Male multi-pole connector base for electrical plug-in connections

Abstract

The invention relates to a male multi-pole connector base, which comprises a number of plug-in receiving parts (3) open on one side, which are arranged in an extension direction (8) of the male multi-pole connector base and which are adapted to receive plug-in elements, each plug-in receiving part (3) having its own bottom plate (4) and each having one connecting pocket open on one side between adjacent plug-in receiving parts (3), in particular between all adjacent plug-in receiving parts (3). In the embodiment, the connecting pockets (5) are arranged in a first direction (Z1) and connect adjacent plug-in receiving sections (3) to each other, the plug-in receiving sections (3) protruding from a plane (E) on which the bottom plate (4) is placed in a first direction (Z1), the connecting pockets (5) protruding from the plane (E) in a second direction (Z2) opposite to the first direction (Z1), and the opening side (50) of the connecting pockets (5) and the opening side (30) of the plug-in receiving sections (3) are oriented in substantially the same direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a male multi-pole connector base for electrical plug-in connections, particularly for motor vehicle control units. [Background technology]

[0002] Male multi-pole connectors, plug-in multi-pole connectors, or pin-type multi-pole connectors for electrical plug-in connectors are known from the prior art. They consist, for example, of a male multi-pole connector base, plug-in multi-pole connector base, or pin-type multi-pole connector base, which is typically configured as an insulator into which an electrically conductive blade, pin, or generally a contact element (often a so-called "male contact element") is inserted or driven. For example, German Patent Application Publication No. 102019216354 discloses a male multi-pole connector, pin-type multi-pole connector, or plug-in multi-pole connector for simplified printed circuit board mounting. Due to the variable geometrical features of the male multi-pole connector, particularly in male multi-pole connectors for automotive control devices with a high number of poles, shrinkage and / or distortion may occur during injection-molding of the male multi-pole connector base. Of course, particularly high dimensional requirements must be imposed on the male multi-pole connector base. In the direction of the control device, the contact connection of the pins on the printed circuit board and the sealing of the housing must be guaranteed. In the direction of the cable harness, the contact connection, locking, and sealing of the mating connector must be ensured. Due to their size and asymmetrical structure, male multi-pole connectors frequently undergo bending in addition to strong shrinkage. To solve this problem, isotropically shrinkable plastics containing glass beads are used as reinforcing elements. However, their strength is insufficient for the requirements of automotive male multi-pole connectors. Furthermore, male multi-pole connectors can also be manufactured using a two-component injection molding process. While this reduces distortion, it leads to complex molding technology and, in particular, prolongs the manufacturing time of male multi-pole connectors. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 102019216354 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Disclosure of the Invention In contrast, the male multipole connector base or plug-in multipole connector base according to the present invention, having the features of claim 1, has the advantage that distortion and / or shrinkage and / or bending of the male multipole connector base can be avoided or significantly reduced. The male multipole connector base therefore has a particularly high degree of dimensional stability, thereby satisfying the high demands on male multipole connectors used, for example, in vehicles for connecting control units. In this case, the male multipole connector base can be simply manufactured, for example, by injection molding. In this exemplary case, the male multipole connector base can be manufactured particularly easily and cost-effectively, particularly suitable for mass production. Furthermore, it is preferable that not only isotropically shrinkable materials can be used for manufacturing, which advantageously allows for a wide range of options for the manufacturing material. Furthermore, it is also preferable that inserts, for example along the bottom plate, are not necessary. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This is achieved according to the invention in that the male multi-pole connector base includes a plurality of plug-in receptacles, each open on one side, arranged in the extension direction of the male multi-pole connector base and configured to receive plug-in elements of, for example, a cable harness. Each plug-in receptacle here has its own bottom plate. Between adjacent plug-in receptacles, a connection pocket, open on one side, is arranged, which connects the adjacent plug-in receptacles to itself. It may be envisaged, for example, that between every adjacent plug-in receptacle, there is one connection pocket open on one side. The plug-in receptacles project in a first direction Z1 from a plane E in which the bottom plate of the plug-in receptacle lies, and the connection pockets project from the plane E in a second direction Z2 opposite to the first direction Z1. Furthermore, the open sides of the connection pockets and the open sides of the plug-in receptacles are oriented in substantially the same direction. As a result, the two open sides are substantially parallel to each other.

[0006] It will be understood that the expression "in substantially the same direction" herein may include angles of up to 40° relative to one another, preferably at most 30°, more preferably at most 20°, more preferably 10°, and even more preferably 3° or less.

