HOUSING FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE RELAY AND SYSTEMS BASED ON IT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a housing for at least one automotive relay with at least six pins and at least six electrical connections in the form of flat connectors. Furthermore, the invention relates to a modular system with at least two housings according to the invention and a system comprising a housing and an automotive relay.

[0002] Automotive relays are well-established in the art (see, for example, document WO 96 / 42099 A1). They are robustly constructed relays designed to withstand the increased demands of motor vehicles in terms of shock resistance and temperature stability. Technically, electronic relays are distinguished from electromechanical relays. They operate on the vehicle's electrical system voltage of 12 V or 24 V and can switch comparatively high currents. They typically have connections with standardized flat connectors measuring 2.8 x 0.8 mm, 6.3 x 0.8 mm, and / or 9.5 x 1.2 mm (DIN 46 244 A). The precise geometry and arrangement of the relay connections are also standardized (DIN ISO 7588, DIN ISO 8092), essentially defining the geometry of the housing base through which the relay is wired to the vehicle's electrical system.

[0003] Depending on the desired function, relays with different poles, i.e., with varying numbers of terminals, are used. For example, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 9-pole relays. Relays with 6 or more poles, especially 9-pole relays, are used in the automotive sector as part of complex electronic control systems.

[0004] Depending on its location in the vehicle, it is necessary to protect the relay from external influences that could otherwise damage or destroy it. To protect against mechanical impacts, housings with standardized plastic bases are used, depending on the number of relay connections. In certain areas of the vehicle, it is also necessary to protect relays from moisture. Electronic relays, in particular, are especially susceptible in this regard. Electromotive relays are generally more robust. However, even with electromotive relays, moisture protection can be beneficial.

[0005] In the automotive sector, it is essential to work with standardized components that ensure compatibility between all components for all possible vehicle types from various manufacturers. However, with regard to the housing base, standardized parts exist only for ordinary, non-waterproof bases. A standard design for waterproof bases is not available. Therefore, prior art attempts have been made to subsequently seal the inherently non-waterproof standardized housings and bases.

[0006] However, limitations exist in this regard concerning the available space and the required wall thickness of the contact chamber or sealing areas. For example, the molding tools require a certain minimum wall thickness to prevent damage to the walls during demolding. Considering these requirements when using such standard parts, there is simply not enough space, particularly at the base of the housing, to guarantee the necessary wall thickness when there are more than five relay connections.

[0007] Therefore, no fluid-tight, especially waterproof, housings exist for 6- or higher-pole, especially 9-pole, relays, as the known technical measures are no longer suitable for this purpose.

[0008] Furthermore, it may be possible that waterproof relay housings exist where the housing and relay are highly customized and manufactured to perfectly match each other. However, these housings have the disadvantage of being incompatible with standard automotive relays. In particular, otherwise widely available standardized components, such as single-wire seals, sockets, or relay terminals, cannot be used. Such a product is therefore of no interest to the end customer.

[0009] The invention thus lies in the Task The underlying principle is to provide a fluid-tight housing suitable for accommodating a higher-pole automotive relay and allowing the use of standardized relays and seals.

[0010] To SolutionThe invention proposes a housing according to claim 1 for at least one automotive relay with at least 6 poles and at least six electrical connections in the form of flat connectors, comprising a cover which provides a volume space open on one side for receiving the automotive relay, and at least one base which seals the volume space in a fluid-tight manner when closed, wherein the base has at least six electrical contacts for the electrical connection of the automotive relay corresponding to the number of electrical connections of the automotive relay, wherein each electrical contact is arranged in a separate contact chamber open towards the volume space, wherein a sealing chamber accessible from outside the housing is connected to each contact chamber, wherein a sealing element with a central channel for guiding electrical power is arranged in each sealing chamber.

[0011] For the purposes of this invention, the term "automotive relay" refers to electronic and / or electromechanical relays used in the electrical systems of motor vehicles. These relays are preferably used in passenger cars, but also in trucks.

[0012] The unique combination of contact chamber, sealing chamber, and sealing element arranged within the sealing chamber ensures a fluid-tight seal for the contact chamber, the contacts within it, and the individual conductors connected to the contacts and routed to the outside through the sealing chamber. Furthermore, this achieves a fluid-tight seal for the interior of the housing, i.e., the volume bounded by the cover and base. With this invention, it is now possible for the first time to provide a fluid-tight housing for relays with nine or more terminals. The invention eliminates the problem of arranging such relays in vehicle positions that inevitably come into contact with fluids, particularly liquids such as water, thus advantageously expanding the functionality of vehicle electronics.Thus, a fluid-tight, in particular waterproof, housing for 6- or higher-pole, in particular 9-pole, relays is provided for the first time.

