Connectors and connector arrangement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector (1) designed for mating with a mating connector (2) along a mating direction (S), with a connector housing (3) having an interior (4), wherein the connector housing (4) has a first channel (5) and a second channel (6), wherein the first channel (5) is configured for inserting a first cable (7) provided with a first contact element (8) into the connector housing (3) along a first insertion direction (E1), wherein the second channel (6) is configured for inserting a second cable (9) provided with a second contact element (10) into the connector housing (3) along a second insertion direction (E2), wherein the first channel (5) and the second channel (6) each have an outer first opening (11) and an inner second opening (12).wherein the first channel (5) and the second channel (6) are separated from each other by a partition (13), wherein an electrically conductive first shielding element (14) is arranged in the first channel (5), wherein an electrically conductive second shielding element (15) is arranged in the second channel (6), wherein the partition (13) has a through-opening (16), wherein the first shielding element (14) and the second shielding element (15) are electrically connected to each other in or through the through-opening (16).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector. The invention also relates to a connector arrangement comprising a connector and a mating connector. State of the art

[0002] Connectors are well-known in the automotive sector, for example, for connecting a control unit or an electrical component (such as a battery, inverter, electric motor, etc.) to a cable. The control unit or electrical component may, for example, have a mating connector. The mating connector may be designed, for example, as a terminal block or a pin header. A system consisting of a connector and mating connector can, for example, be referred to as a connector assembly. Applications are known in which the connector is to be shielded to prevent electromagnetic radiation from entering a conductor or cable inserted into the connector and / or a contact element located within the connector, or to prevent electromagnetic radiation from emanating from the interior of the connector.a connector assembly is emitted into the external environment.

[0003] An example of shielded connectors is an (electrical) connector for (especially high-frequency) data transmission, e.g., with data transmission rates of at least 1 Mbit / s, 1 Gbit / s, or 100 Gbit / s. Another example is connectors for high-voltage (HV) or high-current connections, designed to operate at voltages of at least 40 V, 100 V, 200 V, or 350 V, or designed to transmit electrical currents of at least 1 A, 10 A, or 50 A (e.g., for power transmission of at least 1 kW or 10 kW), for example, for use in electric or hybrid vehicles. Such connectors may, for example, have cables with a conductor cross-section of at least 1 mm². 2 or at least 10mm 2 or at least 25mm2 or at least 50mm 2 .

[0004] For shielding in such connectors, for example at least one electrically conductive shielding component can be provided, which is provided or arranged in or on the connector and which surrounds and thus shields the unshielded or stripped parts of the line(s) or cable(s).

[0005] In a known scenario for such shielding, the shielding of a plurality of lines or cables inserted into the connector can be achieved by a common shielding of several or all lines or cables entering the connector.

[0006] Another scenario involves individual shielding. Here, each pole (which can be assigned to a contact element, for example) or each line or cable is individually shielded by its own shielding component on or in the connector.

[0007] It is understood that a shield conductor in the cable or line can supplement this shielding, but that such a shield conductor is not referred to as a shield component of the connector in the context of the present application, unless expressly stated.

[0008] From WO 2023 / 176504 A1, an angled high-voltage connector (angled plug) is known, comprising a connector housing with two sections angled relative to each other: a first section on the cable side and a second section on the mating connector side. Two cables are each inserted through an associated housing channel (reference numerals 18a, 18b, 49a, 49b) made of an insulating material into an interior of the connector housing, the exterior of which is formed as an electrically conductive metal shield (reference numeral 20). This provides common shielding for both cables within the connector.

[0009] From EP 4 009 447 B1 another shielded HV connector is known, which, however, is not angled but rather a so-called 180° connector, in which a plug-in direction, in which the connector is plugged together with a mating connector, runs parallel to or in line with a cable exit direction.

[0010] From DE 11 2023 002 584 T5, another angled shielded high-voltage connector is known. This connector has a housing in which two channels are provided in a first section of the housing, through which a cable with an attached contact element can be inserted into the interior of the connector. The channels have a first opening on the cable side (external side / external environment side) and a second opening on the interior side. They terminate in a contact chamber into which the respective contact elements can be inserted to be contacted by the corresponding mating contact element. The mating contact elements can be inserted into the connector through an insertion opening located in a second section of the housing, along a specific insertion direction, until they are electrically connected to the contact elements in the contact chamber.The shielding concept here is based on a shared shield, in which a shielding jacket covers the outer surface of an inner housing and is arranged together with the inner housing inside an outer housing of the connector. The shielding jacket thus encloses both cables together.

[0011] US patent 9,431,771 B1 discloses another angled high-voltage connector with a connector housing. This connector provides two conductors that are inserted into the interior of the connector housing through channels arranged in a first section of the housing, adjacent to a contact chamber. A shielding component is arranged in each of the two channels, individually surrounding the respective conductor.

[0012] A right-angled high-voltage connector with a connector housing is also known from CN 106374282 A. Here, two conductors are provided, which are inserted into the interior of the connector housing through channels arranged in a first section of the connector housing, adjacent to a contact chamber. In each of the two channels, a shielding component is arranged outside an inner housing, the inner housing together with the shielding component individually surrounding the respective cable, and the respective shielding component being electrically contacted with a shield conductor of the cable in question by means of a cable-shielding component or a shield transmission element. Disclosure of the invention

[0013] The invention is based on the understanding that individual shielding (of individual poles) within the connector can achieve better shielding results than common shielding (of several or all poles) within the connector. The invention further assumes that with individual shielding, the overall design of the connector can also differ from that of a connector with common shielding, for example, regarding cable seals, cable strain reliefs, etc. Such components are then often advantageously designed individually for each cable, which offers assembly advantages when the connector is mounted to the cable harness by a cable harness manufacturer. This is because, with common seals, shielding, etc., the cables connected to the contact elements or poles must be installed together within the connector.The cables are mounted in the connector housing, which can be difficult with heavy and stiff cables (e.g., in high-voltage connectors), as the alignment of the contact elements and the cables must be considered from the outset and maintained throughout the entire cable harness assembly process. Furthermore, there is a risk that the pre-aligned cables will obstruct other elements, or that other elements will leave little or no space to reposition a bundle of pre-aligned cables and contact elements into the correct position. The invention is based on the applicant's internal findings from tests and simulations that the shielding effectiveness of individual shielding can be improved by an electrically conductive connection between the individual shielding elements.

[0014] Therefore, there may be a need to provide a connector that has good shielding properties and is easy to assemble and equip with contact elements and wires or cables with minimal effort.

[0015] This need can be met by the subject matter of the present invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the following description. Advantages of the invention

[0016] According to a first aspect of the invention, a connector designed for mating with a mating connector along a mating direction is proposed.

[0017] The connector comprises a connector housing with an interior, the connector housing having a first channel and a second channel. The first channel is configured for the insertion of a first cable equipped with a first contact element. The first cable is inserted into the connector housing along a first insertion direction. The second channel is configured for the insertion of a second cable equipped with a second contact element. The second cable is inserted into the connector housing along a second insertion direction. The first channel and the second channel each have an external first opening and an internal second opening. The first channel and the second channel are separated from each other by a partition.In the first channel, an electrically conductive first shielding component is arranged, and in the second channel, an electrically conductive second shielding component is arranged. The partition has a through-opening, a recess, or a window, wherein the first and second shielding components are electrically connected to each other in or through the through-opening.

