HOLDING FRAME FOR A PLUG CONNECTOR AND METHODS OF POPULATING SAME

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of holding frames (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) for modules (9) and in particular of holding frames (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) for a plug connector for receiving similar and/or different modules (9). In order to provide a holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) that can be populated in an installed state with little of no additional space around the holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7), a base frame (111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711) which defines a plane transverse to an insertion direction of the module (9) into the holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and which has mutually opposite end faces (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712) and mutually opposite side walls (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713) is proposed, as is a fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) which is attached to a side wall (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713) of the base frame (111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711) and which allows deformation between an insertion state that allows the module (9) to be inserted into the holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) in the insertion direction and a holding state in which an inserted module (9) is fixed in place, along the insertion direction at least, by a latching lug (91) of the module (9) and by the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720), wherein the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) is so designed that the deformation includes movement of at least one fixing arm (121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721) of the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) in the longitudinal direction of the side wall (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713).

Claims

1. A holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) for a plug connector for receiving similar and/or different modules (9), comprising: a base frame (111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711) which defines a plane transverse to an insertion direction of a module (9) into the holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and which has mutually opposite end faces (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712) and mutually opposite side walls (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713), and a fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) which is attached to a side wall (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713) of the base frame (111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711) and which is designed for deformation between an insertion state which allows the module (9) to be inserted into the holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) in the insertion direction, and a holding state in which an inserted module (9) is held in place, along the insertion direction at least, by a latching lug (91) of the module (9) and by the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720), wherein the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) is so designed that the deformation includes movement of at least one fixing arm (121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721) of the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) in the longitudinal direction of the side wall (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713).

2. The holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) includes a round or rectangular wire and/or an elastic plastic or spring steel strip.

3. The holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base frame (111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711) has a stop (114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714) for the latching lug (91) in the direction of insertion.

4. The holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding frame (111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711) has a guide (115, 215, 315, 415, 515, 615, 715) for guiding the latching lug (91) on insertion of the module (9) into the holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7).

5. The holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420) is mounted in a recess (116, 216, 316, 416) on the inner side of the side wall (113, 213, 313, 413) and is fixed in place in the direction of insertion by boundaries (117, 217, 317, 417) of the recess (116, 216, 316, 416), wherein the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420) also includes a clamping piece (122, 222, 322, 422) that extends through an opening (118, 218, 318, 418) in the side wall (113, 213, 313, 413) and/or around an edge of the side wall (113, 213, 313, 413) to the outer side of the side wall (113, 213, 313, 413) and with which the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420) is secured against falling out of the recess (116, 216, 316, 416).

6. The holding frame (5, 7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing member (520, 720) is clamped in place by means of a clamping section (519, 719) on the inner side of the side wall (513, 713).

7. The holding frame (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing member (620)) is arranged with parts on the outer side of the side wall (613) and with parts on the inner side of the side wall (613) and is intertwined with at least a part of the base frame (611).

8. The holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing arm (121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721) has a fixing hook (123, 223, 323, 423, 523, 623, 723) having a sloping face (124, 224, 324, 424, 524, 624, 724) and a shoulder (125, 225, 325, 425, 525, 625, 725), wherein the sloping face (124, 224, 324, 424, 524, 624, 724) is provided to come into contact with the latching lug (91) of the module (9) on insertion of the module (9), such that when the latching lug (91) slides along the sloping face (124, 224, 324, 424, 524, 624, 724), the fixing arm (121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721) is deformed in the direction of the insertion state, wherein the shoulder (125, 225, 325, 425, 525, 625, 725) is designed to engage at least partly with the latching lug (91) of an inserted module (9) in the holding state.

9. The holding frame (3, 4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing arm (321, 421) has a manipulation member (327, 427) that projects beyond an upper edge of the base frame (311, 411) and/or of an inserted module (9) and allows the fixing arm (321, 421) to be manually deformed.

