EP3080874A1

EP3080874A1 - Holding frame for a plug connector

Info

Publication number: EP3080874A1
Application number: EP14830505.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Heiko Herbrechtsmeier
Original assignee: Harting Electric GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Harting Electric Stiftung and Co KG
Priority date: 2013-12-12
Filing date: 2014-12-11
Publication date: 2016-10-19
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-11
Also published as: US10050391B2; CN105814749B; KR20160098356A; US20160276786A1; RU2657870C2; KR101810807B1; CN105814749A; WO2015085994A1; EP3080874B1

Abstract

The aim of the invention is to provide a holding frame for a plug connector with a good heat resistance and a high mechanical robustness and to enable a protective earthing during installation in a metallic plug connector housing, yet at the same time guarantee a convenient serviceability, in particular during replacement of individual modules (3). To achieve this aim, the manufacture of the holding frame at least partially from resilient sheet metal is proposed. Due to the resilient properties of the sheet metal, it is possible to insert or remove modules (3) with very little effort. The sheet metal can be bent and/or folded in certain regions and can thereby be strengthened in targeted regions, in order to achieve a particularly advantageous combination of holding and actuating forces.

Description

Holding frame for a connector

description

The invention relates to a holding frame for a connector according to the preamble of independent main claim 1.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a manufacturing method for a holding frame according to the preamble of independent subsidiary claim 14.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for introducing a module into a holding frame according to the preamble of the independent subsidiary claim 15.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for introducing a module into a holding frame according to the preamble of the independent subsidiary claim 16.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a metallic support frame for a

Connector according to the preamble of independent subsidiary claim 17.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a metallic support frame according to the preamble of independent subsidiary claim 35.

Such support frames are required to accommodate a plurality of similar and / or different modules. These modules may be, for example, insulating body, which serves as a contact carrier for

electronic and electrical and possibly also for optical and / or pneumatic contacts are provided. Of particular importance is that the support frame is generically made of a metallic material, because this is required for the production of a regulatory protective grounding according to the connector standard EN61984, for example, for inserting the modules equipped with holding frame in metallic connector housing. State of the art

From the document EP 0 860 906 B1 a holding frame for mounting connector modules and for mounting in connector housings or for screwing to wall surfaces is known, wherein the connector modules are inserted into the holding frame and holding means on the connector modules with on opposite wall parts (side surfaces) of the holding frame cooperate provided recesses, wherein the recesses are formed as all-round closed openings in the side surfaces of the holding frame, wherein the holding frame consists of two hingedly interconnected halves, wherein the separation of the holding frame is provided transversely to the side surfaces of the frame, and wherein joints in the

Attachment ends of the holding frame are arranged such that when

Screwing the holding frame on a mounting surface is the

Align frame parts such that the side surface of the holding frame are aligned at right angles to the mounting surface and the

Connector modules via the support means have a positive connection with the support frame. In practice, such holding frames are usually in a die-casting process, in particular in one

Zinc die casting process manufactured.

The document EP 2 581 991 A1 discloses a holding frame for

Connector modules, which has two frame halves, by

Linear displacement of a frame half relative to the other frame half in a sliding direction are locked together,

wherein mutually corresponding latching means are provided on the frame halves, the latching of the two during linear displacement

Frame halves effect each other in two different locking positions in which the frame halves are spaced at different distances from each other.

However, it has been found in practice that such mounting frames require a complex operation during assembly. For example, such holding frame must be unscrewed from the connector and / or unlocked as soon as even a single module is to be replaced. In this case, possibly fall the other modules whose removal was not desirable, out of the support frame and must then before the

Screw together and / or reinsert before latching the frame halves. Finally, all modules must already be in the position provided for them before assembly of the frame halves, in order to be finally fixed in the mounting frame when joining the frame halves, which complicates the assembly.

The document EP 1 801 927 B1 discloses a holding frame which consists of a one-piece plastic injection-molded part. The holding frame is formed as a circumferential collar and has on its side plug a plurality of separated by slots wall segments. Two opposite wall segments each form an insertion region for a plug-in module, wherein the wall segments have window-like openings, which serve to receive projections formed on the narrow sides of the modules. Furthermore, in each case a guide groove is provided in the wall segments. The guide groove is formed above the openings by means of an outwardly offset window web, which has an insertion bevel on the inside. In addition, the plug-in modules have latching arms, which act on the narrow sides in the direction of the cable connections, molded, and latch below the side collar wall, so that two independent latching means fix the connector modules in the support frame.

A disadvantage of this prior art, on the one hand, that it is a holding frame formed of plastic, which is not suitable for protective grounding, for example by a PE contact, so for example not suitable for installation in metallic connector housing. However, the use of metallic connector housings requires such protective grounding and is, for example, because of their mechanical robustness,

Temperature resistance and their electrically shielding properties necessary in many cases and therefore desired by the customer. Furthermore, it has been shown that the production of such trained plastic holding frame in

Injection molding at least difficult and can be realized only with great effort. Ultimately, the heat resistance of such Holding frame for special applications, for example near a

Blast furnace, not always sufficient. Finally, the plastic material and the shape, in particular the strength of the holding frame to the relevant

Primarily determined by the requirements of flexibility and not by those of temperature resistance.

task

The object of the invention is to provide a design and a manufacturing method for a holding frame, which on the one hand has good heat resistance and high mechanical robustness and in particular also when installed in a metallic connector housing a corresponding protective ground, in particular a PE ("Protection Earth") - Protective ground, allows and on the other hand, a comfortable operation, especially in

Replacement of individual modules, guaranteed.

This object is achieved with a support frame of the type mentioned by the features of the characterizing part of the independent main claim 1.

Furthermore, this object is achieved by a manufacturing method of the type mentioned by the features of the characterizing part of the independent subsidiary claim 14.

Furthermore, this object is achieved with the above-mentioned method for inserting a module in a holding frame by the characterizing features of the independent subsidiary claim 15.

Furthermore, this object is achieved with the above-mentioned method for introducing a module into a holding frame by the characterizing features of the independent subsidiary claim 16. Furthermore, this object is achieved with a metallic support frame of the type mentioned by the features of the characterizing part of the independent subsidiary claim 17.

Furthermore, this object is achieved with the above-mentioned method for producing a metallic support frame by the features of

characterizing part of independent subsidiary claim 35.

Such a support frame is used in the field of heavy industrial connectors and consists at least partially of a metallic material, namely sheet, thus a protective ground, in particular a PE protective earth, allows, and at the same time allows due to the elastic properties of the sheet, modules individually with only insert or remove very little effort. Furthermore, the use of sheet metal as a material ensures high temperature resistance and also a particularly large

mechanical robustness of the holding frame.

A resilient sheet metal is to be understood as meaning a sheet having spring-elastic properties, such as, for example, a reversible deformability, in particular by applying a corresponding restoring force, that is, for example, a sheet metal made of spring steel or a comparable material.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

An advantage of the invention is therefore that the modules can be inserted individually and with very little effort in the support frame and removed from it.

It is particularly advantageous in particular if the modules have a cable connection side which is intended to be connected to a cable, for example by screwing, crimping, soldering or the like, and in that the modules are inserted from the direction of their cable connection side into the support frame be because they can be completely removed in the wired state of the support frame back towards their cable connection side. This is especially true when installed, so even if the support frame is already installed in a connector housing, such as a Flanschanbaugehäuse. Another advantage therefore also lies in the fact that the cable can be prefabricated with the modules and, independently of the process of prefabrication, can only later be inserted into a holding frame. Also, the support frame can be replaced in this way, without the need to be separated from the cable modules, for example if the

Holding frame has wear and / or damage.

