Built-in connector housing made of soft material

Abstract

The present invention relates to a panel-mount connector 2, wherein the panel-mount connector 2 comprises: at least one contact element 9, a contact element carrier 7, wherein the at least one contact element 9 is received by the contact element carrier 7 and thus fixed within the panel-mount connector 2, and a housing pot 1, wherein the contact element carrier 7 is at least partially inserted into the housing pot 1, wherein the housing pot 1 is made of a material with a Shore A hardness in the range of 60 to 100.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a built-in connector, wherein the built-in connector is provided for establishing a plug connection, in particular a mechanically lockable connection, with a cable connector which is matched to the built-in connector as a counterpart and which can be inserted into an opening of the built-in connector. Background of the invention

[0002] Flush-mounted connectors with a multi-part design are known from the prior art. For example, document WO 2020 / 144005 A1 discloses an electrical charging socket for charging an electrically powered vehicle. In other known flush-mounted connectors, the contact pins, often also referred to as pins or sheets, are inserted into a contact carrier. This contact carrier, in addition to accommodating and aligning the contact pins, also has the function, among other things, of providing the interior space into which the cable connector is inserted to establish contact with the contact pins. This interior space can also have elements for locking the cable connector. Furthermore, in special embodiments of such flush-mounted connectors, the contact carrier provides a connecting flange, through whose mounting holes screws for screwing the flush-mounted connector to a mounting plate can be passed.

[0003] The contact carrier is inserted into a panel-mounted connector housing, with parts of the contact pins being pushed out again through specially designed openings. These parts of the contact pins protruding from the housing are then connected, for example, via terminals specifically designed for this purpose, to strands of a cable, such as a power cable. This cable provides the signal intended for transmission via the plug-in connection between the panel-mounted and cable connectors, such as a power supply signal.

[0004] In prior-art panel connectors, the panel connector housing is made of a hard, inelastic material (e.g., a harder thermoplastic), but this harder housing does not fit as tightly against the contact pins pushed out through the openings in the housing. Consequently, these interference fits between the prior-art panel connector housing and the corresponding contact pins are leaky / permeable to dust, water, and / or air.

[0005] Such a leak between the housing and the contact pin is particularly problematic for outdoor applications of the panel connector (e.g., loudspeaker boxes at open-air festivals). Rainfall, for example, can occur at any time, and moisture can penetrate the panel connector if no cable connector is plugged in and the sealing cap intended for temporarily closing and sealing the interior of the panel connector has not been installed. The moisture that has penetrated can then trickle down to the interference fit between the panel connector housing and the contact pin and collect there.Since, as already mentioned, this press fit is not water-tight due to the harder housing material, especially when it comes to water, there is a risk with state-of-the-art built-in connectors that the moisture will penetrate further into the device and thus lead to a short circuit, which can damage the device and, in the worst case, injure bystanders.

[0006] State-of-the-art panel connectors solve the described problem by additionally sealing the contact points between the contact pins and the housing using sealants such as adhesives, sealing pastes, sealing rings (e.g., O-rings), etc. However, this reveals a disadvantage of panel connector housings or panel connectors of the state-of-the-art, as these additional components / sealing materials result in additional costs (e.g., material procurement costs, additional machines / employees) and, for example, additional labor, for example, due to additional work steps. For example, before assembling the panel connector by plugging together the panel connector housing, contact carrier, and contact pins, the corresponding sealing rings must be inserted / attached, or the still-liquid adhesive must be applied. Object of the invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a built-in connector which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, particularly in light of the strict requirements with regard to safety and the worldwide established installation dimensions.

[0008] A further object is to provide a built-in connector in which the creation of a seal against dust, air and / or water is simplified, thereby enabling outdoor use, reducing the risk of short circuits and / or meeting certain standards without additional work.

[0009] These objects are achieved by implementing at least some of the characterizing features of claim 1. Features that further develop the invention in an alternative or advantageous manner can be found in some of the remaining features of claim 1 and the dependent claims. Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention relates to a built-in connector for establishing a plug-in connection, in particular a mechanically lockable one, with a cable connector that is matched to the built-in connector as a counterpart and can be inserted into an opening of the built-in connector. The plug-in connection between the built-in connector and the cable connector enables signal transmission, in particular a power supply signal, a digital signal, or an analog signal. The built-in connector is designed to be attached to a mounting plate. The built-in connector comprises: at least one (signal transmission) contact element, wherein the at least one contact element is provided to come into contact with a cable connector-side (signal transmission) contact element counterpart upon entering the plug-in connection and thereby provide signal transmission across the plug-in connection, a contact element carrier (wherein the contact element carrier provides the opening of the built-in connector provided for inserting the cable connector, hereinafter referred to as the insertion opening), wherein the at least one contact element is received by the contact element carrier and thus fixed within the built-in connector, and a pot-shaped built-in connector housing, hereinafter referred to as the housing pot, wherein the contact element carrier is at least partially inserted into the housing pot, wherein the housing pot is made of a material with a Shore A hardness in the range of 60 to 100.

[0011] In a non-claimed embodiment of the inventive flush-type connector, the housing pot is made of a material with a Shore A hardness in the range from 65 to 95, in particular in the range from 75 to 95. When selecting the hardness of the material or the composition of the components that provide the hardness of the material, the aspects of tightness and processability must be taken into account. If the material selected is too hard, then although processability is easier, in particular by injection molding, the sealing effect is reduced. If the material is too soft, the sealing effect is very good, but fine structures such as sealing lips are difficult to manufacture (e.g. undercuts are hardly possible in the injection molding process). In particular with a Shore A hardness in the range from 65 to 95, both tightness and processability of the housing pot are guaranteed.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of the built-in connector according to the invention, the material consists at least predominantly of a plastic.

[0013] For example, the housing shell material can be made of at least 60%, particularly at least 80%, plastic, with additives such as plasticizers or flame retardants mixed into the plastic. Especially for powerCON type panel connectors (powerCON chassis sockets) from Neutrik AG in Liechtenstein, also known as the Neutrik Group, it is of great importance that the housing shell material is flame-retardant, which can be achieved, for example, by adding flame retardants to the housing shell material.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the built-in connector according to the invention, the plastic is a thermoplastic (or a thermoplastic elastomer), in particular one of the following thermoplastics: Polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane (e.g. "thermoplastic polyurethane"), other thermoplastic elastomers (e.g. styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS)), or polystyrene.

[0015] According to the invention, the housing pot has: a housing shell, in particular a cylindrical one (wherein the housing shell runs around a central axis of the housing pot, in particular where the central axis of the housing pot corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the housing pot), a plug-in end (forming a cover surface), wherein a (contact element carrier) insertion opening extends within the plug-in end, through which the contact element carrier is at least partially inserted into the housing pot (in the axial direction of the central axis), and a housing base (forming a base surface, in particular a circular one), wherein at least one (contact element) extension opening extends within the housing base, through which the contact element is at least partially extended out of the housing pot (in the axial direction of the central axis) (wherein a housing interior is delimited at least by the housing shell and the housing base).

[0016] The axial direction of the center axis of the housing pot is the direction in which the center axis runs from the mating end of the housing (top surface) to the housing bottom (base surface). This direction also corresponds, among other things, to the insertion direction of the contact element carrier into the housing pot and the insertion direction of the cable connector into the contact element carrier (or the insertion direction of the cable connector into the panel connector).

