Connector housings, mating connector housings and systems

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector housing for an electrical plug connector. The connector housing has a housing part and a shielding element arranged on the housing part. The shielding element has at least one contact spring for contacting a shielding part arranged on a mating connector housing. During the plugging process of the connector housing and the mating connector housing, the contact spring of the shielding element can be bent by means of the mating connector housing and can thus be pressed on the shielding part arranged on the mating connector housing. The invention also relates to a mating connector housing and a system comprising the connector housing and the mating connector housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a connector housing, a mating connector housing and a system comprising the connector housing and the mating connector housing. Background Art

[0002] In various embodiments, plug-in systems for making and disconnecting electrical connections are known. With the aid of this system, a cable can be connected to another device or cable, and the system can include an electrical connector (also called a plug connector) and a mating connector, or a mating plug connector, which can be plugged with the plug connector. The plug connector and the mating plug connector can have dedicated housings, in which contact devices with contact elements corresponding to each other (e.g. female and male contact elements) can be received.

[0003] The housing can be equipped with a metal shielding part to ensure electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). A separate metal spring part can be used to produce an electrical connection between the shielding parts of the housing. Such a spring part can be configured so that the electrical connection can be produced by means of friction contact. With this configuration, the spring part rubs along the shielding part during the plugging process. This is associated with abrasion and therefore wear, which can limit the number of possible plugging cycles.

[0004] The problem underlying the present invention consists in providing an improved solution for a connector housing, a mating connector housing and a system consisting of a connector housing and a mating connector housing. Summary of the invention

[0005] The above mentioned problem is solved by the features of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector housing for an electrical plug connector is provided. The connector housing has a housing portion and a shielding element arranged on the housing portion. The shielding element has at least one contact spring for contacting the shielding portion arranged on the mating connector housing. It is conceivable that during the plugging process of the connector housing and the mating connector housing, the contact spring of the shielding element can be bent by means of the mating connector housing and can thus be pressed on the shielding portion arranged on the mating connector housing.

[0007] Instead of using a separate spring component, the proposed connector housing has a housing part and a shielding element, which has at least one contact spring and is arranged on or in the housing part. The contact spring of the shielding element is used to contact the shielding part arranged on or in the mating connector housing. The shielding element together with the shielding part of the mating connector housing can be used to ensure electromagnetic compatibility. The contact spring of the shielding element of the connector housing is a component or an integral part of the shielding element. This is associated with saving parts and components, so advantages such as lower manufacturing costs and a high degree of reliability can be obtained.

[0008] The connector housing and the mating connector housing are configured to be pluggable together. At least one contact spring of the shielding element of the connector housing is configured so that, with the aid of the mating connector housing, the contact spring can be automatically bent during the plugging process between the connector housing and the mating connector housing, and can therefore be pressed on a shielding portion arranged on the mating connector housing. Therefore, the shielding is activated using the mating connector housing in the process. Here, the contact of the shielding portion with the contact spring of the shielding element can be basically carried out by pressing the contact spring on the shielding portion with a normal force. In contrast, the contact spring can be rubbed to a low or negligible extent along the shielding portion. When the two housings are unplugged, the contact spring of the shielding element of the connector housing can be automatically released from the shielding portion of the mating connector housing and restored to its original form, that is, the form existing before the plugging process. This process can also be associated with a slight degree of friction of the contact spring along the shielding portion.

[0009] Therefore, the plugging and unplugging of the connector housing and the mating connector housing can be carried out by a small degree of abrasion and a small degree of wear on the shielding element of the connector housing and the shielding part of the mating connector housing. The proposed connector housing and the corresponding mating connector housing are therefore suitable for a large number of plugging cycles.

[0010] The pressing force or normal force for pressing the contact spring of the shielding element of the connector housing onto the shielding part arranged on the mating connector housing can be set by the configuration of the contact spring of the shielding element and / or by the configuration of the mating connector housing.

[0011] Other possible details and embodiments contemplated for the connector housing and for the mating connector housing will be described below.

[0012] It is possible that during the plugging process between the connector housing and the mating connector housing, the shielding part arranged on the mating connector housing can be introduced into the area inside the shielding element. In addition, the contact spring of the shielding element of the connector housing can be pressed from the outside or from the outside onto the shielding part arranged on the mating connector housing.

[0013] During the plugging process, the connector housing and the mating connector housing can be plugged together to form one component, after which an automatic bending of the contact spring of the shielding element of the connector housing can be achieved with the aid of the mating connector housing. As the plugging process proceeds, the contact spring can bend more and more, so that it can bear on the shielding part arranged on the mating connector housing with a corresponding contact pressure. Only at the end of the plugging process is the contact spring pressed against the shielding part. In this way, a smaller degree of friction occurs along the contact spring of the shielding part, and a smaller degree of abrasion occurs on the contact spring and the shielding part.

[0014] The mating connector housing can have a press-in structure, which can press on the contact spring of the shielding element of the connector housing during the plug-in process between the connector housing and the mating connector housing, or can press on the contact spring from the outside. The bending of the contact spring can be automatically achieved during the plug-in process by means of the press-in structure.

[0015] The housing part of the connector housing can be formed from a plastic material. The shielding element can be formed from an electrically conductive or metallic material. This applies correspondingly to the shielding part arranged on the mating connector housing.

[0016] In another embodiment, the shielding element of the connector housing (which has at least one structural element, such as at least one contact spring) is configured as a single piece, or is a single piece as a whole. In this regard, the shielding element and thus its structural elements (such as at least one contact spring) can be made of sheet metal. The manufacturing can include processing steps such as stamping and bending. In addition to the at least one contact spring, depending on the embodiment, the shielding element manufactured as a single piece can have at least one additional structural element, such as at least one engagement spring and / or at least one spring element. This will be discussed in further detail below.

[0017] The shielding element of the connector housing may have an elongated form. When the shielding element is viewed from above, ie when seen in the direction of the longitudinal extent, the shielding element may have a rectangular or substantially rectangular outline.

[0018] The connector housing shielding element may also be configured as a sleeve and have a circumferential or substantially circumferential shape. The circumferential or substantially circumferential shape may be present at least in a sub-region of the shielding element. This may be a central region of the shielding element. In the region where the shielding element has a circumferential or substantially circumferential shape, the shielding element may have a rectangular or substantially rectangular profile, as described above.

[0019] In another sub-region, on the contrary, the shielding element can have an incomplete circumferential shape and thus an incomplete rectangular contour. In this case, for example, the shielding element can be U-shaped or substantially U-shaped. Such a configuration can exist, for example, in the region of the end or face end of the shielding element.

[0020] In another embodiment, at least one contact spring of the shielding element is arranged on the end side or in the front sub-region of the shielding element. In the rear sub-region opposite thereto, the shielding element can have at least one further structural element. As already indicated above and as will be explained in further detail below by other possible embodiments, such possible examples are at least one engagement spring and / or at least one spring element.

[0021] The housing part of the connector housing may have a receiving area, in which the shielding element or at least a rear part of the shielding element may be arranged. The receiving area of ​​the housing part may be adapted to the shape of the shielding element and be delimited by a corresponding housing wall of the housing part.

[0022] At least one contact spring of the shielding element of the connector housing can have an elongated or strip-shaped form. The contact spring can also have a free end. In addition, the contact spring can be configured in the area of ​​the side wall of the shielding element. In this case, the contact spring can be implemented as a stamped-out and at least partially bent structural element of the side wall.

[0023] Furthermore, the contact spring may have a partially curved or convex shape. Furthermore, in this context, the following configurations may be considered.

[0024] In another embodiment, the contact spring is arranged in the region of the side wall of the shielding element and has a shape that protrudes in an angled shape relative to the side wall. This embodiment, in which the contact spring protrudes in an angled shape relative to the side wall, in other words is triangular, allows the contact spring to be extremely robust. During the plugging process between the connector housing and the mating connector housing, the shielding part arranged on the mating connector housing can also be reliably contacted by means of the contact spring of the shielding element. In addition, it is also possible to avoid the contact spring from getting stuck on the mating connector housing or the shielding part during the plugging process and thus bending out of shape. This can be achieved by making the free end of the contact spring not (or substantially not) protrude relative to the side wall, but by placing it in the region of the plane formed by the side wall.

[0025] In another embodiment, the contact spring is arranged in the region of the side wall of the shielding element and has: a connection portion, which extends away from the side wall and is connected to the side wall; a bend adjoining the connection portion; and a contact portion, which adjoins the bend and forms the free end of the contact spring. In this arrangement, the connection portion and the contact portion can form legs of the contact spring that protrude in an angled shape, which legs are connected to each other via the bend. The bend can be a curved part of the contact spring. There can also be at least one curve or bend in the region of other parts of the contact spring, i.e. in the region of the connection portion and / or the contact portion.