[0007] The term "male multi-pole connector base" can be used herein synonymously with the terms "plug-in multi-pole connector base" or "pin multi-pole connector base." It is understood that contact-connection elements (e.g., male contact-connection elements) are arranged within the male multi-pole connector base or plug-in multi-pole connector base or pin multi-pole connector base, and they may have, for example, a square, rectangular, oval, or even a circular cross section. The individual contact-connection elements are then typically contacted by counter-contact-connection elements (e.g., female counter-contact-connection elements) arranged within the counter-plug-in elements.

[0008] It is understood that the plug-in receiving portion is open on at least one side. For example, the plug-in receiving portion may have an annular flange that starts from the bottom plate and opens on the side opposite the bottom plate, by means of which the plug can be inserted into the plug-in receiving portion. However, it is also conceivable that such a flange acting as a mechanical guide element has lateral grooves, for example, to provide a certain degree of flexibility. In this case, the flange, and thus the plug-in receiving portion, is at least partially open on or over several sides.

[0009] Likewise, the connection pocket is open on at least one side, which means that the connection pocket may also be formed so as to be at least partially open on at least one further side, for example on a side formed perpendicular to the first direction.

[0010] At least one connection pocket is provided in the male multi-pole connector base. This at least one connection pocket is arranged between two adjacent plug-in receptacles. Thus, for example, in the case of a male multi-pole connector base having three, four or more plug-in receptacles, it may be sufficient to provide a single connection pocket. Of course, multiple connection pockets may also be provided. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, one connection pocket is provided between each two adjacent plug-in receptacles. Of course, multiple connection pockets may also be arranged in the area between adjacent plug-in receptacles.

[0011] By providing an open connection pocket that opens in substantially the same direction as the plug-in receptacles, distortions during or after the manufacture of the male multi-pole connector base can be avoided, particularly in the case of very long bases, e.g., more than 80 mm in length, and / or bases with at least two plug-in receptacles, longitudinal deflections can also be avoided or limited to at least a maximum value of 0.5 mm, preferably a maximum value of 0.3 mm. Here, in particular, the connection pockets can prevent angular distortions in the plug-in receptacles. This minimized distortion of the male multi-pole connector base can be achieved without requiring the use of only isotropically shrinkable materials or the use of other complex measures for preventing distortion in the male multi-pole connector base, such as two-component injection molding or separate reinforcing elements.

[0012] In particular, the open-sided plug-in receptacles may have different geometric shapes and may be designed for different plug-in elements. The open-sided plug-in receptacles are preferably cup-shaped with only one open side, in particular substantially rectangular, preferably with rounded corners. Furthermore, the open-sided plug-in receptacles of the base are preferably of equal height. The plug-in elements (counter connectors) of the plug-in receptacles are preferably completely received in the plug-in receptacles. Electrical contacts to the plug-in receptacles are produced inside the plug-in receptacles. For this purpose, for example, a plurality of contact-connecting elements, such as contact pins or flat blades, may be arranged in the plug-in receptacles. These contact-connecting elements may be inserted or may be inserted, for example, by molding or in another way, into the finished male multi-pole connector base. The plug-in receptacles may have different geometric dimensions and may particularly preferably have additional guide elements and / or elements for inserting the plug-in elements in the correct and correct orientation and position (so-called adjustment elements). The plug-in elements have, for example, socket contacts that can form an electrical contact connection with the contact-connection elements.

[0013] More preferably, the first direction Z1 in which the plug-in receptacles project out of the plane E of the bottom plate and the second direction Z2 in which the connection pockets project out of the plane E are perpendicular to the plane E.

[0014] The dependent claims show preferred developments of the invention.

[0015] Preferably, the bottom plate of the plug-in receiving part has a first wall thickness D 1 and the side wall of the plug-in receptacle has a second wall thickness D2, where the inequality 0.3×D 1 <D2<0.65×D 1 is satisfied. In particular, here, D2 = 0.5 × D 1 In this way, a particularly good stability of the male multi-pole connector base can be advantageously ensured, in particular along the extension direction or along plane E. At the same time, material can be advantageously saved, since the second wall thickness D2 of the side walls primarily serves the guiding and positioning function for the plug-in elements and therefore does not require the same stability as the bottom plate. Therefore, the plug-in receptacles can be positioned relative to one another in a narrow space, which saves valuable space. Furthermore, this type of design advantageously facilitates a particularly low-distortion embodiment of the male multi-pole connector base, since the volume protruding from plane E is relatively small.

[0016] In a further development, the second wall thickness D2 of the side wall of the plug-in receiving part protruding from the bottom plate is equal to the third wall thickness D3 of the pocket side wall of the connection pocket. This ensures an even distribution of the injection molding material, especially during the injection molding process. However, particularly simple manufacturing also results in other manufacturing methods (e.g., milling from a solid material or 3D printing). It is understood that the above-mentioned inequality does not necessarily have to be fulfilled for the proposed development.

