Pin block for modular connectors

Abstract

Modular pin block (1) for installation in a connector housing (4) of a modular connector, wherein the pin block (1) comprises • a pin block carrier (2) with a first connecting surface (22) and a second connecting surface (23) opposite the first connecting surface (22), and • at least one pin (3) extending through the pin block carrier (2) so that it protrudes from the first connecting surface (22) and from the second connecting surface (23).

Description

1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a modular pin block for installation in a housing of a modular connector. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a pin block carrier through which at least one pin extends, projecting from both a first and a second connecting surface. 2. State of the art

[0002] In the field of modular connectors, pin headers are commonly used to create electrical connections in various types of electronic and mechanical systems. The familiar systems typically consist of pin headers integrated into connector housings, enabling the transmission of electrical signals between different components. These pin headers are crucial for ensuring a reliable connection, especially in environments where connectors are frequently plugged and unplugged. Despite their widespread use, conventional pin headers often face challenges regarding ease of installation, secure mounting, and adaptability to different configurations.

[0003] Existing approaches to modular connector systems often rely on pin blocks that are either permanently fixed within the connector housing or require complex assembly processes. This can lead to increased manufacturing costs and difficulties in maintaining or replacing individual components. Furthermore, current systems may not be flexible enough to accommodate different pin sizes and configurations, limiting their applicability in various applications. Securely fixing the pin blocks within the housing is another challenge, as inadequate locking mechanisms can result in poor connectivity. Additionally, ensuring the correct alignment and orientation of the pin blocks during installation is crucial to prevent misalignment and guarantee optimal performance.

[0004] Despite considerable progress in the field of modular connectors, there remains a need for improved solutions that address these challenges. In particular, there is a need for pin blocks that can be easily and securely mounted in connector housings while offering flexibility in terms of pin arrangements and sizes. Improved locking mechanisms that ensure reliable fastening without compromising ease of installation are also desirable. Furthermore, solutions that guarantee correct alignment and orientation of the pin blocks during assembly would significantly improve the reliability and performance of modular connector systems. Therefore, the technical problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a modular pin block system that at least partially overcomes the disadvantages of known systems. 3. Summary of the invention

[0005] The aforementioned object is at least partially realized by a pin header according to claim 1.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention provides for a modular pin block for installation in a housing of a modular connector, wherein the pin block comprises a pin block carrier with a first connecting surface and a second connecting surface opposite the first connecting surface and at least one pin which penetrates the pin block carrier in such a way that it protrudes from the first connecting surface and from the second connecting surface.

[0007] The described modular pin block is designed for installation in the housing of a modular connector. This modular pin block comprises a pin block carrier with two opposing contact surfaces, referred to as the first contact surface and the second contact surface. Furthermore, at least one pin extends through the pin block carrier such that it protrudes from both the first and the second contact surfaces.

[0008] The term "modular pin block" refers to a component designed as part of a larger system, particularly a modular connector, enabling flexible and easy assembly or replacement. The "pin block carrier" is the structure that holds and supports the pins, providing the necessary stability and alignment. The "first mating surface" and "second mating surface" are the two opposing surfaces of the pin block carrier through which the pins pass and from which they protrude. The "pin" is a conductive element that facilitates electrical connection by extending through the pin block carrier and providing electrical contact on both sides.

[0009] The advantages of this configuration include greater versatility and easy integration into various modular connector systems, resulting in more efficient manufacturing processes and easier maintenance or replacement of parts.

[0010] In a first embodiment, the pin block carrier comprises locking means designed to allow the pin block to be inserted into a seat of the connector housing and to lock the pin block in this seat by preventing movement of the pin block against the insertion direction. In this way, the pin block remains securely in place after insertion. Preferably, the locking means are one or more of the following elements: flexible, i.e., elastic, arms, rods, or one or more recesses.