Another advantage of the invention is that the holding frame for electrical safety a protective ground, in particular a PE protective ground of a metallic connector housing, in which the holding frame is inserted, allows. This further ensures as an additional advantage, a shielding of the transmitted signals through the connector. This shield can be a protection against interference from the outside. But it can also be a shield to prevent or reduce an interference emission, so protect the environment against interference fields of the connector. In other words, not only the signals transmitted by the modules are protected from external interference fields, but there is also protection of the environment from disturbances caused by a current flow passing through the modules.

A particularly great additional advantage is that the support frame is on the one hand particularly resistant to heat and on the other hand still has sufficient elasticity at the required points to insert the modules individually and with little effort in the module frame and remove again. It is particularly advantageous if the entire holding frame (or at least the functional part of the holding frame for holding and fixing the modules) consists of resilient sheet metal, because it is substantially more resistant to heat at least as great elasticity than a mechanical point of view otherwise functional comparable plastic frame. Associated modules can be made compact accordingly in their design be so that they can continue to be made of plastic and still are relatively resistant to heat.

It is particularly advantageous that both the material and the design of these modules need to show only low elasticity, because even the holding frame consists of a resilient sheet and therefore, for example, is able, the modules in a constant base voltage over a To keep longer period, without thereby fundamentally changing, for example without so much irreversible deformation and especially under constant mechanical and thermal stress to "crawl" so strong that its holding force with respect to the modules and / or for example, the In other words, the modules can be resiliently clamped in the holding frame, without the modules themselves having to have elastic parts and / or material properties.

It is therefore particularly advantageous if the holding frame is at least partially made of resilient sheet metal, so at least partially consists of one or more resilient sheet metal parts. In particular, it can be produced in stamping and bending technology, so that the sheet metal part or parts are stamped and bent parts. This advantageously enables production with the tools customary for the stamping and bending technique, so that no special tools are necessary for producing such a holding frame. If the holding frame consists of several stamped and bent parts, then these stamped and bent parts can consist of the same sheet metal and accordingly have the same material properties, in particular the same elasticity to one another. But they can also be punched out of different sheets and have different material properties, in particular different strengths and / or elasticities.

It when the holding frame has a plurality of different areas, which have a different elasticity to each other, because he then targeted in the region of the highest bending stress a higher resistance is particularly advantageous. Can apply stall torque. The first region with a higher resistance moment can thus be a base section. The second region with a lower resistance moment may be a deformation section.

This can be realized both with a holding frame, which consists of a single sheet metal part as well as with a holding frame, which consists of several sheet metal parts, wherein the sheet metal parts with each other may have the same or different material properties, in particular the same or different elasticities.

For example, a support frame consist exclusively of sheet metal parts, which consist of the same material and also have the same strength, that is, for example, are punched out of the same stamped sheet metal. For this purpose, a first of these areas, that is, for example, the base section, consist of a circumferential base frame. The base frame may be substantially rectangular in cross-section, thus having two mutually parallel opposite end portions and perpendicular thereto two mutually parallel opposite side parts, wherein the end portions are shorter than the side portions. End and side parts can also be the same length in the special case of a square cross section.

By this closed shape already contributes to the geometry of the base frame and thus the geometry of the entire support frame that this first area, namely the base frame, a lower elasticity and thus greater strength than a second area, which for example from a cheek area with free-standing elastic tabs, which are separated by slots. In particular, this applies if the holding frame is firmly mounted in a connector housing, for example screwed into four screw holes in the connector housing.

In addition, the sheet metal of the holding frame in the first area, namely the base frame, at least in some places, in particular on the side parts and possibly also on the end faces, be selectively reinforced by different layers there of the same sheet metal part, for example, by folding or through more layers of at least one other sheet metal part by its attachment and attachment, so come through a so-called joint connection, flat against each other. In the case of the joining connection, called "joining" for short, these sheet metal parts are in one or more suitable locations, for example by gluing, welding, soldering, riveting or any other suitable

Attachment method attached to each other.

The associated modules may be formed substantially parallelepiped-shaped and have on two opposite longitudinal sides in each case a latching lug, which may also be performed substantially cuboidal. Each of the elastic tabs of the holding frame advantageously has a latching window, which may be formed substantially rectangular, and which is provided for preferably positive reception of such a latching lug.

The two latching lugs of a module may differ from one another, for example in their shape and / or their size, in particular by their length, and the lugs on both sides of the holding frame may have corresponding (for example rectangular) windows, which therefore also extend from each other

differ and in size and / or shape to each one of the locking lugs fit. This has the advantage that thereby the orientation of each module is fixed in the holding frame. In other words, the latching window and the locking lugs can be used by their shape and / or size as coding means for orientation of the modules in the holding frame.

The tabs of the holding frame are advantageously bent away easily in a free-standing end portion of the support frame, which simplifies the insertion of the modules. The insertion of a module into the holding frame is then particularly user-friendly. For this purpose, a module is first introduced between two tabs of a holding frame and then slides along with its two longitudinal sides and in particular with the locking lugs formed thereon along the bent away end regions of the tabs. As a result, the two tabs bend briefly apart until the respective

Latches of the associated locking window of the respective tab be recorded and thus, in particular audible lock it. When receiving the locking lugs in the respective locking window, the tabs preferably spring back into their starting position. In this way, the modules individually in the holding frame, preferably audibly, lock.

At the same time, the inserted module is in a stable base frame

held comparatively large force, in particular, when the holding frame firmly mounted in a connector housing, for example, four

Screw holes is screwed into the connector housing. To unlock the modules again, only the two opposite elastic tabs have to be bent away from each other again. Then, the respective module can be removed individually from the support frame, while the other modules are still locked. Furthermore, a high holding force at a comparatively low operating force is ensured in this way, in particular by the different elasticity of the different areas, which is particularly advantageous for the operability.

A further ease of operation is given when the latching of the locking lugs in the locking windows generates a noise, because thereby the user is also acoustically signaled the correct positioning of the module.

It is particularly advantageous, moreover, that the modules are already held by the aforementioned construction with sufficient holding force in the holding frame and accordingly except their locking lugs no further locking means, for example, latching arms, because this simplifies their design and thus their production cost considerably and ensures at the same time a compact design and thus also for high heat resistance of the modules and thus the entire connector.

Of particular advantage in the production of the holding frame, that the sheet metal part or the sheet metal parts are shaped, in particular punched and bent and / or joined together, that some of their areas come to rest on each other and thereby for the functions provided in their spring force and possibly strengthen their holding power. Thus, the sheet in some places, for example by folding a sheet metal part and / or by joining several individual sheet metal parts, reinforced, for example, doubled in strength, tripled, quadrupled, etc., so ver-n-times be. As a result, the manufacturing advantages of the stamping and bending technique can be combined with a targeted influencing of the elasticity, which is otherwise difficult to implement, in particular if the same stamped sheet is used, which originally has a constant thickness.

By folding and / or joining, on the one hand, a resilient sheet metal can be used as a particularly suitable material for the holding frame, and on the other hand, the elasticity of individual areas of the holding frame can also be selectively influenced in the manner described above using a single stamping sheet, which facilitates the production become.