[0018] This advantageously provides a connector that is easy to assemble (e.g., when mounting the shielding components). Furthermore, the connector can be particularly easily populated with cables and contact elements, for example, by a cable harness manufacturer, since each of the two cables is individually shielded with the corresponding contact element and can be individually mounted in the connector or connector housing. The connector housing and each channel are also particularly robust, stable, and torsionally rigid due to the partition. The connector housing can also be manufactured very simply and cost-effectively. A shield bridge that needs to be mounted in the area of ​​the second opening is not necessarily required. Finally, the shielding effectiveness can be improved despite the partition.This is because the electrically conductive connection between the two shielding components passes through the partition and is therefore closer to the first opening of the two channels on the cable side, or closer to a shield conductor of the two cables, than is the case with conventional individually shielded connectors. The transfer impedance, which is a measure of the shielding effectiveness, can be significantly improved. For example, compared to an individually shielded connector where the conductive connection between the two shielding components only occurs in the area of ​​the second opening of the two channels, the transfer impedance can be improved by more than 10% or even more than 20%. This is a considerable advantage at high shielding currents, which can potentially reach several hundred amperes.The electrical connection between the two shield components can thus be made close to the cable entry point and simultaneously be entirely contained within the connector. Advantageously, no parts necessary for this connection protrude into the connector's exterior space or are exposed to the external environment. Therefore, they are advantageously neither an obstacle during the assembly of the connector or other components, nor are they at risk of damage, e.g., from fluids (e.g., gases, liquids, etc.), mechanical impacts, etc.

[0019] The term "exhibit" is used synonymously with the term "comprise" in the context of this application, unless otherwise stated.

[0020] The connector housing can be made of an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic. It can be manufactured using injection molding or 3D printing. It can be made of polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), etc., or contain these materials. It can also be filled with glass fibers. Of course, other plastics are also conceivable.

[0021] The first channel and / or the second channel can be made of an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic. The first channel and / or the second channel can be formed integrally with the connector housing or be a non-removable part of the connector housing. The material of the first and / or second channel can be the same plastic as the connector housing or a different plastic.

[0022] For example, it may be planned that the first channel runs parallel to the second channel. In this case, the first insertion direction and the second insertion direction run parallel to each other.

[0023] For example, it may be provided that the first channel is formed adjacent to the second channel in a direction perpendicular to the first insertion direction; they may overlap.

[0024] The first or second cable can, for example, be inserted into the connector through the first opening of the respective channel, with the contact element leading the way. During further insertion, the respective contact element can, for example, pass through the second opening of the respective channel at the end of the insertion process and reach its intended mounting location, e.g., in the contact chamber. The first and second openings of a channel can, for example, be aligned and / or have the same surface normal.

[0025] The first and / or the second shielding component can, in principle, have a length or extent that extends beyond the respective channel, in particular beyond the second opening. For example, the first and / or the second shielding component can project into the contact space or into the contact space assigned to the respective contact element and, for example, largely surround the respective contact element (e.g., with the exception of an opening for inserting a corresponding counter-contact element).

[0026] The first and / or second shielding component can be, for example, electrically conductive. The first and / or second shielding component can be made of a metal, or contain a metal, particularly predominantly, e.g., copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, etc.

[0027] The partition can be arranged, for example, between the first channel and the second channel, in particular in a direction perpendicular to the first and / or second insertion direction, viewed between the first and the second channel.

[0028] The opening, recess, or window can, for example, be located or formed within a cable overlap section of the partition wall, overlapping the cables when they are inserted. In other words, the opening is located within the area of ​​the cables (and not, in particular, only within the area of ​​the contact elements).

[0029] The cables can, for example, contain an electrical conductor with a conductor cross-section of at least 1 mm². 2 or at least 10mm 2 or at least 25mm 2 or at least 50mm 2 or at least 95mm 2 .

[0030] It is understood that the connector can also be configured for more than two poles or contact elements and / or have more than two channels for cable insertion. In such a case, with, for example, three cables, three channels, and three contact elements, individual shielding can be provided for each pole, cable, or contact element. It may be advantageous, for example, to provide a through-opening in any partitions between at least two adjacent channels, or even between all adjacent channels, through which the adjacent shielding elements are electrically connected. Alternatively, two of the cables may be shielded together, and one cable may be individually shielded. In the latter case, the concept described above can be applied to the shielding assembly of the individual shield as a single shielding component.The shielding element and the common shielding are considered a single additional shielding component or element. The same applies to connectors with even more poles, contact elements, or cables.

[0031] The first umbrella component can be designed or referred to as the first umbrella cage, for example. The second umbrella component can be designed or referred to as the second umbrella cage, for example.

[0032] For example, it may be designed that the first shielding component is separate from the first cable and / or that the second shielding component is separate from the second cable. In other words, the first and / or second shielding component is / are not, at least initially, an (indestructibly connected) part of the first or second cable. However, it may be designed, for example, that during assembly the first and / or the second shielding component is electrically connected to the respective cable.

[0033] For example, the first and second channels may have separate interior spaces. The only transition or point of contact may be, for example, the through-hole (if there are multiple through-holes for the electrical contact of the shielding elements, multiple transitions may also be provided).

[0034] For example, the first shielding component may be designed separately from the connector housing. It may, for example, be inserted or mounted into the first channel or into the connector housing.

[0035] For example, the second shielding component may be designed separately from the connector housing. It may, for example, be inserted or mounted into the second channel or into the connector housing.

[0036] It may be provided, for example, that the first umbrella component and / or the second umbrella component is / are designed as a stamped and bent part.

[0037] For example, it may be provided that exactly one through-opening is provided in the partition. In other embodiments, it may be provided, for example, that a plurality of a few through-openings (e.g., at most two, at most three, at most four, at most five, or at most six through-openings) are provided in the partition, in particular each designed for the electrical contacting of the shielding components through or in the respective through-opening.

[0038] It may be provided, for example, that at least one of the contact elements and the corresponding mating contact element are designed as a flat contact, a rectangular contact cage, or a contact fork. Alternatively, it may be provided, for example, that at least one of the contact elements or the corresponding mating contact element is a round contact (e.g., a round contact pin), a round contact sleeve, or a lamellar cage.

[0039] It may be designed, for example, as an HV connector (e.g. suitable for use with voltages of at least 40V or at least 100V or at least 200V or at least 350V) or as a high-current connector (e.g. for use with currents of at least 1A or at least 10A or at least 50A) and / or as a connector for transmitting high data rates (e.g. at least 1 Mbit / s or at least 1 Gbit / s or at least 100 Gbit / s).

[0040] In a further training course, it is stipulated that the first and second umbrella components are designed separately from each other, and in particular not formed as a single piece. This advantageously results in the umbrella components being designed particularly simply and being easy and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0041] In a further training, it is stipulated that the through-opening has a first distance from the second opening of the first channel and / or the second channel or from the second opening of the channels in the direction of the first opening of the channels or in the direction of the first opening of the respective channel.

