Method for providing a production data set for producing a carrier element for a plug connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a method, in particular a computer-implemented method, which is used to provide a production data set for producing a carrier element (1) for a plug connector, in particular an electrical plug connector and / or a fluidic and / or a light-conducting plug connector, wherein the carrier element has a plurality of receptacles (2) for electrical and / or fluidic and / or light-conducting contact elements and wherein the carrier element optionally has at least one functional structure (3), wherein the at least one functional structure is in particular at least one receptacle for sensors, actuators or cooling elements or in particular has a cooling channel, - wherein in a first step (S1) the type and number of the desired contact elements is acquired and stored in an acquisition data set, - wherein in a second step (S2), a relative position of the selected contact elements with respect to one another is specified on the basis of the selected contact elements stored in the acquisition data set, - wherein in a third step (S3), the spatial shape of a carrier element is defined on the basis of the specification of the relative of the contact elements according to the second step, and - wherein in a fourth step (S4), the production data set for producing the carrier element is generated and stored.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] PROCEDURE

[0003] TECHNICAL AREA

[0004] The present invention relates to a method, in particular a computer-implemented method, for providing a manufacturing data set for manufacturing a carrier element for a connector according to claim 1, a manufacturing method for manufacturing a carrier element according to claim 19, a carrier element manufactured according to the manufacturing method according to claim 21 and a computer program product according to claim 22.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Modular connectors are known from the prior art. For example, EP 0 742 608 discloses such a connector. Module parts, in which the electrical conductor elements are arranged, are connected to a frame. The module parts are then secured to the mounting frame with a locking tab. A disadvantage of the connector according to EP 0 742 608 is that its modularity is limited by the finite number of available module parts. Therefore, while the user is offered a certain degree of modularity, it has its limitations.

[0007] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the objective of specifying a method for providing a manufacturing data set for the production of a carrier element for a connector, with which a carrier element with increased modularity can be produced.

[0009] The method according to claim 1 solves these and other problems. The method serves to provide a manufacturing data set for producing a carrier element for a connector. The carrier element can optionally be electrically insulating. The carrier element has several receptacles for electrical and / or fluidic and / or light-conducting contact elements. Optionally, the carrier element has at least one functional structure for further optional elements, such as at least one receptacle for sensors, actuators, or cooling elements. The functional structure can also be designed as a cooling channel. The method comprises the following steps:

[0010] As a first step, the type and number of contact elements are stored in a data capture record.

[0011] In a second step, a relative position of the selected contact elements to each other is determined based on the contact elements stored in the acquisition data set.

[0012] In a third step, based on the determination of the relative positions of the contact elements according to the second step, the spatial shape of a support element is defined.

[0013] In a fourth step, the manufacturing data set for the production of the carrier element is generated and saved.

[0014] This process allows the production of a carrier element for a connector that can be flexibly adapted to the type and number of contact elements required by the user.

[0015] A contact element is understood to be an element that can be functionally plugged into another contact element. In the case of an electrical contact element, this is, for example, a plug socket or a plug pin. Electrical contact elements can be electrically conductively connected to one another. In the case of a fluidic contact element, the contact elements are fluid-carrying and can be fluidically sealed together. A cooling element can preferably also be associated with the fluidic connection. A light-conducting contact element is, for example, an optical fiber.

[0016] The manufacturing data set comprises information that defines the spatial structure of the support element. Preferably, the manufacturing data set is a data set for producing the support element using an additive manufacturing process, such as a 3D printer. In other embodiments, the manufacturing data set can also be designed for other manufacturing processes. For example, the manufacturing data set can be provided for the production of an injection mold, so that the injection-molded part can be produced using the injection mold based on the manufacturing data set. The aforementioned steps are preferably executed sequentially in the stated order. However, it is also conceivable that, within a computer-implemented process, the aforementioned steps are executed continuously or repeatedly, whereby user input can be continuously considered during the execution of the aforementioned steps.

[0017] The method is preferably a computer-implemented method. Parts of the first step, the second step, the third step, and the fourth step are preferably performed by a computer processor interacting with memory. The computer includes a processor configured to perform the aforementioned steps. The computer typically further includes at least one input device, a screen, and memory. The memory is preferably configured to store the data sets mentioned herein. User input occurring before and / or during some of the steps can be taken into account.

[0018] Preferably, in the first step, the type and number of desired contact elements are provided by user input.

[0019] User input is provided via at least one input device, such as a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, etc., connected to the computer.

