Patent Abstract:
The invention relates to an electrical connector for accommodating an electrical conductor or mating connector, having a first plastic section having a first degree of hardness or elasticity, and a second plastic section having a second degree of hardness or elasticity, wherein the first degree of hardness or elasticity and the second degree of hardness or elasticity are different, and the first plastic section cooperates with the second plastic section in order to accommodate the electrical conductor.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of electrical connection technology. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     At the present time plugs, clamping points such as terminal blocks, for example, device connections, and all known electrical connections are implemented by mechanically locking a cable and electrically contacting a conductor using screw, spring, or displacement connections. In addition, electrically conductive metal in a plug may be replaced, for example, by a metal applied using molded interconnect device (MID) technology, thus reducing the number of plug components. Furthermore, by means of the plug-in connections, electrical conductors may be connected to one another using a socket and a plug. The electrical connection is thus established via an elastic contact, a housing being provided to ensure tightness of the plug. However, known electrical connectors are complex due to the fact that they are often composed of numerous different components. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The object of the invention is to provide a simple electrical connector. 
     The invention is based on the knowledge that a simple electrical connector, for example a plug-in connector or a clamp, may be implemented using at least two plastic sections, at least one of the plastic sections being elastic and reversibly deformable, for example, and the other plastic section, for example, imparting shape. 
     To allow integration density and handling of a connection using a plug, a detachable contact, or a fixed electrical connection to be significantly changed, according to the invention all components of such a connection are considered. This involves, for example, a contact to the conductor, locking of a cable, relaying of a contacted signal in the form of a current or a voltage, for example, taking into account a shield connection or an anti-kink protector, locking of the plug and the socket, tightness of the plug, the socket, and the cable, and the handling of these elements. 
     Mechanical springs may be replaced by use of the elastic plastic section, since a combination of a flexible plastic section, for contacting a conductor or mating connector, with a clamping element is employed without additional use of mechanical spring elements or clamping parts due to use of the soft, i.e., elastic, plastic sections in combination with shape-imparting hard plastic sections. The combination of flexible plastic sections and sections of a mechanically harder material also facilitates releasability of the connection in addition to mechanical stability. The differing degrees of hardness or elasticity of the plastic sections may be based on the use of different plastics and/or different geometries and shapes of the sections, even when the same plastics are used. In the following description the term “soft plastic” is used to denote a plastic section which has a lesser degree of hardness than a “hard plastic section,” and vice versa. 
     According to a further embodiment of the invention, the plastic sections may be conductive and may be used in a connecting point. For example, the plastic surfaces are conductive. The contacting of electrical conductors may be replaced, for example, by a soft embedded plastic having a conductive material or having a conductive support material with metals, for example, mounted thereon, or with electroplated plastic, or by conductive plastics, which is also possible for the less elastic, harder plastic having a conductive surface. This combination is advantageous in particular for the further miniaturization of the clamping elements. For example, by using a conductive plastic which is manufactured with the aid of so-called nanotubes, the contact to the conductor may be provided with a large surface, since a contact surface corresponds to the entire end of the conductor, and the locking may be performed using a separate locking technology. Thus, the construction and design of the clamp may be more flexible. 
     According to the invention, complex, compact structures and connectors may be economically and efficiently extruded or provided with a simple mechanical design. The concept according to the invention allows a higher degree of complexity in the clamping mechanics due to the fact that a larger number of movable, and also smaller, parts are possible which, however, do not have the disadvantage of being composed of numerous components. The mechanics may be provided, for example, as an injection-molded part assembled using a placement function, and which in a further injection molding process is enclosed by softer plastic and therefore has a functional composition. This results in simpler handling of the products for electrically and mechanically contacting conductors and cables. The concept according to the invention also allows manufacture of new types of plugs and contacts, for example printed circuit board connectors, or development of alternative connection methods. The functioning of the electrical connector is simplified as a result of the mechanically cohesive design of the plastic sections using elastic, soft plastic. The haptics are improved due to the design using soft or shape-imparting plastics. This applies not only for operating the control elements, but also for the assistance of functions, for example reducing the tendency for installed cables or two paired connectors to slip out. The concept also allows production of simple and complex mechanical structures using the injection molding process, for example. Furthermore, the electrical connector may be completely implemented without metal components. The elastic, soft plastics may be manufactured with the aid of plastic softeners, for example. 