[0042] This advantageously improves the transfer impedance and / or the shielding effect. The closer the through-hole, recess, or window is located to the first opening or cable entry into the connector housing, or to the transition from the insulated to the stripped part of the cable, the lower the transfer impedance and the better the shielding effect can be.

[0043] The initial gap can be, for example, at least 3mm, 5mm, 7mm, 10mm, or 15mm. This achieves a particularly good shielding effect.

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, the through-opening is provided to have a second distance from a first contact point of the first shielding component, where the first shielding component is connected to a shield conductor of the first cable. This advantageously further improves the transfer impedance and / or the shielding effectiveness. The closer the through-opening, recess, or window is to the (direct or indirect) contact point of the shield conductor of the first cable on the first shielding component, the lower the transfer impedance and / or the more effective the shielding can be. The first contact point is, for example, located on, within, or on the first shielding component.

[0045] The second distance can be, for example, at most 50%, 30%, or 15% of the distance from the first contact point to the second opening of the first channel. This achieves a particularly good shielding effect.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the through-opening is provided to have a third distance from a second contact point of the second shielding component, where the second shielding component is connected to a shield conductor of the second cable. This advantageously further improves the transfer impedance and / or the shielding effectiveness. The closer the through-opening, recess, or window is to the (direct or indirect) contact point between the shield conductor of the second cable and the second shielding component, the lower the transfer impedance and / or the more effective the shielding can be. The second contact point is, for example, located on, within, or on the second shielding component.

[0047] The third distance can be, for example, at most 50%, 30%, or 15% of the distance from the second contact point to the second opening of the second channel. This achieves a particularly good shielding effect.

[0048] In a further development, the connector housing is provided with a cable-side first section in which the first and second channels are arranged and which has a first extension direction that runs parallel to the first insertion direction. The connector housing also has a mating-side second section with a second extension direction that runs parallel to the insertion direction. It is possible for the first extension direction to run parallel to the second extension direction. This advantageously provides a so-called 180° connector, which is particularly easy to assemble and offers particularly good shielding.

[0049] Alternatively, the first and second directions of extension can be configured to form an angle between 30° and 135°, 60° and 120°, or 90°. This advantageously provides a so-called angled connector, which is particularly easy to assemble and offers excellent shielding.

[0050] It is understood that in both alternatives, the first section can, for example, adjoin a contact space of the connector housing, in which the contact elements can be contacted by mating contact elements of the mating connector. In other words, the first section ends (and in particular the first channel and the second channel end) at or before the contact space. The contact space can be a space inside the connector housing in which the respective contact element is arranged to be contacted by a corresponding mating contact element. There can be a common contact space in which the first and second contact elements are arranged. However, it can also be provided that a first contact space is provided for the first contact element and a second contact space is provided for the second contact element, with the first and second contact spaces being designed separately from each other, at least sectionally.

[0051] In a further development, it is provided that the passage opening has a passage opening area, wherein the passage opening area is at most 15%, 10%, or 5% of an interface extending between the first opening and the second opening, between the first channel and the second channel, or between the two channels. This advantageously results in the partition having high stability and prevents fluid media, dirt, or debris from easily entering one of the two channels. The interface can be understood, for example, as an area resulting from a projection or shadow of one channel onto the other, perpendicular to the direction of extension of the first and second channels (in each case between the first and second openings).

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the area of ​​the passage opening is provided for to be at most 15%, 10%, or 5% of the partition wall's area. This advantageously ensures that the partition wall has high stability and that, if fluid media, dirt, or debris penetrates one of the two channels, the fluid or material does not easily pass into the other channel.

[0053] The area of ​​the partition wall can be understood as the area of ​​the partition wall extending between the first and second openings of the channels, relative to the direction of extension of the channels, and extending between the height or diameter of the channels. If the partition wall forms a common wall of the two channels, then, for example, the area of ​​the common wall can be used as the area of ​​the partition wall.

[0054] In a further development, it is provided that the through-opening is arranged in a range of 15% to 85% of the partition's height, and, in particular, is positioned essentially centrally within the partition. This advantageously facilitates electrical contact between the shielding elements. Furthermore, it allows for the easy compensation of manufacturing tolerances and simplifies the centering and alignment of the shielding elements within their respective channels. Finally, it is advantageous that if fluids, dirt, or debris enter one of the channels, they cannot easily pass into the other.

[0055] In a further development, it is provided that the first shielding component has a first contact spring or contact lamella, which is arranged in the area of ​​the through-hole and electrically contacts the second shielding component. This advantageously results in a particularly simple and cost-effective design of the connector housing. The first contact spring can, for example, extend through the through-hole, recess, or window and contact a wall of the second shielding component or a second contact spring of the second shielding component, as described below (in the latter case, the contact can also take place in the (plane of the) partition, in the through-hole, or in the window). Furthermore, the design of the contact spring can be easily modified or adapted depending on the shielding requirements of the shielding component.

[0056] It is understood that more than one first contact spring may be provided on the first shielding component. For example, a first contact spring may be provided for several or each through-opening in the partition (in the case of more than one through-opening in the partition). In an embodiment with more than two channels, there may be channels that have at least two adjacent channels and at least two partitions, each having at least one through-opening. It may then be provided, for example, that the shielding component of this channel has at least one contact spring on each of its various surfaces or sides, with which it contacts shielding components in adjacent channels.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the second shielding component is provided with a second contact spring or contact lamella, which is arranged in the area of ​​the through-hole and electrically contacts the first shielding component. This advantageously allows for a particularly simple and cost-effective design of the connector housing. The second contact spring can, for example, extend through the through-hole, recess, or window and contact a wall of the first shielding component or the first contact spring of the first shielding component described above (in the latter case, the contact can also be made in the (plane of the) partition, in the through-hole, or in the window). Furthermore, the design of the contact spring can be easily modified or adapted depending on the shielding requirements of the shielding component.

[0058] The above statements regarding more than one single first contact spring on the first shielding component can be applied analogously to the case of more than one single second contact spring on the second shielding component.

[0059] If both the first shielding component and the second shielding component have a first contact spring, it may be provided, for example, that the contacting of the shielding components is carried out by contacting the two contact springs with each other or by contacting the walls of the respective other shielding component.

[0060] In a further development, it is provided that an electrically conductive shield contact element is arranged in the through-opening, which is electrically connected to the first shield component and to the second shield component, particularly directly. This advantageously results in a particularly simple and reliable electrical contact between the two shield components. The placement of the shield components within the respective channel can thus be handled with greater flexibility. Furthermore, the shield components can be designed with a particularly simple design. Finally, it is advantageously possible to eliminate the need for protruding (punched-out) contact springs or contact lamellae from the shield components (and thus, in particular, also for "holes" in the shield component's casing), thereby improving the shielding effect.

[0061] The contacting element can, for example, project into the first channel and / or the second channel perpendicular to the direction of extension of the respective channel, or protrude into the respective channel.

[0062] In a further development, it is provided that the shield contacting element has a first contact lamella or contact spring projecting into the first channel, which specifically contacts the first shielding component. This advantageously ensures a particularly reliable and durable contact, e.g., even under vibrations, temperature fluctuations, mechanical shocks, etc.

