Miniaturized multi-pole plug and socket

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-pole plug, a multi-pole socket and a system comprising the multi-pole plug and the multi-pole socket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a miniaturized multi-pole plug and socket and a miniaturized multi-pole system comprising these two parts. Background Art

[0002] Electrical connectors are used in almost every industry where two objects need to be electrically connected. In applications such as hearing aids and ear monitors used in the security, television, and music industries, where space and appearance are important, the size of the electrical connector needs to be very small in order to fit within, for example, an electrical device. Examples of such connectors are the well-known micro and mini jack connectors used in, for example, mobile phones and MP3 players to connect headphones to the device.

[0003] However, one thing that electrical connectors have in common is the need for more robust plug and receptacle solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Disclosed herein is a multi-pole plug configured to make electrical contact with components in a corresponding multi-pole socket when the multi-pole plug and the multi-pole socket are connected.

[0005] Multi-pole plugs typically include:

[0006] A non-conductive plug housing having a front opening and a rear opening;

[0007] a cable strain relief extending through the rear end opening of the plug housing, the cable strain relief including a through relief opening configured for extending a cable therethrough;

[0008] a plurality of upper conductive electrodes configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of socket upper conductive arms of a multi-pole socket;

[0009] a plurality of lower conductive electrodes configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of lower conductive arms of a multi-pole socket;

[0010] a plug plate extending through the front opening of the plug housing, wherein the plug plate is substantially planar and comprises:

[0011] o a non-conductive top layer supporting multiple upper conductive electrodes;

[0012] o a non-conductive substrate supporting a plurality of lower conductive electrodes;

[0013] oThe maximum plug plate length extending from the front end of the plug plate to the rear end of the plug plate;

[0014] o a maximum plug plate width extending from a first side of the plug plate to an opposite second side of the plug plate;

[0015] oThe maximum plug strip height extending between the top and bottom layers.

[0016] In a first aspect of the multi-pole plug, the front opening of the plug housing tapers inwardly, thereby forming a funnel-shaped plug-plate connection section that funnels rearwardly within the front opening. This provides the plug with a more appealing, attractive appearance. Furthermore, during assembly of the plug, the inward funnel shape provides enhanced control over the material at the interface between the front opening of the plug housing and the plug plate. For example, when assembling the plug plate and the plug housing, soldering, bonding, or similar methods can be used to provide an airtight and dust-proof connection. By gradually tapering the front opening of the plug housing inwardly, the soldering / bonding material can be positioned within the funnel-shaped portion, preventing excess soldering / bonding material from extending outside the funnel-shaped plug-plate connection section.

[0017] In a second aspect of the multi-pole plug, the plug plate further includes an undercut section, wherein the width of the undercut plug plate is less than the maximum plug plate width. The undercut section is typically configured to be engaged by a socket spring in the multi-pole socket, thereby securing the multi-pole plug in the multi-pole socket. This provides a very robust fixing function, wherein the plug plate not only supports the conductive poles but also performs a securing function. Consequently, the plug and socket can be assembled and disassembled more frequently than plug and socket systems in which the securing and locking functions are provided in the conductive portion.

[0018] In a third aspect of the multipole plug, the plug housing includes a front section configured to be positioned within the receptacle housing when the multipole plug is connected to the multipole receptacle. A plug plate extends through the front section, dividing the front section into a bottom front section extending below the plate and a top front section extending above the plate. The bottom front section has a peripheral curvature that differs from the peripheral curvature of the top front section, thereby imparting an asymmetric periphery to the front section. This asymmetry ensures that the multipole plug cannot be inserted into the multipole receptacle if it is rotated 180 degrees relative to its proper orientation. Consequently, the upper and lower conductive electrodes can be assigned different functions because the asymmetric periphery of the plug housing ensures that the upper conductive electrode on the plate can only electrically connect to the upper conductive arm in the receptacle, and the lower conductive electrode on the plate can only electrically connect to the lower conductive arm in the receptacle. Thus, the asymmetry which ensures that the plug and socket can be connected only when correctly rotated is not a feature of the fragile conductive parts of the plug and socket, but rather of the much more stable non-conductive plug housing.

[0019] In a fourth aspect of the multi-pole plug, the plug plate includes a conductive intermediate layer positioned between the top surface and the bottom surface. The multi-pole plug further includes a cable extending through the through-relief opening of the cable strain relief. The cable includes a plurality of conductors configured to connect to a plurality of upper conductive electrodes and a plurality of lower conductive electrodes, thereby creating an electrical connection. The cable also includes at least one conductive outer shielding layer that forms an electrical shield for the plurality of conductors, the at least one conductive outer layer being connected to the conductive intermediate layer of the plug plate, thereby creating an electrical connection. The upper conductive electrodes and the lower conductive electrodes can be configured to electrically contact a plurality of conductive arms in the multi-pole receptacle when the multi-pole plug is connected to the multi-pole receptacle. The conductive intermediate layer of the plug plate can be configured to electrically contact a conductive spring in the multi-pole receptacle when the multi-pole plug is connected to the multi-pole receptacle. This ensures an additional electrical connection between the multi-pole plug and the multi-pole receptacle when connected. The additional electrical layer can also serve as an electrical grounding layer connection.

[0020] The electrical connection between the conductive outer shield layer and the conductive middle layer of the plug board may be a press-fit connection formed mechanically through a tinning process, or formed through the use of a conductive adhesive.

[0021] In one or more examples of the multipole plug according to the first, second, or fourth aspects, the plug housing includes a plug housing front section configured to be positioned within the receptacle housing when the multipole plug is connected to the multipole receptacle, wherein a plug plate extends through the plug housing front section, dividing the plug housing front section into a bottom plug housing front section extending below the plug plate and a top plug housing front section extending above the plug plate. The bottom plug housing front section portion has a peripheral bottom plug housing curvature that is different from a peripheral top plug housing curvature of the top plug housing front section portion, thereby giving the plug housing front section an asymmetric periphery.

[0022] Furthermore, in one or more examples of the multipole plug according to the first aspect, the third aspect, or the fourth aspect, the plug plate further comprises a side recessed section having a recessed plug plate width that is smaller than the maximum plug plate width and configured to be engaged by a socket spring in the multipole socket, thereby securing the multipole plug in the multipole socket.

[0023] Furthermore, in one or more examples of the multipole plug according to the second, third, or fourth aspects, the front opening of the plug housing gradually narrows inwardly, thereby forming a funnel-shaped plug board connecting section that funnels rearwardly in the front opening.

[0024] Additionally, in one or more examples of the multi-pole plug according to the first, second, or third aspects, the plug plate includes a conductive intermediate layer positioned between the top surface and the bottom surface. The multi-pole plug further includes a cable extending through the through-relief opening of the cable strain relief. The cable includes a plurality of conductors configured to connect to a plurality of upper conductive electrodes and a plurality of lower conductive electrodes, thereby creating an electrical connection. The cable also includes at least one conductive outer shielding layer that forms an electrical shield for the plurality of conductors, the at least one conductive outer layer being connected to the conductive intermediate layer of the plug plate, thereby creating an electrical connection. The upper conductive electrodes and the lower conductive electrodes can be configured to electrically contact a plurality of conductive arms in the multi-pole receptacle when the multi-pole plug is connected to the multi-pole receptacle. The conductive intermediate layer of the plug plate can be configured to electrically contact a conductive spring in the multi-pole receptacle when the multi-pole plug is connected to the multi-pole receptacle.

[0025] Thus, the details of the multi-pole plug defined in any one of the first, second, third and fourth aspects of the multi-pole plug may be combined together, two and two, three and three or all four options.

