Holding frame for a plug-type connector

A holding frame for a plug-type connector adapted to receive a plurality of connector modules, the holding frame comprising:

• a rigid metallic base frame having a rectangular frame structure with a module receiving cavity extending therethrough to insertably receive the plurality of connector modules;
• and
• resilient cheek parts coupled to opposing sides of the rectangular frame structure of the rigid metallic base frame such that at least a portion of each resilient cheek part extends along a respective external facing surface of the rectangular frame structure of the rigid metallic base frame, and
• wherein each cheek part includes an upper end portion that is adapted to flex outwardly away from the rectangular frame structure of the rigid metallic base frame to enable insertion of at least one of the connector modules into the module receiving cavity of the rectangular frame structure of the rigid metallic base frame and to move back toward the rectangular frame structure of the rigid metallic base frame to a holding state to secure the connector module within the module receiving cavity.

A holding frame for a plug-type connector adapted to receive a plurality of connector modules, the holding frame comprising:

• a rigid metallic base frame having a rectangular frame structure including opposing longitudinal sidewalls and transverse end walls that define a rectangular frame structure with a module receiving cavity extending completely through the rectangular frame structure of the rigid metallic base frame from one of opposing ends thereof to the other to provide a space within the confines of the longitudinal sidewalls and transverse end walls that is completely devoid of material of the rigid metallic base frame to insertably receive the plurality of connector modules, and wherein each of the opposing longitudinal sidewalls of the rectangular frame structure of the rigid metallic base frame include a plurality of upwardly extending protrusions that are arranged to define open recesses between adjacent protrusions to receive lugs of the connector modules;
• and
• resilient cheek parts made of sheet metal that are distinct from but coupled to the opposing longitudinal sidewalls of the rectangular frame structure of the rigid metallic base frame such that at least a portion of each resilient cheek part extends along a respective external facing surface of one of the opposing longitudinal sidewalls of the rectangular frame structure of the rigid metallic base frame,
• wherein each cheek part includes an upper end portion having a plurality of resilient tabs extending in a direction parallel to a receiving direction of the connector modules, the resilient tabs each having an upper free end with a respective locking window extending therethrough and each being adapted to flex outwardly away from the rectangular frame structure of the rigid metallic base frame independent of each other to enable insertion of at least one of the connector modules into the module receiving cavity of the rectangular frame structure of the rigid metallic base frame and to move back toward the rectangular frame structure of the rigid metallic base frame to a holding state to secure the connector module within the module receiving cavity, and
• wherein portions of the rectangular frame structure of the rigid metallic base frame adjacent the open recesses defined between the upwardly extending protrusions of the opposing longitudinal sidewalls of the rectangular frame structure of the rigid metallic base frame cooperate with the locking windows formed in the upper free end portions of the resilient cheek parts to collectively form lug receiving devices to secure the connector modules within the module receiving cavity.