[0026] The contact portion of the contact spring of the shielding element can be used to contact the shielding part arranged on the mating connector housing. The contact portion can also extend in the direction of the side wall of the shielding element or in the direction of the plane formed by the side wall. During the plug-in process between the connector housing and the mating connector housing, the bending of the contact spring of the shielding element can be carried out via a touch contact between the mating connector housing (or more precisely the press-in structure of the mating connector housing) and the contact spring in the area of ​​the contact portion (and, where applicable, also in the area of ​​the bent portion of the contact spring).

[0027] The contact portion of the shielding element may have an end portion at the end, which causes the actual contact of the shielding part and can be pressed against the shielding part during the plugging process. The end portion of the contact portion may be located in the region of the plane formed by the side wall of the shielding element. As a result, as described above, it is possible that the contact spring is caught on the mating connector housing or on the shielding part during the plugging process and thus bends and deforms. The end portion may have a curved or slightly curved shape.

[0028] In another embodiment, the shielding element of the connector housing has two contact springs arranged opposite to each other for contacting the shielding part arranged on the mating connector housing. In this case, during the plugging process between the connector housing and the mating connector housing, the two contact springs of the shielding element can be bent towards each other by means of the mating connector housing and can thus be pressed from the outside or from the outside on the opposite side on the shielding part arranged on the mating connector housing. As described above, the shielding part arranged on the mating connector housing can be introduced into the area within the shielding element during the plugging process. The configuration of the shielding element with two contact springs arranged opposite to each other provides the possibility of contacting the shielding part with a high degree of reliability. This applies even in the case of relatively large component tolerances.

[0029] The two contact springs can be arranged in the region of the opposite side walls of the shielding element. In addition, the contact springs can have a congruent configuration and be formed to be mirror-symmetrical to each other. In addition, the features and details described above with respect to one contact spring can be similarly applied to the two contact springs.

[0030] For example, each of the two contact springs can be arranged in the region of the side wall of the shielding element and have a shape that protrudes in an angled shape relative to the relevant side wall. In addition, each of the two contact springs can have the above-mentioned configuration, with a connecting portion, a bent portion and a contact portion forming a free end, wherein the connecting portion can extend away from the corresponding side wall, and the contact portion can extend in the direction of the corresponding side wall or in the direction of the plane formed by the side wall.

[0031] The mating connector housing can have two corresponding press-in structures, which can each press on a contact spring during the plugging process between the connector housing and the mating connector housing and thus cause the contact spring to bend. The bending can be carried out via a touching contact in the region of the contact portion (if applicable, also in the region of the bend of the contact spring of the shielding element).

[0032] In another embodiment, the shielding element has at least one engagement spring for attaching the shielding element to the housing part of the connector housing. In this configuration, the shielding element can be attached to the housing part in a reliable and simple manner.

[0033] The engagement spring of the shielding element can have an elongated or strip-shaped form. In addition, the engagement spring can be configured in the region of the side wall of the shielding element. This can be the same side wall, and the contact spring (or in the case of the configuration of the shielding element with two contact springs, one contact spring) is configured in the region of this side wall. In addition, the engagement spring can be implemented as a stamped out and at least partially bent structural element of the side wall. The engagement spring can also have a connecting portion connected to the side wall, and an attachment portion adjacent to the connecting portion and extending away from the side wall. The attachment portion can form the free end of the engagement spring. In addition, the engagement spring can be configured in the rear sub-region of the shielding element.

[0034] As described above, the housing part of the connector housing can have a receiving area for the shielding element. When the shielding element is in a mounted state on the housing part, the engagement spring can also be received in the receiving area of ​​the housing part. According to another embodiment, the housing part has an engagement elevation assigned to the engagement spring in the area or inside the receiving area. By means of the engagement elevation, it is possible to prevent the engagement spring from moving out of the receiving area and thereby prevent the shielding element from detaching from the housing part.

[0035] The engagement elevation can have a wedge-shaped form. During the mounting of the shielding element on the housing part, the engagement spring and its attachment portion can move past the engagement elevation and thereby bend upwards. This process is facilitated by the wedge-shaped shape of the engagement elevation. When the shielding element is in the mounted state, the attachment portion of the engagement spring can be arranged offset relative to the engagement elevation. In addition, the attachment portion can rest on a wall of the configurable engagement elevation. In this case, the engagement spring can be pressed against the wall with a corresponding elastic force.

[0036] In another embodiment, the shielding element has two engagement springs for attaching the shielding element to the housing part. Therefore, the shielding element can be firmly attached to the housing part with a high degree of reliability. The two engagement springs can be configured in the area of ​​the opposite side walls of the shielding element. In addition, the two engagement springs can have a congruent configuration and be formed to be mirror-symmetrical to each other. In addition, the features and details described above for one engagement spring can be similarly applied to the two engagement springs.

[0037] For example, each engagement spring can have a connection portion connected to the corresponding side wall, and an attachment portion adjacent to the connection portion and extending away from the relevant side wall. Correspondingly, the housing portion of the connector housing can have two engagement elevations assigned to the engagement spring in the region of the receiving area.

[0038] In another embodiment, the housing part of the connector housing is configured to receive a contact device that can be fixed to the cable. The shielding element of the connector housing has at least one spring element for contacting the shielding part of the contact device. In this embodiment, the plug connector can be realized by a contact device received in the housing part of the connector housing. In this example, the contact device and its shielding part can be introduced into the area inside the shielding element. The shielding part of the contact device can also be used to ensure electromagnetic compatibility.

[0039] The cable to which the contact device can be fixed can be a data cable arranged for transmitting data. The cable can also be a multi-core cable with several cores or a single cable.

[0040] The shielding part of the contact device can be formed from a conductive or metallic material. In addition to the shielding part, the contact device can have at least one contact element, i.e., several contact elements if a multi-core cable is used. The at least one contact element, which can also be composed of a conductive or metallic material, can be realized in the form of a male contact element.

[0041] In addition, the contact device can have a contact insert serving as a housing for receiving at least one contact element. The contact insert can be made of a plastic material. When the contact device is mounted on a cable, at least one contact element can be coupled to a core of the cable and can be received in the contact insert, and a shielding portion of the contact device can be attached to the contact insert and the cable. In addition, the shielding portion can contact the shielding of the cable (if present). In the case of a multi-core cable, several contact elements can each be coupled to a core of the cable and received in the contact insert.

[0042] The spring element of the shielding element of the connector housing can be configured to frictionally contact the shielding part of the contact device. To this end, when the contact device is received in the housing part of the connector housing, the spring element can be configured to bend or slightly bend with the contact device to rub along the contact device or its shielding part when the contact device moves past, and to bear on the shielding part with contact pressure when the contact device is in the installed position on / in the housing part.

[0043] The spring element of the shielding element can have an elongated or strip-shaped form. In addition, the spring element can be configured in the area of ​​the side wall of the shielding element. This can be the same side wall in which the contact spring (or in the case of a configuration of a shielding element with two contact springs, one contact spring) is configured. In addition, the spring element can be implemented as a stamped-out and at least partially bent structural element of the side wall. The spring element can also have a connecting portion connected to the side wall and a contact portion adjacent to the connecting portion. The shielding part of the contact device can be contacted by means of the contact portion. The contact portion can form the free end of the spring element and have a bent shape at the end. In addition, the contact portion can have a V-shaped form. In addition, the spring element can be configured in the rear sub-area of ​​the shielding element.

[0044] The housing part of the connector housing can have a receiving chamber for receiving the contact device. The receiving chamber can be adapted to the shape of the contact device and is defined by a corresponding housing wall of the housing part. In addition, the receiving chamber of the housing part can be arranged inside the above-mentioned receiving area provided for the shielding element.

[0045] In another embodiment, the shielding element has two spring elements for contacting the shielding element of the contact device. In this way, the shielding part of the contact device can be contacted with a high degree of reliability. This is applicable even in the case of relatively large component tolerances. The two spring elements can be arranged in the region of the opposite side walls of the shielding element. In this configuration, the shielding part of the contact device can be contacted by the spring elements on the opposite side. In addition, the two spring elements can have a congruent configuration and be formed to be mirror-symmetrical to each other. In addition, the features and details described above with respect to one spring element can be similarly applied to the two spring elements.

[0046] For example, each spring element of the shielding element may have a connecting portion connected to the corresponding side wall and a contact portion adjoining the connecting portion.The two spring elements may also be formed to frictionally contact the shielding portion of the contact arrangement.

[0047] In another embodiment, the connector housing has an attachment portion, which is movably arranged on the housing portion and has an attachment portion for fixing the (above-mentioned) contact device that can be received in the housing portion. The shielding element of the connector housing has a recess for the attachment portion of the attachment portion. In this configuration, the contact device received in the housing portion of the connector housing can be firmly fixed. In the area where the shielding element has a recess for receiving or feeding through the attachment portion of the attachment portion, as described above, the shielding element can have an incomplete circumferential shape and therefore an incomplete rectangular profile.

