Plug connectors and plug connector assemblies

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plug connector (1) for being plugged together with a mating plug connector (20) having a mating plug connector housing (2) along an insertion direction (Z), the plug connector (1) comprising: a plug connector housing (3); a plurality of electrical contact elements (40) arranged in the plug connector housing (3); a first lever assembly (5) for reducing operating force when the plug connector and the mating plug connector are plugged together and / or released, the first lever assembly being rotatably supported on the plug connector housing (3), wherein the first lever assembly (5) comprises: a first support arm (51) and a second support arm (52), wherein the second support arm (52) is pivotally arranged on the first support arm (51) by means of a first pivot pin (53), wherein the first pivot pin (53) is capable of being pivoted in the plug connector housing (3) substantially along the insertion direction. The invention relates to a method of moving the first guide assembly (6) between the first arm (51) and the plug connector housing (3), wherein the first guide assembly (6) has a first guide element and a first guide receiving portion for receiving the first guide element; a second guide assembly (7) between the second arm (52) and the plug connector housing (3), wherein the second guide assembly has a second guide element and a second guide receiving portion for receiving the second guide element; a first engaging element (8) arranged on the first arm (51) and configured to be embedded in a first mating element (21) on a mating plug connector housing (2); and a second engaging element (9) arranged on the second arm (52) and configured to be embedded in a second mating element (22) on a mating plug connector housing (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plug connector for plugging together with a mating plug connector along an insertion direction, for example a plug connector mounted on a cable harness, which can be plugged together with a mating plug connector of a controller of a vehicle, and to a plug connector assembly. Background Art

[0002] Plug connectors and mating plug connectors are known from the prior art in different designs. Due to the increase in the number of contact elements arranged in the plug connector, such plug connectors and mating plug connectors are becoming larger and larger and more and more (plugging) forces must be applied to plug and release the plug connection. For example, many contact elements are arranged in the plug connector, and the contact elements are respectively crimped onto the wires of the cable harness. The contact elements can be, for example, socket-type contact elements (female contact elements). When the plug connector and the mating plug connector are plugged together, the mating contact elements of the mating plug connector in the form of, for example, pins or contact blades (male mating contact elements) can be inserted into the contact elements. It goes without saying that there are also plug connectors with male contact elements and mating plug connectors with female mating contact elements.

[0003] The highest plugging forces often occur at defined plug positions. This can be, for example, a plug position at which a so-called engagement peak must be overcome. At this point, for example, a plug pin or a contact blade of a contact blade that is pushed in moves transversely to the insertion direction. The engagement peaks of all contact elements can add up and result in very high plugging forces.

[0004] In order to prevent the assembler from being exposed to excessive operating forces when plugging the plug connector and the mating plug connector together, plug connectors with lever assemblies and / or slide assemblies are known, for example, to reduce the operating forces. For example, an operating force of at most 75 N should not be exceeded.

[0005] EP 0 933 836 A2 discloses a plug-in connector in which the operating forces are to be reduced when plugged together with a corresponding mating plug-in connector by a combination of a lever and a slide actuated by the lever. However, this design requires relatively much space transversely to the plug-in direction, since the slide moves transversely to the plug-in direction during the plug-in process. Furthermore, the design of the plug-in connector with the lever and the slide is relatively complex. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a plug-in connector and a plug-in connector assembly having a plug-in connector and a mating plug-in connector, which allows reliable plugging and releasing of the plug-in connection with a simple and cost-effective design and requires reduced operating forces compared to the plug-in forces. In addition, the plug-in connector should be pluggable with a corresponding mating plug-in connector with the smallest possible operating travel, so that on the one hand the burden on the fitter is reduced and on the other hand the required installation space or operating space is as small as possible.

[0007] This object is achieved by a plug-in connector having the features of claim 1 and a plug-in connector assembly having the features of claim 12 .

[0008] The dependent claims describe preferred developments of the invention.

