Plug connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plug connector for being plugged together with a mating plug connector along an insertion direction. The plug connector has a housing with at least one contact cavity. The at least one contact cavity is arranged in the housing, wherein the at least one contact cavity is configured to accommodate a contact element. The at least one contact cavity has a wall portion surrounding the insertion direction at its end facing the mating plug connector, wherein a first opening is provided in the wall portion at a first position when viewed along the insertion direction, wherein at least one second opening is provided in the wall portion at a second position when viewed along the insertion direction. A main locking element can be inserted into the first opening. A secondary locking element can be inserted into the second opening. When the main locking element is inserted into the first opening and the secondary locking element is inserted into the second opening, the outer side of the wall portion is touch-proof along the surrounding direction around the insertion direction in order to prevent electric spark discharge from the inside of the contact cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a plug connector. Background Art

[0002] It is known from the prior art, for example for automotive applications, that electrical or electronic components must be supplied with power for operation. Such components may be, for example, inverters, electric motors, batteries, control units, sensors, charging devices, etc. At the interface from one component to the next or from one current-carrying line to another line or to a component, a plug connector is usually provided which can be plugged together with a corresponding mating plug connector or a mating plug connector designed as a blade.

[0003] A contact cavity can be provided in the plug-in connector, in which, for example, a contact element is arranged. When the plug-in connector is assembled, the contact element is inserted into the contact cavity in the axial direction. It can first be held in its axial position by one or more primary locking latches and thus prevented from being pulled out of the contact cavity in the opposite direction of insertion. In addition, a secondary locking element can be provided, which additionally holds the contact element in its axial position in the contact cavity.

[0004] The main locking catch can be designed to be elastically reversibly deflectable and for this purpose is freely cut from the wall of the contact chamber. Thus, the wall of the contact chamber has a plurality of recesses or gaps at least in sections.

[0005] Such a plug-in connector is known from DE 10 2018 202 960 A1. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention is based on the recognition that, due to the tight spatial conditions and the increasing number of current-carrying and / or signal-carrying lines, the dimensions of plug-in connectors should become increasingly smaller.

[0007] At the same time, for example in motor vehicles operated with electric motors or having a hybrid drive, high currents in the range of more than 10 A, more than 50 A or even more than 100 A may need to be transmitted, which requires corresponding line cross sections.

[0008] It may also be necessary to use a high voltage, for example greater than 40 V, greater than 100 V or even greater than 250 V, in order to be able to operate a motor with a corresponding power, for example.

[0009] In addition, high demands are made on vibration resistance in the automotive sector. This means, for example, that in the case of narrow line guides, the contact elements in the plug connector are subject to high release forces. At the same time, the contact elements should not leave their desired position in the contact cavity in order to ensure continuous, uninterrupted current or signal transmission.

[0010] Furthermore, safety regulations must be observed which, for example, are intended to protect fitters from injuries due to electric shock when servicing the plug connection or which are intended to ensure that no sparkover can occur between two current-carrying lines provided in the plug connector.

[0011] Furthermore, it is desirable to produce and maintain the plug-in connector with the least possible effort.

[0012] Finally, the plug-in connector should be as robust as possible during operation even under adverse operating conditions and have a long service life.

[0013] Therefore, there may be a need to provide a plug-in connector that is as small as possible, can be easily manufactured and maintained, is basically suitable for transmitting high currents at high voltages, enables an uninterrupted current connection with a mating plug-in connector even under strong vibrations, resists high separation forces on the contact elements, is as sealed as possible against splashing water, dirt, dust or other media, has a long service life, meets safety requirements with regard to sparkover during assembly or disassembly, and is also strong with regard to sparkover between adjacent lines. In addition, the plug-in connector should be easy to assemble so that even under confined spatial conditions, the assembler can recognize whether the contact elements inserted into the contact cavity are in the correct (e.g. axial and / or rotational) position.

[0014] This need is met by the subject matter of the invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, a plug connector is provided for being plugged together with a mating plug connector along an insertion direction.

[0016] The plug connector has a housing having at least one contact cavity, wherein the at least one contact cavity is arranged in the housing. The at least one contact cavity is provided for accommodating contact elements. The at least one contact cavity has a wall portion surrounding the insertion direction. In the wall portion, exactly one or at least one first opening is provided at a first position along the insertion direction. In the wall portion, at least one second opening is provided at a second position along the insertion direction. A main locking element for a contact element that can be accommodated in the contact cavity can be inserted into the first opening. A secondary locking element for a contact element that can be accommodated in the contact cavity can be inserted into the second opening. The outer side of the wall portion is touch-proof along the circumferential direction around the insertion direction when the main locking element is inserted into the first opening and the secondary locking element is inserted into the second opening to prevent spark discharges from the inside of the contact cavity. Thus, this touch safety can be provided even in the case of very small wall thicknesses without additional insulating wall portions. Furthermore, pointed objects, such as a "test finger" with a small bending radius at the tip, cannot penetrate very deeply into the first or second opening when the primary and secondary locking elements are inserted. The penetration strength is thus improved with respect to such pointed objects. In addition, material can advantageously be saved by a smaller wall thickness, which results in lower costs and lower weight.

[0017] The wall of the contact chamber can be formed, for example, on the end of the contact chamber facing the mating plug connector. The contact chamber can have an insertion opening on the end facing the mating plug connector, which is provided for inserting a mating contact element of the mating plug connector.

[0018] The openings can advantageously be closed by means of the first and second openings and the primary or secondary locking elements inserted therein, thereby advantageously ensuring that there is a sufficient creepage distance or free air distance that prevents sparkover when the outer wall or the outside of the wall is touched.

[0019] In the prior art with a main locking latch and a slot provided therefor in the wall, additional, radially further outwardly located closed insulating walls are required to meet safety requirements. Because the wall can have too small a creepage distance or free air distance due to the recess or the slot. For example, under operating conditions with increased air humidity and / or high voltages, sparkovers to the outside of the contact chamber can occur without additional insulating walls.

[0020] The proposed plug-in connector makes it possible to save this additional insulating wall. Specifically, the outer side of the wall can be gripped directly by the fitter or operator. This also advantageously achieves that the plug-in connector is smaller in design and simpler to produce and more robust, since only a single wall is required instead of two walls that are, for example, only spaced apart from one another. For example, the injection mold for the housing can be designed more simply, and the demoulding of the housing from the injection mold can be simpler and with higher production yields.

[0021] If a main locking latch or a locking latch or a main latching latch is omitted in the contact chamber or in the wall, the production of the plug-in connector is advantageously significantly simpler or the tool for its production (for example an injection molding tool) is significantly less complex.

