Patent Description:
Modular electrical plug connector systems typically comprise a connector housing, which can also be designated as "module rack" or "module mount", accommodating a plurality of plug-in connector modules as shown in <CIT>. In these systems, the connector housing usually comprises fixed slots or passages designed to receive the plug-in connector modules in a predetermined arrangement, which can vary depending on the connectivity requirements of the application.

In some electrical connectivity applications, for instance in automotive or aeronautical applications, it is common to use configurations comprising different types of connector modules disposed in a same connector housing. For instance, one type of plug-in connector module, which can be designated as "standard module" hereafter, can comprise a plurality of (male or female) contacts configured for receiving a plurality of corresponding wire-like (female or male, respectively) crimp contacts, in particular, along an insertion direction corresponding to the direction along which the plug-in connector module is disposed in the connector housing. Furthermore, another type of plug-in connector module, which can be designated as "low profile (LP) module" hereafter, can comprise bent contacts configured to be soldered to a printed circuit board, in particular, along a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the plug-in connector module is disposed in the connector housing.

In known modular electrical plug connector systems, since different types of connector modules, in particular standard connector modules and low profile connector modules, typically have different shapes and dimensions, the design and configuration of the slots or passages of the connector housing are usually fixed during the manufacturing process, in accordance with the desired configuration and particular arrangement of the plug-in connector modules.

Thus, in known modular electrical plug connector systems, it is usually not possible to dispose a connector module of a given type, e.g. a standard module, in a slot or passage designed for a connector module of a different type, e.g. a low profile module, without redesigning at least part of the connector housing. In other words, a rearrangement of plug-in connector modules of different types in a given connector housing is usually not possible without redesigning at least part of the connector housing. Typically, at least a bottom plate (or front side) of the connector housing, which is a plate (or side) of the connector housing supporting the different plug-in modules, must be redesigned for each desired configuration.

Accordingly, a drawback of known modular connector systems is that it is difficult to standardize the manufacturing process of the connector housing, in particular, in a manner that would be suitable for providing different configurations of connector modules without having to provide a different bottom plate of the connector housing for each configuration. This results in high manufacturing costs, especially for connectivity applications in harsh environments (i.e., environments submitted to intense vibrations, high temperatures, or the like), where at least the bottom plate (or front side) of the connector housing may need to be made of metal instead of a plastic material.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose modular electrical plug connector assemblies for control units in motor vehicles, wherein an assembly comprises a module rack (module mount, or module carrier) and at least two different types of plug-in connector modules which can accommodate respective electrical plug connectors. The connector modules are arranged in respective specifically designed and dedicated slots or passages of a bottom plate (or front side) of the module rack and can only be positioned relative to each other in a predetermined manner. Furthermore, the connector modules are inseparably connected to the module rack by a joining process (e.g., welding or gluing).

Thus, in these known modular electrical connector assemblies, the configuration of the connector modules in the module rack is determined during the manufacturing process, and different configurations require different designs of the module rack, in particular of the bottom plate (or front side) of the module rack.

In view of the above, as an alternative to known existing solutions, it is desirable to provide an improved modular electrical plug connector system that would allow using different connector module configurations without having to redesign a new bottom plate of the connector housing for each configuration. It is also desirable to provide an improved connector housing that could be manufactured in a standardized manner and that could be used for different connector module configurations in a simple manner. In particular, it is desirable to provide an improved connector housing and corresponding modular electrical plug connector system, wherein a same slot or passage of the connector housing could be used for supporting and locking different types of connector modules.

The above-mentioned problems are solved by the various aspects of the present invention defined by the independent claim.

Optional features of the invention are described in the dependent claims and will be explained hereafter more in detail.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a connector housing of a modular electrical plug connector system according to claim <NUM>.

Thus, the present invention provides a modular connector housing with which it is possible to use more than one predetermined module in a plurality of different configurations without having to redesign a bottom plate of the connector housing. For instance, the connector housing can be configured to accommodate so-called "low profile" modules by default (which can be a first predetermined type). Then, in order to also accommodate standard modules (which can be a second predetermined type), which have a different size, instead of redesigning a bottom plate of the connector housing every time a new configuration is required, it is possible to use one or more standardized adapters, which can be manufactured for reduced costs and can be attached to a predefined adapter receiving interface of a module receiving passage of the connector housing, as necessary. In this way, it is also possible to standardize the manufacturing process of the connector housing. In further preferred embodiments, said adapter receiving interface can comprise at least one of a locking tab, a groove, a slot, and an opening, or a combination thereof.

According to another aspect, the present invention also provides a modular electrical plug connector system comprising a connector housing, and at least one adapter, and/or an adapter strip according to claim <NUM>.

An adapter for supporting and locking an electrical connector module in a connector housing of a modular electrical plug connector system, in particular in a passage of an electrical connector housing according to the previous aspect or any of its variants, is provided. The adapter comprises an adapter body. A first portion of the adapter body is configured for engaging, in a removable manner, an adapter receiving interface of a connector housing of a modular electrical plug connector system, in particular of a passage of an electrical connector housing according to the previous aspect or any of its variants. A second portion of the adapter body is configured for supporting and locking an electrical connector module, in particular an electrical connector module accommodated in a passage of an electrical connector housing according to the previous aspect or any of its variants.

Thus, an adapter to be used in combination with a connector housing of a modular electrical plug connector system is provided in order to accommodate and lock plug-in connector modules which otherwise cannot be properly supported and/or locked in the connector housing. Instead of redesigning a bottom plate for the connector housing, an adapter can be arranged in any module receiving passage of the connector housing without effort and in a simple manner. It is also possible to change configurations of plug-in connector modules in the connector housing rapidly and without the need of special tools and without the need to redesign elements of the connector housing for each new configuration.

