Electrical connector with cover structure and mating connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical connector comprising at least one contact element and a cover structure for limiting access to the at least one contact element, the cover structure comprising a wall element at least partially surrounding the at least one contact element in a spaced apart manner, thereby defining a receiving area between the wall element and the at least one contact element, and a cover element movable within the receiving area from a fixed position to a retracted position along a retraction direction, wherein the at least one contact element is enclosed by the cover element in the fixed position, and wherein the wall element comprises at least one deflectable latching member for fixing the cover element in the fixed position. Due to the movability of the cover element, the cover structure can form a gapless finger protection for the at least one contact element, which still allows access to mating contacts of a mating connector. The cover element can also be configured to retract automatically, thereby eliminating the necessity of an additional step during mating. The invention also relates to a mating connector and to a connector assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrical connector, and more specifically, to an electrical connector with a cover structure, for example, for high voltage and high amperage applications. Furthermore, this invention relates to mating connectors for electrical connectors and connector assemblies having both an electrical connector and a mating connector. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors are provided for establishing electrical connections used to transmit electrical energy and / or signals. Especially in the case of energy transfer, safety risks arise and need to be addressed accordingly. For example, before establishing the electrical connection, it is necessary to prevent accidental contact between human fingers and tools and the current-carrying components of the electrical connector (e.g., contact elements). Simultaneously, the contact elements need to maintain a certain level of accessibility, as the function of the electrical connector relies primarily on the mating contacts of the mating connector establishing electrical contact with the contact elements.

[0003] Existing solutions employ finger protection for contact elements. However, these finger protection devices typically leave a small gap for mating contacts, through which very small fingers and thin tools can unintentionally reach the contact element. On the other hand, gapless finger protection usually requires additional attachment and / or removal steps, making the mating process cumbersome. Finally, finger protection devices that do not require such an additional step during mating often employ precision covering elements that exhibit low insulation capabilities, making them unsuitable for high-voltage and high-current applications.

[0004] Technical goals to be achieved

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connection device with finger protection that does not leave unnecessary gaps, exhibits high insulation capability, and requires no additional steps during mating. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This objective is achieved by providing an electrical connector comprising at least one contact element and a cover structure for restricting access to the at least one contact element, wherein the cover structure includes wall elements that at least partially surround the at least one contact element in a spaced-apart manner, thereby defining a receiving area between the wall elements and the at least one contact element. The cover structure also includes a cover element movable in a retraction direction within the receiving area from a fixed position to a retracted position, wherein the at least one contact element is surrounded by the cover element in the fixed position, and wherein the wall elements include at least one deflectable latching member for securing the cover element in the fixed position.

[0007] In the context of this disclosure, it should be understood that the term "deflectable" refers to a property of at least one latching member that is more resilient, flexible, resilient, and / or brittle than the rest of the wall element. In other words, the deflection of the at least one latching member requires less force than a similar deflection of any other part of the wall element. Optionally, the at least one latching member may also exhibit greater resilientness, flexibility, resilientness, and / or brittleness than the cover element.

[0008] According to this solution, the cover structure can form a gapless finger protection device for the at least one contact element, especially when the cover element is in a fixed position. However, the possibility of access to the at least one contact element is not completely eliminated because the cover element is selectively fixed in the fixed position only by means of a deflectable device, i.e., the at least one latching member, which can otherwise be moved out of the fixed position. Advantageously, this results in selective restriction of access to the at least one contact element, which prevents fingers and tools from reaching the at least one contact element, while allowing the mating contacts of the mating connector to access the at least one contact element if necessary.

[0009] Furthermore, by providing mobility to the cover element, it can be configured to automatically move from a fixed position to a retracted position, such as by sliding. Therefore, the cover element can automatically retract, eliminating the need for additional steps during mating. Additionally, the cover element can be configured to automatically move back from the retracted position to the fixed position, thereby eliminating additional steps during disassembly.

[0010] Finally, by providing the at least one deflectable latching member on the wall element, i.e., on the static portion of the cover structure, the movable cover element does not need to have particularly high elasticity. This allows for a wider range of materials to be selected for the cover element. In particular, material selection can focus on the material's insulation properties. Therefore, the cover element immediately surrounding the at least one contact element can have a higher insulation capacity than the wall element spaced apart from the at least one contact element. This makes the electrical connector of the present invention suitable for high-voltage and high-ampere applications.

[0011] The solution described above can be further improved by adding one or more of the following optional features. Therefore, each of these optional features is advantageous on its own and can be combined independently with any other optional feature.

[0012] In one possible embodiment of the electrical connector, the at least one contact element may include at least one contact surface extending along a retraction direction and abutting a receiving area. Specifically, the at least one contact surface may face both the receiving area and a wall element, while being spaced apart from the wall element by the receiving area. In particular, the wall element may surround the at least one contact surface only from a direction perpendicular to the retraction direction. Therefore, a mating contact can access the at least one contact surface and insert into the receiving area along the retraction direction. Preferably, the at least one contact surface is covered by a cover element in the retraction direction, thereby being protected to prevent any object other than the mating contact from approaching the at least one contact surface.

[0013] Optionally, the at least one contact element is a sheet contact made of copper and / or other conductive materials. Alternatively, the at least one contact element may be pin-shaped, sleeve-shaped, fork-shaped, or any other shape common to electrical contact elements. Furthermore, the at least one contact element may have two contact surfaces on opposite sides. The two contact surfaces may face outwards and be away from each other. Alternatively, the two contact surfaces may face inwards towards each other.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the cap structure may further include a cap element that covers at least the tip portion of the at least one contact element. The cap element may be mechanically attached, glued, overmolded, or otherwise secured to the tip portion of the at least one contact element. Preferably, the cap element covers the tip portion of the at least one contact element in the retracted direction. In other words, the cap element protects the tip portion from access from the retracted direction.

[0015] Optionally, the cap element may further extend along at least one side edge of the at least one contact element. Preferably, the cap element may extend along two opposite side edges of the at least one contact element, thereby at least partially surrounding the at least one contact element. Thus, the cap element may cover the side edges of the at least one contact element perpendicular to the retraction direction.

