EP3067993A1 - Supporting frame for holding modular contact inserts - Google Patents

Abstract

A holding frame (3) for accommodating modular contact inserts (4) comprises an opening (30) into which at least one contact insert (4) can be inserted in an insertion direction (E), and a frame wall (31) bounding the opening (30) at least in sections , 32), which has a rim (313, 323) and at least one recess (310, 320) molded into the rim (313, 323) into which a projection element (30) is inserted when inserting a contact insert (4) into the opening (30). 420, 421) of the contact insert (4) can be inserted. In addition, a blocking element (35, 36, 38, 39) arranged on the side wall (31, 32) is provided with a bracket section (350, 360, 380, 390) which, in a blocking position, opposes the at least one recess (310, 320) the insertion direction (E) limited to the projection member (420, 421) of the contact insert (4) against the insertion direction (E) in the recess (310, 320) to hold, and for releasing the projection member (420, 421) for removing the Contact insert (4) from the holding frame (3) transversely to the insertion direction (E) from the blocking position out into a release position is movable.

Description

The invention relates to a holding frame for receiving modular contact inserts according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a holding frame comprises an opening into which at least one contact insert can be inserted in an insertion direction. The opening is at least partially limited by a frame wall having an edge and at least one recess formed in the edge. In the recess, a projection element of the contact insert were inserted when inserting a contact insert into the opening.

Such support frames are used for modular use of contact inserts, for example, on connectors. On such a support frame, one or more contact inserts can be arranged to be used together with the holding frame in a housing of a connector part and connected to the housing. In this way, contact inserts can be combined with each other in a modular manner and arranged over the holding frame in or on a connector part.

Such contact inserts may, for example, have one or more electrical contacts. The contact inserts are connected in this case, on the one hand with electrical lines which are fed to a connector, and on the other hand form plug contacts, via which the plug connector can be brought into electrical contact with a mating connector part.

Such modular contact inserts offer the advantage of flexible combinability and thus variable usability of connectors.

Are contact inserts attached to a support frame, it is necessary that the contact inserts are held on the support frame to allow attachment of the support frame, for example, to a connector together with the contact inserts. At one of the DE 10 2012 110 907 A1 known holding frame is provided for this purpose that a second Halterahmenteil can be attached to a first Halterahmenteil, the recesses for receiving projection elements of contact inserts, in order in this way in the To lock recesses inset protrusion elements and thus to lock on the support frame.

At one of the DE 20 2012 103 360 U1 known holding frame are provided on Rahmenwandungen two recesses. In first recesses on an upper edge of the frame walls projection elements of contact inserts can be inserted engagingly, while with second recesses in the form of openings peg-like projections of the contact inserts can be brought lockingly engaged.

At one of the DE 20 2006 012 687 U1 known holding frame are formed on the frame walls projection elements, which can be brought latching with locking devices of contact inserts in engagement.

At one of the EP 1 026 788 A1 known holding frame frame walls can be adjusted to each other to open the holding frame for inserting contact inserts.

Object of the present invention is to provide a support frame available, which allows easy attachment of contact inserts to the support frame and a reliable locking of the contact inserts on the support frame at the same time easy removability of the contact inserts of the support frame.

This object is achieved by an article having the features of claim 1.

• in einer Sperrstellung die mindestens eine Ausnehmung entgegen der Einsetzrichtung begrenzt, um das Vorsprungselement des Kontakteinsatzes entgegen der Einsetzrichtung in der Ausnehmung zu halten, und
• zum Freigeben des Vorsprungselements zum Entnehmen des Kontakteinsatzes aus dem Halterahmen quer zur Einsetzrichtung aus der Sperrstellung heraus in eine Freigabestellung bewegbar ist.

Accordingly, the holding frame has a arranged on the side wall locking element with a bracket portion, the

• limited in a blocking position, the at least one recess opposite to the insertion direction to hold the projection element of the contact insert against the insertion direction in the recess, and
• for releasing the projection element for removing the contact insert from the holding frame transversely to the insertion direction from the blocking position out into a release position is movable.

The blocking element is preferably designed as a separate, additional element to the frame wall. The blocking element limited in a blocking position with its bracket section, the recess against the insertion, so that in the Recess fitting projection element of a contact insert not readily - at least not without adjustment of the bracket section - against the direction of insertion can be removed from the recess.

In order to release the projection element, the bracket section can be adjusted relative to the frame wall on which the blocking element is arranged, in this way opening the recess against the insertion direction and thus removing the projection element and thus the contact insert against the insertion direction from the holding frame enable.

The strap section is preferably elongated transversely to the direction of insertion. The strap section extends beyond the recess and thus engages over it, so that the at least one recess is delimited by the strap section opposite to the direction of insertion. A projection element lying in the recess is locked in this way by the bracket section against the insertion direction, so that the projection element can not be easily moved out of the recess against the direction of insertion.