[0022] Thus, the geometry or design of the primary locking element and / or the secondary locking element can also advantageously be designed to be particularly simple compared to a primary locking catch. The two elements can be produced in a separate tool, thereby reducing the complexity compared to plug-in connectors from the prior art with a primary locking catch, which also applies when the primary locking catch is to be provided on the contact element, which then engages, for example, in an undercut or opening in the wall of the contact chamber.

[0023] Furthermore, the assembly of the contact element in the plug-in connector is advantageously simplified, and in particular the removal of the contact element from the contact cavity of the plug-in connector, for example for maintenance purposes, is simplified. Because in the prior art, during assembly, correct locking with the main locking catch must first be taken into account. In order to remove the contact element from the contact cavity, the main locking catch must be moved out of its locked position using a special unlocking tool before the contact element can be removed from the contact cavity, which must be introduced into the plug-in connector, for example, in the axial direction. In the proposed plug-in connector, the removal of the main locking element and the secondary locking element can be carried out in a simple manner laterally on the outside, for example in the radial direction, which is significantly less complicated than the operation using a special unlocking tool.

[0024] If the main locking latch is damaged when disassembling the contact elements of the prior art, the entire plug connector may become unusable. If the main locking element or the secondary locking element is damaged in the proposed plug connector, it can be advantageously simply replaced by a new, cost-effective replacement element.

[0025] Overall, the proposed plug-in connector advantageously enables costs to be saved in production and maintenance.

[0026] It is also advantageous that the plug-in connector with the installed primary and secondary locking elements is particularly well sealed against lateral or radial intrusion of dirt, dust, moisture, splashing water through the outside of the wall or the contact chamber. This advantageously leads to an improved service life.

[0027] By providing the main locking device and the secondary locking device, the resistance against high disengagement forces is advantageously increased, because the main locking element is significantly more stable or more secure by means of the locking catch than the main latching device.

[0028] Furthermore, if one of the locking elements ages over time, redundancy is advantageously provided by the two locking elements. Since two mutually independent locking elements are provided in this way, a redundant safety system is thus provided during the service life against current interruptions caused by undesired axial displacement of the contact element.

[0029] It can be provided that exactly one first opening is provided in at least one contact cavity for the primary locking element. However, it is also possible to provide a plurality of first openings for the primary locking element in the wall of the contact cavity. The plurality of first openings can be arranged, for example, substantially at the same position or at the same height along an axial direction, which can be given, for example, by the insertion direction of the contact element into the contact cavity, and only offset relative to one another in the circumferential direction.

[0030] In the same way, exactly one second opening can be provided in the wall. However, it is also possible to provide a plurality of second openings for the secondary locking element. The plurality of second openings can be arranged, for example, at essentially the same position or at the same height along an axial direction, which can be given, for example, by the insertion direction of the contact element into the contact chamber, and only offset relative to one another in the circumferential direction.

[0031] The main locking element can be arranged in such a way that it cooperates with the contact element inserted into the contact cavity, which prevents an axial and / or radial or circumferential (tangential) or rotational displacement of the contact element in the contact cavity or limits, preferably tightly limits, the extent of such displacement. Preferably, this limitation is such that, in the state where the plug connector is plugged together with the mating plug connector, a subsequent possible displacement of the contact element does not lead to an interruption of the contact between the contact element and the mating contact element. The main locking element can preferably be inserted into one or more first openings in the wall in a releasable manner, i.e. in a manner that can be releasable in a non-destructive manner. It can, for example, be inserted into the wall of the contact cavity in an approximately radial or exact radial direction, i.e. transversely or perpendicularly to the insertion direction or the longitudinal axis of the contact element, and engage as a locking latch in a recess or undercut or a corresponding opening of the contact element.

[0032] In the same way as the main locking element, the secondary locking element can be functionally arranged. Thus, it can cooperate with the contact element inserted into the contact cavity, which prevents the contact element from being displaced axially and / or radially or circumferentially (tangentially) or rotationally in the contact cavity, or limits the extent of such displacement, preferably tightly. Preferably, this limitation is such that, in the state where the plug connector is plugged together with the mating plug connector, a subsequent possible displacement of the contact element does not lead to an interruption of the contact between the contact element and the mating contact element. The secondary locking element can preferably be releasably inserted, i.e. releasably inserted in a non-destructive manner, into one or more second openings in the wall. It can, for example, be inserted into the wall of the contact cavity in an approximately radial or exact radial direction, i.e. transversely or perpendicularly to the insertion direction or the longitudinal axis of the contact element, and engage as a locking latch in a recess or undercut or a corresponding opening of the contact element.

[0033] The at least one first opening and the at least one second opening are designed, for example, so that the primary locking element or the secondary locking element inserted therein has only a small gap in the axial and / or radial or tangential or circumferential direction. In this way, the primary locking element or the secondary locking element inserted into the opening can realize its locking function: namely, a displacement of the contact element in its, for example, axial position relative to the wall or the contact cavity is prevented or only realized to a small extent. For example, the opening can be designed as a hole with a circumferential edge, for example, as a hole with a rectangular or polygonal boundary or an elliptical boundary or with a triangular boundary or with a circular boundary.

[0034] The plug-in connector can have exactly one contact cavity. However, it can also be provided that two, three or more contact cavities are provided in the plug-in connector. At least one contact element can be inserted into each contact cavity. It can be provided that each contact element can be fixed or positioned in a loss-proof manner in the associated contact cavity by means of a primary locking element and / or a secondary locking element.

[0035] The housing can be designed, for example, to be electrically insulating. It can be made of plastic or include plastic, for example. It can be manufactured as a one-piece element by means of an injection molding process. In this case, the plug connector finally has the following elements that are separate from each other and can be assembled together: the housing, and the primary locking element and the secondary locking element. At least one contact element can be inserted into the housing.

[0036] The at least one contact chamber can be arranged, for example, within the housing.

[0037] The plug connector can be designed or provided for transmitting high currents, for example currents greater than 10 A, preferably currents greater than 50 A, particularly preferably currents greater than 100 A and very particularly preferably currents greater than 400 A.

[0038] For this purpose, the at least one contact element can have a width of at least 4 mm, for example. 2 or at least 8mm 2 or at least 50mm 2 or at least 150mm 2 Or even at least 400mm 2 The line cross section.

[0039] The at least one contact element can be configured, for example, as a pin, a knife or as an elastic contact sheet or a thin sheet cage. It is preferably configured to be well electrically conductive. The contact element comprises, for example, a metal, such as copper or silver or a copper alloy. It is configured to electrically contact the mating contact element of the mating plug connector with the free end or in the contact section. Here, the free end can face the mating plug connector. The contact element can also mechanically contact the mating contact element. The contact element is, for example, arranged at least in sections inside the housing. It is, for example, arranged at least in sections inside the contact cavity.