[0016] According to another possible embodiment, in accordance with DIN-EN standard 60592, the wall element and the cap element are combined to form finger protection for the at least one contact element. In other words, a finger probe having dimensions defined in DIN-EN standard 60592 is prevented from reaching the at least one contact element by the wall element and / or the cap element.

[0017] According to another possible embodiment, in accordance with DIN-EN standard 60592 and UL standard 60950, the wall element, cap element, and cover element in a fixed position together form finger protection for the at least one contact element. In other words, due to the obstruction of the wall element, cap element, and / or cover element in the fixed position, neither a finger probe having dimensions as defined in DIN-EN standard 60592 nor a finger probe having dimensions as defined in UL standard 60950 can reach the contact element.

[0018] To guide and thereby stabilize the movement of the cap element, the cap element may include an orifice for the at least one contact element and / or the cap element to pass through. This orifice may, in particular, be a slit extending through the cap element in the retraction direction. The orifice is preferably thin enough to prevent any of the aforementioned finger probes from entering. Furthermore, the shape of the orifice may be complementary to the cross-section of the cap element perpendicular to the retraction direction, thereby allowing the cap element to pass around the at least one contact element while keeping the gap between them minimal. Alternatively or additionally, the orifice may be shaped to have a certain space between the at least one contact element to ensure that no contact occurs with the at least one contact surface or both contact surfaces of the at least one contact element.

[0019] Another guiding function can be achieved by forming at least one guide groove extending in the retraction direction on the at least one latching member. This at least one guide groove can be configured to receive a portion of the cover element and / or a portion of the mating connector, as will be described in further detail below.

[0020] To increase safety and redundancy, the wall element may include at least two latching members arranged opposite each other relative to the at least one contact element. Each latching member can hold the cover element in a fixed position to prevent movement. In particular, each latching member may include at least one blocking surface facing the retraction direction and serving as an abutment surface of the cover element.

[0021] Furthermore, each latching member may include at least one ramp extending obliquely relative to the retraction direction. Each ramp serves the purpose of an introduction ramp for a mating connector. As will be further described below, the mating connector may include at least one deflecting element having a reverse surface, which is positioned and oriented to engage with at least one ramp when the electrical connector and the mating connector mate. In particular, this engagement causes the at least one latching member to deflect.

[0022] To clearly indicate the insertion position of the mating contact of the mating connector, the outer edge of the wall element may define an access opening to the receiving area. Preferably, the access opening may be open in the retraction direction so that the mating contact is inserted into the receiving area through the access opening.

[0023] To clearly indicate the insertion position of the mating connector itself, the electrical connector may also include a connector housing forming a connector face. The connector face may be a convex connector face configured to insert into a complementary concave connector face of the mating connector. Alternatively, the connector face of the electrical connector may be a concave connector face adapted to receive a convex connector face of the mating connector. The convex and concave connector faces may mate along a mating direction. The mating direction is preferably parallel to the retraction direction.

[0024] For the purpose of power transmission, the at least one contact element can be soldered, crimped, fused, and / or connected to the conductor of the cable within the connector housing using any other conventional termination techniques. Furthermore, the aforementioned termination area can be located within the connector housing.

[0025] The cover structure can be implemented by the connector housing or assembled separately to the connector housing. Optionally, parts of the cover structure, such as wall elements, can be integrally connected to the connector housing. Other parts of the cover structure, such as cover elements, can be assembled to the connector housing as separate components.

[0026] Optionally, the cover element can be moved from a retracted position to a fixed position. Preferably, the cover element can reciprocate between a fixed position and a retracted position, wherein the access opening is closed by the cover element in the fixed position, and wherein the receiving area can enter through the access opening when the cover element is in the retracted position. Thus, the access opening can be repeatedly opened and closed, restricting access to the at least one contact element when needed.

[0027] In the fixed position, the cover element can at least partially, preferably primarily, occupy the receiving area. Specifically, the cover element may include at least one plate portion that blocks access to the opening when the cover element is in the fixed position. Preferably, when the cover element is in the fixed position, the contact element is positioned outside the plate portion in the retraction direction. Therefore, a certain distance of movement of the cover element is necessary until the corresponding contact element becomes accessible. This provides a degree of protection even if the cover element is forcefully pushed.

[0028] In the retracted position, the receiving area can be freed up by the cover element. In other words, when the cover element moves to the retracted position, at least a portion of the contact element, such as the contact surface, is neither closed nor covered by the cover element. Specifically, the cover element can move to an exit area that is aligned with the receiving area in the retracted direction. Preferably, the exit area is located opposite the entry opening relative to the receiving area. The exit area can have a smaller net width than the receiving area, the net width being measured specifically in the retracted direction.

[0029] According to another possible embodiment, the cover element may include at least one blocking feature for engaging with at least one latching member. For example, the at least one blocking feature may be a pointed blocking protrusion extending perpendicular to the retraction direction away from the plate portion of the cover element. The blocking protrusion may be aligned with at least one blocking surface of the at least one latching member in its undeflected state. Thus, the blocking protrusion may abut against the at least one latching member in the retraction direction. This results in the cover element being held in its fixed position by features that are easy to manufacture.

[0030] If the at least one or both latching members deviate from, for example, the cover element, then the at least one blocking surface and the blocking protrusion, or the two blocking surfaces and their corresponding blocking protrusions, will not align and therefore will not abut against each other. In this way, the cover element is released and can be moved to the retracted position.

[0031] According to an alternative embodiment, the at least one blocking feature may be a notch extending through the plate portion perpendicular to the retraction direction. Therefore, at least one blocking surface may be formed on, for example, a stop protrusion extending away from at least one latching member and into the notch. The remaining functions may be similar to those described above.

[0032] Preferably, for each latching member of the wall element, the cover element includes at least one blocking feature. Each latching member may include at least two blocking surfaces. Therefore, for each blocking surface, the cover element may include at least one blocking feature. This results in increased stability during the abutment between the blocking feature and the blocking surface.

[0033] According to another possible embodiment, the cover element may include at least one snap-fit ​​portion for interacting with a snap-fit ​​element of the mating connector. As will be further described below, the mating connector may include at least one snap-fit ​​element for forming a connection with at least one snap-fit ​​portion, such as a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0034] To reduce costs, the cover element can be a single piece, preferably molded from resin. Alternatively, the cover element can be manufactured by additive manufacturing and / or made from other electrically insulating materials.