In preferred embodiments, said first portion of the adapter body can comprise at least one of a slot, an opening, a locking tab, and a locking lance, or a combination thereof. Thus, it is possible to improve the level of support for the adapter with respect to a module receiving passage of a connector housing when the adapter is mounted to the adapter receiving interface.

In preferred embodiments, said second portion of the adapter body can comprise at least one of a groove, and a slot, or a combination thereof. Thus, it is possible to improve the locking functionality with a plug-in connector module of the second predetermined type.

In some embodiments, said first portion can be substantially perpendicular to said second portion. Thus, it is possible to increase the support provided to a plug-in connector module of the second predetermined type.

In preferred embodiments, said second portion can be slanted and/or or stepped. With this feature, it is possible to increase the support provided to a plug-in connector module of the second predetermined type, while also improving the ease of manipulation of the adapter.

In preferred embodiments, the adapter body can further comprise a protrusion forming a supporting member extending from said second portion. Thus, it is possible to improve even more the support provided to a plug-in connector module of the second predetermined type, while also improving even more the ease of manipulation of the adapter.

In preferred embodiments, the supporting member can extend from said second portion in a substantially perpendicular manner. Thus, it is possible to improve even more the support provided to a plug-in connector module of the second predetermined type, while also improving even more the ease of manipulation of the adapter.

In preferred embodiments, the adapter body can be made in one piece. Thus, the present invention can provide a simple solution for adapting a connector housing configured to accommodate a first predetermined type of plug-in connector modules to be used also with a second, different, type of plug-in connector modules. In particular, the adapter can be manufactured by known molding techniques, which can facilitate and reduce the manufacturing process with respect to known solutions for modular electrical plug connector systems.

In some embodiments, the adapter body can be made of a metal or of a plastic material. Thus, it is possible to adapt the level of support and durability of an adapter as desired and as required by the application.

Furthermore, according to another aspect, the present invention also provides an adapter strip consisting of a side-by-side arrangement of a plurality of adapters according to the previous aspect or any of its variants, wherein the adapters are joined to each other.

Thus, the present invention also facilitates the production of variants of an adapter. Furthermore, this aspect of the present invention also provides a solution for adapting simultaneously a plurality of module receiving passages of a connector housing to be used with a plug-in connector module of the second predetermined type.

In preferred embodiments, the adapters can be joined to each other in a cleavable or severable manner. Thus, it is possible to provide an increased level of modularity. Furthermore, the production of some variants of the adapter can be facilitated and even standardized. This solution also provides with increased adaptability, as an adapter strip can be made with as many adapters as required. Adapters can also be cleaved to form one or more smaller adapter strips, and/or one or more individual adapters.

In short, with the present invention, each passage (or socket, or slot) of the connector housing of a modular electrical plug connector system is configured to receive a particular first type of plug-in connector module (e.g., a low profile module), and can optionally receive a removable adapter (e.g., a removable tab) in order to accommodate and lock a second, different, type of plug-in connector module (e.g., a standard module) in one or more desired passages of the connector housing. The present invention, therefore, provides a modular electrical plug connector system with improved versatility and reduced costs with respect to known solutions. In particular, with the present invention, it is no longer necessary to redesign a bottom plate for the connector housing each time a new arrangement of plug-in connector modules is desired. Thus, it is possible to (re)define any desired arrangement of plug-in connector modules, comprising modules of the first and/or second predetermined type, in a quick and simple manner.

The invention will be described more in detail hereafter, based on advantageous embodiments described in combination with the accompanying figures, wherein:.

Advantageous exemplary embodiments of the above-mentioned aspects of the present invention will be described hereafter with reference to the accompanying figures. For the sake of brevity, the description of features already described in some embodiments may be omitted in other embodiments. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, the same reference signs may be used to designate the same elements if these elements are used in different embodiments.

First embodiments of aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference, in particular, to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate different perspectives of a connector housing <NUM> of a modular electrical plug connector system according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention. In particular, <FIG> illustrates the connector housing <NUM> viewed from the top and front sides, and <FIG> illustrates the connector housing <NUM> viewed from the bottom and front sides. In this embodiment, the connector housing <NUM> comprises a connector body <NUM>, which is configured to receive, accommodate, and lock (in a removable manner), a plurality of plug-in connector modules of a first predetermined type. By default, the connector housing <NUM> can accommodate and lock plug-in connector modules of said first predetermined type, and plug-in connector modules of a second predetermined type, different from the first predetermined type, could be inserted but would not be properly locked or supported within the connector housing <NUM> without the use of an additional structural element such as an adapter according to another aspect of the present invention.

In these embodiments, the connector housing <NUM> is configured for accommodating and locking, by default (i.e., without any additional structural element) so-called "low profile" (LP) connector modules such as, for instance, the LP connector module <NUM> described hereafter with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In other embodiments, however, a default configuration of a connector housing according to an aspect of the present invention could be adapted to accommodate a different type of plug-in connector module. Furthermore, as will also be described hereafter, when the connector housing <NUM> is used in combination with a removable adapter according to another aspect of the present invention, in particular with the adapter <NUM> described hereafter with reference to <FIG>, the connector housing <NUM> can then also accommodate and lock other types of modules, for instance the standard module <NUM> described hereafter with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

In the illustrated embodiments, as can be taken in particular from <FIG>, the connector body <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM> comprises a plurality of adjacent module receiving passages <NUM> (103a, 103b, 103c, 103d, 103e) arranged side by side and, in this embodiment, configured by default to accommodate a respective LP connector module <NUM> therein (see <FIG> and <FIG>). In other words, the shape and size of each module receiving passage <NUM> is adapted to accommodate and lock therein a corresponding LP connector module <NUM> without requiring an additional structural element such as an adapter. In the illustrated embodiments, the connector housing <NUM> is represented with five module receiving passages 103a-103e. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiments, the connector housing <NUM> can accommodate up to five LP connector modules <NUM> as desired. However, other embodiments and/or variants of a connector housing according to an aspect of the present invention could comprise more or less that five passages and, therefore, could accommodate more or less plug-in connector modules accordingly.