[0020] Preferably, the desired contact elements are selected from a component data set, which component data set can be displayed to the user on a screen in whole or in part, such that the user can select the desired contact elements from the displayed component data set.

[0021] Preferably, the purpose and / or cross-section and / or mating characteristics of each contact element are stored in a component data record. This component data record can be queried during the aforementioned steps. Depending on the step, either the complete or a simplified component data record can be displayed.

[0022] Preferably, user input is in text and / or image form, and is preferably processed using a Large Language Model. Preferably, in the first step, the properties of a cable are recorded, and the type and number of desired contact elements are determined based on these properties.

[0023] Preferably, the spatial shape of the support element, in particular with the selected contact elements and any selected functional structures, is displayed to the user. Most preferably, said spatial shape is displayed continuously during the execution of the aforementioned steps. Alternatively, said spatial shape is displayed from the second step onwards.

[0024] Preferably, in the second step, several variants of the relative position of the selected contact elements to each other are provided, and / or in the third step, several variants of the spatial shape of the carrier element are provided. The multiple variants are displayed on the screen. Before the fourth step, a user selects the appropriate variant in a selection step. In the fourth step, the manufacturing data record is generated according to the selection.

[0025] For example, the following information can be stored individually or in various combinations in the component data set for electrical contact elements:

[0026] Intended use, in particular signal or power contact cross-section, such as plug cross-section or cable cross-section; mating characteristics, such as mating cycles, vibrations, shocks; identification elements, such as order number, type number, type designation; weight

[0027] - Dimensions, such as diameter, length, cross-sections

[0028] Electrical properties, such as contact resistance, surface coatings, rated current

[0029] - Illustration of the contact element

[0030] For example, the following information can be stored individually or in various combinations in the component data set for fluidic contact elements:

[0031] Intended use

[0032] Plugging characteristics, such as mating cycles

[0033] Identification elements, such as order number, type number, type designation; weight; dimensions, such as diameter, length, cross-sections, nominal sizes; fluidic properties, such as maximum or minimum operating pressure, spring force, operating temperatures

[0034] Sealing material,

[0035] - Illustration of the contact element

[0036] For example, the following information can be stored individually or in various combinations in the component data set for light-conducting contact elements:

[0037] Intended use

[0038] Plugging characteristics, such as mating cycles

[0039] Identification elements, such as order number, type number, type designation, weight

[0040] - Dimensions, such as diameter, length, cross-sections, nominal widths

[0041] - Illustration of the contact element

[0042] For example, the following information can be stored individually or in various combinations in the component data set for sensors / actuators: manufacturer name and / or article number and full name; and / or image of the product and / or special properties and / or functional description and / or pin connection diagram(s) and / or absolute minimum and maximum limits (supply voltage, power consumption, input currents, storage temperature, operating temperature, etc.).) and / or Recommended operating conditions and / or DC data table and / or AC data table and / or Input / output waveform diagram including timing definitions and / or diagram(s) with mechanical dimensions, with minimum / typical / maximum dimensions, including contact arrangement and / or test circuit(s) and / or explanations of materials used, especially according to the RoHS directive and / or application recommendations such as required filter capacitors, PCB layout, etc. and / or application recommendations for the circuit environment and / or list of the various available housing versions (possibly with illustrations), power variants, and associated order numbers.

[0043] Preferably, at least one of the desired contact elements can be positioned by user input before or during the second step. Preferably, after the second step and before the third step, the relative position of the selected contact elements to each other is displayed to the user, and the user can shift the position of at least one of the desired contact elements by user input.

[0044] Preferably, each contact element is assigned mounting properties, whereby in the second step, when determining the relative position of the selected contact elements to each other, the mounting properties are taken into account.

[0045] One example of a mounting property is the volume of space in which additional elements are to be provided on the support element for fixing the contact elements. For example, spring tabs or similar components. By considering the mounting properties, collisions between the mounting properties of adjacent contact elements can be prevented.

[0046] Preferably, in an intermediate step between the first and second steps, a required insertion force is calculated based on the type and number of desired contact elements. The calculated required insertion force is compared with a limit value for maximum insertion force. If the calculated required insertion force falls below the limit value, the second step is executed.

[0047] In one variant, if the calculated required insertion force exceeds the limit, an error message is displayed. The error message can inform the user that the insertion force is too high and that a greater force is required for the insertion operation. The user can then acknowledge the error message and continue the process, abort the process, or return to the first step.