[0017] In a further development, the fourth wall thickness D4 of the reference plate of the connection pocket is equal to the third wall thickness D3 of the pocket side wall of the connection pocket. This advantageously simplifies the manufacturing process in a particularly advantageous manner. This also significantly simplifies the quality control of the thickness measurement. It is understood that the proposed development can be implemented independently of the two developments proposed above, i.e., it can be used alternatively or additionally to them.

[0018] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, plane E is the central plane of the bottom plate, and the side walls of the plug-in receiving section have a first length L1 from the central plane of the bottom plate, and the pocket side walls of the connection pocket have a second length L2 from the inner bottom of the reference plate of the connection pocket to the central plane of the bottom plate, the first length L1 being at least twice as long as the second length L2. This preferably results in a male multi-pole connector base that can be manufactured particularly easily and cost-effectively, because hollowing out or subtractively molding such a pocket depth (given by the second length L2) is still possible with reasonable effort without requiring complex rework. The tools required for such a pocket depth can be manufactured and maintained cost-effectively. Furthermore, preferably, a connection pocket having such a pocket depth requires relatively little space on the side of the male multi-pole connector base opposite the side of the plug-in receiving section. For example, electronic components, such as a control device, may be arranged on the side of the connection pocket. The space available on this side is usually very roughly estimated. Therefore, this type of pocket depth provides a reasonable compromise between the additional space required and reduced distortion of the male multi-pole connector base. Furthermore, this type of pocket depth preferably provides a male multi-pole connector base that is particularly less distorted. In other words, it ensures that the second length L2 of the pocket side wall is large enough to avoid distortion of the male multi-pole connector base. Basically, other pocket depths are also conceivable depending on the application. The central plane of the bottom plate of the plug-in receptacle here lies in the center of the bottom plate, so that the thickness of the bottom plate is divided into two equal partial areas. It is understood that the proposed developments can be implemented independently of other proposed developments, i.e., they can be used alternatively or additionally to them.

[0019] More preferably, the following inequality, 0.15×L1 < L2 < 0.5×L1 is satisfied, and in particular, the following inequality, 0.2×L1 < L2 < 0.38×L1 is satisfied, and most preferably, L2 = 0.33×L1. Thereby, the above advantages are achieved. In particular, the proposed relationship can produce a particularly suitable compromise between the available space below the plane E (i.e., the side of the plane E opposite to the side of the plug-in housing) and the low distortion. Also, due to these relationships, the tool for manufacturing the male multi-pole connector base can be manufactured particularly easily, or it can be shown that the manufacturing process in 3D printing or milling from solid materials is still cost-effective. Finally, in this type of relationship, quality control can also be shown to be very cost-effective, for example, in the form of measuring dimensions and / or material thickness.

[0020] More preferably, the opening side of the connection pocket terminates at the height of the inner bottom of the bottom plate of the plug-in housing, or the opening side of the connection pocket is at the height of the inner bottom of the bottom plate of the plug-in housing. Thereby, preferably, a particularly simply designed geometric shape of the connection pocket is provided. This enables particularly simple and cost-effective manufacturing and quality control.

[0021] If at least one side wall of the plug-in housing and the pocket side wall of the connection pocket are in a common wall plane W, a particularly simple and cost-effective structure of the male multi-pole connector base is achieved. Preferably, for example, a plurality or all of the side walls of the plug-in housing and a plurality or all of the pocket side walls of the connection pocket, which extend perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the male multi-pole connector base, are in the common wall plane W.

[0022] Particularly preferably, all side walls of the plug-in receiving section lie along a first direction Z1 perpendicular to the extension direction of the male multi-pole connector base and each lie in a common wall plane W with one of the pocket side walls of the connection pocket. The arrangement in the first direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the male multi-pole connector base preferably allows for particularly easy production of the male multi-pole connector, since in this case the counter connector is also inserted into the plug-in receiving section perpendicular to the extension plane. As a result, the contact-connecting elements can be particularly easily inserted into the male multi-pole connector base.

[0023] To further increase the rigidity of the male multi-pole connector base and preferably enable cost-effective production, the male multi-pole connector base is an injection-molded part. Here, for example, a fiber-reinforced plastic can be used as the material. The fiber-reinforced plastic provides increased rigidity, but the male multi-pole connector base can still be easily and cost-effectively produced using injection molding.