As illustrated in <FIG>, each module receiving passage <NUM> (103a-103e) can be provided as an opening in the front side of the connector body <NUM> so as to extend within the connector body <NUM> along an insertion direction I corresponding to the direction in which a plug-in connector module should be inserted in the connector housing <NUM>. Furthermore, each module receiving passage <NUM> can comprise two sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, an upper wall <NUM>, and a bottom wall <NUM>. In this embodiment, the upper wall <NUM> and the bottom wall <NUM> comprise means for engaging and locking a connector module of the first predetermined type. For instance, in this embodiment, in each module receiving passage <NUM>, the upper wall <NUM> and the bottom wall <NUM> both comprise a respective (upper or lower) LP module locking groove <NUM>, <NUM> for engaging and locking a corresponding locking means, for instance a locking tab <NUM> or a locking lance <NUM> of an LP connector module <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

For the sake of clarity, a general orientation of the connector housing <NUM> is defined in <FIG>, wherein: X represents a first direction, which can be a width direction of the connector body <NUM>; Y represents a second direction, which can be a depth direction of the connector body <NUM> corresponding to the insertion direction I (see <FIG>) for inserting a plug-in connector module; and Z represents a third direction, which can be a height direction of the connector body <NUM>. The same orientation will also be used in the other examples and embodiments described hereinafter and is illustrated, e.g., also in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Furthermore, since the connector housing <NUM> is configured to receive LP connector modules <NUM> by default, the bottom part of the connector housing <NUM> may be a part configured for being attached to a printed circuit board (PCB). Further variants of a connector housing described hereinafter may, therefore, also be configured for being attached to a PCB, but this aspect should not be viewed as being limiting for the scope of the present invention.

Furthermore, the connector housing <NUM> can also comprise a front protruding portion <NUM>, visible in <FIG>, which can protrude from the front side of the connector body <NUM>. For instance, the front protruding portion <NUM> can essentially surround the module receiving passages 103a-103e on three sides (a left side, an upper side, and a right side in the orientation represented on <FIG>), but preferably not on a lower side of the connector body <NUM>, so as to leave space for the downwards extending end of bent electrical contact <NUM> of an LP module <NUM> (when accommodated in a module receiving passage <NUM>) to be connected to a PCB. The front protruding portion <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM> can be provided as a separate element from the connector body <NUM>, or it can be integrally formed, e.g. molded, with the connector body <NUM>.

As mentioned above, in the illustrated embodiments, a first type of plug-in connector module that may be inserted in the connector housing <NUM> by default, i.e. without using an adapter, could be a low profile (LP) module, an example of which is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. As illustrated, an LP module <NUM> can comprise a module body <NUM> which can be substantially box-shaped, and bent electrical contacts <NUM>. An LP module <NUM> can, therefore, be configured for achieving electrical connectivity between connectivity elements in a substantially perpendicular manner. Thus, at a backside <NUM> of the module body <NUM>, the bent electrical contacts <NUM> can protrude lengthwise in prolongation of the module body <NUM> (see <FIG>). Furthermore, at a front side <NUM> of the module body <NUM>, the bent electrical contact <NUM> protrude downwards from a lower part <NUM> of the module body <NUM> (see <FIG>), in a substantially perpendicular manner with respect to their configuration at the backside <NUM> (see <FIG>).

As also mentioned above, the LP module <NUM> also comprises locking means such as the locking tab <NUM> and the locking lance <NUM> (or other known locking means) illustrated in <FIG>, which can engage the corresponding upper and lower LP module locking grooves <NUM>, <NUM> in a corresponding module receiving passage <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM> so as to be locked therein.

Accordingly, in the orientation illustrated in <FIG>, when the LP module <NUM> is accommodated in a module receiving passage <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the bent electrical contacts <NUM> protrude from the backside <NUM> of the module body <NUM> inside a respective module receiving passage <NUM> and towards the backside of the connector housing <NUM> along the depth direction Y corresponding also to the insertion direction I (see <FIG>). In this way, at its backside <NUM>, the LP module <NUM> could be connected, for instance, to a pluggable connector (not illustrated) comprising, in this case, female contacts mating the electrical contacts <NUM>.

Furthermore, the connector body <NUM>, in particular the module receiving passages <NUM>, more in particular the arrangement of the upper and lower LP module locking grooves <NUM>, <NUM>, is adapted so that the front side <NUM> of the module body <NUM> extends outside of the corresponding module receiving passage <NUM>, whereby the bent electrical contacts <NUM> protrude from the lower part <NUM> of the front side <NUM> of the module body <NUM> downwards along the height direction Z (see <FIG> and <FIG>). In this way, at its front side <NUM>, the LP module <NUM> could be connected to a PCB, for instance by welding the electrical contacts <NUM> to corresponding contacts of the PCB (not illustrated).

In the illustrated embodiments, it is also desired to accommodate and lock a plug-in connector module of a different type than the LP module <NUM> in the connector housing <NUM> in an interchangeable manner with the LP modules. In particular, it is desired to provide a solution for accommodating a standard module such as the standard module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. As illustrated, said standard module <NUM> can comprise a module body <NUM> which can be substantially box-shaped but, in particular, of smaller length (along direction Y) and of smaller height (along direction Z) than the LP module <NUM>. The standard module <NUM> can comprise longitudinally extending electrical contacts <NUM> both at the backside <NUM> and the front side <NUM> of the module body <NUM>, whereby a linear connection can be achieved between electrical connectivity elements plugged at each end of the standard module <NUM>. In particular, the electrical contacts <NUM> of the standard module <NUM> can receive mating contacts of mating pluggable electrical connectors (not illustrated) on the backside <NUM> and/or on the front side <NUM> of the module body <NUM> along the insertion direction I (i.e., along the depth direction Y in the orientation illustrated in <FIG>). In the illustrated embodiments, the electrical contacts <NUM> are represented as male electrical contacts, but it is understood that this aspect is not limiting for the scope of the present invention, in particular due to the modularity of the system. Thus, in other embodiments, the electrical contacts <NUM> could be female electrical contacts without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In addition, the standard module <NUM> can comprise locking means for locking the same within a module receiving passage of the connector housing of a modular electrical plug connector system. For instance, as illustrated in <FIG>, the standard module <NUM> can comprise upper and lower locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM> (or locking lances, or the like).