[0048] In a manner comparable to the connector housing, the mating connector housing can be configured to receive a mating contact device that can be fixed to the cable. The mating contact device (which corresponds to at least one contact element of the contact device that can be received in the connector housing) can have at least one mating contact element. This can be implemented in the form of a female contact element. When the contact device and the mating contact device are mounted on the connector housing and on the mating connector housing, the contact devices and the contact elements of the mating contact device that correspond to each other can be plugged together during the plugging process of the two housings and can therefore be connected to each other in an electrically conductive manner.

[0049] The shielding part can be contacted by at least one contact spring of the shielding element of the connector housing during the plugging process, and the shielding part can be a component of the mating contact device. In the state where the mating contact device is received in the mating connector housing, the shielding part can be arranged on / in the mating connector housing.

[0050] Furthermore, the mating connector housing corresponding to the connector housing may have a movably arranged attachment portion having an attachment portion for fixing a mating contact device that can be received in the mating connector housing. In accordance with this, according to another example, it is envisaged that the shielding element of the connector housing has a recess for the attachment portion of the movable attachment portion of the mating connector housing. Also in this area, the shielding element may have an incomplete circumferential shape, or an incomplete rectangular contour.

[0051] With regard to the shielding element, as described above, the housing part of the connector housing can have a receiving area for the shielding element. In another embodiment, it is conceivable that the housing part has several rib-like elevations in the receiving area, which rest on the shielding element. In this way, vibration protection can be achieved, i.e. the shielding element can be securely arranged and attached to the housing part, even in the event of vibrations.

[0052] In addition to the above-mentioned contact arrangement, the housing part of the connector housing can also be configured to receive at least one contact element that can be fixed to a cable. To this end, the housing part can have at least one receiving chamber for receiving such a contact element. The cable in question can, for example, be a cable for providing current or voltage.

[0053] According to another aspect of the invention, a mating connector housing for an electrical mating plug connector is provided. A shielding part can be arranged on the mating connector housing. The mating connector housing has at least one press-in structure, by means of which a contact spring of a shielding element of the connector housing can be bent during a plugging process between the connector housing and the mating connector housing, and can thus be pressed on the shielding part.

[0054] The above features and details may be applied accordingly to the mating connector housing. The same applies to the connector housing.

[0055] By means of the press-in structure of the mating connector housing, the contact spring of the shielding element of the connector housing can be automatically bent during the crimping process between the two housings, and if the shielding part is arranged on the mating connector housing, it can be pressed on the shielding part. The contact of the shielding part can basically be carried out by pressing the contact spring of the shielding element on the shielding part with a normal force, while the contact spring can only rub along the shielding part to a small extent. When the two housings are unplugged, the contact spring of the shielding element of the connector housing can be automatically released from the shielding part of the mating connector housing and adopt the original form it had before the plugging process. This process can also be carried out by a small degree of friction of the contact spring along the shielding part. In this way, the two housings are suitable for a large number of plugging cycles.

[0056] Other possible details and embodiments contemplated for the mating connector housing as well as for the connector housing will be described below.

[0057] The mating connector housing may be formed from a plastic material.The mating connector housing may also have a receiving region, in which the shielding element of the connector housing or at least a part thereof provided with the contact springs may be received during a plugging process between the two housings.

[0058] The press-in structure may be arranged in the region of a receiving area of ​​the mating connector housing.The receiving area of ​​the mating connector housing may be adapted to the shape of the shielding element and be delimited by a corresponding housing wall of the mating connector housing.

[0059] In another embodiment, the press-in structure of the mating connector housing is configured in a ramp-like form. In this example, the mating connector housing can have two planar surfaces offset parallel to each other and a connecting surface connecting the two planar surfaces in the region of the press-in structure. The connecting surface can be at least partially inclined relative to the planar surface and / or at least partially bent. A substantially S-shaped design is also possible. During the plug-in process between the connector housing and the mating connector housing, the ramp-like shape of the press-in structure realizes a material-protected bending of the contact spring of the shielding element of the connector housing. This is also conducive to a large number of plug-in cycles.

[0060] In another embodiment, the press-in structure of the mating connector housing is configured in the form of a rib-shaped structural element. According to the aforementioned configuration, the structural element can also be configured in a ramp-shaped manner when viewed from the side. In this configuration, the press-in structure is characterized by a high degree of stability. The mating connector housing can have a recess at the edge of the receiving area provided for the shielding element, and the structural element can be arranged inside the recess.

[0061] In another embodiment, the mating connector housing is configured to receive a mating contact device having a shielding portion and can be fixed to the cable. In this embodiment, the mating plug connector can be implemented by a mating contact device received in the mating connector housing. In a state where the mating contact device is received in the mating connector housing, the shielding portion is also arranged on / in the mating connector housing.

[0062] The mating connector housing may have a receiving chamber for receiving the mating contact device. The receiving chamber may be adapted to the shape of the mating contact device and be defined by a corresponding housing wall of the mating connector housing. As described above, the mating connector housing may also have a receiving area for a shielding element of the connector housing. The receiving chamber for the mating contact device may be present inside the receiving area for the shielding element.

[0063] The cable to which the mating contact device can be fixed can be a data cable arranged for transmitting data. The cable can also be a multi-core cable with several cores or a single cable.

[0064] The details explained above with reference to the contact device that can be received in the connector housing are equally applicable to the mating contact device. Therefore, the shielding portion of the mating contact device can be formed by a conductive or metallic material. In addition to the shielding portion, the mating contact device can have at least one mating contact element, that is, if a multi-core cable is used, it is a number of mating contact elements. At least one mating contact element that can be composed of a conductive or metallic material can be implemented in the form of a female contact element. In addition, the mating contact device can have a contact insert serving as a housing for receiving at least one contact element. The contact insert can be composed of a plastic material. When the mating contact device is mounted on a cable, at least one mating contact element can be connected to the core of the cable and can be received in the contact insert, and the shielding portion of the mating contact device can be attached to the contact insert and the cable. The shielding portion can also contact the shielding of the cable (if present).

[0065] In another embodiment, the mating connector housing has a receiving chamber for receiving the (above-mentioned) mating contact device. The receiving chamber is at least partially delimited by a housing wall of the mating connector housing. The housing wall has a recess in the region of the press-in structure, through which a contact spring of a shielding element of the connector housing can be fed, the contact spring being bent during the plugging process between the connector housing and the mating connector housing. In this way, the contact spring can be pressed against the shielding part of the mating contact device.

[0066] As described above, a configuration of the shielding element of the connector housing with two contact springs can be considered. In another embodiment corresponding to this, the mating connector housing has two press-in structures, by means of which the two contact springs of the shielding element of the connector housing, which are arranged opposite to each other, can be bent toward each other during the plug-in process between the connector housing and the mating connector housing, and can thus be pressed on the shielding part on the opposite side. As a result, the shielding part arranged on the mating connector housing can be contacted with a high degree of reliability.

[0067] The two press-in structures of the mating connector housing may have congruent configurations and be formed to be mirror-symmetrical to each other. In addition, the features and details described above with respect to one press-in structure may be similarly applied to the two press-in structures.

[0068] For example, the two press-in structures can be configured in a ramp-like manner. The press-in structures can also each be implemented in the form of a rib-like structural element. The receiving chamber for receiving the mating contact device can be at least partially defined by a housing wall of the mating connector housing. The housing wall can have a recess in the region of one of the two press-in structures in order to feed through one of the two contact springs of the shielding element.

[0069] In addition to the above-mentioned mating contact device, the mating contact housing can also be configured to receive at least one mating contact element that can be fixed to a cable. To this end, the mating connector housing can have at least one receiving chamber for receiving such a mating contact element. The cable in question can be, for example, a cable for providing current or voltage.

[0070] According to another aspect of the present invention, a system comprising a connector housing and a mating connector housing is proposed. The connector housing has the above-described design (having a housing portion and a shielding element with at least one contact spring) or a design according to at least one of the above-described embodiments. The mating connector housing, on which the shielding portion can be arranged, can have the above-described design with at least one press-in structure or a design according to at least one of the above-described embodiments. During the plug-in process between the connector housing and the mating connector housing, the contact spring of the shielding element of the connector housing can be bent by means of the press-in structure of the mating connector housing and can thus be pressed on the shielding portion that can be arranged on the mating connector housing. For other possible features and details, please refer to the above description.