[0026] In one or more examples, the bottom front section of the plug housing is thicker than the top front section of the plug housing. This further enhances the asymmetry of the plug housing and ensures that the plug is always rotationally correctly inserted into the socket.

[0027] In one or more examples, the plug plate further includes an intermediate layer positioned between the top and bottom surfaces, wherein the intermediate section is a reinforcement layer that provides stability to the plug plate. Including the reinforcement layer in a sandwich-type plug plate provides additional strength. The reinforcement layer can be a metal reinforcement layer. The metal reinforcement layer does not affect the conductive portions of the plug plate because it is positioned between the two non-conductive materials that make up the top and bottom layers of the plug plate.

[0028] The plug housing may include a plug housing rear end section and a plug housing front section, wherein the O-ring is positioned between the plug housing rear end section and the plug housing front section for providing a tight fit between the plug housing front sections positioned inside the multi-pole socket.

[0029] The non-conductive parts in the plug may be plastic parts.

[0030] In one or more examples, the plug further includes a cable comprising a plurality of wires configured to connect to the plurality of upper conductive electrodes and the plurality of lower conductive electrodes. Thus, the number of wires will typically match the number of upper conductive electrodes and the number of lower conductive electrodes.

[0031] The combined length of the plug housing and the plug plate may be less than 15.0 mm, such as less than 12.0 mm, such as less than 10.0 mm, such as less than 9.0 mm, such as 8.35 mm.

[0032] The maximum plug housing height of the plug housing may be less than 6 mm, such as less than 5 mm, such as less than 4 mm, such as 3.80 mm.

[0033] The maximum plug housing width of the plug housing may be less than 7.0 mm, such as less than 6.0 mm, such as less than 5.0 mm, such as 4.9 mm.

[0034] The maximum plug plate length may be less than 10.0 mm, such as less than 8.0 mm, such as less than 6.0 mm, such as less than 5.0 mm.

[0035] The maximum plug plate width may be less than 7.0 mm, such as less than 6.0 mm, such as less than 5.0 mm, such as less than 4.0 mm, such as less than 3.0 mm.

[0036] The maximum plug plate height may be less than 2.0 mm, such as less than 1.5 mm, such as less than 1.0 mm, such as less than 0.5 mm, such as less than 0.4 mm.

[0037] Therefore, the multi-pole plug may be a miniaturized multi-pole plug.

[0038] In one or more examples, the number of the plurality of upper conductive electrodes is at least four, and the number of the plurality of lower conductive electrodes is at least four. Five, six, seven, eight, or more upper conductive electrodes and lower conductive electrodes are also conceivable.

[0039] The present invention also discloses a multi-pole socket, which is configured to make electrical contact with parts in a corresponding multi-pole plug when the multi-pole plug and the multi-pole socket are connected, and the multi-pole socket comprises:

[0040] A socket housing including a front opening and a rear opening;

[0041] a plurality of upper conductive arms configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of upper conductive poles of a multi-pole plug;

[0042] a plurality of lower conductive arms configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of lower conductive poles of a multi-pole plug;

[0043] A socket insulating plate positioned in the rear end opening of the socket housing, the socket insulating plate comprising:

[0044] o at least one upper plate opening through which the upper conductive arm extends;

[0045] o At least one lower plate opening through which the lower conductive arm extends.

[0046] In a first aspect of the multi-pole socket, the multi-pole socket further includes a spring secured in a spring recess in the socket's insulating plate, the spring extending toward the front opening of the socket housing. The spring is configured to secure the multi-pole plug within the multi-pole socket. This provides a very robust securing function, wherein the spring performs the securing function. Consequently, the plug and socket can be assembled and disassembled more frequently than plug and socket systems in which both securing and locking functions are provided in the conductive portion.

[0047] In a second aspect of the multi-pole receptacle, the receptacle housing includes a front receptacle housing section. When the multi-pole plug and the multi-pole receptacle are connected, the plug housing section is positioned within the front receptacle housing section. The front receptacle housing section has an inner peripheral surface with a top receptacle housing curvature that differs from a bottom receptacle housing curvature, thereby imparting an asymmetric inner periphery to the inner housing front section. This asymmetry ensures that the multi-pole plug cannot be inserted into the multi-pole receptacle if it is rotated 180 degrees relative to its correct orientation. The upper and lower conductive arms of the receptacle can thus be assigned different functions, as the asymmetric periphery of the receptacle housing ensures that the upper conductive pole on the plug plate can only electrically connect to the upper conductive pole in the receptacle, and the lower conductive pole on the plug plate can only electrically connect to the lower conductive pole in the receptacle. Thus, the asymmetry that ensures that the plug and receptacle can only connect when correctly rotated is not a feature of the fragile conductive portions of the plug and receptacle, but rather a feature of the much more stable, non-conductive plug housing.

[0048] In a third aspect of the multi-pole socket, the multi-pole socket further comprises a conductive spring fixed in a spring recess in the socket insulating plate. The multi-pole socket further comprises a socket cable or a printed circuit board.

[0049] The receptacle cable may include a plurality of receptacle conductors configured to connect to the plurality of upper conductive arms and the plurality of lower conductive arms to create an electrical connection. The receptacle cable may further include at least one spring conductive shielding layer shielded from the plurality of receptacle conductors and connected to the spring to create an electrical connection.

[0050] The printed circuit board includes a plurality of connection points configured to connect to the plurality of upper conductive arms, the plurality of lower conductive arms, and the spring to create an electrical connection.

[0051] By means of the above, an additional electrical connection is ensured between the multipole plug and the multipole socket when connected. The additional electrical connection can ensure connection to the electrical grounding layer of the multipole plug and the electrical spring connection of the multipole socket. The electrical grounding layer can be connected to the shielding of the cable.

[0052] The electrical connection between the spring conductive shield and the spring may be a press-fit connection formed mechanically by a tinning process, or by using a conductive adhesive.

[0053] In one or more examples of the multi-pole socket according to the first aspect or the third aspect, the socket housing includes a socket housing front section, and when the multi-pole plug and the multi-pole socket are connected, the plug housing front section is positioned inside the socket housing front section, and the socket housing front section has an inner peripheral surface, the inner peripheral surface having a top socket housing curvature that is different from a bottom socket housing curvature, thereby giving the inner housing front section an asymmetric inner periphery.

[0054] In one or more examples of the multi-pole socket according to the second aspect or the third aspect, the multi-pole socket further includes a spring fixed in a spring recess in the socket insulating plate, the spring extending toward the front end opening of the socket housing, and the spring being configured to fix the multi-pole plug inside the multi-pole socket.

[0055] In one or more examples of the multi-pole socket according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the multi-pole socket further comprises a conductive spring fixed in a spring recess in the socket insulating plate, and the multi-pole socket further comprises a socket cable or a printed circuit board.

[0056] The receptacle cable may include a plurality of receptacle conductors configured to connect to the plurality of upper conductive arms and the plurality of lower conductive arms to create an electrical connection. The receptacle cable may further include at least one spring conductive shielding layer shielded from the plurality of receptacle conductors and connected to the spring to create an electrical connection.

[0057] The printed circuit board includes a plurality of connection points configured to connect to the plurality of upper conductive arms, the plurality of lower conductive arms, and the spring to create an electrical connection.

[0058] Thus, the details of the multi-pole socket defined in the first, second and third aspects of the multi-pole socket may be combined together, two and two or all three options combined.

[0059] In one or more examples, the upper conductive arm is closer to the inner upper wall of the socket housing than the lower conductive arm is to the inner lower wall. This further enhances the asymmetry of the plug housing and ensures that the plug is always rotationally correctly inserted into the socket.