In order to prepare the connector housing <NUM> for accommodating and locking a standard module <NUM>, the front protruding portion <NUM> can be provided at an inner surface thereof with locking means arranged and configured for engaging corresponding (upper) locking means of a standard module <NUM>. Thus, in the illustrated embodiments, the front protruding portion <NUM> can comprise an upper standard module locking groove <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, which can be arranged and configured for engaging the upper locking tab <NUM> of a standard module <NUM>, as will be explained hereafter (see <FIG>).

Furthermore, also in order to prepare the connector housing <NUM> for accommodating and locking a standard module <NUM>, the connector housing <NUM> comprises an adapter receiving interface which is arranged and configured so as to receive, in a removable manner, an adapter for supporting the standard module <NUM> in at least one of the module receiving passages <NUM> and, in combination with the upper standard module locking groove <NUM>, locking the standard module <NUM> in a module receiving passage <NUM>. As illustrated, in particular, in <FIG>, for maximum modularity, a corresponding adapter receiving interface can be provided in each module receiving passage <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiments (see <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>), each adapter receiving interface can be provided preferably towards the front opening of a corresponding module receiving passage <NUM>, here in particular, as an adapter receiving portion <NUM> which can be a recessed portion of the bottom wall <NUM> of the module receiving passage <NUM>, and can further comprise an adapter locking tab <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates, according to an embodiment of another aspect of the present invention, an adapter <NUM> for supporting and locking an electrical connector module in the connector housing of a modular electrical plug connector system. As further illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the adapter <NUM> is configured, in particular, for engaging the adapter receiving portion <NUM> and adapter locking tab <NUM> of a module receiving passage <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM> of the embodiments described above.

Thus, in these embodiments and as illustrated in <FIG>, the adapter <NUM> comprises an adapter body <NUM> with a first end portion defining a connector interface engaging portion <NUM>, which is a portion thereof arranged and configured for engaging the adapter receiving interface of a module receiving passage <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM>. Furthermore, the adapter body <NUM> comprises a second end portion defining a module supporting portion <NUM>, which is a portion thereof arranged and configured for supporting and locking a standard module <NUM> when used in combination with the connector housing <NUM>. In these embodiments, the connector interface engaging portion <NUM> and the module supporting portion <NUM> can extend essentially along the same direction, which can correspond to the insertion direction I (or the depth direction Y) when the adapter <NUM> is mounted in the connector housing <NUM>.

Thus, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the connector interface engaging portion <NUM> is designed to fit in a recessed adapter receiving portion <NUM> and comprises a connector interface locking slot <NUM>, which is arranged and configured for engaging a corresponding adapter locking tab <NUM> of any one of the module receiving passages <NUM> (103a-103e).

Furthermore, the module supporting portion <NUM> comprises a lower standard module locking slot <NUM> for engaging the lower locking tab <NUM> of a standard module <NUM> inserted in a module receiving passage <NUM> (see <FIG>). In addition, in order to provide better support for the standard module <NUM>, the module supporting portion <NUM> can be shaped in accordance with the standard module <NUM> and, for instance, comprise at least one slanted portion <NUM> between the connector interface engaging portion <NUM> and the module supporting portion <NUM>. Optionally, in order to more easily manipulate the adapter <NUM>, the module supporting portion <NUM> can end in another slanted portion <NUM>. Furthermore, depending on how much support and/or durability is needed, the adapter <NUM> could be made of metal or, alternatively, of a plastic material.

<FIG> illustrates, in particular, an embodiment of a modular electrical plug connector system according to an aspect of the present invention, in which the adapter <NUM> is about to be engaged with the adapter receiving interface of the module receiving passage 103a. In turn, <FIG> illustrates the modular electrical plug connector system with the adapter <NUM> being mounted in the module receiving passage 103a. With this latter configuration of the modular electrical plug connector system, the connector housing <NUM>, which is configured for accommodating and locking one or more LP modules <NUM> by default, can now also be used for module configurations including one or more standard modules <NUM>, as the adapter <NUM> is positioned so as to properly support and lock a standard module <NUM> in a desired module receiving passage <NUM> as further illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

When a standard module <NUM> is accommodated in one of the module receiving passages <NUM>, for instance in the module receiving passage 103a as illustrated in <FIG>, with the adapter <NUM> having being positioned therein in advance like in <FIG>, the portion of the standard module body <NUM> projecting out of the module receiving passage 103a is supported by the module supporting portion <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>, as can be seen in <FIG>. As also illustrated in <FIG>, the upper locking tab <NUM> of the standard module <NUM> is engaged in the upper standard module locking groove <NUM>, and the lower locking tab <NUM> is engaged in the lower standard module locking slot <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> positioned in the adapter receiving portion <NUM>.

Further embodiments of aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference, in particular, to <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show different perspectives of a modular electrical plug connector system according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, with variants of the embodiments and aspects described above. In particular, <FIG> illustrates the system viewed from the top and front sides, and <FIG> illustrates the same system viewed from the bottom and front sides.