The blocking element is formed in an advantageous embodiment, for example as a spring element and thus resiliently. Such a spring element may e.g. be made of spring steel. The adjustment of the bracket portion can thus be elastically resilient, so that after adjustment of the bracket portion from the locking position of the bracket portion, for example, automatically returned to the locked position.

The blocking element is preferably attached as a separate element to the frame wall. The blocking element is thus (adjustable) held on the frame wall and secured to the frame wall, that the bracket portion engages over the associated recess of the frame wall and thus allows locking of a projection element of a contact insert in the recess.

In a specific embodiment, the blocking element is attached to the frame wall in such a way that the blocking element engages around the frame wall at a second edge, which is opposite the first edge having the at least one recess. The blocking element can in this case, for example, with a first surface portion on an outer side of the frame wall facing away from the opening and with a second surface portion on an inner side facing the opening abut the frame wall. The blocking element produced, for example, as a spring element from a spring steel thus surrounds the frame wall and is thereby held on the frame wall, wherein preferably the strap section is arranged on the outside, first surface section and comes to lie in the region of the associated recess of the frame wall. The bracket section may be arranged, for example, at an end portion of the first surface portion and the frame wall on the upper, first edge, in which the at least one recess is formed, project beyond, so that the bracket portion locks the recess in its blocking position against the insertion direction.

In one embodiment, the blocking element may have a recess which is assigned to at least one recess of the frame wall and at least partially congruent with it. The recess may for example be arranged on the first surface portion of the blocking element and is arranged to the associated recess of the frame wall, that rests in the attached to the holding frame contact insert the projection element both in the recess of the frame wall and in the recess of the locking element. The recess on the first surface portion is bounded against the insertion direction by the bracket portion, so that when befindlichem in the blocking position bracket portion in the recess inserting projection element can not be easily removed from the recess.

The bracket portion limits the recess at the edge of the frame wall against the insertion direction, so that is held over the bracket portion of the contact insert on the support frame. The bracket portion may extend in this way web-like and engages over the recess, so that the associated projection element of the contact insert is locked in its position on the bracket section and can not be removed against the insertion direction of the support frame.

In a variant, a forming section may be arranged on the bow section, which protrudes from the bow section transversely to the insertion direction and projects into the associated recess at the edge of the frame wall. If the blocking element is made in one piece, for example, as a spring element, for example made of spring steel, then the shaping section can be formed, for example, by bending over to the bow section. The shaping section protrudes into the recess on the frame wall of the holding frame, so that one in the recess eineingendes projection element can interact with the molding section and is locked in the recess above.

By means of such a shaping section, the blocking element formed as a spring element can be structurally reinforced. In addition, the projection element of the contact insert can accumulate on insertion onto the molding section and thus elastically adjust the strap section, so that the projection element can be introduced into the recess of the frame wall and locked with the strap section can be engaged.

In an advantageous embodiment, the bracket section, viewed in the insertion direction, be arranged below an upper edge of the edge of the frame wall. This has the advantage that the strap section is protected by the frame wall, for example when the holding frame falls down. In an impact forces are intercepted over the upper edge of the frame wall of the holding frame, so that the strap portion of the example formed as a spring element locking element is not damaged.

In another embodiment, the blocking element can be arranged as a whole movable, in particular pivotable on the frame wall. In this way can be adjusted by adjusting, in particular pivoting, the locking element of the bracket portion between the locking position and the release position.

In yet another embodiment may - for ease of actuation of the locking element - be arranged on a wall part of the support frame, an adjusting element, which can be rotated and acts upon rotation on the blocking element, that this is moved between its blocking position and its release position.

In this case, the stirrup section can extend along the frame wall of the holding frame and can be connected to the adjusting element on the front side of the holding frame on a wall part. The frontal wall part is arranged for example at right angles to the frame wall and limited in this way the opening of the holding frame frontally. By pivoting the adjusting element, the bow section can be moved into the blocking position or out of the blocking position in order to block contact inserts set in this manner on the holding frame or to release them for removal.

In this embodiment, the bracket portion may be formed, for example meander-shaped with transversely offset to the direction of insertion and to the longitudinal extension direction of the bracket portion to each other sections. The strap section thus has first sections and second sections offset from the first sections. The first portions are in the blocking position of the bracket portion in recesses of the frame walls and thus serve to lock arranged in the recesses projection elements of the contact inserts. The second sections, however, are on the outside of the frame wall and connect the first sections together.

The frame wall extends, for example, along a width direction transverse to the insertion direction. In this case, a plurality of recesses, which are periodically offset from one another along the width direction, can preferably be arranged on the frame wall. In this way are - periodically spaced from each other - created on the support frame several slots in which a plurality of contact inserts can be used side by side.

