EP3345255A1

EP3345255A1 - System consisting of a plug connector module frame and adapter elements

Info

Publication number: EP3345255A1
Application number: EP16757034.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pascal Wölffle
Original assignee: Amphenol Tuchel Electronics GmbH
Current assignee: Amphenol Tuchel Electronics GmbH
Priority date: 2015-09-04
Filing date: 2016-08-25
Publication date: 2018-07-11
Anticipated expiration: 2036-08-25
Also published as: DE102015114814A1; US10396488B2; EP3345255B1; US20180248299A1; CN107925189A; DE202015009386U1; DE102015114814B4; CN107925189B; WO2017036928A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a system consisting of a plug connector module frame with a plurality of latching elements along two module frame side walls for fastening contact carrier modules, which have a mating latching geometry corresponding to the latching elements, and one or more adapter elements, for toolless fastening to the module frame side wall or walls, in order to fasten thereto contact carrier modules with a mating latching geometry which does not correspond to the latching elements, i.e. is different therefrom.

Description

description

SYSTEM CONSISTING OF A CONNECTOR MODULE FRAME AND

ADAPTER ELEMENTS The invention relates to a modular connector and a

Connector module frame for use with a modular connector.

Modular connectors are for example from DE 81 11 418 U1 and the

EP 0 097 255 B1.

The connector according to EP 0 097 255 B1 is plugged onto a carrier body to which in turn a conductor connection block is fastened, which consists of disc-shaped,

strung insulating segments consists. The insulating segments have recesses in which the associated contact elements are inserted.

In order to enable accessibility to the contact elements in the plug state, it is further provided that chamber-shaped opening are provided in the insulating body, in which protrudes a pin-shaped extension of the end portions of the contact elements. The

Insulating bodies have on their upper side in each case a depression in which - transverse to the

Isoliersegmenten - a spacer bolt is inserted, which is bolted to the outside of a frame part. By screwing the segments they are positioned against each other.

In the known embodiment, the number, the location and the assignment of the individual insulating body are fixed. For replacement, the spacer bolt must be loosened, the frame removed and the contact bodies removed from the carrier body before a new assembly can take place.

From the document DE 38 34 651 A1 modular edged socket contacts are known. The support body on the frame longitudinal parts are designed as a truncated strip, whereby a weakening of the frame occurs. Connectors are in the

various embodiments known. Since the housings and the frames of such connectors are often standardized (eg in the standard DIN 43 652), but on the other hand, there is a high demand for custom or application-oriented contact assignments, it is desirable to provide connectors that are freely configurable

Contact carriers are equippable. From the document DE 87 17 110 U1 a connector is known in which a frame is provided of two parts, can be used in the differently designed contact modules. The frame consists of two separate frame parts, one of which has on each longitudinal side a guide rail with a stop edge. The contact modules each have laterally corresponding webs, so that they can not fall through in their inserted state through the frame part. The second frame part is placed on the first frame part in which the contact modules are located and screwed with this. Also, the second frame part has lateral webs, which in corresponding

Recesses engage the top of the contact carrier, so that they are held captive in the bolted frame. This solution is problematic insofar as the installation is relatively expensive and necessary maintenance can be carried out only difficult. Furthermore, the two-part frame is relatively expensive to manufacture and therefore expensive.

From the document DE 31 42 182 C2 a connector with replaceable sockets for different plug-in elements for receiving printed circuit boards with standardized male connector is known in which a spring bar is formed of a one-piece frame and segments of different shape, the inner longitudinal sides of the frame on one of one side as rectangular grooves and on the

opposite side are formed as prismatic webs, wherein the longitudinal sides of the frame are provided with different openings for the positive locking of the segments by means of latching noses. From the document EP 0 202 916 A2 is also known, the locking plate with a the

Form face of the contact carrier superior handle.

From the document DE 93 01 220 U1 a multi-pole plug-in device is known, which has a Kunststoffgrundkorper with contact springs, which are provided for contacting with them associated contact blades. In this case, the contact blades are arranged in a plurality of open chambers of a plug connection part and arranged in Kunststoffgrundkorper contact springs are flexible cables with connection contacts with

Connection elements connected. The contact blades of the chambers associated with the contact springs are arranged in a plurality of block-shaped interconnected plastic bodies and the plastic body has locking means provided with recesses in which the chamber associated with the plastic body can be releasably engaged. Thus, the chamber associated with the recess of the plastic body can individually

Plastic bodies are fitted, the contact springs via flexible cable with

Connection elements are connected. From DE 1 590 072 A an electrical connector housing assembly with an insulating plate is known, to which plate electrical connectors are attached. The plate has a rectangular opening into which a plurality of rectangular connector housings can be inserted. For this purpose, laterally projecting webs are provided on both sides of a first opposite side pair, which can form a detachable connection with the plate.