10. A method of populating a holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) fora plug connector for receiving similar and/or different modules (9) with a module (9), said method comprising the steps of: inserting (S1) the module (9) into a base frame (111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711) which defines a plane transverse to an insertion direction of the module (9) into the holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and which has mutually opposite end faces (112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712) and mutually opposite side walls (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713), wherein the insertion step (S1) includes passing (S2) a latching lug (91) of the module (9) past a section of a fixing arm (121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721) of the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720), that is attached to a side wall (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713) of the base frame (111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711) and that is designed to allow deformation between an insertion state (S4) which allows the module (9) to be inserted into the holding frame (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) and a holding state (S6) in which an inserted module (9) is held in place, along the insertion direction at least, by the latching lug (91) of the module (9) and by the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720), wherein the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) is in the insertion state (S4) for at least a moment during the passing step (S2), wherein the method includes deforming (S5) the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) from the insertion state (S4) to the holding state (S6) and wherein deforming (S5) includes movement of at least the fixing arm (121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721) of the fixing member (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720) in the longitudinal direction of the side wall (113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713).

Description

[0055] In the following, the present invention shall be illustrated and described with reference to the embodiments shown in the Figures, in which

[0056] FIG. 1 shows a view of a holding frame according to a first embodiment of the invention, with modules,

[0057] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged detail of the view shown in FIG. 1,

[0058] FIG. 3 shows another enlarged detail of the view shown in FIG. 1,

[0059] FIG. 4 shows a view of a holding frame according to a second embodiment of the invention, with modules,

[0060] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a detail of the holding frame shown in FIG. 4,

[0061] FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the holding frame shown in FIG. 4, without modules,

[0062] FIG. 7 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the holding frame shown in FIG. 4, without modules,

[0063] FIG. 8 shows two views of a fixing member of the holding frame shown in FIG. 4,

[0064] FIG. 9 shows a view of a holding frame according to a third embodiment of the invention, with modules,

[0065] FIG. 10 shows an enlarged detail of the view shown in FIG. 9,

[0066] FIG. 11 shows another enlarged detail of the view shown in FIG. 9,

[0067] FIG. 12 shows a view of a holding frame according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, with modules,

[0068] FIG. 13 shows a side view of a detail of the holding frame shown in FIG. 12,

[0069] FIG. 14 shows an enlarged view of the holding frame shown in FIG. 12, without modules,

[0070] FIG. 15 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the holding frame shown in FIG. 12, without modules,

[0071] FIG. 16 shows two views of a fixing member of the holding frame shown in FIG. 12,

[0072] FIG. 17 shows a view of a holding frame according to a fifth embodiment of the invention,

[0073] FIG. 18 shows an enlarged detail of the view shown in FIG. 17,

[0074] FIG. 19 shows a view of a fixing member of the holding frame shown in FIG. 17,

[0075] FIG. 20 shows a view of a holding frame according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, with modules,

[0076] FIG. 21 shows a side view of a detail of the holding frame shown in FIG. 20,

[0077] FIG. 22 shows enlarged view of the holding frame shown in FIG. 20, without modules,

[0078] FIG. 23 shows another enlarged view of the holding frame shown in FIG. 20, without modules,

[0079] FIG. 24 shows two views of a fixing member of the holding frame shown in FIG. 20,

[0080] FIG. 25 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a holding frame according to a seventh embodiment of the invention, with modules,

[0081] FIG. 26 shows another partial cross-sectional view of the holding frame shown in FIG. 25, and

[0082] FIG. 27 shows a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of the method of populating a holding frame with a module according to the invention.

[0083] In the enclosed drawings and in the associated descriptions of said drawings, corresponding or related elements are given corresponding or similar reference signs, where expedient, even when they are to be found in different embodiments.