[0048] The error message may also contain information suggesting a solution to reduce the insertion force to the user, for example, by reducing the number of contacts.

[0049] In a second variant, if the calculated required insertion force exceeds the limit, the second step is not executed and an error message is displayed to terminate the process. The insertion force limit is preferably dependent on the type of connector being manufactured. The type of connector can, for example, be queried by the user during the first step. Typically, a connector manufactured manually has a lower limit than one manufactured by a robot.

[0050] Preferably, during the first step or in an intermediate step before the second step, at least one functional structure is selected from a functional structure dataset based on the selected contact elements. In the second step, the relative position of the at least one functional structure to the selected contact elements is then determined.

[0051] Preferably, at least one functional structure is automatically selected from the functional structure dataset by an algorithm. In particular, the information from the component dataset is taken into account. For example, if a user selects a large number of contact elements with high heating potential, corresponding cooling elements, such as cooling channels or cooling fins, are selected from the functional structure dataset.

[0052] Preferably, during the first step or in an intermediate step before the second step, the at least one functional structure is selected by user input. In the second step, the relative position of the at least one functional structure to the selected contact elements is then determined.

[0053] Preferably, in the second step, the relative position of the contact elements and any existing at least one functional structure is optimized, with the optimization being carried out according to the following optimization criteria:

[0054] - Placement of the contact elements and any existing functional structure (at least one) in the smallest possible area; and / or

[0055] - Placement of the contact elements (contacts and any functional structure present) in the smallest possible area, taking into account a predefined length-to-width ratio of said area; and / or

[0056] - Placement of certain contact elements and any functional structure present as close as possible to the edge of the connector and / or

[0057] - Placement of the contact elements and any at least one functional structure (3) in an even distribution over the entire surface; and / or

[0058] - Placement of the contact elements according to their weight.

[0059] The optimization criteria can all be used together or individually. Based on the selected contact elements and any existing functional structure, the optimization criteria can be applied automatically, or the user can select at least one optimization criterion.

[0060] The even distribution of the contact elements allows for a symmetrical arrangement. By positioning the contact elements according to their weight, the weight of the connector can be balanced. For example, heavier contact elements can be placed more towards the center of the carrier element, and lighter contact elements can be placed towards the edge of the carrier element.

[0061] Optimization is particularly preferred when the contact elements are placed on the smallest possible area using a nesting algorithm.

[0062] Optimization is particularly preferred using a genetic algorithm with non-dominant sorting of the aforementioned optimization criteria and / or using a genetic algorithm with the NSGA-II for the multivariate solution of the aforementioned optimization criteria.

[0063] Preferably, the user specifies at least one of the aforementioned optimization criteria.

[0064] Preferably, in the second step a two-dimensional arrangement of the relative positions is provided. In the third step a three-dimensional arrangement is provided.

[0065] Preferably, during the second and / or third step, the volume of the support element is optimized, whereby recesses between the receptacles are defined during the volume optimization, and / or rib structures between side walls that laterally delimit the receptacles are defined during the volume optimization. The recesses or rib structures allow for a reduction in the material required to manufacture the support element. This can also be described as topology optimization, particularly with regard to the recesses between the receptacles.

[0066] Preferably, further user input can be entered during the first step and / or in an intermediate step between the first step and the second step, whereby the further user input can be selected from the following group:

[0067] - Material of the support element; and / or

[0068] - Color of the carrier element; and / or

[0069] - Manufacturing method of the support element; and / or

[0070] - Selection of additional elements, such as housing parts; and / or

[0071] - Outer shape of the support element; and / or

[0072] - Choice of different models of the support element.

[0073] Regarding the manufacturing method, the user can choose whether the carrier element should be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process or an injection molding process.

[0074] When selecting different models, the user is shown predefined model types from which to choose.

[0075] Preferably, in a step following the first step, the user is provided with at least one piece of extended information about the selected elements. This extended information may include, for example, the CO2 emissions for the manufacture and / or operation of a connector, and / or the material consumption, and / or the costs, and / or the weight.

[0076] Preferably, the method further includes a verification step. In a first variant of the verification step, an error message is displayed to the user if the verification step is unsuccessful. For example, the verification step can check whether the carrier element with the contact elements complies with common connector standards; and / or whether the temperature distribution expected during operation is within the standard range; and / or whether specified air and / or creepage distances are met.

[0077] The error message can be displayed, for example, via a window on a screen or in a chatbot.