[0040] The plug connector can be configured to transmit direct current or can be configured to transmit alternating current. Likewise, the plug connector can be configured to alternately transmit direct current and / or alternating current. Likewise, the plug connector can be configured to transmit direct current and / or alternating current in a mixed manner.

[0041] The plug-in connector can have a shielding that prevents unwanted input of electromagnetic radiation, thereby improving the EMC capability (EMC = electromagnetic compatibility). When the plug-in connector and the mating plug-in connector are plugged together, such a shielding can be coupled to the mating shielding conductor of the mating plug-in connector. The plug-in connector and / or such a shielding can also be designed to be grounded, that is, the plug-in connector can be at a defined potential, for example at ground potential ("GND", 0V) with at least one element.

[0042] By designing the plug connector for high voltage applications, it is advantageously possible to use it for transmitting high powers. By means of a design with a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening only need to have a small diameter for the locking element that can be inserted therein, it is ensured that the necessary creepage distance is maintained on the outer side of the wall in the region of the first opening and the second opening despite the compact design. In addition, the breakdown strength can be advantageously increased, so that spark discharges are prevented. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve a very high level of safety with respect to the operator without having to provide an additional insulating wall.

[0043] For example, the plug connector may be configured to apply a voltage greater than 40V, for example a voltage between 100V and 1500V, or a voltage between 250V and 1200V.

[0044] A high breakdown safety can be achieved, for example, by providing a sufficiently large wall thickness without the primary or secondary locking element being installed. However, it can also be structurally ensured, for example, that there is no line of sight between the interior of the contact cavity and the outside of the wall (in the region of the first or second opening) when the primary or secondary locking element is installed.

[0045] In general, it is therefore advantageous to provide a high-voltage-resistant primary locking device for the contact element and a high-voltage-resistant secondary locking device for the contact element, because the creepage distances for the primary locking device and the secondary locking device are adequately configured. In other words, a small-sized, high-voltage-resistant plug connector, for example, can be provided in one piece.

[0046] The creepage distance is advantageously further increased by the fact that the wall is closed in the circumferential direction when the primary locking element is inserted into the first opening and when the secondary locking element is inserted into the second opening. The breakdown strength against sparkover from the interior of the contact cavity to the outside of the wall is thereby further increased, or the voltage that can be applied to the contact element can thereby be increased while maintaining the breakdown strength.

[0047] Furthermore, advantageously, the penetration of moisture, dirt, dust, particles or similar foreign bodies or media into the interior of the contact chamber is effectively reduced or even completely prevented in this way.

[0048] The term “closed” may be understood here to mean, for example, that there is no direct or linear path, ie, a path extending along a straight line, from the outer side of the wall to the contact element arranged in the interior of the contact chamber.

[0049] This can be achieved, for example, in that the main locking element covers or covers the first opening in the form of a cover. Here, the cover can be placed on the first opening. It can also be provided that the wall portion has a step when viewed in the radial direction, for example, so that the part of the first opening facing the inside of the contact cavity has a smaller diameter than the part of the opening facing the outside of the wall portion. The main locking element can be designed, for example, in such a way that it completely covers the part of the opening with the smaller diameter and is at least partially embedded in the part with the larger diameter using a cover-like element. Alternatively or additionally, the main locking element can also have a step when viewed in the radial direction. In addition, the main locking element can have an interference with the first opening so that it is arranged in the first opening in a press-fit manner in the inserted state. In this way, a visual connection or a gap between the edge of the first opening and the main locking element is avoided.

[0050] For the secondary locking element and the second opening, the above-described exemplary embodiments of the primary locking element and of the first opening, respectively, are analogously applicable.

[0051] By providing the wall with a thickness of at most 3 mm, the plug-in connector can be designed to be particularly compact and at the same time stable and nevertheless have sufficient high voltage resistance or breakdown strength and / or sufficiently large creepage distances.

[0052] In other embodiments, however, it can be provided that the wall has a thickness of a maximum of 3.5 mm. Preferably, the wall has a thickness of at most 2 mm, particularly preferably at most 1 mm and very particularly preferably at most 0.5 mm. In addition to the wall thickness or thickness of the wall, the puncture strength can be improved by inserting the primary locking element into the first opening and the secondary locking element into the second opening.

[0053] In this case, the thickness can be determined, for example, in the radial direction, preferably in the region of the first opening or the second opening.

[0054] A particularly good compromise with regard to material consumption and thus weight on the one hand and puncture resistance on the other hand can be found, for example, for a wall thickness or thickness of the wall in the range of 1.2 mm to 2.2 mm.

[0055] By arranging the contact element, which can be accommodated in the contact chamber, on the inner side of the wall in the state accommodated in the contact chamber, this advantageously results in a particularly good vibration resistance of the contact element. This is because in this case it has only a small radial play. For example, the contact element can be in direct mechanical contact with the inner side of the wall at least in points or in sections.

[0056] By arranging the mating plug-in connector, which can be plugged together with the plug-in connector, directly adjacent to the outer side of the wall in the plug-in state, a particularly compact and small interface is achieved.

[0057] The mating connector or its mating connector housing can, for example, be in direct mechanical contact at least in sections with the outer side of the wall.

[0058] For example, the mating plug connector can be directly adjacent to the outer side of the wall along the largest part of the outer side.In other words: the outer side of the wall is not or only to a small extent surrounded by further elements, such as shielding elements or shielding plates.

[0059] By making the first position and the second position spaced apart from one another in the insertion direction, a particularly stable wall and a particularly secure locking are achieved. This is because the wall of the contact chamber or the wall of the contact element or the contact element housing thus does not have too many weakenings caused by the openings at the same axial position. Furthermore, since the elements in the interior of the contact chamber cannot interfere with one another, this makes it easier to insert the primary locking element and the secondary locking element. Furthermore, the first and second openings can be easily mixed up in this way.

[0060] For example, it can be provided that the first position and the second position have a spacing from one another in the axial direction which corresponds at least to a diameter of the first opening in the insertion direction.

[0061] By making the first position and the second position spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, it is advantageously possible to more easily achieve a rotational fixation of the contact element relative to the contact chamber in addition to the axial fixation of the contact element. In addition, in this way, the assembly of the primary locking element and the secondary locking element can also be designed to be confusing for the assembler.

[0062] For example, the first opening is arranged offset by at least 30° relative to the second opening when viewed in the circumferential direction. In the case of a plurality of first and / or second openings, provision may be made for at least one pair of openings consisting of a first opening and a (adjacent) second opening to be arranged offset relative to one another in the circumferential direction.