[0024] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the fibers in the side walls of the plug-in receptacle and in the pocket side walls of the connection pocket are oriented substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate of the plug-in receptacle (at ±20° to the vertical, preferably ±10° to the vertical). In particular, 75% to 100% of the fibers are oriented substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate of the plug-in receptacle. Particularly preferably, the proportion of fibers oriented perpendicular to the bottom plate of the plug-in receptacle is in the range of 85% to 95%, in particular 90%. This preferably ensures particularly high rigidity and robustness of the side walls of the plug-in receptacle, thereby protecting them from damage even during frequent plug-in processes and / or plug-in processes performed under high pressure. At the same time, this also allows for a reduction in the wall thickness of the side walls, which saves material and allows plug-in receptacles to be arranged closely together, thereby saving valuable space. The equivalent orientation of the fibers is preferably envisaged as a kind of compensation for anisotropic shrinkage of the connection pocket. It is understood here that the longitudinal direction of the fibres, i.e. their longest extension direction, forms the reference point for determining the angle relative to the bottom plate.

[0025] The fibers used in the fiber-reinforced plastic are preferably glass fibers, and the plastic is more preferably polyamide or polybutylene terephthalate. This preferably allows for the creation of a male multi-pole connector substrate that is particularly cost-effective and easy to manufacture. Furthermore, this type of male multi-pole connector substrate is particularly stable even with a relatively small amount of material used. The male multi-pole connector substrate also preferably has a sufficiently high heat resistance (e.g., up to at least 80°C) and can withstand slight temperatures (e.g., -40°C) without damage.

[0026] The glass fiber content of the male multi-polar connector base material is more preferably in the range of 20 to 40% by volume, and particularly 30% by volume, which preferably provides particularly high stability with a small amount of material input.

[0027] Preferably, the material for the male multi-pole connector base is PA66GF30 or PBTGF30, which makes it possible to produce a particularly cost-effective male multi-pole connector base, which is easy to manufacture, has high stability with a small material input, is very resistant over a wide temperature range (e.g., -40°C to 80°C), and is also very resistant to other media (e.g., aggressive media such as salt water, brake fluid, etc.).

[0028] Particularly preferably, the first width B of the plug-in receiving part 1 is equal to or greater than the second width B2 of the connection pocket. 1 and the second width B2 of the connection pocket can here be determined, for example, in plane E. These preferably extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the male multi-pole connector base. This preferably allows the connection pocket to occupy only a small amount of particularly valuable space below plane E, which preferably saves material. The male multi-pole connector base is thereby constructed to be more compact and lighter.

[0029] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electrical plug-in connection comprising a male multi-pole connector base or a plug-in multi-pole connector base according to the present invention.

[0030] The invention also relates to a control device for a vehicle, in particular an automobile, which is provided with an electrical plug-in connection having a male multi-pole connector base according to the invention.

[0031] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a male multi-polar connector base according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic plan view showing the male multi-polar connector base of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic perspective view of the male multi-pole connector base of FIG. 1 and a number of contact connection elements to be attached to the male multi-pole connector base in the form of pins for electrical contact connections; FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is an enlarged schematic partial cross-sectional view of the male multi-pole connector base of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a male multi-polar connector base according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing an alternative male multi-pole connector base. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Preferred Embodiments of the Invention In the following, a male multi-pole connector base 1 or a plug-in type multi-pole connector base or a pin type multi-pole connector base according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0034] As is clear from Figures 1 and 2, the male multi-pole connector base 1 includes a plurality of plug-in receptacles 3, each open on one side. These plug-in receptacles 3 are arranged in a row in the extension direction 8 of the male multi-pole connector base 1. In this embodiment here, the plug or plug-in receptacles 3 are formed in a merely exemplary cubic shape with rounded corners and exactly one open side 30. They may have other basic shapes (e.g. trapezoidal, circular, triangular, etc.) and may, for example, have slits or holes formed in the side surfaces.

[0035] As is particularly evident from Figure 2, the plug-in receiving parts 3 have different sizes and are here configured to receive plug-in elements, not shown, such as, for example, plugs of a cable harness.

[0036] Furthermore, as can be seen from FIG. 2, the plug-in receiving parts 3 are all of equal width, here purely by way of example, of a first width B 1This first width B 1 Here, the width perpendicular to the extending direction 8 of the male multi-polar connector base 1 is defined.

[0037] The male multi-pole connector base 1 is part of a male multi-pole connector 10, or plug-in or pin-type connector, which has a plurality of (flat) blades or (flat or round) pins 2 (generally: contact-connection elements of any cross-section) for electrical contact-connection, as shown diagrammatically in a kind of exploded view in Fig. 3. As is clear from Fig. 2, these pins are shaped differently (here, with square and rectangular cross-sections) and, in the completed or installed state, pass through the male multi-pole connector base into the inner area of ​​the open plug-in receptacle 3. They can, for example, be driven or inserted into the male multi-pole connector base 1 in an initially unbent state and then be bent, for example, into the shape shown in Fig. 3.