[0078] In a second variant, the user is shown the result of the verification step in a representation of the spatial shape of the support element with the result superimposed. For example, the expected heat distribution can be displayed to the user with a corresponding superimposition.

[0079] Furthermore, a manufacturing process for a carrier element according to claim 18 is specified. The carrier element has several receptacles for contact elements and optionally at least one functional structure for further optional elements, such as at least one receptacle for sensors, actuators, or cooling elements, or at least one cooling channel. According to the manufacturing process, the manufacturing data set provided according to the method as described above is made available to a production machine, and the production machine manufactures the carrier element based on the manufacturing data set.

[0080] Preferably, the manufacturing data set is sent to the production machine via an internet connection. Alternatively, the manufacturing data set can also be stored on a data carrier.

[0081] In a first variant, the carrier element is manufactured by the production machine using an additive manufacturing process, whereby the carrier element is produced using the manufacturing data set.

[0082] In a second variant, the carrier element is manufactured by the production machine using an injection molding process, wherein an injection mold is provided with the data from the manufacturing data set and wherein the injection mold is filled with a molding compound to produce the carrier element.

[0083] A carrier element for a connector has several receptacles for contact elements and optional additional elements, such as sensors, actuators, or cooling channels, wherein the carrier element is manufactured according to a method as described above. A computer program product comprises instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause it to perform the steps of the computer-implemented method as described above.

[0084] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0085] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0086] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted restrictively. The drawings show:

[0087] Fig. 1 shows a flowchart of a method according to the invention in a preferred embodiment; and

[0088] Fig. 2 shows a schematic top view of a support element produced using the inventive method for a connector, in particular for an electrical and / or fluidic and / or light-conducting connector.

[0089] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0090] Figure 1 shows a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention. The method is, in particular, a computer-implemented method. The method serves to provide a manufacturing data set for the production of a carrier element 1 for an electrical and / or fluidic and / or optical connector.

[0091] Figure 2 schematically depicts the carrier element 1. The carrier element 1 comprises several receptacles 2 for electrical and / or fluidic and / or light-conducting contact elements. The contact elements are mounted in their respective receptacles. The carrier element 1 and the contact elements are used as part of a connector. Optionally, the carrier element can have at least one functional structure 3. This at least one functional structure 3 can be provided for further optional elements. In this case, the at least one functional structure 3 is, for example, a receptacle for sensors, actuators, or cooling elements. The at least one functional structure 3 can also have the form of a cooling channel. The following describes the method for providing a manufacturing data set for producing a carrier element for the connector:

[0092] In a first step S1, the number and type of desired contact elements are recorded and stored in a recording data set. In a second step S2, a relative position of the selected contact elements to each other is determined based on the selected contact elements stored in the recording data set.

[0093] In a third step S3, the shape of a support element is defined based on the determination of the relative positions of the contact elements according to the second step.

[0094] In a fourth step S4, the manufacturing data set for the production of the support element is generated and stored.

[0095] According to the invention, the manufacturing data set is used in a manufacturing process for producing a carrier element for a connector. The manufacturing data set, which is provided according to the description, is made available to a production machine. The production machine manufactures the carrier element based on the manufacturing data set.

[0096] The following section describes further specific, optional features related to the procedure for providing the aforementioned manufacturing data set:

[0097] Preferably, each contact element is assigned mounting properties, and in the second step, these mounting properties are taken into account when determining the relative position of the selected contact elements. This is represented in Figure 2 by reference numeral 5. For example, this is an installation space in which a retaining tab or a locking tab for a contact element is located.

[0098] In the first step, the type and number of desired contact elements are specified by user input. For example, the user can select the desired contact elements within a computer program or a web interface.

[0099] Preferably, the desired contact elements are selected from a component data set. The component data set can be displayed to the user on a screen, either in whole or in part, so that the user can select the desired contact elements from the displayed component data set.

[0100] Preferably, the purpose and / or cross-section and / or mating characteristics of each contact element are stored in a component data record. The component data record can be queried during the aforementioned steps. Depending on the step, the complete or a simplified component data record can be displayed.

[0101] Preferably, each contact element is assigned mounting properties, whereby in the second step, when determining the relative position of the selected contact elements to each other, the mounting properties are taken into account.

[0102] Preferably, in an intermediate step between the first and second steps, a required insertion force is calculated based on the type and number of desired contact elements. The calculated insertion force is compared to a maximum insertion force limit. If the required insertion force is below the limit, the second step is executed. If the required insertion force exceeds the limit, an error message is displayed. The user can then change the selected contact elements. Alternatively, the second step can be skipped if the insertion force is too high.