[0035] It should be understood that another aspect of the invention relates to a cover element for a cover structure of an electrical connector. The cover element can have any combination of the features described above. The cover element is advantageous because it can be easily assembled onto the cover structure of the electrical connector, where it performs the aforementioned functions, thereby at least partially achieving the original purpose.

[0036] Another aspect of the invention relates to a cover structure for an electrical connector. The cover structure can have any combination of the features described above. Therefore, the cover structure is advantageous because it can achieve the aforementioned functions, thereby at least partially achieving the original purpose.

[0037] The initial objective is also achieved, at least in part, by a mating connector for establishing an electrical connection with an electrical connector according to any of the above embodiments. The mating connector includes at least one mating contact for electrically contacting at least one contact element of the electrical connector, and at least one deflecting element for deflecting at least one latching member of the electrical connector.

[0038] This mating connector is advantageous because it mates with the electrical connector in a manner that allows the cover element of the electrical connector to automatically release from a fixed position, without requiring any additional steps during mating. Furthermore, the mating connector can be used to selectively remove the restriction imposed by the cover structure of the electrical connector on contact with at least one contact element. Therefore, the cover structure of the electrical connector can provide gapless finger protection for at least one contact element of the electrical connector without limiting the functionality of the electrical connector.

[0039] As described above, the mating connector may include a mating housing having a concave connector face configured to receive a convex connector face of an electrical connector. The mating housing may include a mating cover structure formed to complement the cover structure of the electrical connector. Preferably, the mating cover structure is precisely fitted into the cover structure of the electrical connector to prevent any unwanted gaps. Specifically, the mating housing may include a mating cover disposed within the concave connector face. For each mating contact, the mating cover may include a columnar contact shield extending along the mating direction. Each contact shield may surround the corresponding mating contact. Furthermore, each contact shield may be formed to complement the receiving area of ​​the electrical connector. Each contact shield may also have a slot whose shape is complementary to the cap element of the electrical connector. Optionally, the shape of the slot may conform to the shape of the orifice of the cover element of the electrical connector.

[0040] According to one possible embodiment of the mating connector, at least one deflecting element may be a hump-shaped or prismatic protrusion formed on the mating housing of the mating connector, particularly on the top surface of the contact shroud. As described above, the protrusion may present a reverse surface. Before and / or simultaneously with the insertion of the contact shroud into the receiving area, the ramp and reverse surface of each latching member slide along each other. Because these surfaces extend obliquely relative to the mating direction, the movement of the mating connector in the mating direction is translated into movement of the latching member perpendicular to the mating direction. In other words, the latching member is wedged aside by the deflecting element, thereby deflecting the latching member away from the cover element. As described above, this deflection causes the corresponding blocking surfaces and blocking features to misalign and not abut. Therefore, the cover element is released. Preferably, the cover element can only be released via the mating connector.

[0041] Optionally, when at least one deflecting element leaves the receiving area, at least one latching member also deflects.

[0042] The at least one guide groove described above can be configured as a blocking feature to receive at least one deflection element and / or cover element of the mating connector. In addition to guiding and stabilizing the movement of the mating connector and / or cover element, this feature also achieves the following functions:

[0043] To prevent breakage of at least one latching member, when at least one deflecting element enters the corresponding receiving area of ​​the electrical connector, at least one latching member is deflected only. In other words, when at least one deflecting element is in the entry opening, at least one latching member is deflected only. As said at least one deflecting element moves away from the entry opening and toward the exit area, said at least one deflecting element is received in a guide groove formed on the corresponding latching member. In particular, said at least one deflecting element is completely accommodated in the guide groove, so that there is no mechanical interference with the corresponding latching member.

[0044] Similarly, each blocking feature is also received and fully accommodated within one of the guide slots so that it does not mechanically interfere with the corresponding latching member except when the cover element is in a fixed position.

[0045] According to another possible embodiment, the mating connector may further include at least one snap-fit ​​element pointing in the retraction direction for forming a connection with the electrical connector, particularly with at least one capturing portion of the electrical connector, such as a snap-fit ​​connection. The snap-fit ​​connection allows the cover element to closely follow the movement of the mating connector in the retraction direction. Specifically, the cover element will not move to the retracted position due to its own gravity. In other words, the cover element will not fall into the exit zone as long as the snap-fit ​​connection with the mating connector is in place. When pushed by the mating connector, the cover element only moves to the retracted position.

[0046] Therefore, when the mating connector moves in the reverse retraction direction, such as during the pull-out process, the mating connector pulls the cover element out of the exit area and returns it to the fixed position via the snap-fit ​​connection. This prevents any gap from forming between the mating connector and the cover element after the cover element is released from the fixed position.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, a resilient position-restoring element, such as a coil spring, may be used to bias the cover element toward a fixed position and away from the retracted position.

[0048] According to another possible embodiment, at least one snap-fit ​​element may be a hook-shaped, knob-shaped, or rib-shaped protrusion formed on the mating connector and pointing in the mating direction. In particular, at least one snap-fit ​​element may be formed on the top surface of the contact shroud. This represents an embodiment of ease of manufacture for at least one snap-fit ​​element.

[0049] The at least one capturing portion may be formed by a sidewall of the cover element and a flexible cantilever beam extending parallel to the sidewall along the retraction direction. The sidewall and / or the cantilever beam may each have capturing protrusions extending toward the cantilever beam or the sidewall. Alternatively, at least one capturing portion may be formed by two flexible cantilever beams extending parallel to each other.

[0050] Therefore, at least one snap-fit ​​element can be received within at least one capture portion. When at least one snap-fit ​​element is received in the at least one capture portion, a snap-fit ​​connection can be established.

[0051] To ensure the latching element does not loosen from the locking portion, the locking portion can exhibit higher rigidity when the cover element is in the retracted position than when the cover element is in the fixed position, unless the cover element is in the fixed position. This can be achieved in the following way:

[0052] In the retracted position of the cover element, the cantilever beam is located within the exit zone. Specifically, the net width of the exit zone allows the cantilever beam to rest against the wall element. Therefore, the movement of the cantilever beam is restricted, or it completely loses its flexibility. Thus, at least one snap-fit ​​element is securely held within at least one capturing portion.