[0071] The advantageous configurations and developments of the invention explained above and / or recited in the dependent claims can be used individually or in any desired combination, unless they are, for example, explicitly dependent on one another or are mutually incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] In conjunction with the following description of exemplary embodiments, which will be described in more detail in conjunction with schematic diagrams, the above-mentioned characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and easier to understand. In the accompanying drawings:

[0073] Figure 1 and Figure 2 shows a perspective view and a side view of a system including a plug connector having a connector housing and a mating plug connector having a mating connector housing in a plugged together state;

[0074] Figure 3 shows a perspective exploded view of the components of the system;

[0075] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a contact arrangement that may be received in a connector housing;

[0076] Figure 5 showing a perspective view of a mating contact arrangement that may be received in a mating connector housing;

[0077] Figure 6 A side cross-sectional view showing a contact element of a contact arrangement;

[0078] Figure 7A side cross-sectional view of a mating contact element of a mating contact arrangement is shown;

[0079] Figures 8 to 11 shows a perspective view of a shielding element of a connector housing;

[0080] Figures 12 to 15 A perspective view and a top view of a connector housing are shown;

[0081] Fig.16 A side cross-sectional view showing two plug connectors in a plugged together state;

[0082] Fig.17 Shows Fig.16 an enlarged view in the area of ​​the shielding element to illustrate the attachment of the shielding element to the connector housing;

[0083] Figures 18 to 22 shows a top view and a perspective view of a mating connector housing;

[0084] Figures 23 to 25 shows a side cross-sectional view of two plug connectors before and during the plugging process and in a state plugged together;

[0085] Fig.26 and Fig. 27 Shows Fig.24 and Fig.25 an enlarged view in the area of ​​the shielding element to illustrate the bending of the contact springs of the shielding element; and

[0086] Fig.28 and 29 Another side cross-sectional view shows two plug connectors in a plugged together state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] Figure 1 and Figure 2 1 shows a perspective view and a side view of a system 700, which includes a connector housing 100 having a connector housing 100 and a corresponding mating plug connector 702 having a mating connector housing 200. The two connectors 701, 702 and their housings 100, 200 are arranged in a Figure 1 and Figure 2 are shown in the plugged together state. Figure 2 Plug-in direction 710 is indicated by a double arrow in FIG. 7 , along which components 100 , 200 , 701 , 702 can be plugged together and unplugged again.

[0088] The contact device 500 coupled to the cable 400 and several or more precisely six metal contact elements 460 coupled to the cable 450 are received in the connector housing 100. The mating contact device 600 coupled to the cable 420 and several or more precisely six metal mating contact elements 461 coupled to the cable 451 are received in the mating connector housing 200 (in this regard, please refer to Figure 3 ). The plug connector 701 is implemented by assembling and mounting the contact device 500 on the cable 400, connecting the contact element 460 to the cable 450, and arranging the contact device 500 and the contact element 460 on / in the connector housing 100. In the same manner, the mating plug connector 702 is implemented by assembling and mounting the mating contact device 600 on the cable 420, mounting the mating contact element 461 on the cable 451, and arranging the mating contact device 600 and the mating contact element 461 on / in the mating connector housing 200.

[0089] Cables 400 and 420 are two-core data cables for data transmission. Other cables 450 and 451 are single-core cables for providing current and voltage. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the plugged state shown, in which the contact device 500 and the mating contact device 600, as well as the contact element 460 and the mating contact element 461, are also plugged together, the contact devices 500, 600 and the contact elements 460, 461, and thus the cables 400, 420 and the cables 450, 451 are electrically connected to each other.

[0090] Figure 3 A perspective exploded view of the components of the connector 701, 702 of the system 700 is shown. In the present configuration, the contact element 460 is a male contact element or contact pin, and the mating contact element 461 is a female contact element or contact receptacle. The contact elements 460, 461 can be attached to the cables 450, 451 and thus coupled to their cores by crimping, and have crimping protrusions for this purpose. The contact device 500 comprises two male metal contact elements 540, and the mating contact device 600 comprises two female metal mating contact elements 640, as will be explained in further detail below.

[0091] The connector housing 100 has a housing portion 110 made of plastic material and a metal shielding element 300 arranged on / in the housing portion 110. The shielding element 300 is used to contact the metal shielding portion 520 of the contact device 500 and the metal shielding portion 620 of the mating contact device 600. When the contact device 500 is mounted on / in the housing portion 110 of the connector housing 100, the contact of the shielding portion 520 of the contact device 500 is performed, and the contact of the shielding portion 620 of the mating contact device 600 is performed during the plugging process between the two housings 100, 200 and thus between the two connectors 701, 702. The shielding element 300 and the shielding portions 520, 620 are used to ensure electromagnetic compatibility. In addition, the connector housing 100 has an attachment portion 180 made of plastic material movably arranged on the housing portion 110, which is used to fix the contact device 500 on the housing portion 110. The details will be discussed in more detail below.

[0092] like Figure 3 As shown, the housing part 110 of the connector housing 100 has a circumferential wall 115 in the front sub-region. When the housings 100, 200 are in the plugged together state, the wall 115 is received in the mating connector housing 200. Several or more precisely four locking elevations 117 are arranged on the outer side of the wall 115 (see also Fig.14 ). They are used to lock with the mating connector housing 200.

[0093] The mating connector housing 200 has a housing portion 210 made of a plastic material, on which a locking slider 290 that interacts with the locking elevation 117 of the connector housing 100 is movably arranged. The locking slider 290, which may be made of a plastic material, is movably arranged. Figure 3 is shown in the pulled-out starting position and in Figure 1 and Figure 2 The push-in end or locked position is shown in the figure. Figure 3 As shown, the locking slide 290 has a recess 295, which is shaped as a connection member or groove for receiving the locking elevation 117. During the plugging process, the two housings 100, 200 can be plugged together, wherein the locking elevation 117 can be received in the housing part 210 of the mating connector housing 200 and thereby in the recess 295 of the locking slide 290. By manually moving the locking slide 290 out of its starting position into the locking position, the housings 100, 200 can be releasably locked together. By displacing the locking slide 290 again into its starting position, the housings 100, 200 can be released again and thus separated from each other.

[0094] Furthermore, a configuration is possible in which the housings 100, 200 can be partially joined during the plugging process, the locking elevation 117 being received in the recess of the locking slide 290, and in which, by manually displacing the locking slide 290 out of the starting position into the locked position, the housings 100, 200 are completely pulled together by the interaction of the recess 295 with the locking elevation 117. By displacing the locking slide 290 again into its starting position, the housings 100, 200 can be pushed away from each other again and then completely separated from each other.

[0095] The housing portion 210 of the mating connector housing 200 has a circumferential wall 215 which surrounds the wall 115 (see FIG. 215 ) of the connector housing 100 when the two housings 100 , 200 are in the plugged state. Figures 1 to 3 ). In addition, the housing part 210 has a receiving chamber 220 for receiving the mating contact device 600 arranged on the cable 420 and several or more precisely six receiving chambers 240 for receiving the mating contact element 461 arranged on the cable 451. The receiving chambers 220, 240 are adapted to the shapes of the mating contact device 600 and the mating contact element 461 and are formed by the housing wall of the housing part 210. The mating contact device 600 and the mating contact element 461 can be inserted into the housing chambers 220, 240 of the housing part 210 from the rear, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 , which shows the rear portion of the housing portion 210, and others (see also Fig. 20 and Fig. 22 The same applies to the sealing elements 721, 731, which are assigned to the receiving chambers 220, 240 and by which the receiving chambers 220, 240 of the housing part 210 can be sealed at the rear. The sealing elements 721, 731 can consist of an elastically deformable plastic material.

[0096] Furthermore, the mating connector housing 200 has an attachment portion 280 made of a plastic material which is movably arranged on the housing part 210 and serves to fix the mating contact arrangement 600 on the housing part 210. This will be discussed in further detail below.

[0097] Accordingly, the housing portion 110 of the connector housing 100 has a receiving chamber 120 for receiving the contact device 500 arranged on the cable 400, and several or more specifically six receiving chambers 140 for receiving the contact elements 460 arranged on the cable 450 (see Fig.14 , 15 The receiving chambers 120, 140 are adapted to the shape of the contact device 500 and the mating element 460 and are formed by the housing wall of the housing part 110. Figure 3As shown, the contact device 500 and the contact element 460 can be inserted from the rear into the receiving chambers 120, 140 of the housing part 110. This applies correspondingly to the sealing elements 720, 730, which are assigned to the receiving chambers 120, 140 and by which the receiving chambers 120, 140 of the housing part 110 can be sealed from the rear. The sealing elements 720, 730 can be composed of an elastically deformable plastic material.

[0098] Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of a contact device 500 coupled to the end of a cable 400 is shown. The cable 400 designed with two cores comprises two individual cables 410, which are surrounded by a sheath 405. In the installed state, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the individual cables 410 protrude from the sheath 405 in the region of the cable ends. The individual cables 410 each have their own insulation 411, which surrounds the conductor 412 (see Figure 6 ). The sheath 405 and the insulator 411 may be made of plastic material. The conductor 412 is configured in a conductive manner or is made of metal. Figure 4 As further shown, the contact device 500 has a contact insert 510, which is made of plastic material and serves as a housing in which the two male contact elements 540 are arranged. The contact elements 540 are attached to the individual cables 410 and are coupled to their conductors 412, which protrude from the insulating body 411 in the installed state.

