Holding frame for a heavy plug-type connector

A holding frame for a heavy plug-type connector can receive identical and/or different plug-type connector modules. The holding frame comprises a main body which has two side parts which lie opposite one another, and at least one fixing clip which is held at least on a side part, and by way of which the plug-type connector modules can be fixed within the main body. The at least one fixing clip has at least one holding arm which moves parallel to the plane of the side parts during the introduction of a plug-type connector module into the holding frame. As a result, plug-type connector modules can be introduced into the holding frame particularly simply and even in the installed state of said holding frame. At the same time, the holding frame variant which is shown here is more stable than the previously known holding frames which have the same functionality.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a holding frame for a heavy plug-type connector. Holding frames of this type are required in order to receive multiple identical and/or also different modules. These modules may be by way of example insulating bodies that are provided for electronic and electrical and possibly also for optical and/or pneumatic contacts.

BACKGROUND

DE 10 2013 113 976 B4 discloses a holding frame for a heavy plug-type connector for receiving identical and/or different plug-type connector modules. The holding frame comprises a base body that has two side parts that lie opposite one another. A cheek part that is embodied from a flexible material is attached to each side part. As a plug-type connector module is being inserted into the holding frame, these cheek parts are bent outward away from the side part, as a result of which the plug-type connector modules are fixed within the base body in one plane.

Such a holding frame may be fitted out in a particularly simple manner with different plug-type connector modules.

However, it has been shown in practice that using the above-mentioned cheek parts to fix the plug-type connector modules does not meet the requirements of some industrial fields. When using the cheek parts to fix the plug-type connector modules, said plug-type connector modules often experience too great a play within the base body of the holding frame. As a result, excessively high plugging and pulling forces frequently occur. The contact elements are able to tilt during the plugging-in procedure, as a result of which greater wear occurs and after some time there is the risk of an overvoltage arc.

Moreover, holding frames are subjected to mechanical loading in rough industrial environments. In the industrial environment, heavy plug-type connectors having installed holding frames may fall out accidentally. The flexible cheek parts are adversely affected by this and are often bent. Such a holding frame loses its functionality and must be replaced which is costly and time-consuming.

SUMMARY

The object of the invention resides in proposing a holding frame for a heavy plug-type connector that corresponds to the industrial requirements mentioned.

The object is achieved by the subject matter as claimed. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The improved holding frame is designed for a heavy plug-type connector. Heavy plug-type connectors are used in particular in rough industrial environments. The holding frame may receive identical and/or different plug-type connector modules. Plug-type connector modules of this type may be configured for transmitting electrical, pneumatic or optical signals.

The plug-type connector modules essentially comprise a cuboid base body, the narrow sides of which are shaped with outward protruding latching lugs.

The holding frame comprises a base body that has in turn two side parts that lie opposite one another. The base body is configured in a frame-shaped manner. The side parts form the longitudinal sides of the base body. The side parts are connected to one another via corresponding narrow sides.

A fixing clip is held on at least one side part of the holding frame. The fixing clip fixes the plug-type connector modules within the base body in one plane. In so doing, the plug-type connector modules are encompassed the base body, as a result of which an overall stable arrangement is realized. The base body is preferably a zinc pressure die-cast component that is particularly robust.

However, the base body is advantageously produced from aluminum. As a consequence, the holding frame may be constructed in a particular light manner, as a result of which it is possible to reduce the weight of a heavy plug-type connector which is frequently perceived by the customers to be problematic. The higher price for the aluminum material could nonetheless be financially compensated by means of the simple construction of the holding frame.

It is preferred that the fixing clip is or the fixing clips are attached within the base body to the holding frame. As a consequence, a compact construction is realized and it is ensured that as the holding frame is installed in a plug-type connector housing there are no hindering elements protruding from the base body of the holding frame.

The at least one fixing clip comprises at least one holding arm that moves in a manner parallel to the plane of the side parts as the plug-type connector module is being inserted into the holding frame. It is preferred that the at least one fixing clip comprises two holding arms. The holding arms move in a manner parallel to the plane of the side parts as a plug-type connector module is being inserted into the holding frame. Moreover, in so doing the individual holding arms of the fixing clip move in opposite directions, in other words away from one another.