[0017] The at least one contact element is received by the contact element carrier in such a way, for example, that a first partial region of the contact element is inserted into the contact element carrier and is fixed there, for example, by hooking, clamping, or gluing, while a second partial region of the contact element protrudes from the end piece of the contact element carrier, which is inserted into the housing pot through the insertion opening. Since the contact element carrier is inserted so far into the housing pot that this end piece abuts the housing base, the second partial region of the contact element protruding from the end piece is pushed out of the housing pot through the extension opening. Consequently, it can also be said that the at least one contact element is at least partially received by the contact element carrier and thus at least partially fixed within the flush-type connector.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the inventive built-in connector the at least one ejection opening has a geometric shape that corresponds at least largely to the geometric shape of a cross-sectional area of the at least one contact element running orthogonally to a longitudinal axis through the at least one contact element (at least largely here means that the respective shape is fundamentally the same, but, for example, angles can deviate in the single-digit angle range or sides of the shape can be slightly curved inwards or outwards), the at least one ejection opening extends within the housing base with an area that is smaller than or equal to said cross-sectional area of the at least one contact element, and / or the at least one ejection opening lies with an area (encircling the at least one ejection opening and extending over an entire thickness of the housing base) in the at least one ejection opening (in other words,the inner surface of the extension opening) to the contact element pushed at least partially through the at least one extension opening in such a way that a press fit is formed between said surface and the contact element pushed at least partially through the at least one extension opening (only the second partial area of the contact element is pushed through the extension opening, since the first partial area of the contact element is fixed within the contact element carrier) over the entire thickness of the housing base, in particular wherein o the surface extending into the at least one extension opening is not everted by the contact element pushed out (in the axial direction of the central axis), ∘ the housing base has a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, in particular 1.5 mm to 2 mm,and / or o the press fit formed (between the surface extending into the at least one ejection opening and the contact element pushed through the at least one ejection opening) is impermeable to water and / or air (both in a direction from the housing interior towards an outside of the housing pot and in a direction from the outside of the housing pot towards the housing interior).

[0019] The inventive design of the built-in connector with a housing pot made of a softer, more elastic material than in prior art built-in connectors has the advantage that the housing pot and the at least one extension opening can be manufactured with dimensions such that, on the one hand, the housing pot fits snugly against the contact element carrier when it is inserted, which is made of a harder plastic (e.g., a harder thermoplastic), and, on the other hand, the at least one extension opening conforms to the contact element being pushed through. In other words, the extension opening has a slightly smaller area than the cross-sectional area of that part of the contact element which is pushed out of the housing pot through the extension opening, so that the extension opening expands when the contact element is pushed out, for which a certain force must be applied.The surface extending into the extension opening then presses onto the contact element with a force that counteracts this expansion, creating a so-called press fit between the extension opening and the contact element. Because the housing cup of the inventive panel connector is made of a softer, more elastic material (e.g., comparable to rubber), it can expand more easily and, at the same time, conform better to the contact element. In this way, press fits between the soft, elastic housing cup and the harder, less elastic contact element are impermeable to dust, water, and / or air, making the entire panel connector, when installed, dust-, water-, and airtight, even if, for example, the sealing cap was forgotten to be placed over the insertion opening of the panel connector during rainfall, allowing water to enter the panel connector.

[0020] Due to the watertight and airtight press fit between the soft, elastic housing pot and the at least one contact element, the built-in connector having the housing pot is able to meet the IP65 and IP67 standards, even when the sealing cap is not in place or the cable connector is plugged in, without the need for additional components / sealing materials (such as a liquid sealant that hardens after application). Consequently, the built-in connector according to the invention can save additional costs (e.g. material procurement costs, additional machines / employees) and additional labor, for example through additional work steps, on the one hand. These additional costs / work steps are therefore not incurred with the built-in connector according to the invention, since the watertight and airtight press fit between the soft, elastic housing pot and the at least one contact element means that the built-in connector according to the invention does not require any additional components / sealing materials.Because of the airtight press fits, no further sealing is necessary, which is why the disadvantages of the state of the art have been overcome.

[0021] The use of a thermoplastic (or a thermoplastic elastomer) as the main component for the soft material has, among other advantages, that the housing pot can be manufactured by injection molding, pressing or vulcanizing and that the housing has an insulating effect against electrical current.

[0022] As already described, the three ejection openings in the housing base are particularly sensitive points on the housing pot, where leaks often occur. In prior art built-in connector housings, which, as already described, are generally made of a harder material, in particular predominantly of a harder thermoplastic (or thermoplastic elastomer), attempts are made to seal the contact area between the edge of the ejection opening and the contact element pushed through this opening by designing the ejection opening with a smaller surface area than the cross-sectional area of the contact element. In this way, the contact element presses against the edge of the ejection opening when pushed out of the housing interior, folding it outwards. The outwardly folded edge of the ejection opening is then provided with a sealing paste, for example.

[0023] However, with such a design, a slight overpressure within the built-in connector is sufficient to push open the outwardly folded edge of the ejection opening, thus causing the built-in connector to leak again. Such overpressure can be triggered by temperature fluctuations within the device, for example, by the device heating up rapidly in direct sunlight.

[0024] The aforementioned exemplary embodiment of the built-in connector according to the invention solves this problem by adapting the geometric shape of the extension opening to the shape of the cross-sectional area of the contact element. This means that, for example, in the case of a flat, rectangular contact element (often referred to as a sheet) with a rectangular cross-sectional area, the extension opening is also rectangular. Alternatively or additionally, the area of the extension opening is, for example, only slightly smaller than the cross-sectional area of the contact element, whereby the edge of the extension opening does not fold outwards when the contact element is pushed through. In this way, the press fit of the contact element in the extension opening rests against the contact element over the entire area within the extension opening and is not forced open by excess pressure within the built-in connector.

[0025] In a non-claimed embodiment, with a rectangularly shaped cross-sectional area of the at least one contact element, the at least one ejection opening has a largely rectangular shape, wherein in this largely rectangular shape the two longer sides of the rectangle are designed as bulges / curvatures directed towards a rectangle center, in particular wherein the at least one ejection opening thus has at least largely a shape similar to a biconcave lens.

[0026] The aforementioned exemplary, unclaimed embodiment of the inventive flush-type connector has the advantage that, thanks to the particularly thick housing base, the press fit between the contact element and the ejection opening is formed over a larger area on the contact element than in the prior art with significantly thinner housing bases. This larger press fit area results in improved sealing due to the resulting larger sealing surface and improved additional hold of the contact element within the ejection opening due to the resulting larger support surface.Furthermore, when a contact element is pushed through the ejection opening, the housing base does not turn outwards due to the increased stability provided by the additional thickness, whereby the press fit is applied to the contact element over the entire surface within the ejection opening and is not forced open by excess pressure within the built-in plug.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the contact element carrier comprises: an insertion opening provided for inserting the cable connector, a contact element carrier interior extending from the insertion opening to an end piece spaced apart from the insertion opening (in the axial direction of a central axis of the contact element carrier), (wherein the contact element carrier interior is provided to receive the inserted cable connector), wherein the end piece o provides a stop for the inserted cable connector, and o at least one contact element receiving opening (the first partial region of the contact element is guided through this receiving opening and then fixed within the contact element carrier), and a connecting flange (extending orthogonally to the central axis of the contact element carrier / radially outwards), wherein the connecting flange is arranged on the insertion opening.