In an advantageous embodiment, for example, the side parts of the base frame can be reinforced. For this purpose, a cheek area can additionally be provided adjoining each side face adjacent thereto, which has a reinforcing area and, in addition, protruding, adjoining or overlapping tabs. The cheek area can be bent with its reinforcing region in a bending operation by 180 ° and so folded over the side surface and reinforce this side surface against outwardly acting forces. In the further course, the cheek area can have, in whole or in some sections, slots which subdivide it into equidistant intervals along the side parts, the width of these intervals advantageously corresponding to the width of the modules. The slots can extend into the reinforcement area. Through the slots in one direction over the base frame protruding tabs are formed. In an opposite direction, the side parts of the base frame reinforced in this way can also project with their respective bending edge over the end faces. Thus, the side parts have a greater width than the end faces. This has the advantage that the modules are held over a larger area and in particular via a corresponding leverage effect with an increased holding force in the holding frame. Thus, the folded cheek area protrudes with its free-standing end

unreinforced beyond the base frame and thus forms the much more elastic second region, which can be regarded as a deformation section, for example. Due to its slots, this is done in particular by the individual, free-standing, elastic tabs, which already have a comparatively large elasticity due to their shape. The tabs are still preferably formed in contrast to the base frame of only a single, unreinforced sheet, so are not reinforced by a second plate, and thus have only the simple strength of this single sheet and thereby greater elasticity than the first area. In addition, the tabs in the region of their slots are advantageously not themselves attached to the side surface but only connected to the side surface via the bending edge of the reinforcing region. This has the advantage that the tabs have a high elasticity against outward forces, while the side parts in the region of

Basic frame outward forces a great stability

because they are reinforced by the reinforcement areas. Since the tabs are connected to the side surface only by the reinforcing region on the common bending edge, they spring outwardly unreinforced over their entire length, whereas the side surfaces against outward forces by the reinforcing regions, and thus in particular by a corresponding overlap region of the tabs, are reinforced.

In an advantageous embodiment, only a single sheet metal part is used for the production of the holding frame. Then, each end face can be reinforced, for example, by stamping in each case additionally a reinforcing surface adjacent to each end surface during the blanking of the sheet, which is then bent by 180 ° and thereby folded over the end face in order to reinforce it and thus stabilize the base frame additionally. Furthermore, this reinforcing surface can be bent at right angles at a then projecting beyond the end face end, so that at the end of the end face a free-standing flange is formed, which may have, for example, in a connector, Schraubbohrungen. For stabilization, this flange can be reinforced in a similar manner, namely by folding or joining. In an alternative advantageous embodiment of the flange can connect directly to the unreinforced face and bent at right angles to it. Then, on the one hand, the end face is not reinforced, but on the other hand both material and a corresponding operation is saved in the production. Furthermore, regardless of this, the side surfaces may nevertheless be reinforced, which is of paramount importance for holding the modules.

Furthermore, a variety of other embodiments is conceivable in which the

Holding frame of several identical and / or different

resilient sheet metal parts is formed, which are attached to each other, for example, by gluing, welding, soldering, screws and / or rivets. In particular, these sheet metal parts can be produced in stamping and bending technology, so that the sheet metal parts are stamped and bent parts. Preferably, the holding frame of two, in cross-section of the base frame substantially U-shaped sheet metal parts may be formed, which thus each have two end faces, namely a first and a second end face. The two sheet metal parts are then offset in the production of the holding frame in such a way, in particular offset by a sheet thickness, pushed into each other, that their first and second end faces each lie on each other and to each other, for example by gluing, welding, soldering, screws and / or rivets be attached. In particular, in each case the first end face of one of the sheet metal parts comes to rest on the second end face of the respective other sheet metal part and is fastened thereto. This embodiment has, in addition to the resulting reinforcement of the sheet in the region of the end faces, the further advantage that the holding frame in the region of its base frame in this way is closed over a large area and therefore in a very stable manner.

By screwing the holding frame to the screw holes of its flanges, for example, in or on a connector housing, the

Basic framework continues to be significantly stabilized.

At one edge of the respective first end face thus coming out in turn, a flange, if necessary with screw holes, can then in turn be similar to described above, be bent at right angles. In a further advantageous refinement, the second end faces can then additionally have a reinforcing flange which, when joined, comes to lie on the flange of the first end face and is fastened thereto, for example, by gluing, welding, soldering, screwing and / or riveting for reinforcement. As a result, the flange of the holding frame is designed to be particularly stable.

In an advantageous embodiment, the two sheet metal parts are similar, i. Despite the two-part design of the holding frame, it is only necessary to produce sheet metal parts of one type, which further reduces the production outlay.

In another preferred embodiment, the two sheet metal parts differ at least by the size and / or the shape of their locking window. This has the advantage that thereby the orientation of each module, which accordingly has two different locking lugs, is fixed. In other words, the latching window and the latching lugs can thus serve by their shape as coding means for the orientation of the modules.

In a further preferred embodiment, the holding frame of more than two sheet metal parts, in particular stamped and bent parts consist, for example, by gluing, welding, soldering, screws and / or rivets to each other

are attached.

embodiment

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing and will be explained in more detail below. Show it:

Fig. 1 a A first sheet metal part in the unbent state;

Figure 1 b shows a second sheet metal part in the unbent state.

Fig. 2 a, b in each case a further sheet metal part in the unbent state;

Fig. 2 c, d in each case a further sheet metal part with a reinforcing flange;

Fig. 3 a, the two other sheet metal parts in the bent state at

Put together; Fig. 3 b, the two other sheet metal parts with reinforcing flange in

bent state during assembly;

Fig. 4 a, b an associated module from two different views;

Fig. 5 is equipped with a module holding frame.

1 a shows in a first embodiment a first, one-piece sheet metal part 1 in an unbent state.

The first sheet metal part 1 has the following:

- Two end faces 1 1, 1 1 ^' , namely a first end face 1 1 and a second end face 1 1 ^' ;

- Two side surfaces 12, 12 ^' , namely a first side surface 12 and a second side surface 12 ^' , wherein the side surfaces 12, 12 ^'are both wider and longer than the end surfaces 1 1, 1 1 ^' and thus in the direction of the respective first Bending line A, Α ^' , A ^" on the adjoining end face 1 1, 1 1 ^' protrude;

- eight free-standing tabs 13, 13 ^' , each having a latching window 131, 131 ^'

have, wherein the tabs 13, 13 ^' by slots 18, 18 ^' are separated from each other, wherein the number of tabs 13, 13 ^' and the corresponding number of slots 18, 18 ^' are selected by way of example and wherein the locking window 131 in four of Tabs 13 is wider than the locking window 131 ^' in the other four tabs 13 ^' ;

two reinforcing regions 14, 14 ^' adjoining a boundary line E, E ^' on the one hand and a second bending line B, B ^' on the respective side faces 12, 12 ^' on the other hand;

- Two to the respective end face 1 1, 1 1 ^' at a third bending line C, C.

adjacent reinforcing surfaces 15, 15 ^' , and

- One respectively to the respective reinforcing surface 15, 15 ^' at a fourth bending line D, D ^' adjacent flange 17, 17 ^' , the screw holes 171, 171 has.

At the dashed lines illustrated second and third bending lines B, B ^' , C, C, the first sheet metal part 1 is folded by 180 °. As a result, each of the two amplification rich 14, 14 ^' on each of the side surfaces 12, 12 ^' to lie and each of the two reinforcing surfaces 15, 15 ^' comes to lie on each of the end faces 1 1, 1 1 ^' to the respective side surface 12, 12 ^' and to reinforce the end face 1 1, 1 1 ^' accordingly. The dashed line delineation E, E ^' thus represents a limit from which the tabs 13, 13 ^' then protrude beyond the respective side surface 12, 12 ^' . The respective reinforcing region 14, 14 ^' is connected to the associated side surface 12, 12 ^' only at the common second bending line B, B ^' , so it is not otherwise attached thereto, so not glued, soldered, welded, riveted, screwed or the like.