The holding arms comprise at their ends latching hooks. The latching hooks of one fixing element are oriented toward one another and as a result the upper insertion region of the fixing clip becomes narrower. If a plug-type connector module is inserted into the holding frame, the latching lugs of the plug-type connector modules are guided between the holding arms of the fixing clip. The narrowing insertion region causes the holding arms to be pushed in opposite directions away from one another. As soon as the latching lugs have passed the narrowing insertion region, the holding arms move back into their original position. The latching hooks are now located above the latching lugs of the plug-type connector module, as a result of which said plug-type connector module is fixed in the holding frame in a loss-proof and reversible manner. The plug-type connector modules are as a consequence latched in the holding frame.

It is preferred that the holding frame comprises multiple fixing clips. In this case, there are different variants for positioning the fixing clips on the side parts. Either at least one fixing clip each is held on both side parts of the holding frame. Alternatively, one fixing clip is held on one side part and at least two fixing clips are held on the other side part. A further alternative would be to hold at least two fixing clips on both side parts. In a particularly preferred embodiment, n fixing clips are held on one side part and m fixing clips are held on the other side part. The variables n and m represent in this case elements from the natural number range [0, 1, 2, 3 . . . ]. The variable n is in this case smaller than or equal to m.

Advantageously, the two side parts of the base body respectively comprise multiple connecting pieces that are preferably arranged lying opposite one another in a symmetrical manner. One open receiving arrangement respectively is formed between these connecting pieces. The latching lugs of the plug-type connector modules are located in these receiving arrangements. By virtue of the connecting pieces, the base body of the holding frame is provided with more material substance, as a result of which the mechanical stability of the holding frame is considerably increased overall.

In one advantageous embodiment, one fixing clip respectively is arranged in the region of the open receiving arrangement at least of one side part. Each receiving arrangement on the base body is fitted out in this case with a separate fixing clip. The individual fixing clip engages within the receiving region on the latching lugs of the plug-type modules.

In an alternative embodiment, the fixing clip comprises multiple holding arm pairs. One holding arm pair respectively is arranged in the region of the open receiving arrangement at least of one side part. In this case, the fixing clip extends over almost the entire length of the side part. In the region of the receiving arrangements, holding arm pairs, in other words two holding arms, protrude into same. These holding arm pairs function in a similar manner to the two holding arms that are formed on the individual fixing clip.

The holding arms or rather the holding arm pairs are arranged in the region of the receiving arrangements of the base body. If a plug-type connector module is inserted into a holding place provided for this purpose in the holding frames, then the latching lugs that are provided on the sides of the plug-type connector module push the holding arms that are located in the receiving arrangement to the side in a manner parallel to the side parts. In so doing, the holding arms deflect initially behind the connecting pieces of the base body. If the latching lugs of the plug-type connector module penetrate sufficiently far between the holding arms, the end regions of the holding frames engage over the latching lugs and in so doing latch the plug-type connector modules in the holding frame. In this case, the holding arms move back into their original position.

The fixing clip may be produced in any length with any number of holding arm pairs. The fixing clip may be manufactured as stamping-bending parts from a spring-elastic sheet metal plate. The fixing clip may also be produced from an elastic synthetic material, by way of example in an injection molding process. As a consequence, it is possible to achieve a particularly favorable construction of the holding frame. The fixing clip is configured from an elastic material. As the holding arms of the fixing clip are being deflected outward, a restoring force is created that urges the holding arms back into the original position.

It is preferred that at least one side part comprises one receiving arrangement or multiple receiving arrangements into which one fixing clip respectively may be inserted and as a result is held on the side part. As an alternative thereto, the at least one side part has one contour or multiple contours against which one fixing clip respectively may be clamped and as a result is held on the side part. By virtue of these two variants, the fixing clip may be fixed in a simple production procedure on the base body of the holding frame.