[0028] Because the connecting flange extends radially further outward than the diameter of the insertion opening, it prevents the contact element carrier from being fully inserted into the housing cup. The end of the contact element carrier with the connecting flange thus remains outside the housing cup, which is why the contact element carrier is at least partially inserted into the housing cup.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the insertion-side end of the housing pot has a flange-like projection (extending orthogonally to the center axis of the housing pot / radially), wherein the flange-like projection, on a side of the flange-like projection directed opposite to the direction of insertion of the contact element carrier into the housing pot (i.e. on the side of the flange-like projection directed opposite to the axial direction of the central axis of the housing pot) is applied to the connecting flange of the contact element carrier, and / or on a side of the flange-like projection directed in the axial direction to the direction of insertion of the contact element carrier into the housing pot (i.e. on the side of the flange-like projection directed in the axial direction of the central axis of the housing pot) is adapted to be placed against a mounting plate, in particular wherein the flange-like projection has at least largely the same shape and extent as the connecting flange of the contact element carrier, so that the flange-like projection applied to the connecting flange of the contact element carrier is at least largely flush with the connecting flange of the contact element carrier.

[0030] In a non-claimed embodiment, the flange-like projection has a first sealing lip, wherein the first sealing lip is arranged on the side of the flange-like projection facing opposite to the direction of insertion of the contact element carrier into the housing pot, completely encircles the flange-like projection, and / or is applied to the connecting flange of the contact element carrier in such a way that a press fit is formed between the first sealing lip and the connecting flange of the contact element carrier, in particular wherein the press fit formed between the first sealing lip and the connecting flange of the contact element carrier is impermeable to water and / or air (in both directions).

[0031] In a non-claimed embodiment, the flange-like projection (on the side opposite to the axial direction of the central axis) at least one elevation (directed opposite to the axial direction of the central axis), wherein the at least one elevation of the flange-like projection is inserted into at least one recess of the connecting flange that is matched thereto in such a way that a press fit is formed between the elevation of the flange-like projection and the recess of the connecting flange that is matched thereto, and / or at least one depression (directed in the axial direction of the central axis), wherein the at least one recess of the flange-like projection has received at least one elevation of the connecting flange that is matched thereto in such a way that a press fit is formed between the recess of the flange-like projection and the elevation of the connecting flange that is matched thereto.

[0032] In a further embodiment, at least one radially projecting connecting strip (in a direction orthogonal to the central axis of the housing pot) is formed on the flange-like projection, to the outer end of which a particularly pot-shaped sealing plug is fastened, wherein the particularly pot-shaped sealing plug has an outer diameter which is slightly (in the millimeter range) larger than an inner diameter of an insertion opening of the contact element carrier, so that when the particularly pot-shaped sealing plug is inserted into the insertion opening, a press fit is formed between the particularly pot-shaped sealing plug and a surface (circumferentially surrounding the insertion opening and) extending into the insertion opening (i.e. the inner surface of the insertion opening), in particular wherein on the side of the sealing plug opposite the connecting strip, a full-surface grip tab protrudes, and / or the press fit formed between the in particular pot-shaped sealing plug and the surface extending into the insertion opening (both in a direction from a contact element carrier interior towards an outside of the contact element carrier and in a direction from the outside of the contact element carrier towards the contact element carrier interior) is impermeable to water and / or air.

[0033] In a non-claimed embodiment, the flange-like projection has a rectangular shape, in particular with rounded corners, wherein the radially projecting connecting strip is formed, in particular centrally / centered, on one side of the flange-like projection, in particular wherein the radially projecting connecting strip is formed on the side of the flange-like projection in such a way that an angle in the range of 70 degrees to 110 degrees, in particular 90 degrees, is formed between the side of the flange-like projection and the connecting strip.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the flange-like projection has a rectangular shape, in particular with rounded corners, wherein the radially projecting connecting strip is formed on a, in particular rounded, corner of the flange-like projection, in particular wherein the radially projecting connecting strip is formed on the, in particular rounded, corner of the flange-like projection in such a way that an angle in the range of 120 degrees to 140 degrees, in particular 135 degrees, is formed between a longer side of the two sides of the flange-like projection forming said, in particular rounded, corner.

[0035] In state-of-the-art panel-mounted connectors, the radially projecting connecting strip, together with the sealing plug attached to it, is not formed as part of the housing pot, but as a separate part that is attached centrally to one side of the connecting flange. This part is attached, for example, in such a way that the connecting strip projects vertically upwards or vertically downwards, i.e., a 90-degree angle is formed between the corresponding side of the connecting flange and the connecting strip. However, this type of arrangement of the connecting strip has the disadvantage that when several panel-mounted connectors are arranged vertically next to one another, which is quite common in loudspeaker boxes, for example, the connecting strip and the sealing plug protrude over the insertion opening of the panel-mounted connector arranged directly above or below, thus hindering the insertion process of this panel-mounted connector.

[0036] The exemplary embodiment of the invention described above has the advantage that, due to the arrangement at a corner of the flange-like projection of the housing and the alignment of the connecting strip, for example, along a diagonal of the flange-like projection, the connecting strip and the sealing plug extend past the built-in connector above or below it in a vertical arrangement of several panel connectors next to one another, thus not disrupting the insertion process. In particular, the connecting strip is oriented diagonally upwards (and not diagonally downwards), as this prevents rainwater from collecting in the sealing plug.When four panel-mounted connectors according to the invention are arranged in a square 2x2 arrangement, the respective connecting strip can be positioned, in particular, at the corner facing the center of the 2x2 arrangement, whereby all four connecting strips and sealing plugs extend into this center. In this way, several panel-mounted connectors equipped with the housing housing according to the invention can be arranged in a very small space without having to accept the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0037] In a non-claimed embodiment, the flange-like projection has two recesses, in particular arranged in diagonally opposite rounded corners of the flange-like projection, for the passage of fastening means, intended to fasten the built-in connector to the mounting plate, wherein the two recesses are positioned coaxially to mounting holes, in particular arranged in diagonally opposite rounded corners of the connecting flange, in particular wherein a respective diameter of the two recesses corresponds to a respective diameter of the mounting holes.

[0038] In a non-claimed embodiment, the two diagonally opposite rounded corners of the flange-like projection, in each of which one of the two recesses for the passage of fastening means is arranged, each have a smaller radial extent than the two diagonally opposite rounded corners of the connecting flange, in each of which one of the two mounting holes is arranged.

[0039] In a non-claimed embodiment, the flange-like projection has a second sealing lip, wherein the second sealing lip is arranged on the side of the flange-like projection directed in the direction of insertion of the contact element carrier into the housing pot (or in the axial direction of the central axis), completely surrounds the flange-like projection, each of the two recesses for the passage of fastening means (circular) completely surrounds, and / or can be placed on the mounting plate in such a way that a press fit is formed between the second sealing lip and the mounting plate, in particular wherein the press fit formed between the second sealing lip and the mounting plate is impermeable to water and / or air (in both directions).

[0040] In some specific embodiments, the housing cup of the inventive flush-mount connector has a flange-like projection, which, when the connecting flange is screwed onto the mounting plate, is pressed against both the connecting flange and the mounting plate, thus acting, among other things, as a seal between these two parts. Because the flange-like projection, like the housing cup, is made of the soft, rubber-like material, the flange-like projection is strongly compressed, particularly in the areas around the screw feedthroughs. Lateral protrusion of the flange-like projection under the connecting flange at these strongly compressed points is prevented by the fact that the flange-like projection has a smaller extension in these areas than the connecting flange.The first and second sealing lips each serve to create a corresponding press fit that seals even with a low contact pressure.

