MODULAR PLUG CONNECTOR

A modular plug connector having a holding frame having side walls which laterally delimit a receiving space, and at least one plug connector module which can be introduced into the receiving space. The side walls have a plurality of holding-frame-side guide elements and the at least one plug connector module has at least one plug-connector-module-side guide element. The at least one plug-connector-module-side guide element can be plugged into the holding-frame-side guide elements such that the plug connector module is positioned in the receiving space. The side walls have a latching structure and the plug connector module has at least one latching tongue which engages into the latching structure. The at least one plug connector module has at least one functional element with which functional element a functional contact to a functional element of a plug connector module of another plug connector can be established.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a modular plug connector according to the preamble of claim1.

PRIOR ART

Modular plug connectors are known from the prior art. By way of example, EP 0 742 608 discloses such a plug connector. In this case, module parts, in which the electrical conductor elements are arranged, are connected to a frame. The module parts are then secured with respect to the holding frame by a latching lug. The disadvantage of the plug connector according to EP 0 742 608 is, for example, the imprecise positioning of the individual modules.

A further plug connector, having modules which are fastened to a base element, is known from JP-H09-147960. This is disadvantageous in that latching elements are located on the inside, which is a disadvantage with regard to the accessibility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Starting with this prior art, an object of the invention is to provide a modular plug connector which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a modular plug connector whereof the plug connector modules can be assembled more easily.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim1. Accordingly, a modular plug connector comprises a holding frame having two side walls, which extend parallel to one another and which delimit a receiving space laterally, and at least one plug connector module, which can be installed in the receiving space. The side walls have a plurality of holding-frame-side guide elements on the inner sides facing the receiving space, and the at least one plug connector module has at least one plug-connector-module-side guide element on its outer side. The at least one plug-connector-module-side guide element can be plugged into the holding-frame-side guide elements and, more precisely, in such a way that the plug connector module is mounted in a positionally precise manner in the receiving space. The side walls have a latching structure on their outer sides and the plug connector module has at least one latching lug, which engages in the latching structure outside the receiving space. The at least one plug connector module comprises at least one functional element, such as an electrical functional element or an optical functional element or a fluidic functional element, via which functional element a functional contact with a functional element of a plug connector module of a further plug connector can be established in the mated state.

As a result of arranging the guide elements inside the receiving space, the guide elements are well protected from external mechanical influences. The arrangement of the latching structure on the outer side is advantageous in that the latching lug remains easily accessible and an individual plug connector module may be assembled and replaced comparatively easily.

Two modular plug connectors according to the present invention can be connected to one another and then form a plug connector arrangement. In other words, in a plug connector arrangement, a first plug connector according to the invention is connected to a second plug connector according to the invention. The functional elements are designed accordingly such that a functional contact is established between the functional elements of the first plug connector and the functional elements of the second plug connector. In this case, the description below is applicable to both the first and the second plug connector. In this case, the first and the second plug connector can be connected to one another along a linear plug-in direction.

The expression “functional element’ is understood to mean, for example, an electrical plug connector with a pin side or a matching socket side. In this case, the pin side is in a plug connector module of a first plug connector and the socket side is in a plug connector module of a second plug connector which is connected to the first plug connector. Data signals, or also electrical energy, may be transmitted via the electrical plug connector. However, the functional element may also be a fluidic, in particular a pneumatic, functional element. With regard to the allocation of plug connector modules designed as socket sides and plug connector modules designed as plug sides, it is conceivable to allocate all socket sides to one holding frame and all plug sides to another holding frame. However, it is also possible to arrange socket sides and plug sides on one holding frame.

The latching structure on the outer side is preferably a groove extending completely over the entire length of the side wall. This is advantageous in that a single latching structure may be provided for all plug connector modules to be installed, irrespective of their position in the holding frame.

The latching lug of the plug connector module, when connected to the holding frame, preferably comes to lie on the outer side of the holding frame. It is thus possible to establish particularly good accessibility.

Two latching lugs are preferably provided for each plug connector module, wherein one latching lug comes into engagement with the latching structure of one side wall and the other latching lug comes into engagement with the latching structure of the other side wall. The plug connector module is thus connected to the holding frame on both sides, which ensures good mounting of the plug connector module.

The latching lug preferably has a width which extends over the entire width of the plug connector module. However, the latching lug is particularly preferably not wider than the width of the plug connector module. As a result of this design, the rigidity and therefore also the robustness against external influences may be improved.

The outer side of the side wall preferably has, in the region in which the latching lug comes to lie, a depression region which extends from an outer lateral surface of the outer side into the side wall, wherein the depression region and the latching lug are designed in such a way that the latching lug substantially does not protrude beyond the outer lateral surface, in particular in such a way that the latching lug is substantially flush with the outer lateral surface. The latching lugs are embedded as a result of the depression region, whereby a compact structure is produced on the one hand and whereby a structure in which the latching lugs cannot be easily released is produced on the other.