Characterized hold the tabs 13, 13 ^', a correspondingly high degree of flexibility, since it over its entire length, that in the gain region 14, ^14' are wegbiegbar into individually from the side surface 12, 12 ^'. By the length of the slots 18, 18 ^' is thus the length and thus the desired elasticity of the tabs 13, 13 ^' adjustable.

Together, the tabs 13, 13 ^' and the further reinforcing region 14, 14 ^{' are} referred to as cheek area, which is not provided with a reference numeral for reasons of clarity. The cheek area is thus defined by the six slots 18, 18 ^'largely divided into intervals of equal size, whereby the tabs 13, ^13' are formed so that the length of the tabs 13, 13 ^'of the length of the slots 18, ^18' corresponds. The term "largely" in this context means that the slots 18, 18 ^' and thus also the tabs 13, 13 ^' extend beyond the boundary line E, E ^' into the respective reinforcement area 14, 14 ^' , but are preferred ^'ends In other words, at least a part of the gain region 14, ^14'. prior to the second bending line B B by the tabs 13, formed 13 ^'. As a result, there exists an overlapping area of both the

Tabs 13, 13 ^' and the reinforcing region 14, 14 ^{' is} attributable, namely that portion of the tabs 13, 13 ^' , which lies between the boundary line E, E ^' and the second bending line B, B ^' . This overlapping area thus has a double function, because it serves on the one hand to increase the stability of the

Base frame and on the other hand, the increase in the elasticity of the tabs 13, 13 ^' against outward forces. In particular, this applies if the holding frame firmly mounted in a connector housing, for example to its four screw holes 171, 171 ^'is screwed into the connector housing.

The side surfaces 12, 12 ^' protrude in the folded state with one of their respective bending edge corresponding to the second bending line B, B ^' on the end faces 1 1, 1 1 ^' addition.

The first sheet-metal part 1 is bent at right angles at the first and fourth bending lines A, A ^' , A ^" , D, D ^' , which are also shown in dashed lines, and the respective flange 17, 17 ^'is formed by the right-angled bending at the fourth bending lines D, D ^' which for fastening, for example, on or in a connector housing not shown in the drawing, the Schraubbohrungen 171, 171 ^' The right-angled bending of the sheet metal part 1 to the first bending lines A, Α ^' , A ^" provides the closed shape of a base frame, which thus from the end faces 1 1, 1 1 ^' and the side surfaces 12, 12 ^' , reinforced by the reinforcing surfaces 15, 15 ^' and the reinforcing regions 14, 14 ^' , that is, two end parts and two

Side parts, is formed. This right-angled bending takes place in such a way that the cheek area is arranged outside the base frame, that is to say on the outside of its side face 12, 12 ^' .

Finally, in order to fix the closed shape of the base frame, the second side face 12 ^{'still has} to be fastened to the first end face 11, for example by gluing, welding, soldering, screwing, riveting or the like.

Advantageously, this is done by setting multiple welds.

The reinforced by the first reinforcing surface 15 first end face 1 1 thus forms the first end portion of the base frame. The reinforced by the second reinforcing surface 15 ^' second end face 1 1 further forms the second end portion of the

Base frame. Bent together with the two right angles

Side parts, formed from the two side surfaces 12, 12 ^' , which are reinforced by the respectively associated reinforcing regions 14, 14 ^' , these two end parts form the base frame.

1 b shows a second sheet metal part in a variant of the first embodiment 1 ^' in an unbent state.

The second sheet metal part 1 ^' differs from the first sheet metal part in that there are no reinforcing surfaces 15, 15 ^' and accordingly also no

associated third bending line C, C, whereby the respective flange 17, 17 ^' with its Schraubbohrungen 171, 171 ^' , which thus over the fourth bending line D, D ^' to the corresponding end face 1 1, 1 1 ^' adjacent. Thus, the second sheet metal part 1 ^{'has the} following:

- The two end faces 1 1, 1 1 ^' , namely, the first end face 1 1 and the

second end face 1 1 ^' ;

- Two side surfaces 12, 12 ^' , namely, the first side surface 12 and the second side surface 12 ^' , wherein the side surfaces 12, 12 ^'are both wider and longer than the end faces 1 1, 1 1 ^' and thus in the direction of the respective first Bending line A, Α ^' , A ^" on the adjoining end face 1 1, 1 1 ^' protrude;

- The eight free-standing tabs 13, 13 ^' , each having a latching window 131, 131 ^' , wherein the tabs 13, 13 ^' by slots 18, 18 ^' are separated from each other, wherein the number of tabs 13, 13 ^' and the corresponding thereto Number of slots 18, 18 ^' are selected by way of example and wherein the locking window 131 in four of the tabs 13 is wider than that

Rest window 131 ^' in the other four tabs 13 ^' ;

- The two on the one hand to the boundary line E, E ^' and on the other hand to the

second bend line B, B ^' adjacent reinforcing regions 14, 14 ^' ;

- Each of the above-mentioned flange 17, 17 ^' , to the respective

End face 1 1, 1 1 ^' adjacent to the bending line D, D ^' , and the

Screw holes 171, 171 ^' has.

At the dashed lines shown second bending lines B, B ^' , the second sheet metal part 1 ^' is folded by 180 °. As a result, each reinforcing region 14, 14 ^' comes to rest on one of the side surfaces 12, 12 ^' , in order to correspondingly reinforce the respective side surface 12, 12 ^' . The broken line E, E ^'thus represents the limit above which the tabs 13, ^13' then via the respective side surface 12, 12 protrude ^'. The respective reinforcement region 14, 14 ^' is associated with the associated side surface 12, 12 ^' only at the common bending line, namely at the second bending line B, B ^' connected, and accordingly not otherwise attached thereto, so not glued, soldered, welded, riveted or the like.

As a result, the tabs 13, 13 ^'have a correspondingly high flexibility, since they can be deflected over their entire length, ie into the reinforcement region 14, 14 ^' , individually from the side surface 12, 12 ^' . By the length of the slots 18, 18 ^' is thus the length and thus the desired elasticity of the tabs 13, 13 ^' without change in the material adjustable.

Together, the tabs 13, 13 ^'and the further reinforcing portion 14, ^14' are referred to as cheeks, which is not provided for reasons of clarity a reference numeral. The cheek area is thus defined by the six slots 18, 18 ^'largely divided into intervals of equal size, whereby the tabs 13, ^13' are formed so that the length of the tabs 13, 13 ^'of the length of the slots 18, ^18' corresponds. The term "largely" in this context means that the slots 18, 18 ^' and thus also the tabs 13, 13 ^' extend beyond the boundary line E, E ^' into the respective reinforcement area 14, 14 ^' , but are preferred ^'end. In other words, at least a part of the gain region 14, ^14' B before the second bend line B by the tabs 13, 13 ^'is formed. as a result, there is an overlap region, both the tabs 13, ^13' as well as the gain region 14 , 14 ^' , namely the region of the tabs 13, 13 ^' which lies between the boundary line E, E ^' and the second bending line B, B ^' And, on the other hand, increasing the elasticity of the tabs 13, 13 ^' with respect to outward-acting forces, in particular when the retaining frame is fixed in a St eckverbindergehäuse mounted, for example, at its four screw holes 171, 171 ^'is screwed into the connector housing.