[0063] The first contact lamella of the shield contacting element can, for example, be designed to be elastically reversible.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, the shield contacting element is provided with a second contact lamella or contact spring projecting into the second channel, which specifically contacts the second shielding component. This advantageously ensures a particularly reliable and durable contact, even under conditions such as vibrations, temperature fluctuations, mechanical shocks, etc.

[0065] The second contact lamella of the shield contacting element can, for example, be designed to be elastically reversible.

[0066] In a further training course, it is stipulated that the opening must have a shape or outer contour, in particular a closed one, chosen from the group: a rectangle, a square, a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a trapezoid.

[0067] In principle, an irregular shape is conceivable. This can enable particularly secure fixing of, for example, a shield contact element.

[0068] In a further development, it is stipulated that the first and second channels between the first and second openings are of equal length. This advantageously provides a connector that is particularly easy to manufacture and cost-effective. The use of identical components (e.g., the same shielding components for both channels) is advantageously enabled. Furthermore, the shielding can be improved (e.g., through symmetry effects).

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the first channel and the second channel have the same or an identical or mirror-symmetrical cross-section, in particular a substantially rectangular, round, or oval cross-section. This advantageously provides a connector that is particularly easy to manufacture and cost-effective. The use of identical parts (e.g., identical shielding components, cables, etc.) for the channels, for mounting in the channels, or for routing through the channels is advantageously enabled. Furthermore, the shielding can be advantageously improved (e.g., through symmetry effects).

[0070] It may be provided, for example, that the first screen component and the second screen component have the same or substantially the same cross-section or a mirror-symmetrical cross-section, in particular an approximately rectangular, round or oval cross-section.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, the partition wall is designed to form a common wall between the first and second channels. This advantageously provides a connector that is particularly easy to manufacture, stable, torsionally rigid, space-saving, and cost-effective.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, the partition is designed to extend from the first opening to the second opening and, in particular, to be closed except for the (at least one) through-opening. This advantageously results in a connector housing that is particularly stable and torsionally rigid. The two channels are advantageously well separated from each other, which, for example, improves the shielding effect and prevents substances or fluids (especially liquids) penetrating one channel from readily passing from that channel into the second.

[0073] In a further development, it is provided that the first shielding component is arranged between the first cable and the first conduit or its conduit wall, while the second shielding component is arranged between the second cable and the second conduit or its conduit wall. This advantageously protects the shielding component from external influences (e.g., mechanical exposure, exposure to potentially corrosive fluids, dirt and grime from the connector's external environment, etc.) by the respective conduit or its wall. In other words, the shielding component does not form the outermost layer, skin, or surface of the connector or connector housing facing the external environment. It is, for example, provided, arranged, mounted, inserted, or plugged into the respective conduit or its interior.

[0074] The term "between" here can be understood, for example, as "between" when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first or second insertion direction. In other words, viewed from the inside out, the respective cable comes first, then the respective shielding component, and then the respective channel or channel wall (viewed in a direction radial to the first or second insertion direction). In this context, the term "channel" can be understood, in particular, as the material structure of the channel in the form of its channel wall surrounding the interior of the channel.

[0075] In a further development, it is provided that in the first channel a first, in particular shielded, cable is arranged with a first contact element arranged on the first cable, which is configured to be electrically connected to a first mating contact element of the mating connector, wherein in the second channel a second, in particular shielded, cable is arranged with a second contact element arranged on the second cable, which is configured to be electrically connected to a second mating contact element of the mating connector. This advantageously provides a connector that is particularly easy to manufacture and well shielded.

[0076] The mating connector can, for example, be inserted into the interior through an insertion opening in the connector housing. This insertion opening can, for example, be located at an end of the connector opposite the first opening.

[0077] The connector housing can have at least one contact chamber inside, in which the first and / or second contact element is arranged and in which the respective contact element can be contacted with a corresponding mating contact element of the mating connector, or is contacted when mated. It can be provided, for example, that each contact element or pole has its own contact chamber, which is at least partially or even completely separated from the other contact chambers (e.g., by walls), or that a group of contact elements (not necessarily all contact elements) share a common contact chamber, etc.

[0078] In a further development, it is provided that an electrically conductive third shielding component is arranged in the interior, wherein the third shielding component is electrically connected to the first shielding component and / or to the second shielding component, particularly directly. This advantageously improves the shielding effect further and results in particularly good shielding of the connector. In particular, the transfer impedance can be advantageously reduced further.

[0079] The third shielding component can be located, for example, outside the first channel and outside the second channel. It can be located, for example, within the contact area. The third shielding component can be attached to a frame component or a sealing holder. The frame component or sealing holder can be inserted into the interior of the connector or connector housing through the insertion opening facing the mating connector.

[0080] In principle, it is also conceivable that the third shielding component is mounted directly in the interior, e.g. in the contact space (without a frame component), or, in the case of separate contact spaces, is mounted in the interior in such a way that it protrudes into both, several, or all contact spaces.

[0081] In other words, the third shielding component can, for example, be located or provided in the second section. It can, for example, be mounted or inserted through the insertion opening inside the connector housing.

[0082] According to a second aspect of the invention, a connector arrangement is proposed which has a connector or plug as described above and a mating connector or mating plug.

[0083] The mating connector has a first mating contact element and a second mating contact element. This advantageously provides a connector assembly that is particularly easy and cost-effective to manufacture and assemble, with excellent shielding performance.

[0084] The first mating contact element is, for example, designed to be in contact with the first contact element when the connector and mating connector are plugged together.

[0085] The second mating contact element is, for example, designed to be in contact with the second contact element when the connector and mating connector are plugged together.

[0086] It goes without saying that the mating connector can also have more than two mating contact elements.

[0087] For example, the mating connector may be designed to have a mating connector housing. By way of example only, it may be designed, arranged, or provided that a plug-in collar is formed, arranged, or provided on or with the mating connector housing.

[0088] For example, it may be provided that the mating connector or the mating connector housing has a mating connector interior.

[0089] The first and / or the second mating contact element can be located, for example, inside the mating connector.

[0090] For example, the mating connector may be designed as a male connector or a pin header. The mating connector may be mounted on a control unit or on a component (e.g., a battery, an inverter, an electric motor, etc.), particularly on a component of an electrically powered vehicle. Drawings

[0091] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to the person skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which, however, are not to be interpreted as limiting the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show Fig. 1 A schematic perspective exploded view of a connector arrangement in the unconnected state; Fig. 2 a longitudinal section in the XY plane through a schematic representation of a connector; Fig. 3 a detail of a longitudinal section in the XY plane through a schematic representation of another connector; Fig. 4 a partially cutaway perspective view of the connector from Fig. 2; Fig. 5 a partially cutaway perspective view of the connector housing made of Fig. 2; Fig. 6 a cross-section in the XZ plane through the connector made of Fig. 2; Fig. 7 a schematic perspective representation of a second screen component.

[0092] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. Seven are described together below.