A disadvantage of the known in the prior art modular connectors is the fact that different connector manufacturers also different

Offer contact carrier modules. However, as each manufacturer has adapted its contact carrier modules to its module frame in terms of locking geometry and shape, it is hardly possible for a user to mount modules of one and also modules of the other manufacturer in a connector module frame. However, this means a high variety of parts for the users in the industry and a quantitatively high stock of storage, since depending on the application, the user must opt for one or the other variant.

Further, the disadvantage is that a user who has once opted for a particular modular connector system can not resort to other manufacturer's contact carrier modules in later modifications, repairs or maintenance, although these are partially in the raster in size and also in the technical Conditions are almost identical, but in specific

Detent locking geometries and other details.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a versatile solution in which a user in one and the same modular

Connectors different contact carrier modules, ie use and use contact carrier modules with different locking geometries. Another object is that the contact carrier modules are possible unproblematic and re-releasably mounted in the modular connector. This object is achieved by a connector module frame with the features of claim 1 and a modular connector with the features of

Claim 15.

The basic idea of the present invention is to provide a system in which a specifically designed connector module frame is developed in such a way that specific adapter elements can be fixed to the module frame, into which contact carrier modules can be monogrammed, which have a counter-latching geometry not provided by the module frame.

Thus, the connector module frame according to the invention on the one hand for a

Basic design of a contact carrier module can be used, which without a

Adapter element is mountable and there may be other deviating

Contact carrier modules are fastened in the connector module frame after the specifically designed adapter elements can be fastened or latched to holder sections provided for this purpose on the contact carrier module.

The invention therefore provides a system consisting of a connector module frame with a plurality of latching elements along two module frame side walls for attaching contact carrier modules, which have a counter-locking geometry corresponding to the latching elements and one or more adapter elements, for

tool-less attachment to the module frame side walls or to it

Contact carrier modules with a not corresponding to the locking elements

Attach counter-latching geometry.

This means that the further contact carrier modules deviate from the latching geometry of the contact carrier modules mentioned above, ie. H. have other Gegenrastgeometrie.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is therefore provided that the

Connector module frame as a module frame having two longitudinally arranged module frame side walls and two these module frame side walls connecting thereto oriented transversely module frame side walls. Consequently, contact carrier modules can be used in these modules, which are adapted in particular in terms of their geometric width and length. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the

Locking elements are formed as protruding from the longitudinal module frame side walls, preferably arranged in a specific or defined grid lugs. This ensures that the contact carrier modules of a specific width can be arranged side by side in a fixed assembly grid in the module frame.

It is also advantageous if adjacent or between the lugs each webs, preferably upwardly projecting webs are arranged on the module frame side walls so that they form a lateral stop for the adapter elements as soon as they are attached to the module frame side walls as intended.

It is further preferred if the aforementioned webs continue to represent or form lateral stops for at least one design of the contact carrier modules.

It is further provided with advantage that at the longitudinally extending

Module frame side walls each holding elements for attaching the aforementioned adapter elements are provided.

In a preferred mounting the adapter elements are pushed to the

Module frame side walls inserted to the respective holding elements and brought into their final assembly position.

It is therefore provided with advantage when the holding elements to the

Module frame side walls each with an undercut for insertion of

are formed corresponding adapter-side holding portions. In this way, the adapter elements can be "drawer-like" in their mounting position, wherein the adapter-side holding portions on the undercuts of the module frame side

Engage holding elements behind.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the adapter elements consist of a web, to which integrally connects a frame part with a window-like opening. According to the invention, different adapter elements can be provided which are each adapted to the corresponding shape of counter-latching elements of further contact carrier modules. Also, the geometric shape can be matched to the different dimensions and tolerances of the corresponding contact carrier modules to be mounted.

According to the invention, it is further provided with advantage if the adapter elements on the web have laterally projecting holding sections, preferably formed with a triangular cross section, so that they form a ramp-shaped section.

In the same way, it is preferred if the holding elements to the

Module frame side walls are also formed with a triangular in cross-section undercut, so that the ramp-shaped portions of the adapter-side holding elements cooperate as sliding surfaces with the corresponding corresponding side walls of the holding elements on the module frame side walls.

It is further provided with advantage that the opening in the frame part of the adapter elements is in each case designed as a T-shaped opening. In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that in the mounted state of one or the adapter elements of the respective web rests against one of the module frame side walls, while the frame part at least partially protrudes over the top of the module frame side wall in this section, such that the window-like opening also over the said module frame side wall or their

Protruding top, so that a passage for a corresponding counter-locking means of a contact carrier module is formed.