[0060] In one or more examples, the socket insulating plate further comprises:

[0061] at least one upper board support surface, wherein a rear end of each upper conductive arm is secured between the at least one upper board support surface and the receptacle housing;

[0062] at least one lower board support surface, wherein a rear end of each lower conductive arm is secured between the at least one lower board support surface and the receptacle housing;

[0063] When the multi-pole plug and the multi-pole socket are connected, when the plug plate of the multi-pole plug is inserted between the upper conductive arms and the lower conductive arms, the front end of each upper conductive arm and the front end of each lower conductive arm can bend away from each other.

[0064] This provides a very stable system, securing each conductive arm in the socket whilst ensuring that each conductive arm is able to flex.

[0065] Multiple socket housing dividers can be found between the conductive arms. A bottom socket housing divider typically separates each of the lower conductive arms. A top socket housing divider typically separates each of the upper conductive arms. The socket housing dividers provide lateral stability to the conductive arms. They also ensure that the conductive arms do not make electrical contact with each other. The socket housing dividers are typically part of the socket housing. Alternatively, they can be separate items.

[0066] The maximum length of the socket housing may be less than 15 mm, such as less than 12 mm, such as less than 10 mm, such as less than 8 mm, such as 7.55 mm.

[0067] The maximum height of the socket housing may be less than 7 mm, such as less than 6 mm, such as less than 5 mm, such as 4.00 mm.

[0068] The maximum width of the socket housing may be less than 9 mm, such as less than 8 mm, such as less than 7 mm, such as less than 6 mm, such as 5.30 mm.

[0069] Therefore, the multi-pole socket can be a miniaturized multi-pole socket.

[0070] Further disclosed herein is a multipole system comprising a multipole plug and a multipole socket. The plurality of upper conductive electrodes of the multipole plug can be configured to make electrical contact with the plurality of upper conductive arms of the multipole socket, and the plurality of lower conductive electrodes can be configured to make electrical contact with the plurality of lower conductive arms of the multipole socket when the multipole plug and the multipole socket are connected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] Various examples are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout. Therefore, similar elements will not be described in detail for each description of the drawings. It should also be noted that the drawings are intended only to facilitate the description of the examples. They are not intended to serve as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention, nor as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, the illustrated examples do not necessarily have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or advantage described in conjunction with a particular example is not necessarily limited to that example, and may be practiced in any other example even if not shown or even if not explicitly described as such.

[0072] Figure 1A-1E In exploded view ( Figure 1A ), Front View( Figure 1B )、Side view( Figure 1C )、Top view( Figure 1D ) and side view ( Figure 1E ) shows a multi-pole plug.

[0073] Figure 2A shows a top view of a connector plate in a multi-pole plug, and Figure 2B A bottom view of the connector plate is shown.

[0074] Figures 3A-3F In exploded view ( Figure 3A ), Front View( Figure 3B ), backend view( Figure 3C )、Top view sectional view( Figure 3D )、Side view( Figure 3E ) and side front view ( Figure 3F ) shows a multi-pole socket.

[0075] Figure 4A-4B Take a top view ( Figure 4A ) and side sectional view ( Figure 4B ) shows the Figures 3A-3F Multi-pole socket connection Figure 1A-1E multi-pole plug.

[0076] Figures 5A-5C In exploded view ( Figure 5A )、Top view( Figure 5B ) and side view ( Figure 5C ) shows an alternative example of a multi-pole plug.

[0077] Figure 6 A connected multi-pole plug and socket system is shown in side cross-section, having Figures 5A-5C Multi-pole plug and Figures 3A-3F multi-pole socket.

[0078] Figure 7A An alternative example of a multi-pole plug is shown in exploded view.

[0079] Figure 7B An alternative example of a multi-pole socket is shown in exploded view.

[0080] Figure 7C-7E In side sectional view ( Figure 7C ), omitting the side view of the outer shell parts ( Figure 7D ) and the side view with the outer shell parts omitted ( Figure 7E ) shows the Figure 7B Multi-pole socket connection Figure 7A multi-pole plug. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] An illustrative example will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this regard, this example may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the description set forth herein. Therefore, the examples are described below solely with reference to the accompanying drawings to explain various aspects. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. When preceding a list of elements, expressions such as "at least one of..." modify the entire list of elements, rather than modifying the individual elements of the list.

[0082] In the accompanying drawings, for clarity and ease of description, the thickness of multiple layers and regions is shown in an amplified manner. When a layer, region, element or plate is referred to as "being located on another layer, region, element or plate", it can be directly located on other layers, regions, elements or plates, or there can be an intermediate layer, region, element or plate between them. On the contrary, when a layer, region, element or plate is referred to as "being directly located on another layer, region, element or plate", there is no intermediate layer, region, element or plate between them. In addition, when a layer, region, element or plate is referred to as "being located below another layer, region, element or plate", it can be directly located below other layers, regions, elements or plates, or there can be an intermediate layer, region, element or plate between them. On the contrary, when a layer, region, element or plate is referred to as "being directly located below another layer, region, element or plate", there is no intermediate layer, region, element or plate between them.

[0083] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top," "below," "below," "less," "above," etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or component and another element or component as shown in the figures. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device shown in the figures is flipped, an element described as being on the "lower" side of another element or being "below" or "below" another element will be oriented on the "upper" side of the other element or being "above" another element. Thus, the illustrative terms "below" or "below" can include both "lower" and "upper" orientation positions, depending on the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is flipped, an element described as being "below" or "below" another element will be oriented "above" the other element. Thus, the exemplary terms "below" or "below" can encompass both above and below orientations, and thus spatially relative terms can be interpreted differently depending on the orientation being described.

[0084] Throughout the specification, when an element is referred to as being “connected” to another element, the element is “directly connected” to the other element or “electrically connected” to the other element with one or more intervening elements interposed therebetween.

[0085] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific examples only and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms, including "at least one," unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. "At least one" should not be interpreted as limiting "a," "an." It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," and / or "includes," when used in this specification, specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or combinations thereof.

[0086] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, the "first element" discussed below may be referred to as the "second element" or the "third element," and the "second element" and "third element" may be similarly named without departing from the teachings of this document.

[0087] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation of the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurements in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 50%, 10%, 5% of the stated value.

[0088] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such in this specification.

[0089] Exemplary examples are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views of schematic diagrams that are idealized examples, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the specification. As such, variations from the illustrated shapes are to be expected due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the examples described herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes of the regions as shown herein, but rather include deviations in shapes that are, for example, caused by manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flat may have rough and / or nonlinear features. In addition, illustrated sharp angles may be rounded. Therefore, the regions shown in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of the regions and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In order to specifically describe the exemplary examples of the present disclosure, some parts that are not associated with the description may not be provided.

[0090] Figure 1A-1E The multi-pole plug 1 is shown in different views, wherein Figure 1A is an exploded view, Figure 1B is the front view, Figure 1C is a side sectional view, Figure 1D is a top view, and Figure 1E is a side view. The plug housing 5 includes a front end opening 12 and a rear end opening 14. The plug 1 also includes a plug housing 5 having a plug housing front section 15 and a plug housing rear end section 10. When referring to the front end, it is the end of the plug that engages with the socket. When referring to the rear end, it is the end facing away from the front end. When the multipole plug 1 and the multipole socket 100 are connected, the plug housing front section 15 is configured to be positioned inside the socket housing. The plug housing front section 15 has a bottom plug housing front section 16 extending below the front end opening 12 and a top plug housing front section 18 extending above the front end opening 12. This can be seen in FIG. Figure 1BThe bottom plug housing front section 16 has the following Figure 1B The peripheral bottom plug housing bend 17 is shown. Similarly, the top plug housing front section portion 18 has a peripheral top plug housing bend 19. These two bends are different, which gives the plug housing front section 15 an asymmetrical periphery. The asymmetry ensures that if the plug 1 is rotated 180 degrees relative to the correct orientation of the plug 1, it cannot be inserted into the socket 100. In addition, the bottom front section portion 16 is thicker, that is, has a greater height than the top front section portion 18. This increases the asymmetry of the plug 1.