[0103] The at least one functional structure can be selected in various ways. Preferably, during the first step or in an intermediate step before the second step, the at least one functional structure is selected from a functional structure data set based on the selected contact elements. Alternatively or additionally, during the first step or in an intermediate step before the second step, the at least one functional structure is selected by user input. After the selection of the at least one functional structure, the relative position of the at least one functional structure to the selected contact elements is determined in the second step.

[0104] Preferably, the second step involves optimizing the relative position of the contact elements and any functional structure that may be present. This optimization is performed according to an optimization criterion. The following optimization criteria are preferred and can be used individually or in various combinations.

[0105] The first optimization criterion is the placement of the contact elements and any functional structure that may be present, in the smallest possible area.

[0106] The second optimization criterion is the placement of the contact elements and any functional structure that may be present on the smallest possible area, taking into account a predefined length-to-width ratio of said area.

[0107] The third optimization criterion is the placement of certain contact elements and any functional structure that may be present as close as possible to the edge of the connector.

[0108] The fourth optimization criterion is the placement of the contact elements and any functional structure that may be present, in an even distribution over the entire area.

[0109] The fourth optimization criterion is the placement of the contact elements according to their weight.

[0110] Preferably, the optimization is carried out using a nesting algorithm, taking into account the placement of the contact elements and any existing at least one functional structure on a maximally small area.

[0111] Alternatively, optimization can be performed using a genetic algorithm with non-dominant sorting of the aforementioned optimization criteria. In particular, optimization can be carried out using a genetic algorithm with the NSGA-II for the multivariate solution of the aforementioned optimization criteria.

[0112] Preferably, the user can define at least one of the aforementioned optimization criteria. The user can select the desired at least one optimization criterion.

[0113] In a particularly preferred advanced training, a two-dimensional arrangement of the relative position is provided in the second step, and a three-dimensional arrangement is provided in the third step.

[0114] Preferably, during the second step S2 and / or during the third step S3, the volume of the support element is optimized. For example, during the volume optimization, recesses 4 between the receptacles 2 can be defined and / or web structures between side walls, which laterally delimit the receptacles, can be defined during the volume optimization.

[0115] Preferably, further user input can be entered during the first step S1 and / or in an intermediate step between the first step S1 and the second step S2, wherein the further user input can be selected from the following group:

[0116] - Material of the support element; and / or

[0117] - Color of the carrier element; and / or

[0118] - Manufacturing method of the support element; and / or

[0119] - Selection of additional elements, such as housing parts and / or

[0120] - Outer shape of the support element, such as round, rectangular or square; and / or

[0121] - Choice of different models of the support element.

[0122] REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0123] 1 support element

[0124] 2 Recording 3 Functional structure

[0125] 4 cutouts

[0126] 5 Construction space

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A method, in particular a computer-implemented method, for providing a manufacturing data set for the manufacture of a carrier element (1) for a connector, in particular an electrical connector and / or a fluidic and / or a light-conducting connector, wherein the carrier element has several receptacles (2) for electrical and / or fluidic and / or light-conducting contact elements and wherein the carrier element optionally has at least one functional structure (3), wherein the at least one functional structure is in particular at least one receptacle for sensors, actuators or cooling elements, or in particular has a cooling channel, wherein in a first step (S1) the type and number of contact elements are stored in a data set,wherein in a second step (S2) a relative position of the selected contact elements to each other is determined based on the selected contact elements stored in the acquisition data set, wherein in a third step (S3) the spatial shape of a support element is defined based on the determination of the relative position of the contact elements according to the second step, and wherein in a fourth step (S4) the manufacturing data set for the manufacture of the support element is generated and stored.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the first step the type and number of desired contact elements are provided by a user input.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the desired contact elements are selected from a component data set, which component data set can be displayed to the user on a screen in whole or in part, such that the user can select the desired contact elements from the displayed component data set.

4. Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the User input is provided in text and / or image form, and is preferably processed using a Large Language Model.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first step properties of a cable are recorded, wherein the type and number of desired contact elements are determined on the basis of the properties of the cable.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spatial shape of the carrier element, in particular with the selected contact elements and the optionally selected functional structures, is displayed to the user; in particular, that said spatial shape is continuously displayed during the execution of the aforementioned steps; or in particular, that said spatial shape is displayed from the second step onwards.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the second step (S2) several variants of the relative position of the selected contact elements to each other are provided and / or that in the third step (S3) several variants of the spatial shape of the carrier element are provided, wherein the several variants are displayed on the screen and wherein, before the fourth step (S4), a user selects the corresponding variant in a selection step, and wherein in the fourth step the manufacturing data set is generated according to the selection step.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a component data set contains for each contact element the intended use and / or the cross-section and / or the plugging properties and / or identification elements and / or the weight and / or dimensional data and / or electrical properties and / or fluidic and / or light-conducting properties and / or an image of the contact element, wherein the component data set can be queried during the aforementioned steps.

9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein 19 characterized in that at least one of the desired contact elements can be placed by user input before or during the second step; and / or that after the second step and before the third step the relative position of the selected contact elements to each other is displayed to the user, wherein the user can shift the position of at least one of the desired contact elements by user input.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that assembly properties are assigned to each contact element, wherein in the second step the assembly properties are taken into account when determining the relative position of the selected contact elements to one another.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in an intermediate step between the first step and the second step, a required insertion force is calculated based on the detection of the type and number of desired contact elements, wherein the calculated insertion force is compared with a limit value of a maximum insertion force, wherein if the required insertion force falls below the limit value, the second step is executed, and wherein if the required insertion force exceeds the limit value, an error message is issued.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the first step or in an intermediate step before the second step, the at least one functional structure (3) is selected from a functional structure data set based on the selected contact elements, wherein in the second step the relative position of the at least one functional structure (3) to the selected contact elements is determined; and / or that during the first step or in an intermediate step before the second step, the at least one functional structure (3) is selected by user input, wherein in the second step the relative position of the at least one functional structure to the selected contact elements is determined. 20 13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the second step an optimization of the relative position of the contact elements and the at least one functional structure (3) that may be present is carried out, wherein the optimization is carried out according to the following optimization criteria: - Placement of the contact elements and any at least one functional structure (3) on a maximally small area; and / or - Placement of the contact elements and the at least one functional structure (3) that may be present in a maximally small area under Taking into account a predefined length-to-width ratio of the said area; and / or - Placement of certain contact elements and the at least one functional structure (3) that may be present as close as possible to the edge of the connector and / or - Placement of the contact elements and any at least one functional structure (3) in an even distribution over the entire surface; and / or - Placement of the contact elements according to their weight.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one of the aforementioned optimization criteria can be specified by the user.

15. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the second step a two-dimensional arrangement of the relative position is provided and in the third step a three-dimensional arrangement is provided.

16. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the second step (S2) and / or during the third step (S3) an optimization of the volume of the support element is carried out, wherein during the optimization of the volume recesses (4) between the receptacles (2) are defined and / or wherein during the optimization of the volume web structures between side walls which laterally limit the receptacles are defined.

17. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the first step (S1) and / or in an intermediate step 21 Between the first step (S1) and the second step (S2), further user input can be entered, whereby the further user input can be selected from the following group: - Material of the support element; and / or - Color of the carrier element; and / or - Manufacturing method of the support element; and / or - Selection of additional elements, such as housing parts and / or - Outer shape of the support element; and / or - Choice of different models of the support element.

18. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method further comprises a verification step wherein an error message is displayed to the user if the verification step is unsuccessful; and / or wherein the result of the verification step is displayed to the user in a representation of the spatial shape of the support element with the result superimposed.

19. Manufacturing method for producing a carrier element (1) for a connector, wherein the carrier element has several receptacles (2) for contact elements and wherein the carrier element optionally has at least one functional structure for further optional elements, such as at least one receptacle for sensors, actuators or cooling elements or such as at least one cooling channel, wherein the manufacturing data set provided according to the method of claims 1 to 17 is made available to a production machine, and wherein the production machine produces the carrier element on the basis of the manufacturing data set.

20. Manufacturing method according to claim 19, characterized in that the support element is manufactured by the production machine using an additive manufacturing process, wherein the support element is manufactured using the manufacturing data set; or the support element is manufactured by the production machine using an injection molding process, wherein an injection mold is provided with the data from the manufacturing data set and wherein the injection mold is filled with a molding compound for manufacturing the support element.

21. Carrier element for a connector, wherein the carrier element comprises several 22 Receptacles for contact elements and optionally at least one functional structure for further optional elements, such as at least one receptacle for sensors, actuators or cooling elements or such as at least one cooling channel, and wherein the carrier element is manufactured according to a method according to claim 15.

22. Computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the computer-implemented method according to any of the preceding claims.

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