The side wall preferably has, on its rear end face, a first positioning element, which cooperates with a second positioning element arranged on the plug connector module.

Arranging the positioning elements on the end surface has the further advantage that the plug connector module is guided via an additional element.

The first positioning element is particularly preferably a cam and the second positioning element is a receptacle in which the cam engages. Alternatively, the second positioning element is a cam and the first positioning element is a receptacle in which the cam engages.

The plug-connector-module-side guide element is preferably at least one guide ridge and the holding-frame-side guide element is at least one guide groove, wherein the at least one guide ridge engages in the at least one guide groove.

The guide groove and the guide ridge are therefore designed to complement or match one another.

The guide grooves and the guide ridge are preferably orientated in the same direction as the plug-in direction of the plug connector.

The guide elements on one of the two side walls are preferably designed to differ from the guide elements on the other of the two side walls in such a way that a coding for the orientation of the plug connector modules may be realized.

The guide elements particularly preferably extend over at least half the depth of the receiving space in each case. In other words, the guide elements extend over at least half the depth of the side wall.

The holding-frame-side guide elements and/or the plug-connector-module-side guide element particularly preferably have a main guide region and an insertion region, wherein the play between the plug connector module and the holding frame is greater in the insertion region than in the main guide region. A particularly advantageous structure for assembling the plug connector module may thus be established.

The at least one plug connector module preferably has a lateral surface, wherein the spacing between the lateral surface and the guide elements is designed to be such that two adjacent plug connector modules can be brought into contact with one another at the lateral surfaces. It is thus possible to make particularly good use of the available receiving space.

The holding frame preferably has two transverse walls, which are each arranged at the ends of the side walls and connect the side walls, wherein the side walls and the transverse walls are preferably designed as one piece.

The holding frame is preferably designed as a rectangle. The receiving space is preferably designed as a cuboid.

The transverse walls preferably have, on the outer side, a receptacle in which a grounding contact element is held, wherein the grounding contact element is made of an electrically conductive material. The grounding contact element serves as a grounding contact, wherein it is then connected to the grounding contact element of a second plug connector.

The holding frame preferably has a guide structure with which two holding frames are guided during the plug-in movement. The guide structure is preferably arranged on the two transverse walls. The guide structure preferably has a coding element so that incorrect mating is impossible.

The at least one plug connector module preferably has a contact side, via which the functional element is accessible for a plug-in process with another plug. The plug connector module preferably furthermore has a connection side, via which the functional element can be connected to a connection element, such as a connection cable or a connection hose. The plug connector module can preferably be installed in the receiving space with its contact side first.

That is to say, in other words, that the plug connector module can be installed in the receiving space in the plug-in direction of two plug connectors.

The latching lug preferably protrudes from the connection side.

The side walls preferably have a front end face and a rear end face, wherein the latching lug extends over the rear end face and wherein the front end face, when connected to a further plug connector, can be orientated with respect to the front end face of the further plug connector.

The plug connector module, as seen in the plug-in direction, preferably projects out of the receiving space. The plug connector module is preferably designed in such a way that, between the side wall and the plug connector module, an intermediate space is produced, into which a projecting plug connector module of a plug connector to be connected may project. In other words, the plug connector module of the first plug connector, which projects out of the receiving space, projects into the intermediate space of the second plug connector.

Further embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Perspective views of a modular plug connector1are shown inFIGS.1and2a.FIGS.3to6then show two of the plug connectors1, which may be mated with one another.

The modular plug connector1comprises a holding frame2and at least one plug connector module5, which is mounted on the holding frame2. Typically, a plurality of different plug connector modules5are mounted on the holding frame2, wherein the type of plug connector module5may differ.

The holding frame2comprises two side walls3, which extend parallel to one another and which delimit a receiving space4laterally. In this case, the side walls3are arranged at a spacing from one another. Transverse walls21, which connect the two side walls3to one another, are arranged at the free ends of the side walls3. In this case, the side walls3, and also the transverse walls21here, delimit a receiving space4. The receiving space4is designed substantially as a cuboid in the embodiment shown.

The at least one plug connector module5can be at least partially installed in the receiving space4and, as already mentioned, is mounted on the holding frame2.

The side walls3have a plurality of holding-frame-side guide elements7on the inner sides6facing the receiving space4. The at least one plug connector module5furthermore has at least one plug-connector-module-side guide element9on its outer side8. The two guide elements7,9serve for guiding the plug connector module5during the assembly procedure and for positionally precise mounting after assembly. In this case, the at least one plug-connector-module-side guide element9can be plugged into the holding-frame-side guide elements7and, more precisely, in such a way that the plug connector module5can be pushed into the receiving space4and is mounted in a positionally precise manner after it is pushed into the receiving space4. The guide elements7,9for the plug connector module5project into the receiving space4during a plug-in movement E.