The connector system of the embodiments illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> comprises a connector housing <NUM> which, like the connector housing <NUM> of the previous embodiments, has a connector body <NUM> configured to receive, accommodates, and lock (in a removable manner), a plurality of plug-in connector modules of a first predetermined type. The connector housing <NUM> shares essentially all the features and functions described above in respect of the connector housing <NUM>, except that the adapter receiving interface is realized according to a variant of an aspect of the present invention. Thus, as can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, like the connector housing <NUM> of the previous embodiments, the connector housing <NUM> is also configured for accommodating and locking, by default (i.e., without any additional structural element), one or more LP modules <NUM>. As mentioned above, in other embodiments, a default configuration of a connector housing according to an aspect of the present invention could be adapted to accommodate a different type of plug-in connector module.

Furthermore, as will also be described hereafter also with reference to <FIG>, when the connector housing <NUM> is used in combination with a removable adapter according to another aspect of the present invention, in particular with the adapter <NUM> detailed in <FIG>, the connector housing <NUM> can then also accommodate and lock standard module such as the standard module <NUM> described above.

In these embodiments, as can be taken from <FIG> and <FIG>, the connector housing <NUM> comprises a connector body <NUM>, a plurality of module receiving passages <NUM> (503a, 503b, 503c, 503d, 503e) having side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, upper and bottom walls <NUM>, <NUM>, upper and lower LP module locking grooves <NUM>, <NUM>, as well as a front protruding portion <NUM> provided with an upper standard module locking groove <NUM>, which are essentially the same as corresponding features of the connector housing <NUM> of the embodiments described above, namely the connector body <NUM>, the module receiving passages <NUM> (including sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, upper and bottom walls <NUM>, <NUM>, upper and lower LP module locking grooves <NUM>, <NUM>), and the front protruding portion <NUM> provided with the upper standard module locking groove <NUM>. Details regarding these features can be found in the description above.

Thus, the shape and size of each module receiving passage <NUM> (503a-503e) is also adapted to accommodate and lock therein a corresponding LP connector module <NUM> without requiring an additional structural element such as an adapter. In the illustrated embodiments, the connector housing <NUM> is represented with an LP connector module <NUM> accommodated and locked, in particular, in the module receiving passage 503e. Thus, in the module receiving passage 503e, the upper and lower LP module locking grooves <NUM>, <NUM> are engaged and locked with the locking tab <NUM> and the locking lance <NUM> of the LP connector module <NUM>, as described above, in particular, with reference to <FIG>. It is understood that the LP connector module <NUM> could have been accommodated and locked in any one of the other module receiving passages 503a-503d in the same manner, i.e. without using an additional structural element. Furthermore, as mentioned in respect of the previous embodiments, although the illustrated connector housing <NUM> could accommodate up to five LP connector modules <NUM>, other embodiments and/or variants of a connector housing according to an aspect of the present invention could comprise more or less that five passages and, therefore, could accommodate more or less plug-in connector modules accordingly.

In the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>, it is also desired to accommodate and lock a plug-in connector module of a different type than the LP module <NUM> in the connector housing <NUM> in an interchangeable manner with the LP modules. In particular, it is desired to provide a solution for accommodating a standard module such as the standard module <NUM> described in the previous embodiment.

Thus, in these embodiments, as mentioned above, in order prepare the connector housing <NUM> for accommodating and locking also one or more standard modules <NUM>, the front protruding portion <NUM> is also provided, at an inner surface thereof, with locking means arranged and configured for engaging corresponding (upper) locking means of a standard module <NUM>. Thus, like in the previous embodiments and as illustrated in <FIG>, the upper standard module locking groove <NUM> of the front protruding portion <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM> can be arranged and configured for engaging the upper locking tab <NUM> of a standard module <NUM>.

Like in the previous embodiments, also in order to prepare the connector housing <NUM> for accommodating and locking a standard module <NUM>, the connector housing <NUM> comprises an adapter receiving interface which is arranged and configured so as to receive, in a removable manner, an adapter for supporting the standard module <NUM> in at least one of the module receiving passages <NUM> and, in combination with the upper standard module locking groove <NUM>, locking the standard module <NUM> in said module receiving passage <NUM>. Also like in the previous embodiments, and as can be seen, in particular, in the bottom view of <FIG>, for maximum modularity, a corresponding adapter receiving interface can be provided, preferably, in each module receiving passage <NUM> (503a-503e). However, although each adapter receiving interface is here also provided preferably towards the front opening of a corresponding module receiving passage <NUM>, in the illustrated embodiments (see <FIG>, <FIG>), in the connector housing <NUM>, the adapter receiving interface is provided as an adapter receiving slot <NUM> in the bottom wall <NUM> of the module receiving passage <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates, according to an embodiment of a variant of another aspect of the present invention, an adapter <NUM> for supporting and locking an electrical connector module in the connector housing of a modular electrical plug connector system. As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, the adapter <NUM> of this embodiment is configured, in particular, for engaging the adapter receiving slot <NUM> of a module receiving passage <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM>.

Thus, in these embodiments and as illustrated in <FIG>, the adapter <NUM> comprises an adapter body <NUM> with a first end portion defining a connector interface engaging portion <NUM>, which is a portion thereof arranged and configured for engaging the adapter receiving interface, i.e. here the adapter receiving slot <NUM>, of any one of the module receiving passages <NUM> (503a-503e) of the connector housing <NUM>. Furthermore, the adapter body <NUM> comprises a second end portion defining a module supporting portion <NUM>, which is a portion thereof arranged and configured for supporting and locking a standard module <NUM> when used in combination with the connector housing <NUM>. In these embodiments, the connector interface engaging portion <NUM> and the module supporting portion <NUM> can extend essentially perpendicularly to one another. Thus, when the adapter <NUM> is mounted in the connector housing <NUM>, the module supporting portion <NUM> extends essentially along the insertion direction I (or the depth direction Y), and the connector interface engaging portion <NUM> extends essentially downward along the height direction Z (see <FIG>).

