Arrangement of electrical connectors and plug connections

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement of electrical connectors, wherein the connectors are configured to mechanically and electrically contact a mating connector complementary to the connection by means of a detachable plug connection. The electrical contact is established by means of a mechanical contact between each connector and its complementary mating connector. At least two connectors, preferably all connectors of the arrangement, are connected to each other by a common acoustic coupling layer, wherein the coupling layer has a coupling surface for coupling a sound transducer. The coupling layer is configured to provide a transmission path for structure-borne sound waves from the connectors connected via the coupling layer to the coupling surface, whereby structure-borne sound waves arriving at the coupling surface can be transmitted to the sound transducer.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement of electrical connectors, a measuring arrangement comprising the arrangement of electrical connectors and a plug connection comprising the arrangement of electrical connectors and / or the measuring arrangement according to the preamble of the independent claims. State of the art

[0002] Fretting corrosion is a tribological wear process that occurs at the contact surfaces of two materials, especially metallic materials, under stress. Fretting corrosion arises from repeated, minute relative movements between the mechanically contacting surfaces. The resulting friction causes tribological damage to the material surfaces, leading to wear and often to corrosion.

[0003] Repeated mating of a connector with its corresponding mating connector can also lead to fretting corrosion between the interacting connector pairs. In particular, the wear process is caused by static and kinetic friction during the mating process. Conditions conducive to fretting corrosion also exist when the connector is mated. Relative movements can occur within the connector area—caused in particular by vibrations, mechanical stresses, and / or thermal expansion—which promotes the formation of fretting corrosion over time. Damage to the effective contact surfaces within the connector degrades, for example, the electrical contact resistance and / or the quality of a data signal transmitted via the connector.To ensure the error-free operation of electronic devices connected by means of such a plug connection, measures must be taken to prevent fretting corrosion.

[0004] The susceptibility of material pairings to fretting corrosion can be determined using a fretting corrosion test, for example, according to MBN 10384 / LV 214 - PG 16. This is a destructive test in which the abrasion resistance of the surface treatment of electrical contacts is determined. In this test, three batches of contact pairs are tested for all material / surface combinations and for all lubricants used, without a connector housing. The test specifies the load amplitude, load frequency, number of load cycles, electrical load, and temperature (RT according to ISO 554-23 / 50). The contact resistance is tested as a function of the number of load cycles until a resistance of 300 mΩ is reached. A visual inspection is then performed before and after the test according to DIN EN 60512-1-1.

[0005] Resistance to fretting corrosion can also be determined according to PSA B21 7050 - 9.7. This is a destructive test in which the abrasion resistance of the surface treatment of electrical contacts outside the housing is determined. The test specifies the load amplitude, the switching frequency, the number of cycles, the electrical load, and the temperature. The electrical contact resistance is evaluated as a function of time. Additionally, the contact area is observed using SEM.

[0006] However, the described tests do not consider the potential effects of the connector housing, which significantly influences the vibration characteristics, particularly in the form of multiaxial vibrations. Furthermore, the tests are performed with strictly defined, specified test parameters that do not reflect actual operational conditions. In reality, dynamic load changes typically occur over time. Finally, the described tests require a separate test setup and therefore cannot be used for in-situ testing of connectors.

[0007] Non-destructive acoustic testing methods are known from tank construction as well as pipeline construction, which can be used to determine the microstructure or changes in the microstructure of the tested materials. Acoustic testing can detect structure-borne sound waves, and the detected structure-borne sound signal allows conclusions to be drawn about the material properties. Disclosure of the invention Advantages

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of being able to carry out a qualitative and / or quantitative assessment of the condition of real existing plug connections at any time without causing damage.

[0009] This problem is solved by an arrangement of electrical connectors, a measuring arrangement comprising the arrangement of electrical connectors and a plug connection comprising the arrangement of electrical connectors and / or the measuring arrangement according to the independent claims.