It is further provided with advantage, when in the assembled state of an adapter element in each case a latching element protrudes into or through part of the opening of the adapter element, wherein another part of said opening remains open, so that, as explained above, a counter-latching geometry of a contact carrier module through the remaining part of the opening for fixing the same can pass through. It is further provided according to the invention that the system with at least one first contact carrier module with a corresponding to the locking elements

Counter-locking geometry is designed for locking in the module frame, as well as with at least one second contact carrier module, which at two diametrically opposite

Adapter elements is fixed with its counter-locking elements in the module frame.

In principle, moreover, further first or second contact carrier modules can be present in the system or mounted in the module frame.

It is further provided according to the invention in an advantageous embodiment that in each case a first and second lateral Gegenrastgeometrie said first

Contact carrier module is formed, which in each case two interconnected

Spring arms are formed between each of which a gap for engagement with the module frame-side locking elements is present. In other words, this means that a substantially U-shaped arm, formed from said two spring arms, is present, which is pushed over the module frame side wall and to the

Module frame side locking elements can be attached. It is further provided according to the invention, when a first and second lateral

Locking geometry is formed on the second contact carrier module, which protrudes as a projection from the respective side wall of the second contact carrier module.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a modular connector comprising a plurality of identical and / or different contact carrier modules and a connector module frame as described above.

Further embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims. in the

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment and the following figures. The figures show:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a

Connector module frame; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an adapter element according to the invention; Fig. 3 shows an intermediate mounting state in which the adapter element of Fig. 2 is attached to the module frame of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 3, in which the adapter element is fully assembled;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the connector module frame of Fig. 1 with two contact carrier modules of different detent geometry mounted in the connector module frame;

6 is a perspective view of a first contact carrier module.

In the following, the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 with reference to FIG

exemplary embodiment explained in more detail. Like reference numerals indicate similar functional and / or structural features.

In Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a

Module frame 10 according to the invention shown. The module frame 10 consists of two longitudinally oriented module frame side walls 12a, 12b, which run essentially parallel, and two connecting these module frame side walls 12a, 12b

Module frame side walls 12c, 12d, which also run parallel.

In the present embodiment, the connector module frame 10 is a module frame formed of the four aforementioned module frame side walls 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d. On the module frame side walls, arranged outside in the present example, there are locking elements 1 1. In the present exemplary embodiment, the latching elements 11, as lugs 13, protrude laterally from the module frame side walls 12a, 12b in a fixed grid. The lugs 13 are located respectively at outbreaks 17 of

Modular frame side walls 12a, 12b, and immediately below the top 16 of the module frame side walls 12a, 12b in these sections.

Furthermore, webs 15 with shoulders 15a projecting over the upper side 16 of the longitudinal module frame sidewalls 12a, 12b are provided, which are designed as lateral abutment for the adapter elements 20 (see FIGS. 2 to 5) and as lateral abutment for the counterstop geometry 31 of the contact carrier modules 30, as shown in FIG. 5 can be seen. An exemplary first contact carrier module 30, which without using a

Adapter element 20 can be mounted in the connector module frame 10 is shown in Fig. 6. The illustrated contact carrier module 30 has receptacles (not shown) for electrical contacts. On the side of the contact carrier module 30, a counter-latching geometry 31 is formed in order to fasten the contact carrier module 30 to the connector module frame 10. The counter-latching geometry 31 in the present exemplary embodiment consists of two spring arms 33a, 33b, which are connected to each other at the end via a transverse section 33c, forming an intermediate gap 34. The previously described lug 13 can dip into the gap 34 to form the contact carrier module 30 to secure in its mounting position.

Further, as shown in Fig. 5, in the mounted position of the above-described paragraph 15a of the web 15 as a support for an edge of the counter-latching geometry 31 of

Contact carrier module 30 is formed. In this respect, engages a lateral projection 33d of the counter-latching geometry 31, the bottom of the web 15, while side edges 33e abut laterally against the web 15, and a projection 33f of the counter-latching geometry 31 in the respective paragraph 5a of the web 15 is immersed. Due to the interaction of the previously described contact surfaces, projections and

Locking elements, the total of the locking geometry and counter-locking geometry between

Form plug connector module frame 10 and Kontaktträgermodui 30, a secure fit of the contact carrier module in the connector module frame 10 is ensured. In order to fix a contact carrier module 30 'with a different counter-latching geometry 31' in the connector module frame 10 described above, the adapter element 20 according to the invention shown in FIG. 2 is used.

The adapter element 20 has a web 23, on which laterally holding portions 22a, 22b follow, which are each formed with a triangular cross-section. On the web 23, a frame part 24 is integrally formed, which has a window-like, in the present embodiment, T-shaped opening 25.