[0038] The male multi-pole connector 10 shown here, purely by way of example, is therefore a male multi-pole connector with a high number of poles, which is designed, for example, for electrical contacting of a control unit in an automobile. The male multi-pole connector 10 must meet the highest dimensional requirements here in order to ensure accurate contacting of the pins 2 to a printed circuit board or the like and with the contacts of a plug-in element (not shown here) inserted into the plug-in receptacle 3. Furthermore, it must also be possible to ensure a reliable sealing of the plug-in connection between the plug-in receptacle and the plug-in element. Finally, a media-tight seal from the top surface of the male multi-pole connector 10 (the side surface of the plug-in receptacle) to the bottom surface of the male multi-pole connector 10 must be guaranteed.

[0039] In this embodiment, the male multi-pole connector base 1 is merely an exemplary injection-molded component, with a fiber-reinforced plastic being preferably used as the injection molding material. After the male multi-pole connector base 1 has been injection-molded, in this example, the pins 2 can then be driven or inserted from one side of the male multi-pole connector base 1 through the bottom plate 4 that forms the bottom of each plug-in receptacle 3. It is understood that other manufacturing methods are also possible, such as milling from a solid material or 3D printing. It is also understood that other materials, such as plastics without fillers or plastics with, for example, spherical fillers, can also be used. In principle, ceramics, etc., can also be used.

[0040] 1, a respective one-sided connection pocket 5 is arranged between adjacent plug-in receptacles 3. The connection pocket 5 here interconnects the respective adjacently arranged plug-in receptacles 3. It is understood here that a respective one-sided connection pocket 5 does not necessarily have to be arranged between all respective adjacent plug-in receptacles 3.

[0041] The plane E on which the bottom plate 4 of the plug-in receiving part 3 lies divides the male multi-pole connector base 1 into an upper part in which the plug-in receiving part 3 is located and a lower part in which the connection pocket 5 is located.

[0042] The plug-in receiving part 3 thereby projects in a first direction Z1, in this exemplary embodiment perpendicular, starting from the plane E, and the connection pocket 5 projects in a second direction Z2, in this exemplary embodiment perpendicular, starting from the plane E, opposite to the first direction Z1. The connection pocket 5 here likewise has only one exemplary open side 50 in each case, where the open side 50 of the connection pocket 5 and the open side 30 of the plug-in receiving part are oriented in the exemplary equivalent direction here, in particular in the first direction Z1.

[0043] As can be seen from the plan view of FIG. 2, the connection pocket 5 has a second width B2, which is defined perpendicularly to the extension direction 8. This second width B2 is here smaller than the first width B of the open plug-in receiving part 3. 1 The second width B2 is smaller than the first width B 1 Range of 75% to 90% (0.75 x B 1 ~0.9×B 1 )

[0044] In plan view (FIG. 2), the connection pockets 5 here also have, by way of example, a substantially rectangular shape, except that they are significantly narrower in the extension direction 8 than the plug-in receiving sections 3. For example, their length along the extension direction 8 is approximately 5% to 20% of the length of the adjacent plug-in receiving sections 3 along the extension direction 8. For example, the connection pockets 5 have a length along the extension direction 8 of at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm. In this way, the connection pockets 5 can be manufactured particularly easily. They can then counteract distortions particularly well. The length of the connection pockets 5 along the extension direction can, for example, preferably be in the range of 0.5 mm to 7 mm, preferably in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm. In this way, the connection pockets 5 can be manufactured easily. They can, on the one hand, provide sufficient counterstress to minimize distortions and, at the same time, counteract weakening or instability of the male multi-pole connector base 1.

[0045] 1 and 2, a separate connection pocket 5 is formed between each adjacent plug-in receiving section 3. These connection pockets 5 are located on the other side (lower part) of plane E relative to the plug-in receiving section 3 (upper part), which allows for the correction of dimensional errors, particularly distortions, that may occur during the injection molding process (or even during 3D printing, for example) of the male multi-pole connector base 1. Therefore, the choice of material is no longer critical here; dimensional stability can be achieved with materials such as filler-free plastics, plastics with, for example, spherical fillers, and even plastics with fibrous fillers. This allows for a very free choice of material with maximum dimensional stability, without the need for special manufacturing techniques (two-component injection molding) or special inserts to minimize distortion. At the same time, this goal can be achieved with only a small additional space requirement in the lower part. Therefore, by selecting the geometric parameters of the connection pocket 5, it is possible to influence distortions during the injection molding process in a desired manner using very simple and cost-effective means, with very little additional space or material required.

[0046] The connecting pocket 5 also has a cubic-shaped structure in this embodiment with exactly one open side 50, wherein further side faces may also be configured at least partially open.