[0011] The locking mechanisms increase the stability and security of the pin block within the connector housing by providing a reliable fastening method. The use of elastic arms or rods allows for a degree of flexibility and adaptability to compensate for minor changes in the dimensions of the seat or the pin block itself. This flexibility can help absorb shocks or vibrations, reducing the risk of separation or damage to the components. Notches are a simple yet effective means of ensuring a secure fit of the pin block. By preventing movement contrary to the insertion direction, the locking mechanisms ensure that the pin block cannot be easily dislodged, even under mechanical stress or external force, such as in applications where the connector is frequently handled or moved.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the pin block carrier comprises side edges between the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface, and the locking means comprises a long flexible rod that is elastically attached to at least half the length of at least one side edge and extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the at least one pin. In the assembled state, the long flexible rod faces a seat of the housing.

[0013] The flexible mounting of the rod to the side edge allows it to bend and lock securely when the pin block is inserted into the housing. With a mounting length of at least half the length of a side edge, a linear locking mechanism is achieved, reliably preventing slippage due to vibrations or external forces. Furthermore, the rod's elastic nature allows for a degree of flexibility and tolerance during insertion, simplifying the mounting of the pin block in the housing without requiring precise alignment.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the pin block carrier comprises at least one spacer that serves to eliminate any gap between the pin block carrier and the connector housing in the assembled state. This spacer is preferably located on the side edges of the pin block carrier. It ensures a precise fit between the pin block carrier and the connector housing. By eliminating any gaps, the spacer prevents potential problems such as misalignment, movement, or vibration of the pin block within the housing, which could otherwise lead to poor electrical connections or mechanical failures. The presence of the spacer also simplifies the assembly process, as it provides a clear and defined seating position for the pin block carrier within the connector housing, thereby reducing the likelihood of assembly errors.The advantage is that each side edge has a spacer near each corner of the pencil holder. If the spacers cover the entire length of each side edge, the pencil holder cannot be inserted at an angle, as the spacers realign the pencil holder.

[0015] In another embodiment, the pin block carrier includes a skirt that serves to hold the pin block in the connector housing seat. Such a skirt can be attached at least to a portion of the side edges near their apex. To securely hold the pin block in the connector housing seat, the skirt prevents any movement of the pin block beyond the seat in the insertion direction. In other words, it acts as a stop and prevents the pin block from being pushed too far into the connector housing. By preventing over-insertion, the skirt also protects the pins from potential damage that could occur if the pin block is inserted too deeply and protrudes beyond the connector housing.

[0016] In another embodiment, the apron projects outwards from one of the contact surfaces in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the at least one pin.

[0017] The outward projection of the skirt from one of the contact surfaces (e.g., in the form of a flange) provides an additional structural element that can improve the stability and alignment of the pin block when installed in the housing of a modular connector. The skirt projection can act as a guide or stop, ensuring that the pin block is correctly positioned within the housing, as the skirt can provide a tactile or visual reference point for alignment.

[0018] The external shape of the first connecting surface and / or the second connecting surface can determine the installation position of the pin block in the connector housing.

[0019] Defining the mounting orientation prevents incorrect insertion of the pin block, which is particularly important when the pins are not symmetrically arranged, for example, due to pins of different sizes, splices integrated into the pin block carrier, or when not all pin positions are occupied. Incorrect insertion can therefore lead to malfunction of the modular connector. By ensuring that the pin block can only be inserted in the correct orientation, the design increases the reliability and ease of assembly of the modular connector system. The asymmetrical design of the mating surfaces acts as a physical keying mechanism, guiding the user to insert the pin block correctly without the need for additional visual aids or instructions.This feature also simplifies the construction of the housing, as no additional components or mechanisms are required to ensure correct alignment, thus increasing ease of use.

[0020] One way to ensure that the outer shape dictates the installation direction of the pin block in the housing is, for example, to design the shorter end edges of the pin block carrier asymmetrically, i.e., they are not identical to each other. Then the pin block can only be inserted into the housing in one predetermined direction.