[0053] In this context, the term "securely held" refers to a state in which the force required to pull the snap-fit ​​element out of the catch portion is greater than the weight of the cover element and / or the frictional force acting between the cover element and the rest of the electrical connector.

[0054] In the fixed position of the cover element, the cantilever beam is located within the receiving area. As described above, the net width of the receiving area is larger than that of the exit area, and the cantilever beam is spaced apart from the wall element to maintain its flexibility. Therefore, at least one snap-fit ​​element can easily enter or exit at least one capturing portion.

[0055] It should be understood that the term "easy to enter or leave" refers to a state in which the force required to insert the snap-fit ​​element into the capture portion and to pull the snap-fit ​​element out of the capture portion is less than the resistance acting between the cover element and the rest of the electrical connector. This resistance may, for example, come from a hook-shaped anchor latch formed on the cover element and engaged with the wall element in a latching connection.

[0056] For redundancy and / or stability purposes, mating connectors may include multiple snap-fit ​​elements. Therefore, each cover element may include a capture portion for each snap-fit ​​element. Alternatively, the allocation of snap-fit ​​elements and capture portions may be reversed between electrical connectors and mating connectors.

[0057] According to another possible embodiment, the electrical connector may include multiple contact elements. In this case, for each contact element, the cover structure preferably includes a wall element, a cover element, and / or a cap element. To increase stability, the wall elements may be integrally connected to each other. Alternatively, the cover structure may include a single wall element for all contact elements. Likewise, alternatively, the cover structure may include a single cover element for all contact elements.

[0058] The initial objective is also achieved by a connector assembly comprising an electrical connector and a mating connector according to any of the above embodiments, wherein when at least one deflecting element enters the receiving area of ​​the electrical connector, at least one latching member of the electrical connector is deflected by at least one deflecting element of the mating connector.

[0059] The connector assembly of the present invention is advantageous because it incorporates the aforementioned features and advantages of the electrical connector and mating connector of the present invention. In particular, the cover element is automatically released from the fixed position and pushed into the retracted position via the mating connector. Therefore, no additional steps are required during the mating process.

[0060] Optionally, one of the electrical connector and the mating connector may include a lever for facilitating the mating process. Additionally, one of the electrical connector and the mating connector may optionally include a sealing element that is inserted between the electrical connector and the mating connector in the mated state.

[0061] Any references to standards in this disclosure (e.g., DIN-EN standards, UL standards, etc.) should be understood as referring to the prevailing standards at the time of submission. Attached Figure Description

[0062] In the attached diagram:

[0063] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a partial exploded perspective view of an electrical connector according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0064] Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the electrical connector of the embodiment shown;

[0065] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another perspective view of the electrical connector of the illustrated embodiment;

[0066] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a mating connector according to one possible embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0067] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a detailed cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0068] Figure 6 It shows according to Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a detailed cross-sectional side view of the connector assembly of the illustrated embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0069] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The structure of an exemplary embodiment of the electrical connector 1 according to the present invention is explained. Figure 4 The structure used to explain an exemplary embodiment of the mating connector 2 according to the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is used to explain the structure and function of the connector assembly 4 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figures 1 to 3 A perspective view of an electrical connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The electrical connector 1 may include a connector housing 6 forming a connector face 8. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connector face 8 is a convex connector face 8a configured to insert into a complementary concave connector face 8b of a mating connector 2 (see [reference]). Figure 4 Alternatively, the connector face 8 of the electrical connector 1 can also be a concave connector face adapted to receive the convex connector face of the mating connector 2. The convex connector face 8a and the concave connector face 8b can mate along the mating direction 14.

[0071] Electrical connector 1 may include at least one conductive contact element 16 (see Figure 3 The at least one contact element 16 may be, for example, a sheet contact 18 pointing in the mating direction 14. Alternatively, the at least one contact element 16 may be pin-shaped, sleeve-shaped, fork-shaped, or any other shape common to electrical contact elements. The at least one contact element 16 may be soldered, crimped, fused, and / or connected to the conductor (not shown) of a cable (not shown) within the connector housing by any other conventional termination technique.

[0072] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the electrical connector 1 includes two contact elements 16. Specifically, the electrical connector 1 includes two contact elements 16 extending along the mating direction 14 and parallel to each other. However, the number and / or orientation of the contact elements 16 can be adjusted according to the application of the electrical connector 1.

[0073] As can be seen, the electrical connector 1 also includes a preferably insulated cover structure 20 for limiting access to the contact element 16. The cover structure 20 can be implemented by the connector housing 6, or assembled separately to the connector housing 6. Alternatively, portions of the cover structure 20 can be integrally connected to the connector housing 6. Other portions can be assembled to the connector housing 6 as separate components.

[0074] The cover structure 20 includes preferably stationary wall elements 22. The wall elements 22 may, for example, be integrally connected to the connector housing 6. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the cover structure 20 includes one wall element 22 for each contact element 16. Each wall element 22 at least partially surrounds the corresponding contact element 16 in a spaced-apart manner. Specifically, each wall element 22 includes a plurality of wall portions 24 that extend parallel to and are spaced apart from the corresponding contact element 16. The wall portions 24 of each wall element 22 may be arranged in a closed shape around the corresponding contact element 16. In particular, the wall portions 24 may form a substantially cuboid box-shaped housing 26 around the corresponding contact element 16. A receiving area 28 (see [link to relevant documentation]) is defined between each wall element 22 and the corresponding contact element 16. Figure 3 ).

[0075] The cover structure 20 also includes a preferably retractable cover element 30. The cover element 30 may be a single piece, preferably molded from resin. Alternatively, the cover element 30 may be manufactured by additive manufacturing and / or made from other electrically insulating materials. For each contact element 16, the cover structure 20 preferably includes one cover element 30.

[0076] Each cover element 30 is movable, preferably slidable, within a receiving area 28 between the corresponding wall element 22 and contact element 16. There, each cover element 30 can move as... Figure 2 The fixed position 32 is shown. Furthermore, each cover element 30 can be moved to, as shown... Figure 3 The retracted position 34 is shown. Specifically, each cover element 30 can move from the fixed position 32 to the retracted position 34 along a retraction direction 36, preferably parallel to the mating direction 14. Preferably, each cover element 30 can reciprocate between the fixed position 32 and the retracted position 34.