At the first and fourth bending lines A, A ^' , A ^" , D, also shown in dashed lines, D ^' , the sheet metal part 1 is bent at right angles. By the right-angled bending at the fourth bending lines D, D ^' is in each case the flange 17, 17 ^{' is} formed, which for fastening, for example on or in a connector housing not shown in the drawing, the Schraubbohrungen 171, 171 ^' . The right-angled bending of the sheet metal part 1 ^' about the first bending lines A, Α ^' , A ^" provides the closed shape of a base frame, which thereby from the end faces 1 1, 1 1 ^' and side surfaces 12, 12 ^' , reinforced by the reinforcing regions 14, ^'is formed. This perpendicular bending is performed such that the cheek area outside of the base frame, that is on the outside of its side surface 12, ^12' 14, is arranged.

In order to fix the closed shape of the base frame, the second side surface 12 ^' must be attached to the first end face 1 1, for example by

Bonding, welding, soldering, screws, rivets or the like. In particular, this can be done by multiple welds.

Since a holding frame according to the above embodiments can be formed solely from a single, one-piece stamped and bent part, the first and the second sheet metal part 1, 1 ^'is particularly well suited for machining the holding frame 4.

The unreinforced first end face 1 1 thus forms in this embodiment, the first end portion of the base frame. The unreinforced second end face 1 1 further forms the second end portion of the base frame. Together with the two right angles thereof bent side surfaces 12, 12 ^' , which are reinforced by the respectively associated reinforcing regions 14, 14 ^' , these two end parts form the base frame.

FIGS. 2a and 2b show, in a second embodiment, two further sheet-metal parts 2, 2 ^' , namely a third sheet-metal part 2 and a fourth sheet-metal part 2 ^' . Apart from the size of their windows 231, 231 ^' , the two further sheet-metal parts 2, 2 ^' in the present example can be similar to one another, which also simplifies their production process. These two further plate parts 2, 2 ^'each comprises:

A side surface 22, 22 ^' which delimits itself from a first end face 21, 21 ^' by the first bending line A, A ^' and projects beyond the end face 21, 21 ^' in the direction of this first bending line A, A ^' ;

- a one hand to the second bending line B, B ^'to the side surface 22, ^22' adjacent and on the other hand by the boundary line E, E ^'limited gain region 24, ^24';

a second end face 25, 25 ^' adjacent to the side surface 22, 22 ^' at the third bending line C, C ^' ;

- four free-standing tabs 23, 23 ^' , each having a latching window 231, 231 ^'

have, wherein the tabs 23, 23 ^' by slots 28, 28 ^' are separated from each other, wherein the number of tabs 23, 23 ^' and the corresponding number of slots 28, 28 ^' are selected by way of example and wherein the locking window 231 in four of Tabs 23, which belong to the third sheet metal part 2, larger, in particular wider, than the locking window 231 ^' in the other four tabs 23 ^' , which belong to the fourth sheet metal part 2 ^' ;

- A to the first end face 21, 21 ^' with a fourth bending line D, D ^' adjoining flange 27, 27 ^' wherein the flange 27, 27 ^' Schraubbohrungen 271, 271 ^' has.

At the dashed lines shown second bending lines B, B ^' , the third and fourth sheet metal part 2, 2 ^' is folded in each case by 180 ° in a first direction. As a result, each reinforcement region 24, 24 ^' comes to lie on one of the side surfaces 22, 22 ^' in order to reinforce the respective side surface 22, 22 ^' accordingly. The dashed line E, E ^' thus represents the limit from which the tabs 23, 23 ^' then protrude beyond the respective side surface 22, 22 ^' .

The respective reinforcing region 24, 24 ^' is connected to the associated side surface 22, 22 ^' only at the common bending line, namely at the second bending line B, B ^' , and accordingly not otherwise attached thereto, that is not glued, soldered, welded, riveted or similar. Characterized hold the tabs 23, 23 ^', a correspondingly high degree of flexibility, since it over its entire length, that in the gain region 24, ^24' into, one by one from the side surface 12, 12 ^'are bendable. By the length of the slots 28, 28 ^' is thus the length and thus the desired elasticity of the tabs 23, 23 ^' adjustable.

Together, the tabs 23, 23 ^' and the reinforcing region 24, 24 ^{' are} referred to as cheek area, which is not provided with a reference numeral for reasons of clarity. The cheek area is thus defined by the six slots 28, 28 ^'largely divided into intervals of equal size, whereby the tabs 23, ^23' are formed so that the length of the tabs 23, 23 ^'of the length of the slots 28, ^28' corresponds. The term "largely" in this context means that the slots 28, 28 ^' and thus also the tabs 23, 23 ^' extend beyond the boundary line E, E ^' into the respective reinforcement area 24, 24 ^' , but protrude the second bending line B, B ^'end. In other words, a part of the gain region 24, ^24' by the tabs 23, 23 ^'are formed.

As a result, there is an overlapping area which is attributable both to the tabs 23, 23 ^' and to the reinforcing area 24, 24 ^' , namely that area of the tabs 23, 23 ^' which is located between the boundary line E, E ^' and the second bending line B, B ^'. lies. This overlapping region thus has a dual function, because it serves on the one hand to enhance the stability of the base frame and on the other hand to increase the elasticity of the tabs 24, 24 ^' with respect to outward-acting forces. In particular, this applies if the holding frame firmly mounted in a connector housing, for example, at its four screw holes 271, 271 ^'is screwed into the connector housing.

The side surfaces 22, 22 ^' protrude beyond the respective first end face 21, 21 ^' in the folded state with one of their respective bending edges corresponding to the second bending line B, B ^' .

At the also shown in broken lines first, third and fourth bending lines A, A ^' , C, C, D, D ^' these two sheet metal parts 2, 2 ^' bent at right angles. The right-angled bending of the two sheet-metal parts 2, 2 ^' around the first bending lines A, A ^' and around the third bending lines C, C takes place in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, and thus ensures the U-shape of the sheet-metal parts 2 , 2 ^' , which is formed in each case from the side surfaces 22, 22 ^' , the first end face 21, 21 ^' and the second end face 25, 25 ^' . This is the cheek area at one Outside, that is, on one of the bent end faces 21, 25, 21 ^' , 25 ^' opposite side of the respective side surface 22, 22 ^' , arranged. By the right-angled bending at the fourth bending lines D, D ^' is in each case the flange 27, 27 ^{' is} formed, which for fastening, for example, or in a connector housing not shown in the drawing, the screw holes 271, 271 ^' has.

2 c and 2 d represent two modified sheet metal parts 2 ^" , 2 ^"' , namely a fifth sheet metal part 2 ^" and a sixth sheet metal part 2 ^"' , represents. These two modified

Sheet metal parts 2 ^" , 2 ^"' differ from the third sheet metal part 2 and the fourth sheet metal part 2 ^' in that they at their respective second end face 25, 25 ^' via an additional associated fifth bending line F, F ^' an additional reinforcing flange 29, 29 ^' with corresponding screw holes 291, 291 ^' have.

Fig. 3 a shows the two other sheet metal parts 2, 2 ^' , namely the third sheet metal part 2 and the fourth sheet metal part 2 ^' in the bent state, whereby they each have the said U-shape and thereby together to form a holding frame, as for example in Fig. 5 is shown, are joined together by being offset from each other by a sheet thickness so pushed into each other, that their first end faces 21, 21 ^' and their second end faces 25 ^' , 25 each come to rest on each other and glued together over a large area, soldered, welded, riveted or screwed or otherwise secured.