[0009] The plug-in connector according to the invention with the features of claim 1 therefore has the advantage that a simple and reliable connection of a plug-in connector of a plug-in connector assembly with a mating plug-in connector can be achieved. Here, when plugged together in the insertion direction Z, the electrical contacts or contact elements of the plug-in connector and the mating contacts or mating contact elements of the mating plug-in connector come into contact with each other. Here, the (operating) force required for plugging and releasing the plug connection (formed by the plug-in connector and the mating plug-in connector) can be kept below a threshold value of, for example, 75 N, for example even below a threshold value of 50 N or even, for example, below a threshold value of 40 N, wherein the number of the electrical contacts is in particular greater than 20. It is also advantageous that this reduction in operating force can be accompanied by a smaller operating stroke.

[0010] According to the invention, a lever device or a lever assembly is provided on the plug-in connector, which enables efficient force transmission during the plugging process. In particular, a particularly high reduction in operating force is achieved during the plugging section in which particularly high plugging forces occur. In other words, the lever device or the lever assembly is designed to reduce the operating force during the plugging process, in particular in a nonlinear manner or in particular by means of a variable force transmission ratio within the range of the actuation stroke.

[0011] Here, the plug connector comprises a first lever assembly, which is used to reduce the operating force when the plug connector is plugged together and / or released from the mating plug connector. The first lever assembly is rotatably arranged on the plug connector housing of the plug connector. The mating plug connector has a mating plug connector housing. The plug connector and the mating plug connector, in particular their housing parts, can be mechanically connected to each other when plugged together. The first lever assembly comprises a first arm and a second arm, wherein the second arm is pivotally arranged on the first arm by means of a first pivot pin. The first pivot pin can move or shift in a first guide cutout extending substantially along the insertion direction Z in the plug connector housing. In addition, a first guide assembly is arranged between the first arm and the plug connector housing, wherein the first guide assembly has a first guide element and a first guide receiving portion for receiving the first guide element. A second guide assembly is arranged between the second arm and the plug connector housing. The second guide assembly comprises a second guide element and a second guide receiving portion for receiving the second guide element. Furthermore, a first embedding element and a second embedding element are provided. The first embedding element is arranged on the first arm and is designed to be embedded in the first counterpart element on the mating plug connector housing. The second embedding element is arranged on the second arm and is designed to be embedded in the second counterpart element on the mating plug connector housing. Preferably, the first embedding element and the second embedding element are arranged on the free ends of the first arm and the second arm, respectively. Thus, the first embedding element and the second embedding element simultaneously contact the counterpart element on the mating plug connector housing when the plug connector housing is placed on the mating plug connector housing.

[0012] The plug-in connector or the lever assembly operates as follows. When the lever assembly is rotated (e.g. about an axis extending transversely to the insertion direction, e.g. through two longitudinal sides of the plug-in connector housing which are opposite to each other), the first arm is displaced in a direction predetermined by the first guide assembly (e.g. transversely to the insertion direction and transversely to the axis outwards) due to the first guide assembly arranged on the first arm. The first pivot pin can be used as a rotation point or a rotation axis for the rotational movement. In order to be able to move the rigid first arm in the direction predetermined by the first guide assembly, the first pivot pin is simultaneously moved or displaced in the first guide slot (e.g. from top to bottom, i.e. in the insertion direction).

[0013] In the same way, the second arm can be moved by means of the second guide assembly during a rotational movement of the first rod assembly in a desired direction, for example transversely to the insertion direction and transversely to the axis outwards, but for example in the opposite direction to the first arm.

[0014] In other words: the first guide assembly establishes the desired relative movement between the first arm and the plug connector or the plug connector housing along the desired or preferred direction. The second guide assembly establishes the desired relative movement between the second arm and the plug connector or the plug connector housing along the desired or preferred direction.

[0015] If now, when the plug-in connector and the mating plug-in connector are plugged together, the first engagement element engages into the first mating element or vice versa (the same applies to the second engagement element and the second mating element, which will not be described below), then the combined movement described above pulls the plug-in connector and the mating plug-in connector toward each other in the insertion direction and establishes the plug connection.