[0013] In conventional housings for relays standardized according to DIN 46 244, DIN ISO 7588, and / or DIN ISO 8092, the contact chamber—and thus the contacts of the socket—are accessible via a hollow cylindrical channel with a circular cross-section. The individual conductors, through which the relay is connected to the respective vehicle electronics, run within these channels. The invention utilizes this standard design of conventional sockets by employing these existing channels as sealing chambers. According to the invention, a sealing element is arranged in each sealing chamber. The individual conductors are guided through the channels formed in the sealing element, particularly the central channels, and preferably extend completely through the seal.

[0014] The measures according to the invention are sufficient to achieve partial fluid tightness in the area of ​​the contact chambers. Depending on the location of the housing in the motor vehicle, this measure may already be sufficient to permit the arrangement in areas with certain moisture exposure. For complete fluid tightness, and in particular water tightness, further features are preferred.

[0015] According to the invention, at least one of the sealing chambers has an oval, in particular elliptical, cross-sectional shape, especially an outer and / or inner cross-sectional shape. By deliberately deviating from the known circular cross-section, sufficient wall thickness can be advantageously provided despite the prevailing lack of space in bases with at least six contact chambers and sealing chambers, so that the walls of the sealing chambers are not damaged during demolding. This measure also advantageously eliminates the need for specially manufactured sealing elements. Instead, commercially available single-conductor seals known to those skilled in the art can be used, which also provide a full sealing effect in a sealing chamber modified according to the invention within the tolerance range of the seal. Such single-conductor seals are preferably made of rubber or synthetic plastics.They have an essentially hollow cylindrical cross-section. The inner and outer radii can vary along the longitudinal extent. The preferred embodiment thus allows for a particularly simple, user-friendly, and cost-effective, yet simultaneously effective, sealing of housings for relays with at least six, preferably nine or more terminals.

[0016] In housings known from the prior art, a channel and an associated contact chamber are arranged along a common central longitudinal axis. According to the invention, the contact chamber is arranged radially offset relative to the central longitudinal axis of the channel, which, according to the invention, is designed as a sealing chamber. This measure serves, on the one hand, to further facilitate demolding during the manufacture of the base. On the other hand, this offset improves the sealing effect of the sealing element in the sealing chamber. Specifically, the offset preferably also reduces the area of ​​the connecting opening between the contact chamber and the sealing chamber. An offset of between 0.05 mm and 1 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm, and particularly preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm has proven to be especially advantageous.

[0017] Preferably, the respective contact arranged in the contact chamber is also offset relative to the same axis. Preferably, the contact is also offset by the same amount, between 0.05 mm and 1 mm, more preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm, and particularly preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. The offset is selected such that the respective flat connector of the relay is no longer received exactly centered by the contact chamber as intended. However, the offset of the contact chamber and / or the contact according to the invention is within the tolerance range of the flat connector, so that the intended function is not impaired. Preferably, the offset is specifically tailored to this.

[0018] Preferably, the lid and / or the base can be made of a fluid-tight material, in particular a plastic. Polyethylene, polypropylene or comparable polyolefins, or also acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or polyurethane, are particularly preferred as plastics.

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferred to provide the circumferential contact surface between the lid and the base with a separate seal. This seal is also preferably made of rubber or a synthetic plastic. The seal is preferably annular. In cross-section, the seal can, in principle, be round or angular. Preferably, it is rectangular. It is preferred that the circumferential seal is arranged between the lid and the base when the housing is closed and is subjected to contact pressure in both the axial and radial directions. This increases the sealing effect many times over compared to seals subjected only to radial pressure. Specifically, this is achieved by arranging the seal, preferably completely, between the base and the lid both vertically and perpendicularly to the vertical direction of the housing.In this respect, a sealing effect is achieved in both radial and axial directions. The contact pressure can be further increased by equipping the base and cover with suitable connecting elements. Preferably, a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection is established between the two components. The connecting elements are preferably designed as locking devices for the formation of a snap-fit ​​connection, preferably releasable. The cover and base preferably have corresponding locking devices. It is preferably provided that the base has two locking hooks arranged opposite each other in the radial direction, which engage in corresponding locking projections on the cover, preferably from the outside, and transmit a force directed in both the radial and axial directions to the cover and thus to the circumferential seal. The seal is preferably arranged in a radial groove bounded by the cover and base.The seal is dimensioned larger than the volume of the groove. When pressure is applied, the seal is pressed and compressed radially and axially against the walls of the cover and the groove itself. This results in a particularly effective seal.