[0041] In a non-claimed embodiment, the at least one ejection opening is positioned within the housing base in such a way that the ejection opening 2 mm to 6 mm, in particular 3 mm to 5 mm, from an outer edge of the housing base, and / or 5 mm to 9 mm, in particular 6 mm to 8 mm, from a center point of the housing base, is spaced apart.

[0042] In a non-claimed embodiment, a wall-like elevation is arranged on a side of the housing base facing the housing interior, wherein the wall-like elevation, rises from the housing base in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion of the contact element carrier into the housing pot (or opposite to the axial direction of the central axis), encircles the housing base, in particular in a ring shape, at a distance from the housing shell (free-standing, without touching the housing shell), has a third sealing lip on a side of the wall-like elevation facing the central axis, wherein the third sealing lip extends at least approximately orthogonally (deviation from the vertical in the single-digit angular range possible) from the side of the wall-like elevation facing the central axis towards the central axis, and / or bears against the contact element carrier inserted into the housing pot in the axial direction of the central axis in such a way that o a first press fit is formed between the third sealing lip and the contact element carrier, and / or o a second press fit is formed between the wall-like elevation and the contact element carrier,in particular wherein the first and / or the second press fit is impermeable to water and / or air (in both directions).

[0043] When the contact element carrier is pushed in and pressed against the housing base in state-of-the-art built-in connectors, the housing shell is pushed slightly to the side in the area of the housing base (because the housing shell is curved inwards, for example, to fit against the contact element carrier), which increases the tension within the housing base. This increase in tension can result in the press fit between the ejection opening located near the housing shell and a contact element located in this opening becoming distorted and thus becoming leaky. As already described, this problem is also solved by additionally sealing the contact point between the ejection opening and the contact element using sealants such as adhesives, sealing pastes, or O-rings.The inventive flush-type connector, however, solves the problem of tension occurring in the housing base and the associated leakage between the ejection opening and the contact element by arranging the wall-like protrusion in a free-standing manner within the housing interior without contact with the housing shell. In this way, when the contact element carrier is pushed into the housing base, the wall-like protrusion is pushed slightly to the side by the contact element carrier, thus forming the first interference fit between the third sealing lip and the contact element carrier and / or the second interference fit between the wall-like protrusion and the contact element carrier without any increase in tension within the housing base (colloquially, it can also be said that the wall-like protrusion has "some play" and can thus be pushed away without deforming the housing base).

[0044] In a further embodiment, three ejection openings extend within the housing base.

[0045] In a further embodiment, a (contact element) separating element is arranged on an outer side of the housing base, wherein the separating element, rises further from the housing base (in the axial direction to the central axis of the housing pot) than the contact element pushed at least partially through the at least one ejection opening, and / or extends on the housing base (orthogonal to the central axis of the housing pot) such that a radial extension of the separating element on the housing base is less than or equal to a radial extension of the housing base.

[0046] In a not claimed embodiment, the separating element is designed as a partition wall between two of the three ejection openings extending within the housing base, and / or two of three contact elements each pushed at least partially through one of the three ejection openings, formed, in particular wherein the partition wall is designed as a three-pointed star, the center of symmetry (center point) of which is arranged coaxially to the center axis of the housing pot on the housing base.

[0047] In an embodiment not claimed, the housing shell, in particular cylindrical, and the contact element carrier each have a radial extension such that a press fit is formed between the housing shell, in particular cylindrical, and the contact element carrier which is at least partially inserted through the insertion opening into the housing pot.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the following parts of the housing pot the housing shell, the housing base and the insertion end, the housing shell, the housing base, the insertion end and the flange-like projection, the housing shell, the housing base, the insertion end, the flange-like projection, the radially projecting connecting strip and the particularly pot-shaped sealing plug, or the housing shell, the housing base, the insertion end, the flange-like projection, the radially projecting connecting strip, the particularly pot-shaped sealing plug and the separating element, formed in one piece.

[0049] In a further embodiment, the integrally formed parts of the housing pot are made of the material with the Shore A hardness in the range from 60 to 100, in particular wherein the integrally formed parts of the housing pot are manufactured by means of injection molding, pressing or vulcanizing.

[0050] By making as many of the above-mentioned parts of the housing pot as possible in one piece from the soft, flexible material, there are no contact points, gaps, transitions, etc. between these parts where leaks could occur or that would require additional sealing with an O-ring or adhesive. This also eliminates the need for sealing materials and fewer work steps compared to the state of the art. Furthermore, all functions of the housing pot are combined in a single part, which in turn allows for simplified handling (or assembly, since fewer parts need to be plugged together).

[0051] The injection molding process enables simple production of the respective parts of the housing pot and, in particular, simple production of the one-piece housing pot from these parts. For production using the injection molding process, the material used must first be melted and then injected into the corresponding mold. Furthermore, the material must be able to solidify in the corresponding mold upon cooling and retain this solidified shape until reheated. It is therefore particularly advantageous for the soft material to be a thermoplastic or to consist predominantly of this thermoplastic (or thermoplastic elastomer) (additives such as plasticizers or flame retardants are often added), since many thermoplastics have the properties described above and are therefore suitable for injection molding.Furthermore, some thermoplastics have a Shore hardness, especially amorphous thermoplastics such as low-density polyethylene (LD-PE), atactic polypropylene (PP-at) or atactic polystyrene (PS-at), which is quite close to the Shore hardness of the soft material of the housing pot.

[0052] The advantages of manufacturing the housing pot according to the invention using injection molding are that, on the one hand, the injection molding process allows for high-precision manufacturing and, on the other hand, that various components (e.g., plastic and flame retardant) can be mixed together in different proportions according to a "recipe." Subsequently, it can be tested whether the final product exhibits the desired material properties with the used recipe, and the recipe can be adjusted if necessary.

[0053] A further advantage of an embodiment of the housing pot according to the invention compared to the prior art is that the housing pot has the aforementioned Shore A hardness despite the addition of a flame retardant. Producing such a flame-retardant V0 material in this Shore A hardness range is a major challenge, since materials previously treated with such flame retardant become very hard and brittle, thus losing their sealing effect. Flame retardancy is particularly important for powerCON type panel connectors, as these connectors must comply with the UL 94 standard (i.e., the material and connector must be V0 certified according to UL94 at 1 mm). Due to the standards and requirements of these standards, it is advantageous to add flame retardant (a certain proportion of a flame-retardant additive) to this material.The protection category can be determined by the percentage of flame-retardant additive added to the overall mixture.

[0054] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the material of the housing can also be UV-stabilized (according to UN standard UL50E, and thus requires a UL f1 certificate). For this purpose, UV stabilizers of 10-15 wt% (by weight), 10-15 mol% (by mole), or 10-15 vol% (by volume) are added to the material. Due to the UV stabilization, the panel connector according to the invention or the housing can according to the invention can be used outdoors. An example of this is the "True Outdoor Protection" (TOP) product series from Neutrik AG of Liechtenstein, also known as the Neutrik Group.

[0055] The soft material of the housing pot according to the invention is furthermore designed in such a way that so-called undercuts can also be realized during the production of the housing by means of an injection molding process, which enables, for example, the design of the first sealing lip or the wall-like elevation.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment of the built-in connector according to the invention, the contact element carrier is made of a material with a Shore D hardness in the range of 60 to 100.