On the one hand, in this way the holding frame is reinforced in the region of the end faces 21, 21 ^' . The first reinforced end face 21 forms the first end part. The second reinforced end face 21 forms the second front part. On the other hand, a base frame is produced from the two face parts and the two side surfaces 22, 22 ^' reinforced by the respective reinforcing regions 24, 24 ^' , which by attaching the second end faces 25, 25 ^' to the first end faces 21 ^' , 21 over a large area Therefore, closed in a very stable manner and also for this reason has a special strength. In particular, this applies if the holding frame firmly mounted in a connector housing, for example, at its four screw holes 271, 271 ^' in the connector housing

is screwed. Furthermore, the base frame is in the area of its side surface 22, 22 ^' , in particular against outwardly acting forces, stabilized by the respective reinforcing region 24, 24 ^' .

In other words, the base frame thus formed has a particularly high strength both by its closed shape and by the reinforcement of its material at the end and side surfaces 22, 22 ^' , 21, 21 ^' , in particular when the holding frame is fixedly mounted in a connector housing , For example, at its four screw holes 271, 271 ^'is screwed into the connector housing. The tabs 23, 23 ^', however, can over their entire length, which corresponds to the length of the associated slots 28, 28 ^' unreinforced bent away from the associated side surface 22, 22 ^' and thus have respect to the base frame outwardly acting forces a particularly large Elasticity on. For example, in such a, in particular in the connector housing built or otherwise at its screw holes 271, 271 ^' fixed, holding frame a larger force on the side surface 22 ^' engage to push them by a certain path length to the outside, as on the tab 23 ^' ,

Furthermore, a further embodiment not shown in the drawing is conceivable in which the support frame consists of more than two parts. For example, such a part may consist of a flange and a reinforcing surface, wherein the flange is then bent at right angles from the reinforcing surface. This reinforcing surface is then attached to an end face of the preferably one-piece base frame, for example glued, soldered, welded, riveted or screwed. Another part can then form, for example, the cheek area. This further part can then be attached to a side surface of the base frame. However, it is important to make sure that the tabs continue to be wegbiegbar over its entire length of the associated side surface despite this attachment.

3 b shows the two modified sheet metal parts 2 ^" , 2 ^"' , namely the fifth sheet metal part 2 ^" and the sixth sheet metal part 2 ^"' in a bent state in one of the Fig. 3 a comparable representation. These two modified sheet-metal parts 2 ^" , 2 ^"' differ from the curved further modules 2, 2 ^' in that that the two modified sheet-metal parts 2 ^" , 2 ^"' at their second end face 25, 25 ^' each have a right-angled reinforcing flange 29, 29 ^' with associated Schraubbohrungen 291, 291 ^' .

It is easy to see that when joining the two curved ones

modified sheet metal parts 2 ^" , 2 ^"'of the respective flange 27, 27 ^' and the reinforcing flange 29, 29 ^' as well as the first and second end faces 21, 21 ^' , 25, 25 ^' lie flat against each other and thus attached to each other, for example glued , can be soldered, welded, riveted or screwed.

4 a and 4 b show an insertable into the holding frame module 3 in a possible design from two different views, but each with a view of its mating side. Of course, other modules in similar design can be used.

The module 3 has on a first longitudinal side 32 a first latching lug 31, which is provided for latching in a first latching window 131, 231, 431. On one of these first longitudinal side 32 opposite the second longitudinal side 32 ^' , the module 3 has a second latching lug 31 ^' , which is narrower than the first latching lug. Furthermore, the module is very compact, which improves its heat resistance. Due to the shape of the latching lugs 31, 31 ^' and the shape of the windows 131, 131 ^' , 231, 231, 431, 431 ^' , the orientation of the module 3 is fixed in the holding frame.

5 shows a holding frame, which consists of the two further sheet metal parts 2, 2 ^' , namely the third sheet metal part 2 and the fourth sheet metal part 2 ^' , as shown in Figs. 2a, Fig. 2b and Fig. 3 are formed is. He could be in another

Embodiment thereof also from a single first sheet metal part 1, 1 ^' as shown in Fig. 1 a and Fig. 1 b, or alternatively from a variety of items, ie consist of more than two items.

This holding frame has a first region B1, formed from the im

Cross-section rectangular base frame, and a second region B2, formed from the two outer cheek areas. The first area B1 can be regarded as the basic section. The second area B2 can as Deformation section are considered.

It is easy to see that the cheek areas with their respective

Reinforcement area 24, 24 ^' reinforce the base frame against outward forces, but are bendable even unreinforced outward. In particular, the tabs 23, 23 ^'together with their overlap region can be bent away from each other independently with a relatively small force.

Advantageously, the built-in a connector housing, so at its screw holes 271, 271 ^' fixed base frame so, for example, at the center of its side surfaces 22, 22 ^' an outward deflection oppose a force that is greater than the force that is necessary to move a tab 23, 23 ^' in the region of its window by the same path length to the outside.

From the perspective shown, only the second side surface 22 ^' can be seen, because the first side surface 22 is concealed by the cheek area with the reinforcing area 24 and the corresponding tabs 23. In contrast, the two end faces 21, 21 ^' at least partially visible. At the end of each end face 21, 21 ^' , the flange 27, 27 ^{' is} bent, each having the two screw holes 271, 271 ^' . Each of the side surfaces 22, 22 ^' is thus reinforced by the associated reinforcing region 24, 24 ^' by means of the folding which has taken place on the second bending edge B, B ^' . Thus, part of the reinforcing area 24, 24 ^{'is formed} by the overlapping area of the tabs 23, 23 ^' . The side surfaces 22, 22 ^' and the reinforcing regions 24, 24 ^' protrude beyond the end of the end face 21 ^' with their bending edges corresponding to the second bending line B, B ^' .

The first end faces 21, 21 ^' are by joining with the second

End faces 25, 25 ^'of the respective other sheet metal part 2, 2 ^' reinforced, as can also be seen from Fig. 3, and thus each form the first and second end part. Alternatively, in the case of a one-piece holding frame, which is thus formed only from a single sheet-metal part 1, they could also be formed by folding from a respectively adjacent reinforcing face 15, 15 ^' , as shown for example in FIG. It could also be an amplification in one of the alternative embodiments. kungsfläche be added as a separate component to the end face, wherein the

Advantageously, the flange would be angled perpendicularly away from the reinforcing surface.

Thus, the first area B1, namely the base frame, for a number of reasons greater strength than the second area B2. The first region B1 has this strength on the one hand due to its closed shape, which is realized by the also large-area connections of the first and second end faces 21, 25 ^' , 21 ^' , 25 of the two sheet metal parts 2, 2 ^' , and on the other by the reinforcement this first area B1, which takes place at least partially by means of the second area B2, namely the overlapping area of the tabs 23, 23 ^' . In particular, when distinguishing the first area B1 and the second area B2, its functionality must also be taken into account. The base frame, that is, the first area B1, is of the gain region, and thus also of an overlapping region of the flaps 23, 23 ^', that is also a part of the second area B2, namely, the gain regions 24, ^24' stabilized. In particular, he sets according to its intended function, namely holding the modules 3, outwardly acting forces by this gain a particularly large force. In particular, this applies if the holding frame firmly mounted in a connector housing, for example screwed to four screw holes 271, 271 ^' in the connector housing, or otherwise fixed to its screw holes 271, 271 ^' .