[0047] Figure 4 is a cross-section through the male multi-pole connector base 1 of Figure 1. The connection pocket 5 here has a reference plate 51 and four pocket side walls 52. The reference plate 51 which is furthest from the plane E here has the effect of a tie rod in the extension direction 8. This makes it possible to avoid, in particular, angular distortions of the plug-in receiving part 3 which may occur at the side walls 31 of the plug-in receiving part due to an extension of the plug-in receiving part 3 in the first direction Z1.

[0048] FIG. 4 shows in detail two mutually adjacent plug-in receiving parts 3 which have different geometries, in particular different (longitudinal) extensions in the extension direction 8 .

[0049] As can be seen more clearly from FIG. 4, the bottom plate 4 of the plug-in receiving part 3 has a first wall thickness D 1 and the side wall 31 of the plug-in receiving part 3 has a second wall thickness D2. 1 is twice as large as the second wall thickness D2.

[0050] Furthermore, the connecting pocket 5 has a third wall thickness D3 of the pocket side wall 52 of the connecting pocket 5. The fourth wall thickness D4 of the reference plate 51 of the connecting pocket 5 is equal to the third wall thickness D3. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first wall thickness D 1 is twice as large as the second wall thickness D2. The second wall thickness D2, the third wall thickness D3 and the fourth wall thickness D4 of the plug-in receiving part 3 and the connection pocket 5 are of comparable size. Other ratios are also conceivable.

[0051] Furthermore, the side walls 31 of the plug-in receiving part 3, which are perpendicular to the extension direction 8, lie in a common wall plane W with the pocket side walls 52 of the connection pocket 5. These wall planes W therefore intersect the plane E at right angles. Here, these wall planes W are all parallel to one another.

[0052] As can be seen from FIG. 4 , the side wall 31 of the plug-in receiving section 3 has a first length L1 starting from a plane E that forms the central plane of the bottom plate 4, while the pocket side wall 52 of the connection pocket 5 has a second length L2 starting from the inner bottom 53 of the reference plate 51 to the central plane of the bottom plate 4. For the purposes of this illustrative example, L2 is selected to be approximately 33% of L1. As a result, the second length L2 of the connection pocket 5 is only approximately one-third of the first length L1 of the plug-in receiving section 3. In this way, the second length L2 does not protrude unnecessarily far below, for example, a portion where a printed circuit board of a control device may be arranged. For example, the second length L2 of the connection pocket 5 can be in the range of 6 mm to 15 mm, preferably in the range of 8 mm to 12 mm.

[0053] Furthermore, the open side 50 of the connection pocket 5 is at the level of the inner bottom 40 of the plug-in receiving part 3, as can be seen in detail in Figure 4. This means that in this embodiment the connection pocket 5 does not have any specific walls that protrude beyond the inner bottom 40 into the upper part of the male multi-pole connector base 1, for example.

[0054] 1 to 3, the male multi-pole connector 10 further comprises a circumferential edge region 7 which completely surrounds the arrangement of the plug-in receiving part 3. This circumferential edge region 7, as can be seen in FIG. 1, is present at the level of the bottom plate 4 of the plug-in receiving part 3. This circumferential edge region 7 here provides additional rigidity for the male multi-pole connector 10.

[0055] 1 and 3, in this embodiment, the exemplary male multi-pole connector 10 further includes a circumferential reinforcing edge 6. In this example, the circumferential reinforcing edge 6 is flange-like and projects from the circumferential edge region 7 at an angle of approximately 90° in the second direction Z2. The circumferential reinforcing edge 6 here also has a reinforcing rib 60, which projects toward the outside (radially outward) of the circumferential reinforcing edge 6. As is clear from FIG. 1, the reinforcing rib 60 is arranged somewhat closer to plane E than the inner bottom 53 of the connection pocket 5 is to plane E.

[0056] Therefore, by providing the connection pocket 5 with its opening side 50 oriented in substantially the same direction as the opening side 30 of the plug-in receiving portion 3, specifically in the first direction Z1, distortion of the male multi-pole connector 10 can be avoided. This allows for excellent dimensional accuracy of the male multi-pole connector 10 to be achieved not only during injection molding but also during 3D printing, for example. In this embodiment, a glass fiber-reinforced plastic, in particular polyamide or polybutylene terephthalate, is preferably used as the material for the male multi-pole connector base 1. The glass fibers preferably have a proportion in the range of approximately 30% by volume in the material of the male multi-pole connector base 1. Here, at least 90% of the glass fibers are oriented in the same direction, substantially perpendicular to the plane E (90°±20°).

[0057] Here, the male multi-pole connector base can be manufactured in a simple manner as a mass-produced part, for example in an injection molding process, in which case the distortion-free state can also be achieved with other manufacturing methods and the use of other materials.