[0093] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. Figure 7 shows a Cartesian coordinate system with an X-axis X, a Y-axis Y, and a Z-axis Z. The Z-axis Z runs parallel to a connection direction S, which will be described in detail below. The X-direction X can also be described as the transverse direction. Here, it runs perpendicular to the two channels 5 and 6 and cables 7 and 9, which will be described in more detail below, or rather, to their directions of extension. The Y-direction Y can be described as the longitudinal direction; here, it runs essentially parallel to the two channels 5 and 6 and cables 7 and 9, which will be described in more detail below, or rather, to their directions of extension.

[0094] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a connector assembly 100 in an exploded view.

[0095] The connector arrangement 100 has a connector 1 and a mating connector 2, wherein the mating connector 2 has a first mating contact element 25 and a second mating contact element 26.

[0096] The connector assembly 100 is shown here only as an example of a design for transmitting high currents (e.g., at least 1 A, 10 A, or 50 A) or high power (e.g., at least 0.5 kW, 1 kW, or 10 kW). It is also designed for operation at high voltages (e.g., at least 40 V, 100 V, 200 V, or 350 V). It can be used, for example, in or with electrically powered vehicles.

[0097] The mating connector 2 is shown here only as an example of a knife-edge connector or pin header (two male mating contact elements 25, 26) with two poles. The connector 1 is shown here only as an example of a two-pole cable harness connector (with female contact elements 8, 10 described below). It is understood that, in principle, more than two poles can be provided and / or that the female contact elements are provided on the mating connector 2 and the male contact elements on the connector 1, or that a mixed design consisting of at least one male contact element and at least one female contact element is present in the connector 1 or the mating connector 2.

[0098] The mating connector 2 can be mounted, or be mountable, on a component of a vehicle, e.g., on a (HV) battery, an electric motor, an inverter, etc.

[0099] The connector 1 is designed to be plugged together with the mating connector 2 along a plugging direction S, which here, by way of example, runs parallel to the Z direction Z.

[0100] The connector 1 has a connector housing 3, which is shown here as an example to be electrically insulating, with an interior 4, which is shown here as an example to be injection-molded from an insulating plastic. The connector housing 3 has a first channel 5 and a second channel 6. The first channel 5 is configured for inserting a first cable 7 into the connector housing 3 along a first insertion direction E1 (here, for example, parallel to the Y-axis Y), wherein the first cable 7 is provided with a first contact element 8, or wherein a first contact element 8 is arranged or attached to the first cable 7 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2), here e.g. by a welding process. The second channel 6 is configured for inserting a second cable 9 into the connector housing 3 along a second insertion direction E2 (here: for example parallel to the Y-axis Y), wherein the second cable 9 is provided with a second contact element 10 or wherein a second contact element 10 is arranged or attached to the second cable 9 (see Fig. 2), here for example through a welding process. The first channel 5 runs parallel to the second channel 6 as an example (see e.g. Fig. 2, Fig. 3) The first channel 5 is, for example, formed adjacent to the second channel 6 in a direction perpendicular to the first insertion direction E1 (here: viewed along the X-direction X) (see e.g. Fig. 2, Fig. 3) The first channel 5 and the second channel 6 each have an external or external room-side or external environment-side first opening 11 and an internal-side second opening 12 (see e.g. Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 4, Fig. 5) The first channel 5 and the second channel 6 are separated from each other by a partition 13, arranged here as an example between them (see e.g. Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6) An electrically conductive first shielding component 14 is arranged in the first channel 5. An electrically conductive second shielding component 15 is arranged in the second channel 6. The partition 13 has a through-opening 16 (see e.g. Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 5, Fig. 6), here exemplified in a cable overlap section 29 of the partition wall 13, which overlaps with cables 7, 9 in a state with inserted cables 7, 9 (see e.g. Fig. 2, Fig. 4) The first shielding component 14 and the second shielding component 15 are electrically connected to each other in or through the through-opening 16.

[0101] This results in a particularly good shielding effect and a particularly low transfer impedance. The two shielding components 14, 15 can be electrically connected to each other very close to the cable (here: very close to the shield conductors 64 of the cables 7, 9, which will be described in more detail below) and connected to a common potential (and not only in the area of ​​the second opening 12 or in the area of ​​the two contact elements 8, 10).

[0102] The connector housing 3 has a cable-side first section 17 in which the first channel 5 and the second channel 6 (here, the two channels 5 and 6) are arranged, and which has a first extension direction R1 that, by way of example, runs parallel to the first insertion direction E1 and, by way of example, also parallel to the second insertion direction E2. The connector housing 3 has a mating-connector-side second section 18 with a second extension direction R2 that, by way of example, runs parallel to the insertion direction S. The first section 17 adjoins a contact space 19 of the connector housing 3 (but, in particular, does not extend into the contact space 19), in which the contact elements 8 and 10 can be contacted by mating contact elements 25 and 26 of the mating connector 2, or are contacted with the mating connector 2 when mated.It can also be provided that each of the two contact elements 8, 10 is arranged in its own contact space 19 when they are mounted in the connector housing 3 or inserted into the connector housing 3 after passing through the respective channels 5, 6. It can be provided, by way of example, that the first extension direction R1 and the second extension direction R2 enclose an angle W in the range of 30° to 135° or in the range of 60° to 120°. Here, by way of example, it is provided that the angle W is essentially 90°. This is a so-called angled connector.

[0103] It goes without saying that a connector not shown here is also conceivable, in which the first extension direction R1 runs parallel to the second extension direction R2. Such a connector can, for example, be designed or designated as a 0° connector or a 180° connector.

[0104] The first channel 5 has a first extension length L1 between its first opening 11 and its second opening 12, and the second channel 6 has a second extension length L2 between its first opening 11 and its second opening 12.

[0105] When mounted in the connector housing 3, the two contact elements 8, 10 are arranged in a contact chamber 19 of the interior 4, in which they can be contacted or are contacted with the respective corresponding mating contact element 25, 26. It is possible for each of the two contact elements 8, 10 to be arranged in its own contact chamber 19.

[0106] The connector 1 also has an operating element 50 for reducing the insertion force in conjunction with the mating connector 2; here, the operating element 50 is designed as a lever 51 by way of example.

[0107] By way of example, a first inner housing 52 (here made of an electrically insulating material, e.g., a plastic) is arranged or inserted into the (electrically conductive) first shielding component 14, or within its interior, or within its first inner compartment. The first contact element 8 can be inserted into the first inner housing 52, or within its first inner compartment. By way of example, a second inner housing 53 (here made of an electrically insulating material, e.g., a plastic) is arranged or inserted into the (electrically conductive) second shielding component 15, or within its interior, or within its second inner compartment. The second contact element 10 can be inserted into the second inner housing 53, or within its second inner compartment. Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. For the sake of clarity, the first inner housing 52 and the second inner housing 53 are not shown in Figure 6. Viewed from the inside out, the following elements are present: contact element 8, 10 - inner housing 52, 53 - shielding component 14, 15 - channel 5, 6.

[0108] The first cable 7 has a first cable end 54. This is connected to the first contact element 8, and the second cable 9 has a second cable end 55, which is connected to the second contact element 10. The connection of the cable ends 54, 55 to the contact elements 8, 10 is shown here as an example of a material-fit connection (e.g., by a weld), although force-fit and / or form-fit connections are also conceivable.