The second area B2 is composed of the cheek area, and includes the non-reinforced tabs 23, 23 ^'and is characterized with respect to a relative to the frame to the outside on the lugs 23, ^23' acting force a substantially lower resistive torque opposed than the second region, namely the base frame. Thus, the second region B2 may have a much higher elasticity than the first region B1. In other words, the holding frame, for example, against a force acting from the inside against its second side surface 22 ^' , a much larger moment of resistance than against a force that presses against one of the tabs 23 ^' from the inside. This can be explained in particular by the fact that against forces which press from the inside against the side surfaces 22, 22 ^' , the moment of resistance of the respective side surface 22, 22 ^' and the moment of resistance of the reinforcement region 24, 24 ^'of the outer cheek area add a total drag torque. This total resistance torque is thus of course greater than the moment of resistance of the respective individual side surface 22, 22 ^' .

The number of tabs 23, 23 ^' , namely eight in this case, is chosen as an example; the holding frame could for example also six, ten, twelve or fourteen or another even number of tabs 23, 23 ^' have. The half, namely in this case those four tabs 23, which are located on a first side of the support frame, have larger, especially longer, windows 231, as other four tabs 23 ^' , which are located on the other side of the support frame and their Windows 231 ^'are comparatively smaller, in particular narrower, than the first-mentioned windows 231 and, accordingly, also have a different shape. In particular, the first latching lug 31 of the module 3, as shown by way of example in FIG. 4a, can be positively inserted into the larger window 231 and the second latching lug 31 ^' , as exemplified in FIG. 4b, into the smaller window 231 ^' , As a result, the orientation of the respective module 3 is fixed in the holding frame.

The locking lugs 31, 31 ^' thus fit either form fit in the respective

Locking window 231, 231 ^' or are at least so insertable that the modules 3 are fixed by them in the holding frame.

By way of example, FIG. 5 shows a module 3 with a view of its cable connection side, the module 3 is latched in the holding frame by its latching nose 31 being received by the latching window 231. Furthermore, it can also be seen that the tabs 23, 23 ^' are slightly bent apart towards their free ends, which further facilitates the introduction of such a module 3.

The module 3 is thus kept particularly stable in its position by the particularly strong and stable first region B1, namely the base frame. Furthermore, the module is stabilized by the base frame protrudes in the region of its side surface 22, 22 ^' with its bending edge B over the end of the end face 21, 21 ^' and thus in particular applies a strong leverage. The holding frame keeps the modules 3 at their long sides 32, 32 ^{'over a} large area. Furthermore, the module 3 is thereby very easily operable in the tabs 23, 23 ^' locked, the tabs can be easily diverged due to their elasticity both for locking and for unlatching with little force. In particular, those tabs 23, 23 ^' which lock a module can be bent apart individually in order to unlock the individual module again independently of other modules and thus release it again.

Since the tabs 23, 23 ^'of the holding frame are slightly bent away from the holding frame at their free-standing end region, the modules 3 are particularly easy to insert into the holding frame. For this purpose, a module 3 is first inserted between two tabs 231, 231 ^'of the holding frame and then slides along with its two longitudinal sides 32, 32 ^' and in particular with the locking lugs 31, 31 ^' integrally formed on the end regions of the tabs 231, 231 ^' bent away from one another , As a result, the two tabs 231, 231 ^' briefly diverge until the respective latching lugs 31, 31 ^{' are received} by the associated latching window 231, 231 ^'of the respective tabs 23, 23 ^' and thus latched therein. When receiving the latching lugs 31, 31 ^' into the respective latching window 231, 231 ^', the tabs 23, 23 ^' preferably spring back into their starting position. In this way, the modules 3 can be locked individually in the holding frame or removed. At the same time, the respective module 3 is held in the holding frame, in particular by the stable and fixed first region B1, namely the reinforced base frame, with great force. Thus, a very good ratio between holding force and operating force is achieved.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 first sheet metal part r second sheet metal part

2 third sheet metal part 2 ^' fourth sheet metal part 2 ^" fifth sheet metal part 2 ^"' sixth sheet metal part

11, 11 ^' end faces

21, 21 ^' first end faces 25, 25 ^' second end faces

12, 12 ^' , 22, 22 ^' side surfaces

13, 13 ^' , 23, 23 ^' straps

131, 131 ^' , 231, 231 ^' locking window

14, 14 ^' , 24, 24 ^' reinforcement area

15, 15 ^' , 45 ^' reinforcing surfaces

17, 17 ^' , 27, 27 ^' flanges

29, 29 ^' reinforcing flanges

171, 171 ^' , 271, 271 ^' screw holes

18, 18 ^' , 28, 28 ^' slots

3 module

31, 31 ^' first, second latch

32, 32 ^' first, second longitudinal side

Α, Α ^' , Β, Β ^' , C, C ^' , C ^" , C, F ^' bending lines

boundary line

Claims

claims

1 . Holding frame for a connector for receiving similar and / or different modules, comprising a base portion for fixing a received module (3) in a plane and a deformation portion, which can assume an insertion state and a holding state, wherein the insertion state is an insertion of at least one module (3 ) in a direction transverse to the plane in the holding frame and a received module (3) is fixed in the holding state, characterized in that the base portion and the

Deforming section are formed of resilient metal sheet.

Second holding frame according to claim 1, characterized in that the base portion and the deformation portion of one or more sheet metal parts (1, 1 ^' , 2, 2 ^' , 2 ^" , 2 ^"' ) are formed.

3. holding frame according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the base portion and the deformation portion are integrally formed and integrally.

4. holding frame according to claim 3, characterized in that the base portion has a first end part, a second end part, a first side part and a second side part, wherein the first side part between the first end part and the second end part and the second end part between the first side part and the second side part are arranged, wherein the deformation portion has a first cheek area and a second cheek area, wherein in each case the first cheek area adjoins the first side part and the second cheek area on the second side part.

5. holding frame according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the base portion and / or the deformation portion are made of several parts and at least a portion of the base portion is formed integrally with at least a portion of the deformation portion.

6. holding frame according to claim 5, characterized in that the base portion and the deformation portion are each made in two parts, wherein a first part of the base portion has a first end portion and a first side part on the first end part and a second part of the base portion a second end part and a second Having a side part on the second end part, wherein a first part of the deformation portion has a first cheek area and a second part of the deformation portion has a second cheek area, wherein each of the first cheek area adjoins the first side portion and the second cheek area on the second side portion.

7. holding frame according to claim 5, characterized in that the base portion and the deformation portion are each made in two parts, wherein a first part of the base portion has a first end part and a second end part and a first side part between the end parts and a second part of the base portion a second side part wherein a first part of the deformation section has a first cheek area and a second part of the deformation section has a second cheek area, wherein each of the first cheek area adjoins the first side part and the second cheek area adjoins the second side part.

8. holding frame according to claim 5, characterized in that the base portion and the deformation portion are each made in two parts, wherein a first part of the base portion has a first side part and a second side part and a first end part between the side parts and a second part of the base portion a second end part wherein a first part of the deformation section has a first cheek area and a second part of the deformation section has a second cheek area, wherein each of the first cheek area adjoins the first side part and the second cheek area adjoins the second side part.

9. holding frame according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the base portion is at least partially carried out in two or more layers of sheet metal.

10 holding frame according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the deformation section is configured for elastic deformation between insertion and holding state or a plastic deformation of insertion state to hold state.

1 1. Holding frame according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the deformation portion a plurality of tabs (13, 13 ^' , 23, 23 ^' ), wherein at least two tabs separated by a slot (18, 18 ^' , 28, 28 ^' ) from each other are.

12 holding frame according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the at least one slot (18, 18 ^' , 28, 28 ^' ) extends into the base portion.