[0077] The corresponding contact element 16 is surrounded by the corresponding cover element 30 in the fixed position 32. Specifically, the corresponding contact element 16 is covered by the corresponding contact element 30 in the retraction direction 36 and optionally in a direction perpendicular to the retraction direction 36. When the corresponding cover element 30 moves to the retracted position 34, at least a portion of the contact element 16 is neither closed nor covered by the corresponding cover element 30.

[0078] To secure the cover element 30 in the fixed position 32, the corresponding wall element 22 includes at least one deflectable latching member 38. In particular, at least one deflectable latching member 38 selectively prevents the cover element 30 from moving to the retracted position 34, which will be described in further detail below.

[0079] At least one deflectable latching member 38 may be a cantilevered baffle 40 having a support end 42 integrally connected to one of the wall portions 24 and a free end 44 extending in the opposite retraction direction 36, such as Figure 5 As shown. Alternatively, the support end 42 can also be connected to the corresponding wall portion 24 via a hinge (not shown).

[0080] It should be understood that the term "deflectable" refers to a property of at least one latching member 38 that, according to which the at least one latching member 38 is more resilient, more flexible, more resilient, and / or more brittle than the rest of the wall element 22. In other words, the deflection of at least one latching member 38 requires less force than a similar deflection of any other part of the wall element 22. Optionally, at least one latching member 38 may also exhibit greater resilientness, flexibility, resilientness, and / or brittleness than any part of the cover element 30.

[0081] Optionally, the wall element 22 may include at least two latching members 38 arranged opposite to each other relative to their corresponding contact elements 16. Figures 1 to 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, each wall element 22 has a pair of such latching members 38. Each latching member 38 includes at least one blocking surface 46 facing the retraction direction 36 and serving as an abutment surface 48 of the corresponding cover element 30. At least one blocking surface 46 is preferably formed on the edge 50 of the free end 44 of the corresponding latching member 38, which is implemented by the cantilever baffle 40.

[0082] Each latching member 38 may also include at least one ramp 52 extending obliquely relative to the retraction direction 36. At least one ramp 52 may also preferably be formed on the edge 50 of the free end 44 of the corresponding latching member 38, which is realized by the cantilever baffle 40. Each ramp 52 serves as an inlet ramp 54 for mating connector 2 (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0083] The following text will combine Figure 4 In further detail, the mating connector 2 may include at least one deflecting element 56 having a reverse surface 58, which is positioned and oriented to engage with at least one ramp 52 when the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 2 are mated. In particular, the engagement causes a corresponding latching member 38 to deflect, and the at least one ramp 52 is part of the latching member 38.

[0084] like Figure 3As shown, the outer edge 60 of each wall element 22 can define an access opening 62 leading to the receiving area 28. Specifically, when the cover element 30 is in the retracted position 34, the mating contact 64 of the mating connector 2 can be inserted into the corresponding receiving area 28 through the corresponding access opening 62. In other words, when the corresponding cover element 30 is in the retracted position 34, the access opening 62 is open in the mating direction 14. In particular, the corresponding receiving area 28 and the corresponding access opening 62 are vacated by the corresponding cover element 30 in the retracted position 34. Each cover element 30 in the retracted position 34 is moved into an exit area 66, which is aligned with the receiving area 28 in the retraction direction 36 (see...). Figure 6 The exit area 66 is located opposite the entry opening 62, relative to the corresponding receiving area 28. Furthermore, the exit area 66 may be located within the connector housing 6.

[0085] from Figure 6 As can be seen from the cross-sectional view, the net width 68 of each receiving area 28 can be greater than the net width 70 of the corresponding exit area 66, and the net widths 68 and 70 are measured in particular relative to the retraction direction 36.

[0086] On the other hand, the corresponding cover element 30 in the fixed position 32 mainly occupies the receiving area 28. In particular, the corresponding entry opening 62 is closed by the corresponding cover element 30 in the fixed position 32. For this purpose, each cover element 30 may include a plate portion 72 that blocks the corresponding entry opening 62 when the cover element 30 is in the fixed position 32.

[0087] At the fixed position 32 of each cover element 30, the corresponding contact element 16 is positioned in the retraction direction 36 beyond the plate portion 72. Therefore, a certain distance of movement of the corresponding cover element 30 is necessary until the corresponding contact element 16 becomes accessible.

[0088] According to UL Standard 60950 and DIN-EN Standard 60592, the cover structure 20 having each cover element 30 in the fixed position 32 provides finger protection for all contact elements 16. According to DIN-EN Standard 60592, the cover structure 20 having at least one cover element 30 in the retracted position 34 still provides at least finger protection for all contact elements 16. This will be described in further detail below.

[0089] from Figure 5As can be seen in the cross-sectional view, each cover element 30 may include at least one blocking feature 74 for engaging with at least one latching member 38 of the corresponding wall element 22. Preferably, each cover element 30 includes at least one blocking feature 74 for each latching member 38. Each blocking feature 74 may be a pointed protrusion 76 extending perpendicularly to the retraction direction 36 away from the plate portion 72. Furthermore, each blocking feature 74 may be aligned in the retraction direction 36 with a blocking surface 46 of the corresponding undeflected latching member 38. Thus, each blocking feature 74 may abut against the corresponding undeflected latching member 38 in the retraction direction 36. This causes the cover element 30 to remain in its fixed position 32.

[0090] If the at least one latching member 38 deflects, for example, away from the corresponding cover element 30, the corresponding blocking surface 46 and blocking feature 74 will not align and therefore will not abut against each other. Thus, the corresponding cover element 30 is released and can be moved to the retracted position 34.

[0091] According to an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the at least one blocking feature may be a notch (not shown) extending perpendicularly to the retraction direction 36 through the plate portion 72. Therefore, at least one blocking surface 46 may be formed on, for example, a stop protrusion (not shown) extending from the free end 44 of the corresponding latching member 38 and entering the at least one blocking feature realized by the notch. The remaining functions may be similar to those described above.