Advantageously, the fixing clip of the one side part is arranged lying opposite in a symmetrical manner with respect to the fixing clip of the other side part. Alternatively, the fixing clips of the one side part are arranged lying opposite in a symmetrical manner with respect to the fixing clips of the other side part. In another embodiment of the invention, the fixing clip of the one side part is arranged lying opposite in an offset manner with respect to the fixing clip of the other side part or the fixing clips of the one side part are arranged lying opposite in an offset manner with respect to the fixing clips of the other side part. In this case, the fixing clips are arranged in a zig-zag pattern within the base body of the holding frame, if one were to draw an imaginary connecting line between the fixing clips.

A similar symmetrical or off-set arrangement may also apply for the holding arm pairs that are located on one fixing clip that extends over a major part of the length of the side part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures show in part simplified, schematic illustrations. In part, identical reference numerals are used for identical but where appropriate non-identical elements. Different views of identical elements may be scaled differently.

FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate a first embodiment of a holding frame1. The holding frame1is configured for a heavy plug-type connector (not illustrated). Identical and/or different plug-type connector modules2may be used in the holding frame1. The plug-type connector modules2fundamentally comprise a cuboid base body that has outwardly facing latching lugs8formed on its narrow sides.

The holding frame1comprises a base body4that has two side parts3that lie opposite one another. The base body4forms a frame-shaped structure. Receiving arrangements5are formed within this frame-shaped structure in the respective side parts3and one fixing clip6respectively may be inserted into said receiving arrangement and as a result may be fixed therein. The fixing clip6respectively comprise two holding arms7. The holding arms7comprise on their end face outwardly oriented latching hooks9. In the case of two fixing clips6that are arranged adjacent to one another, the end-face latching hooks9face one another.

As a plug-type connector module2is being inserted into the holding frame1, the latching lugs8of the plug-type connector module2are guided between two holding arms7of two adjacent fixing clips6. In so doing, the holding arms7are pushed to the side in a manner parallel to the side parts3on account of the latching hooks9that are making the insertion region narrower. If the latching lugs8pass out of the region of the latching hooks9by virtue of being further pushed in, the latching arms7spring back into their original position. Subsequently, the latching hooks9engage over the latching lugs8of the plug-type connector modules2, as a result of which the plug-type connector modules2are fixed in the holding frame1in a loss-proof but reversible manner. In order to remove the plug-type connector modules2, it is only necessary to bend the latching arms7of the fixing clip6away from the latching lugs8of the plug-type connector modules2.

FIGS. 3 and 4illustrate an alternative (second) embodiment of a holding frame1′ in accordance with the invention. For reasons of clarity of overview, the plug-type connector modules2are not shown here. It is possible to use and insert the same plug-type connector modules2as in the case of the above described first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2).

The holding frame1′ has a frame-shaped base body4′. The two side parts3′ respectively comprise multiple connecting pieces10that are preferably arranged lying opposite one another in a symmetrical manner. Open receiving arrangements11are formed between these connecting pieces10. A contour12in which one fixing clip6′ is held or rather fixed is located below these receiving arrangements11within the holding frame1′.

The fixing clip6′ comprises two latching arms7′ having latching lugs9′ that are oriented facing one another.

As a plug-type connector module2is being inserted into the holding frame1′, the latching lugs8are pushed into the region of the open receiving arrangements11of the side parts3′. In so doing, the latching hooks9′ of the holding arms7′ of the fixing clip6′ are bent away from one another in a manner parallel to the side walls3′. If the latching lugs8pass out of the region of the latching hooks9′ by virtue of being further pushed in, the latching arms7′ spring back into their original position. Subsequently, the latching hooks9′ engage over the latching lugs8of the plug-type connector modules2, as a result of which the plug-type connector modules2are fixed in the holding frame1′ in a loss-proof but reversible manner. In order to remove the plug-type connector modules2, it is only necessary to bend the latching arms7′ of the fixing clip6′ away from the latching lugs8of the plug-type connector modules2. As a consequence, the plug-type connector module2may be released and may be removed or rather replaced by another model.