     The invention relates to electrical connectors for accommodating an electrical conductor or mating connector, having a first section which includes a plastic and which has a first degree of hardness or elasticity, and a second section which includes a plastic and which has a second degree of hardness or elasticity, the first degree of hardness or elasticity and the second degree of hardness or elasticity being different, and the first section cooperating with the second section in order to accommodate the electrical conductor or mating connector. 
     According to one embodiment, the first section and/or the second section, or only the second section, is/are reversibly deformable. 
     According to one embodiment, the first section and/or the second section is/are conductive. 
     According to one embodiment, the first section and/or the second section is/are elastically deformable, and the electrical conductor or mating connector may be accommodated by deforming the first section or the second section. 
     According to one embodiment, the electrical connector also includes a third section which includes a plastic having the first degree of hardness or elasticity, wherein the second section connects the first section and the third section, and the first section may be displaced or twisted relative to the third section with deformation of the second section, and may be locked and preferably released by displacement or twisting. 
     According to one embodiment, the first section may be inserted into the second section, and may be locked therein and preferably released by elastic deformation of the first section or of the second section. 
     According to one embodiment, the first section may be twisted relative to the second section, or the second section may be twisted relative to the first section, wherein the first section or the second section may be locked and preferably released by twisting. 
     According to one embodiment, the second degree of elasticity is greater than the first degree of elasticity, or the first degree of hardness is greater than the second degree of hardness. 
     According to one embodiment, the second section is provided for accommodating the electrical conductor or mating connector, the first section imparting shape and at least partially enveloping the second section. 
     According to one embodiment, the second section includes comb-shaped regions for accommodating the electrical contact or mating connector. 
     According to one embodiment, the second section is designed as an elastic clamping connector. 
     According to one embodiment, the electrical connector also includes a third section having the first degree of hardness or elasticity, wherein the first section may be clamped in a recess in the third section, and may be released as the result of a restoring force of the second section. 
     According to one embodiment, the electrical connector also includes a third section having the first degree of hardness or elasticity, the first section and the third section being connected by the second section and forming a clamp. 
     According to one embodiment, the electrical connector also includes a third section having the first degree of hardness or elasticity, and which is displaceably supported with respect to the first section. 
     According to one embodiment, the second section includes an elastic bead, the first section having a cross section which is rotatably situated about the second section in order to deform or release the elastic snap bead for locking the electrical conductor or mating connector. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further exemplary embodiments are explained in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show the following: 
         FIG. 1  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 2  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 3  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 4  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 5  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 6  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 7  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 8  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 9  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 10  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 11  shows a morphological box; 
         FIG. 12  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 13  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 14  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 15  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 16  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 17  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 18  shows an association of the plastic properties with the respective connector functionality; 
         FIG. 19  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 20  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 21  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 22  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 23  shows a configuration of plastics; 
         FIG. 24  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 25  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 26  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 27  shows a connector operation; 
         FIG. 28  shows forms of clamps; 
         FIG. 29  shows further forms of clamps; 
         FIG. 30  shows a clamp; 
         FIG. 31  shows further forms of clamps; 
         FIG. 32  shows further forms of clamps; 
         FIG. 33  shows further forms of clamps; 
         FIG. 34  shows further forms of clamps; 
         FIG. 35  shows a form of clamp; 
         FIG. 36  shows a clamp; 
         FIG. 37  shows an electrical connector; 
         FIG. 38  shows a further form of clamp; 
         FIG. 39  shows a further form of clamp; and 
         FIG. 40  shows a further form of clamp. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1   a  shows an electrical connector having a first section  101 , a second section  103 , and a third section  105 . The second section  103  elastically connects sections  101  and  105 , and is preferably reversibly deformable. If, for example, the third section  105  is moved laterally relative to the first section  101 , the second section  103  is deformed as illustrated in  FIG. 1   b . When the first section  101  moves further relative to the third section  105 , the built-up pressure in the elastic plastic section  103  is reduced, resulting in a locked state illustrated in  FIG. 1   c .  FIG. 1   d  shows the resulting variation of pressure over time in the second section  103 . Use is made of the so-called “cam effect” in the plug-in connector illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Sections  101 ,  103 , and  105  are made of or preferably include a plastic, second section  103  being more elastic than first section  101  and third section  105 . The second section may also be made of soft plastic, whereby the first and the third section,  101  and  105 , respectively, may be made of hard plastic. 