[0016] By the combination of the movement of the first pivot pin in the first guide notch and the movement of the first arm in the first guide assembly (and thus also the movement of the first engagement element), during the rotation of the lever assembly, the distance between the actuating end of the lever and the first counterpart element changes, and at the same time, another distance between the first pivot pin and the first counterpart element changes. The ratio of these two distances to one another results in the transmission ratio of the lever assembly and thus in the factor of the actuating force reduction. This transmission ratio can be varied, for example, as a function of the actuating stroke of the lever assembly or as a function of the rotation angle of the lever assembly.

[0017] By means of the design of the first guide assembly (and the second guide assembly) relative to the first guide notch, the transmission ratio can be varied during the rotational movement, thereby advantageously resulting in efficient operation with a very simple design when plugged together. Since the transmission ratio can be smaller on the path between the plug connector and the mating plug connector, where small plugging forces occur, a large plugging stroke can be achieved with a small rotational movement. In the plug-in sections that result in higher plugging forces, the transmission ratio can be higher, so that more precisely, a larger rotation angle is required for the same path along the insertion direction. However, the higher transmission ratio in these path sections also reduces the operating force more strongly.

[0018] The arrangement according to the invention thus advantageously enables a reduction in the operating forces required for plugging together with a very simple, robust and compact design. Advantageously, a separate sliding element or one driven by a lever assembly and / or a gear or rack arrangement can be dispensed with. Furthermore, at the same time, the operating travel required for plugging together can be advantageously reduced.

[0019] It is also advantageous if the first and second guide components as well as the first guide cutout prevent the plug-in connector and the mating plug-in connector from tilting and / or skewing (relative to each other) when they are plugged together.

[0020] In the context of the present application, the expression "having" should in principle be understood as being synonymous with the expression "comprising".

[0021] The insertion direction can be referred to as the Z direction or vertical direction in a Cartesian coordinate system, for example. The direction of the rotation axis of the first lever assembly can be referred to as the Y direction. The direction perpendicular to both the Y axis and the Z axis can be referred to as the X direction (for example, the direction along which, for example, the longitudinal sides of the plug connector housing extend).

[0022] The rotational direction of the first lever assembly, in which the plug connector and the mating plug connector can be plugged together, can be referred to as the C-direction.

[0023] A direction pointing from the outside to the interior of the plug-in connector housing transversely to the plug-in direction can be referred to as pointing radially inwards, while the opposite direction (from the inside to the outside) can be referred to as pointing radially outwards.

[0024] In this context, a statement according to which the guide arrangement is arranged between the support arm and the plug-in connector housing is to be understood such that the support arm and the plug-in connector housing interact with one another by means of the guide arrangement.

[0025] The individual engagement elements can be configured as cutouts or grooves by way of example only, and the corresponding counterpart elements can be configured as bolts or screws. In principle, the engagement elements can also be configured as bolts or screws, etc., and the counterpart elements can be configured as grooves or cutouts, recesses, etc.

[0026] The term “substantially along the insertion direction” can mean a direction extending at a magnitude of less than + / −30° relative to the insertion direction.

[0027] For example, it can be provided that the first guide cutout is arranged between the first guide component and the second guide component. This can be the case, for example, when viewed along the X axis. In this way, when the plug connection is plugged in or released, an automatic centering of the plug connector relative to the mating plug connector can advantageously be carried out. This advantageously reduces the risk of tilting or skewing and thus reduces the risk of an increase in plugging forces and / or the occurrence of transverse forces acting on the contact element. For example, it can be provided that the first guide component is identical to the second guide component in terms of its geometric dimensions or is designed in a mirror-symmetrical manner. This further facilitates automatic centering.

[0028] It is further preferred that the plug connector further comprises a second rod assembly. The second rod assembly is preferably constructed identically to the first rod assembly. The second rod assembly comprises a third arm and a fourth arm, wherein the fourth arm is arranged on the third arm by means of a second pivot pin. The second pivot pin is movably arranged in a second guide cutout extending substantially along the insertion direction in the plug connector housing. The first guide cutout and the second guide cutout are preferably oriented parallel to each other. In addition, the second rod assembly comprises a third guide assembly between the third arm and the plug connector housing, wherein the third guide assembly has a third guide element and a third guide receiving portion for receiving the third guide element. A fourth guide assembly is arranged on the second rod assembly between the fourth arm and the plug connector housing, wherein the fourth guide assembly has a fourth guide element and a fourth guide receiving portion for receiving the fourth guide element. In addition, a third fitting element and a fourth fitting element are provided. The third fitting element is arranged on the third arm and is set up for fitting into a third mating element on the mating plug connector housing. Furthermore, the fourth engagement element is arranged on the fourth leg and is designed to engage in a fourth counter element on the mating plug-type connector housing.