[0020] Preferably, the circumferential seal for radial compression has a sealing lip structure attached to one side, which creates a stepwise compression.

[0021] According to a preferred feature of the invention, the contact chamber has a square, in particular rectangular, cross-sectional shape, especially an inner cross-sectional shape. The cross-section thus corresponds to the outer cross-section of a flat connector of the relay. In this way, the shape of the contact chamber advantageously serves as a centering aid for the respective flat connector.

[0022] According to a preferred feature of the invention, a fastening means is provided on the base for directly attaching the base to an external housing support, in particular a vehicle. The fastening means is preferably designed as a tab. This design has the advantage that the base can be attached directly to the vehicle, so that the cover can be easily removed without disassembling the entire housing. The internal electronics, in particular the relay, can thus be easily replaced.

[0023] According to a preferred feature of the invention, a fastening means is provided on the cover for directly attaching the cover to an external housing support, in particular a vehicle. The fastening means is preferably designed as a locking lug. The locking lug is preferably arranged in a recess or pocket formed on the cover. The locking lug preferably interacts with a tab, in particular a metal tab, provided by the housing support. This design has the advantage that the cover can be attached directly to the vehicle, so that the base with the attached relay can be easily removed without disassembling the entire housing. The internal electronics, in particular the relay, can thus be easily replaced.

[0024] It is further preferred that a housing may comprise several sockets for accommodating multiple relays. A double-socket housing configuration is particularly preferred. In this configuration, either two single sockets are connected together and closed by a suitably dimensioned common cover. Alternatively, the socket can be formed in one piece and provide contact chambers, contacts, and sealing spaces for twice the corresponding number of relay connections. In this case as well, it is preferred that a suitably dimensioned common cover closes the housing.

[0025] The invention further relates to a modular system according to claim 12 comprising at least two housings according to the invention, wherein two or more housings can be coupled to one another via corresponding connecting means along parallel edges. This allows a highly flexible, waterproof arrangement of several relays to be implemented at system-critical points in the vehicle.

[0026] The connecting elements are preferably formed by mutually corresponding locking elements.

[0027] Preferably, individual housings can be coupled to form a modular system in two spatial directions, allowing for various planar configurations of the system. In this way, chains, blocks, or even entire surfaces can preferably be formed from housings.

[0028] The invention further relates to a system according to claim 13 comprising a housing according to the invention and an automotive relay with at least 6 poles or more poles, wherein the automotive relay is arranged in the fluid-tight sealed volume chamber of the cover, and wherein the automotive relay has flat connectors which are inserted into the respective corresponding contact chamber and are in contact with the respective corresponding electrical contact of the socket. The invention provides, for the first time, a fluid-tight system for relays with more poles. Preferably, the flat connectors are standardized flat connectors with a width of 2.8 x 0.8 mm, 6.3 x 0.8 mm and / or 9.5 x 1.2 mm (DIN 46 244 A).

[0029] In particular, the relay is an electronic relay, preferably a field-effect transistor, especially a MOSFET relay.

[0030] The invention is described in detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments. These exemplary embodiments serve only for illustrative purposes and are not to be understood as limiting the entire disclosure.

[0031] This shows Fig. 1 a housing according to the invention in various views; Fig. 2 a housing according to the invention in top view from below; Fig. 3 a housing according to the invention in sectional view; Fig. 4 a housing according to the invention in further sectional view; Fig. 5 a housing according to the invention in further sectional view; Fig. 6 a housing according to the invention in further sectional view; Fig. 7 a system according to the invention in various views; Fig. 8 a modular system according to the invention in various views.

[0032] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a housing 1 according to the invention, comprising a base 2 and a lid 3. The housing 1 is shown from three different sides (views A, B and C), and from above looking at the top of the lid 3 (view D).

[0033] The base 2 is visible, which is connected to the cover 3 as intended and seals the cover 3 in a fluid-tight manner. The base 2 is connected to the cover 3 by means of locking hooks 4 in a form-fitting and force-fit manner.