       FIG. 2  shows an electrical plug-in connector having a deformable plastic section  201  into which a further plastic section  203  may be inserted, thus establishing a connection by making use of the “sock effect.”  FIGS. 2   a  through  2   c  illustrate the state transitions when plastic section  203  is inserted into plastic section  201 . 
       FIG. 3  shows an electrical plug-in connector in which use is made of a torsion effect for producing a locked state. The combination of flexible plastic in the clamp is also used to achieve a surrounding seal and strain relief. This connection also allows simpler manufacturing processes in which, for example, hard plastics or metals are extrusion coated. The electrical connector illustrated in  FIG. 3  includes a first section  301 , a second section  303 , and a third section  305 , the second section  303  being elastic and made of plastic, for example. When sections  301  and  305  are twisted relative to one another, the teeth illustrated in  FIG. 3  intermesh, resulting in a lock. The lock is released, for example, by pulling apart sections  301  and  305 , thus releasing the teeth. 
       FIG. 4  shows an electrical connector having a first section  401  which envelops a second section  403 . Side pieces  405  are also provided. The first section  401  is less elastic than the second section  403 , and imparts a stable shape. The electrical connection is established when an electrical connection  407 , for example a conductor, is pushed into the electrical connector and is clamped by the second section, thus making use of the so-called “flow-around” effect. This flow-around effect is particularly effective for electrically conductive materials. 
       FIG. 5  shows an electrical connector having a first section  501 , a second section  503 , and a third section  505 . The second section  503  is more elastic than the plastic sections  501  and  505 , and pulls sections  501  and  505  together in the manner of a hinge, for example, to establish the electrical connection. 
       FIG. 6  shows an electrical connector having a first section  601 , a second section  603 , and a third section  605 . Sections  601 ,  603 , and  605  include plastics, section  603  being more elastic than the other two sections, so that when the first section  601  is actuated in the direction of the illustrated arrows, an end of the first section  601  which faces third section  605  may be moved back and forth toward and away from same, thus establishing an electrical clamping connection which makes use of the so-called “holding effect.” 
       FIG. 7  shows an electrical connector having a first section  701 , a second section  703 , a third section  705 , and a fourth section  707 . Sections  701 ,  705 , and  707  are made, for example, of a plastic having lower elasticity than section  703 . Sections  701 ,  705 , and  707  may also be made of harder plastic (HK) than section  703 , which may be made of softer plastic (WK). Plastic sections  705  and  707  are also provided with washboard-like mutually facing surfaces  711  and  709 , respectively, which interlock when sections  705  and  707  move laterally relative to one another, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The variation of pressure over time in the second section  703  is plotted as a function of time in the pressure diagram, likewise illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 8  shows an electrical connector having a first section  801 , a second section  803 , and a side section  805 . The first section  801  is, for example, a harder plastic section than the second section  803 . In the electrical connector illustrated in  FIG. 8  use is made of the hydraulic effect, according to which the second, elastic section  803  is vertically deformed when acted on by lateral force. 
       FIG. 9  shows an electrical connector having a first section  901 , which may have a cylindrical or sleeve-shaped design, for example, second sections  903  being provided between the inner sides of the first section. An electrical contact  905  may, for example, be inserted into the electrical connector, and due to the elasticity of the second sections  903  may be clamped and secured in place. The second sections  903  may also be used for sealing. 