[0010] The invention relates to an arrangement of electrical connectors, wherein the connectors are designed to mechanically and electrically contact a mating connector complementary to the connection by means of a detachable plug connection. The electrical contact is formed by means of a mechanical contact between each connector and its complementary mating connector. This contact is established by the contact of facing surface pairs of the connector and the mating connector, whereby the contact is only subjected to and / or held by a force. This force can be, for example, due to a fit, a clamping force, a fastening force, etc.At least two connectors, preferably all connectors of the arrangement, are connected to each other by a common acoustic coupling layer, the coupling layer having a coupling surface for coupling a sound transducer. The coupling layer is designed to provide a transmission path for structure-borne sound waves from the connectors connected via the coupling layer to the coupling surface, whereby structure-borne sound waves arriving at the coupling surface can be transmitted to the sound transducer. In contrast to sound-absorbing or sound-damping materials, which reduce or suppress the transmission of sound waves, an acoustic coupling layer is such that its material properties allow structure-borne sound waves to pass through and transmit particularly well and essentially unimpeded.It must be taken into account that structure-borne sound waves emitted at the connector due to vibrations, mechanical stresses, and / or thermal expansion have very small amplitudes. Their transmission to the coupling surface and then to the detection surface of the sound sensor must therefore be ensured by a suitable material property of the coupling layer to allow these structure-borne sound waves to pass through.

[0011] Advantageously, according to the invention, the current physical condition of connectors can be monitored based on the possibility of coupling a sound transducer and the structure-borne sound waves detectable thereby, preferably with regard to the degree of any existing fretting corrosion. Monitoring can be carried out continuously over time, thus enabling in-situ evaluation. Alternatively, evaluation can be performed at time intervals by permanently coupling a sound transducer, but switching it to a detection mode only for defined times and / or time periods. The sound transducer can also be positioned on the coupling surface for each measurement test and removed again after the test. In principle, a measurement test can be carried out in any operating condition.Advantageously, the measurement test can be performed independently of the voltage and current flowing through the connector. This also applies regardless of the device in which the connector is located. The test can be carried out on the actual device, including the connector, allowing for a real-world assessment of, for example, the condition of the fretting corrosion. In the event of negative results, appropriate measures can then be implemented for the connector, enabling targeted improvements, such as to the material pairing. The operation of the device containing the connector – in particular, an electronic device such as a control unit, an electronic device including a data communication line, a vehicle computer, and the like – is not affected or altered by the measurement test. Overall, it is a non-destructive test.Depending on the measured detection values, it is advantageous to differentiate between various fault mechanisms occurring in the connector without requiring disassembly. Due to the acoustic coupling of multiple connectors via the common coupling layer, the signal detection rate can be significantly increased.

[0012] The measures listed in the dependent claims enable advantageous further developments and improvements of the arrangement of electrical connectors according to the invention.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the arrangement, the electrical connectors are embedded within an electrically insulating material, at least in one area. Furthermore, a recess is formed in this area of ​​the electrically insulating material, exposing at least a portion of the connectors connected by the common coupling layer. The coupling layer is located within the recess. The coupling layer therefore extends from the outer coupling surface to the connectors exposed by the electrically insulating material, or even beyond. The electrically insulating material then serves, in particular, to hold the arrangement together and can, for example, be designed as a connector housing. It is optimized for a specific intended manufacturing process, such as injection molding or a molding process.The recess allows for the targeted selection of a coupling layer material optimized for structure-borne sound transmission. The recess preferably reduces the area to the size of the required coupling surface for measurement testing. This minimizes the material volume of the coupling layer, making even expensive materials suitable for certain applications. The recess wall forms a kind of receiving container. Therefore, materials in a liquid, flowable, and / or soft state can also be used for the coupling layer. Preferably, these are castable materials that harden after partial or complete filling of the recess through physical and / or chemical activation. Such a curable acrylic material is a preferred polymer material for the coupling layer.Furthermore, alternative materials for transmitting structure-borne sound can be used, especially materials with high stiffness or strength.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the arrangement, the coupling layer has a planar outer surface on the side facing away from the connector, serving as the coupling surface. This ensures that the detection surface of the sound transducer can couple fully and completely to the coupling surface. This optimizes the conditions for detecting structure-borne sound waves. If the coupling layer is made of a potted or otherwise applied polymer material, the cured outer surface of the coupling layer can be machined, for example, by a material removal process, particularly a grinding process, to create a planar plane for the coupling surface.