[0021] Typically, pin header carriers are designed to accommodate a specific number of pins. Specific configurations for pin arrangement on the pin header carrier, which indicate the number and size of pins it can hold, include two rows of 13 size 0.50 pins, two rows of 9 size 0.63 pins, two rows of 7 size 1.2 pins, one row of 4 size 2.8 pins, or one row of 3 size 4.8 pins. This adaptability is crucial for meeting diverse application requirements, as different electronic or electrical systems may require different pin sizes and quantities.

[0022] The range of possible configurations expands when as many pins as possible are arranged on the pin block carrier, but also when fewer pins than possible are accommodated on the pin block carrier. The pin block therefore allows for great versatility and a high degree of customization, making it suitable for complex and diverse connection requirements and for use in a wide variety of modular connectors.

[0023] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a connector housing with at least one modular pin block. The connector housing is essentially box-shaped and has circumferential side walls designed to shield the pins of the pin block and ensure that the pins are protected from potential damage or environmental factors that could impair their functionality. The connector housing further comprises a connector interface with one or more seats. The connector interface is essentially perpendicular to the side walls and is received by them, thereby creating a secure and stable structure for the modular pin block. The at least one pin block is received in the at least one seat. By means of the circumferential side walls, the housing forms a protective barrier around the pins, thereby reducing the risk of physical damage and contamination.These features contribute overall to a more durable and reliable modular connector system that can withstand various environmental and operational requirements.

[0024] Depending on the intended use of the connector housing, it is possible to install shielding walls between the seats and thus between the modular pin blocks within the surrounding side walls in order to shield the different pin blocks and avoid interference.

[0025] Advantageously, the at least one pin block and the at least one seat are complementary in shape. This complementary shape ensures that the pin block and seat fit together precisely, which improves the stability and alignment of the pin block within the connector housing and facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the connector, as the parts align and fit together naturally without the need for excessive force or adjustment.

[0026] If the pin block carrier has orientation features, the seat may also have orientation details shaped to complement these features. This ensures that the pin block is correctly aligned within the housing, which is critical for the proper functioning of the modular connector. As mentioned earlier, incorrect alignment can lead to significant problems, including electrical faults.

[0027] In another version, at least one pin block is attached to the connector interface by laser welding.

[0028] Laser welding creates a strong and reliable connection between the pin block and the connector housing, ensuring that the pin block remains securely in place during operation. This is particularly important in environments where the connector may be subjected to vibration, mechanical stress, or temperature fluctuations, as the laser-welded connection can withstand such conditions without compromising its integrity. Furthermore, laser welding allows for precise and localized heat application, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding components and materials. This precision is crucial for modular connectors, where space is often limited and components are densely packed.The use of laser welding also increases the overall durability and longevity of the connector, as it creates a permanent and robust connection that is more resistant to wear and tear compared to other methods such as gluing or mechanical fastening. Furthermore, laser welding can be automated, improving manufacturing efficiency and consistency. For this purpose, receptacles on the pin block carrier, such as through-holes initially used for the automatic positioning of the pin block within the connector housing, can later be used as laser welding points to attach the pin blocks to the connector housing. The pin block can be attached to the connector interface of the connector housing by welding, in addition to or instead of locking mechanisms.

[0029] If the pin block support includes flexible arms or rods, the connector interface seats advantageously have recesses that are complementary to the flexible, i.e., elastic or springy, arms or rods. If the pin block support has recesses, the connector interface seats advantageously include flexible arms or rods that are complementary to the recesses.

[0030] The complementary design of recesses and flexible arms or rods ensures flexibility and elasticity, allowing for easy movement and adjustments while maintaining a secure connection. Furthermore, it simplifies the assembly process, as the components can be easily aligned and joined without the need for additional fastening mechanisms. This reduces the complexity and cost of manufacturing the modular connector while maintaining high performance and reliability.

[0031] If the connector housing contains at least a first and a second pin block, the external shape of the pin block carrier and the shape of the seats of both pin blocks are identical. This identical external shape ensures that the pin blocks are interchangeable and will fit into any seat of the connector interface without requiring any modifications to the connector housing or the pin block carriers. The first pin block may contain pins of a different size than the second pin block. This standardization of the seat shape and the external shape of the pin block carrier simplifies the assembly process and reduces manufacturing complexity.Furthermore, the ability to use pin blocks with different pin sizes within the same connector housing can lead to cost savings, as it reduces the need for multiple housing types and connectors, resulting in a streamlining of warehousing and production processes.