Furthermore, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, the connector interface engaging portion <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> is designed to be inserted in any one of the adapter receiving slots <NUM> and locked with the same. Thus, as shown more in detail in <FIG>, the connector interface engaging portion <NUM> comprises a resiliently deflectable connector interface locking tab <NUM> (or locking lance), which is arranged and configured for returning to its initial position once the connector interface engaging portion <NUM> has been properly inserted through the adapter receiving slot <NUM> of a module receiving passage <NUM> so as to achieve the locking.

In addition, in a similar manner to the adapter <NUM> described above, the module supporting portion <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> comprises a lower standard module locking slot <NUM> for engaging the lower locking tab <NUM> of a standard module <NUM> inserted in a module receiving passage <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). Thus, when a standard module <NUM> is accommodated in one of the module receiving passages <NUM>, for instance in the module receiving passage 503a as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, with the adapter <NUM> having being positioned therein in advance, the portion of the standard module body <NUM> projecting out of the module receiving passage 503a is supported by the module supporting portion <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>, as can be seen, for instance, in <FIG>. As also illustrated in <FIG>, the upper locking tab <NUM> of the standard module <NUM> is engaged in the upper standard module locking groove <NUM>, and the lower locking tab <NUM> is engaged in the lower standard module locking slot <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> inserted in the adapter receiving slot <NUM>.

As also described above with respect to the adapter <NUM>, in order to provide better support for the standard module <NUM>, the module supporting portion <NUM> can also be shaped in accordance with the standard module <NUM> and, for instance, comprise at least one slanted portion <NUM> between the connector interface engaging portion <NUM> and the module supporting portion <NUM>. Optionally, in order to more easily manipulate the adapter <NUM>, the module supporting portion <NUM> can also end in another slanted portion <NUM>. Furthermore, depending on how much support and/or durability is needed, the adapter <NUM> could be made of metal or, alternatively, of a plastic material.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an embodiment of a modular electrical plug connector system according to an aspect of the present invention, showing a standard module <NUM> accommodated and locked in the module receiving passage 503a by means of an adapter <NUM> inserted in the corresponding adapter receiving slot <NUM>, while an LP module <NUM> is accommodated and locked in the module receiving passage 503e. <FIG> and <FIG> also show a second adapter <NUM> about to be inserted in the adapter receiving slot <NUM> of the module receiving passage 503b, and a third adapter <NUM> inserted in the corresponding adapter receiving slot <NUM> of the module receiving passage 503c. With the illustrated configuration, another standard module <NUM> could be accommodated and locked, for instance, in the module receiving passage 503c and potentially also in the module receiving passage 503b, while the module receiving passage 503d is left free and, therefore, could receive another LP module <NUM> (or another standard module <NUM> with a corresponding adapter <NUM>).

Further embodiments of aspects of the present invention will now be described, in particular, with reference, in particular, to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate different perspectives of an adapter <NUM> for supporting and locking an electrical connector module in the connector housing of a modular electrical plug connector system, according to another embodiment of an aspect of the present invention. Following an aspect of the invention, the adapter <NUM> is configured for engaging the adapter receiving interface in a module receiving passage in a modular electrical plug connector system. Thus, in some embodiments, the adapter <NUM> could be configured for engaging the adapter receiving interface, i.e. the adapter receiving slot <NUM> of the connector housing describing the previous embodiments. In the embodiments illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the adapter <NUM> is configured for engaging, in particular, the adapter receiving interface of a module receiving passage <NUM> of a connector housing <NUM> according to an embodiment of another aspect of the present invention.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the adapter <NUM> of this embodiment comprises an adapter body <NUM> with a first end portion defining a connector interface engaging portion <NUM>, which is, as described above, a portion thereof arranged and configured for engaging the adapter receiving interface of a connector housing according to an aspect of the present invention, in particular the adapter receiving interface of any one of the module receiving passages <NUM> (703a-703e) of the connector housing <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). Furthermore, the adapter body <NUM> comprises a second end portion defining a module supporting portion <NUM>, which is a portion thereof arranged and configured for supporting and locking a predetermined type of plug-in connector module that could otherwise not be properly accommodated and locked in a module receiving passage <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM>. For instance, like in the previous embodiments, in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the adapter <NUM> is used for supporting and locking a standard module <NUM> in a desired module receiving passage <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the connector interface engaging portion <NUM> can be in a prolongation of the module supporting portion <NUM>, with the latter extending essentially along the insertion direction I (or the depth direction Y) when the adapter <NUM> is mounted in a module receiving passage <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

Furthermore, as illustrated in <FIG>, instead of the connector interface locking slot <NUM> and of the deflectable connector interface locking tabs <NUM> described in the previous embodiments, the connector interface engaging portion <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> can comprise two fixed connector interface locking tabs <NUM> which protrude downwards from the end portion of the connector interface engaging portion <NUM>, and a resiliently deflectable connector housing locking lance <NUM> which can also protrude downwards (along the direction Z in the orientation illustrated, e.g., in <FIG>), facing the connector interface locking tabs <NUM>. In addition, at the interface between the connector interface engaging portion <NUM> and the module supporting portion <NUM>, the adapter <NUM> can further comprise a locking lance deflection space <NUM> (visible in <FIG> and <FIG>), configured and arranged for allowing deflection of the connector housing locking lance <NUM>.

In addition, instead of the lower standard module locking slots <NUM>, <NUM> of the previous embodiments, in this embodiment, the module supporting portion <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> comprises a lower standard module locking groove <NUM>, which is arranged and configured for engaging the lower locking tab <NUM> of a standard module <NUM> inserted in a module receiving passage <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM> (see <FIG>). In this embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the lower standard module locking groove <NUM> is provided as a recess of the upper surface of the module supporting portion <NUM>.