[0015] The invention also leads to a measuring arrangement comprising at least one arrangement of electrical connectors according to one of the preceding claims and an acoustic sensor. The acoustic sensor is arranged with a detection surface in contact with the coupling surface. The measuring arrangement thus provided advantageously enables a non-destructive, permanent or temporary, in particular in-situ, evaluation of the physical, and especially electrical, condition of the connector. For example, the evaluation can determine the degree of existing fretting corrosion, which can negatively affect the transmission quality of data signals. Alternatively, an increasing electrical contact resistance in connection with an existing damage mechanism can be detected.The evaluation can be used, particularly in application-critical cases that rely on high-quality signal transmission via the connector, such as data communication lines, to indicate a fault, a maintenance requirement, and / or a replacement need. Application-critical cases can be found in various technical fields, such as automotive, medical technology, telecommunications, rail transport, various energy sectors, etc. The measurement setup ensures that a signal transmitted via the connector can be qualitatively and / or quantitatively checked and evaluated for system-related fault causes.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the measuring arrangement, it comprises, in addition to the sound sensor, further elements, such as a sound transducer and / or a signal amplifier and / or a signal processor and / or an analysis unit, particularly for acoustic detection data. A sound transducer converts the structure-borne sound waves detected by the sound sensor into these representative current signal values. A signal amplifier amplifies the current signal values ​​for further processing and / or evaluation. A signal processor serves for the continuous processing of the current signal values, for example, with regard to frequency filtering, noise reduction, data compression, and other application functions. An analysis unit, in turn, analyzes the current signal values ​​with regard to an evaluation aspect of interest and provides an evaluation result.The analysis unit can, for example, comprise a computer device with analysis software that runs on the computer device, wherein the analysis software, for example, defines the evaluation aspects, the evaluation intervals, the presentation and output of the evaluation results, and the like, and performs the analysis using the computing power of the computer device.

[0017] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the measuring arrangement, the sound transducer is held in place on the coupling surface by a mounting device. This mounting device ensures the correct positioning of the sound transducer relative to the coupling surface. Additionally, the mounting device ensures that the transmission of an emitted structure-borne sound wave can occur in adjacent boundary layers between the coupling surface and the detection surface of the sound transducer. This is achieved by maintaining contact between the systems, in particular through a holding force. Depending on the design of the mounting device, this holding force can be provided in the form of a pressure force, a frictional force, a spring force, or a clamping force. Alternatively, the holding force can also be of a different form. Advantageously, the mounting device is removable, so that assembly is only required for a single measurement procedure.The mounting device is installed, for example, by screwing it to the connector assembly. Alternatively, the mounting device can also be installed using a positive and / or force-fit connection, such as a snap lock, a clamping lock, a bayonet lock, or other mechanism. Advantageously, a mounting device and a sound sensor allow for sequential measurement tests to be performed on different connector assembly configurations, thus keeping analysis costs low.

[0018] A preferred embodiment of the measuring arrangement includes a structure-borne sound damping bridging element positioned between the sound transducer and a force application area of ​​the mounting device. This bridging element serves solely to ensure the mechanical holding function for the defined retention of the sound transducer within the coupling surface. Simultaneously, the material of the bridging element, with its sound-damping properties, prevents the transmission of structure-borne sound waves. Thus, the structure-borne sound waves of interest, emitted by the connectors, are not superimposed by ambient disturbances. In particular, this ensures high-quality detection signal values ​​from the sound transducer.Preferably, the mass of the mounting device is smaller than the mass of the connector arrangement, in particular more than 10% smaller, for example more than 20%, and in particular more than 30% smaller. This further reduces the influence of the mounting device on the generation of interference signals.