[0092] like Figure 3 As shown, each contact element 16 may include at least one contact surface 92 extending along the retraction direction 36. Furthermore, the at least one contact surface 92 may be adjacent to a corresponding receiving area 28. Additionally, the at least one contact surface 92 may be covered in a spaced-apart manner by a wall portion 24 of a corresponding wall element 22 in a direction perpendicular to the retraction direction 36. In the fixed position 32, the at least one contact surface 92 may also be covered in the retraction direction 36 by a corresponding cover element 30. This prevents any object other than the mating contact 64 from approaching the corresponding contact element 16, which will be described in further detail below.

[0093] Figure 3 The exemplary embodiment shows a sheet-like contact element 16 comprising two contact surfaces 92 on opposite sides of the contact element 16 facing outwards from the contact element 16. Specifically, each contact surface 92 faces a corresponding receiving area 28 and a wall element 22, while being spaced apart from the corresponding wall element 22 by the receiving area 28. Therefore, it mates with the mating contact 64 of the connector 2 (see...). Figure 5 It can reach each contact surface 92 and is inserted into the receiving area 28 with connector 2.

[0094] Alternatively, contact element 16 may include an inwardly facing contact surface (not shown).

[0095] The cap structure 20 may further include a cap element 78, preferably for each contact element 16. The cap element 78 at least covers the tip portion 80 of the corresponding contact element 16. In particular, the cap element 78 includes a top portion 82 adjacent to the tip portion 80 of the corresponding contact element 16. The top portion 82 covers the tip portion 80 in the retraction direction 36. In other words, the top portion 82 protects the tip portion 80 from being approached from the retraction direction 36. For this purpose, the top portion 82 may be mechanically attached, glued, overmolded, or otherwise secured to the tip portion 80.

[0096] The cap element 78 may further include at least one side portion 84 extending along at least one side edge 86 of the corresponding contact element 16. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the cap element 78 may include two side portions 84 that extend in the retraction direction 36 along two opposite side edges 86 of the corresponding contact element 16. In particular, the top portion 82 and the side portions 84 may be integrally connected, thus allowing the cap element 78 to at least partially surround the corresponding contact element 16.

[0097] The top portion 82 of the cap element 78 can have a material width 88 smaller than the material width 90 of the side portion 84 of the cap element 78, and the material widths 88 and 90 are measured in a direction perpendicular to the retraction direction 36. In particular, the material widths 88 and 90 are measured in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 92 of the corresponding contact element 16. Therefore, in a cross-section perpendicular to the retraction direction 36, the cap element 78 can have a double T-shaped profile.

[0098] The wall element 22, together with the cap element 78, forms finger protection for the corresponding contact element 16. In particular, this establishes finger protection according to DIN-EN standard 60592. In other words, a finger probe (not shown) having dimensions defined in DIN-EN standard 60592 is prevented from reaching the contact surface 92 of the corresponding contact element 16 by the wall element 22 and / or the cap element 78.

[0099] Furthermore, the wall element 22, cap element 78, and cover element 30, located in the fixed position 32, together form finger protection for the corresponding contact element 16. Specifically, this establishes finger protection according to DIN-EN standard 60592 and UL standard 60950, respectively. In other words, due to the obstruction at the fixed position 32 by the wall element 22, cap element 78, and / or cover element 30, neither a finger probe with dimensions as defined in DIN-EN standard 60592 nor a finger probe 104 with dimensions as defined in UL standard 60950 can reach the contact surface 92 of the corresponding contact element 16. This is... Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, two finger probes 104, according to UL standard 60950, are prevented from entering the receiving area 28 along the retraction direction 36 and perpendicular to the retraction direction 36, respectively.

[0100] Each cap element 30 may include an aperture 94 for the corresponding contact element 16 and / or corresponding cap element 78 to pass through. The aperture 94 may in particular be a slit 96 extending in the retraction direction 36. The slit 96 is preferably thin enough to prevent any of the aforementioned finger probes from entering. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the shape of the orifice 94, achieved by the slit 96, can complement the double-T profile of the cap element 78. The orifice 94 can extend through the plate portion 72 of each cap element 30.

[0101] At least one guide groove 98 extending along the retraction direction 36 may be formed on at least one latching member 38. For example... Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of guide grooves 98 may be formed on each latching member 38. In particular, each guide groove 98 may extend from the free end 44 toward the support end 42 of the corresponding latching member 38 embodied by the cantilever baffle 40. Alternatively, the guide groove 98 may extend beyond the support end 42 in the retraction direction 36 and pass through the wall element 22.

[0102] from Figure 3 It can be further observed that the guide groove 98 can be adapted to receive the blocking feature 74 of the cover element 30. Furthermore, the guide groove 98 can be adapted to receive the deflecting element 56 of the mating connector 2. Specifically, each blocking feature 74 and each deflecting element 56 can be received in the guide groove 98.

[0103] To increase stability, the wall elements 22 can be integrally connected to each other via the connecting wall 100 (see...). Figure 2 Alternatively, cover structure 20 may include a wall element 22 for all contact elements 16. Also alternatively, cover structure 20 may include a cover element 30 for all contact elements 16.

[0104] Figure 4A cross-sectional view of a mating connector 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The mating connector 2 may include a mating housing 102 having a concave connector surface 8b configured to receive a convex connector surface 8a of an electrical connector 1.

[0105] As described above, the mating connector 2 may further include a mating contact 64 (see above). Figure 5 Preferably, the mating connector 2 includes a mating contact 64 for each contact element 16 of the electrical connector 1. Each mating contact 64 may be, for example, a fork-shaped contact 106 configured to make electrical contact with a corresponding sheet contact 18 of the electrical connector 1. Each mating contact 64 may be soldered, crimped, fused, and / or connected to a conductor (not shown) of a cable (not shown) within the mating housing 102 by any other conventional termination technique.

[0106] from Figure 4 It can also be seen that the mating connector 2 may include a mating cover 108 disposed within the recessed connector surface 8b. For each mating contact 64, the mating cover 108 may include a columnar contact shield 110 extending along the mating direction 14. Each contact shield 110 may surround the corresponding mating contact 64. Furthermore, each contact shield 110 may be formed to complement the receiving area 28 of the electrical connector 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each contact shield 110 is cuboid and box-shaped.

[0107] On the top surface 112, each contact cover 110 may have a groove 114 whose shape is complementary to the cap element 78 of the electrical connector 1. Alternatively, the shape of the groove 114 may conform to the shape of the orifice 94 of the cover element 30 of the electrical connector 1.