The number of plug-connector-module-side guide elements9is substantially dependent on the width of the plug connector module5.

The side walls3have a latching structure11on their outer sides10. The plug connector module5furthermore has at least one latching lug12, which engages in the latching structure11outside the receiving space4.

The at least one plug connector module5has at least one functional element13. The functional element13may be, for example, an electrical contact element, which is designed as a pin side or as a socket side. However, the functional element may also be a fluidic functional element, such as a pneumatic coupling. A functional contact may be established with the functional element in the mated state of two plug connectors1. This is explained in more detail with reference toFIGS.3to5.

In the embodiment shown, the latching structure11on the outer sides10of the side walls3is a groove14extending completely along the entire length L of the side wall3. In this case, the groove14extends continuously, i.e. without a break, over the entire length L of the side wall3. The continuous groove14is advantageous in that the latching lug12may latch accordingly in the latching structure11without a lateral mechanical force.

The lateral guidance and positioning transversely to the longitudinal side of the side wall3is provided by the guide elements7,9, whilst the plug connector module5is secured in the direction of the plug-in movement E by the latching lug12latching in the groove14.

When the plug connector module5is connected to the holding frame2, the latching lug12comes to lie on the outer side10of the holding frame2and engages accordingly in the groove14. In this case, the latching lug12embraces a rear end face18of the side wall3and then projects externally with respect to the receiving space4, along the side wall3, until it reaches the point at which it engages in the groove14. In other words, the latching lug12provides a U-shaped space27, which surrounds parts of the side wall3. In this case, the actual latching lug12is arranged on one side of this U-shaped space27and the plug-connector-module-side guide elements9are arranged on the other side.

At least two latching lugs12are provided for each plug connector module5, wherein one latching lug12comes into engagement with the latching structure11of one side wall3and the other latching lug12comes into engagement with the latching structure11of the other side wall3. That is to say that both side walls3are in connection with a respective latching structure11of the plug connector module5. This bilateral and, with respect to the receiving space4, symmetrical embracing is advantageous in that it is possible to establish good mounting of the plug connector module5in the receiving space4of the holding frame2.

The latching lug12preferably has a width which extends over the entire width of the plug connector module5. That is to say that, in a wide plug connector module5, the latching lug12is also wider than in a relatively narrow plug connector module5. However, it is also possible that the latching lug12has a narrower width than the plug connector module5or is formed in multiple parts.

Receiving points28, in which the functional elements13are mounted, are arranged inside the plug connector module5. These receiving points28may have any form and are substantially dependent on the shape of the functional element13. However, the receiving points28are designed in such a way that the functional element13is typically mounted in the receiving point28of the plug connector module5in a fixed, yet replaceable, manner.

The outer side8of the side wall3has a depression region15in the region in which the latching lug12comes to lie. In this case, the depression region15extends from an outer lateral surface16of the outer side8into the side wall3. In the embodiment shown, the depression region15extends over the entire length L of the side wall3. In this case, the depression region15and the latching lug12are designed in such a way that the latching lug12does not protrude beyond the outer lateral surface16. The latching lug12is particularly preferably flush with the outer lateral surface16. The groove14, which deepens the depression region15even further, is moreover arranged in the said depression region15.

The side wall3furthermore has at least one first positioning element18on its rear end face17. In this case, this first positioning element18cooperates with at least one second positioning element19arranged on the plug connector module5. In the embodiment shown, the first positioning element18is a cam and the second positioning element19is a receptacle into which the cam extends. In the embodiment shown, the positioning element18is offset in the longitudinal direction L with respect to holding-frame-side guide element7and additionally helps to prevent the plug connector modules from tilting.

The plug-connector-module-side guide element9is designed as a guide ridge in the embodiment shown. The holding-frame-side guide element7is designed as a guide groove in the embodiment shown. In this case, the guide ridge may be pushed into the guide groove and therefore engages in the guide groove. In this case, all guide elements7,9extend parallel to one another. The guide elements7on one of the two side walls3may be designed to differ from the guide elements7on the other of the two side walls3. A coding for the orientation of the plug connector modules5with respect to the receiving space4may thus be provided. That is to say that the plug connector modules5may only be installed in the receiving space4in one orientation.

The grid spacing between the guide grooves is preferably less than 5 millimeters, preferably in a range of 2 to 4 millimeters, in particular approximately 3.5 millimeters. This is advantageous in that a very finely separated grid spacing may be provided, which has a space-saving effect since the modules may be positioned in a more finely structured manner.

The holding-frame-side guide elements7extend over at least half the depth of the receiving space4. That is to say, in other words, that the guide elements7extend over at least half the depth T of the side wall3.