The support frame is e.g. formed by two mutually parallel, along a depth direction transverse to the insertion direction and transversely to the width direction spaced apart frame walls, which are frontally connected to each other via wall parts to provide a rectangular frame. On the two Rahmenwandungen one or more recesses are arranged in each case, can be used in the projection elements of one or more contact inserts. The recesses of the two frame walls are, for example, in pairs opposite each other, but differ in their dimensions, so that with the recesses a coding is provided which allows insertion of a contact insert in the support frame only in a single predetermined position and orientation.

In particular, the recesses of the frame walls differ in their width (measured along the width direction) from each other. On the first frame wall, the recesses thus have a first predetermined width, while on the opposite, second frame wall, the recesses have a different, second predetermined width.

In one embodiment, each recess may be associated with a separate locking element. Characterized in that each recess of a separate locking element is locked, it is possible to hold each contact insert separately on the support frame and in particular separately, so independent of other contact inserts to unlock and remove from the support frame. For this purpose, the blocking element, which is associated with a recess in which a contact insert rests with a projection element, is actuated to adjust the strap portion of the locking element from its blocking position to the release position, so that the contact insert can be removed from the recess. This can be done independently of other locking elements on other recesses, so that when releasing the contact insert from a recess other contact inserts can remain locked and thus continue to be held on the support frame.

A connector may, for example, have a housing and an insertable into the housing or attachable to the housing holding frame of the type described above. Such a connector may be for mating connection with an associated mating connector part and for electrically contacting leads with each other. In this case, a plurality of contact inserts can be held on the holding frame, wherein each contact insert can have one or more contacts for plug-in connection and - in particular electrical - contacting with an associated mating connector part.

Fig. 1

eine Ansicht eines Halterahmens mit daran angesetzten Kontakteinsätzen;

Fig. 2

die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 1, betrachtet von oben;

Fig. 3

die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 1, mit an Rahmenwandungen des Halterahmens angeordneten Sperrelementen zum Sperren der Kontakteinsätze an dem Halterahmen;

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht des Halterahmens mit daran angeordneten Sperrelementen, ohne Kontakteinsätze;

Fig. 5A, 5B

gesonderte Ansichten eines Sperrelements;

Fig. 6

eine Ansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Halterahmens;

Fig. 7

eine Ansicht eines anderen Ausführungsbeispiels eines Halterahmens;

Fig. 8

eine Ansicht eines Halterahmens mit daran angeordneten Kontakteinsätzen, mit Sperrelementen nach einem anderen Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 9

eine gesonderte Ansicht der Sperrelemente, mit einem Verstellelement zum Verstellen der Sperrelemente;

Fig.10A

eine Ansicht des Halterahmens, mit den Sperrelementen in einer Freigabestellung;

Fig.10B

die Ansicht gemäß Fig. 10A, mit den Sperrelementen in einer Sperrstellung;

Fig.11

eine Ansicht eines Halterahmens mit daran angeordneten Kontakteinsätzen, mit Sperrelementen nach einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 12

eine gesonderte Ansicht der Sperrelemente, mit einem Verstellelement zum Verstellen der Sperrelemente;

Fig. 13A

eine Ansicht des Halterahmens mit daran angeordneten Sperrelementen, in einer Freigabestellung;

Fig.13B

die Ansicht gemäß Fig. 13A, mit den Sperrelementen in einer Sperrstellung;

Fig. 14A

eine Ansicht eines Halterahmens mit daran angeordneten Sperrelementen nach einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel, mit den Sperrelementen in einer Freigabestellung;

Fig.14B

die Ansicht gemäß Fig. 14A, mit den Sperrelementen in einer Sperrstellung;

Fig. 15

eine gesonderte Ansicht eines Sperrelements;

Fig. 16

eine schematische Ansicht eines Steckverbinders mit einem Gehäuse und einem in das Gehäuse eingesetzten Halterahmen;

Fig. 17A, 17B

perspektivische Ansichten eines - gegenüber dem Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 5A, 5B modifizierten - Ausführungsbeispiels eines Sperrelements;

Fig. 18A, 18B

perspektivische Ansichten eines anderen - gegenüber dem Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 5A, 5B modifizierten - Ausführungsbeispiels eines Sperrelements;

Fig. 19

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines anderen Ausführungsbeispiels eines Halterahmens;

Fig. 20

eine Ansicht des Halterahmens schräg von unten;

Fig. 21A, 21 B

Ansichten des Sperrelements des Halterahmens;

Fig. 22

eine gesonderte Ansicht des Halterahmens ohne die Sperrelemente;

Fig. 23

eine Ansicht des Halterahmens mit eingesetzten Kontakteinsätzen; und

Fig. 24

eine Querschnittansicht entlang der Schnittebene S gemäß Fig. 23.