[0099] As through a separate contact element 540 from Figure 6 As shown in the cross-sectional view of , the contact element 540 has crimping protrusions 543 , 544 , which are arranged offset for attaching the contact element 540 to the conductor 412 and the insulator 411 of the corresponding associated single cable 410 . Figure 6 Also shown is a possible configuration of a contact element 540, which has a receptacle contact portion 541 and a pin contact portion 548, the pin contact portion 548 being inserted into and protruding from the receptacle contact portion 541. The receptacle contact portion 541 has an engagement hook 542 on the outer side. Figure 4 As shown, the contact insert 510 of the contact device 500 has two groove-shaped recesses 511 in which the engagement hooks 542 of the contact element 540 engage when mounted on / in the contact insert 510 , and thereby the contact element 540 can be firmly attached to the contact insert 510 .

[0100] Figure 4It is also shown that the contact insert 510 has a recess 512 in the central area, through which the contact element 540 is also partially exposed. In this area, the attachment portion 181 of the above-mentioned movable attachment part 180 of the connector housing 100 can be brought into contact with the contact insert 510 and the contact element 540, whereby they can be firmly fixed to the housing part 110 of the connector housing 100 (see Fig.29 ).

[0101] Another component of the contact device 500 is the metal shielding portion 520, such as Figure 4 5, which is arranged on the contact insert 510 and the cable 400 in the installed state. The shielding part 520 has two crimping protrusions 521 in the front sub-region for attaching the shielding part 520 to the rear sub-region of the contact insert 510. In this region, the installed shielding part 520 can have a substantially closed or circumferential shape. The shielding part 520 has two further crimping protrusions 522 in the rear sub-region for attaching the shielding part 520 to the cable 400 or its jacket 405.

[0102] In order to install the contact device 500 on the cable end of the cable 400, the jacket 405 and the insulator 411 of the individual cable 400 are partially removed, and the contact element 540 is coupled to the individual cable 410 by crimping. The contact element 540 is then inserted into the contact insert 510 from the rear and attached to the contact insert 510 by engaging the engagement hook 542 in the recess 511. The shielding part 520 is then attached to the contact insert 510 and the cable 400 by crimping.

[0103] Figure 5 An enlarged perspective view of a mating contact device 600 coupled to the end of a cable 420 is shown. The two-core cable 420 comprises two individual cables 430, which are surrounded by a sheath 425. In the installed state, the individual cables 430 protrude from the sheath 425 in the region of the cable ends. The individual cables 430 each have their own insulation 431, which surrounds a conductor 432 (see Figure 7 ). The sheath 425 and the insulator 431 may be made of plastic material. The conductor 432 is configured in a conductive manner or made of metal. Figure 5 , more clearly, the mating contact device 600 has a contact insert 610, which is made of plastic material and serves as a housing. The above-mentioned two female mating contact elements 640 are arranged therein. The mating contact elements 640 are also attached to the separate cable 430 and are connected to its conductor 432, which protrudes from the insulator 431 in the installed state.

[0104] As through a separate mating contact element 640 from Figure 7As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 , the mating contact element 640 has crimping protrusions 643, 644, which are arranged offset to attach the mating contact element 640 to the conductor 432 and the insulator 431 of the corresponding associated single cable 430. The mating contact element 640 also has a receptacle contact portion 641, which has an engagement hook 642 on the outer side. Correspondingly, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the contact insert 610 (the contact insert is as shown in FIG. Figure 5 ) has two groove-shaped recesses 611, in which the engagement hooks 642 of the mating contact element 640 engage when being mounted on / in the contact insert 610, and thereby the mating contact element 640 can be firmly attached to the contact insert 610.

[0105] Figure 5 It is also shown that the contact insert 610 has two recesses 612 in the central region, which are separated by a rod and through which the mating contact element 640 is also partially exposed. In this region, the attachment portion 281 of the above-mentioned movable attachment part 280 of the mating connector housing 200 can be brought into contact with the contact insert 610 and the mating contact element 640, whereby they can be firmly fixed to the housing part 210 of the mating connector housing 200 (see Fig.29 ).

[0106] In addition, the mating contact device 600 has the above-mentioned metal shielding portion 620, such as Figure 5 6, which is arranged on the contact insert 610 and the cable 420 in the installed state. The shielding part 620 has two crimping protrusions 621 in the front sub-region for attaching the shielding part 620 to the rear sub-region of the contact insert 610. In this region, the installed shielding part 620 can have a substantially closed or circumferential shape. The shielding part 620 has two further crimping protrusions 622 in the rear sub-region for attaching the shielding part 620 to the cable 420 or its jacket 425.

[0107] In order to mount the mating contact device 600 on the cable end of the cable 420, the jacket 425 and the insulator 431 of the individual cable 400 are partially removed, and the mating contact element 640 is coupled to the individual cable 430 by crimping. The mating contact element 640 is then inserted into the contact insert 610 from the rear and attached to the contact insert 610 by engaging the engagement hook 642 in the recess 611. The shielding part 620 is then attached to the contact insert 610 and the cable 420 by crimping.

[0108] During the process of plugging the housings 100, 200 equipped with the contact devices 500, 600, the front sub-region of the contact insert 610 of the mating contact device 600 can be introduced into the front sub-region of the contact insert 510 of the contact device 500 (see Figures 23 to 25 As a result, the pin contact portion 548 of the contact element 540 can be plugged into the contact element 540 of the mating contact element 640, and as a result, they can be electrically connected to each other (refer to Fig.29 ).

[0109] Other contact elements 460, 461, such as contact elements 540, 640, can also be provided with corresponding engagement hooks and in this way can engage the associated receiving chamber 140, 240 of the corresponding housing 100, 200 and thus be attached (not shown). Accordingly, the contact elements 460, 461 can be plugged together during the plugging process (cf. Fig.16 ).

[0110] Figures 8 to 11 Different perspective views of a metal shielding element 300 of a connector housing 100 are shown. The shielding element 300 has an elongated sleeve-like form and has several elastic structural elements 320, 330, 340. The shielding element 300 is configured as a single piece in terms of material. In this regard, the shielding element 300 can be made of a sheet metal piece, wherein the manufacturing may require processing steps such as stamping and bending (not shown).

[0111] The shielding element 300 is divided into a central sub-region 302 and two lateral (or end-side) sub-regions 301, 303, which separate the front sub-region 301 and the rear sub-region 303. The shielding element 300 has a circumferential form only in the central sub-region 302. In this location, the shielding element 300 also has a rectangular or substantially rectangular contour, the corners of which are designed in a curved manner (cf. Fig.10 , 11 ). In both end-side sub-regions 301, 303, the shielding element 300 has recesses 351, 353, namely a recess 351 in the front sub-region 301 and a recess 353 in the rear sub-region 303. In these sub-regions 301, 302, there is an incomplete circumferential shape and thus an incomplete rectangular contour, but it is actually a U-shaped or approximately U-shaped contour.

[0112] The shielding element 300 also has four planar side walls 311, 312, 313, which are connected to each other via bends or corners. Two opposite side walls 311 extending over the entire length of the shielding element 300 are equipped with elastic structural elements 320, 330, 340 of the shielding element 300. In the present example, the structural elements 320, 330, 340 are configured in the form of stamped and partially bent structural elements of the side wall 311.

[0113] In contrast, the two other opposite side walls 312, 313 do not have any elastic structural elements. In the present example, the side wall 312 extends over the entire length of the shielding element 300 (see Figure 8 , 9 ). In the case of manufacturing the shielding element, the other side wall 313 is formed by subsections of the shielding element 300 that are bent toward each other and in the region of which recesses 351, 353 are arranged, the side wall 313 having a shorter length due to the recesses 351, 353 (cf. Fig.10 , 11 In the present example, the side wall 313 is recessed in the rear sub-region 303 of the shielding element 300 due to the recess 353 and, in the front sub-region 301 , due to the recess 351 , comprises only two elongated sub-portions surrounding the recess 351 .

[0114] Regarding the elastic structural elements 320, 330, 340, as shown in FIG. Figures 8 to 11 As shown, the shielding element 300 has two contact springs 320 arranged opposite to each other, which are arranged in the front sub-region 301 of the shielding element 300 in the region of the opposite side walls 311. The two contact springs 320 are used to contact the shielding part 620 of the mating contact device 600 during the plugging process between the two connectors 701, 702. Correspondingly, the mating connector housing 200 of the mating plug connector 702 has two press-in structures 250, by means of which the contact springs 320 can be automatically bent toward each other during the plugging process, thus pressing on the shielding part 620 from the outside. This will be discussed in further detail below.

[0115] The two contact springs 320 of the shielding part 300 are configured to be congruent and mirror-symmetrical to each other, and have an elongated or strip-shaped form. Each contact spring 320 has a shape that protrudes in an angled shape relative to the associated side wall 311, and has: a connecting portion 321, which extends away from the associated side wall 311, that is, extends outward relative to the shielding element 300, and which is connected to the side wall 311; a bent portion 322 adjacent to the connecting portion 321; and a contact portion 323, which is adjacent to the bent portion 322 and forms the free end of the contact spring 320. Here, the connecting portion 321 and the contact portion 323 represent the legs of the contact spring 320, which protrude in an angled shape or triangularly relative to the corresponding side wall 311.