[0063] In an improved embodiment, it can be provided that the main locking element can be inserted into the first opening in a first plug direction transversely to the insertion direction, wherein the secondary locking element can be inserted into the second opening in a second plug direction transversely to the insertion direction, wherein the first plug direction and the second plug direction have an angle of at least 30°, preferably at least 45° and very particularly preferably at least 60° relative to each other.

[0064] Advantageously, in addition to the axial fixing of the contact element, the rotational fixing of the contact element relative to the contact chamber is thereby also simplified. Thus, the assembly process can also be designed in a way that prevents confusion.

[0065] In a further development, a contact element is arranged in at least one contact cavity, wherein the contact element is inserted into the contact cavity, in particular in the axial direction. As a result, the plug-in connector can advantageously be directly electrically contacted with the mating plug-in connector.

[0066] In a further development, it is provided that the contact element has at least one undercut on its contact element outer side in such a way that the main locking element can only be inserted through the first opening into the contact cavity when the contact element is in a defined axial position. The defined axial position allows an axial play of the contact element of a maximum of 5 mm, preferably a maximum of 3 mm and particularly preferably a maximum of 1 mm.

[0067] As a result, the fitter can advantageously determine by means of tactile signals whether the contact element is correctly positioned in the axial direction when fitting the plug-in connector, ie when inserting the contact element into the contact cavity, even when visibility is impaired.

[0068] Such an undercut can be obtained, for example, by an opening in the wall of the contact element.

[0069] By designing the primary locking element and / or the secondary locking element to have a color or surface structure that is different from the wall of the contact cavity, it is advantageously possible to determine visually or tactilely in a simple manner during or after assembly whether the primary locking element and / or the secondary locking element has been correctly inserted into the corresponding opening.

[0070] For high-voltage plug connectors, for example, according to legal or standard regulations, the housing of the plug connector or the touchable part of the plug connector has a signal color. Thus, the operator can be warned to pay special attention to spark discharges.

[0071] The correct final position of the primary locking element or the secondary locking element can contribute to increasing the safety-related creepage distance or to causing a safety-related breakdown strength relative to touching the outer side of the wall, for example in a high-voltage plug connector. If the primary locking element and / or the secondary locking element are now designed to have a different color than the wall (for example a color with a sharp contrast) or they have a completely different morphology (for example grooves, protrusions, etc.), the assembler can significantly more easily determine whether these elements are correctly installed when assembling these locking elements, and thus, for example, can safely touch the outer side of the wall when the plug connector is powered. For example, the signal color can be orange or red. In this case, it may be advantageous if the primary locking element and / or the secondary locking element are designed, for example, in one or more of green, purple, blue, yellow or brown.

[0072] In a further development, it can be provided that the wall has two or more first openings spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction at a first position. The primary locking element can include a base element, from which a plurality of suspended arms protrude, the number of which corresponds to the number of first openings. The wall of the contact chamber is designed in such a way that, in the fully installed state of the primary locking element, the base element ends flush or substantially flush with the wall.

[0073] By providing a plurality of arms, the axial fixation of the contact element in the contact cavity is advantageously improved. On the one hand, the release force can be distributed to a plurality of positions, for example by a tensile force on a line fixed to the contact element, counter to the insertion direction of the contact element into the contact cavity, thereby reducing the surface pressure. At the same time, this can also prevent or reduce a tilting or skewing of the contact element in the contact cavity when using the release force.

[0074] By making the base element end flush with the wall, a particularly smooth, step-free surface is advantageously achieved. This allows a particularly simple plugging in of a mating plug connector. In addition, such a smooth wall is not prone to the accumulation of dirt or grime.

[0075] Here, the terms "flush" or "smooth" do not exclude that smaller structures are provided in or at the base element, which structures can serve as removal elements so that the primary locking element can be removed again from the first opening or openings. Such removal elements can be, for example, openings, handle-like structures for mounting a pulling tool or projections. However, these structures are limited to a small part of the surface of the base element.

[0076] The secondary locking element can also be designed in the same way: it can have a further base element and a plurality of further cantilever arms arranged on the further base element and protruding therefrom. These further cantilever arms can be inserted into a corresponding number of second openings. The further base element can also terminate flush with the wall in its fully inserted state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which however should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention. It is shown in the drawings:

[0078] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross section through a plug connector and a mating plug connector which can be plugged together with the plug connector;

[0079] Figure 2a A perspective view of a prior art plug connector is shown;

[0080] Figure 2b Shows Figure 2a Cross section of the plug connector in;

[0081] Figure 3a shows a perspective view of another plug connector;

[0082] Figure 3b Shows Figure 3a A detailed view of a cutaway portion of the plug connector in FIG.

[0083] Figure 3c Shows Figure 3a Another cutaway detail of the plug connector in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] Figure 1 A schematic cross section of a plug-in connector 1 for plugging together with a mating plug-in connector 60 along an insertion direction E and a mating plug-in connector 60 which can be plugged together with the plug-in connector 1 is shown. An xyz coordinate system is drawn here for better orientation, wherein the x direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction or axial direction and the z direction corresponds to the height direction or radial direction, and the y direction corresponds to the width direction which points here to the drawing plane.

[0085] The plug-in connector 1 has a housing 2 having at least one contact chamber 3. The housing 2 is cup-shaped in this case. The at least one contact chamber 3 is arranged in the housing 2. The contact chamber 3 is substantially completely surrounded by the housing 2 in this case. The at least one contact chamber 3 is provided for accommodating a contact element 20. In the at least one contact chamber 3—here along the insertion direction E—a contact element 20 is arranged or inserted or inserted, the contact element having an outer side 21 of the contact element or an outer side 21 of the contact element 20. The at least one contact chamber 3 has a wall 5 surrounding the insertion direction E. The wall 5 is configured here on the end 4 of the contact chamber 3 facing the mating plug-in connector 60 and extends all the way to the bottom 32 of the cup-shaped housing 2. A first opening 6 is provided in the wall 5 at a first position P1 as viewed along the insertion direction E, the insertion direction being consistent with the axial direction x in this case. At least one second opening 7 is provided in the wall 5 at a second position P2 as viewed along the insertion direction E. A main locking element 8 for the contact element 20 which can be accommodated or is accommodated in the contact chamber 3 here can be inserted into the first opening 6. In the Figure 1 In the second opening 7, a primary locking element 8 of this type is inserted or releasably, i.e. can be removed again in a non-destructive manner. A secondary locking element 9 for a contact element 20 that can be accommodated or received in the contact cavity 3 can be inserted. Figure 1In the embodiment of the present invention, such secondary locking element 9 is inserted or releasably mounted, i.e. can be removed again in a non-destructive manner. The outer side 10 of the wall 5 is provided when the primary locking element 8 is inserted into the first opening 6 and when the secondary locking element 9 is inserted into the second opening 7 (i.e. as in Figure 1 In the case of a contact cavity 3 (shown in FIG), in particular, it is protected against contact along a circumferential direction U around the insertion direction E in order to prevent spark discharges, so-called breakdowns, from the interior 12 of the contact cavity 3. Of course, breakdown safety can also be achieved by a correspondingly large wall thickness d or thickness d of the wall 5. However, by installing the primary locking element 8 in the first opening 6 and the secondary locking element 9 in the second opening 7, breakdowns can be avoided even in the case of a smaller thickness d of the wall 5 (e.g. 0.7 mm to 1.3 mm).