[0032] Two production methods are essentially provided for manufacturing a pin block according to the invention. In the first manufacturing method, the pin block carrier has pin holes according to a desired pattern, and at least one pin is inserted through the pin block carrier. It is possible to insert as many pins through the pin block carrier as can be accommodated, or to insert fewer pins through the pin block carrier than can be accommodated.

[0033] Alternatively, at least one pin is arranged according to a desired pattern, i.e., the pin is positioned according to its final position in the pin block, and then the pin block carrier is formed around the at least one pin. Integrating the pins into the pin block carrier by encasing them with the formed material increases the structural integrity and durability of the pin block. With this manufacturing method, it is also possible to arrange as many pins as possible on the pin block carrier before the carrier is formed, or to arrange fewer pins than can be accommodated on the pin block carrier before it is formed. 4. Brief description of the drawings

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the disclosure are disclosed below with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a modular pin block with pins extending through a pin block carrier. Fig. 2a: shows a connector housing with empty seats for receiving modular pin blocks. Fig. 2b: shows the connector housing with various modular pin blocks that are inserted into the seats. Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a modular pin block with pins extending through the pin block carrier. Fig. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the pin block, highlighting the pins, connecting surfaces and locking means. Fig. Figure 5 shows a 3D cross-sectional view of a connector housing with a pin block mounted inside. Fig. Figure 6 shows a pencil holder and a pencil before the pencil is inserted through the pencil holder. Fig. Figure 7a shows a first embodiment of a modular pin block with pins extending through each pin hole of the pin block carrier. Fig. Figure 7b shows a second embodiment of a modular pin block with fewer pins through the pin block carrier than pin holes on the pin block carrier. Fig. Figure 8 shows several pins arranged in a pattern before the pin block holder is formed. Fig. 9a: shows a first embodiment of a modular pin block after the pin block carrier has been formed according to the figure in Fig. The 8 pins are arranged in the pattern shown. Fig. 9b: shows a second embodiment of a modular pin block after the pin block carrier has been molded to the pins, which are arranged in a different pattern than in Fig. 8 are arranged. Fig. Figure 10a shows a first embodiment of a half-module pin block. Fig. Figure 10b shows a second embodiment of a half-module pin block. Fig. 11: shows laser welding points on the connector housing and laser welding on a pin block. 5. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the figures.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows a modular pin block 1, which is designed for installation in a connector housing 4 of a modular connector (in Fig. 1 not shown). The pin block 1 comprises a pin block carrier 2 with a generally rectangular shape and with side edges 21 that extend between a first connecting surface 22 and a second connecting surface 23 (in Fig. (1 not visible) extend opposite the first connecting surface 22. In other words, the pin block carrier 2 has side edges 21 that extend between the first and second connecting surfaces. In the pin block 1 shown, hereinafter also referred to as the "third modular pin block 13 of type 1.2", two rows of nine pins 3 of size 1.2 extend through the pin block carrier 2 and project from both the first connecting surface 22 and the second connecting surface 23. The locking means 24, which may include flexible rods 241, are designed to facilitate the insertion of the pin block 1 into a seat 44 of the connector housing 4 and to securely lock it in the seat 44. In addition, the pin block carrier 2 is equipped with spacers 25 on the side edges 21, which serve to eliminate any gap between the pin block carrier 2 and the seat 44 when assembled.The pin block carrier 2 also has a skirt 26 near the apex of the side edges 21, which serves to hold the pin block 1 in the seat 44 by preventing movement beyond the seat in the insertion direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer shape of the first connecting surface 22 and the outer shape of the second connecting surface 23 define the installation direction, thus ensuring that the pin block 1 can only be inserted into the connector housing 4 in a predefined direction. Specifically, the first connecting surface has first orientation features 271 on a shorter side in the form of chamfered corners that continue onto the skirt, and the second connecting surface has recessed corners as a second orientation feature 272 that continue onto the side edges.On the opposite side, the first connecting surface 22 has third orientation features 273 in the form of rounded corners that continue on the apron.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the connector housing 4 in two views: Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b. In Fig. Figure 2a shows the connector housing 4 in a plan view as essentially box-shaped with circumferential side walls 41 that provide protection for the pins 3 of the pin strip 1. The connector interface 42, which is essentially perpendicular to and accommodated in the side walls 41, comprises several, here eight, seats 44. Each seat 44 is designed to receive a pin block 1. The seats 44 have a pair of recesses 441 on each longitudinal side of the seat, which are complementary to the flexible bars 241 of the pin block support 2 and ensure secure locking. The connector housing 4 also has orientation details 471, 472, and 473, which are complementary to the orientation features 271, 272, and 273 of the pin block 1 and ensure proper alignment and insertion.