[0057] Although one of the main functions of the contact element carrier is to accommodate the contact elements, in particular three, (also called pins or sheets), the term contact element carrier does not simply refer to a contact element holder. The contact element carrier also has the task of providing the socket for receiving the cable plug as well as elements for locking the cable plug in this socket. Furthermore, in special embodiments, the contact element carrier provides the connecting flange, through whose mounting holes screws are passed for screwing the contact element carrier to the mounting plate (e.g. a loudspeaker box). The connecting flange is pressed against the mounting plate and thus prevents the contact element carrier or the entire built-in connector from slipping through the recess in the mounting plate.In state-of-the-art flush-mount connector housings, the housing is often slipped over the contact element carrier without itself having a flange-like projection that can also press against the mounting plate or be screwed to it. In addition to the functions mentioned above, the contact element carrier also serves as a kind of skeleton or support structure that accommodates the other parts of the flush-mount connector or is surrounded by them. As a supporting and shaping structure, for example, it spans the interior of the flush-mount connector intended for receiving and locking the cable connector and enables the fixation of the flush-mount connector to the mounting plate.

[0058] Since the contact element carrier is intended to form the support structure / skeleton of the flush-type connector, it is particularly advantageous if the contact element carrier is made of a harder material than the housing pot. Since, in one advantageous embodiment, the contact element carrier is manufactured using injection molding, pressing, or vulcanization, just like the housing pot, it is particularly advantageous if the material of the contact element carrier comprises a thermoplastic, in particular consists predominantly of this thermoplastic. Since the contact element carrier in this exemplary embodiment has a Shore hardness within a certain range, it is particularly advantageous to use a thermoplastic with a similar Shore hardness for the material of the contact element carrier. Semi-crystalline thermoplastics, such as isotactic PP, isotactic PS, or high-density polyethylene (HD-PE), would be suitable for this purpose.

[0059] In a non-claimed embodiment, the contact element carrier is at least partially inserted into the housing pot (in the axial direction of the central axis of the housing pot) in such a way that the central axis of the contact element carrier and the central axis of the housing pot are coaxial, the end piece on the side of the housing base facing the housing interior is guided at least partially past the wall-like elevation and in particular also past the third sealing lip and / or at least partially abuts the wall-like elevation, so that o a first press fit is formed between the third sealing lip and the contact element carrier, and / or o a second press fit is formed between the wall-like elevation and the contact element carrier, in particular wherein the first and / or the second press fit (in both directions) is impermeable to water and / or air, and / or the at least one contact element receiving opening is aligned with the at least one ejection opening extending within the housing base,that the contact element located in the at least one contact element receiving opening is at least partially pushed out of the built-in connector through the at least one push-out opening in the axial direction of the central axis of the housing pot.

[0060] In a non-claimed embodiment, the at least one contact element a first partial area which is received by the contact element carrier (e.g. by insertion into the at least one contact element receiving opening) and is fixed within the built-in connector in such a way that the first partial area, when the cable connector is inserted into the insertion opening, comes into contact with the contact element counterpart on the cable connector side and thereby provides signal transmission across the plug connection, and a second partial area which protrudes from the contact element carrier in such a way (i.e., rises from the end piece in the axial direction relative to the direction of insertion of the contact element carrier into the housing pot) that the second partial area is pushed out of the built-in connector through the at least one push-out opening and thus rises (in the axial direction relative to the direction of insertion of the contact element carrier into the housing pot) from the housing base,so that the second sub-region can be contacted with a cable end piece, in particular a stranded wire, of a cable intended to provide a signal intended for signal transmission across the plug connection, in particular the power supply signal, the digital signal or the analogue signal (for example by crimping, welding, soldering or clamping with special clamps), wherein the first sub-region and the second sub-region are formed in one piece.

[0061] In a further embodiment three contact elements are at least partially accommodated by the contact element carrier, and / or three ejection openings extend within the housing base.

[0062] In a non-claimed embodiment, the built-in connector is provided, the mechanically lockable plug connection with a cable connector of the type 3-pin mains connector (e.g. a powerCON connector from Neutrik AG in Liechtenstein, also known under the name Neutrik Group), in particular wherein the built-in connector is designed as a 3-pin power supply chassis socket (e.g. a powerCON chassis socket from Neutrik AG in Liechtenstein, also known under the name Neutrik Group), or the following cable connector types ∘ IEC, ∘ XLR, ∘ RJ45, ∘ HDMI, ∘ USB, or ∘ RCA, in particular wherein the built-in connector is designed as a chassis socket adapted accordingly to this cable connector type.

[0063] In a non-claimed embodiment, the built-in connector is provided to be inserted into a recess in a mounting plate in such a way that the housing pot rests on and is supported by an inner surface of a mounting plate recess (e.g. the housing pot rests against the housing shell), and / or the flange-like projection rests on the front of the mounting plate on a side of the flange-like projection directed towards a front of the mounting plate (i.e. on the side of the flange-like projection directed in the axial direction of the center axis of the housing pot), wherein the front of the mounting plate is directed from where the cable connector can be brought to the mounting connector when mounted on the mounting plate.

[0064] In a non-claimed embodiment, the contact element carrier has a locking mechanism for the cable connector to provide a mechanically lockable plug connection, in particular wherein the contact element carrier interior a mechanical retaining element which is provided, as part of a first part of a locking mechanism which is actuated by rotation of the cable connector in a screwing-in direction when the cable connector is at least partially inserted into the contact element carrier interior (and accordingly also into the built-in connector), to block a cable connector-side retaining element counterpart with respect to an axial movement in the cable connector withdrawal direction, and a mechanical closing element which is provided, as part of a second part of the locking mechanism which is actuated by moving a cable connector-side locking slide, to cause an engagement of a lock of the cable connector connected to the locking slide into the closing element and thus to prevent the cable connector from rotating in the unscrewing direction,which is directed opposite to the screwing direction.

[0065] In a non-claimed embodiment, the retaining element is arranged and designed such that the retaining element counterpart engages behind the retaining element after actuation of the first part of the locking mechanism.

[0066] In an unclaimed embodiment the mechanical retaining element is designed as a groove arrangement, wherein grooves of the groove arrangement first extend axially and thereby serve in particular as key counterparts for key elements of the cable connector, and then run normal to the axis or slightly obliquely to the axis and serve in this region as a retaining component, wherein the retaining element counterpart is designed as a nose arrangement which is inserted into the groove arrangement when the plug connection is inserted and is blocked against axial withdrawal by the groove arrangement region which runs normal or slightly obliquely to the axis, or the mechanical retaining element is designed as a nose arrangement and the retaining element counterpart as a groove arrangement, wherein grooves of the groove arrangement - in the plugged-in state - first extend axially and thereby serve as key elements for the nose arrangement which serves in particular as key counterparts,and then run normal to the axis or slightly diagonal to the axis, whereby the groove arrangement area extending normal or slightly diagonal to the axis engages behind the nose arrangement when the plug connection is made, thereby blocking the cable connector against axial withdrawal.

[0067] In a non-claimed embodiment, the retaining element is arranged and provided with an oblique course in such a way that by and upon actuation of the first part of the locking mechanism, the retaining element counterpart is moved along the oblique course until the retaining element counterpart encounters a rotary stop and thus a final insertion position of the cable connector contact element carrier interior (and thus also in the built-in connector) is reached.