[0086] The plug connector 1 can be configured to operate at high currents in the range of 10 A to 1200 A. Preferably, the plug connector is designed for a current of at least 50 A or at least 100 A. For this purpose, a diameter of at least 4 mm, for example, of at least one contact element 20 can be provided. 2 or at least 10mm 2 or at least 50mm 2 Cross-sections up to 200 mm are also possible 2 Or it can be up to 400mm 2 The contact element 20 may have a cross section of 1.5 mm / s to have sufficient carrying capacity for such high currents. The contact element 20 may have a metal, such as copper, for example.

[0087] The plug connector 1 can also be provided for operation at high voltages, for example at least 40 V, preferably at least 100 V, particularly preferably at least 200 V or at least 400 V and very particularly preferably at least 500 V. It can be provided that voltages of up to 1000 V can be applied to the plug connector 1 or the contact element 20 in an operationally reliable manner. Due to the cooperation of the first opening 6 with the primary locking element 8 and the cooperation of the second opening 7 with the secondary locking element 9, the outer side 10 is also operationally safe against sparkovers from the interior 12 of the contact chamber 3 even during such high-voltage operation. In other words: the creepage distance or air distance between the interior 12 of the contact chamber 3 or the inner side 11 of the wall 5 and the outer side 10 of the wall 5 is thus large enough to prevent sparkovers, so that the outer side 10 of the wall 5 can be touched without danger. No further additional insulating wall is required.

[0088] like Figure 1As shown, the wall 5 is closed in the circumferential direction U by the primary locking element 8 when the primary locking element 8 is inserted into the first opening 6 or by the secondary locking element 9 when the secondary locking element 9 is inserted into the second opening 7. This helps prevent spark discharges from the interior 12 of the contact cavity 3 to the outside 10 of the wall 5. Therefore, the two locking elements 8, 9 act in the manner of a plug or a cover. It can also be provided that the first and / or second opening 6, 7 in the wall 5 has at least one or exactly one step along the radial direction R. In other words: the openings 6, 7 can have two or more different diameters along the radial direction R. The primary locking element 8 and / or the secondary locking element 9 can then be at least partially embedded or partially sunk into the first opening 6 or the second opening 7 with their ends facing outwards. The visual connection from the interior 12 of the contact cavity 3 to the outside 12 of the wall 5 is then interrupted by the step. The breakdown strength can thereby be improved. In addition, such a step also advantageously increases the creepage distance.

[0089] The step can be designed, for example, in such a way that it is located, for example, in the range of 25% to 75% of the thickness d of the wall 5 as viewed in the radial direction R, and the diameter of the opening changes at this location. Thus, for example, if the thickness d is 2 mm, the step can be arranged at a depth of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm in the wall 5 as viewed from the outside to the inside in the radial direction R. Thus, at this depth, the diameter of the first or second opening 6, 7 changes at least in sections.

[0090] The diameter of the first opening 6 or the second opening 7 can be varied around the periphery by steps, or the diameter can be varied only in sections, for example around the periphery by up to 270°. The change in diameter can be, for example, between 10% and 70%, preferably between 15% and 50%. The change in diameter can be based, for example, on the radially outer diameter. The diameter can increase or decrease.

[0091] The wall 5 can have a thickness d of at most 4 mm, preferably at most 3 mm, particularly preferably at most 2 mm or at most 1 mm and very particularly preferably at most 0.5 mm. For example, a particularly good compromise between material consumption and puncture strength can be provided for a thickness d of the wall 5 in the range of 1.2 mm to 2.2 mm.

[0092] The contact element 20 which can be accommodated in the contact chamber 3 is arranged on the inner side 11 of the wall 5 when accommodated in the contact chamber 3, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 Visible in.

[0093] The mating plug connector 60 that can be plugged together with the plug connector 1 can be arranged, for example, directly adjacent to the outer side 10 of the wall 5 in the plugged state (not shown here) with the plug connector 1. Here, for example, a shielding surrounding the wall 5 can be omitted due to the wider part of the wall 5.

[0094] The first position P1 and the second position P2 are spaced apart from one another along the insertion direction E or along the axial direction x. Here, the spacing along the insertion direction E is at least the diameter D of the first opening 6 .

[0095] The first position P1 and the second position P2 are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction U. The first opening 6 can be arranged, for example, offset by at least 30° relative to the second opening 7 when viewed along the circumferential direction U. Figure 1 In the illustration of , the offset is 180°, ie the two openings 6 , 8 are arranged on opposite sides of the wall 5 .

[0096] The primary locking element 8 can be inserted into the first opening 6 in a first plug-in direction R1 transversely to the insertion direction E, or Figure 1 The main locking element is inserted into the first opening 6 or arranged in the first opening 6. The main locking element extends through the first opening 6 into the interior 12 of the contact cavity 3. The main locking element can be at least partially (in Figure 1 completely) through the interior 12. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the primary locking element 8 engages with its free end in a recess 33 of the wall 5 opposite the first opening 6, which is configured in the form of a blind hole, where the primary locking element is secured against displacement in the axial direction x. It is understood that a through opening can also be provided instead of a blind hole-like recess 33.

[0097] The secondary locking element 9 can be inserted into the second opening 7 in a second plug-in direction R2 transversely to the insertion direction E, or Figure 1 The secondary locking element is inserted into the second opening 7 or arranged in the second opening 7. The secondary locking element extends through the second opening 7 into the interior 12 of the contact cavity 3. The secondary locking element can be at least partially (in Figure 1 The secondary locking element 9 is completely inserted into the interior 12. Figure 1 The secondary locking element engages with its free end in another recess 34 of the wall 5 opposite the second opening 7, which is configured in the form of a blind hole, where the secondary locking element is secured against displacement in the axial direction x. It is understood that a through opening can also be provided instead of a blind hole-like recess 34.