[0034] Furthermore, a mounting tab 5 is arranged on the base 2, which serves to attach the housing 1 to an external support structure, such as a suitably equipped vehicle. For this purpose, the mounting tab 5 has a central recess 6. The recess can be in the form of a bore.

[0035] Furthermore, a pocket 21 is formed on the lid 3, in which a locking lug 22 is received. The locking lug 22 serves to attach the housing 1 to an external support structure, such as a suitably equipped vehicle. The locking lug 22 is intended to interact with a metal tab provided by the support structure.

[0036] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows the housing according to the invention from below, looking towards the base 2. Corresponding connecting means 7, 8 can be seen. The connection with a further housing 1 with identical connecting means 7, 8 forms a connection in Figure 8The modular system shown in more detail serves this purpose. The connecting elements 7 and 8 are designed as corresponding form elements, which serve to create a positive-locking connection. The connecting element 7 has two webs extending in opposite directions, which engage in a recess formed in the connecting element 8.

[0037] This view also shows nine sealing chambers 9, arranged in a grid pattern. The outer walls 12 of each sealing chamber 9 contact the outer walls 12 of the immediately adjacent sealing chambers 9. This advantageously increases the mechanical stability of the sealing chambers and thus prevents undesirable compression of the sealing elements 23 arranged in the sealing chamber 9 in the radial direction, even under increased pressure. This increases the overall fluid tightness of the housing 1, even under comparatively high pressure. Sealing elements 23 are shown here as examples in sealing chambers 9.1, 9.3, 9.7, and 9.9. The sealing elements 23 are designed as single-conductor seals.

[0038] Contact chambers 10 extend towards the image plane, which are located in Fig. 1 Visually invisible, connect directly to the individual sealing chambers 9.

[0039] Figure 3shows a cross-sectional view along the in Figure 2 The axis BB is shown. Sealing chambers 9.1, 9.4 and 9.7 are visible. Sealing elements 23 are arranged in sealing chambers 9.1 and 9.7.

[0040] The sealing chambers 9.1, 9.4 and 9.7 are connected to contact chambers 10. In this case, contact chamber 10.1 connects to sealing chamber 9.1, contact chamber 10.4 connects to sealing chamber 9.4 and contact chamber 10.7 connects to sealing chamber 9.7.

[0041] The sealing element 23 arranged in the respective sealing chamber 9 seals the contact chamber 10 adjoining the respective sealing chamber 9 in a fluid-tight manner against moisture acting on the sealing chamber side.

[0042] When a relay 14 is arranged in the housing 1 as intended, the contact chambers 10 serve to accommodate relay connections, in particular a flat plug 18 each.

[0043] In the contact chamber 10, contacts 11, namely 11.1, 11.4 and 11.7, are arranged to establish an electrically conductive connection with the respective relay terminal 18.

[0044] The volume space 15 provided by the cover 3 is fluid-tightly sealed from the base 2. For this purpose, a circumferential seal 16 is used with reference to the plane of view B. Figure 2 The seal 16 is arranged radially and axially between the cover 3 and the base 2 and, in the closed state of the housing 1, is subjected to a contact pressure in precisely these directions. This ensures that the same fluid tightness, in particular water tightness, is achieved regardless of the spatial orientation of the housing 1. The base 2 provides a circumferential contact surface 24 against which the seal 16 is pressed radially when properly attached to the cover 3.

[0045] To generate the contact pressure, the following are located on opposite sides of the base: Figure 1 The illustrated locking hooks 4 are formed, which grip a circumferential edge 17 of the cover 3 from the outside and engage behind it in a form-fitting manner. This transmits a force to the seal in both the axial and radial directions.

[0046] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view along the in Figure 2 The axis AA is shown. Sealing chambers 9.2, 9.5 and 9.8 can be identified.

[0047] The sealing chambers 9.2, 9.5 and 9.8 are connected to contact chambers 10. In this case, contact chamber 10.2 connects to sealing chamber 9.2, contact chamber 10.5 connects to sealing chamber 9.5 and contact chamber 10.8 connects to sealing chamber 9.8.

[0048] In the contact chambers 10.2, 10.5 and 10.8, contacts 11, namely 11.2, 11.5 and 11.8, are arranged to establish an electrically conductive connection with the respective relay terminal 18.