[0029] For example, it can be provided that the second guide cutout is arranged between the third guide component and the fourth guide component. This can be the case, for example, when viewed along the X-axis. In this way, it is advantageously possible to achieve automatic centering of the plug-in connector relative to the mating plug-in connector when the plug connection is plugged together or released. This advantageously reduces the risk of tilting or skewing and thus reduces the risk of an increase in the plugging force and / or the occurrence of transverse forces acting on the contact element. For example, it can be provided that the third guide component is designed identically or mirror-symmetrically to the fourth guide component in terms of its geometric dimensions. This further facilitates automatic centering. For example, it can be provided that all four guide components are designed identically or mirror-symmetrically to each other in terms of their geometric dimensions.

[0030] It is particularly preferred that the first and second lever components are arranged on mutually opposite sides of the plug connector housing. This advantageously enables a uniform introduction of force to be achieved by the first and second lever components during the plugging and releasing process of the plug connection. It is also advantageous that in this way the risk of tilting when plugging the plug connector and the mating plug connector together can be reduced. Finally, this advantageously enables the first and second lever components to be designed more compactly or with less material, since the operating forces are distributed over the two lever components.

[0031] Particularly preferably, each guide assembly has a pin as a guide element and a groove as a guide receptacle, wherein the position of each pin in its respective groove can be varied. This advantageously achieves a particularly simple and robust design of the guide assembly.

[0032] Here, by prescribing the shape of the groove, the transmission ratio can be formed together during the rotational movement of the rod. Thus, by such a design of the guide assembly (groove, pin), a guide assembly and a rod assembly produced therefrom that can be particularly easily implemented and adapted to different requirements (reduced operating force / reduced operating stroke) can be provided. A particularly compact structure can be achieved if pins are arranged on the arms of the rod assembly and grooves are arranged in the plug connector housing. It should be noted that the arrangement of pins and grooves can also be reversed, so that the grooves are arranged in the arms and the pins are arranged on the plug connector housing. As a guide receptacle, a guide surface can also be provided instead of a groove, along which a guide element, such as a pin or bolt or a rail, a ball of a ball bearing, etc. is guided. Such a guide receptacle can have a guide surface, such as a guardrail-like delimitation. The guide assembly or the guide receptacle can be, for example, a sliding groove structure. In addition, a groove can be arranged on one arm and a pin can be arranged on the other arm.

[0033] The slot of the guide assembly extends substantially (+ / - 30°) transversely to the insertion direction Z, ie, for example, substantially along the X direction, in particular at a right angle. The insertion direction Z is preferably a vertical direction, and the slot particularly preferably extends perpendicularly to the vertical direction in a horizontal direction (eg, the X direction).

[0034] This makes it possible to achieve a particularly simple design of the guide arrangement.

[0035] However, it should be noted that the groove can also extend at an angle of less than 90° relative to the insertion direction.

[0036] The groove can also be arranged in an arc-shaped manner, in particular with a constant radius.

[0037] In order to enable particularly simple operation, the first rod assembly and the second rod assembly are connected to each other by means of a connecting element. This results in a substantially U-shaped rod, the two arms of which form the first rod assembly and the second rod assembly.

[0038] This also advantageously reduces the risk of tilting and / or tilting when plugging together.

[0039] It is further preferred that the first guide slot and the second guide slot are designed to be rectilinear, thereby advantageously enabling a particularly simple shaping of the plug-in connector to be achieved.

[0040] In an improved solution, it is provided that the first guide cutout and the second guide cutout are arranged along the vertical direction. This advantageously enables a particularly simple shape of the plug connector. Furthermore, this advantageously enables particularly low-friction operation.