In a similar manner to the slanted portions <NUM>, <NUM> described with respect to the adapters <NUM>, <NUM> of the previous embodiments, in order to provide better support for a standard module <NUM>, the surface of the module supporting portion <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> of this embodiment can be shaped with a stepped portion <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. As also illustrated, in order to provide an even better support for a standard module <NUM>, and in order to even more easily manipulate the adapter <NUM>, the adapter body <NUM> can further comprise a supporting member <NUM> protruding downwards from the module supporting portion <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the supporting member <NUM> is a cylinder-shaped foot which can provide improved support by resting on a PCB to which the connector housing <NUM> could be attached. It is understood, however, that the supporting member <NUM> could have other shapes in variants of this embodiment without departing from the present invention.

As also described in relation to the adapters <NUM>, <NUM> of the previous embodiments, the adapter <NUM> of this embodiment could be made of metal or of a plastic material. However, in comparison with the adapters <NUM>, <NUM>, since the adapter <NUM> provides even more support for a standard module <NUM> accommodated in the locked in a module receiving passage <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM>, a plastic material is preferred, as it would reduce the production cost of the adapter <NUM>. Indeed, known molding processes could be used for manufacturing the adapter <NUM>.

Furthermore, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, it would be possible to provide one of the adapters described above by manufacturing an adapter strip consisting of a side-by-side arrangement of a plurality of adapters according to an aspect of the present invention. For instance, <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of an adapter strip <NUM> according to an aspect of the present invention, which consists of a side-by-side arrangement of a plurality of adapters <NUM> (800a, 800b, 800c, 800d, 800e). When using plastic materials, the adapter strip <NUM> could be obtained by known molding processes which would allow reducing the production costs compared to adapters made of metal. In any case, this would also allow reducing production costs with respect to known modular electrical plug connector systems which need to design a specific bottom plate for the connector housing every time that a plug-in connector module configuration is changed.

In particular, the adapter strip <NUM> could be molded as an integral piece, with a plurality of adapters <NUM> joined to one another. For instance, without being restricted for the scope of the present invention, one adapter strip <NUM> could be formed of at least as many adapters <NUM> as the number of module receiving passages <NUM> in a connector housing <NUM>. In these embodiments, since the connector housing <NUM> comprises five module receiving passages <NUM> (703a-703e), in particular like the connector housings <NUM>, <NUM> of the previous embodiments, the adapter strip <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is formed of five adapters <NUM> (800a-800e). It is understood, however, that an adapter strip could consist of more or less than five adapters without departing from the scope of the present invention.

<FIG> illustrates a modular electrical plug connector system according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment, the connector system comprises a connector housing <NUM> which, like the connector housings <NUM>, <NUM> of the previous embodiments, has a connector body <NUM> configured to receive, accommodates, and lock (in a removable manner), a plurality of plug-in connector modules of a first predetermined type. The connector housing <NUM> shares essentially all the features and functions described above in respect of the connector housings <NUM>, <NUM>, except that the adapter receiving interface is realized according to yet another variant of an aspect of the present invention. Thus, for the sake of simplicity, the connector housing <NUM> of this embodiment is also configured for accommodating and locking, by default (i.e., without any additional structural element), one or more LP modules <NUM> using the features already described above for the previous embodiments. As also mentioned above, in other embodiments, a default configuration of a connector housing according to an aspect of the present invention could be adapted to accommodate a different type of plug-in connector module.

Furthermore, even though it is understood that the precise type of plug-in connector module described herein is not intended to be restrictive for the present invention, for the sake of simplicity, in this embodiment and as illustrated in <FIG>, when the connector housing <NUM> is used in combination with a removable adapter according to another aspect of the present invention, in particular with the adapter <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, and/or with an adapter strip according to another aspect of the present invention, in particular with the adapter strip <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, the connector housing <NUM> can then also accommodate and lock standard module such as the standard module <NUM> described in the previous embodiments.

Thus, in these embodiments, as can be taken from <FIG>, the connector housing <NUM> comprises a connector body <NUM>, a plurality of module receiving passages <NUM> (703a, 703b, 703c, 703d, 703e) having side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, upper and bottom walls <NUM>, <NUM>, upper and lower LP module locking grooves <NUM>, <NUM>, as well as a front protruding portion <NUM> provided with an upper standard module locking groove <NUM>, which correspond essentially to the features already described in the previous embodiments for the connector housings <NUM>, <NUM>, namely the connector bodies <NUM>, <NUM>, the module receiving passages <NUM>, <NUM> (including sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM>, upper and bottom walls <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM>, upper and lower LP module locking grooves <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM>), and the respective front protruding portion <NUM>, <NUM> provided with a upper standard module locking groove <NUM>, <NUM>. Details regarding these features can be found in the description above.

For the sake of brevity, it is referred to the description above regarding how an LP connector module <NUM> can be accommodated and locked in any one of the module receiving passages <NUM> (703a-703e) without any additional structural element such as an adapter. In short, like in the previous embodiments, when an LP module <NUM> is accommodated in the locked in one of the module receiving passages <NUM>, the upper and lower LP module locking grooves <NUM>, <NUM> would be engaged and locked with the locking tab <NUM> and the locking lance <NUM> of the LP connector module <NUM>, as described above, in particular, with reference to <FIG>. In any case, as mentioned in respect of the previous embodiments, although the illustrated connector housing <NUM> could accommodate up to five LP connector modules <NUM>, other embodiments and/or variants of a connector housing according to an aspect of the present invention could comprise more or less that five passages and, therefore, could accommodate more or less plug-in connector modules accordingly.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, in the present embodiments, it is also desired to accommodate and lock a plug-in connector module of a different type than the LP module <NUM> in the connector housing <NUM> in an interchangeable manner with the LP modules. In particular, it is desired to provide a solution for accommodating a standard module such as the standard module <NUM> described in the previous embodiment.