[0098] The first plug-in direction R1 and the second plug-in direction R2 can have an angle of at least 30°, preferably at least 45° and particularly preferably at least 60° with respect to one another. Figure 1 This angle is 180°.

[0099] The contact element 20 has at least one undercut 24 on its contact element outer side 21, which engages the primary locking element 8 from behind and thus prevents an axial displacement counter to the insertion direction E. Furthermore, the contact element 20 has at least one further undercut 25 on its contact element outer side 21, which engages the secondary locking element 9 from behind. In this way, a further redundant fixation is achieved against an axial displacement counter to the insertion direction E. Here, the undercut 24 and the further undercut 25 can be designed in such a way that, when the primary locking element 8 and the secondary locking element 9 are inserted, in addition to an axial displacement, a rotation in the circumferential direction U is also prevented.

[0100] The undercut 24 can be designed in such a way that the primary locking element 8 can be inserted into the contact chamber 3 through the first opening 6 only when the contact element 20 is in a defined axial position. The defined axial position can, for example, allow an axial play of at most 5 mm, preferably at most 3 mm and particularly preferably at most 1 mm for the contact element 20. This can be caused, for example, by a recess in the outer side 21 of the contact element, which defines an edge on both sides along the axial direction x.

[0101] In the same way, the further undercut 25 can be designed in such a way that the secondary locking element 25 can only be inserted through the second opening 7 into the contact chamber 3 when the contact element 20 is in a defined axial position.

[0102] The primary locking element 8 has a base element 14 from which a plurality of cantilevered arms 15 protrude, the number of which can, for example, correspond to the number of first openings 6 (in Figure 1 In the cross-sectional view of , only one arm 15 and one first opening 6 are shown). The wall 5 of the contact chamber 3 can be designed in such a way that, in the fully inserted state of the main locking element 8, the base element 14 ends flush with the wall 5. For this purpose, the wall 5 can have a notch or a step on the outer side 10, into which the base element 14 can be embedded, so that the base element ends flush with the wall 5 or at least almost or approximately flush. A small step (for example 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm or a maximum of 20%, preferably a maximum of 10% of the thickness d of the wall 5) radially inwards or radially outwards can be regarded as "almost flush" or "substantially flush". Similarly, the first opening 6 or exactly one first opening 6 can be designed with a step. In Figure 1 In FIG. 5 , for better visualization, the base element 15 is shown protruding beyond the outer side 10 of the wall portion 5 .

[0103] Likewise, the secondary locking element 9 can also have a further base element 16 and one or more cantilevered arms 17. Here, a step or a recess can also be provided in the wall 5 in the region of the second opening 7.

[0104] In principle, it is also possible for the two locking elements 8 , 9 to be designed only in the manner of a latch.

[0105] At the end of the plug connector 1 facing away from the mating plug connector 60, the contact element 20 is electrically connected to the first line 70, for example, by a crimp connection. Here, viewed from the inside out, the first line 70 has a first inner conductor 71, which is surrounded by a first inner insulation 72. The first inner insulation 72 is surrounded by a first shielding conductor 73, which is designed, for example, as an electrically conductive shielding braid. The first shielding conductor 73 is completely surrounded on the outside by an outer insulation 74.

[0106] Figure 1 The plug connector 1 also has a shielding plate 13 near the bottom 32 of the cup-shaped housing 2, which shielding plate is guided on the inner side of the housing 2, for example, and thus surrounds the wall 5 in an annular manner at a distance from the outer side 10 of the wall. However, the shielding plate 13 has only a small extension in the axial direction x, for example an extension of at most 5 mm or at most 3 mm or at most 1 mm.

[0107] The shielding plate 13 is electrically connected to the first shielding conductor 73 of the first line 70. The shielding plate 13 is provided for connection to a mating shielding plate 63 of a mating plug connector 60.

[0108] The mating plug connector 60 has a mating plug connector housing 61 in which a mating contact element 62 is arranged. When the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 60 are plugged together, the mating plug connector can contact the contact element 20 of the plug connector 1. The mating plug connector housing 61 can be made of plastic or include plastic, for example. Here, the mating plug connector housing 61 is cup-shaped at its end facing the plug connector 1, and is designed so that it can accommodate the wall 5 of the contact cavity 3 of the plug connector 1 inside it. At the end facing away from the plug connector 1, the mating contact element 62 is electrically connected to the second line 80, for example, by a crimping connection. Here, when viewed from the inside to the outside, the second line 80 has a second internal conductor 81, which is surrounded by a second internal insulation 82. The second internal insulation 82 is surrounded by a second shielding conductor 83, which is, for example, constructed as a conductive shielding braid. The second shielding conductor 83 is completely surrounded by a second external insulation 84 on the outside.

[0109] Figure 1The second shielding conductor 83 is electrically connected to the mating shielding plate 63. The mating shielding plate 63 is arranged on the outside of the cup-shaped mating plug connector housing 61, so that the mating shielding plate is electrically in contact with its shielding plate 13 when plugged together with the plug connector 1.

[0110] In this way it is ensured that the entire electrical path from the first line 70 or the first connecting cable or the first cable harness via the plug connector-counter plug connector-interface to the second line 80 has a continuous shield and that the input of electromagnetic radiation and / or the output of electromagnetic radiation is thus kept as small as possible. In principle, however, systems are also conceivable which do not have shielding conductors 73, 83 or do not have shielding plates 13 or counter shielding plates 63.

[0111] Figure 2a A perspective view of a prior art plug connector 1 is shown. The housing 2 has a lever 30 : by means of which the force which the fitter has to apply when plugging the plug connector 1 together with the mating plug connector 60 can be reduced.

[0112] Here, two contact chambers 3 are arranged in the housing 2. A contact element 20 is arranged in each case in the interior 12 of the contact chambers 3. Each contact chamber 3 has a wall 5, on the inner side 11 of which the contact element 20 is arranged. Two mutually opposite recesses 41, in the form of slots in this case, are introduced into the wall 5 of each contact chamber 3, which are necessary in order to free-cut the contact elements 20. Figure 2b 4 and 5. The main latching catch 42 shown in FIG. 4 is elastically reversibly deflected. Due to the two cutouts 41 or gaps, the breakdown strength of the (high) voltage applied to the contact element 20 from the inner side 11 of the wall 5 to the outer side 10 of the wall 5 cannot be reliably ensured. However, in order to ensure the touch safety of the contact chamber 3 or the housing 2, the wall 5 is surrounded by an insulating wall 46, which is located radially on the outside and is closed all around. This insulating wall is in turn surrounded all around by the shielding plate 13 along almost its entire axial length.