The idea underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Show it:

Fig. 1

a view of a holding frame with it attached contact inserts;

Fig. 2

the arrangement according to Fig. 1 , viewed from above;

Fig. 3

the arrangement according to Fig. 1 with locking elements arranged on frame walls of the holding frame for locking the contact inserts on the holding frame;

Fig. 4

a view of the holding frame with locking elements arranged thereon, without contact inserts;

Fig. 5A, 5B

separate views of a barrier element;

Fig. 6

a view of a first embodiment of a holding frame;

Fig. 7

a view of another embodiment of a holding frame;

Fig. 8

a view of a holding frame with contact inserts arranged thereon, with locking elements according to another embodiment;

Fig. 9

a separate view of the locking elements, with an adjusting element for adjusting the locking elements;

10A

a view of the holding frame, with the locking elements in a release position;

10B

the view according to Fig. 10A with the locking elements in a locked position;

Figure 11

a view of a holding frame with contact inserts arranged thereon, with locking elements according to a further embodiment;

Fig. 12

a separate view of the locking elements, with an adjusting element for adjusting the locking elements;

Fig. 13A

a view of the holding frame with locking elements arranged thereon, in a release position;

13B

the view according to Fig. 13A with the locking elements in a locked position;

Fig. 14A

a view of a holding frame with locking elements arranged thereon according to a further embodiment, with the locking elements in a release position;

Fig.14B

the view according to Fig. 14A with the locking elements in a locked position;

Fig. 15

a separate view of a barrier element;

Fig. 16

a schematic view of a connector with a housing and an inserted into the housing holding frame;

Figs. 17A, 17B

perspective views of a - compared to the embodiment according to Fig. 5A, 5B modified - embodiment of a blocking element;

Figs. 18A, 18B

perspective views of another - compared to the embodiment according to Fig. 5A, 5B modified - embodiment of a blocking element;

Fig. 19

a perspective view of another embodiment of a holding frame;

Fig. 20

a view of the holding frame obliquely from below;

Fig. 21A, 21B

Views of the locking element of the holding frame;

Fig. 22

a separate view of the holding frame without the locking elements;

Fig. 23

a view of the holding frame with inserted contact inserts; and

Fig. 24

a cross-sectional view along the section plane S according to Fig. 23 ,

Fig. 16 shows a schematic view of a connector 1, which has a housing 10 and a housing 10 inserted into the holding frame 3. In the housing 10 leads into a conduit 2, in which a plurality of electrical wires that open in the housing 10, can be enclosed.

The support frame 3 serves to receive modular contact inserts 4, as shown schematically in FIG Fig. 16 and in a concrete embodiment in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are shown. The contact inserts 4 are attached to the support frame 3 and have - outwardly above - contact elements 40 which serve for plug-in connection and electrical contact with associated mating contact elements of a mating connector part 5.

For connecting the connector 1 with the associated mating connector part 5, the connector 1 is inserted into the mating connector part 5 and thus brought into engagement with the mating connector part 5, so that the contact elements 40 of the contact inserts 4 are electrically contacting with the contact elements of the mating connector part 5 in connection.

How out Fig. 1 and 2 can be seen, the contact inserts 4 are modular and can be designed differently. The contact inserts 4 each have a housing body 42, which has plug-in openings 41 on a side facing into the housing 10 of the connector 1 in side, can be inserted into the line wires of the line 2 for electrical contact. On the opposite, outwardly facing side are contact elements 40 of the housing body 42, which serve for plug-in engagement with the mating connector part 5.

The contact inserts 4 may differ in the shape of the contact elements 40, in the number of contact elements 40 or in their basic function. For example, not only electrical contacts, but also, for example, mechanical or pneumatic contacts can be provided via the contact inserts 4.

The contact inserts 4 can be attached to a support frame 3 in a modular manner in a different combination. The holding frame 3 has along a width direction B parallel to each other extended frame walls 31, 32 which are spaced along a depth direction Q to each other and receive the contact inserts 4 between them. On the front side, the frame walls 31, 32 are connected to each other via wall parts 33, 34, so that a rectangular frame is formed with an opening 30 into which the contact inserts 4 can be inserted in an insertion direction E.

Along the width direction B, the contact inserts 4 have the same pitch, in particular a same width.

On the frame walls 31, 32 - in pairs opposite each - recesses 310, 320 (see also 6 and 7 ), in which the contact inserts 4 can be inserted with projection elements 420, 421, so that when arranged in the holding frame 3 contact inserts 4, the contact inserts 4 with their Projecting members 420, 421 each come to rest in a pair of opposed recesses 310, 320.

The recesses 310, 320 of the opposite frame walls 31, 32 have - as measured along the width direction B - different widths x, y (see Fig. 2 ). In this way, a coding is provided which allows insertion of a contact insert 4 only in a predetermined position and orientation in a created between the frame walls 31, 32 slot. Thus, a first, measured along the width direction B narrow projection element 24 can be inserted into the recesses 310 on the first frame conversion 31, while a second, arranged on the opposite, other side of the housing body 42 projection element 421 due to its width y only in the recess 320th can be used on the second frame wall 32.

Attachment points 330, 331, 340, 341 are provided on the end wall parts 33, 34, which serve for fastening the holding frame 3 to the housing 10 of the connector 1 and, for example, by means of suitable screw connections, fixing the holding frame 3 with contact inserts 4 arranged thereon on the housing 10 allow.