[0041] It is further preferred that the first pivot pin is arranged on the first support arm, thereby advantageously achieving a particularly stable design structure of the first support arm.

[0042] The second arm can then comprise an opening shaped according to the first pivot pin so as to pivot about the first pivot pin.

[0043] As an alternative or in addition, the second pivot pin is arranged on the third support arm. This advantageously enables a particularly stable design of the third support arm.

[0044] The fourth arm further preferably has an opening shaped according to the second pivot pin in order to be able to pivot about the second pivot pin.

[0045] In addition to different geometrical designs of the grooves of the guide arrangement (for example as straight or curved grooves), it is also preferably possible for the grooves to be arranged in a common horizontal plane or to be provided at different horizontal positions.

[0046] The guide cutout on the plug connector housing is preferably arranged in such a way that it has a lower end below the groove of the guide assembly when viewed along the insertion direction Z. It is further preferred that the guide cutout has an upper end above the groove when viewed along the insertion direction. The upper end is preferably configured with a larger cross-section than the rest of the guide cutout. It is further feasible that a laterally stepped guide surface is provided at the groove at the groove wall, and the pins each have a surrounding groove, so that the pin end is configured as a head and the surrounding groove forms a neck-shaped cutout and the head of the pin can then be guided at the guide surface. This can prevent the pin from accidentally coming loose from the guide cutout.

[0047] The invention further relates to a plug connector assembly having a plug connector according to the invention and a mating plug connector, wherein the mating plug connector has a mating plug connector housing and a mating element, such as a pin, which is provided on the mating plug connector housing for mating with an mating element of the plug connector.

[0048] Preferably, the plug connector assembly has a plurality of electrical mating contact elements on the mating plug connector, which are arranged in the mating plug connector housing and are configured to contact the electrical contact elements of the plug connector for electrical connection when the plug connector and the mating plug connector are plugged together. The mating contact elements are, for example, configured as pins or contact blades (male mating contact elements). It goes without saying that the mating contact elements can also be configured as female mating contact elements, preferably with contact tongues or contact blades, into which the contact elements of the plug connector in the form of pins or similar structures are then inserted.

[0049] It is further preferred that, for the plug connector assembly, the mating element on the mating plug connector housing is coupled with a complementary mating element structure on the plug connector housing when plugged together, and the mating element moves relative to the plug connector housing along the insertion direction when plugged together.

[0050] This advantageously reduces the risk of tilting the plug-in connector and the mating plug-in connector when they are plugged together.

[0051] For example, the counterpart element can be configured as a bolt or a projection on the counterpart plug connector housing. Then, the counterpart element structure can be configured, for example, in the form of a groove or a cutout.

[0052] The plug connector assembly is preferably used in a controller in the automotive field. The plug connector assembly according to the present invention is particularly advantageous when plugging a cable harness having a large number of electrical contacts (especially more than 20 contacts, more preferably more than 50 contacts, more preferably more than 100 contacts) so that the plug connection can be plugged in and released with a force expenditure of less than or equal to 75 N. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a plug connector without a cover is shown,

[0055] Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a mating plug connector,

[0056] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram of a rod assembly of a plug connector,

[0057] Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of a plug connector assembly in a state where it has not yet been plugged together,

[0058] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 Schematic side view of a plug connector assembly, wherein the plug connector is placed on a mating plug connector, wherein the plug-in process has not yet started,

[0059] Figures 7 to 10 shows different sectional views of a plug connector housing or a lever assembly of the plug connector in parallel planes,

[0060] Fig.11 Shows Figure 1 Schematic, partially cutaway illustration of a side view of a plug connector housing,

[0061] Figure 12 to Figure 14 A schematic diagram showing the movement process of the lever assembly in different lever positions during the process of plugging the plug connector and the mating plug connector together,

[0062] Fig.15 The only diagram shows Figure 12 to Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the movement process of the rod assembly in, the only illustration showing different angular positions of the rod assembly,

[0063] Fig.16 Schematic diagrams and tables are shown which show the ratio V of a first length A from the first rod end to the mating element on the mating plug connector to a second length B of the guide element of the guide assembly to the mating element during the plug-in process,

[0064] Fig.17 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a plug connector assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

[0065] Fig.18 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a plug connector assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention,

[0066] Fig.19 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a plug connector assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention,

[0067] Figure 20 to Figure 23 A schematic diagram showing other alternatives of the plug connector assembly, and

[0068] Fig.24 A schematic diagram showing a plug connector assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Refer to the following Figures 1 to 16 The plug connector assembly 100 having the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 20 will be described in detail.

