locking grooves 25 on the second bottom wall 22 of the mating frame 20 is suitable for joining with the second snap fit on the bottom wall of the case of the row of mating connectors, thereby locking the row of connectors to the mating frame 20.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the second locking groove 25 is T-shaped in order to connect with the T-shaped second snap-fit ​​on the mating connector. The second locking groove 25 on the second top wall 21 of the mating frame 20 and the second locking groove 25 on the second bottom wall 22 of the mating frame 20 are asymmetrical in order to prevent the mating connector from being inserted into the mating frame 20 in the wrong orientation.

[0059] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, another exemplary embodiment of the present invention further discloses a mating connector module. The mating connector module includes a mating mounting frame 2 and a mating connector (not shown). The mating connector is inserted into and secured to a mating frame body 20 of the mating mounting frame 2. The mating connector includes a case (not shown) and mating terminals (not shown) mounted on the case, the mating terminals (not shown) being used to mate with the terminals of the connector.

[0060] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, a second snap fit is formed on the top wall and bottom wall of the mating connector case, respectively. The second snap fit engages with a second locking groove 25 on the mating mounting frame 2 to lock the mating connector to the mating frame body 20 of the mating mounting frame 2.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector module includes a plurality of mating connectors, which are inserted into and fixed to the mating frame 20 of the mating mounting frame 2, and are arranged in a row along the lateral direction X of the mating frame 20.

[0062] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, a connector assembly is further disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The connector assembly includes a connector module and a mating connector module. The mating connector module mates with the connector module. The front portion 10a of the frame 10 of the mounting frame 1 is inserted into the mating mounting frame 2, and the connector mates with the mating connector. An elastic buckle 14 on the mounting frame 1 engages with a projection 24a on the mating mounting frame 2 to lock the connector module and the mating connector module in the mating position.

[0063] As those skilled in the art will understand, all embodiments described above are illustrative and can be improved upon, and the structures described in the various embodiments can be freely combined as long as there is no structural or principle contradiction, and these variations are naturally within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are for illustrative purposes to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0065] While several embodiments of the overall concept of the present invention have been shown and explained, these embodiments can be modified without departing from the principles and spirit of the overall concept of the present invention, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, and the scope of the present invention is limited by the claims and their equivalents.

[0066] Please note that the term "including" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the terms "one" or "one" do not exclude multiple elements. Furthermore, no element reference numeral in the claims should be understood as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. It is a mounting frame, A frame (10) including a first top wall (11) and a first bottom wall (12) facing each other in the height direction (Z), and two first side walls (13) facing each other in the lateral direction (X), The frame (10) includes a pair of elastic buckles (14) formed on the outside of each of the two first side walls (13), The mounting frame is characterized in that the mounting frame (1) is a single integrated part, the frame body (10) is used to fix a connector inserted therein, and the elastic buckle (14) is used to lock the mounting frame (1) and the mating mounting frame (2) together by joining with a projection (24a) on the mating mounting frame (2).

2. The mounting frame according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting frame (1) is an integral injection-molded part.

3. The mounting frame according to claim 1, wherein the frame (10) has a front side and a rear side facing each other in its vertical direction (Y), the connector is suitable for being inserted into the frame (10) from the rear side of the frame (10), and the front part (10a) of the frame (10) is suitable for being inserted into the mating frame (20) of the mating mounting frame (2).

4. The mounting frame according to claim 3, wherein a first locking groove (15) is formed at the rear of the first top wall (11) and the first bottom wall (12) of the frame (10), the first locking groove (15) on the first top wall (11) of the frame (10) is suitable for joining with a first snap fit on the top wall of the connector case, and the first locking groove (15) on the first bottom wall (12) of the frame (10) is suitable for joining with a first snap fit on the bottom wall of the connector case, thereby locking the connector to the frame (10).

5. The mounting frame according to claim 4, wherein the frame (10) is suitable for inserting a row of connectors, and a row of first locking grooves (15) is formed on the rear of the first top wall (11) and the first bottom wall (12) of the frame (10), the row of first locking grooves (15) on the first top wall (11) of the frame (10) is suitable for joining with a first snap fit on the top wall of the case of the row of connectors, and the row of first locking grooves (15) on the first bottom wall (12) of the frame (10) is suitable for joining with a first snap fit on the bottom wall of the case of the row of connectors, thereby locking the row of connectors to the frame (10).

6. The first locking groove (15) is T-shaped in order to connect with the T-shaped first snap-fit ​​on the connector, and The mounting frame according to claim 3, characterized in that the first locking groove (15) on the first top wall (11) of the frame (10) and the first locking groove (15) on the first bottom wall (12) of the frame (10) are asymmetrical in order to prevent the connector from being inserted into the frame (10) in the wrong orientation.

7. The mounting frame according to claim 1, wherein the elastic buckle (14) includes a lock catch portion (140) that is suspended and supported on the outside of the first side wall (13) of the frame (10), and the lock catch portion (140) is movable between a locked position in which it engages with a projection (24a) on the mating mounting frame (2) and an unlocked position in which it is separated from the projection (24a) on the mating mounting frame (2) relative to the first side wall (13) of the frame (10).

8. The elastic buckle (14) is A support rib (143) formed on the outside of the first side wall (13) of the frame (10), It further includes a lock release portion (142) connected to the support rib (143) and extending rearward from the support rib (143), The lock catch portion (140) is connected to the unlock portion (142) and extends forward from the support rib (143), and the unlock portion (142) and the lock catch portion (140) are floatingly supported on the outside of the frame (10) by the support rib (143). The mounting frame according to claim 7, characterized in that pressing the release part (142) toward the first side wall (13) of the frame (10) can move the elastic buckle (14) from the locked position to the unlocked position.