[0068] In a non-claimed embodiment, the contact element carrier interior has mechanical key counterparts which are provided to interact with key elements of the cable connector which are matched thereto in such a way that the cable connector can be inserted into the built-in connector in only one specific rotational orientation predetermined by the key counterparts. Brief description of the drawings

[0069] The built-in connector according to the invention is described in more detail below using exemplary embodiments schematically illustrated in the figures. Identical elements are identified by the same reference numerals in the figures. The described embodiments are generally not drawn to scale and are not to be understood as limiting. In detail, Fig. 1A-1B: Perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the housing pot; Fig. 2A-2B: Perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the housing pot; Fig. 3: Front view of an exemplary embodiment of the inventive built-in connector; Fig. 4: Rear view of an exemplary embodiment of the inventive built-in connector; Fig. 5: Perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the inventive built-in connector; Fig. 6: Perspective view of an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the inventive built-in connector; Fig. 7: Side view of an exemplary embodiment of the inventive built-in connector; Fig. 8: Side view of an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the inventive built-in connector, Fig.9A-9B: Schematic representation of the housing interior before and after the insertion of the contact element carrier and the passage of a contact element through the ejection opening in the case of built-in connectors according to the prior art, Fig. 10A-10B: Schematic representation of the stress occurring within the housing base in the case of built-in connectors according to the prior art, Fig. 11A-11B: Schematic representation of the housing interior, in particular the ejection opening and the wall-like elevation, before and after the insertion of the contact element carrier and the passage of a contact element through the ejection opening in the case of the built-in connector according to the invention, Fig. 12: Schematic representation of the arrangement of the connecting flange, flange-like projection and a mounting plate in the case of the built-in connector according to the invention, Figs.13-14: Perspective views of a further exemplary embodiment of the built-in connector according to the invention, which is designed as a double device connector, Figs. 15-17: Perspective views in exploded view of the device shown in . Figs. 13-14 shown built-in connector, Fig. 18A-18B: Perspective views of a further exemplary embodiment of the built-in connector according to the invention, for rear attachment to a mounting plate, Fig. 19A-19B: Perspective views in exploded view of the in Fig. 18A-18B shown flush-mounted connector. Detailed description of the drawings

[0070] Figure 1Ashows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the housing pot 1 of the built-in connector according to the invention, in which the cylindrical housing shell 4, the circular housing base 10, the predominantly rectangular flange-like projection 14, the connecting strip 16, the pot-shaped sealing plug 17, the grip tab 18, and the separating element 19 are formed in one piece. The insertion opening 6 extends into the insertion-side end 5 of the housing 1, at which the flange-like projection 14 extends radially. In this embodiment of the housing 1, the housing base 10 has three extension openings 11.

[0071] In Figure 1BThe elevation 20 is illustrated, which is designed to be inserted into a corresponding recess in the connecting flange 15 and held in this recess with a press fit, thereby firmly holding the housing 1 and the contact element carrier 7 together. Furthermore, the first sealing lip 23 is illustrated, which is intended to seal the contact area of the flange-like projection 14 with the connecting flange 15.

[0072] The Figures 2A and 2B show a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the housing pot 1, wherein this exemplary embodiment of the housing pot 1 further comprises the second sealing lip 24. This second sealing lip 24 is intended to surround the flange-like projection 14 in the edge region and the recess 21 provided for the passage of fastening means, thus sealing the contact area of the flange-like projection 14 with the mounting plate.

[0073] Figure 3 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the built-in connector 2 according to the invention, which illustrates the mounting holes 25, the retaining elements 26 designed as grooves, the mechanical closing element 27 provided for the latch of the latch slide on the cable connector side and the insertion opening 8 provided for inserting the cable connector into the built-in connector.

[0074] Figure 4shows a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of the inventive built-in connector 2, which illustrates the separating element 19 designed as a trident star. Furthermore, the arrangement of the connecting strip 16 in a rounded corner of the housing 1 can be seen, wherein the connecting strip is arranged obliquely (along a diagonal from one corner to the other corner of the housing) such that an angle of approximately 135 degrees is formed between one side of the flange-like projection 14 and the connecting strip 16.

[0075] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the built-in connector 2 according to the invention and Figure 6the corresponding perspective view of an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the built-in connector 2 according to the invention. The sealing ring 28 is arranged within the contact element carrier 7 and serves as an additional seal in case one of the previously described press fits 1 should become leaky due to, for example, material fatigue / material aging.

[0076] Figure 7 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the built-in connector 2 according to the invention and Figure 8 shows a side view of an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the built-in connector 2 according to the invention. These two figures serve to further illustrate the built-in connector 2 according to the invention. The element 29 serves as an additional fixation of the contact element carrier 7 in the housing 1.

[0077] Figure 9Ashows a schematic representation of the housing interior before and Figure 9Bafter inserting the contact element carrier and passing a contact element through the ejection opening in prior art built-in connectors. In this case, the ejection opening is designed with a smaller area than the cross-sectional area of the contact element in order to ensure that the edge of the ejection opening bulges out when the contact element is passed through. The bulged-out area rests against the contact element by means of a press fit, although the press fit is not formed over the entire thickness of the housing base. To facilitate the passage of the contact element and the ejection of the edge area, the ejection opening is funnel-shaped. As already described, however, with such a design, a slight overpressure within the built-in connector is sufficient to force open the bulged-out edge area of the ejection opening and thus cause the built-in plug to leak again.

[0078] Furthermore, Figure 9B This illustrates how the housing shell, which is curved into the housing interior in the area of the housing base, forms a kind of step, onto which a force acts when the contact element carrier or a sealing element, such as an O-ring, is inserted and pressed against the housing base (indicated here by the arrows), causing the housing shell to be (slightly) pushed sideways in the area of the housing base. As previously described, this leads to an increase in the tension within the housing base.

[0079] This increase in voltage within the housing base of state-of-the-art panel connectors is Figure 10A by the arrows pointing towards the casing shell, which is transferred to the nearby ejection opening and ensures that it, as in Figure 10B shown, warps and thus becomes leaky.

[0080] Figure 11A shows a schematic representation of the housing interior 12, in particular the ejection opening 11 and the wall-like elevation 30, before and Figure 11B after inserting the contact element carrier 7 and passing a contact element 9 through the ejection opening 11 in the built-in connector 2 according to the invention.

[0081] Due to the soft material of the housing pot 1, the contact element 9 can be very easily passed through the extension opening 11 even without a funnel-shaped design. Because the geometric shape and surface of the extension opening 11 are adapted to the cross-sectional area of the contact element 9, it is possible with the housing pot 1 according to the invention to push the contact element 9 through the extension opening 11 without its edge or inner surface (also referred to as the surface extending into the extension opening 11) turning outwards / bulging. The housing base 10 is much more likely to be pushed slightly to the side by the contact element 9 (which is easily possible with the elastic material of the housing 1 without a significant increase in tension in the housing base 10), whereby the inner surface of the opening 11 may be stretched slightly under certain circumstances, but continues to lie fully against the contact element 9.In other words, the press fit of the contact element 9 in the ejection opening 11 rests against the contact element 9 over the entire area within the ejection opening (inner surface).

[0082] In the exemplary embodiment of the inventive built-in connector 2 shown, the surface of the extension opening 11 was selected such that the inner surface of the opening 11 is stretched when the contact element 9 is pushed through. In this way, elevations are formed on both the inside and outside 13 of the housing base 10, which rest against the contact element 9. These elevations prevent the housing base 10 from being pushed outwards or inwards at the contact point with the contact element 9 in the event of overpressure or underpressure inside the built-in connector 2 and in the event of overpressure or underpressure outside the built-in connector 2.