[0070] The plug connector assembly 100 can be used, for example, in the automotive field. The plug connector 1 can be, for example, a plug connector at the end of a cable harness of a motor vehicle. The mating plug connector 20 can be arranged, for example, on a control unit.

[0071] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be seen that the electrical plug connector assembly 100 includes a plug connector 1 ( Figure 1 ) and the mating plug connector 20 ( Figure 2 The plug-in connector 1 and the mating plug-in connector 20 are designed to be complementary to one another and are configured to be plugged together along the plug-in direction Z ( Figure 5 ).

[0072] The plug connector 3 has a plug connector housing 3 in which a plurality of electrical contact elements 40 are arranged. The contact elements are arranged here, for example, in contact cavities 42 inside the plug connector housing 3. Wires 43 can be fixed to the contact elements 40, for example, by crimping. The wires 43 together form a cable harness (not shown here), at the end of which the plug connector 1 is arranged. The cable harness can be connected from the side of the plug connector 1, for example, by means of Figure 5 The cover 30 shown in FIG. 1 is led out of the plug-in connector 1 .

[0073] The mating plug connector 20 has a mating plug connector housing 2. A plurality of mating contact elements 41 are arranged in the mating plug connector housing 2. These mating contact elements can be made, for example, as contact blades or pins. In the present embodiment, four mating elements 21, 22, 23, 24 are arranged on the outer side of the mating plug connector housing 2, and two mating elements are arranged on each longitudinal side of the mating plug connector housing 2.

[0074] The plug connector 1 is arranged along the insertion direction Z (see Figure 5 ) is placed on the mating plug connector 20 ( Figure 6 ) and is then plugged further onto the mating plug connector 20 by means of a lever arrangement or a lever assembly, wherein an electrical contact is established between the electrical contact element 40 and the electrical mating contact element 41.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the plug-in direction Z is vertical, wherein here the plug-in connector 1 moves only in the vertical direction relative to the mating plug-in connector 20 during the entire plug-in process. As a result, no transverse forces are applied, for example, to the electrical contact element 40 and the electrical mating contact element 41 during the plug-in process. In addition, in contrast to solutions in which the force conversion is effected by a sliding element movable along the X axis, for example, the operating force is further reduced. This is because in the solution using a sliding element, due to the transverse forces (in the X direction), increased frictional forces also occur during the plug-in process along the plug-in direction Z. The same applies to the process of releasing (separating) the plug-in connector assembly.

[0076] The plug-in connector 1 here also comprises a first lever assembly 5 and a second lever assembly 15 for reducing the operating force when plugging and / or releasing the plug-in connector and the mating plug-in connector, which are rotatably mounted on the plug-in connector housing 3. In principle, it is also possible to provide only one (first) lever assembly 5. The first and second lever assemblies 5, 15 are connected to each other at one end of the lever by a connecting element 50 in the form of a bridge (see Figure 6 The first and second lever components 5 , 15 are here respectively arranged on the side surfaces of the plug-in connector housing 3 , so that a uniform introduction of the lever forces can be achieved during the plug-in process and during the release of the plug-in connection.

[0077] The first rod assembly 5 and the second rod assembly 15 are technically identical in the present embodiment. Figure 3 and Figure 4 It can be seen that the first lever assembly 5 comprises a first support arm 51 and a second support arm 52. The second support arm 52 is here exemplarily shorter than the first support arm 51. In the present embodiment, the second support arm 52 is pivotably arranged on the first support arm 51 by means of a first pivot pin 53. It goes without saying that the first pivot pin can also be arranged on the second support arm 52 and, for example, arranged or fixed in an opening of the first support arm 51. The first pivot pin 53 can also be provided, for example, as a separate element, which is inserted through the openings in the first support arm 51 and the second support arm 52 or fixed there.