In addition, connecting devices 332, 342 are provided on the end-face wall parts 33, 34, via which, for example, a neutral conductor can be connected to the holding frame 3.

The recesses 310, 320 are formed in upper edges 313, 323 of the opposite frame walls 31, 32 and thus open towards the insertion direction E to the outside. By inserting a contact insert 4 in the insertion direction E to the support frame 3, the projection elements 420, 421 on both sides of the housing body 42 of the contact insert 4 thus in pairs opposite recesses 310, 320 of the frame walls 31, 32 are introduced to the contact insert 4 on the support frame. 3 to arrange, and vice versa against the insertion direction E turn out of the recesses 310, 320 are removed to remove the contact insert 4 from the support frame 3.

Because when mounting of the contact inserts 4 receiving support frame 3 to the housing 10 of the connector 1 and also in use of the connector 1, the contact inserts 4 are to be held firmly on the support frame 3, are on the Holding frame 3 locking elements provided which act in a blocking position on the projection elements 420, 421 of the contact inserts 4 and thus prevent removal of the contact inserts 4 from their attached to the support frame 3 position.

A first embodiment of such locking elements 35 show Fig. 3 to 5A . 5B ,

The locking elements 35 are formed in the illustrated embodiment as spring elements made of a spring steel, which are U-shaped and with surface portions 352, 353 surround the frame walls 31, 32 on a side facing away from the upper edge 113, lower edge 114. Each blocking element 35 is in this case exactly one recess 310, 320 associated with a frame wall 31, 32 and limits its associated recess 110,120 against the insertion direction E by means of a bracket portion 350. The bracket portion 350 is disposed on the outer surface portion 352 and projects beyond the upper edge 113, 123 of the blocking element 35 associated frame wall 31, 32 also.

Arranged on the outer surface section 352 is a recess 351 which is congruent with the recess 310, 320 associated with the blocking element 35.

When inserting a contact insert 4 into the holding frame 3, the protrusion elements 420, 421 arranged on both sides of the housing body 42 run onto the stirrup sections 350 of the blocking elements 35 associated with the pair of recesses 310, 320, so that the stirrup sections 350 are pushed aside along the depth direction Q to the outside and the projection elements 420, 421 engage with the recesses 310, 320. When inserted, the projection elements 420, 421 in the recesses 310, 320 of the two-sided Rahmenwandungen 31, 32 and also in the recesses 351 of the both sides associated locking elements 35, wherein a removal of the contact insert 4 against the insertion direction E on the strap sections of the 350 of Locking elements 35 is locked.

Because each slot two separate locking elements 35 are assigned, each contact insert 4 separately attached to the support frame 3 and - by releasing the bracket sections 350 - are also removed from the support frame 3. In the attached state, the contact inserts 4 are set counter to the insertion direction E via two bracket sections 350 of two opposing locking elements 35 against the insertion direction E on the support frame 3. By example, manually, resilient bending of the bracket portions 350 to the outside, the Locking the projection elements 420, 421 are released, so that a contact insert 4 can be removed independently of other contact inserts 4 from the support frame 3.

To improve the hold of the blocking elements 35 on the frame walls 31, 32 of the holding frame 3, the blocking elements 35 engage in each case with a holding tongue 354, which is formed on the inside surface portion 353 of the blocking element 35, in an associated holding opening 311, 321 on the frame wall 31, 32 on. In this way, the blocking elements 35 are fixed to the frame walls 31, 32 substantially without play.

With the locking elements 35 - a simple and cost-effective way - a locking of the contact inserts 4 is provided on the support frame 3, which can be operated manually and without tools. To attach the contact inserts 4 to the support frame 3, the blocking elements 35 need not be acted upon. To remove a contact insert 4, the bracket portions 350 of the pairwise opposing locking elements 35 can be manually grasped and bent outwardly to release in this way the locking of the associated contact insert 4 on the support frame 3.

A modification of the blocking element 35 of the embodiment described above Figs. 17A, 17B and Figs. 18A, 18B ,

In the embodiment according to Figs. 17A, 17B For example, two blocking elements for 35A, 35B are interconnected via their second, inner surface portions 353 to form a continuous blocking element 35. The first outside surface portions 352 of the locking members 35A, 35B are not connected to each other, and also their bracket portions 353 are separated from each other, so that the locking members 35A, 35B can be operated independently of each other.

In the embodiment according to Figs. 18A, 18B For example, three blocking elements 35A, 35B, 35C are connected to one another via their second, inner-side surface sections 353, so that a coherent blocking element 35 formed from three blocking elements 35A, 35B, 35C is created. Again, the first outer side surface portions 352 of the blocking elements 35A, 35B, 35C and also their Bracket sections 350 separated from each other, so that the locking elements 35A, 35B, 35C can be operated independently.