[0083] The Figures 11A and 11Bfurther illustrate that in the case of the built-in connector 2 according to the invention, the wall-like elevation 30 is arranged free-standing and without contact with the housing shell 4 in the housing interior 12, in particular on the housing base 10. If then, as in Figure 11B shown, the contact element carrier 7 is pushed in as far as the housing base 10, the wall-like elevation 30 is pressed (slightly) to the side by the contact element carrier 7, whereby the second press fit is formed between the wall-like elevation 30 and the contact element carrier 7. In an exemplary embodiment of the built-in connector 2, the wall-like elevation 30 has a third sealing lip (extending orthogonally to the central axis of the housing pot 1 from the wall-like elevation 30 towards the central axis of the housing pot 1), which rests against the pushed-in contact element carrier 7 in such a way that the first press fit is formed between the third sealing lip and the contact element carrier 7.

[0084] Because the wall-like elevation 30 is mounted on the housing base 10 in a free-standing manner and without contact with the housing shell 4, it can be pushed to the side by the inserted contact element carrier 7 without the housing shell 4 being pushed outwards in the area of the housing base, thus increasing the tension within the housing base 10.

[0085] In this way, the ejection opening 11 arranged near the housing shell 4 is prevented from warping, thus preventing the press fit between the inner surface of the ejection opening 11 and a through-passing contact element 9 from becoming leaky. Consequently, subsequent sealing of the contact point between the inner surface of the ejection opening 11 and the through-passing contact element 9 by means of an additional sealant such as an O-ring or an initially liquid and time-hardening adhesive is not necessary in the housing pot 1 according to the invention or the built-in connector 2 according to the invention, compared to the previously known solutions from the prior art.

[0086] Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement of connecting flange 15, flange-like projection 14 and a mounting plate 31 in the built-in connector 2 according to the invention.

[0087] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the flange-like projection 14 has a raised portion 20 directed opposite to the axial direction of the central axis, wherein the raised portion 20 of the flange-like projection 14 is inserted into a corresponding recess 32 of the connecting flange 15 of the contact element carrier 7 such that a press fit is formed between the raised portion 20 and the corresponding recess 32. Furthermore, it is illustrated that the flange-like projection 14 has the same radial extent as the connecting flange 15, so that the flange-like projection 14 applied to the connecting flange 15 is flush with the connecting flange 15.

[0088] Now, as in Figure 12As shown, if the built-in connector 2 is inserted into a recess in the mounting plate 31, the housing shell 4 rests on an inner surface of this recess, and the flange-like projection 14, in particular the second sealing lip 24 arranged on the axially directed side of the flange-like projection 14, rests on the front side of the mounting plate 31. The front side of the mounting plate 31 is directed from where the cable connector can be inserted onto the built-in connector 2 when mounted on the mounting plate 31.By screwing the connecting flange 15 onto the mounting plate 31, whereby the connecting flange 15 does not touch the mounting plate 31 in this embodiment, the flange-like projection 14 located therebetween, in particular the second sealing lip 24, of the housing 1 is pressed against the mounting plate 31, thereby making this contact point between the panel connector 2 and the mounting plate 31 impermeable to dust, moisture, and / or air. In this way, in the panel connector 2 according to the invention, the contact point between the panel connector 2 and the mounting plate 31 is already sealed against dust, water, and / or air even without the use of additional sealing means.

[0089] Figure 13 and Figure 14 show perspective views and Figures 15, 16 , 17show corresponding perspective views in exploded representation of an exemplary embodiment of the built-in connector 42 according to the invention, wherein the built-in connector 42 is designed as a double device connector, wherein a one-piece housing pot pair 41 and a matched one-piece contact element carrier pair 47 form a common flange element for two insertion openings 8A, 8B provided by the housing pot pair 41.

[0090] The housing pots of the housing pot pair 41 and the contact element carriers of the contact element carrier pair 47 are each designed essentially as described above, but one housing pot-contact element carrier combination is designed to provide a signal input plug-in opening 8A and the other housing pot-contact element carrier combination is designed to provide a signal output plug-in opening 8B. The flange element provided by the housing pot pair 41 and the contact element carrier pair 47 has fastening provisions 25, e.g., in the form of bores for receiving fastening means for fastening the panel-mounted connector to a panel-mounted assembly.

[0091] The built-in connector 42 further comprises connecting elements 50, which connect the contact elements 9 for the signal input plug-in opening 8A and the signal output plug-in opening 8B to one another in such a way that the contact elements of the signal input plug-in opening 8A and the signal output plug-in opening 8B are guided to a common connection element 51. The contact elements 9, housing pots of the housing pot pair 41 and the contact element carriers of the contact element carrier pair 47 are each designed in such a way that they are analogous to the Figures 1 to 6 described embodiments of the built-in connector. A cover plate 53 covers the exposed conductive elements for connecting the contact elements 9 of the signal input plug-in opening 8A and the signal output plug-in opening 8B. In a manner analogous to the Figures 1 to 6In the described embodiments of the built-in connector, the element 29 serves as an additional fixation of the contact element carrier pair 47 in the housing 1.

[0092] Figure 18A and Figure 18B show perspective views and Figures 19A and 19B show corresponding perspective views in exploded representation of an exemplary embodiment of the built-in connector 2 according to the invention, wherein the built-in connector 2 has a support flange 60 for rear fastening to a mounting plate.

[0093] The support flange 60 has a passage adapted to the diameter of the housing shell 4, through which the housing pot 1 is passed in such a way that, on the one hand, the flange-like projection of the housing pot 1 comes to rest on the support flange 60 (congruently), in particular wherein the radial extent of the flange-like projection and of the support flange 60 is the same, and, on the other hand, the housing base and the correspondingly passed through contact elements 9 leave the passage of the support flange 60 again. Furthermore, the support flange 60 has a recess on the insertion side, into which a correspondingly designed counterpart, directed rearward (in a direction away from the mounting plate), is inserted with precision, thus connecting the two parts to one another, e.g. by means of a press fit.

[0094] The support flange 60 also has at least one blind hole for receiving a fastening means (e.g., a screw) originating from a mounting plate for securing the built-in connector 2 to the mounting plate. The flange-like projection has at least one recess provided for the passage of the fastening means, which, when the housing pot 1 and the support flange 60 are properly mated, coincides with the opening of the blind hole.

[0095] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the contact element carrier 7 of the inventive flush-mounted connector 2 has a connecting flange with a smaller radial extension than in other embodiments. This reduced connecting flange is inserted precisely into a correspondingly designed recess in the flange-like projection of the housing pot 1, such that the insertion-side end of the contact element carrier 7 merges flush with the insertion-side end of the housing pot 1, thus forming a flat surface in the region of the contact element carrier 7 accommodated in the housing pot 1.

[0096] In the exemplary embodiment of the built-in connector 2 according to the invention shown, this flat surface is designed to be applied to the rear side of a mounting plate, wherein a corresponding fastening means (e.g. screw) is passed through the mounting plate and the at least one recess of the flange-like projection and then engages in the at least one blind hole.

[0097] In a further embodiment of the shown built-in connector 2 according to the invention, the fastening means is not guided directly through the installation plate for fixing the built-in connector 2 to the rear of the installation plate, but rather a second support flange is first screwed to the front of the installation plate by means of the fastening means.

[0098] An example of a panel connector having a first support flange applied to the rear side of a panel and a second support flange applied to the front side of the panel, with a fastening means (e.g. screw) securing both the first and second support flanges to the panel, is shown in patent application PCT / EP2022 / 065102 (disclosed as WO2023232256A1).