[0109] A first cable seal 56 (here: designed as a radial seal) is provided or arranged on the first cable 7, and a second cable seal 57 (here: designed as a radial seal, here: designed separately from the first cable seal 56) is provided or arranged on the second cable 9.

[0110] The first opening 11 of the first channel 5, when fitted with the first cable 7, can be closed with a first end clip 58, which holds the first cable seal 56 in place and can be secured to the connector housing 3, for example, by a clip connection. The first cable 7 can be fixed in place in a feed-through opening of the first end clip 58 by means of a first crimping element 60. Similarly, the first opening 11 of the second channel 6 can be closed with a second end clip 59 (here: separately from the first end clip 58), which holds the second cable seal 57 in place and can be secured to the connector housing 3, for example, by a clip connection. The second cable 8 can be fixed in place in a feed-through opening of the second end clip 59 by means of a second crimping element 61.

[0111] Both cables 7 and 9, viewed from the inside out, show the following as examples (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 4): a conductor 62 - an inner insulation 63 surrounding the conductor 62 - a shield conductor 64 surrounding the inner insulation 63 - an outer insulation 65 surrounding the shield conductor 64. The two conductors 62 of the two cables 7, 9 can, for example, be made of or have a highly conductive metal such as copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, silver, etc. They can, for example, have a cross-section of at least 1 mm². 2 or at least 10mm 2 or at least 25mm 2 or at least 50mm 2 or at least 95mm 2 exhibit.

[0112] The connection of the shield conductors 64 of the two cables 7, 9 to the associated first and second shield components 14, 15 is carried out using a first shield transmission element 72 for the first cable 7 and a separate second shield transmission element 73 for the second cable 9.

[0113] For this purpose, the shield conductor 64 is folded over by 180° and placed on the outside of a first clamping element or clamping ring 74, which is arranged on the first cable 7. The first shield transmission element 73 is then pushed onto the folded shield conductor 64 from the outside with a collar element, so that it is clamped between the first clamping element or clamping ring 74 and the collar element and electrically contacted (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2).

[0114] Similarly, on the second cable 9, the shield conductor 64 is folded over by 180° and placed on the outside of a second clamping element or second clamping ring 75, onto which the second shield transmission element 75 with its collar element is then pushed (see Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 4).

[0115] In the second section 18 facing the mating connector 2, the connector 1 has a third sealing element 70, which is arranged in the connector housing 3, e.g., inserted into it. Here, it is designed, by way of example, to seal the interior 4 against an external environment 80 of the connector 1 or the connector assembly 100 when the connector 1 is connected to the mating connector 2. The third sealing element 70 is, by way of example, fixed in place in the interior 4 by a sealing element holder 71, which can also be referred to as a frame part.

[0116] The connector 1 here exemplarily comprises an electrically conductive third shielding component 28 arranged in the interior 4, in particular outside the first channel 5 and outside the second channel 6, in particular in the contact area 19. The third shielding component 28 is electrically conductively connected to the first shielding component 14 and to the second shielding component 15, in particular directly.

[0117] This illustration merely provides an example showing that the third shielding component 28 is arranged or held on the sealing holder or sealing element holder 71 or frame part. It can be inserted or slid into the interior 4 during the assembly of the connector 1 with the sealing holder or sealing element holder 71.

[0118] The third shielding component 28 has, by way of example, the form of a clamp with a central part which is arranged on the sealing element holder 71, and with two arms or lamellae projecting from the central part to one side (here: parallel to the X-direction X) which provide contact to the shielding components 14, 15.

[0119] The third shielding component 28 is specifically not located in the first and second channels 5, 6. In particular, it also does not protrude into the first and second channels 5, 6. It is located in the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. Number 7 is not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0120] The first umbrella component 14 and the second umbrella component 15 are designed separately from each other; both are presented here as individual parts not formed in one piece.

[0121] Fig. Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section in the XY plane through a schematic representation of a connector 1. This can be derived from the connector 1. Fig. It may correspond to 1, but it does not have to. The viewing direction corresponds to a viewing direction into the insertion opening 27 (i.e., a view from below into the contact area 19).

[0122] It is clearly evident that the first channel 5 and the second channel 6 between the (respective) first opening 11 and the (respective) second opening 12 are, in this example, of the same length. The first extension length L1 and the second extension length L2 (viewed along the Y-direction Y) are therefore the same length or the same size.

[0123] The partition 13 here exemplifies a common wall of the first channel 5 and the second channel 6. The first channel 5 has a first channel wall 66, and the second channel 6 has a second channel wall 67. Parts of the mutually facing surfaces of the first and second channel walls 66, 67 together form the partition 13 (see also Fig. 6).

[0124] It is in Fig. 2. It is easy to see that, for example, the first shielding component 14 or the first shielding cage is arranged between the first cable 7 and the first channel 5, and that the second shielding component 15 or the second shielding cage is arranged between the second cable 9 and the second channel 6, in particular when viewed in a radial direction or in a direction perpendicular to the first insertion direction E1 or to the second insertion direction E2 (here, for example, parallel to the X-direction X or parallel to the Z-direction Z).

[0125] In the first channel 5, the first, here shielded, cable 7 is arranged with a first contact element 8, which is arranged on or electrically connected to the first cable 7 and is configured to be electrically connected to, or is connected to, the first mating contact element 25 of the mating connector 2 (when connector 1 and mating connector 2 are mated together). In the second channel 6, the second, here shielded, cable 9 is arranged with a second contact element 10, which is arranged on or electrically connected to the second cable 9 and is configured to be electrically connected to, or is connected to, the second mating contact element 26 of the mating connector 2. The mating connector 2 is connected by the connection described above in connection with Fig. 1 The described insertion opening 27 of the connector housing 3 can be inserted into the interior 4.

[0126] It is in Fig. 2. It is also clearly visible that the through-opening 16 has a first distance d1 from the second opening 12 of the first channel 5 and / or the second channel 6 or of channels 5, 6 in the direction of the first opening 11 of the respective channel 5, 6 or in the direction of the first opening 11 of channels 5, 6. The first distance d1 can be, for example, at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 10 mm, or at least 15 mm.

[0127] In connector 1 of the Fig. 2. It is further provided that the through-opening 16 has a second distance d2 from a first contact point 68 of the first shielding component 14, at which the first shielding component 14 is connected to the shield conductor 64 of the first cable 7 described above. The shield current preferably leaves or enters the first shielding component 14 at the first contact point 68. The second distance d2 is at most 50%, 30%, or 15% of the first contact point distance d4 from the first contact point 68 to the second opening 12 of the first channel 5. In other words, the first contact point 68 is located as far away as possible (first contact point distance d4) from the second opening 12 of the first channel 5, or as close as possible to the stripped area of ​​the first cable 7 and its shield conductor 64. The first contact point 68 is a location on, in, or at the first shield component 14.Here, the first shield transmission element 72 is provided between the shield conductor 64 of the first cable 7 and the first contact point 68.