Otherwise, the locking elements 35 according to Figs. 17A, 17B and according to Figs. 18A, 18B functionally identical to that of Fig. 5A, 5B described blocking element 35, so that reference should also be made to the above statements.

6 and 7 show exemplary embodiments of a holding frame 3. The holding frame 3, for example, as a zinc or aluminum die-cast part ( Fig. 6 ) or as a bent part ( Fig. 7 ) be formed.

Fig. 19 to 24 show a further embodiment of a holding frame 3 with arranged thereon locking elements 35 in the form of spring steel made of spring elements.

The holding frame 3 has frame walls 31, 32, which are connected to one another via wall parts 33, 34 and form a central opening 30, into which contact inserts 4 (FIG. Fig. 23 ) can be used in an insertion direction E. The holding frame 3 has a rectangular shape and forms, in the illustrated embodiment, six slots for receiving different modular contact inserts 4.

To the frame walls 31, 32 locking elements 35 are attached, which serve to lock the contact inserts 4 in their position in the holding frame 3. Each three blocking elements 35A, 35B, 35C are here, as in Figs. 21A and 21B shown interconnected to a continuous locking element 35, wherein the locking elements 35A, 35B, 35C each have separately formed outer surface portions 352, however, are connected to each other at their inner surface portions 353, so that a coherent locking element 35 is provided.

As for the embodiment according to Fig. 3 to 5A . 5B previously described, a retaining tongue 354 is arranged on the inner surface portion 353 of each locking element 35A, 35B, 35C, which rests blocking in an associated retaining opening 311, 321 at locking member 35 attached to the associated frame wall 31, 32. The coherent locking element 35 is in this case against the insertion direction E from below to the associated frame wall 31, 32 recognized until the retaining tongue 354 engages in the associated retaining opening 311, 321 and the blocking element 35 is thus locked to the frame wall 31, 32. In the attached position, the blocking element 35 surrounds the associated frame wall 31, 32, so that the frame wall 31, 32 is arranged between the inner surface section 353 and the outer surface section 352.

Each blocking element 35A, 35B, 35C has on its outer surface section 352 a bow section 350, which is cut free by a recess 351 from the outer surface section 352. With the bow section 350, the blocking element 35A, 35B, 35C engages over an associated recess 310, 320 on the frame wall 31, 32 and protrudes into the recess 310, 320 with a molding section 355 formed on the bow section 150. The blocking element 35A, 35B, 35C thus lies with the shaping section 355 in the associated recess 310, 320 of the frame wall 31, 32, the strap section 350 coming below the upper edge of the edge 313, 323 of the respective frame wall 31, 32 and thus is protected by the frame wall 31, 32, for example, when the holding frame 3 falls down.

As in the previous embodiment, the recesses 310, 320 of the frame walls 31, 32 have different widths x, y (see FIG Fig. 21 ), so that on the recesses 310, 320, a coding for the slots is created, which allows insertion of a contact insert 4 only in exactly one position.

For insertion, a contact insert 4 is inserted in the insertion direction E in the opening 30 of the holding frame 3 and in this case comes with projection elements 420, 421 in engagement with the recesses 310, 320 of the frame walls 31, 32. Due to the fact that the recesses 310, 320 along the Inserting direction E are drawn comparatively long, the contact insert 4 comes with its projection elements 420, 421 first into engagement with the recesses 310, 320 and then runs on the molding portions 355 of the locking elements 35A, 35B, 35C on both sides of the frame walls 31, 32, so in that the outer surface portions 352 are elastically bent outward until the protrusion members 420, 421 have passed the molding portions 355 and snap-lock the outer surface portions 352 to the protrusion members 420, 421, as shown in the sectional view of FIG Fig. 24 is shown.

In the inserted position, the contact inserts 4 are locked in the support frame 3 and can not be removed in particular against the insertion direction E from the support frame 3, at least not without the lock on the locking elements 35A, 35B, 35C to solve, which by elastic bending of the associated Locking elements 35A, 35B, 35C outwardly manually or using a suitable tool is possible.

Due to the fact that the outer surface sections 352 are formed individually, basically each contact insert 4 can be attached individually to the holding frame 3 and also removed again from the holding frame 3.

The fact that the molding portions 355 protrude into the associated recesses 310, 320 on the two-sided frame walls 31, 32, the contact point between the locking elements 35A, 35B, 35C and the projection elements 420, 421 of a contact insert 4 is displaced inwardly, resulting in a secure locking of Guaranteed contact insert 4 in its inserted position, even with a possible play of the contact insert 4 in the opening 30 of the support frame. 3

The frame walls 31, 32 each have a plurality of holding openings 311, 321 and recesses 310, 320, wherein the recesses 310, 320 are formed in the insertion direction E comparatively deep in the frame walls 31, 32, to an advantageous guide for the projection elements 420th , 421 of the contact inserts 4 provide. In order to improve the mechanical strength of the frame walls 31, 32, the flatly extended walls 333, 334 at the end wall parts 33, 34 compared to the frame walls 31, 32 at least slightly increased wall thickness to the frame walls 31, 32 frontally together to connect and increase the structural strength of the support frame 3.