       FIG. 10  shows an electrical connector having a first section  1001 , and second sections  1003  having a comb-shaped design. Spacers  1005  are also provided. The comb of the soft plastic sections supports the installation and fastening of a cable before the actual locking, whereby strain relief or sealing may also be achieved by pressing on a mating part. 
       FIG. 11  shows a morphological box having an association of the soft plastics (WK) or plastic sections, and the hard plastics (HK) or plastic sections, with the respective connector functionality. 
       FIG. 12   a  shows an electrical connector having a first plastic section  1201  provided in the form of a sleeve and made of hard plastic, for example, and which envelops a second section  1203 . Side pieces  1205  are also provided. The second section  1203  is conductive and flexible, for example, and includes a central alignment hole into which an electrical cable may be inserted, as illustrated in  FIG. 12   b.    
       FIG. 13   a  shows an electrical connector having a first section  1301 , a second section  1303  which is more elastic than the first section  1301 , and a lever piece  1305 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13   b , a conductor  1307  is inserted into the second section  1303  when the lever piece  1305  is actuated downwardly. When the lever piece  1305  is released, the soft plastic  1303  springs back to its neutral position and clamps the conductor  1307  against the clamping points. 
       FIG. 14  shows an electrical connector having a first section  1401 , an elastic second section  1403 , a third section  1405 , and a fourth section  1407  designed in the manner of a lever. When the lever-like fourth section  1407  is actuated a conductor may be horizontally inserted into the connector; when the lever piece  1407  is actuated, its bead section engages with a recess in the section  1401 , thus locking the conductor. Use is thus made of the so-called “geometric effect.” 
       FIG. 15  shows an electrical connector having a first section  1501 , a second section  1503  which is elastic, and a third section  1505  which, like section  1501 , is less elastic than section  1503 . An elastic section  1505  [sic;  1506 ] may also be provided on a surface of section  1501 . Sections  1501  and  1505  are connected by the more elastic plastic section  1503 , as the result of which a conductor  1507  may be inserted and clamped by making use of the rocker effect, as illustrated in  FIGS. 15   a  and  15   b.    
       FIG. 16  shows an electrical connector having first plastic sections  1601  and second plastic sections  1603 , which are elastic. A further elastic section  1605  may also be provided. When a conductor  1607  is inserted in the direction indicated by the arrow, as illustrated in  FIG. 7   a  [sic;  16   a ], the electrical connector is closed, and in the closed state assumes the shape illustrated in  FIG. 16   b . Use is thus made of the so-called “trap effect.” 
       FIG. 17  shows an electrical connector having a first section  1701  which has an ellipsoidal cross section, and a second section  1703  situated therein which has bead or tab sections  1705 . The second section  1703  forms a socket, for example, and the first section  1701  is a plug, for example. The beads  1705  are released by twisting the first section  1701 . The beads  1705  may be shaped in the form of locking tabs, for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . Use is thus made of the so-called “deformation effect.” 
       FIG. 18  illustrates the association of the properties embodied by the plastic sections with the respective functionality of the electrical connector according to the invention. 
       FIG. 19  shows an electrical connector having a first section  1901  in the form of a rigid plastic plug, an elastic second section  1903 , and a plug contact  1905  designed, for example, as a metal contact to the conductor  1907  and as a spring element for locking. The conductor  1907  is inserted into an insertion guide  1909  as illustrated in  FIG. 19   a . As illustrated in  FIG. 19   b , the soft plastic  1903  locks the conductor  1907 , with deformation. The connector illustrated in  FIG. 19  may be used as an SMD printed circuit board connector, for example. 
       FIG. 20  shows an electrical connector having a first section  2001  in the form of a rigid plastic plug, and having a second section  2003  which locks a conductor  2005  and exerts a spring effect on a clamping point  2007 , which may form a spring contact, for example. The electrical connector may be inserted into an opening in a printed circuit board  2009 , as illustrated in  FIG. 20 . 