[0128] In connector 1 of the Fig. 2. It is also provided that the through-opening 16 has a third distance d3 from a second contact point 69 of the second shielding component 15, at which the second shielding component 15 is connected to the shield conductor 64 of the second cable 9 described above. The shield current preferably leaves the second shielding component 15 at the second contact point 69 or enters the second shielding component 14 there. The third distance d3 is at most 50%, 30%, or 15% of a second contact point distance d5 from the second contact point 69 to the second opening 12 of the second channel 6. In other words, the second contact point 69 is located as far away as possible (second contact point distance d5) from the second opening 12 of the second channel 6, or as close as possible to the stripped area of ​​the second cable 9 and its shield conductor 64. The second contact point 69 is a location on, in, or at the second shield component 15.Here, between the shield conductor 64 of the second cable 9 and the second contact point 69, the second shield transmission element 73 is provided.

[0129] In other words, the short circuit between the first shielding component 14 and the second shielding component 15 occurs very close to the cable, or near the cable exit from the connector housing 3, or near the point of electrical connection of the shield conductors 64 of the two cables 7, 9 to the two shielding components 14, 15. It is not a case of an extended current path to the third shielding component 28 (see Fig. 1) in the area of ​​the second openings 12 or behind the second openings 12 in the contact space 19, necessary to electrically connect or short-circuit the two shielding components 14, 15. The (additional) presence of the third shielding component 28 can nevertheless further improve the transfer impedance and / or the shielding effect.

[0130] Here, by way of example, it is provided that the first shielding component 14 has (at least) a first contact spring 20, which is arranged in the area of ​​the through-opening 16 and electrically contacts the second shielding component 15 (see Fig. 2).

[0131] Furthermore, it is provided that the second shielding component 15 has (at least) a second contact spring 21, which is arranged in the area of ​​the through-opening 16 and electrically contacts the first shielding component 14 (see Fig. 2, Fig. 7).

[0132] It is conceivable that, for reasons of symmetry and to facilitate the use of identical parts, the first shielding component 15 also has a first contact spring 20 on its opposite wall (not shown here). Then the first shielding component 14 can also be used as the second shielding component 15 (in which case a first contact spring 20 is a second contact spring 21), and conversely, the second shielding component 15 can be used as the first shielding component 14.

[0133] The first contact spring 20 and / or the second contact spring 21 can be punched out of the first or second shield component 14, 15 and bent outwards. It is also conceivable that the first or second contact spring 20, 21 is, for example, bonded to the (outer) wall of the first or second shield component 14, 15, thus avoiding the need for a punched hole in the (outer) wall.

[0134] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary second screen component 15, where the first screen component 14 can be constructed identically or analogously, similarly, or in a mirror-symmetrical manner. Here, two second contact springs 21 are provided as an example, which can contact the first screen component 14, or at least one of its first contact springs 20, for example, in or through two spaced-apart through-openings 16, windows, or recesses in the partition 13.

[0135] It goes without saying that for connector 1 from Fig. 2 a single second contact spring 21, e.g. the one in Fig. 7 further to the right (at the cable entry) a second contact spring 20 may be sufficient (analogously, for example, a single first contact spring 20 on the first shielding component 14 may be sufficient).

[0136] Fig. Figure 3 shows a detail of a longitudinal section in the XY plane through a schematic representation of another connector 1.

[0137] In this connector 1, an electrically conductive shield contact element 22 is provided in the through-opening 16. This shield contact element is electrically connected to the first shield component 14 and the second shield component 15, for example, directly. Here, it is formed in one piece, e.g., as a stamped and bent part. Therefore, it is not absolutely necessary to provide a first or second contact spring 20, 21 on the first and / or second shield component 14, 15.

[0138] The through-opening 16 can, for example, tightly enclose the shield contact element 22. The shield contact element 22 can, for example, be injection-molded into the partition. In other embodiments, the shield contact element 22 can be inserted or fitted into the through-opening 16 and secured there only after completion of the manufacturing process of the connector housing 3, for example by a force-fit, friction-fit, or form-fit connection (e.g., a snap-fit ​​or clip connection) or by a material-fit connection (e.g., adhesive bond, (friction) weld, or solder joint, etc.).

[0139] The shield contacting element 22 here has, by way of example, a first contact lamella 23 projecting or extending into the first channel 5 or into its first channel interior, which here contacts the first shield component 14 (here: mechanically and also electrically conductive).

[0140] Furthermore, the shield contacting element 22 has a second contact lamella 24 (in particular elastically reversible) projecting into the second channel 6 or into its second channel interior, which here contacts the second shield component 15 (here: mechanically and also electrically conductive).

[0141] Fig. Figure 4 shows a partially cutaway perspective view of connector 1. Fig. 2. The contact chamber 19 with the two contact elements 8, 10 arranged therein is clearly visible, as is the end of the two channels 5, 6, which open into the contact chamber 19 at the respective second opening 12. Also clearly visible are the structure of the second cable 9 with outer insulation 65, shield conductor 64, inner insulation 63 and conductor 62, as well as the second clamping element or the second clamping ring 75 and the second shield transmission element 73.

[0142] Fig. Figure 5 shows a partially cutaway perspective view of the connector housing 3 of connector 1. Fig. 2.

[0143] In Fig. Figure 5 clearly shows that the partition wall 13 runs from the first opening 11 to the second opening 12 (viewed parallel to the Y-direction Y), and is closed except for the through opening 16.

[0144] The opening 16 has a shape or outer contour K. This shape is, for example, a rectangle. It can, in principle, be chosen from the following group: a rectangle, a square, a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a trapezoid, although other shapes are of course also conceivable.

[0145] The outer contour K, or the shape, or the through-opening, is closed or ring-shaped. In other words, no slot or opening is provided, especially not to the outside environment 80.

[0146] The opening 16 has an opening area FD. The opening area FD is, for example, at most 15%, 10%, or 5% of a boundary area FG that extends between the first opening 11 and the second opening 12, between the first channel 5 and the second channel 6, or between the two channels 5 and 6 (here: along the Y-direction Y). The boundary area FG, with respect to height (here: parallel to the Z-direction Z), results from a projection of the two channels 5 and 6 onto each other (here: along the X-direction X), where the combined shadow (in the sense of a "nucleus") defines the height, and where this umbra defines the boundary area FG.

[0147] The area of ​​the opening FD is at most 15%, 10%, or 5% of the area FT of the partition wall 13. Only the wall surface of the partition wall 13 between the first opening 11 and the second opening 12 is to be considered (here along the Y-direction Y).

[0148] It is in Fig. 5. It can be seen that the interface area FG is larger than the partition area FD. This difference in size can be greater the more the channels deviate from the shape of a rectangular cross-section with a common partition 13.

[0149] Fig. Figure 6 shows a cross-section in the XZ plane through connector 1. Fig. 2 in its first section 17, wherein the cutting plane in Fig. 5 is shown.

[0150] It is in Fig. 6 as well as already in Fig. 5 clearly shows that the passage opening 16 is arranged here by way of example in a range of 15% to 85% of a height HT of the partition wall 13, and here by way of example - with reference to the height HT of the partition wall 13 - is arranged essentially in the middle of the partition wall 13.

[0151] In Fig. Figure 6 clearly shows that the first channel 5 and the second channel 6, as examples, have the same or mirror-symmetrical (along a plane parallel to the YZ plane) cross-section. Here, each has an essentially rectangular cross-section with rounded corners. As described above, the partition 13 is part of both the first channel wall 66 and the second channel wall 67.