[0113] Figure 2b Show Figure 2a . In the insulating wall, two main latching catches 42 or main locking catches or locking catches can be seen, which are diametrically opposite to each other and are cut away from the wall 5. The insulating wall 46 and the wall 5 converge in a common root 47, viewed in the direction opposite to the insertion direction E. The main latching catches 42 or main locking catches or locking catches engage from behind the undercut 24 located on the outer side of the contact element 20, approximately at the height of the contact point designed as a foil cage 22 for a mating contact element (not shown here) that can be inserted into the contact element 20.

[0114] The main latching element or main latching catch 42 or main locking catch or locking catch in this way secures the contact element 20 during assembly against axial displacement opposite to the insertion direction E. At its front end, the contact element 20 is secured against slipping out of the contact chamber 3 in the axial direction x by an (axial) stop 43 formed in the wall 5 .

[0115] Furthermore, the housing 2 has a housing outer wall 18 which surrounds the contact chamber 3 in a cup-shaped manner and which also extends outside the insulating wall 46 and the shielding plate 13. A radial seal 31 is arranged in the region of the bottom 32 of the housing 2, which surrounds the root 47 formed by the insulating wall 46 and the wall 5. The radial seal 31 should prevent, for example, moisture, dust and dirt from penetrating into the interior of the plug connector 1 when the plug connector 1 is plugged together with the mating plug connector 60.

[0116] Figure 3a 1 shows a perspective view of another plug connector 1. The housing 2 has two contact chambers 3, each with a wall 5. In each of the two walls 5, two first openings 6 are introduced at a first position P1 (see also Figure 3b ) and a second opening 7 is introduced at a second position P2, wherein the second position P2 is closer to the bottom 32 of the housing 2 than the first position P1. The first opening 6 and the second opening 7 are rotated relative to each other by approximately 30° to 45° along the circumferential direction U. The primary locking element 8 is inserted into the first opening 6 along the first plug direction R1. The secondary locking element 9 is inserted into the second opening 7 along the second plug direction R2, wherein the two plug directions R1, R2 are rotated relative to each other by an angle of approximately 30° to 45°. The second opening 7 is diametrically opposed to a further opening 48 in the wall, so that the secondary locking element 9 can engage in the further opening 48 and thus prevent displacement or tilting along the axial direction x. The further opening 48 here has a significantly smaller area in the wall 5 than the second opening 7.

[0117] All openings 6, 7, 48 in Figure 2a The outer side 10 of the wall 5 forms a substantially smooth, continuous surface together with the inserted primary locking element 8 and the inserted secondary locking element 9. Because the two locking elements 8, 9 end substantially flush with the outer side 10 of the wall 5 except for a small removal opening in the base element 14 for removing the primary locking element 8.

[0118] In the region of the bottom 32 of the housing 2, the shielding plate 13 annularly surrounds each of the two contact chambers 3 or their walls 5. However, the axial extension of the shielding plate 13 is very small, for example less than 15 mm, preferably less than 10 mm and very particularly preferably less than 5 mm.

[0119] By making the wall 5 substantially completely closed along the circumferential direction U, the creepage distance or free air distance is dimensioned sufficiently large. Therefore, even when a (high) voltage is applied to the contact elements 20 arranged in the contact chamber 3, no sparkover from the inner side 11 of the wall 5 to its outer side 10 can occur. Therefore, it is possible to dispense with additional insulating walls surrounding the wall 5 (such as, for example, in the Figure 2a , 2b In this way, the production of the plug connector 1 is significantly simplified. In addition, the dimensions of the housing 2, for example along the y direction and along the z direction, can be significantly reduced.

[0120] Figure 3b At the height of the first position P1, the Figure 3a Detailed view of a cutaway of one of the two contact chambers 3 of the plug connector 1. The primary locking element 8 has a Figure 3a . The base element 14 shown in FIG. The base element is, for example, bent into a circular arc shape so that it can end flush or substantially flush with the outer side 10 of the wall portion 5. The wall portion 5 is slightly retracted inwards or has a step or notch in the first position to provide a position for the base element 14. Here, two suspended arms 15 protrude from the base element 14, which engage the undercut 24 of the contact element 20 from behind in the interior 12 of the contact cavity 3 and thus prevent displacement in the direction opposite to the axial direction x or in the direction opposite to the insertion direction E. The arms 15 are respectively inserted through the first openings 6. The two first openings 6 are respectively filled approximately completely by the arms 14. They are completely covered by the base element 14 when viewed in the radial direction, so that there is no direct or linear path from the outer side 10 of the wall portion 5 to the inner side 11 of the wall portion 5.

[0121] On the inner side 11 of the wall 5, blind hole-like recesses 33 or depressions are arranged opposite the first openings 6. The arms 15 can engage with their free ends in these recesses or depressions. In this way, the arms 15 are fixed against axial displacement or tilting.

[0122] The two undercuts 24 can be implemented in the contact element outer side 21, for example, in the form of holes, so that the main locking element 8 can only be completely inserted into the wall 5 when these undercut openings are aligned with the first opening 6 when viewed along the first plug-in direction R1. In this way, the correct axial positioning of the contact element 20 at a defined axial position can be ensured.

[0123] The wall 5 has a signal color, orange in the embodiment shown, in order to indicate to the operator a possible danger due to (high) voltage. In order to be able to reliably identify whether the main locking element 8 is correctly installed and thus also ensure touch safety, the main locking element 8 has a color that is different from the color of the wall 5. The main locking element 8 can be green, blue, yellow, red, brown or magenta, for example, or have another color that has the greatest possible contrast with the color of the wall 5. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the main locking element 8 has another structure or morphology, such as grooves or protrusions, for example on its outwardly directed surface, for example on the base element 14. Therefore, it can be tactilely identified whether the main locking element 8 is correctly installed.

[0124] Figure 3c At the height of the second position P2, the Figure 3a Detail of another section of one of the two contact chambers 3 of the plug-in connector 1 in FIG. The secondary locking element 9 of the plug-in connector through the second opening 7 engages from behind another undercut 25 of the contact element 20. This other undercut 25 can also be designed as a hole, so that when the secondary locking element 9 is inserted, an axial displacement along the x-axis in both directions is prevented or can only be carried out in a limited manner. The secondary locking element 9 has a further base element 16 and a single suspended arm 17, which with its free end passes through a further opening 48 on the opposite side of the wall 5 and basically completely or even completely closes the opening. The other arm 17 almost completely fills the second opening 7. The other base element 16 covers the remaining gap between the second opening 7 and the other arm 17 in the manner of a cover or plug, so that there is no direct or linear path or visual connection from the outer side 10 to the inner side 11 of the wall 5. The wall 5 is slightly offset inwards in the area of ​​the second opening 7, and the wall has a step or a notch. In this case, the diameter of the second opening 7 located radially inward is smaller than the diameter located radially outward. In the fully installed state, the further base element 16 ends essentially flush with the outer side 10 of the wall 5, i.e. only a very small step is produced here, in this case into the interior of the wall 5, which step is less than 20%, preferably less than 10% of the thickness d of the wall 5.