[0058] The male multi-pole connector 10 particularly preferably has five or six serially arranged plug-in receptacles 3. Preferably, a maximum of 336 poles are provided in the form of pins 2, although the invention also works with a greater number of contact-connecting elements. Preferably, a connection pocket 5 is provided between adjacent plug-in receptacles 3. Thus, if n plug-in receptacles 3 are provided, preferably n-1 connection pockets result. These connection pockets 5 only slightly increase the weight of the male multi-pole connector of the male multi-pole connector base 1, since the connection pockets 5 are open on one side and do not protrude excessively downward. Therefore, the additional weight of the connection pockets is solely due to the weight of the pocket side walls 52, since the male multi-pole connector 10 according to the invention no longer has a uniform plate.

[0059] 5 shows a male multi-pole connector base 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which identical or functionally equivalent parts are given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment.

[0060] Unlike the first embodiment, the second length L2 of the connection pocket 5 perpendicular to the plane E is different in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the second length L2 of the pocket side wall 52 from the inner bottom 53 of the connection pocket to the plane E is only about 20% of the first length L1 from the plane E to the opening side 30 of the plug-in receiving part 3. The connection pocket 5 is therefore somewhat shorter in the second direction Z2 than in the first embodiment. This allows valuable space to be saved in the lower part of the male multi-pole connector base 1, for example, so that a printed circuit board can be arranged closer to the male multi-pole connector base 1. Nevertheless, the distortion of the male multi-pole connector base 1 can be achieved by the tie rod effect of the inner bottom 53 of the connection pocket 5. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 4, the following is now noted for the embodiment of FIG. 5: the first wall thickness D of the plug-in receiving part 3 and the connection pocket 5 is approximately 20% of the first wall thickness D of the plug-in receiving part 3 and the connection pocket 5. 1, the second wall thickness D2, the third wall thickness D3, and the fourth wall thickness D4 are collectively substantially equal in size, and therefore, approximately D 1 =D2=D3=D4 applies. Otherwise, this embodiment corresponds to the previous embodiment, so reference can be made to the explanations given there.

[0061] For the two embodiments, the first wall thickness D of the bottom plate 4 is therefore reduced by providing the connection pockets 5 which open in the same direction as the open plug-in receiving portions 3. 1 It should be noted that a balance is achieved between the stresses above and below the plane E lying in the center of the connector. Here, the connection pocket 5 open on one side allows for a surprisingly simple solution, even for a person skilled in the art, to be achieved for the problem of distortion in injection-molded parts for the base body of a male multi-pole connector. It should be noted that it is sufficient for the effectiveness of the invention if adjacent plug-in receptacles 3 and the connection pockets 5 lying between them have open sides 30, 50 oriented in substantially the same direction. Here, the orientation of these open sides 30, 50 may, for example, comprise an angle of up to 40°, preferably up to 20°, relative to one another.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6 , distortion reduction of the male multi-pole connector base 1 is essentially achieved if the direction of the open side 30 of the plug-in receiving section 3 is approximately 90° to the direction of the open side 50 of the intervening connection pocket 5. Accordingly, a male multi-pole connector base 1 is envisioned here, which has a plurality of plug-in receiving sections 3 open on one side, which are arranged in the extension direction 8 of the male multi-pole connector base and are configured to receive plug-in elements. Each plug-in receiving section 3 has its own bottom plate 4. Between adjacent plug-in receiving sections 3, and in particular between all adjacent plug-in receiving sections 3, a connection pocket 5 open on one side is arranged, which connects the plug-in receiving sections 3 adjacent to it. The plug-in receiving sections 3 project in a first direction Z1 from a plane E on which the bottom plate 4 lies, and the connection pockets 5 project from the plane E in a second direction Z2 opposite to the first direction Z1. It is then envisaged that the open side 50 of the connection pocket 5 and the open side 30 of the plug-in receiving part 3 are oriented relative to one another by substantially 90°±40°, in particular ±30°, further in particular ±20°, further in particular ±10°, and further in particular ±3°. This can be achieved, for example, by one of the pocket side walls 52 of the connection pocket 5 or the reference plate 51 being at least partially open, for example by at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, of its area. The seal against the upper side of the male multi-pole connector base 1 can then be produced, for example, by the formation of a sealing element 9 or a very thin injection-molded skin or sealing bottom, for example having a maximum of 30% of the second thickness D2 or a maximum of 15% of the first thickness D1. It is understood that the above-mentioned developments and embodiments described in this specification and those described in the dependent claims likewise apply to and refer to these arrangements (this applies, for example, to the wall thicknesses and their ratios to one another, the lengths of the side walls and their ratios to one another, the geometric arrangement of the walls, base and pockets, the manufacturing method, materials, etc.).1 to 4 and 5, the embodiment may, for example, have openings formed in the right or left side wall 52, respectively, of the connection pocket 5. Alternating (left / right) openings are also conceivable.