[0091] The maximum dimension of the plug housing 5 is Figure 1C and Figure 1D Marked in the middle. Maximum refers to the maximum length (L), height (H), and width (W) of the plug housing. A typical maximum plug housing height (HHmax) is less than 6 mm, such as less than 5 mm, such as less than 4 mm, such as 3.80 mm. A typical maximum plug housing width (HWmax) is less than 7.0 mm, such as less than 6.0 mm, such as less than 5.0 mm, such as 4.9 mm. A typical maximum plug housing length (HLmax) is less than 12 mm, such as less than 10 mm, such as less than 8 mm, such as less than 6 mm.

[0092] Passing through the rear opening 14 of the plug housing 5 is a cable strain relief 50. The cable strain relief 50 includes a through relief opening 52, which is Figure 1C The cable 60 extends through it. The cable strain relief 50 provides stability for the cable 60. The cable 60 forms an electrical connection with the conductive electrodes 20, 24 in the plug 1.

[0093] The plug plate 30 extends through the front opening 12 of the plug housing 5. Figure 2A and Figure 2B, shown in close-ups from the top and bottom, respectively. Top and upper refer to the sides / portions pointing upward as shown, while bottom and lower refer to the sides / portions pointing downward as shown. The plug plate 30 supports a plurality of conductive electrodes 20, 24 configured to make electrical connections with corresponding receptacle portions 120, 124. Typically, the electrodes 20, 24 will be printed onto the surface of the plug plate 30. The plug plate is substantially flat. The plug plate includes a non-conductive top layer 36 that supports the plurality of upper conductive electrodes 20. The plug plate further includes a non-conductive bottom layer 38 that supports the plurality of lower conductive electrodes 24. Thus, conductive electrodes are typically present on both major surfaces of the plug plate 30. Because the plug housing 5 is asymmetrical, the number of upper and lower conductive electrodes 20 need not be the same as the number of lower conductive electrodes 24. Similarly, the electrical connections and purposes of the upper and lower conductive electrodes 20 need not be the same as those of the lower conductive electrodes 24. This allows each conductive electrode to be used independently.

[0094] The maximum size of the plug board 30 is Figure 1C and Figure 2B Marked in the middle. Maximum refers to the maximum length (L), height (H), and width (W) of the plug plate 30. The maximum plug plate length (PLmax) extends from the front end 40 of the plug plate 30 to the rear end 42 of the plug plate 30. The maximum plug plate length (PLmax) is typically less than 10.0 mm, such as less than 8.0 mm, such as less than 6.0 mm, such as less than 5.0 mm. The maximum plug plate width (PWmax) extends from the first side 46 of the plug plate 30 to the opposite second side 48 of the plug plate 30. The maximum plug housing width (HWmax) is typically less than 7.0 mm, such as less than 6.0 mm, such as less than 5.0 mm, such as 4.9 mm. The maximum plug plate height (PHmax) extends between the top layer 36 and the bottom layer 38. The maximum plug plate height (PHmax) is typically less than 2.0 mm, such as less than 1.5 mm, such as less than 1.0 mm, such as less than 0.5 mm, such as less than 0.4 mm.

[0095] like Figure 2A-2B As best shown in the figure, the plug plate 30 further includes an undercut section 49. The width of the plug plate 30 at the undercut section 49 (referred to as the recessed plug plate width (PWrecess)) is less than the maximum plug plate width (PWmax). The undercut section 49 is configured to be engaged by a socket spring in the multi-pole socket 100, thereby securing the multi-pole plug 1 in the multi-pole socket 100. Thus, in addition to supporting the conductive electrodes 20, 24, the plug plate 30 also has a securing function.

[0096] The number of upper and lower conductive electrodes 20, 24 is shown as four each. However, this number may be higher or lower and may differ depending on which side the electrodes are located.

[0097] The plug board 30 further includes an intermediate layer 37 positioned between the top surface 36 and the bottom surface 38. The intermediate section 37 is Figure 1B The middle section 37 is a reinforcement layer that provides stability and strength to the plug plate 30. The reinforcement layer 37 may be a metal reinforcement layer. Including the reinforcement layer 37 in the sandwich-type plug plate 30 provides additional strength to the plug plate 30 without affecting the conductive parts because the reinforcement layer 37 is positioned between the two non-conductive materials that make up the top layer 36 and bottom layer 38 of the plug plate 30.

[0098] The front end opening 12 of the plug housing 5 gradually narrows inwards. Figure 1C As shown (see enlarged view in left corner). This forms a funnel-shaped plug plate connection section 8 that funnels rearwardly in the front opening 12. The inward funnel shape provides enhanced control of the material in the interface between the plug housing front opening 12 and the plug plate 30 during assembly of the plug 1.

[0099] like Figure 1E As shown, due to the asymmetrical position of the front opening 12 , the plug board 30 is positioned in the upper section of the plug housing front section 15 of the plug housing 5 .

[0100] Figures 3A-3F The multi-pole socket 100 is shown. The multi-pole socket 100 is configured to be used for connecting with the corresponding parts (such as Figure 1A-1E The multi-pole socket 100 includes a socket housing 105. The socket housing 105 has a front opening 112 and a rear opening 114. The socket housing 105 has a socket housing front section 115 and a socket housing rear end section 110. During assembly of the plug 1 and the socket 100, the plug housing front section 15 is positioned inside the socket housing front section 115. The socket housing front section 115 includes a bottom socket housing front section 116 and a top plug housing front section 118, as shown. Figure 3B and Figure 3E As shown, the receptacle housing front section 115 also includes an inner peripheral surface having a top receptacle housing curve 119 and a bottom receptacle housing curve 117. Mirroring the shape of the plug housing front section 15, the top receptacle housing curve 119 and the bottom receptacle housing curve 117 are different. Thus, the inner peripheral surface of the receptacle housing front section 15 asymmetrically matches the outer peripheral surface of the plug housing front section 15.

[0101] The interior surface of the socket housing front section 115 can also be divided into an interior lower wall 107 and an interior upper wall 109, as shown in FIG. Figure 3E shown.

[0102] The socket 100 further comprises a plurality of conductive arms 120, 124 arranged in two groups: a plurality of upper conductive arms 120 and a plurality of lower conductive arms 124. The conductive arms 120, 124 are configured to make electrical contact with the conductive poles 20, 24 in the multi-pole plug 1 when the plug 1 and the socket 100 are connected. Figure 3A and Figure 3E As shown, the conductive arms 120, 124 extend forward along an approximately straight line in two sections, and have a section therebetween in which the conductive arms 120, 124 bend in a direction toward each other and substantially perpendicular to the straight-line section. The bent structure of the conductive arms 120, 124 is supported by the socket insulating plate 140. The socket insulating plate 140 is positioned in the rear end opening 114 of the socket housing 105. The socket insulating plate 140 includes an upper plate opening 142 through which the upper conductive arm 120 extends and a lower plate opening 144 through which the lower conductive arm 124 extends. Figure 3C In the figure, the rear end surface 141 of the socket insulating plate 140 can be seen, through which the rear ends 121, 125 of the conductive arms 120, 124 extend.