       FIG. 21  shows an electrical connector having a soft, conductive plastic section  2101  which locks a conductor  2107  and produces a spring effect on a clamping point  2105 , as illustrated in  FIG. 21   a , and having harder plastic sections  2103 .  FIG. 21   b  shows the electrical connector from  FIG. 21   a  during insertion into a printed circuit board  2109 .  FIG. 21   c  shows the electrical connector in cross section together with the rigid plastic sections  2103 , which may be inserted as a plug and runner for plugging in. 
       FIG. 22  shows an electrical connector having conductors  2201  to be contacted, a plug element  2203 , and a tension pin  2205  for a harder plastic section, which for example compresses a flexible portion of a bolt and fastens the printed circuit board connector. Connections  2207  to contacts for the printed circuit board  2209  may be established in this manner. In particular, contacts on both sides or conductor tracks for contacts, or also conductor tracks as defined contacts, may be produced. It is advantageous that the printed circuit boards may merely have standard boreholes, and the contacts may be easily mounted using SMD technology, or may be produced by a printed circuit board manufacturer, for example by processing the conductor track. The connector  2207  may also be part of a tension pin  2205 . 
       FIG. 23  shows a configuration of rigid plastic sections  2301  and elastic plastic sections  2303  which may interact with one another for a lockable connection. 
       FIG. 24  shows an electrical connector having an elastic plastic  2401  which may also be conductive. Also provided are an extrusion coating  2403  which provides a seal, and a movable element  2405  which provides a catch lock with the hard plastic  2407  and soft plastic  2409 . A strain relief and sealing section  2411  is also provided, the strain relief and sealing being achieved via the sock effect when the plug is latched, whereby the strain relief seals the plug so that after latching, the plug is sealed due to the flexibility of the plastic  2401 . A network cable  2413  is introduced into the electrical connector, and the internal conductor  2415  of the network cable is situated in the cutting edge and contact region  2417 . 
     The motion to be carried out for locking the internal conductor  2415  is illustrated in  FIG. 24  by the arrow system, whereby the leads may be cut by pulling and latching. The vertical motion of the catch lock  2405  is carried out to avoid the cut edge connections from coming loose when the plug is pulled. The internal conductor  2415  rests in guides and may be shortened at any time. 
       FIGS. 25 through 27  show utilization of the cam effect with the aid of an O-ring on a connector for accommodating a mating connector. 
       FIG. 25  shows an electrical connector having harder plastic sections  2501  in the form of tooth-like clamps, which are pivotable about a pivot point of a connector element  2503  and are connected to this connector element  2503 . For this purpose, a softer plastic section  2507  in the form of an O-ring is guided around the connecting element  2503 , the O-ring being fixedly mounted on the clamps  2501  near a pivot point of the connector element  2503 . When the clamps swivel, the O-ring  2507  crosses the pivot point of the connector element  2503 , so that the clamps are releasably fixed in either an open position ready for accommodation ( FIG. 25   a ) or a closed position ( FIG. 25   c ). When a mating connector  2505  is inserted which has an outer design which at least partially corresponds to the tooth-like clamps, the toothed sections illustrated in  FIG. 25  intermesh, resulting in the connection illustrated in  FIG. 25   c . In addition, the softer plastic section  2507  for pressing clamps  2501  together or holding them open may be part of an outer casing of the connector element  2503 . 
       FIG. 26   a  shows an electrical connector similar to that of  FIG. 25 , having a pivotable harder plastic section  2601 , a connector element  2603 , and a flexible casing  2607  which integrates the softer plastic section for pressing clamps  2601  together or holding them open, making use of the cam effect for accommodating or releasing a mating connector  2605 .  FIG. 26   b  shows the conductor from  FIG. 26   a  in cross section. 
       FIG. 27  clarifies the operation of the plugs illustrated in  FIGS. 25 and 26 , which operate according to the O-ring effect or the cam effect. 