[0038] In Fig. Figure 2b shows the connector housing 4 with several, here eight, pin blocks 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, which are mounted in the seats 44. Each pin block is secured within the connector housing 4, with the external shape of the pin block carrier of each pin block being essentially identical. The pin blocks contain pins of different sizes, which illustrates the modularity and flexibility of the design. In particular, the example shown includes two first modular pin blocks 11 with two rows of 13 pins 3 of size 0.50, a second modular pin block 12 with two rows of 9 pins 3 of size 0.63, two third modular pin blocks 13 with two rows of 7 pins 3 of size 1.2, a fourth modular pin block 14 with a row of 4 pins 3 of size 2.8 and finally two fifth modular pin blocks 15 with a row of 3 pins 3 of size 4.8.The use of modular pin blocks particularly avoids the risk of damage to the pins 3, which is especially true for the first and second modular pin blocks 11, 12, as these have particularly thin and fragile pins 3.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of a first modular pin block 11 mounted in a housing 4' of a modular connector. The first modular pin block 11 comprises a pin block carrier 2 with a first connecting surface 22. The pin block carrier 2 is shown such that several, here 26, pins 3 extend through it, arranged in a grid pattern. These pins 3 protrude from both the first connecting surface 22 and the opposite second connecting surface 23, as shown in Figure 3. Fig. Figure 4 shows that the pin block carrier 2 comprises locking means 24, which are flexible rods 241 designed to secure the pin block carrier 2 in the seat 44 of the connector housing 4'. Each flexible rod 241 interacts with a pair of recesses 441 on the inner edge of the seat. The pin block 11 also has orientation features 271 and 273 that allow only polarized insertion of the pin block carrier 2 into the seat 44.

[0040] Fig. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the modular pin block 11, which is arranged in the housing a', and shows the pins 3 extending through the pin block carrier 2 from the first connecting surface 22 to the second connecting surface 23. The locking means 24 are shown as flexible rods 241 that engage in the recesses 441 of the connector housing 4' to secure the pin block 11 in its position. The figure also shows a skirt 26 on the pin block carrier 2, which serves to hold the pin block in the seat of the connector housing by preventing movement beyond the seat in the insertion direction. In the figure shown, part of the skirt is not visible because it is hidden behind the recesses. The height of the circumferential side walls 41 of the connector housing 4' is at least equal to the length of the pins 3, thus enabling the connector housing 4' to protect the pins 3 from damage.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 5 shows the connector housing 4', which is essentially box-shaped and has circumferential side walls 41. The housing 4' is designed to accommodate several modular pin blocks. The connector interface 42 is shown to be essentially perpendicular to and accommodated by the side walls 41. The pin block 11 is received in a seat 44 of the connector interface 42. The complementary shape of the pin block 11 and the seat 44, which ensures proper alignment and fastening, is emphasized in the figure. The housing 4' provides protection for the pins 3 of the pin block 11, with the side walls 41 acting as a barrier against external influences. In the figure shown, the circumferential side walls are significantly higher than the protruding pins 3.As shown, the connector housing 4' can have shielding walls 43 between the seats 44, and thus between the modular pin blocks within the surrounding side walls 41, to shield the various pin blocks and prevent interference. The figure also shows the presence of recesses 441 in the seat 44, which are complementary to the locking means 24 of the pin block 11 and ensure a secure fit. In this figure, it can be seen how a skirt 26 projects outwards from the pin block carrier 2 and further secures the pin block 11 within the housing 4'. The connector interface 42 is designed to facilitate the connection of the pin header 11 to external components, with the pins 3 passing through the interface for electrical connection.The overall construction ensures that the pin block 11 is securely held in the housing 4', with the locking means 24 and the skirt 26 working together to prevent movement and maintain alignment.