[0103] The socket insulating plate 140 includes a plurality of upper plate support surfaces 146. The rear end 121 of each upper conductive arm 120 rests on top of one of the upper plate support surfaces 146. Figure 3E As shown. On the upper side of the conductive arms 120 is the interior of the socket housing 105. The rear end 121 of each of the upper conductive arms 120 is thereby secured between one of the upper plate support surfaces 146 and the socket housing 105. Similarly, the socket insulating plate 140 includes a plurality of lower plate support surfaces 148. The rear end 125 of each lower conductive arm 124 rests on top of one of the lower plate support surfaces 148, also as shown. Figure 3E On the underside of the conductive arms 124 is the interior of the receptacle housing 105. The rear end 125 of each of the lower conductive arms 124 is thereby secured between a lower plate support surface 148 and the receptacle housing 105.

[0104] Located between the front ends 122, 126 and the rear ends 121, 125 of the conductive arms 120, 124 are intermediate sections 123, 127 that are curved compared to the two sections that extend straight along the longitudinal direction of the conductive arms 120, 124. The intermediate sections 123, 127 are also supported by the board support surfaces 146, 148 and are partially supported by the interior of the receptacle housing 105. The front ends 122, 126 of the conductive arms 120, 124 are not supported by the board support surfaces 146, 148. The front end 122 of the upper conductive arm 120 is therefore able to bend away from the front end 126 of the lower conductive arm 124, thereby allowing the plug board 30 to fit tightly between the upper conductive arm 120 and the lower conductive arm 124. This can be achieved by Figure 4BTherefore, when the multi-pole plug 1 and the multi-pole socket 100 are connected, when the plug plate 30 of the multi-pole plug 1 is inserted between the upper conductive arms 120 and the lower conductive arms 124, the front end 122 of each upper conductive arm 120 and the front end 126 of each lower conductive arm 124 can be flexed away from each other.

[0105] Also found between the conductive arms 120, 124 are a plurality of receptacle housing divider parts 106, 108. The bottom receptacle housing divider parts 106 separate each of the lower conductive arms 124. The top receptacle housing divider parts 108 separate each of the upper conductive arms 120. The receptacle housing divider parts 106, 108 provide lateral stability to the conductive arms 120, 124. The receptacle housing divider parts 106, 108 also ensure that the conductive arms 120, 124 do not make electrical contact with each other. The receptacle housing divider parts 106, 108 are typically part of the receptacle housing 105. Alternatively, the receptacle housing divider parts 106, 108 can be separate items. In Figure 3B and Figure 3F The receptacle housing divider members 106, 108 can be seen most clearly in FIG.

[0106] The multi-pole socket 100 further includes a spring 130. The spring 130 is fixed in a spring recess 149 in the socket insulating plate 140. The spring 130 extends toward the front opening 112 of the socket housing 105. The spring 130 is configured to fix the multi-pole plug 1 inside the multi-pole socket 100. The spring 130 has two inwardly curved sections 132 that engage in the undercut sections 49 of the plug plate 30. This fixes the plug 1 inside the socket 100, as shown in FIG. Figure 4A shown.

[0107] The asymmetry of the plug housing front section 15 and the corresponding receptacle housing front section 115 ensures that the plug plate 30 and the conductive arms 120, 124 do not contact each other unless the plug 1 is properly positioned within the receptacle 100. Thus, the upper conductive arm 120 is positioned closer to the interior upper wall 109 in the front section 115 of the receptacle housing 105 than the lower conductive arm 124 is to the interior lower wall 107 in the front section 115 of the receptacle housing 105.

[0108] The socket housing 105 typically has a maximum length (RHLmax) of less than 15 mm, such as less than 12 mm, such as less than 10 mm, such as less than 8 mm, such as 7.55 mm. The socket housing 105 typically has a maximum height (RHHmax) of less than 7 mm, such as less than 6 mm, such as less than 5 mm, such as 4.00 mm. The socket housing 105 typically has a maximum width (RHWmax) of less than 9 mm, such as less than 8 mm, such as less than 7 mm, such as less than 6 mm, such as 5.30 mm. The dimensions are as follows: Figure 3A and Figure 3D-Figure 3E Shown in.

[0109] Figure 4A-4B Shows the connection Figure 1A-1E Multi-pole plug 1 and Figures 3A-3F The spring 130 that fixes the plug 1 to the inside of the socket 100 is Figure 4A The electrical contact between the conductive electrodes 20, 24 and the conductive arms 120, 124 is shown most clearly in FIG. Figure 4B Seen most clearly in

[0110] Figures 5A-5C An alternative example of a multi-pole plug 1 ' is shown. Figure 1A-1E The only difference is the inclusion of an O-ring 3. The O-ring 3 is positioned between the plug housing rear end section 10 and the plug housing front section 15, as shown in FIG. Figure 5B When the multi-pole plug 1' and the multi-pole socket 100 are as shown in FIG. Figure 6 When connected as shown, the O-ring 3 ensures a tight fit between the two parts.

[0111] Figure 7A An alternative example of a multi-pole plug 1" is shown. Figures 5A-5C In comparison, the middle layer 37 of the plug board 30 extends further rearward and has two connecting tabs 44 .

[0112] As for the other examples shown, the cable 60 includes a plurality of conductors 64, 66 positioned within the cable (see Figure 7D-7E ). The plurality of wires 64, 66 are configured to be connected to the plurality of upper conductive electrodes 20 (see Figure 7E ) and a plurality of lower conductive electrodes 24 (see Figure 7D ), thereby creating an electrical connection. Figure 7A In the example shown, the cable 60 further includes a conductive outer shield layer 62 that forms an electrical shield for the plurality of conductors 64, 66. The conductive outer shield layer 62 is connected to the conductive intermediate layer 37 of the plug board 30 at the connection tabs 44, thereby creating an electrical connection.

[0113] Figure 7B An alternative example of a multi-pole socket 100' is shown. Figures 3A-3F In contrast, a socket cable 150 is shown. The socket cable 150 includes a plurality of socket conductors 154, 156 configured to connect to a plurality of upper conductive arms 120 (see FIG. Figure 7E ) and a plurality of lower conductive arms 124 (see Figure 7D ), thereby creating an electrical connection (see Figure 7C-7E The spring 130 further includes cable connection spring portions 134, 136 that are connected to a spring conductive shield 158. The spring conductive shield 158 is shielded from the plurality of receptacle wires 154, 156 positioned within the receptacle cable 150.

[0114] Figure 7C In side sectional view ( Figure 7C ) shows the Figure 7B Multi-pole socket connection Figure 7A multi-pole plug. Figure 7D shows a side plan view with the outer shell parts omitted, and Figure 7E The connection between the plurality of wires 64, 66 and the upper conductive electrode 20 and the lower conductive electrode 24 on the plug board 30 is shown in the side view with the outer shell parts omitted. Figure 7C-7E The connection between the conductive outer shield 62 on the plug cable 60 and the intermediate layer 37 in the plug board 30 is shown in FIG. Figure 7D-7E Visible in.

[0115] Likewise, the socket leads 154, 156 are connected to the upper conductive arm 120 and the lower conductive arm 124 at Figure 7C-7E and the connection between the spring conductive shield 158 and the rear ends 134, 136 of the spring 130 is shown in FIG. Figure 7D-7E Visible in.

[0116] As an alternative to the receptacle cable 150 , a printed circuit board including a plurality of connection points configured to connect to the plurality of upper conductive arms 120 , the plurality of lower conductive arms 124 , and the springs 130 to create an electrical connection may also be used.