[0019] An advantageous embodiment of the measuring arrangement includes a force sensor in the mounting device, which is configured to detect a force acting on the sound transducer via the mounting device. Preferably, this arrangement results in a force path leading from the mounting device, via the bridging element, to the sound transducer and on to the coupling surface. Advantageously, the force transducer allows force to be applied via the mounting element to the coupling surface for repeated measurements on the same connector arrangement or during measurement tests on different connector arrangements under identical force and load conditions. This ensures comparability and repeatability across multiple measurement tests. The transmission of structure-borne sound waves can vary under different mechanical loads..

[0020] Further advantages arise from a refinement of the measuring setup by incorporating a controllable actuator into the mounting device. This actuator is designed to precisely control the force exerted on the sound transducer by the mounting device. Firstly, the holding force can be kept constant and consistent for all possible measurement tests. Consequently, a quantitatively determined detection value exhibits a high degree of accuracy, which is achieved uniformly for every modified measuring setup. Secondly, measurement tests can be performed very quickly because the force is continuously monitored by the force sensor. Any deviations that occur can be corrected almost immediately via a control algorithm by adjusting the actuator accordingly.

[0021] The invention also leads to a connector comprising an arrangement of electrical connectors according to one of the previously described embodiments and / or comprising a measuring arrangement according to one of the previously described embodiments, wherein the connectors are each mechanically and electrically contacted with a mating connector. Minute relative movements between the connector and the corresponding mating connector are detectable at any time in the detection mode of the sound transducer as structure-borne sound waves emitted thereafter. A substantially interference-free acoustic transmission path is provided by means of the coupling layer, the coupling surface, and the sound transducer. Depending on the detection values ​​determined by the sound transducer and the defined evaluation aspect, a status statement about the connector and / or the mating connector is possible.For certain types of damage, evaluations of the detection values ​​for detected structure-borne sound waves reveal characteristic signal patterns. Depending on the damage patterns attributable to these patterns, measures can be defined to ensure qualitatively and quantitatively reliable signal transmission in required application-specific areas, for example, during data transmission. This measure can involve adapting the data signals transmitted via the connector, with the physical state of the connector, as determined by the measuring setup, defining the type and strength of the adaptation. Such an adaptation can be performed, for example, by the aforementioned analysis unit, which also provides the evaluation results for the connector's condition. Alternatively, this can also be achieved by another electronic device that is at least indirectly connected to the connector.makes adjustments to the data signals based on the detection values ​​determined by the sound sensor and the defined evaluation aspect.

[0022] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the connector, the connector or its mating counterpart is designed as part of a plug, panel-mount connector, terminal block, socket strip, coupling, jack, receptacle, or connection interface of a data cable, power supply, or electronic module, especially a control unit. This allows for status statements to be made independently of whether the connector is male or female and for a wide range of plug-based applications of connectors or mating counterparts. Many applications involve multiple electronic devices connected via data and / or power lines, with the connection being implemented using one of the aforementioned connector types. In particular, such a connector exists between a plug and its mating counterpart.Preferably, the plug and / or mating plug can also provide a connection interface for the measuring arrangement, or at least for the sound sensor, for example as one of the connectors of the described arrangement or a connector located adjacent to it. More preferably, at least part of the measuring arrangement can also be part of an electronic device that can be electrically contacted via the plug or mating plug.

[0023] All applications share the common feature of monitoring the quantitative and / or qualitative signal transmission of all existing connectors and / or only a subset of connectors, particularly those critical to the application's operation. This monitoring is based primarily on an assessment of the connector's physical condition, especially regarding the degree of any fretting corrosion. Brief description of the drawings

[0024] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing. This drawing shows: Fig. 1: A schematic sectional view of a plug comprising several connectors, Fig. 2: the plug out of the Fig. 1 in a top view, Fig. 3: A schematic cross-sectional view of a plug connection from the Fig. 1 and a corresponding mating connector and with a measuring arrangement for evaluating the physical state of the connector. Embodiments of the invention

[0025] In the figures, functionally identical components are each marked with the same reference symbol.