Otherwise, the embodiment is according to Fig. 19 to 24 functionally similar to the embodiment according to FIG Fig. 3 to 5A . 5B , so that reference should also be made to the above statements to that exemplary embodiment.

Characterized in that the retaining tongue 354 of each locking element 35A, 35B, 35C is bent so obliquely to the inside surface portion 353 that the retaining tongue 354 protrudes with its tip in the direction of insertion E in the associated retaining opening 311, 321, holding tab 354 holds the associated Locking element 35A, 35B, 35C in Position on the associated frame wall 31, 32, when a contact insert 4 is inserted into the insertion direction E in the holding frame 3. In this case, the retaining tongue 354 abuts in the insertion direction E to the lower boundary edge of the associated retaining opening 311, 321, without the blocking element 35A, 35B, 35C from the frame wall 31, 32 can solve.

Fig. 8 to 10A . 10B show a further embodiment of a holding frame 3 with locking elements 36 arranged thereon.

In this embodiment, a blocking element 36 is arranged on each frame wall 31, 32, which with strap sections 361, 362, starting from a central attachment point 360, via which the locking element 36 is attached to the associated frame wall 31, 32, extends longitudinally on the associated frame wall 31, 32 is arranged, with end portions 363, 364, the end-side wall parts 33, 34 surrounds and communicates with adjusting elements 37 in connection. The end sections 363, 364 each have an opening 365, 366, in which an adjustment section 371 of a pivotable about a pin 370 adjusting element 37 rests.

The bracket sections 361, 362 have long along the width direction B on the respectively associated frame wall 31, 32. The strap sections 361,362 are in this case in a locking position in a groove-shaped recess 312 (see Fig. 10A ) of the respective associated frame wall 31, 32, so that when inserted in the blocking position bracket sections 361, 362 inserted into the support frame 3 contact inserts 4 are locked on their protrusion elements 420, 421 on the support frame 3, as in Fig. 8 is shown.

By turning the adjusting elements 37 along a direction of rotation V (see Fig. 10B ), the bracket sections 361, 362 of the locking elements 36 are each pairwise adjusted from the locked position, as in Fig. 10A is shown. The opposite along the depth direction Q bracket sections 361, 362 of the locking elements 36 can in this case be adjusted together by the these bracket sections 361, 362 associated adjustment 37 is engaged with the end portions 363, 364 of the bracket sections 361, 362nd

So can the in Fig. 10A left illustrated bracket sections 361 are adjusted together via the left adjusting element 37, while the in Fig. 10A right illustrated bracket sections 362 can be adjusted via the right adjusting element 37. In this way, it is possible to remove the contact inserts 4 inserted into the left half of the holding frame 3 independently of the contact inserts 4 inserted on the right into the holding frame 3 and vice versa.

The locking elements 36 may in turn be made resiliently from a spring steel.

In a modification of the embodiment according to Fig. 8 to 10A . 10B are in the embodiment according to Fig. 11 to 13A . 13B Barrier elements 38 meandering with staggered sections 381, 382 formed.

Each blocking element 38 in this case has a bow portion 180 which has long along one of the frame walls 31, 32 extends. Inwardly offset portions 381 of the bracket portion 380 are in this case in the blocking position of the locking elements 38 in the recesses 310, 320 of the frame walls 31, 32, so that via these inwardly offset portions 381 attached to the support frame 3 contact inserts 4 relative to the support frame. 3 are locked, like this in Fig. 11 is shown.

In turn, by turning the adjusting elements 37 along a direction of rotation V, the blocking elements 38 can be moved together out of their blocking position in order to remove contact inserts 4 from the holding frame 3 or to attach contact inserts 4 to the holding frame 3.

The locking elements 38 may be resiliently made from a spring steel.

In turn, another embodiment show FIGS. 14A, 14B and 15 ,

In this embodiment, locking elements 39 in the form of elongated wires are pivotally mounted on the frame walls 31, 32. The locking elements 39 are about bearing portions 392 embracing clamp members 396 pivotally attached to a respective Rahmenwandung 31, 32 and are also with bearing portions 393, 394 in bearing openings on the front wall portions 33, 34 of the holding frame 3 a. To the bearing sections 392-394 locking portions 391 are transversely offset, so that there is a meandering shape.

By pivoting the locking elements 39, the locking portions 391 in a blocking position ( Fig. 14B ) or in a release order ( Fig. 14A ) are brought to lock or release contact inserts 4 on the recesses 310, 320 of the frame wall 31, 32.

Subsequent to the end-side bearing section 394 at the in Fig. 14A left, front-side wall portion 33 is arranged at each locking element 39, an adjustment section 395, via which a user can manually attack on the locking element 39 to pivot it between its blocking position and its release position. In the release position contact inserts 4 can be attached to the support frame 3 or removed from the support frame 3. In the blocking position, contact inserts 4 attached to the holding frame 3 are locked to the holding frame 3 and are thus securely and reliably held on the holding frame 3.