[0049] In this case, contact chamber 10.2 and contact 11.2 are arranged offset from the central longitudinal axis AD1 of sealing chamber 9.2. Specifically, the central longitudinal axis AK1 of contact chamber 10.2 is radially offset from the longitudinal axis AD1 of sealing chamber 9.2. This offset is 0.4 mm. Furthermore, contact chamber 10.5 and contact 11.5 are arranged offset from the central longitudinal axis AD2 of sealing chamber 9.5. Specifically, the central longitudinal axis AK2 of contact chamber 10.5 is radially offset from the longitudinal axis AD2 of sealing chamber 9.5. This offset is also 0.4 mm.

[0050] In contrast, the sealing chamber 9.8, the contact chamber 10.8 and the contact 11.8 are arranged coaxially on the common central longitudinal axis AD3.

[0051] The sealing chambers 9, to which the contact chambers 10, offset with respect to the respective longitudinal axis, are connected, have an oval cross-sectional shape that deviates from a circular form. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to completely seal the sealing chambers fluid-tight and, on the other hand, to use conventional single-conductor seals that are available as mass-produced items. The single-conductor seals are not shown here.

[0052] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view along the in Figure 2 The axis CC is shown. Sealing chambers 9.4, 9.5 and 9.6 can be identified.

[0053] The sealing chambers 9.4, 9.5 and 9.6 are connected to contact chambers 10. In this case, contact chamber 10.4 connects to sealing chamber 9.4, contact chamber 10.5 connects to sealing chamber 9.5 and contact chamber 10.6 connects to sealing chamber 9.6.

[0054] In the contact chambers 10.4, 10.5 and 10.6, contacts 11, namely 11.4, 11.5 and 11.6, are arranged to establish an electrically conductive connection with the respective relay terminal 18.

[0055] In this case, contact chamber 10.4 and contact 11.4 are arranged offset from the central longitudinal axis AD4 of sealing chamber 9.4. Specifically, the central longitudinal axis AK3 of contact chamber 10.4 is radially offset from the longitudinal axis AD4 of sealing chamber 9.4. This offset is 0.4 mm. Furthermore, contact chamber 10.6 and contact 11.6 are arranged offset from the central longitudinal axis AD5 of sealing chamber 9.6. Specifically, the central longitudinal axis AK4 of contact chamber 10.6 is radially offset from the longitudinal axis AD5 of sealing chamber 9.6. This offset is also 0.4 mm.

[0056] In contrast, the sealing chamber 9.5, the contact chamber 10.5, and the contact 11.5 are arranged coaxially on the common central longitudinal axis AD2 when viewed from this direction. However, as shown in Figure 4described - sealing chamber 9.5 on the one hand and contact chamber 10.5 and contact 11.5 on the other hand are arranged offset one behind the other in the depth direction of the drawing plane.

[0057] Furthermore, in Figure 5 It can be seen that, to generate the contact pressure on the seal 16 on the base 2, locking hooks 4 are formed on opposite sides, which engage a circumferential edge 17 of the cover 3 from the outside and interlock positively. This transmits a force to the seal 16 in both the axial and radial directions.

[0058] Figure 6 a sectional view along the in Figure 4 The axis DD is shown. In this view, the contact chambers 10 and the contacts 11 arranged therein can be seen from the volume space 15.

[0059] Figure 7Figure 1 shows different views of a system 13 comprising a housing 1 and a vehicle relay 14. View 1 shows the system 13 from below, looking at the underside of the base 2. View B is a sectional view along the section axis AA, while view C shows a sectional view along the section axis BB.

[0060] View A shows the base 2, the fastening tab 5, the connecting means 7, 8, the grid-arranged sealing spaces 9 and the contact chambers 10.

[0061] Furthermore, the relay 14 and the contact chambers 10 are shown in the sectional views. The relay 14 is arranged in a volume chamber 15 provided by the cover 3, which is sealed fluid-tight by the base 2. For this purpose, a circumferential seal 16 is shown with reference to the plane of view B. Figure 2The seals are arranged radially and axially between the cover 3 and the base 2 and, in the closed state of the housing 1, are subjected to a contact pressure in precisely these directions. This ensures that the same fluid tightness, and in particular water tightness, is achieved regardless of the spatial orientation of the housing 1. To generate the contact pressure, locking hooks 4 are formed on opposite sides of the base 2, which engage a circumferential edge 17 of the cover 3 from the outside and interlock positively. This transmits a force to the seal in both the axial and radial directions.