[0084] FIG. 1 shows a view of a holding frame according to a first embodiment of the invention, with modules, while FIG. 2 shows an enlarged detail of the view shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows another enlarged detail of the view shown in FIG. 1.

[0085] Holding frame 1 is shown here with a module 9 already inserted and with another module 9 that is offset relative to the inserted module 9 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction.

[0086] Holding frame 1 comprises a base frame 111 that has two end faces 112 (only one of which is shown) and two side walls 113 (only one of which is shown).

[0087] Proceeding from its top edge, base frame 111 has three receptacles in each side wall 113 for receiving latching lugs 91 of modules 9, said receptacles being defined by a stop 114 and two opposite guides 115.

[0088] The number of receptacles shown is merely for illustrative purposes, and the invention is not limited in that respect, so other numbers of modules may be provided in holding frames according to the invention.

[0089] Guides 115 are provided with different spacing on opposite sides of base frame 111, such that a wider latching lug 91 of a module can be accommodated on the one side than on the opposite side. The allows protection against reversed polarity and against module 9 being inserted the wrong way round.

[0090] Side walls 113 each have a recess 116 on their inner sides. This recess 116 can also be described as having a smaller wall thickness in certain areas 116 when, as in this example, the outer side of side walls 113 is planar, with the result that a certain amount of free space exists along side wall 113 between side wall 113 and an inserted module 9.

[0091] This free space is bounded in the plane of side wall 113 by boundaries 117 at which the wall thickness increases, in the present example, in a shoulder or step to the thickness that the rest of side wall 113 has.

[0092] Below each receptacle (i.e. further in the insertion direction), each side wall 113 has an opening 118 that extends through it from the outer to the inner side and also has a section on the inner side of side wall 113 where the thickness of the wall is less.

[0093] In the region of each receptacle, there is also a fixing member 120 mounted on base frame 111.

[0094] Fixing member 120 comprises two fixing arms 121 that are connected to each other, namely in such a manner—in this embodiment—that the fixing member extends between boundaries 117 such that fixing member 120 is fixed in place by form-locking engagement in the plane defined by side wall 113 between boundaries 117 and fixing member 120. However, fixing arms 121 are able to move inside recess 116 when fixing member 120 is shaped accordingly.

[0095] Fixing member 120 is made of rectangular wire and in the middle has a clamping piece 122 that extends through the opening 118 in side wall 113 and on the outer side of the side wall, in the section with the reduced wall thickness, rests against the wall so that the fixing member is held in place on the side wall by the relative positioning of clamping piece 122 and the rest of fixing member 120.

[0096] At each of the ends of fixing arms 121 of fixing member 120, which extend in the direction opposite the insertion direction, there is a fixing hook 123 which is formed by bending the wire into an approximately triangular shape and which has a sloping face 124 and a shoulder 125. Between fixing arms 121, in particular between shoulders 125 and the stop 114 of the base frame, there is a latching area 126 for receiving the respective latching lug 91 of a module 9.

[0097] When module 9 is inserted into holding frame 1, each latching lug 91 comes between the guides 115 in base frame 111 and then arrives at the fixing hooks 123 of fixing arms 121 of the respective fixing member 120. Due to a certain amount of force exerted to continue insertion, fixing arms 121 are deformed by the latching lugs 91 that each slide along sloping faces 124, with fixing hooks 123 being moved laterally, in the sense of transversely, to module 9. When the respective latching lug 91 has completely passed fixing hook 123, there is no longer a force being exerted on fixing hooks 123 or fixing arms 121 to maintain the deformation of fixing arms 121, and the fixing arms spring back to a position as seen in FIG. 2, for example. It should be noted that plastic deformation is also possible, but in that case a user has to take appropriate action to return the fixing arms to their previous shape.

[0098] When a latching lug 91 of a module 9 is in latching area 126, shoulders 125 and stop 114 enclose the latching lug in such a way that it is not possible to move module 9 back and forth in the insertion, or only to a very limited extent. Due to guides 115 contacting latching lug 91, the latter is also fixed or almost fixed in the transversal direction to module 9 (the longitudinal direction of holding frame 1). When the inner sides of side walls 113 are correspondingly far apart, it is also possible to prevent or limit any movement of module 9 in its longitudinal direction, so that module 9 is fixed in three spatial directions.

[0099] Module 9 is releasably fixed in the holding frame if it is possible to act externally on fixing arms 121 to remove fixing hooks 123 in front of the latching lug 91 of the module (by bending fixing arms 121).

[0100] Shoulder 125 preferably slopes slightly upwards towards fixing arm 121, so that when a force is exerted in the opposite direction to the insertion direction on an inserted module 9, shoulder 125 comes to rest flatly on the surface of the latching lug, with a certain amount of deformation of fixing member 120, in order to better suppress any further unbending.

[0101] However, it is also possible that the shoulder slopes in the opposite direction so that the fixing arms can be unbent by exerting sufficient force and without damaging the holding frame.

[0102] FIG. 4 shows a view of a holding frame according to a second embodiment of the invention, with modules. FIG. 5 shows a side view of a detail of the holding frame shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the holding frame shown in FIG. 4, without modules. FIG. 7 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the holding frame shown in FIG. 4, without modules, and FIG. 8 shows two views of a fixing member of the holding frame shown in FIG. 4.

[0103] Similar to the one in the first embodiment, holding frame 2 according to the second embodiment comprises a base frame 211 which has two end faces 212 and two side walls 213. Unlike in the first embodiment, holding frame 2 is designed to accommodate six modules 9 and to fix them in place using their latching lugs 91.

[0104] Similarly to the first embodiment, base frame 211 has respective guides 215 and stops 214 for receiving latching lugs 91.

[0105] In a modification of the first embodiment, recess 216 extends over almost the entire inner side of side wall 213, such that boundaries 217 can also be seen as protrusions.

[0106] As was also the case in the first embodiment, openings 218 are provided in each of side walls 213 to receive clamping sections 222 of fixing members 220.

[0107] As in the first embodiment, a fixing member 220 comprises two fixing arms 221 and a clamping piece 222, wherein fixing arms 221 define a latching area 226 between them and each have at their end a fixing hook 223 with a sloping face 224 and a shoulder 225.

[0108] With the exception of the number of modules 9 to be accommodated, and the design of the inner sides of side walls 213, the second embodiment substantially resembles the first embodiment, so reference is made to the foregoing for further details.

[0109] FIG. 9 shows a view of a holding frame according to a third embodiment of the invention, with modules, while FIG. 10 shows an enlarged detail of the view shown in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 shows another enlarged detail of the view shown in FIG. 9.

[0110] As in the first embodiment, holding frame 3 of the third embodiment comprises a base frame 311 which has two end faces 312 and two side walls 313. Base frame 311 is identical in its main characteristics to the base frame 111 of the first embodiment.

[0111] As in in the first embodiment also, base frame 311 comprises respective guides 315 and stops 314 for receiving latching lugs 91, with a recess 316 being provided on the inner side of each side wall 313, with boundaries 317 for receiving fixing member 320. In the third embodiment also, openings 318 are provided in side walls 313 for receiving clamping pieces 322 of fixing members 320.

[0112] As in the first embodiment, a fixing member 320 comprises two fixing arms 321 and a clamping piece 322, wherein fixing arms 321 define a latching area 326 between them and each have a fixing hook 323 with a sloping face 324 and a shoulder 325. Unlike in the first embodiment, however, fixing hook 323 is not provided at the end of each fixing arm 321, because in this embodiment each fixing arm 321 is lengthened by a manipulation member 327.

[0113] Manipulation member 327 extends in the opposite direction to the insertion direction beyond an upper edge of base frame 311 and an upper edge of inserted module 9, so that a user can spread fixing members 320 apart to remove an inserted module 9 without needing separate tools.

[0114] With the exception of manipulation members 327 that have been added, the third embodiment is identical to the first embodiment, so reference is made to the foregoing for further details.

[0115] FIG. 12 shows a view of a holding frame according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, with modules, and FIG. 13 shows a side view of a detail of the holding frame shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 shows an enlarged view of the holding frame shown in FIG. 12, without modules, while FIG. 15 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the holding frame shown in FIG. 12, without modules, and FIG. 16 shows two views of a fixing member of the holding frame shown in FIG. 12.

[0116] Like in the second embodiment, the holding frame 4 of the fourth embodiment comprises a base frame 411 which has two end faces 412 and two side walls 413. Base frame 411 is identical in its main characteristics to the base frame 211 of the second embodiment.

[0117] As in the embodiment also, base frame 411 comprises respective guides 415 and stops 414 for receiving latching lugs 91, with an almost continuous recess 416 being provided on the inner side of each side wall 413, with boundaries or protrusions 417 for receiving fixing element 320. In the fourth embodiment also, openings 418 are provided in side walls 413 for receiving clamping pieces 422 of fixing members 420.

[0118] As in the second embodiment, a fixing member 420 comprises two fixing arms 421 and a clamping piece 422, wherein fixing arms 421 define a latching area 426 between them and each have a fixing hook 423 with a sloping face 424 and a shoulder 425. Unlike in the second embodiment, however, fixing hook 423 is not provided at the end of each fixing arm 421, because in this embodiment each fixing arm 421 is lengthened by a manipulation member 427.

[0119] Similarly to the third embodiment, manipulation member 427 extends in the opposite direction to the insertion direction beyond an upper edge of base frame 411 and an upper edge of inserted module 9, so that a user can spread fixing members 420 apart to remove an inserted module 9 without needing separate tools.

[0120] With the exception of manipulation members 427 that have been added, the fourth embodiment is identical to the second embodiment, so reference is made to the foregoing for further details.

[0121] FIG. 17 shows a view of a holding frame according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 18 shows an enlarged detail of the view shown in FIG. 17, and FIG. 19 shows a view of a fixing member of the holding frame shown in FIG. 17.

[0122] The holding frame 5 of the fifth embodiment is shown in FIG. 17 without any modules inserted, although modules 9 as shown in the views of the embodiments above are likewise suitable and provided for insertion into holding frame 5.

[0123] This embodiment and the invention in general are not limited to such modules 9, however, and it should be obvious that the invention can also be used, for example, for modules that have the dimensions of a double module, i.e. which have two latching lugs on either side.

[0124] Holding frame 5 comprises a base frame 511 which has two end faces 512 and two side walls 312. Similarly to the embodiments already discussed in the foregoing, side walls 513 each have several combinations (in this case six) of guides 515 and a stop 514 for receiving a latching lug of a module.

[0125] In the region of one combination of guides 515 and stop 514, a fixing member is mounted on the inner side of each side wall 513.

[0126] Unlike in the embodiments above, the inner side of each side wall 513 has a clamping section 519 for each fixing member 520, which projects inwards from the inner side of side wall 513 and onto which fixing member 520 is clamped. The fixing member has a section that fits around clamping section 51 and which forms a force-fit connection with clamping section 519.

[0127] In this embodiment, fixing member 520 is made of an elastic plastic and—similarly to the embodiments above—has two fixing arms 521, at the ends of each that point away from the insertion direction a fixing hook 223 having a sloping face 524 and a shoulder 525 is arranged. Fixing arms 521 have a latch area 526 between them, defined in the installed state by the inner sides of fixing arms 512, shoulders 525 and stop 514, in which a latching lug of a module (not shown here) is received when inserted.

[0128] As an alternative to plastic, the fixing member can also be formed from wire, as in the embodiments above, whereby it is also possible for it to be punched or the like from metal plate.

[0129] As far as its manner of operation when inserting and holding modules is concerned, holding frame 5 is identical to the embodiments above, so reference is made to the foregoing in that regard.

[0130] FIG. 20 shows a view of a holding frame according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, with modules. FIG. 21 shows a side view of a detail of the holding frame shown in FIG. 20, and FIG. 22 shows an enlarged view of the holding frame shown in FIG. 20, without modules. FIG. 23 shows another enlarged view of the holding frame shown in FIG. 20, without modules, and FIG. 24 shows two views of a fixing member of the holding frame shown in FIG. 20.

[0131] The holding frame 6 of the sixth embodiment has a base frame 611 that has side walls 613 and end faces 612. In this embodiment, holding frame 6 is designed to receive six modules 9 (or three double modules), wherein modules 9 are each held in holding frame 6 by fixing members 620.

[0132] Proceeding from a bottom section of base frame 611, a plurality of protrusions extend in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, each of them widening at the end and having guides 615 there, along which a latching lug 91 of a module 9 is guided during insertion into holding frame 6. Each of the five protrusions provided in the middle region of each side wall 613 thus has a T-shape, whereas the protrusions at the end of side wall 613 have an inverted L-shape. The bottom section of base frame 611 also has a stop 614 for each latching lug 91, that limits the insertion depth.

[0133] Each fixing member 620 has two fixing arms 621, at the ends of each that point away from the insertion direction a fixing hook 623 is provided. Each fixing hook 623 has a sloping face 624 and a shoulder 625, the fixing arms and in particular shoulders 625 jointly determining with guides 615 and stop 614 a latching area 626 for receiving a latching lug 91.

[0134] Fixing members 620, which are made in this case of a round wire, are each held on base frame 611 by intertwining.

[0135] Proceeding from fixing hook 623, fixing arms 621 extend (in the installed state) firstly in the insertion direction to a height below stop 614, where the wire is bent in such a way that the path of fixing member 620 leads to stop 614. Stop 614 is designed in such a way that a slot in which fixing member 620 partly extends is formed between the inner side and the outer side of base frame 611. The wire of fixing member 620 reverses its direction there and runs at a height below stop 614 in the direction of the end faces 612 of base frame 611. Beyond the ends of the shanks of the protrusions having guides 615, the wire changes direction to the direction opposite the insertion direction, the wire of fixing member 620 passing the shanks on the outer side of base frame 611. Above base frame 611, fixing member 620 has a top bar 628, so that the fixing member is produced by a wire running continuously from fixing hook 623 to fixing hook 623.

[0136] Due to it switching from a path on the inner face of base frame 611 to a path on the outer side of base frame 611, and respective barriers are formed by elements of base frame 611, fixing member 620 is fixed in place in base frame 611.

[0137] With regard to the process of inserting a module 9 and to the details of how a latching lug 91 of module 9 is held in place, reference is made to the descriptions above.

[0138] FIG. 25 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a holding frame according to a seventh embodiment of the invention, with modules, and FIG. 26 shows another partial cross-sectional view of the holding frame shown in FIG. 25.

[0139] Holding frame 7 of the seventh embodiment comprises a base frame 711 that has end faces 712 and side walls 713. In the views shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, holding frame 7 is shown in partial cross-section in the longitudinal direction, once with a view onto an inner side of side wall 713 (FIG. 25) and once with a view onto the outer side of side wall 713 (FIG. 26).

[0140] In the inner side of side wall 713, the latter has a plurality of clamping sections 719 in the form of recesses, for partly receiving a fixing member 720.

[0141] Unlike in the embodiments above, base frame 711 has a guide 715 only in its outer areas, in the longitudinal direction, with a continuous stop 714 otherwise provided between the guides.

[0142] Fixing members 720 are each clamped in their lower region into clamping sections 719 and have fixing arms 721 that extend in the installed state beyond stop 714 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction.

[0143] Similarly to the embodiments above, fixing arms 721 each have fixing hooks 723 having a sloping face 724 and a shoulder 725.

[0144] In comparison with the embodiments above, fixing members 720 are offset by half a module width, a respective latching area 726 then being defined between the fixing arms 721 of neighbouring fixing members 721 and bounded by stop 714 and fixing arms 723 with shoulders 725. The latching lug 91 of a module 9 enters this latching area 726 on insertion and is held in place there.

[0145] According to this different arrangement, the fixing hooks 723 of fixing members 720 are oriented outwards, based on the direction of side wall 713, so the respective fixing arm 721 is deformed during insertion towards the other fixing arm 721 of fixing member 720.

[0146] From the perspective of a latching lug 91 of a module 9, however, there are two neighbouring fixing hooks 723 facing each other that belong to two different fixing members 720 and which jointly hold an inserted latching lug 91 and thus fix module 9 in place.

[0147] Reference can thus be made here as well to the above discussion regarding the operation and the processes of inserting a module.

[0148] FIG. 27 shows a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of the method of populating a holding frame with a module according to the invention.

[0149] The method according to the invention is used to populate a holding frame (as provided in the embodiments discussed above, for example), for a plug connector for receiving similar and/or different modules, with a module.

[0150] The method comprises a step S1 of inserting the module into a base frame. This base frame defines a plane transverse to an insertion direction of the module into the holding frame and has mutually opposite end faces and mutually opposite side walls (see above).

[0151] In one part of insertion step S2, a latching lug of the module passes (in step S2) a section of a fixing arm of a fixing member that is mounted on a side wall of the base frame and which is designed for deformation between an insertion state which allows the module to be inserted into the holding frame, and a holding state in which an inserted module is held in place, along the insertion direction at least, by the latching lug of the module and the fixing member.

[0152] In conjunction with insertion step S2, the section through which the latching lug passes is made to widen (step S3), thus resulting in the insertion state being reached (step S4).

[0153] The fixing member is in the insertion state (S4) for at least a moment during the passing step (S2).

[0154] After the passing step (S2), the method comprises the step of the fixing member springing back (step S5) from the insertion state to the holding state (step S6).

[0155] As already explained several times in the foregoing, the deformation step S5 (just like the widening step S3) includes movement of at least the fixing arm of the fixing member in the longitudinal direction of the side wall.

[0156] Once a module has been inserted and is held in the holding state, the method can be repeated for another module until the entire holding frame has been populated.

[0157] Even if different aspects or features of the invention are shown in combination in the Figures, it is clear to a person skilled in the art, unless otherwise specified, that the combinations shown and discussed are not the only ones possible. More particularly, it is possible to swap corresponding units or groups of features from different embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0158] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Holding frame [0159] 9 Module [0160] 91 Latching lug [0161] 111, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 Base frame [0162] 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712 End face [0163] 113, 213, 313, 413, 513, 613, 713 Side wall [0164] 114, 214, 314, 414, 514, 614, 714 Stop [0165] 115, 215, 315, 415, 515, 615, 715 Guide [0166] 116, 216, 316, 416 Recess [0167] 117, 217, 317, 417 Boundary [0168] 118, 218, 318, 418 Opening in side wall [0169] 519, 719 Clamping section [0170] 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720 Fixing element [0171] 121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721 Fixing arm [0172] 122, 222, 322, 422 Clamping member [0173] 123, 223, 323, 423, 523, 623, 723 Fixing hook [0174] 124, 224, 324, 424, 524, 624, 724 Limb [0175] 125, 225, 325, 425, 525, 625, 725 Shoulder [0176] 126, 226, 326, 426, 526, 626, 726 Latching area [0177] 327, 427 Manipulation element [0178] 628 Top bar [0179] S1 Insertion [0180] S2 Passing [0181] S3 Widening [0182] S4 Insertion state [0183] S5 Springing back [0184] S6 Holding state