[0026] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows an arrangement 100 of electrical connectors 10. The in the Fig. Figure 2, a top view of the arrangement 100, shows, purely by way of example, two of these electrical connectors 10, which are also arranged parallel to each other in a common plane. The following descriptions, however, also apply to arrangements 100 that have more than two electrical connectors 10, in which at least one or more connectors 10 deviate from a parallel arrangement and may even be located in different planes relative to each other. Individual or all electrical connectors 10 may even differ in their respective designs. The electrical connectors 10 are designed to form a detachable plug connection 300 and thereby mechanically and electrically contact a complementary mating connector 310. The plug connection 300 is designed in the form of a system contact A, which is further Fig. 3 is described further.

[0027] At least two of the electrical connectors 10 are connected to each other by a common acoustic coupling layer 20. In particular, those electrical connectors 10 of the arrangement 100 whose physical condition, for example with regard to the degree of any fretting corrosion present, is to be monitored or evaluated by means of a measurement test, are connected to each other by means of the coupling layer 20. The acoustic coupling layer 20 is, for example, a polymer material, or more generally, a material that allows or promotes the transmission of structure-borne sound waves W essentially unimpeded.Preferably, the connected electrical connectors 10 are embedded at least partially, in particular over a conductor section l of the connectors 10, within the coupling layer 20, or at least partially bonded over a surface, such that structure-borne sound waves W transmitted via the connectors 10 can be transferred into the material of the coupling layer 20 for further transmission. The coupling layer 20, in turn, has at least in one area a coupling surface 25 which is designed to connect or couple the coupling layer 20 to a sound transducer 30 for the transmission of the structure-borne sound waves W transmitted through the coupling layer 20. The sound transducer 30 is therefore a sensor or a sensor device which can detect structure-borne sound waves W in a detection mode and, if necessary, process or further process them.By means of the coupling layer 20 an acoustic transmission path 21 for structure-borne sound waves W is provided from the connectors 10 connected via the coupling layer 20 to the coupling surface 25.

[0028] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the arrangement 100 of electrical connectors 10 as part of a plug 150, which can be connected to a complementary mating plug 350. The terms plug and mating plug are used here for various types of plugs that are intended or can be used to form an electrical connection. These can be known plug types, for example, single- and multi-phase low-voltage systems, extra-low-voltage plugs, laboratory plugs, audio plugs, plugs for analog or digital video signals, high-frequency plugs, plugs for data communication, plugs for electronic modules, and the like. Plug designs for specific applications are also relevant. In cases where the arrangement 100 of electrical connectors 10 is part of a plug 150 or mating plug 350, the following applies:The connectors 10 are embedded, at least partially, in an electrically insulating material 154, in particular a polymer material, for example a thermoset. The electrically insulating material 154 then forms, for example, the connector housing 155, which, in a mating area L of the connector 150, completely encloses the electrically contactable connectors 10 exposed in a closed manner in the form of a connector collar 156. The connector collar 156 forms, for example, a connector geometry for a form-fitting connection with the mating connector 350. At their ends, the connectors 10 are each connected to a power line 11, for example a power cable, which is led out of the connector housing 150, 350, in a media-tight manner. The electrically insulating material 154 or the connector housing 155 mechanically secures the connectors 10 within the arrangement 100.A recess 157 is formed in the connector housing 155 in the area of ​​the connectors 10 embedded in the electrically insulating material 154. The recess 157 begins on an outer surface of the connector housing 155 and extends at least to the connectors 10. Within the recess 157, a connection section l of each connector 10 is exposed of electrically insulating material 154. The wall and base of the recess 157 form a kind of receiving container in which the coupling layer 20 is then arranged. The connector housing 155 can be formed, for example, by an injection molding process. The coupling layer 20, as a castable and curable polymer material, can then be introduced into the recess 157 and subsequently cured by means of physical and / or chemical activation. The coupling layer 20 can also be introduced as a second component within a two-component injection molding process.For example, a castable and curable acrylic material is provided as a material for the coupling layer 20, such as the commercially available Dentacryl© Tehnicky or Struers LevoCit© acrylics. The cured coupling layer 20 then forms a boundary between part of the outer surface of the connector housing 155 and the coupling surface 25. The coupling surface 25 is designed to be planar, so that sound transducers 30, known per se, with a planar complementary detection surface 35, can be coupled to the coupling surface 25 in a fully contact position. The coupling surface 25 can be made particularly planar by appropriate methods, such as a grinding process. The coupling surface 25 can also deviate from a planar surface, especially if an adaptation to a different type of detection surface 35 of the sound transducer 30 is required.