[0116] The bend 322 of the contact spring 320 is a curved or curved sub-portion which is at the greatest distance from the corresponding side wall 311 or the plane formed by the side wall 311. The contact spring 320 also has a bend or curvature in the region of the other portions 321, 323. The connecting portion 321 of the contact spring 320 adjoining the corresponding side wall 311 is configured to be slightly bent outward. The contact portion 323 of the contact spring 320 (which extends in the direction of the associated side wall 311 or in the direction of the plane formed by the side wall 311 due to the bend 322) has a slightly outwardly bent end portion 324 at the end. The end portion 324 is located in the region of the plane formed by the relevant side wall 311, i.e., does not protrude relative to the side wall 311 or protrudes only to a negligible extent. As will be described in further detail below, the actual contact of the shielding portion 620 of the mating contact device 600 is carried out via a touching contact between the end portion 324 of the contact portion 323 of the contact spring 320 and the shielding portion 620.

[0117] like Figures 8 to 11 The shielding element 300 shown also has two engagement springs 330 arranged opposite to each other, which are arranged in the rear sub-region 303 of the shielding element 300 in the region of the opposite side wall 311 at the edge of the side wall 311. The two engagement springs 330 are used to attach the shielding element 300 to the housing part 110 of the connector housing 100, as will be explained in further detail below. The engagement springs 320 are formed to be congruent and mirror-symmetrical to each other and have an elongated or strip-shaped form. Each engagement spring 330 has: a connecting portion 331, which is connected to the corresponding side wall 311; and an attachment portion 332, which is adjacent to the connecting portion 331 and extends away from the side wall 311, that is, it extends inwardly relative to the shielding element 300 (refer to Fig.10 ). The attachment portion 332 forms a free end of the engagement spring 320 .

[0118] like Figures 8 to 11 As shown, the shielding element 300 also has two spring elements 340 arranged opposite to each other, which are arranged in the rear sub-region 303 of the shielding element 300 in the region of the opposite side walls 311. The two spring elements 340 are used to contact the shielding part 520 of the contact device 500 during its installation on / in the housing part 110 of the connector housing 100 by friction contact. The spring elements 340 can therefore be called friction contact springs. The details will be discussed in more detail below. The spring elements 340 are formed to be congruent and mirror-symmetrical to each other and have an elongated or strip-shaped design. Each spring element 340 has: a connecting portion 341, which is connected to the corresponding side wall 311; and a contact portion 342, which is adjacent to the connecting portion 341 and extends essentially away from the side wall 311, that is, it extends inwardly relative to the shielding element 300 (refer to Fig.11). The contact portion 342 forms the free end of the spring element 340 and is slightly bent outward in the region of the end. As a result, the contact portion 342 has a V-shaped form.

[0119] The side wall 311 of the shielding element 300 has an offset to the engagement spring 330, respectively a release notch 355. As a result, the bending of the shielding element 300, which is carried out during production, in particular in the central sub-region 302, can be simplified. Furthermore, in the configuration shown, the shielding element 300 has a closed, in the present example closed U-shaped, contour at the end of the rear sub-region 303. As a result, the shielding element 300 can rest securely on the floor of the receiving region 130 of the housing part 110 of the connector housing 100, which is intended for the shielding element 300 (cf. Fig.16 , 17 ).

[0120] Figures 12 to 15 The connector housing 100 is shown in a perspective view and in a top view, ie from its front side or plugging side, which is to be plugged in. Fig.12 The state before the shielding element 300 is installed is shown, and Fig.13 , 14 A state in which the shielding member 300 is arranged on the housing portion 110 of the connector housing 100 is depicted. Fig.15 The state in which the contact device 500 and the contact element 460 are received is also shown. The housing part 110 has the above-mentioned receiving area 130 for receiving a part of the shielding element 300 inside the area surrounded by the wall 115 and has receiving chambers 120, 140 for the contact device 500 and the contact element 460. In the installed state, these components 300, 460, 500 partially protrude outside the housing part 110 (see FIG. Fig.15 In addition to the receiving chamber 140, the housing part 110 also has two unlocking holes 141. By means of the unlocking holes 141 and using a tool part pushed into the holes 141, the contact element 460 can be released from the housing part 110 again and removed (not shown).

[0121] The receiving area 130 of the housing part 110 is adapted to the shape of the shielding element 300 and is delimited by a corresponding housing wall of the housing part 110. In addition, the housing part 110 has several rib-like elevations 131 in the region of the receiving area 130, which rest on the shielding element 300 on the outside in the installed state (cf. Fig.12 , 13 ). In this way, the shielding element 300 can be arranged securely at a well-defined position on the housing part 110 even in the event of vibrations. It is envisaged that the receiving chamber 120 for the contact device is located in the receiving area 130 for the shielding element 300 (cf. Fig.14 ).

[0122] Furthermore, the housing part 110 has, in the region of the front side, projecting ribs 137, referred to hereinafter as coding ribs 137. When the shielding element 300 is in the mounted state, the coding ribs 137 are located within the shielding element 300. The coding ribs 137 serve to achieve a structural assignment between the shielding element 300 and the housing part 110, i.e. the shielding element 300 can be mounted on the housing part 110, which would not be possible with different shielding elements of different sizes and / or with contours envisaged for different connector housings.

[0123] Figures 12 to 15 The above-mentioned attachment part 180 is partially shown, which is movably arranged on the housing part 110 of the connector housing 100 and by means of which the contact device 500 arranged on / in the housing part 110 can be fixed. Figures 12 to 15 The attachment portion 180 has an attachment portion 181, which is shown in the pulled-out starting position. Fig.14 In the starting position of the attachment portion 180 shown, the attachment section 181 is located at the edge of the receiving chamber 120 for the contact device 500. Starting from the starting position, the attachment portion 180 can be displaced to an end or attachment position, in which the attachment section 181 can protrude into the receiving chamber 120, as a result of which, as described above, it can engage in the recess 512 of the contact device 500 (cf. Figure 4 , 29 ). The shielding element 300 correspondingly has a recess 353, which is arranged in the rear sub-region 303 (see Fig.10 , 11 ), for receiving or feeding through the attachment portion 181. Starting from the attachment position, the attachment portion 180 can be displaced again into the starting position, as a result of which the contact arrangement 500 can be removed from the connector housing 100 again.

[0124] Fig.16 A side cross-sectional view of two connectors 701 , 702 is shown in a plugged together state. Fig.17 Shows Fig.16 Enlarged view in the region of the rear subregion 303 of the shielding element 300. The section is in the region of the engagement spring 330 of the shielding element 300. Fig.16 and 17, it can be seen the mounted position of the shielding element 330 on / in the housing part 110 of the connector housing 100, in which a part of the shielding element 300 (i.e., in the present example, a part of its rear sub-region 303 and the central sub-region 302) is received in a receiving area 130 of the housing part 110 provided for the shielding element 300. In the present example, the shielding element 300 is arranged such that the rear end or back end is on the bottom plate of the receiving area 130.

[0125] Fig.16 and Fig.17 Also shown is the housing part 110 of the connector housing 100, which has two engagement elevations 135 in the region of or within the receiving region 130, which are assigned to the engagement springs 330 of the shielding element 300 and which have the form of a wedge. During the installation of the shielding element 300, the shielding element 300 is inserted into the receiving chamber 130 on the front side of the housing part 110 (cf. Fig.12 , 13 ), the engagement spring 330 and its attachment portion 332 can move past the engagement elevation 135 and thereby bend upwards, which is facilitated by the wedge shape of the engagement elevation 135 (not shown). When the shielding element 300 is in the installed state, the attachment portion 332 of the engagement spring 330 is offset relative to or located below the engagement elevation 135 and rests on the wall of the housing part 110, on which the engagement elevation 135 can also be arranged. In the present example, the engagement spring 330 can be pressed against the wall with a corresponding elastic force. By means of the engagement elevation 135, the engagement spring 330 can be prevented from moving out of the receiving area 130 and thereby the shielding element 300 from being detached from the housing part 110, as a result of which the shielding element 300 is firmly attached to the housing part 110.

[0126] Figures 18 to 22 The mating connector housing 200 is shown in a top view and in a perspective view, ie from its front or mating side to be mated. Figures 18 to 21 The state before the mating contact device 600 and the mating contact element 461 are arranged on / in the housing portion 210 of the mating connector housing 200 is depicted, and Fig. 22 The state after this is shown. Fig.21 Shows Fig. 20 200 and in the region of the receiving chamber 220 for the mating contact arrangement 600 and in the region of the press-in structure 250. The housing part 210 of the mating connector housing 200 has a receiving area 205 in the circumferential wall 215, in which the circumferential front wall 115 of the housing part 110 of the connector housing 100 can be received during the plug-in process between the two housings 100, 200 (see also Figures 23 to 25). The receiving area 205 is delimited externally by a wall 215 and internally by an inner part 212 of the housing part 210, which, in a top view, is substantially rectangular and has rounded corners. The inner part 212 comprises components such as receiving chambers 220, 240, which are arranged to receive the mating contact arrangement 600 and the mating contact element 641, and a press-in structure 250 for pressing on the contact spring 320 of the shielding element 300.