[0125] The secondary locking element 9 can be released from the contact chamber 3, for example, by pressure through the further opening 48 onto the free end of the further arm 17. The further opening 48 also has a step. In the same way, the free end of the further arm 17 also has a complementary step. In this case, the radially inner diameter in the further opening 48 is larger than the radially outer diameter. In this way, at least when the secondary locking element 9 is installed, a direct or linear path or line of sight connection from the interior 12 of the contact chamber 3 to the outer side 12 of the wall 5 is prevented.

[0126] In order to be able to reliably detect whether the secondary locking element 9 is correctly installed and thus also provide tactile safety, the secondary locking element 9 has a color that is different from the color of the wall 5. The secondary locking element 9 can be, for example, green, blue, yellow, red, brown or magenta or have another color that has the greatest possible contrast with the color of the wall 5. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the secondary locking element 9 has another structure or topography, such as grooves or protrusions, for example on its outwardly directed surface, for example on the base element 16. It can thus be detected tactilely whether the secondary locking element 9 is correctly installed.

[0127] In principle, the secondary locking element 9 can also have a plurality of further arms 17 on a common further base element 16, which are then inserted through a plurality of second openings 7. In the same way, the primary locking element can in principle also have only a single arm 15.

[0128] Finally, it should be noted that the plug connector 1 is considered or suitable or can be provided for applications or uses in motor vehicles or in inverters, motors, controllers, batteries, charging devices or generators. However, the plug connector 1 is not limited to such applications or uses.

Claims

1. A plug connector for plugging together with a mating plug connector (60) along an insertion direction (E), the plug connector (1) having: - a housing (2) having at least one contact chamber (3); in, The at least one contact chamber (3) is arranged in the housing (2), The at least one contact cavity (3) is configured to accommodate a contact element (20). wherein the at least one contact cavity (3) has a wall portion (5) surrounding the insertion direction (E), A first opening (6) is provided in the wall portion (5) at a first position (P1) when viewed along the insertion direction (E). wherein at least one second opening (7) is provided in the wall portion (5) at a second position (P2) viewed along the insertion direction (E), A main locking element (8) can be inserted into the first opening (6), wherein the main locking element is used to accommodate a contact element (20) that can be accommodated in the contact cavity (3). wherein a secondary locking element (9) can be inserted into the second opening (7), wherein the secondary locking element is used for accommodating a contact element (20) in the contact cavity (3), When the primary locking element (8) is inserted into the first opening (6) and when the secondary locking element (9) is inserted into the second opening (7), the outer side (10) of the wall portion (5) is touch-proof along a circumferential direction (U) around the insertion direction (E) in order to prevent electric spark discharges from the interior (12) of the contact cavity (3).

2. The plug connector according to claim 1, in, The plug connector (1) is designed for voltages between 100V and 1500V.

3. The plug connector according to claim 1, in, The plug connector (1) is designed for voltages between 250V and 1200V.

4. The plug connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, When the primary locking element (8) is inserted into the first opening (6) and when the secondary locking element (9) is inserted into the second opening (7), the wall (5) is closed along the circumferential direction (U).

5. The plug connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The wall portion (5) has a thickness (d) of at most 3 mm.

6. The plug connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The wall portion (5) has a thickness (d) of at most 2 mm.

7. The plug connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The wall portion (5) has a thickness (d) of at most 1 mm.

8. The plug connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The wall portion (5) has a thickness (d) of at most 0.5 mm.

9. The plug connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, A contact element (20) that can be accommodated in the contact chamber (3) is arranged on the inner side (11) of the wall (5) in a state accommodated in the contact chamber (3).

10. The plug connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, A mating plug connector (60) that can be plugged together with the plug connector (1) is arranged directly adjacent to the outer side (10) of the wall portion (5) in a state in which it is plugged together with the plug connector (1).

11. The plug connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The first position (P1) and the second position (P2) are spaced apart from each other along the insertion direction (E).

12. The plug connector according to claim 11, in, The first position (P1) and the second position (P2) are spaced apart from each other along the insertion direction (E) by at least one diameter (D) of the first opening (6).

13. The plug connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The first position (P1) and the second position (P2) are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction (U).

14. The plug connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The first opening (6) is arranged offset by at least 30° relative to the second opening (7) as viewed along the circumferential direction (U).

15. The plug connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The primary locking element (8) can be inserted into the first opening (6) in a first plug-in direction (R1) transversely to the insertion direction (E), wherein the secondary locking element (9) can be inserted into the second opening (7) in a second plug-in direction (R2) transversely to the insertion direction (E), Therein, the first plug direction (R1) and the second plug direction (R2) have an angle of at least 30° with respect to each other.

16. The plug connector according to claim 15, in, The first plug direction (R1) and the second plug direction (R2) have an angle of at least 45° with respect to one another.

17. The plug connector according to claim 15, in, The first plug direction (R1) and the second plug direction (R2) have an angle of at least 60° with respect to one another.

18. The plug connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, A contact element (20) is arranged in the at least one contact chamber (3).

19. The plug connector according to claim 18, in, The contact element (20) is inserted into the contact cavity (3) along an axial direction (x).

20. The plug connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The contact element (20) has at least one undercut (24) on its contact element outer side (21), so that the main locking element (8) can be inserted into the contact cavity (3) through the first opening (6) only when the contact element (20) is in a defined axial position. The defined axial position allows an axial play of a maximum of 5 mm for the contact element (20).

21. The plug connector according to claim 20, in, The defined axial position allows an axial play of a maximum of 3 mm for the contact element (20).

22. The plug connector according to claim 20, in, The defined axial position allows an axial play of a maximum of 1 mm for the contact element (20).

23. The plug connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The primary locking element (8) and / or the secondary locking element (9) are designed to have a color or surface structure different from that of the wall portion (5) of the contact cavity (3).

24. The plug connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The wall portion (5) has two or more first openings (6) at the first position (P1) and are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction, wherein the main locking element (8) has a base element (14), wherein a plurality of suspended arms (15) protrude from the base element (14), the number of the suspended arms corresponding to the number of the first openings (6), The wall (5) of the contact chamber (3) is designed in such a way that, when the main locking element (8) is completely installed, the base element (14) ends essentially flush with the wall (3).

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