[0108] Figure 5 Details of a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly 4, including an electrical connector 1 and a mating connector 2, are shown. The connector assembly 4 is shown in a mating state, with the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 2 aligned along a mating direction 14. It is evident that when the corresponding contact sheath 110 is inserted into the corresponding receiving area 28 through the corresponding entry opening 62, the corresponding contact element 16 and cap element 78 pass through the slot 114. Specifically, the contact surface 92 of the corresponding contact element 16 can make electrical contact with the mating contact 64 within the corresponding contact sheath 110.

[0109] In order for the corresponding contact cover 110 to be inserted into the corresponding receiving area 28, the cover element 30, which is fixed to prevent movement in the fixed position 32, must be released. To achieve this, the mating connector 2 may further include at least one deflection element 56 for deflecting at least one latching member 38 of the electrical connector 1. The at least one deflection element 56 may be a hump-shaped or prismatic protrusion 118 formed on the contact cover 110. The protrusion 118 may include the aforementioned reverse surface 58.

[0110] Before and / or during the insertion of the corresponding contact cover 110 into the corresponding receiving area 28, the reverse surface 58 and the inclined surface 52 of at least one latching member 38 slide against each other. Because these surfaces 52, 58 extend obliquely relative to the mating direction 14, the movement of the mating connector 2 along the mating direction 14 is converted into movement of the latching member 38 perpendicular to the mating direction 14. In other words, at least one latching member 38 is wedged aside by the corresponding deflecting element 56, thereby deflecting the corresponding latching member 38 away from the corresponding cover element 30. As described above, this deflection causes the corresponding blocking surface 46 and blocking feature 74 to misalign and not abut. Therefore, the corresponding cover element 30 is released. Preferably, the cover element 30 can only be released in this manner.

[0111] Subsequently, the corresponding contact cover 110 abuts against the plate portion 72 of the corresponding cover element 30 with its top surface 112. Thus, during the engagement process, the cover element 30 is pushed and moved from the fixed position 32 to the retracted position 34.

[0112] Preferably, when at least one deflecting element 56 enters the corresponding receiving area 28 of the electrical connector 1, at least one latching member 38 is deflected only. In other words, when at least one deflecting element 56 is in the entry opening 62, at least one latching member 38 is deflected only. As the at least one deflecting element 56 moves away from the entry opening 62 toward the exit area 66, the at least one deflecting element 56 is received in a guide groove 98 formed on the corresponding latching member 38. In particular, the at least one deflecting element 56 is completely accommodated within the guide groove 98, thus preventing mechanical interference with the corresponding latching member 38.

[0113] Similarly, each blocking feature 74, realized by the pointed protrusion 76, is also received and fully accommodated within one of the guide slots 98 so as not to mechanically interfere with the corresponding latching member 38.

[0114] If the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 2 do not mate, particularly when at least one deflecting element 56 leaves the receiving area 28 through the access opening 62, the deflecting element 56 will wed the corresponding latching member 38 aside, as is the case during mating.

[0115] Furthermore, when the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 2 are not mated, all cover elements 30 preferably return from the retracted position 34 to the fixed position 32. To achieve this, each cover element 30 may include at least one capturing portion 120 for interacting with the snap-fit ​​element 122 of the mating connector 2. For example, at least one capturing portion 120 and the snap-fit ​​element 122 may form a connection, such as a snap-fit ​​connection, as... Figure 6 The cross-sectional view is shown. The mating connector 2 may include a plurality of snap-fit ​​elements 122. Therefore, each cover element 30 may include a capture portion 120 for each snap-fit ​​element 122.

[0116] The snap-fit ​​element 122 may be a hook-shaped, knob-shaped, or rib-shaped protrusion 124 formed on the mating connector 2 and pointing in the retraction direction 36. Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​element 122 may be received within a corresponding capture portion 120. Specifically, each capture portion 120 may be formed by a sidewall 126 of the cover element 30 and a flexible cantilever beam 128 extending parallel to the sidewall 126 along the retraction direction 36. The sidewall 126 and / or the cantilever beam 128 may each have a capture protrusion 130 extending toward the cantilever beam 128 or the sidewall 126, respectively. Alternatively, at least one capture portion 120 may be formed by two flexible cantilever beams (not shown) extending parallel to each other. Further alternatively, the arrangement of the snap-fit ​​element 122 and the capture portion 120 may be reversed between the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 2.

[0117] A snap-fit ​​connection can be established when the corresponding snap-fit ​​element 122 is received in the corresponding capture portion 120. This snap-fit ​​connection allows the cover element 30 to closely follow the movement of the mating connector 2 along the retraction direction 36. Specifically, the cover element 30 will not move to the retracted position 34 due to its own gravity. In other words, the cover element 30 will not fall into the exit zone 66 as long as the snap-fit ​​connection with the mating connector 2 is in place. As described above, when pushed by the mating connector 2, the cover element 30 only moves to the retracted position 34.

[0118] Therefore, when the mating connector 2 moves in the opposite retraction direction 36, for example during the pull-out process, the mating connector 2 pulls the cover element 30 out of the exit area 66 and back to the fixed position 32 via the snap-fit ​​connection. Thus, after the cover element 30 is released from the fixed position 32, a gap is always prevented between the mating connector 2 and the cover element 30.

[0119] To ensure that the corresponding snap-fit ​​element 122 is not released by the corresponding capture portion 120, the capture portion 120 can exhibit higher rigidity when the cover element 30 is in the retracted position 34 than when the cover element 30 is in the fixed position 32, unless the cover element 30 is in the fixed position 32. This can be achieved in the following way:

[0120] In the retracted position 34 of the cover element 30, the cantilever beam 128 is located within the exit area 66. Specifically, the net width 70 of the exit area 66 allows the cantilever beam 128 to rest against the wall element 22. Therefore, the movement of the cantilever beam 128 is restricted, or it completely loses its flexibility. As a result, the latching element 122 is securely held within the capturing portion 120.

[0121] In this context, the term "securely held" refers to a state in which the force required to pull the snap-fit ​​element 122 out of the corresponding catch portion 120 is greater than the weight of the cover element 30 and / or the frictional force acting between the cover element 30 and the rest of the electrical connector 1.