[0127] like Figures 18 to 20 and Fig. 22 As shown, the housing part 210 of the mating connector housing 200 also has several or more precisely six recesses 217, which are arranged at the front in the area of ​​the wall 215. Via two recesses 217, each located outward on one side, the locking elevation 117 of the connector housing 100 can be received in the housing part 210 during the plugging process of the two housings 100, 200, as a result of which, as described above, can be received in the connecting member-shaped recess 295 of the locking slide 290 of the mating connector housing 200. In addition to the receiving chamber 240, the housing part 210 also additionally has two unlocking holes 241. With the help of the unlocking holes 241 and using a tool part pushed into the hole 241, the mating contact element 461 can be released and removed from the housing part 210 again (not shown).

[0128] also, Figures 18 to 22 The above-mentioned attachment part 280 is partially depicted, which is movably arranged on the housing part 210 and by means of which a mating contact arrangement 600 arranged on / in the housing part 210 can be fixed. Figures 18 to 21 It is shown in the starting position of the push-out, and Fig. 22 The attachment portion 280 has an attachment section 281 which, in the starting position of the attachment portion 280, is located at the edge of the receiving chamber 220 for the mating contact device 600. From this starting position, the attachment portion 280 can be displaced into the attachment position, whereby the attachment section 281 can protrude into the receiving chamber 220, as a result of which, as described above, it can engage in the recess 612 of the mating contact device 600 (cf. Fig. 22 and Figure 5 , 29 For this purpose, a tool part (not shown) can be used, which can be introduced into a recess 217 in the region of the attachment part 280 ( Fig.18 Corresponding to the attachment portion 280, the shielding element 300 has a recess 351 arranged in the front sub-region 301 (see Fig.10 , 11), in order to receive or feed through the attachment portion 281 during the plugging process between the housings 100, 200. Starting from the attachment position, the attachment portion 280 can be displaced into the starting position again, as a result of which the mating contact device 600 can be removed from the mating connector housing 200 again.

[0129] Figures 18 to 22 The housing part 210 of the mating connector housing 200 shown, or more precisely its inner part 212, also has a receiving area 230 for the connector housing 100, in which a part of the shielding element 300 (i.e., in the present example, a part of its front sub-area 301 or central sub-area 302) can be received during the plugging process between the housings 100, 200. The receiving area 230 is adapted to the form of the shielding element 300. As shown by Figures 18 to 22 It becomes clearer that the receiving chamber 220 for the mating contact device 600 is located inside the receiving area 230 for the shielding element 300. The receiving chamber 220 is delimited at least in the front sub-area by a protruding wall 235 of the inner part 212 of the housing part 210. The receiving area 230 for the shielding element 300 is delimited internally by the wall 235 and externally by another housing wall of the inner part 212.

[0130] In the area for the shielding element 300, the housing part 210 of the mating connector housing 200 or the housing part 210 of its inner part 212 has a press-in structure 250, which is configured to be pressed onto two contact springs 320 of the shielding element 300. Each of the two press-in structures 250 is implemented in the form of a structural element, which protrudes like a rib and is ramp-shaped when viewed from the side. At the edge of the receiving area 230, the inner part 212 has two recesses 231, and one of the ramp-shaped press-in structures 250 is arranged in each recess 231.

[0131] As in Fig.21 and Fig.26 As further shown in FIG. 1 , the housing part 210 or its inner part 212 has two horizontal surfaces 251, 253 offset parallel to each other and a connecting surface 252 connecting the two surfaces 251, 253 in the region of the press-in structure 250. The connecting surface 252 runs substantially obliquely relative to the horizontal surfaces 251, 253 and has a curved design running in an S shape. Each press-in structure 250 substantially comprises a connecting surface 252. The compression of the contact spring 320 of the shielding element 300 is substantially carried out at the connecting surface 252.

[0132] In a manner corresponding to the press-in structure 250, the wall 235 of the inner portion 212 of the housing portion 210 of the mating connector housing 200 is configured with a recess 236 opposite to the press-in structure 250, such as Fig.21This is shown by means of the recess 236 . The recess 236 is used to feed through the contact spring 320 of the shielding element 300 of the connector housing 100 , which is bent by means of the press-in structure 250 during the plug-in process between the two housings 100 , 200 .

[0133] Fig.23 A side sectional view is shown before two connectors 701, 702 of a plug-in system 700 are directly plugged together. Here, the section runs in the region of the contact springs 320 and the spring elements 340 of the shielding element 300 of the connector housing 100 and in the region of the press-in structure 250 of the mating connector housing 200. With the aid of this illustration, the contacting of the shielding part 520 of the contact device 500 received at / in the housing part 110 of the connector housing 100 becomes clear. During the installation of the contact device 500, in this case the contact device 500 and thus its shielding part 520 are introduced into the receiving chamber 120 of the housing part 110 provided for the contact device 500 and thus into the region inside the shielding element 300, the spring elements 340 (which are arranged in the rear sub-region 303 of the shielding element 300 and are opposite to each other) are slightly bent away from each other by the contact device 500 (not shown). When the contact device 500 moves past, the contact portion 342 (refer to Fig.11 ) along the contact device 500 and the shielding portion 520. When the contact device 500 is in the installed position, as shown in FIG. Fig.23 As shown, the spring element 340 of the shielding element 300 rests on the shielding part 520 with contact pressure, as a result of which the shielding part 520 and the shielding element 300 are electrically connected to each other.

[0134] also, Fig.23 2 shows that the housing part 210 of the mating connector housing 200 has another sealing element 740 in the receiving area 205 arranged to receive the front circumferential wall 115 of the connector housing 100. By means of this sealing element, a seal between the two housings 100, 200 can be achieved at this point in the plugged state (see also FIG. Fig.25 ).

[0135] Figures 24 to 27 Another side cross-sectional view of two connectors 701 , 702 of the system 700 is shown, whereby the details of the plugging process in relation to the shielding element 300 become clearer. Fig.24 The connectors 701, 702 are shown partially plugged in, and Fig.25 The connectors 701 , 702 are shown in a state where they are completely plugged together. Fig.26 and Fig. 27 Additionally shown Fig.24 and Fig.25Enlarged view in the region of the contact spring 320 of the shielding element 300 and in the region of the press-in structure 250 of the mating connector housing 200 . Figures 24 to 27 The cross section corresponds to Fig.23 cross section.

[0136] During the plugging process between the two connectors 701, 702 and their housings 100, 200, the wall 115 of the connector housing 100 is received in the recess 205 of the mating connector housing 200, and the inner portion 212 of the mating connector housing 200 is received in the area within the wall 115 of the connector housing 100, as shown in FIG. Fig.24 and Fig.25 In addition, the mating contact device 600 is pushed into the contact device 500, which is associated with plugging the contact element 540 of the contact device 500 into the mating contact element 640 of the mating contact device 600 (see Fig.29 ). The other contact elements 460 are also plugged into the associated mating contact elements 461 (see Fig.16 ).

[0137] During the plugging process, the shielding part 620 arranged on the mating connector housing 200 is further introduced into the area within the shielding element 300 of the connector housing 100, such as Figures 24 to 27 As shown. At the same time, the contact springs 320 of the shielding element 300 are automatically bent toward each other by the press-in structure 250 of the mating connector housing 200. As the plug-in process proceeds, the contact springs 320 of the shielding element 300 are bent more and more by means of the press-in structure 250, and therefore, under the action of the normal force, the outer side of the opposite side of the corresponding contact force is pressed on the shielding part 620 of the mating contact device 600, so that the shielding part 620 is contacted by the shielding element 300. The mating connector housing 200 or its press-in structure 250 is used in this process to activate the shielding. When the connectors 701, 702 are in a state of being plugged together, the shielding part 620 and the shielding element 300, and therefore the two shielding parts 520, 620 of the contact devices 500, 600 are electrically connected to each other via the shielding element 300.

[0138] The actual contacting of the shielding part 620 of the mating contact device 600 takes place via the end portion 324 of the contact portion 323 of the contact spring 320 of the shielding element 300, which rests on the shielding part 620. Furthermore, the automatic bending of the contact spring 320 takes place substantially in the region of the contact portion 323 of the contact spring 320 and additionally in the region of the bent portion 322 of the contact spring 320 of the shielding element 300 via the touching contact between the press-in structure 250 and the contact spring 320. On the side of the press-in structure 250, the bending and pressing of the contact spring 320 of the shielding element 300 on the shielding part 620 takes place substantially via the connecting surface 252 and, at the end of the plugging process, additionally also via the surface 253.