[0117] Reference Table

[0118] 1, 1', 1" multi-pole plug

[0119] 3 O-rings

[0120] 5 Plug housing

[0121] 8 Funnel-shaped plug board connection section at the front opening in the plug housing

[0122] 10 Plug housing rear end section

[0123] 12 Front opening in plug housing

[0124] 14 Rear opening in plug housing

[0125] 15 Plug housing front section

[0126] 16 Bottom of the plug housing front section Plug housing front section

[0127] 17 peripheral bottom plug housing bent portion

[0128] 18 Top of the plug housing front section Plug housing front section

[0129] 19 peripheral top plug housing bent portion

[0130] 20 Upper conductive electrode

[0131] 24 Lower conductive electrode

[0132] 30 plug board

[0133] 32 Front of the plug board

[0134] 34 Rear end of the plug board

[0135] 36 Top layer of the plug board

[0136] 37 Middle Layer

[0137] 38 bottom layer of the plug board

[0138] 40 Front end of the plug board

[0139] 42 Rear end of the plug board

[0140] 44 Intermediate layer connection tabs

[0141] 46 Plug board first side

[0142] 48 Second side of the plug board

[0143] 49 undercut section

[0144] 50 Cable strain relief

[0145] 52 Through-opening in cable strain relief

[0146] 60 Cable

[0147] 62 Conductive outer shield

[0148] 64 inner wire connected to the lower conductive electrode

[0149] 66 Inner wire connected to the upper conductive electrode

[0150] 100, 100' multi-pole socket

[0151] 105 socket housing

[0152] 106 Bottom socket housing separation parts

[0153] 107 inner lower wall of the socket housing

[0154] 108 top socket housing separation parts

[0155] 109 inner upper wall of the socket housing

[0156] 110 socket housing rear end section

[0157] 112 Front opening in socket housing

[0158] 114 Rear opening in socket housing

[0159] 115 socket housing front section

[0160] 116 Bottom of the socket housing front section

[0161] 117 bottom peripheral socket housing bent portion

[0162] 118 Top of the socket housing front section Socket housing front section

[0163] 119 top peripheral socket housing bent portion

[0164] 120 upper conductive arm

[0165] 121 Rear end of the upper conductive arm

[0166] 122 Front end of the upper conductive arm

[0167] 123 Middle section of the upper conductive arm

[0168] 124 lower conductive arm

[0169] 125 Rear end of the lower conductive arm

[0170] 126 Front end of the lower conductive arm

[0171] 127 Middle section of the upper conductive arm

[0172] 130 Spring

[0173] 132 inward-curving segments

[0174] 134 Lower cable connection spring portion connected to the spring conductive shield

[0175] 136 Upper cable connection spring portion connected to the spring conductive shield

[0176] 140 socket insulation board

[0177] 141 Rear end surface of the socket insulation plate

[0178] 142 Upper plate opening in socket insulation plate

[0179] 144 Lower plate opening in the socket insulation plate

[0180] 146 Upper board support surface in socket insulation board

[0181] 148 Lower board support surface in socket insulation board

[0182] 149 Spring recess in the socket insulation plate

[0183] 150 socket cable

[0184] 154 socket wire connected to the lower conductive arm

[0185] 156 socket wire connected to the upper conductive arm

[0186] 158 Spring Conductive Shield

[0187] PLmax Maximum plug board length

[0188] PHmax Maximum plug plate height

[0189] PWmax Maximum plug strip width

[0190] PWrecess recessed connector plate width

[0191] HLmax Maximum plug housing length

[0192] HHmax Maximum plug housing height

[0193] HWmax Maximum plug housing width

[0194] Maximum combined length of HPLmax plug housing and plug plate

[0195] RHLmax maximum socket housing length

[0196] RHHmax maximum socket housing height

[0197] RHWmax maximum socket housing width

Claims

1. A multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") configured to make electrical contact with components in a corresponding multi-pole socket (100, 100') when the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") and the multi-pole socket (100, 100') are connected, the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") comprising: A non-conductive plug housing (5) having a front opening (12) and a rear opening (14); a cable strain relief (50) extending through the rear opening (14) of the plug housing (5), The cable strain relief (50) includes a through relief opening (52) configured for extending a cable (60) therethrough; a plurality of upper conductive electrodes (20) configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of socket upper conductive arms (120) of the multi-pole socket (100, 100'); a plurality of lower conductive electrodes (24) configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of socket lower conductive arms (124) of the multi-pole socket (100, 100'); A plug plate (30) extending through the front opening (12) of the plug housing (5), wherein: The plug plate (30) is substantially flat and comprises: o a non-conductive top layer (36) supporting the plurality of upper conductive electrodes (20); o a non-conductive bottom layer (38) supporting the plurality of lower conductive electrodes (24); o a maximum plug plate length (PLmax) extending from a front end (40) of the plug plate (30) to a rear end (42) of the plug plate (30); o a maximum plug plate width (PWmax) extending from a first side (46) of the plug plate (30) to an opposite second side (48) of the plug plate (30); o a maximum plug plate height (PHmax) extending between the top layer (36) and the bottom layer (38); o a conductive intermediate layer (37) positioned between the top surface (36) and the bottom surface (38); a cable (60) extending through the through relief opening (52) of the cable strain relief (50), The cable (60) comprises: o a plurality of wires (64, 66) configured to connect to the plurality of upper conductive electrodes (20) and the plurality of lower conductive electrodes (24) to create electrical connections; o at least one conductive outer shield layer (62) forming an electrical shield for the plurality of conductors (64, 66), the at least one conductive outer layer (62) being connected to the conductive middle layer (37) of the plug plate (30) thereby creating an electrical connection; wherein the upper conductive electrode and the lower conductive electrode (20, 24) are configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of conductive arms (120, 124) in the multi-pole socket (100, 100') when the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") is connected to the multi-pole socket (100, 100'); and The conductive intermediate layer (37) of the plug plate (30) is configured to make electrical contact with a conductive spring (130) in the multi-pole socket (100, 100') when the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") is connected to the multi-pole socket (100, 100').

2. A multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") configured to make electrical contact with components in a corresponding multi-pole socket (100, 100') when the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") and the multi-pole socket (100, 100') are connected, the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") comprising: A non-conductive plug housing (5) having a front opening (12) and a rear opening (14); a cable strain relief (50) extending through the rear opening (14) of the plug housing (5), The cable strain relief (50) includes a through relief opening (52) configured for extending a cable (60) therethrough; a plurality of upper conductive electrodes (20) configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of socket upper conductive arms (120) of the multi-pole socket (100, 100'); a plurality of lower conductive electrodes (24) configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of socket lower conductive arms (124) of the multi-pole socket (100, 100'); A plug plate (30) extending through the front opening (12) of the plug housing (5), wherein: The plug plate (30) is substantially flat and comprises: o a non-conductive top layer (36) supporting the plurality of upper conductive electrodes (20); o a non-conductive bottom layer (38) supporting the plurality of lower conductive electrodes (24); o a maximum plug plate length (PLmax) extending from a front end (40) of the plug plate (30) to a rear end (42) of the plug plate (30); o a maximum plug plate width (PWmax) extending from a first side (46) of the plug plate (30) to an opposite second side (48) of the plug plate (30); o a maximum plug plate height (PHmax) extending between the top layer (36) and the bottom layer (38); The plug plate (30) further comprises a side recess section (49), the side recess section having a recessed plug plate width (PWrecess) less than the maximum plug plate width (PWmax) and configured to be engaged by a socket spring in the multi-pole socket (100, 100') to secure the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") in the multi-pole socket (100, 100').