9. The mounting frame according to claim 7, wherein the lock catch portion (140) includes a pair of cantilevers (141) located on both the upper and lower sides of the support rib (143), the fixed ends of the pair of cantilevers (141) are connected to the unlock portion (142), and a hook portion (14a) is formed on the free end of the cantilever (141), the hook portion (14a) being suitable for joining with a projection (24a) on the mating mounting frame (2).

10. Each of the two first side walls (13) of the frame (10) has a finger support portion (16) that protrudes outward, and the finger support portion (16) is located behind the lock release portion (142) and is adjacent to the lock release portion (142). The mounting frame according to claim 8, characterized in that when the unlocking portion (142) is pressed with a finger, the finger is supported by the finger support portion (16), and the finger support portion (16) becomes a fulcrum for the force applied by the finger.

11. A connector module, A mounting frame (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, This includes a connector that is inserted into and fixed to the frame body (10) of the mounting frame (1), The connector module is characterized in that the connector includes a case and terminals installed in the case, the terminals being used to mate with the mating terminals of a mating connector.

12. The connector module according to claim 11, characterized in that a first snap fit is formed on the top wall and bottom wall of the connector case, and the first snap fit engages with a first locking groove (15) on the mounting frame (1) to lock the connector to the frame body (10) of the mounting frame (1).

13. The connector module according to claim 11, wherein the connector module includes a plurality of connectors, the plurality of connectors are inserted into and fixed to the frame (10) of the mounting frame (1), and are arranged in a row along the lateral direction (X) of the frame (10).

14. The other side mounting frame (2), The opposing frame (20) includes a second top wall (21) and a second bottom wall (22) that are opposite to each other in the height direction (Z), and two second side walls (23) that are opposite to each other in the lateral direction (X), This includes a plurality of protrusions (24a) formed on the outside of the two second side walls (23) of the mating frame (20), The mating mounting frame (2) is a single integrated part, the mating frame body (20) is used to fix the mating connector inserted therein, and the projection (24a) is used to lock the mounting frame (1) and the mating mounting frame (2) together with the elastic buckle (14) on the mounting frame (1).

15. The mating mounting frame (2) according to claim 14, characterized in that the mating mounting frame (2) is an integral injection-molded part.

16. The mating frame (2) according to claim 14, wherein the mating frame (20) has a front side and a rear side facing each other in its vertical direction (Y), the mating connector is suitable for being inserted into the mating frame (20) from the front side of the mating frame (20), and the front part (10a) of the frame (10) is suitable for being inserted into the mating frame (20) from the rear side of the mating frame (20).

17. The mating mounting frame (2) according to claim 14, characterized in that a second locking groove (25) is formed in the front of the second top wall (21) and the second bottom wall (22) of the mating frame (20), the second locking groove (25) on the second top wall (21) of the mating frame (20) is suitable for joining with the second snap fit on the top wall of the case of the mating connector, and the second locking groove (25) on the second bottom wall (22) of the mating frame (20) is suitable for joining with the second snap fit on the bottom wall of the case of the mating connector, thereby locking the mating connector to the mating frame (20).

18. The mating frame (2) according to 17 is characterized in that the mating frame (20) is suitable for inserting a row of mating connectors, and a row of second locking grooves (25) is formed on the front of the second top wall (21) and second bottom wall (22) of the mating frame (20), the row of second locking grooves (25) on the second top wall (21) of the mating frame (20) is suitable for joining with a second snap fit on the top wall of the case of the row of mating connectors, and the row of second locking grooves (25) on the second bottom wall (22) of the mating frame (20) is suitable for joining with a second snap fit on the bottom wall of the case of the row of mating connectors, thereby locking the row of connectors to the mating frame (20).

19. The second locking groove (25) is T-shaped in order to connect with the T-shaped second snap-fit ​​on the mating connector, and The mating mounting frame (2) according to 16, characterized in that the second locking groove (25) on the second top wall (21) of the mating frame (20) and the second locking groove (25) on the second bottom wall (22) of the mating frame (20) are asymmetrical in order to prevent the mating connector from being inserted into the mating frame (20) in the wrong orientation.

20. The other side connector module, A mating mounting frame (2) according to any one of claims 14 to 19, This includes a mating connector that is inserted into and fixed to the mating frame body (20) of the mating mounting frame (2), A mating connector module characterized in that the mating connector includes a case and mating terminals installed in the case, the mating terminals being used for mating with the terminals of the connector.

21. The mating connector module according to claim 20, characterized in that a second snap fit is formed on the top wall and bottom wall of the case of the mating connector, and the second snap fit engages with a second locking groove (25) on the mating mounting frame (2) to lock the mating connector to the mating frame body (20) of the mating mounting frame (2).

22. The mating connector module according to claim 20, wherein the mating connector module includes a plurality of mating connectors, the plurality of mating connectors are inserted into and fixed to the mating frame body (20) of the mating mounting frame (2), and are arranged in a row along the lateral direction (X) of the mating frame body (20).

23. A connector assembly, A connector module according to any one of claims 11 to 13, Includes a mating connector module according to any one of claims 20 to 22 that mates with the connector module, The front portion (10a) of the frame body (10) of the mounting frame (1) is inserted into the mating mounting frame (2), and the connector is mated with the mating connector. A connector assembly characterized in that an elastic buckle (14) on the mounting frame (1) is joined to a projection (24a) on the mating mounting frame (2) to lock the connector module and the mating connector module into a mating position.

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