[0139] In the present example, the pressing in of the contact spring 320 at the shielding part 620 of the mating contact device 600 begins only at the end of the plugging process, i.e. in a state in which the two connectors 701, 702 and their housings 100, 200 are already largely plugged together. In this way, the contact of the shielding part 620 via the contact spring 320 of the shielding element 300 is associated with only a small degree of friction of the contact spring 320 along the shielding part 620. The friction is the result of the relative movement between the housings 100, 200 and thus between the shielding element 300 and the shielding part 620 in the plugging direction 710 that occurs during the plugging process. Therefore, during the plugging process, only a low degree of wear occurs on the contact spring 320 of the shielding element 300 and the shielding part 620.

[0140] In the case of unplugging of the two connectors 701, 702 and their housings 100, 200, as a result, the press-in structure 250 of the mating connector housing 200 is also removed from the contact spring 320 of the shielding element 300 of the connector housing 100, and the contact spring 320 of the shielding element 300 can accordingly be automatically released from the shielding part 620 of the mating contact device 600 arranged on the mating connector housing 200 and assume its original form existing before the plugging process. In the case of this process in which the shielding element 300 with the contact spring 320 can be lifted away from the shielding part 620 of the mating contact device 600 when the two housings 100, 200 have already started to be unplugged, due to the relative movement between the shielding element 300 and the shielding part 620 in the plugging direction 710, only a small degree of friction of the contact spring 320 along the shielding part 620 occurs.

[0141] Thus, the plugging and unplugging of the two connectors 701, 702 of the system 700 and their housings 100, 200 can be carried out with a low degree of contact wear at the shielding element 300 of the connector housing 100 and at the shielding part 620 of the mating contact arrangement 600 of the mating connector housing 200. As a result, these components 100, 200, 701, 702 are suitable for a large number of plugging cycles. The ramp-shaped configuration of the press-in structure 250 of the mating connector housing 200 in combination with this has proven to be advantageous, which makes it possible to bend the contact spring 320 of the shielding element 300 in a material-protected manner.

[0142] As above use Fig.21 As explained, regarding the bending of the contact spring 320 of the shielding element 300 caused by the press-in structure 250, the wall 235 of the mating connector housing 200 has a recess 236 opposite to the press-in structure 250. In this example, the contact spring 320 can be fed through the recess 236 during bending, so that it can be placed together with the shielding part 620 of the mating contact device 600. To illustrate this situation, Fig.28 Another side sectional view of the connectors 701 , 702 and the housings 100 , 200 in the plugged together state is shown, the section running in the region of the end portion 324 of the contact portion 323 of the contact spring 320 of the shielding element 300 .

[0143] Fig.29 Another side cross-sectional view of the connector 701, 702 and the housing 100, 200 set up in a plugged-together state is shown, the section running in the region of the attachment portions 181, 281 of the attachment parts 180, 280 of the housing 100, 200. By this depiction, the above-mentioned fixing of the contact arrangement 500, 600 by the attachment portions 181, 281 of the attachment parts 180, 280 becomes clear. It is also clear that the connector housing 100 has a further sealing element 750 in the region of its attachment part 180 in order to seal the housing 100 at this location. In the case of a mating connector housing 200, a corresponding arrangement with a further sealing element can also be provided in the region of its attachment part 280 (not shown).

[0144] also, Fig.29 The housing part 110 of the connector housing 100 is shown to have two elastic engagement hooks 160 in the region of the receiving chamber 120. By means of the engagement hooks 160, during installation, the contact device 500 can be engaged at / in the housing part 110. The housing part 210 of the mating connector housing 200 correspondingly has elastic engagement hooks 260 arranged in the region of the receiving chamber 220. As a result, the mating contact device 600 can be engaged at / in the housing part 210 during installation.

[0145] In addition to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, other embodiments are conceivable which may include further variations and / or combinations of features.

[0146] For example, connectors 701, 702, housings 100, 200, and components thereof may be implemented having configurations different than those described above and / or illustrated.

[0147] An example is a shielding element 300 of a connector housing 100 having a different number of contact springs 320. This also includes configurations of the shielding element 300 with only one contact spring 320. Similarly, a mating connector housing 200 with a correspondingly other number of press-in structures 250 or with only one press-in structure 250 can be used. For example, this also applies to the engagement springs 330 and / or the spring element 340 of the shielding element 300.

[0148] When the housings 100, 200 are in the plugged state, the pressing force or normal force that can be used to press the contact springs 320 of the shielding element 300 of the connector housing 100 onto the mating connector housing 200 follows the configuration of the contact springs 320 of the shielding element 300 and / or the configuration of the mating connector housing 200. In this regard, the normal force can be adapted, for example, by changing the configuration of the contact springs 320(s).

[0149] In addition, it is necessary to point out the possibility of using cables 400, 420 with shielding. In this example, the shielding of the cables 400, 420 can be contacted by means of the shielding parts 520, 620 of the contact device 500 and the mating contact device 600. For this purpose, the corresponding shielding parts 520, 620 can have additional crimping protrusions, which can be connected to the corresponding shielding parts 520, 620 if necessary. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The configuration shown is different.

[0150] Although the present invention has been shown and described in more detail by means of preferred exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, and those skilled in the art may derive other variations from these examples without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A plug-in system (700), comprising: A connector housing (100) for an electrical plug connector (701), the connector housing (100) having a housing part (110) and a shielding element (300) arranged on the housing part (110), The shielding element (300) has at least one contact spring (320), the at least one contact spring (320) being arranged in the region of a side wall (311) of the shielding element (300), the at least one contact spring (320) having a shape protruding at an angle relative to the side wall (311) and having: a connecting portion (321) extending away from the side wall (311) and connected to the side wall (311); a bent portion (322) adjoining the connecting portion (321); and a contact portion (323) adjoining the bent portion (322) and forming a free end of the contact spring (320); as well as A mating connector housing (200) is used to electrically mate with a plug connector (702), and a mating contact device (600) having a shielding portion (620) is arranged on the mating connector housing (200). It is characterized in that The contact portion (323) has an end portion (324) bent outward at an end portion; The mating connector housing (200) has at least one press-in structure (250), the press-in structure comprising two horizontal surfaces (251, 253) offset in parallel to each other and a connecting surface (252) connecting the two surfaces (251, 253), the connecting surface (252) running substantially obliquely relative to the horizontal surfaces (251, 253) and having a curved design running in an S shape, each press-in structure (250) substantially comprising the connecting surface (252), wherein during the plug-in process between the connector housing (100) and the mating connector housing (200), the contact spring (320) of the shielding element (300) of the connector housing (100) is bent by compression of the contact spring (320) by the connecting surface (252) of the press-in structure (250) and is thereby pressed onto the shielding portion (620); and, The contact between the shielding portion (620) of the mating contact device (600) and the contact portion (323) of the contact spring (320) is performed via a touching contact between the end portion (324) and the shielding portion (620).

2. The plug-in system according to claim 1, wherein the shielding element (300) has two contact springs (320) arranged opposite to each other for contacting a shielding part (620) arranged on the mating connector housing (200), and During the plug-in process between the connector housing (100) and the mating connector housing (200), the two contact springs (320) of the shielding element (300) are bent toward each other by means of the mating connector housing (200), thereby pressing on the shielding part (620) arranged on the mating connector housing (200) on the opposite side.

3. The plug-in system according to claim 2, wherein: The mating connector housing has two press-in structures (250), by means of which the two contact springs (320) are bent toward each other during the plug-in process between the connector housing (100) and the mating connector housing (200), thereby pressing on the shielding part (620) on opposite sides.

4. The plug-in system according to any one of the preceding claims, The shielding element (300) has at least one engagement spring (330) for attaching the shielding element (300) to the housing part (110).

5. The plug-in system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing portion (110) is configured to receive a contact device (500) which is capable of being fixed to a cable (400), and The shielding element (300) has at least one spring element (340) for contacting a shielding portion (520) of the contact device (500).

6. The plug-in system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It also has an attachment part (180) which is movably arranged on the housing part (110) and has an attachment portion (181) for fixing a contact device (500), wherein the contact device (500) can be received in the housing part (110), The shielding element (300) has a recess (353) for the attachment portion (181) of the attachment part (180).

7. The plug-in system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The shielding element (300) has a recess (351) for an attachment portion (281) of a movable attachment portion (280) of the mating connector housing (200).

8. The plug-in system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing part (110) has a receiving area (130) for the shielding element, and The housing part (110) has several rib-like elevations (131) in the region of the receiving region (130), which rest on the shielding element (300).

9. The plug-in system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The mating connector housing (200) receives the mating contact device (600), and the mating contact device is fixed to the cable (420).

10. The plug-in system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The mating connector housing (200) has a receiving chamber (220) for receiving the mating contact device (600). wherein the receiving chamber (220) is defined by a housing wall (235) of the mating connector housing (200), and The housing wall (235) has a recess (236) in the area of ​​the press-in structure (250), through which a contact spring (320) of a shielding element (300) of the connector housing (100) is fed, the contact spring being bent during the plug-in process between the connector housing (100) and the mating connector housing (200).

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