[0062] With reference to view B, it can be seen that the nine flat connectors 18 of the present 9-pin automotive relay 14 are each inserted into a contact chamber 10 of the socket 2 and are in contact with the contact 11 located there.

[0063] In terms of materials, the lid and base are made of fluid-tight plastic. The seal 16 is made of rubber. The contacts 11 are made of an electrically conductive metal or alloy.

[0064] Figure 8 Figure 1 shows a modular system 19 according to the invention in top (view B) and bottom (view A) views.

[0065] Two housings 1 are visible, which are coupled to each other by means of corresponding connecting elements 7, 8. The housings 1 are connected to each other by means of the connecting elements 7, 8 at parallel edges of the respective base 2 via a positive locking connection 20.

[0066] The connecting elements 7, 8 are arranged on the corresponding edges of the respective base.

[0067] By coupling the housings to form the modular system, a majority of relays 14 can be arranged in a waterproof manner in damp or wet areas of a vehicle, and previously inaccessible control functions can be realized in these areas. Reference symbol list

[0068] 1 Housing 2 Base 3 Cover 4 Locking hook 5 Mounting tab 6 Recess 7 Connecting element 8 Connecting element 9 Sealing chamber 10 Contact chamber 11 Contact 12 Outer wall 13 System 14 Relay 15 Volume chamber 16 Circumferential seal 17 Circumferential edge 18 Flat connector 19 Modular system 20 Positive locking connection 21 Pocket 22 Locking lug 23 Sealing element 24 Contact surface AD1 Longitudinal axis Sealing chamber AD2 Longitudinal axis Sealing chamber AD3 Longitudinal axis Sealing chamber AD4 Longitudinal axis Sealing chamber AD5 Longitudinal axis Sealing chamber AK1 Longitudinal axis Contact chamber AK2 Longitudinal axis Contact chamber AK3 Longitudinal axis Contact chamber AK4 Longitudinal axis Contact chamber

Claims

1. Housing (1) for at least one at least 6-pole automotive relay (14) having at least six electrical terminals in the form of flat plugs (18), comprising a cover (3) which provides a one-sided open volume space (15) for receiving the automotive relay (14), and at least one base (2) which fluid-tightly closes the volume space (15) in the closed state, characterized in that the base (2), corresponding to the number of electrical terminals of the automotive relay (14), has at least six electrical contacts (11) for the electrical connection of the automotive relay (14), each electrical contact (11) being arranged in a separate contact chamber (10) that is open toward the volume space (15), each contact chamber (10) being followed by a sealing space (9) accessible from outside the housing (1), a sealing element (23) with a central channel for guiding electrical conductors being arranged in each sealing space (9), at least one of the contact chambers (10) being arranged offset relative to a central longitudinal axis (AD1-AD5) of the sealing space (9) that adjoins it, and at least this sealing space (9) having an oval cross-section.

2. Housing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, with respect to this longitudinal axis (AD1-AD5), the contact (11) arranged in the respective contact chamber (10) is also arranged offset.

3. Housing (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the offset is between 0.05 mm and 1 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.7 mm.

4. Housing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sealing element (23) is designed as a hollow-cylindrical single-conductor seal.

5. Housing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cover (3) and / or the base (2) are made of a fluid-tight material, in particular plastic.

6. Housing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the contact chamber (10) has an angular, in particular rectangular, cross-section, in particular an internal cross-section.

7. Housing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a circumferential seal (16) arranged between the cover (3) and the base (2) in the closed state and subjected to contact pressure in both the axial and radial directions.

8. Housing (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the circumferential seal (16) is arranged completely between the base (2) and the cover (3) both in the height direction and orthogonally to the height direction.

9. Housing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cover (3) and the base (2) can be connected in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner.

10. Housing (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the cover (3) and the base (2) have corresponding connecting elements (4), in particular locking means, for forming the connection.

11. Housing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by a fastening means (5) arranged on the base (2) for directly fastening the base (2) to an external housing carrier, in particular a vehicle.

12. Module system (19) comprising at least two housings (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein two or more housings (1) can be coupled to one another by mutually corresponding connecting means (7, 8) along parallel edges.

13. System comprising a housing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and an at least 6-pole automotive relay (14), wherein the automotive relay (14) is arranged in the fluid-tightly closed volume space (15) of the cover (3), the flat plugs (18) of the automotive relay (14) being inserted into the respective corresponding contact chamber (10) and in contact with the respective corresponding electrical contact (11) of the base (2).