[0099] It is understood that these figures only schematically depict possible embodiments. The various approaches can also be combined with each other and with prior art methods.

Claims

1. Built-in plug-in connector (2, 42) for entering into an, in particular mechanically lockable, plug-in connection with a cable plug-in connector which is matched to the built-in plug-in connector (2, 42) as counterpart and can be plugged into an opening (8, 8A, 8B) of the built-in plug-in connector (2, 42), a signal transmission, in particular of a power supply signal, a digital signal or an analog signal, being enabled by way of entering of the plug-in connection between the built-in plug-in connector (2, 42) and the cable plug-in connector, the built-in plug-in connector (2, 42) comprising: • at least one contact element (9), the at least one contact element (9) being provided to come into contact with a cable plug-in connector-side contact element counterpart by way of entering into the plug-in connection and, as a result, to provide a signal transmission over the plug-in connection, • a contact element carrier (7), the at least one contact element (9) being received by the contact element carrier (7) and thus being fixed within the built-in plug-in connector (2, 42), and • a housing pot (1), the contact element carrier (7) being inserted at least partially into the housing pot (1), wherein the housing pot (1) has o a housing shell (4), o a plug-in-side end (5), an insertion opening (6) extending within the plug-in-side end (5), through which insertion opening (6) the contact element carrier (7) is inserted at least partially into the housing pot (1), and o a housing bottom (10), characterized in that the housing pot (1) is made from a material with a Shore A hardness in the range from 60 to 100, and wherein at least one push-out opening (11) extends within the housing bottom (10), through which push-out opening (11) the contact element (9) is pushed at least partially out of the housing pot (1).

2. Built-in plug-in connector (2, 42) according to Claim 1, the material consisting at least predominantly of a plastic.

3. Built-in plug-in connector (2, 42) according to Claim 2, the plastic being a thermoplastic, in particular one of the following thermoplastics: • polypropylene, • polyethylene, • polyurethane, or • polystyrene.

4. Built-in plug-in connector (2, 42) according to Claim 1, the at least one push-out opening (11) • having a geometrical shape which corresponds at least partially to the geometrical shape of a cross-sectional area, running orthogonally with respect to a longitudinal axis through the at least one contact element (9), of the at least one contact element (9), • extending within the housing bottom (10) with an area which is smaller than or equal to the said cross-sectional area of the at least one contact element (9), and / or • bearing with an area which extends into the at least one push-out opening (11) against the contact element (9) which is pushed at least partially through the at least one push-out opening (11) in such a way that a press fit is configured over the entire thickness of the housing bottom (10) between the said area and the contact element (9) which is pushed at least partially through the at least one push-out opening (11), in particular wherein o the area which extends into the at least one push-out opening (11) not being opened out by way of the pushed-out contact element (9), o the housing bottom (10) having a thickness in the range from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, in particular from 1.5 mm to 2 mm, and / or ∘ the press fit which is configured being impermeable for water and / or air.

5. Built-in plug-in connector (2, 42) according to any one of the preceding claims, the contact element carrier (7) having: • a plug-in opening (8, 8A, 8B) which is provided for plugging in the cable plug-in connector, • a contact element carrier interior space which extends from the plug-in opening (8, 8A, 8B) as far as an end piece which is spaced apart from the plug-in opening (8, 8A, 8B), the end piece ∘ providing a stop for the plugged-in cable plug-in connector, and ∘ having at least one contact element receiving opening, and • a connecting flange (15), the connecting flange (15) being arranged at the plug-in opening.

6. Built-in plug-in connector (2, 42) according to Claim 1 or any one of Claims 4 to 5, the plug-in-side end (5) of the housing pot (1) having a flange-like projection (14), the flange-like projection (14) • being placed against the connecting flange (15) of the contact element carrier (7), and / or • being capable of being placed against a mounting plate, in particular wherein the flange-like projection (14) having an at least largely identical shape and extent to the connecting flange (15) of the contact element carrier (7), with the result that the flange-like projection (14) which is placed against the connecting flange (15) of the contact element carrier (7) terminates at least largely flush with the connecting flange (15) of the contact element carrier (7).

7. Built-in plug-in connector (2, 42) according to Claim 6, a radially projecting connecting strip (16) being moulded on the flange-like projection (14), to the outer end of which connecting strip (16) a particularly pot-shaped sealing plug (17) is fastened, the particularly pot-shaped sealing plug (17) having an external diameter which is slightly greater than an internal diameter of the plug-in opening (8, 8A, 8B) of the contact element carrier (7), with the result that, when the particularly pot-shaped sealing plug (17) is pushed into the plug-in opening (8, 8A, 8B), a press fit is configured between the particularly pot-shaped sealing plug (17) and an area which extends into the plug-in opening (8, 8A, 8B), in particular • a full-surface grip tab (18) projecting on that side of the sealing plug (17) which lies opposite the connecting strip (16), and / or • the press fit which is configured between the particularly pot-shaped sealing plug (17) and the area which extends into the plug-in opening (8, 8A, 8B) being impermeable for water and / or air.

8. Built-in plug-in connector (2, 42) according to Claim 7, the flange-like projection (14) having a rectangular shape, the radially projecting connecting strip (16) being moulded on a corner of the flange-like projection (14), in particular wherein the radially projecting connecting strip (16) being moulded on the corner of the flange-like projection (14) in such a way that an angle in the range from 120 degrees to 140 degrees, in particular 135 degrees, is configured between a longer side of the two sides of the flange-like projection (14) which form the said corner.

9. Built-in plug-in connector (2, 42) according to Claim 1 or any one of Claims 4 to 8, an separating element (19) being arranged on an outer side (13) of the housing bottom (10), the separating element (19) • rising up further from the housing bottom (10) than the contact element (9) which is pushed at least partially through the at least one push-out opening (11), and / or • extending on the housing bottom (10) in such a way that a radial extent of the separating element (19) on the housing bottom (10) is smaller than or equal to a radial extent of the housing bottom (10).

10. Built-in plug-in connector (2, 42) according to Claims 7 and 9, the following parts of the housing pot (1) being configured in one piece: • the housing shell (4), the housing bottom (10) and the plug-in-side end (5), • the housing shell (4), the housing bottom (10), the plug-in-side end (5) and the flange-like projection (14), • the housing shell (4), the housing bottom (10), the plug-in-side end (5), the flange-like projection (14), the radially projecting connecting strip (16) and the particularly pot-shaped sealing plug (17), or • the housing shell (4), the housing bottom (10), the plug-in-side end (5), the flange-like projection (14), the radially projecting connecting strip (16), the particularly pot-shaped sealing plug (17) and the separating element (19).

11. Built-in plug-in connector (2, 42) according to Claim 10, the parts of the housing pot (1) which are configured in one piece being made from the material with the Shore A hardness in the range from 60 to 100, the parts of the housing pot (1) which are configured in one piece being manufactured, in particular, by means of injection moulding methods, pressing or vulcanizing.

12. Built-in plug-in connector (2, 42) according to any one of the preceding claims, the contact element carrier (7) being made from a material with a Shore D hardness in the range from 60 to 100.

13. Built-in plug-in connector (2, 42) according to Claim 1 or any one of Claims 4 to 12, • three contact elements (9) being received by the contact element carrier (7), and / or • three push-out openings (11) extending within the housing bottom (10).

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