[0042] Fig. Figure 6 shows a pin block holder 2 and a pin 3 before the pin 3 is inserted through the pin block holder 2. In addition to the features already described in connection with the preceding figures, the pin block holder 2 has pin holes 28 designed to accommodate the pins 3 in a desired pattern. The pins 3 are provided with retaining devices 36 that interact with the pin block holder 2 to secure the pins 3.

[0043] Fig. 7a and Fig. Figure 7b shows two different ways of holding pens in the pen block holder 2. Fig. Figure 7a shows a first embodiment of a modular pin block 17 with pins 3 extending through each pin hole 28 of the pin block carrier 2. Fig. Figure 7b shows a second embodiment of a modular pin block 17' in which fewer pins protrude through the pin block carrier than there are pin holes in the pin block carrier. These figures illustrate the modular nature of the pin block, which allows for the arrangement of different pin configurations 3 on the pin block carrier 2, depending on the specific requirements of the connector housing.

[0044] Fig. Figure 8 shows several pins arranged in a pattern before the pin block carrier is formed. The pins 3 are aligned parallel to each other and extend through a forming plane 5, in which the pin block carrier 2 is formed after the pins have been arranged according to the desired pattern. The arrows indicate the direction of the tools that form the pin block carrier.

[0045] Two embodiments of the modular pin blocks 19, 19', which are formed after the pin block carrier 2 is molded onto the pins 3, are shown in Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b is shown. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in 9a, the modular pin block 19 comprises as many pins 3 as can be arranged on the pin block carrier. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Fig. In the embodiment of the modular pin block 19' shown in 9b, the pin block carriers 2 are integrally formed on pins 3 which are arranged in a different pattern than in Fig. 8 shown, namely on fewer pens 3 than can be accommodated in the pen block holder 2.

[0046] Fig. Figure 10 shows examples of divided modular pen blocks or half-module pen blocks with a combination of pens of different sizes. Fig. Figure 10a shows a combination of pins 31 of type 0.50 and pins 32 of type 0.63 within a pin block, while Fig. Figure 10b shows a combination of type 1.2 pins 33 and type 2.8 pins 34 within a pin block. The division of modular pin blocks increases their adaptability to specific needs and allows for greater modularity. In particular, half-module pin blocks enable space savings on the connector housing.

[0047] Fig.Figure 11 shows the location of the laser welding points 6 on the connector housing 4”. In this example, the laser welding points 6 are located at the recesses 441 and at two diagonal corners of each seat 44. A second modular pin block is shown on the lower right seat, and a fourth modular pin block 14 is shown on the upper right seat of the connector housing. The laser welding on the fourth modular pin block 14 is indicated by oval dots. The welding points ensure that the pin block does not detach from the connector housing during repeated mating and unmating operations. List of reference symbols 1 modular pencil pad 11 First modular pencil block for 0.50 type pencils 12 second modular pencil block for 0.63 type pencils 13 Third modular pen block for type 1.2 pens 14 fourth modular pen block for type 2.8 pens 15 fifth modular pen block for 4.8 type pens 17, 17' modular pencil block 19, 19' modular pencil block 2 pencil block holders 21 side edge[s] 22 first connecting surface 23 second connecting surface 24 locking devices 241 flexible rod 25 spacer(s) 26 apron 271 first orientation feature 272 second alignment feature 273 third alignment feature 28 pinholes 29 Recording part[s] 3 pens 31 pins of type 0.50 32 pins of type 0.63 33 type 1.2 pins 34 pins of type 2.8 35 type 4.8 pins 36 Holding device 4, 4', 4" connector housing 41 surrounding side wall[s] 42 Connector interface 43 shielding wall[s] 44 seats 441 In-depth study[s] 471 first orientation detail 472 second orientation detail 473 third orientation detail 5 Form plane 6 laser welding point[s]