[0029] In the Fig. 3 is the one in Fig. 1 and Fig.The two connectors 150 shown are schematically mechanically and electrically connected to a complementary mating connector 350. Complementary pairs of connector 10 of connector 150 and mating connector 310 of mating connector 350 are mechanically and electrically connected by means of a formable system contact A, forming a plug connection 300 between all connectors 10 and mating connector 310. The system contact A is established by the contact surfaces of connector 10 and corresponding contact surfaces of mating connector 310 touching each other, with the contact being maintained, in particular, by force. Suitable direct or indirect contacting systems are known for this purpose, in particular in the form of a mating of a plug pin and a sleeve-like receptacle for the plug pin, a clamping pair, a spring-loaded clamping mechanism, and the like.

[0030] In the connected state, or even before the connection, a sound sensor 30 can be arranged on the coupling surface 25 of the coupling layer 20, forming a measuring arrangement 200. The sound sensor 30 is, for example, the miniature sensor S9225 or Nano30 from Mistras, or alternatively, a functionally comparable sensor. A detection surface 35 of the sound sensor 30 rests in contact with the coupling surface 25, in particular such that structure-borne sound waves W, which are effective via the described transmission path 21, can be detected by the sound sensor 30. The sound sensor 30 is held on the coupling surface 25 by means of a fastening device 40, in particular by applying force. The fastening device 40 can be designed in various ways to achieve the holding function by means of force application.Furthermore, the mounting device 40 can be permanently installed in this manner and thus, for example, become part of the connector 150. Likewise, the sound transducer 30 can be designed to be removable by means of a suitable connection between the mounting device 40 and the connector 150. For example, the mounting device 40 can be connected to the connector 150, in particular the connector housing 155, by means of a snap connection, a plug connection, a clamping device, a screw connection, or the like, so that it can be removed at any time. To minimize interference with the sound transducer 30, a structure-borne noise-damping bridging element 50 is arranged between the sound transducer 30 and a force application area 41 of the mounting device 40.The material for such a bridging element 50 is therefore selected so that any structure-borne sound waves W – for example, from the mounting device 40 itself – do not interfere with the sound transducer 30. Possible materials for this purpose include acoustic foam, sound-insulating materials, rubber materials, etc.

[0031] Furthermore, the measuring arrangement 200 includes a force sensor 60 – for example, the FS19, distributed by TE Connectivity – which is configured to detect a force F acting on the sound transducer 30 via the mounting device 40. The force sensor 60 allows the same load situation to be monitored for each measurement test performed on the sound transducer 30. The aim is to perform repeated measurement tests on the same arrangement 100 of connector 10 or mating connector 310, or on other arrangements 100, under the same load situation. This ensures comparability of the detection values ​​and their correct evaluation. To ensure the same load situation, the mounting device 40 has a controllable actuator 44 (not shown). This actuator is configured to set a defined force F acting on the sound transducer 30 via the mounting device 40.By means of a control algorithm, the setting of the controllable actuator 44 can be repeatedly and very accurately carried out, taking into account the force value measured by the force sensor 60.

[0032] The measuring arrangement 200 further comprises a sound transducer 71 for converting the analogously acquired structure-borne sound value into, for example, a current signal value representing it. Additionally, the measuring arrangement 200 can also include a measuring amplifier 72, which amplifies the analog values ​​and / or the converted current signal values ​​before further signal processing (for example, the AEP5 or AEP5H preamplifier from Vallen Systems). Optionally, the measuring arrangement 200 can also include a signal processor 73, which performs the necessary signal processing (for example, the ASIP-2 from Vallen Systems). Finally, the measuring arrangement 200 preferably also includes an analysis unit 74. This unit is configured to analyze the detected, converted, and processed current signal values ​​representing the structure-borne sound waves W and to evaluate them according to specified parameters.The analysis unit can be partially provided by software. One suitable software solution is the AMSY-6 software from Vallen Systeme. The evaluation includes, for example, the degree of any fretting corrosion that may be present. Depending on the degree of fretting corrosion, structure-borne sound waves W are emitted during relative movement between connector 10 and mating connector 310 in the area of ​​the connector 300. These sound waves differ in the signal current profile provided by the measuring arrangement 200, and their profile is characteristically defined corresponding to the degree of fretting corrosion present. The analysis unit 74 can also provide the control algorithm for the controllable actuator 44 or control it based on this algorithm.