The idea underlying the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can in principle be realized even in completely different types of embodiments.

In principle, a blocking element can be assigned to one or more recesses, so that one or more contact inserts can be unlocked and removed from the holding frame by actuating a blocking element.

Because the locking elements are formed as separate elements to the frame walls of the support frame, the frame walls can be made of a solid, inelastic material and thus ensure a secure, reliable fit of contact inserts on the support frame. The spring elements can be manufactured as inexpensive components and attached in a simple manner to the frame walls.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Connectors

10

casing

2

management

2

contact insert

3

holding frame

30

opening

31, 32

Frame wall (thigh)

310, 320

recess

311, 321

holding opening

312

Grooved recess

313, 323

edge

33, 34

wall part

330, 331, 340, 341

attachment points

332, 342

connecting device

333, 343

reinforcing walls

35

blocking element

35A-C

Blocking element section

350

bow section

351

recess

352

surface section

353

surface section

354

holding tongue

355

molding portion

36

blocking element

360

fastening point

361, 362

bow section

363, 364

end

365, 366

opening

37

adjustment

370

spigot

371

adjustment section

38

blocking element

380

bow section

381

Inverted section

382

Outwardly offset section

383, 384

end

385, 386

opening

39

blocking element

390

bow section

391

blocking portion

392-394

bearing section

395

adjustment section

396

clip element

4

Modular contact inserts

40

contact elements

41

plug openings

42

housing body

420, 421

projection member

5

Mating connector part

B

width direction

e

insertion

Q

depth direction

S

cutting plane

V

twisting

x, y

width

Claims (14)

Holding frame (3) for receiving modular contact inserts (4), with - An opening (30) into which at least one contact insert (4) in an insertion direction (E) can be inserted, and - One of the opening (30) at least partially delimiting the frame wall (31, 32) having an edge (313, 323) and at least one in the edge (313, 323) molded recess (310, 320), in the insertion of a Contact insert (4) in the opening (30) a projection element (420, 421) of the contact insert (4) can be inserted, characterized by a blocking element (35, 36, 38, 39) arranged on the side wall (31, 32) and having a bow section (350, 360, 380, 390) which - In a blocking position the at least one recess (310, 320) against the insertion direction (E) limited to the projection element (420, 421) of the contact insert (4) counter to the insertion direction (E) in the recess (310, 320) , and - For releasing the projection element (420, 421) for removing the contact insert (4) from the holding frame (3) transversely to the insertion direction (E) from the blocking position out into a release position is movable. Holding frame (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the strap portion (350, 360, 380, 390) is transverse to the insertion direction (E) and the at least one recess (310, 320) engages in the blocking position such that the at least a recess (310, 320) against the insertion direction (E) by the strap portion (350, 360, 380, 390) is limited. Holding frame (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the blocking element (35, 36, 38, 39) is elastically resilient. Holding frame (3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the blocking element (35, 36, 38, 39) is attached as a separate element to the frame wall (31, 32). Holding frame (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking element (35) is attached to the frame wall (31, 32) such that the blocking element (35) engages the frame wall (31, 32) a second edge (314, 324), which surrounds the at least one recess (310, 320), the first edge (313, 323), surrounds. Holding frame (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking element (35) with a first surface portion (352) on one of the opening (30) facing away from the outside of the frame wall (31, 32) and with a second surface portion (353) on one of the opening (30) facing the inside of the frame wall (31, 32) rests. Holding frame (3) according to claim 6, characterized in that the strap portion (350) on the first surface portion (352) is arranged. Holding frame (3) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the first surface portion (352) has a recess (351) for receiving the projection element (420, 421) of the contact insert (4), wherein the recess (351) counter to the insertion direction (E) is limited by the strap portion (350). Holding frame (3) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that on the bow portion (350) is arranged transversely to the insertion direction (E) of the bow portion (350) projecting forming portion (355) which in the recess (310, 320) on the edge (313, 323) of the frame wall (31, 32) protrudes. Holding frame (3) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the strap portion (350), viewed in the insertion direction (E), below an upper edge of the edge (313, 323) is arranged. Holding frame (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking element (36, 38, 39) is arranged transversely to the insertion direction (E) movable, in particular pivotable on the frame wall (31, 32). Holding frame (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blocking element (36, 38, 39) via a rotatably on a wall part (33, 34) of the holding frame (3) arranged adjusting element (37) between the locking position and the release position is adjustable. Connector (1) having a housing (10) and a in the housing (10) insertable or attachable to the housing (10) holding frame (3) according to one of the preceding claims. Connector (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the connector (1) comprises a plurality of on the holding frame (2) held contact inserts (4), each having one or more contacts (40) for plugging and contacting with an associated Have mating connector part (5).

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