Claims

[1] Modular pin block (1) for installation in a connector housing (4) of a modular connector, wherein the pin block (1) comprises • a pin block carrier (2) with a first connecting surface (22) and a second connecting surface (23) opposite the first connecting surface (22), and • at least one pin (3) extending through the pin block carrier (2) so that it protrudes from the first connecting surface (22) and from the second connecting surface (23). [2] Pin block (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pin block carrier (2) comprises locking means (24) which are designed to enable the insertion of the pin block (1) into a seat (44) of the connector housing (4) and to lock the pin block (1) onto the seat (44), wherein the locking means (24) are preferably one or more of the following elements: elastic arms or rods or one or more recesses. [3] Pin block (1) according to claim 2, wherein the pin block carrier (2) has side edges (21) between the first connecting surface (22) and the second connecting surface (23) and wherein the locking means (24) have a long flexible rod (241) which is elastically attached to at least half the length of at least one side edge (21) and extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the at least one pin (3). [4] Pin block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pin block carrier (2) comprises at least one spacer (25) designed to eliminate any gap between the pin block carrier (2) and the seat (44) of the connector housing (4) in an assembled state. [5] Pin block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pin block carrier (2) has a skirt (26) designed to hold the pin block (1) within the seat (44) of the connector housing (4). [6] Pin block (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the skirt (26) projects outwards from one of the contact surfaces in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the at least one pin (3). [7] Pin block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer shape of the first connecting surface (22) and / or the second connecting surface (23) defines the mounting orientation. [8] Pen pad (1, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein • two rows of 13 (31) size 0.50 pins, or • two rows of 9 (32) pins of size 0.63, or • two rows of 7 (33) pins of size 1, 2, or • a row of 4 (34) size 2.8 pins, or • a set of 3 (35) size 4.8 pins, or • a specific number of pens (3) of the same size, or • a combination of pins (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) of different sizes can be accommodated on the pin block carrier (2) and wherein as many pins (3) are arranged on the pin block carrier (2) as can be accommodated. [9] Pen block (1, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein • two rows of 13 (31) size 0.50 pins, or • two rows of 9 (32) pins of size 0.63, or • two rows of 7 (33) size 1, 2, or • a row of 4 (34) size 2.8 pins, or • a set of 3 (35) size 4.8 pins, or • a specific number of pens (3) of the same size, or • a combination of pins (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) of different sizes can be accommodated on the pin block carrier (2) and wherein fewer pins (3) are arranged on the pin block carrier (2) than can be accommodated. [10] Connector housing (4) with at least one modular pin block (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector housing (4) is substantially box-shaped and has circumferential side walls (41) and a connector interface (42) with one or more seats (44), wherein the connector interface (42) is substantially perpendicular to and received in the side walls (41) and wherein the at least one pin block (1) is received in the at least one seat (44). [11] Connector housing (4) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one pin block (1) and the at least one seat (44) are complementary in shape. [12] Connector housing (4) according to one of the preceding claims 10 or 11, wherein the at least one pin block (1) is attached to the connector interface (42) by laser welding. [13] Connector housing (4) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 12 in combination with claim 2 or 3, wherein the seats (44) of the connector interface (42) have recesses (441) complementary to the flexible rods (241) or flexible rods complementary to the recesses. [14] Connector housing (4) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 12, comprising at least a first and a second pin block, wherein the outer shape of the pin block carrier (2) of the two pin blocks (1) is identical and wherein the first pen block has pens (3) of a different pen size than the second pen block.

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