       FIGS. 28   a  and b show possible states of forms of clamps which make use of the previously described sock effect. A pivotable lever mechanism is achieved by using elastic sections  2801  and less elastic sections  2803 . Between the sections  2803  which define the lever arms, a further deformable plastic section  2805  is held which defines an accommodation space in which a contact conductor is situated. According to  FIG. 28   a , a conductor  2807  is inserted from the side of the lever mechanism and into the opened accommodation space of the deformable plastic section  2805 . By swiveling ( FIG. 28   b ) at least one lever arm in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the conductor  2807 , the plastic section  2805  is compressed, the accommodation space is closed, and the conductor  2807  is clamped on the contact conductor. In this state the conductor  2807  remains captive on the contact conductor, even under tensile stress. Additional introduction of harder plastic into the deformable plastic section  2805  may further intensify the holding effect under tensile stress. The action of pressure on the plastic section  2805  is ended, and the conductor  2807  is removable, only when at least one lever arm is swiveled in the direction of the insertion direction, i.e., into the starting position according to  FIG. 28   a.    
       FIG. 29  schematically shows from front to rear another form of clamp, for example in the form of a large clamp, which may be extruded as one piece, so that an active element acts jointly on all clamping points. Alternatively, an individual active element may be provided for each clamping point. 
       FIG. 30  shows a schematic side view of a clamp/active element similar to that of  FIG. 29 , having a first section  3001 , a second section  3003 , and a third section  3005 . Sections  3001  and  3005  are less elastic than section  3003 , and are made of hard plastic, for example. These sections may also be produced using MID technology, or may be made partly of metal. The clamp may be opened by inserting pliers, for example, and a conductor  3009  is inserted by means of a rocker effect, for example. Thus, the more elastic plastic section  1503  [sic;  3003 ] is once again preferably situated between sections  3001  and  3005 , similar to the principle described with reference to  FIG. 15 , to enable the rocker effect. In addition, a pin-like tool  3007  such as a screwdriver  3007 , for example, which is inserted in one of the two approach positions shown in  FIG. 30  is basically sufficient to insert and clamp a conductor  3009 , making use of the rocker effect. 
       FIG. 31  schematically shows further forms of clamps, whereby a catch mechanism  3102  formed from harder plastic sections, for example, is supported between softer plastic sections  3103  in order to accommodate a conductor  3101 . A catch lock may also be produced as a mechanical cam controller, for example, and a rocker mechanism may also be used for clamp-like locking of a conductor  3104 . 
     Two further forms of clamps are illustrated in  FIG. 32 . The left illustration in  FIG. 32  shows a conductor  3201  to be accommodated, which is to be electrically connected to a conductive contact section  3202  situated in the connector. A catch mechanism  3203  formed from harder plastic sections is supported on only one side on a softer plastic section  3204 , which must be pressed in the opposite direction to be released. A significantly harder contact or support section  3205  is situated on the opposite side from the softer plastic section  3204 . 
     The right illustration in  FIG. 32  shows a form of clamp in which a conductor  3201  to be accommodated, which is to be electrically connected to a conductive contact section  3202  situated in the connector, is clamped at the contact site by swiveling a harder plastic section  3207  about a softer plastic section  3206  in the direction of the conductor  3201 , using a pin-like tool, i.e., actuator, and closing the receiving opening by pressing the softer plastic section  3206  using the harder plastic section  3207 . The catch lock of the hard plastic section  3207  engages with the catch lock of the surrounding hard plastic housing. The catch lock is similar to the operating principle for the left illustration in  FIG. 32 ; in the present case the motion is circular, not linear. For opening, the pin-like tool is moved in the opposite direction. For releasing the conductor  3201 , depending on the strength requirements of the catch lock a second, for example wedge-shaped, harder section  3208  may also move apart the catch lock between the housing and the harder plastic section  3207 , using a tool to be applied. 
     Further forms of clamps are illustrated in  FIGS. 33 and 34 . 
     In  FIG. 33  the plastic sections of the clamp form are configured in such a way that a softer plastic section  3301  is swiveled about an off-center swivel axis  3302  for opening or closing in order to press an inserted conductor  3303  against a contact conductor  3304  situated in the connector, in the closed state. The pivotable plastic section  3301  is also supported against a harder plastic section  3305 , which in the illustrated configuration also prevents the conductor  3303  from being inadvertently pulled out. 