The adapter-side holding portions 22a, 22b engage behind the undercuts 14a, 14b of the holding elements 14 in the mounted state. The assembly is described in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 3. An adapter element 20 can be inserted from below with its adapter-side holding portions 22a, 22b behind the undercuts 14a, 14b respectively adjacent holding elements 14 like a drawer.

In Fig. 4, the adapter element in its fully inserted state, in which the locking element 11 described above, that is the nose 13, protrudes through the lower part of the T-shaped opening 25 and thus the adapter element in its Endpositiön against shifting upwards sets. In this position, the holding portions 22a, 22b of the adapter element 20 engage behind the previously mentioned undercuts 14a, 1b of the holding elements 14. In this state, a partial opening of the window-like opening 25 as shown in FIG. 4 remains, so that the corresponding counter-latching elements 31 'of the Contact carrier module 30 'corresponding to FIG. 5 can be mounted. In the assembled state, the counter-latching elements 31 'dive through the remaining part ^{' of} the window-like opening 25 and the contact carrier module 30 'is held firmly in the connector module frame 10.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment described herein, but can also be further defined by combining different described features. In particular, geometric adjustments concerning the

Recording other other contact carrier modules 30, 30 'are provided.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 connector module frame 11 locking element

12a, 12b, 12c, 12d module frame side wall 13 nose

14 holding element

14a, 14b undercut

15 footbridge

15a paragraph

16 top

17 outbreak

20 adapter element

22a, 22b holding section

23 footbridge

24 frame part

25 opening

30 contact carrier module

30 'contact carrier module

31 Counter-ratchet geometry

31 'counter-ratchet geometry

33a, 33b spring arm

33c section

33d cantilever

33e side edge

33f lead

34 gap

Claims

Requirements Modular connector with connector module frame

1 . System consisting of a connector module frame (10) with several

Latching elements (11) along two module frame side walls (12a, 12b) for attaching contact carrier modules (30) having a to the locking elements (1 1) corresponding counter-latching geometry (31) and one or more adapter elements (20) for tool-free attachment to or the

Module frame sidewalls (12a, 12b) for applying thereto contact carrier modules (30 ') having a non-corresponding, i.e. non-corresponding, latching elements (1 1). Of this different counter-ratchet geometry (31 ') to attach.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector module frame (10) as a module frame with two longitudinally arranged module frame side walls (12a, 12b) and two these module frame side walls (12a, 12b) connecting thereto oriented transversely module frame side walls (12c , 12d).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the latching elements (1 1) as from the longitudinal module frame side walls (12 a, 12 b)

protruding, preferably arranged in a defined grid lugs (13) are formed.

4. System according to claim 3, characterized in that adjacent or between the lugs (13) each webs (15) are arranged so that they form a lateral stop for the adapter elements (20), as soon as they to the

Module frame side walls (12a, 12b) are attached as intended.

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the longitudinally extending module frame side walls (12a, 12b) respectively holding elements (14) are provided for fastening the adapter elements (20).

6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that the holding elements (14) are each formed laterally with an undercut (14a, 14b) for insertion of adapter-side holding portions (22a, 22b).

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter elements (20) consist of a web (23) integrally connected to the frame part (24) with a window-like opening (25).

8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the adapter elements (20) on the web (23) laterally projecting holding portions (22a, 22b), preferably formed with a triangular cross-section.

9. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the opening (25) as

T-shaped opening in the respective adapter elements (20) is formed.

10. System according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, characterized in that in the assembled state of an adapter element (20) of the web (23) on one of the odulrahmenseitenwänden (12a, 12b) is present, while the frame part (24) at least partially over the Top (16) of the module frame side wall (12a, 12b) protrudes in this section area.

1 1. System according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 10, characterized

characterized in that in the assembled state of an adapter element (20) in each case a latching element (1 1) projects into or through a part of the opening (25), wherein another part of the opening (25) remains open, so that a counter-latching geometry (31 ') a contact carrier module (30 ') through the remaining part of the opening (25) for

Fix it can pass through.

12. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one first contact carrier module (30) with a locking elements (1 1) corresponding counter-latching geometry (31) in the module frame (10) is latched, and at least one second contact carrier module (30 '. ) in the module frame (10) on two diametrically opposed adapter elements (20) with its counter-latching elements (31 ') is attached.

13. System according to claim 12, characterized in that in each case a first and

second lateral counter-detent geometry (31) on the first contact carrier module (30)

is formed, which are each formed of two interconnected spring arms (33a, 33b), between which a gap (34) for engagement with the locking elements (11) is present.

14. System according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that in each case a first and second lateral Gegenrastgeometrie (31 ') on the second contact carrier module (30') is formed, which protrudes as a projection from the respective side wall of the second contact carrier module (30 ').

15. Modular connector comprising a plurality of identical and / or different contact carrier modules (30, 30 ') and a connector module frame (10) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 14.