[0122] At the fixed position 32 of the cover element 30, the cantilever beam 128 is located within the receiving area 28. As described above, the net width of the receiving area 28 is larger than that of the exit area 66, and the cantilever beam 128 is spaced apart from the wall element 22, thereby maintaining its flexibility. Therefore, the snap-fit ​​element 122 can easily enter or exit the capturing portion 120.

[0123] It should be understood that the term "easy entry or exit" refers to a state in which the force required to insert the latching element 122 into the corresponding capture portion 120 and to pull the latching element 122 out of the corresponding capture portion 120 is less than the resistance acting between the cover element 30 and the rest of the electrical connector 1. This resistance may, for example, come from the blocking feature 74 and / or the hook-shaped anchor latch 132 (see...). Figure 1 It is formed on the cover element 30 and engaged with the wall element 22 by a latching connection.

[0124] Additionally or alternatively, an elastic position-restoring element (not shown), such as a coil spring, may be used to bias the cover element 30 toward the fixed position 32 and away from the retracted position 34.

[0125] Optionally, one of the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 2 may include a rod 134 for facilitating the mating process (see...). Figure 4 Furthermore, one of the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 2 may optionally include a sealing element 136, which is inserted between the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector 2 in the mated state (see [link to documentation]). Figure 5 and 6 ).

[0126] List of reference numerals

[0127] 1 Electrical connector

[0128] 2. Connector

[0129] 4 connector assembly

[0130] 6 Connector Housing

[0131] 8, 8a, 8b connector faces

[0132] 14. Coordination Direction

[0133] 16-contact element

[0134] 18-plate contacts

[0135] 20-lid structure

[0136] 22 wall components

[0137] 24 wall sections

[0138] 26 casing

[0139] 28 Receiving Area

[0140] 30 cover components

[0141] 32 fixed position

[0142] 34 Retracted position

[0143] 36 Retraction direction

[0144] 38 latch components

[0145] 40 cantilever stop

[0146] 42 support end

[0147] 44 free ends

[0148] 46 blocking surfaces

[0149] 48 adjacent surfaces

[0150] 50 edge

[0151] 52 bevel

[0152] 54 Importing the inclined plane

[0153] 56 deflection elements

[0154] 58 Reverse Surface

[0155] 60 outer edge

[0156] 62 Entering the opening

[0157] 64 mating contacts

[0158] 66 Exit Zone

[0159] 68 net width

[0160] 70 clear width

[0161] 72-plate section

[0162] 74 Blocking Feature Section

[0163] 76 protrusions

[0164] 78 Cap Components

[0165] 80 tip section

[0166] 82 Top Part

[0167] 84 side section

[0168] 86 side edges

[0169] 88 material width

[0170] 90 material width

[0171] 92 contact surface

[0172] 94-hole

[0173] 96 slits

[0174] 98 guide slot

[0175] 100 connecting wall

[0176] 102 Fitting Housing

[0177] 104 finger probes

[0178] 106 Fork-shaped contact

[0179] 108 Matching Cover

[0180] 110 contact cover

[0181] 112 top surface

[0182] 114 slots

[0183] 118 protrusions

[0184] 120 capture section

[0185] 122 snap-fit ​​components

[0186] 124 protrusions

[0187] 126 sidewalls

[0188] 128 cantilever beam

[0189] 130 capture protrusion

[0190] 132 Anchoring Latch

[0191] 134 strokes

[0192] 136 sealing element

Claims

1. An electrical connector (1) comprising at least one contact element (16) and a cover structure (20) for restricting access to said at least one contact element (16), wherein, The cover structure (20) includes: A wall element (22) is spaced apart and at least partially surrounds the at least one contact element (16), thereby defining a receiving area (28) between the wall element (22) and the at least one contact element (16). A cover element (30) is movable from a fixed position (32) to a retracted position (34) in a retraction direction (36) within a receiving area (28), wherein at least one contact element (16) is surrounded by the cover element (30) in the fixed position (32), and wherein the wall element (22) includes at least one deflectable latching member (38) for securing the cover element (30) in the fixed position (32). The cap element (78) is separated from the cover element (30) and fixed to at least one tip portion of the at least one contact element (16).

2. The electrical connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one contact element (16) includes at least one contact surface (92) that extends along the retraction direction (36) and is adjacent to the receiving area (28).

3. The electrical connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cover element (30) includes an aperture (94) for the at least one contact element (16) to pass through.

4. The electrical connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one guide groove (98) extending in the retraction direction (36) is formed on the at least one latching member (38).

5. The electrical connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The wall element (22) includes at least two latching members (38) arranged opposite to each other relative to the at least one contact element (16).

6. The electrical connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The outer edge (60) of the wall element (22) defines an access opening (62) leading to the receiving area (28).

7. The electrical connector (1) according to claim 6, wherein, The cover element (30) is movable between a fixed position (32) and a retracted position (34), wherein the access opening (62) is closed by the cover element (30) in the fixed position (32), and wherein the receiving area (28) is accessible through the access opening (62) when the cover element (30) is in the retracted position (34).

8. The electrical connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cover element (30) includes at least one blocking feature (74) for engaging with the at least one latching member (38).

9. The electrical connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cover element (30) includes at least one capture portion (120) for interacting with a snap-fit ​​element (122) of the mating connector (2).

10. The electrical connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cover element (30) is a single component.

11. The electrical connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The electrical connector (1) includes a connector housing (6), and the wall element (22) of the cover structure (20) is integrally connected to the connector housing (6).

12. A mating connector (2) for establishing an electrical connection with an electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The mating connector (2) includes at least one mating contact (64) configured to make electrical contact with the at least one contact element (16) of the electrical connector (1), and wherein the mating connector (2) further includes at least one deflection element (56) for deflecting the at least one latching member (38) of the electrical connector (1).

13. The mating connector (2) according to claim 12 further includes at least one snap-fit ​​element (122) pointing in the retraction direction (36) for forming a connection with the electrical connector (1).

14. A connector assembly (4) comprising an electrical connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a mating connector (2) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, When the at least one deflecting element (56) enters the receiving area (28) of the electrical connector (1), the at least one latching member (38) of the electrical connector (1) is deflected by the at least one deflecting element (56) of the mating connector (2).

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