[0152] It is understood that, for the purposes of the invention, the connector housing 3, even without cables 7, 9 and contact elements 8, 10, together with the shielding components 14, 15, already forms a connector 1 according to the invention. This can, for example, be supplied to a cable harness manufacturer or assembler, who then equips this raw connector with the cables 7, 9 and contact elements 8, 10.

[0153] The invention also relates in principle to the connector housing 3 without the shielding components 14, 15, wherein the connector housing 3 is configured to accommodate the first and the second shielding component 14, 15, in particular in the first channel 5 and in the second channel 6, respectively. The through-opening 16 is configured so that an electrically conductive connection is made through it or in it between the first shielding component 14 and the second shielding component 15, in particular in a state in which the two shielding components 14, 15 are mounted in the connector housing 3.

Claims

[1] Connector (1) designed for mating with a mating connector (2) along a mating direction (S), the connector (1) comprising: -- a connector housing (3), in particular designed to be electrically insulating, with an interior (4), wherein the connector housing (4) has a first channel (5) and a second channel (6), wherein the first channel (5) is configured for inserting a first cable (7) which is provided with a first contact element (8) into the connector housing (3) along a first insertion direction (E1), wherein the second channel (6) is configured for inserting a second cable (9) which is provided with a second contact element (10) into the connector housing (3) along a second insertion direction (E2), wherein in particular the first channel (5) runs parallel to the second channel (6) and / or the first channel (5) is formed adjacent to the second channel (6) in a direction perpendicular to the first insertion direction (E1) when viewed, wherein the first channel (5) and the second channel (6) each have an outer first opening (11) and an inner second opening (12), wherein the first channel (5) and the second channel (6) are separated from each other by a partition (13), in particular arranged between them, wherein an electrically conductive first shielding component (14) is arranged in the first channel (5), wherein an electrically conductive second shielding component (15) is arranged in the second channel (6), wherein the partition (13) has a through-opening (16), in particular in a cable overlap section (29) of the partition (13) which overlaps with the cables (7, 9) in a state with inserted cables (7, 9), wherein the first shielding component (14) and the second shielding component (15) are electrically connected to each other in or through the through-hole (16). [2] Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first shielding component (14) and the second shielding component (15) are formed separately from each other, in particular not being formed in one piece together. [3] Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, -- wherein the through-opening (16) has a first distance (d1) from the second opening (12) of the channels (5, 6) in the direction of the first opening (11) of the channels (5, 6), in particular wherein the first distance (d1) is at least 3mm or at least 5mm or at least 7mm or at least 10mm or at least 15mm, and / or -- wherein the through-hole (16) has a second distance (d2) from a first contact point (68) of the first shielding component (14) at which the first shielding component (14) is connected to a shield conductor (64) of the first cable (7), in particular wherein the second distance (d2) is at most 50% or at most 30% or at most 15% of a first contact point distance (d4) from the first contact point (68) to the second opening (12) of the first channel (5), and / or -- wherein the through-hole (16) has a third distance (d3) from a second contact point (69) of the second shielding component (15) at which the second shielding component (15) is connected to a shield conductor (64) of the second cable (9), in particular wherein the third distance (d3) is at most 50% or at most 30% or at most 15% of a second contact point distance (d5) from the second contact point (69) to the second opening (12) of the second channel (6). [4] Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector housing (3) has a cable-side first section (17) in which the first channel (5) and the second channel (6) are arranged and which has a first extension direction (R1) which in particular runs parallel to the first insertion direction (E1), wherein the connector housing (3) has a mating connector-side second section (18) with a second extension direction (R2) which in particular runs parallel to the insertion direction (S), wherein in particular the first section (17) adjoins a contact space (19) of the connector housing (3) in which the contact elements (8, 10) can be contacted by mating contact elements (25, 26) of the mating connector (2), -- where the first extension direction (R1) runs parallel to the second extension direction (R2) or -- wherein the first extension direction (R1) and the second extension direction (R2) enclose an angle (W) between each other in the range of 30° to 135° or in the range of 60° to 120° or of 90°. [5] Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the through-opening (16) has a through-opening area (FD), -- wherein the through-opening area (FD) is at most 15% or at most 10% or at most 5% of an interface area (FG) extending between the first opening (11) and the second opening (12) between the first channel (5) and the second channel (6), and / or -- wherein the passage opening area (FD) is at most 15% or at most 10% or at most 5% of a partition wall area (FT) of the partition wall (13). [6] Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the through-opening (16) is arranged in a range of 15% to 85% of a height (HT) of the partition (13), and in particular is arranged substantially centrally in the partition (13) with respect to the height (HT) of the partition (13). [7] Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first shielding component (14) has a first contact spring (20) which is arranged in the area of ​​the through-hole (16) and electrically contacts the second shielding component (15), and / or wherein the second shielding component (15) has a second contact spring (21) which is arranged in the area of ​​the through-hole (16) and electrically contacts the first shielding component (14). [8] Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an electrically conductive shield contacting element (22) is arranged in the through-opening (16), which is electrically conductively connected to the first shield component (14) and to the second shield component (15), in particular directly, in each case. [9] Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the shield contacting element (22) has a first contact lamella (23) projecting into the first channel (5), which in particular contacts the first shielding component (14), and / or wherein the shield contacting element (22) has a second contact lamella (24) projecting into the second channel (6), which in particular contacts the second shielding component (15). [10] Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the through-opening (16) has a shape or outer contour (K), in particular a closed one, selected from the group: a rectangle, a square, a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a trapezoid. [11] Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first channel (5) and the second channel (6) between the first opening (11) and the second opening (12) are of equal length, and / or wherein the first channel (5) and the second channel (6) have the same or mirror-symmetrical cross-section, and / or wherein the partition (13) is a common wall of the first channel (5) and the second channel (6), and / or wherein the partition (13) extends from the first opening (11) to the second opening (12), and is in particular designed to be closed except for the through opening (16). [12] Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first shielding component (14) is arranged between the first cable (7) and the first channel (5), wherein the second shielding component (15) is arranged between the second cable (9) and the second channel (6), in particular, each considered in a direction perpendicular to the first insertion direction (E1) or to the second insertion direction (E2). [13] Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the first channel (5) a first, in particular shielded, cable (7) is arranged with a first contact element (8) arranged on the first cable (7), which is configured to be electrically connected to a first mating contact element (25) of the mating connector (2), wherein in the second channel (6) a second, in particular shielded, cable (9) is arranged with a second contact element (10) arranged on the second cable (9), which is configured to be electrically connected to a second mating contact element (26) of the mating connector (2), wherein in particular the mating connector (2) can be inserted into the interior (4) through an insertion opening (27) of the connector housing (3). [14] Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein an electrically conductive third shielding component (28) is arranged in the interior (4), in particular outside the first channel (5) and outside the second channel (6), wherein the third shielding component (28) is electrically connected to the first shielding component (14) and / or to the second shielding component (15), in particular directly. [15] Connector arrangement (100) comprising the connector arrangement (100): -- a connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims; -- a mating connector (2); wherein the mating connector (2) has a first mating contact element (25) and a second mating contact element (26).

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