[0033] In general, the sound sensor 30 can also be arranged on the side of the mating connector 350. Furthermore, the connector 150 or the mating connector 350 can be designed as a panel-mount connector, a terminal strip, a socket strip, a coupling, a jack, a socket, or as a connection interface for a data cable, a power supply, an electronic module, in particular a control unit. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited non-patent literature

[0000] ISO 554-23 / 50

[0004] DIN EN 60512-1-1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Arrangement (100) of electrical connectors (10), wherein the connectors (10) are configured to mechanically and electrically contact a mating connector (310) complementary to the formation of the plug connection (300) by means of a detachable plug connection (300) and to form an electrical contact by means of a mechanical system contact (A) between each connector (10) and a mating connector (310), characterized by, that at least two connectors (10), preferably all connectors (10) of the arrangement (100), are connected to each other by a common acoustic coupling layer (20), wherein the coupling layer (20) has a coupling surface (25) for coupling a sound sensor (30) and is designed to provide a transmission path (21) for structure-borne sound waves (W) from the connectors (10) connected via the coupling layer (20) to the coupling surface (25), wherein structure-borne sound waves (W) arriving at the coupling surface (25) can be transmitted to the sound sensor (30). [2] Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by, that the electrical connectors (10) are embedded in at least one area within an electrically insulating material (154), wherein a recess (157) is formed in the area in the electrically insulating material (154) exposing at least one part of the connectors (10) connected by the common coupling layer (20), and wherein the coupling layer (20) is arranged within the recess (157). [3] Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the coupling layer (20) is a castable polymer material, in particular an acrylic material, which hardens through physical and / or chemical activation. [4] Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the coupling layer (20) on the side facing away from the connector (10) has a planar outer surface than the coupling surface (25). [5] Measuring arrangement (200) comprising at least an arrangement of electrical connectors (10) according to one of the preceding claims and a sound sensor (30), wherein the sound sensor (30) is arranged to be in contact with the coupling surface (25) with a detection surface (35). [6] Measuring arrangement according to claim 5, characterized by , that the measuring arrangement (200) comprises a sound transducer (71) and / or a signal amplifier (72) and / or a signal processor (73) and / or an analysis unit (74), in particular for acoustic measurement data. [7] Measuring arrangement according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by , that the sound sensor (30) is held on the coupling surface (25) by a fastening device (40). [8] Measuring arrangement according to claim 7, characterized by , that a structure-borne sound damping bridging element (50) is arranged between the sound sensor (30) and a force transmission area (41) of the fastening device (40). [9] Measuring arrangement according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by , that the fastening device (40) includes a force sensor (60) which is configured to detect a force (F) acting on the sound transducer (30) through the fastening device (40). [10] Measuring arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by that the fastening device (40) has a controllable actuator (44) which is configured to set a defined force (F) acting on the sound sensor (30) through the fastening device (40). [11] Connector (300) comprising an arrangement (100) of electrical connectors (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and / or a measuring arrangement according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the connectors (10) are each mechanically and electrically contacted with a mating connector (310). [12] Plug connector according to claim 11, characterized by, that the connector (10) or the complementary mating connector (310) is designed as part of a plug, a panel-mount connector, a knife strip, a socket strip, a coupling, a socket, a wall outlet or a connection interface of a data cable, a power supply, an electronic module, in particular a control unit. [13] Plug connector according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by , that the plug connection (300) is formed between a plug (150) and a complementary mating plug (310).

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