FIG. 5illustrates a third embodiment of a holding frame1″ in accordance with the invention. The base body4″ is likewise configured as in the case of the second embodiment. It is also possible to insert the same plug-type connector modules2. The fixing clip6″ may comprise multiple holding arms7″. One holding arm pair13respectively is arranged in the region of a receiving arrangement11between the connecting pieces10. The fixing clip6″ is fixed within the holding frame1″ on a contour (not illustrated). The fixing clip6″ may comprise any number of holding arms7″ or rather holding arm pairs13. The fixing clip6″ may extend over the entire width of the side part3″. However, it is also possible to arrange two fixing clips6″ with a different number of holding arms along the side part3″ of the holding frame1″, as is illustrated by way of example inFIG. 6.

FIGS. 7-9illustrate a fourth embodiment of a holding frame1′″. This embodiment may be fitted out with two alternative fixing clips6′″,6″″ in the region of the receiving arrangements11of the side part3of the holding frame1′″.

A first variant of one fixing clip6′″ is illustrated inFIG. 8. The fixing clip6′″ is arranged in the region of the receiving arrangement11of the side part3of the holding frame1′″. The latching hooks9′″ that are arranged on the end face of the holding arms7′″ protrude in the case of this variant over the connecting pieces10of the side part3. The latching hooks9′″ are slightly bent outward—away from one another—in the upper region. In addition to providing the fixing arrangement, the latching hooks9′″ also function as guiding means, as a result of which a plug-type connector module2may be inserted more easily. The latching lugs8of the plug-type connector module2are grasped by the latching hooks9′″, subsequently the holding arms7′″ are pushed to the side and finally grip the latching hooks9′″ so as to provide the fixing arrangement via the latching lugs8of the plug-type connector module2.

Alternatively, the fourth embodiment of the holding frame1′″ is configured with a fixing clip6″″, as illustrated inFIG. 9. The holding arms7″″ are shorter in this case than the connecting pieces10of the side part3of the holding frame1′″. As the holding frame1′″ is being fitted out, the latching lugs8of the plug-type connector module2move into the receiving arrangements11of the side part3and in so doing initially make contact with the latching hooks9″″ of the fixing clip6″″. As a consequence, the holding arms7″″ are initially pushed away from one another. As the plug-type connector modules2are pushed further in, the latching lugs8pass out of the engagement region of the latching hooks9″″. The latching hooks9″″ may engage over the latching lugs8and in so doing pivot back toward one another. The latching hooks9″″ now prevent the plug-type connector2moving in the opposite direction to the direction of insertion. The plug-type connector modules2may only be removed if the latching hooks9″″ are pushed back away from one another, as a result of which the latching lugs8of the plug-type connector modules2are released.

In the case of the fourth embodiment of the holding frame1′″, the fixing clips6′″,6″″ are fastened within the base body4on or rather with the aid of a contour12′. As a consequence, the holding frame1′″ may be produced in an automated procedure in large numbers.

In the case of all the above described embodiments, the basis of the holding frame1,1′,1″,1′″ is formed by a rigid base body4that serves as a stable framework. Fixing clips6,6′,6″,6′″,6″″ that are fixedly connected are to the base body4are inserted from inside in this base body4. The plug-type connector modules2are encompassed by the base body4in the installed state. As a consequence, the system comprising holding frames1,1′,1″,1′″ and plug-type connector modules2have a high degree of stability.

As a plug-type connector module is being inserted, the holding arms7,7′,7″,7′″,7″″ of the fixing clips6,6′,6″,6′″,6″″ are pivoted sideward, initially allowing the plug-type connector module2to pass through and subsequently snapping back together as soon as the plug-type connector module has achieved its end position in the base body4. The plug-type connector module2is held between the holding arms7,7′,7″,7′″,7″″ of the fixing clips6,6′,6″,6′″,6″″ via its latching lugs8. In so doing, the fixing clips6,6′,6″,6′″,6″″ may be configured from a round or rectangular wire or from a synthetic material.

Even if different aspects or features of the invention are each illustrated in combination, it is apparent for the person skilled in the art—unless otherwise stated—that the illustrated and discussed combinations are not the only combinations possible. In particular, units that correspond with one another or feature complexes from different exemplary embodiments may be used in lieu of one another.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS