Supporting frame construction for modular connectors

[0001] The present invention relates to the construction of a support frame for modular connectors.

As is known, in the field of industrial electrical connections, modular joints are traditionally used, which are usually mounted in a support frame intended for accommodating a plurality of connectors connected in the frame sockets, for connection with protrusions formed on said connectors or components, i.e. . elements of "fruit".

[0003] The known support frames generally comprise two U-shaped parts connected together by a threaded connection or a screw connection.

[0004] Frame mounting in traditional frame constructions is a relatively complex operation. [0005] A further disadvantage is that the correct connection and disconnection of the electrical elements of the so-called The "fruit" in the known load-bearing frames is rather difficult to replace.

[0006] NL 7 400 236 A, EP 0 743 713 A2 and US 3 576 520 A disclose various constructions of carrier frames for modular connectors according to the preamble of claim 1. 1.

Summary of the Invention [0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a support frame for modular connectors that can be easily installed and in which the fruit components can also be easily combined and disconnected for replacement.

[0008] In the scope of the above-mentioned object, the main object of the invention is to provide a support frame that can be easily and quickly made from available elements and materials, and which is also very competitive from an ordinary economic point of view.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a support frame that is very reliable and safe in operation.

[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the aforementioned object and objects, as well as other objects that will become more apparent below, have been achieved by the construction of a support frame for modular connectors characterized in that said support frame structure comprises a main element construction connected by sliding means of connection with a linear element.

The main construction element comprises a linear portion comprising a plurality of sockets, where appropriate protrusions of modules used in the construction of the frame may be combined.

PAT-2463-EP-E

EP2979326 [0012] The linear element comprises a plurality of sockets of a linear element corresponding to the sockets of a linear part of the main structural element for connecting in them respective protrusions of the modules to be used in the construction of the frame.

The linear element has at least two operating positions: a connection position in which said linear element is rigidly connected to the main structural element and said seats connect the protrusions of the modules, thereby locking said modules in the frame and the displacement or displacement position in which the sockets of the said line element are disconnected from the protrusions of the module, which allows easy and quick removal of the modules from the mounting frame.

Description of the Drawings [0014] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed disclosure of a preferred, though not exclusive, embodiment which is illustrated by way of showing but not limiting example in the accompanying figures in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a modular connector carrier frame structure according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows an additional perspective view of a support frame structure according to the invention;

Fig. 3 shows a further perspective view showing some modular elements incorporated into the frame of the support frame with a broken rope;

Fig. 4 shows a top view of a support frame structure;

Fig. 5 is a front view of a section taken along the plane VV in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 shows another front view of a support frame structure;

Fig. 7 shows a side view of a support frame structure.

Description of Embodiments With reference to the reference numerals of the above-mentioned figures, the frame structure of the modular connectors according to the present invention, which is generally indicated by reference numeral 1, comprises a main structural element 2, connected by sliding means of connection with the linear element 3.

Said main structural element 2 comprises a linear portion 4 comprising a plurality of sockets or recesses 5 of the linear portion, to connect the adapted projections therein,

PAT-2463-EP-E

EP2979326 shown in the drawing, formed on modules 6 to be mounted in the structure of the support frame 1.

[0017] Said main structural element 2 comprises two transverse members 7, holding the beam or bar element 8 parallel to the linear element 4.

[0018] Said beam or rod element 8 comprises a shaped seat or recess 9 for connecting to it a corresponding shaped projection 10 formed on the linear element 3.

Said linear element 3 comprises a plurality of respective sockets or recesses 55, corresponding to said sockets 5 of the linear part 4 of the main structural element 2, for connecting in them respective projections, not shown in the drawing, formed on said modules 6.

[0020] Said connection means for connecting the linear element 3 to the main structural element 2 to form the frame structure 1 are preferably formed by longitudinal recesses 11 formed on respective sides 33 of the respective linear element 3 and adapted to connect respective longitudinal projections 12, made on the transverse members 7 of the main structural element 2.

The linear element 3 is attached to the main structural element 2 by a pair of fastening screws 13 screwed into respective loops 14 formed on the linear element 3 and respective crown nuts 15 formed in the cross members 7 of the main structural element 2.

[0022] The assembly of the modular connector according to the present invention is very simple and quick because it is sufficient to insert the modules 6 into the main component 2, then guide the linear element 3 to move it to its connected position and then fix it with the fastening screws 13.

[0023] Disassembling the connector when necessary is in turn very simple, because it is enough to unscrew the screws 13 and cause the linear element 3 to be displaced over the length enabling disconnection of the protrusion of the module 6 from the seat 55, thereby pulling the module without dismantling the entire structure.

[0024] It has been shown that the invention fully achieves the intended purpose and objects.

[0025] Indeed, the invention provided a support frame structure consisting of a main construction element and a linear element comprising at least two positions

PAT-2463-EP-E

Operating position in which it is rigidly connected to a main structural element, and wherein said sockets connect the protrusions of the module and thereby block the last in the frame and the displacement position in which the sockets of the linear element disengage the projection of the module, thereby facilitating the removal frame.

[0026] Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the main structural element is made as a unitary element, thus ensuring maximum stability of the frame structure.

In practical use of the invention, the materials used, as well as dimensional and shape conditioning, may be any according to requirements.

PAT-2463-EP-E

EP2979326