Holding frame for a modular industrial plug-in connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding frame (2) which is provided for receiving plug-in connector modules (5, 5') and for installation in a plug-in connector housing (1), wherein the holding frame (1) consists of at least two frame parts (9, 9') which are connected to one another via a joint, can be pivoted open relative to one another, along a pivot axis (A), into a receiving position, and can be pivoted closed into a holding position, wherein the holding frame (2) can be equipped with plug-in connector modules (5, 5') in the receiving position, and wherein the plug-in connector modules (5, 5') are captively held in the holding frame (2) in the holding position, wherein an elastomer body (14) is clamped between the frame parts (9, 9'), as a result of which the frame parts (9, 9') can each be locked in their receiving position and / or holding position.

Description

[0001] 2024-04-10 - 1 - P2024039DEApplicant: HARTING Electric Stiftung & Co. KG Title: Retaining frame for a modular industrial connector Description The invention is based on a retaining frame for a modular industrial connector according to the preamble of independent claim 1. Such retaining frames serve to hold connector modules, wherein the retaining frame is equipped with various connector modules and then inserted into a connector housing and screwed to it. The retaining frame must be mechanically stable in order to withstand the plugging and unplugging forces that occur when connecting or disconnecting the connector. Connector modules are required as part of a modular connector system in order to flexibly adapt a connector, in particular a heavy-duty industrial connector, to specific requirements regarding signal and power transmission, e.g.between two electrical devices. For this purpose, connector modules are typically inserted into corresponding holding frames, which are sometimes also referred to as articulated frames, module frames, or modular frames. The holding frames thus serve to accommodate several similar and / or different connector modules and to securely fasten them to a surface and / or a device wall and / or in a connector housing or similar. State of the art A holding frame for connector modules is known from DE 19707120 C1. The holding frame consists of two halves that are connected to one another via a joint. Snap-in hooks of the connector modules engage in recesses in the side surfaces of each half. The joint or the end joints are arranged in the fastening ends of the holding frame.When the holding frame is screwed onto a mounting surface, the frame parts align so that the sides of the holding frame are perpendicular to the mounting surface. This secures the connector modules in the holding frame. The holding frame of DE 19707 120 C1 does not have a clearly defined open position for fitting the holding frame with connector modules. This occasionally results in somewhat cumbersome assembly, especially for inexperienced persons. Once the holding frame has been successfully fitted with connector modules, it must be brought into a closed state or position to secure the connector modules.To solve this problem, EP 3345257 A1 shows a holding frame into which connector modules can be inserted, wherein the holding frame consists of two halves that can be connected to one another, wherein the halves can be aligned with one another in at least two positions and can be fixed in each of these positions by means of holding means. The holding means are firmly fixed to one frame half in each case, which increases the manufacturing outlay for such a frame. Task The object of the invention is to propose a holding frame that is easy to handle and at the same time can be produced inexpensively. This object is achieved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and the following description. The holding frame according to the invention is intended to accommodate a plurality of connector modules.The holding frame is then either installed in a connector housing or screwed to a wall surface, for example, of a machine.2024-04-10 - 3 - P2024039DEThe holding frame according to the invention consists of two interconnectable frame parts. Each of these frame parts has a side surface and an end surface. Approximately in their contact area, the two frame parts define a pivot axis that runs parallel to the long sides of the halves. The frame parts can be pivoted open relative to one another along the pivot axis into a receiving position and closed into a holding position. In the receiving position, the holding frame can be equipped with connector modules. In the holding position, the connector modules are held captively in the holding frame. According to the invention, an elastomer body is clamped between the frame parts, whereby the frame parts can be locked in their receiving position and in their holding position.Connector assembly using a holding frame according to the invention proceeds as follows: First, the holding frame is opened into its receiving position. The elastomer body ensures that the frame parts remain in the desired position relative to one another. The desired number of connector modules is then inserted into the opened holding frame. The holding frame is then folded back into its holding position. The elastomer body is slightly reversibly deformed, and a corresponding force must be applied. In the holding position, the elastomer body ensures that the frame parts remain in their desired position and that the connector modules cannot fall out of the holding frame again. In their receiving position, the frame parts are preferably at an angle α other than 180° to one another along the pivot axis.In the receiving position, the angle α is then between 130° and 170°, preferably between 155° and 165°. In this angular position of the halves, the connector modules can be inserted into the holding frame particularly easily. Preferably, the frame parts in their holding position, along the pivot axis, are at an angle α of approximately 180° to each other. By "approximately" we mean that the angle α can also deviate slightly from 180°, for example if the side surfaces of the frame parts are to be slightly inclined towards each other in order to fix the connector modules in a force-fitting manner. In this case, the angle α can deviate by ± 3° from 180°. The frame parts are preferably each made of die-cast zinc material. This material has proven successful for holding frames. Preferably, the pivot axis runs along the longitudinal axis of the holding frame.One could also say that the pivot axis runs through the center of the holding frame. In this case, the frame parts are approximately the same size. This makes them easy to manufacture. The frame parts are preferably connected to one another via a hinge-like joint. This means that the articulated connection of the frame parts only has a defined axis of movement. One frame part preferably has at least one joint head. The other frame part has at least one matching joint receptacle. The joint head of the first frame part can engage in the joint receptacle of the second frame part, thereby providing an articulated connection between the frame parts. The articulated connection enables the frame parts to be aligned relative to one another. The elastomer body preferably has a holding section with a U-shaped cross-section. The holding section preferably engages over an end section of a frame part.The end section is preferably a flange that protrudes from the end face of the frame part. The PE contact of the holding frame, for example, is also attached to the flange. The elastomer body is preferably made of glass fiber reinforced TPU. It is particularly preferred if the elastomer body has a Shore hardness D between 70 and 80. Such material parameters ensure low wear of the elastomer body, while at the same time ensuring comfortable operation and holding force in the respective positions. A Shore hardness D of exactly 73 has proven to be particularly preferred. This material value provides high rigidity with good elongation. Embodiment An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and is explained in more detail below. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a connector housing of an industrial connector, Fig.Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a holding frame equipped with various connector modules, Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a holding frame equipped with only one connector module, Fig. 4 shows a top view of the end face of the holding frame in its receiving position, Fig. 5 shows a top view of the elastomer body without the remaining components of the holding frame, and Fig. 6 shows a top view of the end face of the holding frame in its holding position. 2024-04-10 - 6 - P2024039DE The figures contain partially simplified, schematic representations. Identical reference numerals are sometimes used for identical, but possibly not identical, elements. Different views of identical elements may be scaled differently. Directional information such as "left", "right", "top", and "bottom" are to be understood with reference to the respective figure and may vary in the individual representations compared to the object shown.Figure 1 shows a connector housing 1 of an industrial connector. The connector housing 1 is generally made of a metallic material and is manufactured in particular using a zinc die-casting process. Such a connector housing 1 is robust and has good electromagnetic shielding properties and is therefore particularly suitable for harsh industrial environments. Figure 2 shows a holding frame 2 equipped with various connector modules 5, 5'. The holding frame 2 has a frame-shaped design and has screws 4 at each of its corners. The connector housing 1 has an approximately rectangular cross-section and has corresponding threaded holes 3 in its corners inside the housing. The holding frame 2 can be fastened in the connector housing 1 using the screws 4, in conjunction with the associated threaded holes 3.The holding frame 2 consists of two frame parts 9 that are connected to one another in an articulated manner. Openings 10 are provided in the respective frame parts 9 of the holding frame 2, into which the holding means 8 of the connector module 5, 5' or the connector modules 5, 5' are inserted during insertion. When the frame halves 9 are folded together, the holding means 8 move completely into the openings 10, thereby creating a positive fit for the connector module 5, 5' or the connector modules 5, 5' in the holding frame 2. The connector modules 5, 5' have contact chambers 6 that are provided for receiving contact elements. 2024-04-10 - 7 - P2024039DE Figure 3 shows the holding frame 2 in its receiving position. The two frame parts 9, 9' are connected to one another via a joint.The frame parts 9, 9' can be pivoted open relative to one another along a pivot axis (A) into a receiving position, as shown in Figure 3, and pivoted closed into a holding position, as shown in Figure 2. The frame parts 9, 9' have an outwardly projecting flange 7, which in one frame part is equipped with a PE contact element 11. One frame part 9 has a joint head 12, which engages in a matching joint receptacle of the other frame part 9'. This creates an articulated connection between the two frame parts 9, 9'. Figure 4 shows a plan view of the end face of the holding frame 2 in the unfolded state. This illustration shows the angle α that the frame parts 9, 9' form with one another along the pivot axis A. An elastomer body 14 is arranged or clamped between the frame parts 9, 9' in the flange area. In this example, the angle α is approximately 160°.In this angular position, the connector modules 5, 5' can be conveniently inserted into the receiving area of ​​the holding frame 2. In Figure 5, the elastomer body 14 of the holding frame 2 is shown in isolation. The elastomer body 14 has a U-shaped section 13 that surrounds the flange 7' of the frame part 9' on the inside. Due to its elastomeric or rubber-like properties, the elastomer body 14 can be securely clamped between the frame parts 9, 9'. Opposite the U-shaped section 13, the elastomer body 14 has a locking section that has an oblique flank 16, from which a locking pin 15 projects downwards at the end. In the 2024-04-10 - 8 - P2024039DE receiving position of the holding frame 2, the locking pin 14 rests on the flange 7 of the opposite frame part 9 and thus prevents the holding frame 2 from closing.Figure 6 shows a plan view of the end face of the holding frame in its holding position. In the holding position of the holding frame 2, the locking pin 14 engages over an edge 7a of the opposite frame part 9, which protrudes perpendicularly from the flange 7 at the end, and thus prevents the holding frame 2 from folding open. Even though various aspects or features of the invention are shown in combination in the figures, it is apparent to a 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 feature complexes from different exemplary embodiments can be interchanged.