3. A multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") configured to make electrical contact with components in a corresponding multi-pole socket (100, 100') when the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") and the multi-pole socket (100, 100') are connected, the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") comprising: A non-conductive plug housing (5) having a front opening (12) and a rear opening (14); a cable strain relief (50) extending through the rear opening (14) of the plug housing (5), The cable strain relief (50) includes a through relief opening (52) configured for extending a cable (60) therethrough; a plurality of upper conductive electrodes (20) configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of socket upper conductive arms (120) of the multi-pole socket (100, 100'); a plurality of lower conductive electrodes (24) configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of socket lower conductive arms (124) of the multi-pole socket (100, 100'); A plug plate (30) extending through the front opening (12) of the plug housing (5), wherein: The plug plate (30) is substantially flat and comprises: o a non-conductive top layer (36) supporting the plurality of upper conductive electrodes (20); o a non-conductive bottom layer (38) supporting the plurality of lower conductive electrodes (24); o a maximum plug plate length (PLmax) extending from a front end (40) of the plug plate (30) to a rear end (42) of the plug plate (30); o a maximum plug plate width (PWmax) extending from a first side (46) of the plug plate (30) to an opposite second side (48) of the plug plate (30); o a maximum plug plate height (PHmax) extending between the top layer (36) and the bottom layer (38); wherein the plug housing (5) comprises a plug housing front section (15) configured to be positioned inside a socket housing when the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") and the multi-pole socket (100, 100') are connected, wherein the plug plate (30) extends through the plug housing front section (15) to divide the plug housing front section (15) into a bottom plug housing front section (16) extending below the plug plate (30) and a top plug housing front section (18) extending above the plug plate (30), wherein the bottom plug housing front section portion (16) has a peripheral bottom plug housing curvature (17) that is different from the peripheral top plug housing curvature (19) of the top plug housing front section portion (18), thereby giving the plug housing front section (15) an asymmetric periphery.

4. A multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") configured to make electrical contact with components in a corresponding multi-pole socket (100, 100') when the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") and the multi-pole socket (100, 100') are connected, the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") comprising: A non-conductive plug housing (5) having a front opening (12) and a rear opening (14); a cable strain relief (50) extending through the rear opening (14) of the plug housing (5), The cable strain relief (50) includes a through relief opening (52) configured for extending a cable (60) therethrough; a plurality of upper conductive electrodes (20) configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of socket upper conductive arms (120) of the multi-pole socket (100, 100'); a plurality of lower conductive electrodes (24) configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of socket lower conductive arms (124) of the multi-pole socket (100, 100'); A plug plate (30) extending through the front opening (12) of the plug housing (5), wherein: The plug plate (30) is substantially flat and comprises: o a non-conductive top layer (36) supporting the plurality of upper conductive electrodes (20); o a non-conductive bottom layer (38) supporting the plurality of lower conductive electrodes (24); o a maximum plug plate length (PLmax) extending from a front end (40) of the plug plate (30) to a rear end (42) of the plug plate (30); o a maximum plug plate width (PWmax) extending from a first side (46) of the plug plate (30) to an opposite second side (48) of the plug plate (30); o a maximum plug plate height (PHmax) extending between the top layer (36) and the bottom layer (38); The front end opening (12) of the plug housing (5) gradually narrows inwards, thereby forming a funnel-shaped plug board connecting section (8), which is funnel-shaped backwards in the front end opening (12).

5. A multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein The plug housing (5) comprises a plug housing front section (15) configured to be positioned inside a socket housing when the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") and the multi-pole socket (100, 100') are connected, wherein the plug plate (30) extends through the plug housing front section (15) to divide the plug housing front section (15) into a bottom plug housing front section (16) extending below the plug plate (30) and a top plug housing front section (18) extending above the plug plate (30), wherein the bottom plug housing front section portion (16) has a peripheral bottom plug housing curvature (17) that is different from the peripheral top plug housing curvature (19) of the top plug housing front section portion (18), thereby giving the plug housing front section (15) an asymmetric periphery.

6. The multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to any one of claims 1 and 3-5, wherein: The plug plate (30) further includes a side recess section (49) having a recessed plug plate width (PWrecess) that is less than the maximum plug plate width (PWmax) and configured to be engaged by a socket spring in the multi-pole socket (100, 100') to secure the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") in the multi-pole socket (100, 100').

7. The multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and claims 5 to 6, wherein: The front opening (12) of the plug housing (5) gradually narrows inwardly, thereby forming a funnel-shaped plug board connecting section (8), which is funnel-shaped backward in the front opening (12).

8. A multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to claim 3 or any one of claims 5-7 when dependent on claim 5, wherein The bottom front section portion (16) is thicker than the top front section portion (18).

9. The multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein: The plug plate (30) further includes an intermediate layer (37) positioned between the top surface (36) and the bottom surface (38).

10. The multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to claim 9, wherein The intermediate layer (37) is a conductive layer.

11. The multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to any one of claims 2 to 10, further comprising a cable (60) comprising a plurality of wires configured for connection to the plurality of upper conductive electrodes (20) and the plurality of lower conductive electrodes (24).

12. A multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to claim 11 as appended to claim 10, wherein The cable (60) further includes at least one conductive outer shielding layer (62) that forms an electrical shield for the plurality of conductors (64, 66), the at least one conductive outer layer (62) being connected to the conductive middle layer (37) of the plug plate (30) to create an electrical connection; wherein the upper conductive electrode and the lower conductive electrode (20, 24) are configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of conductive arms (120, 124) in the multi-pole socket (100, 100') when the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") is connected to the multi-pole socket (100, 100'); and The conductive intermediate layer (37) of the plug plate (30) is configured to make electrical contact with a conductive spring (130) in the multi-pole socket (100, 100') when the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") is connected to the multi-pole socket (100, 100').

13. The multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to any one of claims 1 and 10-12, wherein: The middle section (37) is a reinforcement layer that provides stability to the plug board (30).

14. The multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to claim 1 and any one of claims 10-13, wherein: The reinforcement layer (37) is a metal reinforcement layer.

15. A multi-pole plug (1') according to any preceding claim, wherein The plug housing (5) comprises a plug housing rear end section (10) and a plug housing front section (15), wherein the multi-pole plug (1') further comprises an O-ring (3) positioned between the plug housing rear end section (10) and the plug housing front section (15) for providing a tight fit between the plug housing front section (15) positioned inside the multi-pole socket (100, 100').

16. A multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to any preceding claim, wherein The plug housing (5) and the plug plate (30) have a combined length (HPLmax) of less than 15.0 mm, such as less than 12.0 mm, such as less than 10.0 mm, such as less than 9.0 mm, such as 8.35 mm.

17. A multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to any preceding claim, wherein The plug housing (5) has a maximum plug housing height (HHmax) of less than 6 mm, such as less than 5 mm, such as less than 4 mm, such as 3.80 mm.

18. A multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to any preceding claim, wherein The plug housing (5) has a maximum plug housing width (HWmax) of less than 7.0 mm, such as less than 6.0 mm, such as less than 5.0 mm, such as 4.9 mm.

19. A multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to any preceding claim, wherein The maximum plug plate length (PLmax) is less than 10.0 mm, such as less than 8.0 mm, such as less than 6.0 mm, such as less than 5.0 mm.

20. A multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to any preceding claim, wherein The maximum plug plate width (PWmax) is less than 7.0 mm, such as less than 6.0 mm, such as less than 5.0 mm, such as less than 4.0 mm, such as less than 3.0 mm.