     In  FIG. 34  the plastic sections of the clamp form are configured in such a way that a harder plastic section  3401  presses an inserted conductor  3403  against a contact conductor  3404  situated in the connector, in the closed state. The plastic section  3401  is situated against a softer plastic section  3402  in such a way that the latter is compressed by inserting a pin-like tool for opening, and automatically springs back when the tool is removed, thus providing automatic closing of the insertion opening. 
       FIG. 35  shows a form of clamp having a first section  3501 , and a second section  3503  which is situated on a third section  3505 . A section  3507  is also provided. Sections  3501 ,  3505 , and  3507  are less elastic than section  3503 . For clamping a conductor  3509  to be accommodated between the two harder sections  3501  and  3505 , the clamp is opened by once again using a pin-like tool; the state transition is illustrated in  FIGS. 35   a  and  35   b . Use is made of the cam effect in the clamp illustrated in  FIG. 35 , as the result of which sections  3505  and  3507  connect more elastic section  3503 , by means of which the two harder sections  3505  and  3507  are pushed against one another, and in the state according to  FIG. 35   b  may once again be releasably locked. The reverse mounting of the apparatus (releasing and closing directions interchanged) would make the withdrawal more difficult. 
       FIG. 36  shows a clamp having a first section  3601 , which is formed from hard plastic, for example, and a movable second hard plastic section  3603  which may have elastic plastic portions  3605 , for example. The clamp illustrated in  FIG. 36  may be screwed in during manufacturing to produce a plug, or may be extrusion coated to produce a clamp.  FIGS. 36   a ,  36   b , and  36   c  illustrate, for example, the closing operation, using a pin-like actuator, from an open position without an inserted conductor  3609 , to an open position in which an accommodated conductor  3609  is contacted using a cutting edge profile  3607 , to a closed position in which the conductor is clamped between the harder sections  3601  and  3603 . A molding for the movable section  3603  may accommodate the conductor  3609  so that the latter may be easily pulled from the cutting edge profile  3607  during release.  FIG. 36   d  shows another view of such a clamp, in which “HK” denotes hard plastic. Section  3611  and the displacement elements may also be made of metal, for example, or manufactured using MID technology. 
       FIG. 37  shows an electrical connector which is opened using a pin as [illustrated] in  FIGS. 37   a  and  b.    
       FIG. 38  shows a further form of clamp, using soft plastic as embossing with hard plastic having thinner material. The clamp is connected to a printed circuit board  3801 , and a terminating element  3803  for a conductive contact situated in the clamp may be produced from metal or conductive plastic with the aid of MID technology, for example. Release is performed using the elastic hard plastic  3805 , and the contact pressure may be applied by a screw  3807 , which in the front region is non-cutting and may thus be more satisfactorily molded by pressure, and which may have longitudinal grooves, for example, for fixation. A conductor  3809  inserted into the clamp may thus be securely locked, and pressed against the contact situated in the clamp. 
       FIG. 39  shows a further form of clamp in which a cable end sleeve  3901  may be used as part of the clamp, for example. Various types of plastic sections  3903 ,  3905 , and  3907  are also provided, a conductor  3909  being locked via teething of sections  3905  and  3907 . 
       FIG. 40  shows further forms of clamps in which use is made of the so-called “assistance effect.” The clamp includes a soft plastic  4001  which may be provided with stabilizers  4003 , for example, which may be made of a harder plastic, for example, whereby a line piece  4005  is inserted and locked as illustrated in  FIGS. 40   c  and  40   d . Components made of hard plastic  4007  are provided, in addition to a comb-shaped section  4009  which may be made of an elastic plastic or a harder plastic. 
     The concept according to the invention allows the electrical connector, which may be designed as a clamp, for example, to be manufactured in an automated manner in the plastic injection molding process, whereby manufacturing methods known per se may be used for the introduction of metals, screws, or different plastics.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7