Claims

1. A male multi-pole connector base, The male multi-pole connector base includes a plurality of plug-in receiving sections (3) each open on one side, the plug-in receiving sections (3) being arranged in an extension direction (8) of the male multi-pole connector base and configured to receive plug-in elements; Each plug-in receptacle (3) has its own bottom plate (4), Between adjacent plug-in receiving sections (3) there is arranged a connection pocket (5) open on one side, said connection pocket (5) connecting the plug-in receiving sections (3) adjacent to it with each other, the plug-in receiving portion (3) projects in a first direction (Z1) from a plane (E) on which the bottom plate (4) is placed, and the connection pocket (5) projects in a second direction (Z2) opposite to the first direction (Z1) from the plane (E); A male multi-pole connector base, wherein the open side (50) of the connection pocket (5) and the open side (30) of the plug-in receiving portion (3) are oriented in substantially the same direction.

2. A male multi-pole connector base as described in claim 1, in which one connection pocket (5) with an open side is arranged between each of all adjacent plug-in receiving portions (3).

3. 2. The male multi-pole connector base according to claim 1, wherein the bottom plate (4) of the plug-in receiving portion (3) has a first wall thickness D1 and the side wall (31) of the plug-in receiving portion (3) has a second wall thickness D2, and the following inequality is satisfied: 0.3 x D1 < D2 < 0.65 x D1.

4. A male multi-pole connector base as described in claim 1, wherein the bottom plate (4) of the plug-in accommodating portion (3) has a first wall thickness D1 and the side wall (31) of the plug-in accommodating portion (3) has a second wall thickness D2, where D2 = 0.5 x D1.

5. 4. A male multi-pole connector base as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second wall thickness D2 of the side wall (31) of the plug-in receiving portion (3) protruding from the bottom plate (4) is equal to the third wall thickness D3 of the pocket side wall (52) of the connection pocket (5).

6. 6. A male multi-pole connector base as described in claim 5, wherein the fourth wall thickness D4 of the reference plate (51) of the connection pocket (5) is equal to the third wall thickness D3 of the pocket side wall (52) of the connection pocket (5).

7. said plane (E) being the central plane of said bottom plate (4); The side wall (31) of the plug-in receiving portion (3) has a first length L1 starting from the central plane of the bottom plate (4), The pocket side wall (52) of the connection pocket (5) has a second length L2 from the inner bottom (53) of the reference plate (51) to the central plane of the bottom plate (4), 7. The male multi-pole connector base of claim 6, wherein said first length L1 is at least twice as long as said second length L2.

8. 8. The male multi-pole connector base of claim 7, wherein the following inequality is satisfied: 0.15*L1<L2<0.5*L1.

9. A male multi-pole connector base as described in claim 7, wherein the following inequality is satisfied: 0.2 x L1 < L2 < 0.38 x L1.

10. A male multi-pole connector base as described in claim 7, wherein L2 = 0.33 x L1.

11. 2. A male multi-pole connector base according to claim 1, wherein the open side (50) of the connection pocket (5) is at the level of the inner bottom (40) of the bottom plate (4) of the plug-in receiving section (3).

12. 2. A male multi-pole connector base according to claim 1, wherein at least one side wall (31) of said plug-in receiving portion (3) and a pocket side wall (52) of said connection pocket (5) lie in a common wall plane (W).

13. 13. A male multi-pole connector base as described in claim 12, wherein all side walls (31) of the plug-in accommodating portion (3) lie along a first direction (Z1) perpendicular to the extension direction (8) of the male multi-pole connector base and each lie in a common wall plane (W) with one of the pocket side walls (52) of the connection pocket (5).

14. 2. A male multi-pole connector base according to claim 1, wherein said male multi-pole connector base (1) is an injection molded part.

15. A male multi-pole connector base as described in Claim 14, wherein the male multi-pole connector base (1) is made of fiber-reinforced plastic.

16. 16. A male multi-pole connector base as described in claim 15, wherein the fibers in the side walls (31) of the plug-in receiving portion (3) and in the pocket side walls (52) of the connection pocket (5) are oriented substantially perpendicular to the bottom plate (4) of the plug-in receiving portion (3).

17. 16. The male multi-position connector substrate of claim 15, wherein said fibers are glass fibers and said plastic is polyamide or polybutylene terephthalate.

18. 18. A male multi-pole connector base according to claim 17, wherein said glass fibres have a proportion in the range of 20 to 40% by volume of the material of said male multi-pole connector base (1).

19. 16. The male multi-pole connector base of claim 15, wherein said material is PA66GF30 or PBTGF30.

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