[0002] 2024-04-10 - 9 - P2024039DEApplicant: HARTING Electric Stiftung & Co. KG Title: Retaining frame for a modular industrial connector List of reference symbols 1Connector housing2 Retaining frame3 Threaded hole4 Screw5 Connector module6 Contact chamber 7 Flansch 7a Edge of flange 7 8Holding means9 Frame part10 Opening11 PE contact element12 Joint head13 Locking section with U-shaped cross-section14 Elastomer body15 Locking pin16 Inclined flankA Pivot axis

Claims

2024-04-10 - 1 - P2024039DE Applicant: HARTING Electric Stiftung & Co. KG Title: Holding frame for a modular industrial connector Claims 1. Holding frame (2) which is provided for receiving connector modules (5, 5') and for installation in a connector housing (1), wherein the holding frame (1) consists of at least two frame parts (9, 9') which are connected to one another via a joint and which can be pivoted open relative to one another along a pivot axis (A) into a receiving position and pivoted closed into a holding position, wherein the holding frame (2) can be equipped with connector modules (5, 5') in the receiving position and wherein the connector modules (5, 5') are held captively in the holding frame (2) in the holding position, characterized in that an elastomer body (14) is clamped between the frame parts (9, 9'), whereby the frame parts (9, 9') can be locked in their receiving and / or holding positions. 2.Holding frame (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame parts (9, 9') in their receiving position, along the pivot axis, are at an angle α not equal to 180° to one another, wherein the angle α then lies between 130° and 170°, but preferably between 155° and 165°.

3. Holding frame (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame parts (9, 9') in their holding position, along the pivot axis, are at an angle α of approximately 180° to one another.

4. Holding frame (2) according to one of the preceding claims. 2024-04-10 - 2 - P2024039DE characterized in that the pivot axis (A) runs along the longitudinal axis of the holding frame (2) and as a result the frame parts (9, 9') are approximately the same size.

5. Holding frame (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame parts (9, 9') are connected to one another via a hinge-like joint.

6. Holding frame (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one frame part (9) has at least one joint head (12) and the other frame part (9') has at least one matching joint receptacle.

7. Holding frame (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastomer body (14) has a holding section (13) with a U-shaped cross-section.

8. Holding frame (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the holding section (13) overlaps a flange (7') of a frame part (9'). 9.Holding frame (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastomer body (14) consists of glass fiber reinforced TPU.

10. Holding frame (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that. 2024-04-10 - 3 - P2024039DE the elastomer body (14) has a Shore D hardness between 70 and 80.

11. Holding frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastomer body (14) has a locking section.

12. Holding frame according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking section has an inclined flank (16), from which a locking pin (15) protrudes at the end.

Images