The holding-frame-side guide elements7on one of the side walls3particularly preferably extend over only part of the depth T of the side wall3, whilst the holding-frame-side guide elements7on the other of the side walls3extend over the entire depth. The plug connector module5may furthermore have a coding surface36. The coding surface36is shown inFIG.2b. In this case, the coding surface36is arranged in such a way that, if the plug connector module5is pushed into the receiving space4incorrectly, the coding surface36abuts against the holding-frame-side guide elements7, which extend over the entire depth, and may therefore not be inserted. The correct position is shown in the sectional illustration ofFIG.5b, wherein the coding surface is located in the region in which there are no holding-frame-side guide elements7.

In the embodiment shown, the plug-connector-module-side guide elements9may have an insertion region25and a main guide region26. In this case, the insertion region25is arranged in front of the main guide region26. In the embodiment shown, the insertion region25is designed as an inclined plane. In this case, the play between the plug connector module5and the holding frame2in the insertion region25is greater than in the main guide region26. The plug connector module5may thus be installed in the receiving space4more easily.

The holding-frame-side guide element7does not have an insertion region25in the embodiment shown, but instead comprises only the main guide region26. However, the holding-frame-side guide element7may also be equipped with an insertion region26.

The at least one plug connector module5has a lateral surface20. In this case, the spacing between the lateral surface20and the guide elements7,9is preferably such that two adjacent plug connector modules5may almost be brought into contact with one another in a fixed manner at their lateral surfaces20. That is to say that there is preferably play between two adjacent plug connector modules5in the holding frame2. The play is preferably kept as small as possible.

The transverse walls21have a receptacle22on the outer side. A grounding contact element23may be held on this receptacle. The grounding contact element23is preferably made of an electrically conductive material and may be used as a contact. The grounding contact elements23of two mated plug connectors1are electrically connected to one another.

Furthermore, a guide structure32is arranged in each case on the transverse wall21. The guide structure32guides two plug connectors1to be mated along the plug-in movement S. As shown inFIG.3, the guide structure32may be designed as a guide lug33in one of the plug connectors1and as a guide opening34in the other of the plug connectors1.

In this case, the guide lug33may be inserted into the guide opening34. The guide lug33and the guide opening34preferably have coding elements. These coding elements are denoted by the reference signs37and38. The coding element37is, for example, a groove37and the coding element38is, for example, a spring38engaging in the groove, as shown inFIG.3. The dashed line inFIG.3symbolizes the cooperation.

A modular plug connector according to the above description is shown inFIG.3. In this case, all plug-in spots are occupied by corresponding plug connector modules5with different fittings. In this case, each of the plug connector modules5has a contact side K, via which the functional element13may be accessible for a plug-in process with another plug connector.

The two plug connectors1according toFIG.3may be connected to one another along a plug-in movement S. In this case, all functional elements13of all plug connector modules5are connected to one another. The contact sides K of the two plug connectors1then come into contact with one another in the mated state.

Opposite the contact side K, each of the plug connector modules5has a connection side A. The functional element13may be connected to a connection element (not shown in the figures), such as a connection cable or a connection hose, via this connection side A.

In the embodiment shown, the plug connection module5may be installed in the receiving space4with its contact side K first in each case. That is to say that the plug connector module5may be installed in the receiving space4in the direction of the plug-in movement S. In this case, the latching lug12in the embodiment shown likewise protrudes accordingly from the connection side A.

The plug connector according toFIG.3is shown in the mated state inFIG.4.

FIGS.5aand5bshows a sectional illustration according toFIG.4. In this illustration, it is clearly shown that the plug connector module5of the top plug connector1projects out of the receiving space4as seen in the plug-in direction S. In contrast, the bottom plug connector module5has an intermediate space29between the side wall3and the plug connector module5. InFIGS.5aand5b, it is now shown that the part of the plug connector module5of the top plug connector1which projects out of the receiving space4projects into the intermediate space29. This configuration is particularly advantageous if the functional elements are designed with a pin-socket configuration. In this case, inFIGS.5aand5b, the functional element13in the top plug connector1is designed as a pin-side functional element30and the functional element13of the bottom plug connector1is designed as a socket-side functional element31. The regions of the pin-side functional element13which project out of the receiving space4may accordingly be protected from mechanical external influences by the region35of the plug connector module5which likewise projects out of the receiving space4. Touch-protection during the plug-in procedure is moreover provided.

An exploded illustration of the plug connector according toFIGS.3to5is then shown inFIG.6.

A further embodiment of a holding frame2is shown inFIG.7. In this case, the length of the side walls3is designed to be smaller than the length of the side walls3of the embodiment according toFIGS.1to6. It goes without saying that other lengths are likewise conceivable.