13. holding frame according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized

in that the deformation section has one or more latching windows (131, 131 ^' , 231, 231 ^' ) for receiving a latching lug (31, 31 ^' ) of a module (3) and / or one or more latching projections for receiving in one

Has latching recess of a module (3).

14. A method for producing a holding frame for a connector for receiving similar and / or different modules (3), with a

Basic section for fixing a received module (3) in a plane and a deformation section, which has an insertion state and a

Holding state, wherein the insertion state allows insertion of at least one module (3) in a direction transverse to the plane in the holding frame and a received module is fixed in the holding state, characterized in that the base portion and the deformation portion of resilient sheet metal are formed.

15. A method for inserting a module into a holding frame for a connector for receiving similar and / or different modules (3), with an insertion of the module (3) in a base portion of the holding frame for fixing the module (3) in a plane and a Fix the module (3) in the Basic section by deforming a deformation portion of the holding frame, characterized in that the base portion and the deformation portion are formed from resilient sheet metal.

16. Method for inserting a module into a holding frame for a

Connector for receiving similar and / or different modules (3), with an insertion of the module (3) in a base portion of the holding frame for fixing the module (3) in a plane and fixing the module (3) in the base portion by deforming a deformation section of the holding frame, characterized in that the module (3) is inserted from the direction of the cable connection in the holding frame.

17. Metallic holding frame for a connector for receiving similar and / or different modules (3), characterized in that the

Holding frame consists at least partially of resilient metal sheet.

18. Metallic support frame according to claim 17, characterized in that the holding frame is integrally formed from a resilient sheet metal part (1, 1 ^' ).

19. Metallic support frame according to claim 17, characterized in that the holding frame consists of two resilient sheet metal parts (2, 2 ^' , 2 ^" , 2 ^"' ).

20. Metallic support frame according to claim 17, characterized in that the holding frame consists of more than two resilient sheet metal parts.

21. Metallic holding frame according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that at least one of the sheet metal parts (1, 1 ^' , 2, 2 ^' , 2 ^" , 2 ^"' ) at least one bending edge (A, Α ^' , B, B ^' , C, C, D, D ^' , F, F ^' ) at which it is bent.

22. Metallic support frame according to claim 21, characterized in that the at least one sheet metal part (1, 1 ^' , 2, 2 ^' , 2 ^" , 2 ^"' ) on at least one bending edge (A, Α ^' , A ^" , D, D ^' , F, F ^' ) is bent at right angles.

23. Metallic support frame according to one of claims 21 to 22, characterized in that different layers of a sheet metal part (1, 1 ^' , 2, 2 ^' , 2 ^" , 2 ^"' ) are arranged at least partially flat on each other by the sheet metal part (1 , 1 ^' , 2, 2 ^' , 2 ^" , 2 ^"' ) is folded at 180 ° at at least one bending edge (B, B ^' ).

24. Metallic support frame according to one of claims 19 to 20, characterized in that a plurality of sheet-metal parts (2, 2 ^' , 2 ^" , 2 ^"' ) are arranged at least partially flat on each other.

25. A metallic support frame according to claim 24, characterized in that said plurality of sheet metal parts (2, 2 ^' , 2 ^" , 2 ^"' ) by gluing, welding, soldering, riveting and / or screwing are fastened to each other.

26. Metallic support frame according to one of claims 17 to 25, characterized

in that the holding frame has at least: two end faces (1 1, 1 1 ^' , 21, 21 ^' );

two side parts (12, 12 ^' , 22, 22 ^' );

two cheek areas, each cheek area one

Reinforcement (14, 14 ^' , 24, 24 ^' ) and a plurality of tabs (13, 13 ^' ,

23, 23 ^' ).

27. Metallic support frame according to claim 26, characterized in that each tab (13, 13 ^' , 23, 23 ^' ) has a latching window (131, 131 ^' , 231, 231 ^' ) which is designed to receive a latching lug (31, 31 ^' ). ) of the respective module (3) is provided.

28. Metallic support frame according to one of claims 26 to 27, characterized in that the holding frame is a base frame consisting of the two side parts (12, 12 ^' , 22, 22 ^' ) and the two end faces (1 1, 1 1 ^' , 21 , 21 ^' ), owns.

29. Metallic support frame according to claim 28, characterized in that the base frame has a substantially rectangular shape in cross section.

30. Metallic support frame according to one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that each end face (1 1, 1 1 ^' , 21, 21 ^' ) at right angles from

at least in each case a side part (12, 12 ^' , 22, 22 ^' ) is bent and that each cheek area over the associated side part (12, 12 ^' , 22, 22 ^' ) is folded, so that the reinforcing region (14, 14 ^' , 24 , 24 ^' ) in each case on the side part (12, 12 ^' , 22, 22 ^' ) is arranged, wherein the tabs (13, 13 ^' , 23, 23 ^' ) on the side part (12, 12 ^' , 22, 22 ^' ) protrude.

31. Metallic support frame according to one of claims 26 to 30, characterized in that the support frame consists of two sheet metal parts (2, 2 ^' , 2 ^" , 2 ^"' ) and that each of the two sheet metal parts (2, 2 ^' , 2 ^" , 2 ^"' ) has a first end face (21, 21 ^' ) and a second end face (25, 25 ^' ), both of which are angled perpendicularly from the respective side part (22, 22 ^' ).

32. Metallic support frame according to claim 31, characterized in that the first end faces (21, 21 ^' ) and the second end faces (25 ^' , 25) of the two sheet metal parts (2, 2 ^' , 2 ^" , 2 ^"' ) are fastened to each other are.

33. Metallic holding frame according to one of claims 18 to 32, characterized in that the sheet metal part (1, 1 ^' ) or sheet metal parts (2, 2 ^' , 2 ^" , 2 ^"' ) are stamped and bent parts.

34. Metallic support frame according to one of claims 17 to 33, characterized in that the holding frame has an electrical protective earth contact.

35. A method for producing a metallic support frame for a connector, wherein the support frame for receiving similar and / or different modules (3) is provided, characterized in that the support frame is at least partially formed from resilient metal sheet.

36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that the

Holding frame is produced in stamping bending technology.

37. The method according to any one of claims 35 to 36, characterized in that the holding frame either in one piece from a single sheet metal part (1, 1 ^' ) by folding or from several sheet metal parts (2, 2 ^' , 2 ^" , 2 ^"' ) by folding and joining is formed.

38. The method according to claim 37, characterized in that the

Sheet metal part (1, 1 ^' ) or the sheet metal parts (2, 2 ^' , 2 ^" , 2 ^"' ) in a first region B1 of the holding frame to a cross-sectionally substantially rectangular

Base frame, the at least two end faces (1 1, 1 1 ^' , 21, 21 ^' ) and two

Side parts (12, 12 ^' , 22, 22 ^' ), are formed.

39. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that the

Sheet metal part (1, 1 ^' ) or the sheet metal parts (2, 2 ^' , 2 ^" , 2 ^"' ) have a second region B2 in the form of two cheek areas, over the respective side part (12, 12 ^' , 22, 22 ^' ) folded and thus reinforce the base frame at the side parts (12, 12 ^' , 22, 22 ^' ).

40. The method according to claim 39, characterized in that the

Holding frame with its base frame accommodated therein module (3) in one direction and this module (3) simultaneously with each

Cheeks belonging tabs (13, 13 ^' , 23, 23 ^' ) fixed perpendicular thereto.

41. A method according to claim 40, characterized in that the

Holding frame the module (3) with its tabs (13, 13 ^' , 23, 23 ^' ) fixed by the module (3) on the tabs (13, 13 ^' , 23, 23 ^' ) locked.