Thus, the front protruding portion <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM> of the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> can also be provided, at an inner surface thereof, with locking means arranged and configured for engaging corresponding (upper) locking means of a standard module <NUM>. In particular, like in the previous embodiments and as better shown in <FIG>, an upper standard module locking groove <NUM> is provided in the front protruding portion <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM> and is arranged and configured for engaging the upper locking tab <NUM> of a standard module <NUM>.

Furthermore, like in the previous embodiments, in order to prepare the connector housing <NUM> for accommodating and locking a standard module <NUM>, the connector housing <NUM> comprises an adapter receiving interface which is arranged and configured so as to receive, in a removable manner, an adapter for supporting the standard module <NUM> in at least one of the module receiving passages <NUM> and, in combination with the upper standard module locking groove <NUM>, locking the standard module <NUM> in said module receiving passage <NUM>. Also like in the previous embodiments, and as can be seen, in particular, in <FIG>, for maximum modularity, a corresponding adapter receiving interface can be provided, preferably, in each module receiving passage <NUM> (703a-703e). Like in the previous embodiments, in this embodiment, each adapter receiving interface is provided preferably towards the front opening of a corresponding module receiving passage <NUM>. However, in the embodiments illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, in the connector housing <NUM>, the adapter receiving interface is provided as an adapter receiving groove <NUM> in the bottom wall <NUM> of each module receiving passage <NUM>, and further comprises an adapter locking lip <NUM> protruding from the front side of the connector body <NUM>, below the bottom wall <NUM> of each module receiving passage <NUM>.

<FIG> also illustrates an embodiment of a modular electrical plug connector system according to an aspect of the present invention, showing the connector housing <NUM> and the adapter strip <NUM>. In this embodiment, the adapter strip <NUM> is formed from five adapters <NUM> (800a-800e), which are joined to each other in a cleavable or severable manner. Thus, one adapter 800a has been separated from the adapter strip <NUM> and can now be attached to an adapter receiving interface over module receiving passage <NUM> of the connector housing <NUM> in order to provide support and locking functionality for a standard module <NUM>, like in <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, an adapter <NUM> (800a) is presented in front of the module receiving passage 703c, and the adapter strip <NUM>, therefore, not only comprises the remaining four adapters 800b-800e.

Here, it should be noted that an adapter strip such as the adapter strip <NUM>, formed by as many adapters <NUM> as required, could be used directly, without being cleaved, in order to achieve a configuration with multiple standard modules <NUM> at once. Thus, in other embodiments, adapter strips comprising any required number of adapters <NUM> joined side-by-side could be attached directly to several module receiving passages <NUM> at the same time.

As mentioned above, <FIG> illustrates an embodiment in which a standard module <NUM> is accommodated and locked in a module receiving passage <NUM> by means of an adapter <NUM> engaged with a corresponding adapter receiving interface. Thus, the connector interface locking tabs <NUM> are engaged in the adapter receiving groove <NUM> of the bottom wall <NUM> of the module receiving passage <NUM>. Furthermore, the connector housing locking lance <NUM>, which can be deflected in the locking lance deflection space <NUM> during the mounting process, is now locked with the adapter locking lip <NUM> at the front side of the adapter body <NUM>. Furthermore, in a similar manner to what was described in the previous embodiments, the upper locking tab <NUM> of the standard module <NUM> is engaged in the upper standard module locking groove <NUM>, and the lower locking tab <NUM> is engaged in the lower standard module locking groove <NUM> of the adapter <NUM>.

In addition, the supporting member <NUM> provides improved mechanical support for the standard module <NUM> with respect to the adapters <NUM>, <NUM> of the previous embodiments (see, in particular, <FIG> and <FIG>). Furthermore, with the supporting member <NUM>, the manipulation and, therefore, mounting of the adapter <NUM> on an adapter receiving interface of the connector housing <NUM> is facilitated, in particular, with respect to the adapters <NUM>, <NUM> of the previous embodiments.

Like in the embodiments described with reference to <FIG>, in the embodiments described with reference to <FIG>, and in the embodiments described with reference to <FIG>, it is possible to change configurations comprising LP modules <NUM> and standard modules <NUM> without effort and without having to design or redesign an expensive specific bottom plate for the body of the connector housings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for each configuration.

Indeed, one aspect of the present invention provides a connector housing of a modular electrical plug connector system (e.g., one of the connector housings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), which can be manufactured in a standard and simple manner (e.g., by molding) and wherein a first predetermined type of plug-in connector module (e.g., an LP module <NUM>) can be accommodated and locked by default. When a second, different, predetermined type of plug-in connector module needs to be used (e.g., a standard module <NUM>), another aspect of the present invention provides an adapter (e.g. one of the adapters <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) which can be received in adapter receiving interface of a connector housing according to the former aspect of the invention in order to support and lock said second predetermined type of plug-in connector module.

Claim 1:
Connector housing (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) of a modular electrical plug connector system, the connector housing (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of passages (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), in particular of substantially identical passages, arranged side by side,
such that each passage (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is configured for accommodating and locking the electrical connector module of a first predetermined type (<NUM>); and
at least one passage (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), in particular each passage, comprises an adapter receiving interface (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) configured for receiving, in a removable manner, an adapter (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) for supporting and locking an electrical connector module of a second predetermined type (<NUM>), different from the first predetermined type (<NUM>),
the connector housing being characterized in that
each passage (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprises two sidewalls (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>), an upper wall (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), and a bottom wall (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), and
in each passage (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), the upper wall (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and the bottom wall (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) both comprise a respective locking groove (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) for engaging and locking a corresponding locking means of an electrical connector module of a first predetermined type (<NUM>).