21. A multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to any preceding claim, wherein The maximum plug plate height (PHmax) is less than 2.0 mm, such as less than 1.5 mm, such as less than 1.0 mm, such as less than 0.5 mm, such as less than 0.4 mm.

22. A multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to any preceding claim, wherein The number of the plurality of upper conductive electrodes (20) is at least four, and the number of the plurality of lower conductive electrodes (24) is at least four.

23. A multi-pole socket (100, 100') configured to make electrical contact with components in a corresponding multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") when the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") and the multi-pole socket (100, 100') are connected, the multi-pole socket (100, 100') comprising: A socket housing (105) comprising a front opening (112) and a rear opening (114); a plurality of upper conductive arms (120) configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of upper conductive poles (20) of the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1"); a plurality of lower conductive arms (124) configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of lower conductive poles (24) of the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1"); A socket insulating plate (140) positioned in the rear end opening (114) of the socket housing (105), the socket insulating plate (140) comprising: o at least one upper plate opening (142) through which the upper conductive arm (120) extends; o at least one lower plate opening (144) through which the lower conductive arm (124) extends; A conductive spring (130) secured in a spring recess (149) in the socket insulating plate (140); and · socket cable (150) or printed circuit board, Wherein, the socket cable (150) comprises: o a plurality of receptacle wires (154, 156) configured to connect to the plurality of upper conductive arms (120) and the plurality of lower conductive arms (124) to create an electrical connection; and o at least one spring conductive shield (158) shielded from the plurality of receptacle wires and connected to the spring (130) thereby creating an electrical connection, and The printed circuit board includes a plurality of connection points configured to be connected to the plurality of upper conductive arms (120), the plurality of lower conductive arms (124) and the spring (130), thereby generating an electrical connection.

24. A multi-pole socket (100, 100') configured to make electrical contact with components in a corresponding multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") when the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") and the multi-pole socket (100, 100') are connected, the multi-pole socket (100, 100') comprising: A socket housing (105) comprising a front opening (112) and a rear opening (114); a plurality of upper conductive arms (120) configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of upper conductive poles (20) of the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1"); a plurality of lower conductive arms (124) configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of lower conductive poles (24) of the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1"); A socket insulating plate (140) positioned in the rear end opening (114) of the socket housing (105), the socket insulating plate (140) comprising: o at least one upper plate opening (142) through which the upper conductive arm (120) extends; o at least one lower plate opening (144) through which the lower conductive arm (124) extends; The multi-pole socket (100, 100') further comprises a spring (130) fixed in a spring recess (149) in the socket insulating plate (140), the spring (130) extending toward a front end opening (112) of the socket housing (105), and the spring (130) being configured to fix the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") inside the multi-pole socket (100, 100').

25. The multi-pole socket (100, 100') according to claim 24, wherein The spring (130) is electrically conductive.

26. The multi-pole socket (100, 100') according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein: The socket housing (105) includes a socket housing front section (115), wherein when the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") and the multi-pole socket (100, 100') are connected, the plug housing front section (15) is positioned inside the socket housing front section, and the socket housing front section (115) has an inner peripheral surface having a top socket housing curvature (119) that is different from a bottom socket housing curvature (117), thereby giving the inner housing front section (15) an asymmetric inner periphery.

27. A multi-pole socket (100, 100') configured to make electrical contact with components in a corresponding multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") when the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") and the multi-pole socket (100, 100') are connected, the multi-pole socket (100, 100') comprising: A socket housing (105) comprising a front opening (112) and a rear opening (114); a plurality of upper conductive arms (120) configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of upper conductive poles (20) of the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1"); a plurality of lower conductive arms (124) configured to make electrical contact with a plurality of lower conductive poles (24) of the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1"); A socket insulating plate (140) positioned in the rear end opening (114) of the socket housing (105), the socket insulating plate (140) comprising: o at least one upper plate opening (142) through which the upper conductive arm (120) extends; o at least one lower plate opening (144) through which the lower conductive arm (124) extends; The socket housing (105) includes a socket housing front section (115), and when the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") and the multi-pole socket (100, 100') are connected, the plug housing front section (15) is positioned inside the socket housing front section, and the socket housing front section (115) has an inner peripheral surface, and the inner peripheral surface has a top socket housing curvature (119) that is different from the bottom socket housing curvature (117), thereby giving the inner housing front section (15) an asymmetric inner periphery.

28. The multi-pole socket (100, 100') according to claim 27, further comprising a spring (130) secured in a spring recess (149) in the socket insulating plate (140).

29. The multi-pole socket (100, 100') according to claim 23 or 28, wherein The spring (130) extends toward the front opening (112) of the socket housing (105), and the spring (130) is configured to secure the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") inside the multi-pole socket (100, 100').

30. The multi-pole socket (100, 100') according to any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein: The multi-pole socket (100, 100') further includes a printed circuit board comprising a plurality of connection points configured to connect to the plurality of upper conductive arms (120), the plurality of lower conductive arms (124) and the spring (130) to create an electrical connection.

31. The multi-pole socket (100, 100') according to any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein: The multi-pole socket (100, 100') further includes a socket cable (150) comprising a plurality of socket wires (154, 156) configured to connect to the plurality of upper conductive arms (120) and the plurality of lower conductive arms (124) to create an electrical connection.

32. The multi-pole socket (100, 100') according to claim 31, wherein The receptacle cable (150) further includes at least one spring conductive shield (158) shielded from the plurality of receptacle wires and connected to the spring (130) to create an electrical connection.

33. The multi-pole socket (100, 100') according to any one of claims 23 to 32, wherein: The upper conductive arm (120) is closer to the inner upper wall (109) of the socket housing (105) than the lower conductive arm (124) is to the inner lower wall (107).

34. The multi-pole socket (100, 100') according to any one of claims 23 to 32, wherein: The socket insulating plate (140) further comprises: at least one upper board support surface (146), wherein a rear end (121) of each upper conductive arm (120) is secured between the at least one upper board support surface (146) and the receptacle housing (105); at least one lower board support surface (148), wherein a rear end (125) of each lower conductive arm (124) is secured between the at least one lower board support surface (148) and the receptacle housing (105); When the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") and the multi-pole socket (100, 100') are connected, when the plug plate (30) of the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") is inserted between the upper conductive arm (120) and the lower conductive arm (124), the front end (122) of each upper conductive arm (120) and the front end (126) of each lower conductive arm (124) can be flexed away from each other.

35. The multi-pole socket (100, 100') according to any one of claims 23 to 34, wherein: The socket housing (105) has a maximum length of less than 15 mm, such as less than 12 mm, such as less than 10 mm, such as less than 8 mm, such as 7.55 mm.

36. The multi-pole socket (100, 100') according to any one of claims 23 to 35, wherein: The socket housing (105) has a maximum height of less than 7 mm, such as less than 6 mm, such as less than 5 mm, such as 4.00 mm.

37. The multi-pole socket (100, 100') according to any one of claims 23 to 36, wherein: The socket housing (105) has a maximum width of less than 9 mm, such as less than 8 mm, such as less than 7 mm, such as less than 6 mm, such as 5.30 mm.

38. A multi-pole system comprising a multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") according to any one of claims 1 to 22 and a multi-pole socket (100, 100') according to any one of claims 23 to 37, wherein: The plurality of upper conductive electrodes (20) of the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") are configured to make electrical contact with the plurality of upper conductive arms (120) of the multi-pole socket (100, 100'), and wherein the plurality of lower conductive electrodes (24) are configured to make electrical contact with the plurality of lower conductive arms (124) of the multi-pole socket (100, 100') when the multi-pole plug (1, 1', 1") and the multi-pole socket (100, 100') are connected.

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