[0078] The second lever assembly 15 comprises a third arm 151 and a fourth arm 152. The fourth arm 152 is here exemplarily shorter than the third arm 151. The fourth arm 152 is pivotably arranged on the third arm 151 by means of a second pivot pin 153.

[0079] If further Figure 3 and Figure 4It can be seen that each of the rod assemblies 5, 15 has an engagement element 8, 9, 18, 19. More precisely, a first engagement element 8 is arranged on the free end of the first branch arm 51, and a second engagement element 9 is arranged on the second branch arm 52. A third engagement element 18 is arranged on the third branch arm 151, and a fourth engagement element 19 is arranged on the fourth branch arm 152. The four engagement elements 8, 9, 18, 19 are configured in the present embodiment as a gripper with fixed jaws, wherein cutouts or grooves or recesses of the respective engagement elements 8, 9, 18, 19 are respectively provided between the jaws. These engagement elements 8, 9, 18, 19 are then embedded with cutouts in the mating elements 21, 22, 23, 24 configured on the mating plug connector housing 2 (see Figure 2 ). Here, the mating plug connector 20 has a first mating element 21 and a second mating element 22 on a first side. On a second side opposite to the first side, the mating plug connector 20 has a third mating element 23 and a fourth mating element 24. In the present embodiment, the mating elements are constructed all identically only by way of example. They are formed here in the form of cylindrical bolts, here in the form of cylindrical bolts. Other basic shapes are also possible, such as rectangular, elliptical and other basic shapes. Here, the bolts are placed on a base by way of example, which has a roughly rectangular cross section (cuboid shape) here. Here, the longitudinal axis of the base is oriented along the insertion direction Z. Here, the base is rounded, for example, at its upper and lower ends. Here, the base can have two functions: On the one hand, the base stabilizes the bolts of the mating elements 21, 22, 23, 24, because these bolts no longer protrude so far from the plug connector housing 3 with a thin cross section. On the other hand, the base can cause improved guidance in the mating element structure.

[0080] from Figures 7 to 10 The other structures of the plug connector 1 and the interaction with the mating plug connector 20 are shown in FIG. Figures 7 to 10 1 and 2 show vertical sections through the rod assembly or the plug connector housing 3 at different depths. In this case, in particular, the second rod assembly 15 and its elements are shown. However, the description can be transferred to the first rod assembly 5.

[0081] So outside Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Fig.24 It can be seen that each rod assembly 5, 15 has a guide assembly between each arm and the plug connector housing 3. In more detail, the first guide assembly 6 (see Fig.24 ) is arranged between the first arm 51 and the plug connector housing 3. The second guide assembly 7 (see Fig.24 ) is disposed between the second arm 52 and the plug connector housing 3. The third guide assembly 16 (see, for example Figure 8 and Fig.10 ) is disposed between the third arm 151 and the plug connector housing 3. The fourth guide assembly 17 (see, for example Figure 8 and Fig.10 ) is arranged between the fourth arm 152 and the plug connector housing 3. The third guide assembly and the fourth guide assembly 16, 17 are composed of Figure 8 and Fig.10 visible.

[0082] Each of the four guide assemblies 6, 7, 16, 17 here has, by way of example, a pin 10 which is guided in a groove 11 which forms a guide receptacle for the pin 10. In a first embodiment, the groove 11 is oriented in the horizontal direction (along the X direction). The pin 10 is merely exemplarily designed in a cylindrical shape, for example in a cylindrical shape here. The four guide assemblies ensure the relative movement between the rod assemblies 5, 15 (in particular their arms 51, 52, 151, 152) and the plug connector housing 3 in cooperation with the two pivot pins 53, 153. And therefore also the relative movement between the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 20 along the insertion direction Z is ensured. As shown by Figure 8 It can be seen that two grooves 11 are provided in the plug connector housing 3 on the left and right sides of the second guide cutout 33. In the same way, the first guide cutout 32 and groove 11 are also provided in the first rod assembly 5 arranged on the other side of the plug connector housing 3.

[0083] Figure 7 and Figure 8 Two different sectional views of the plug connector assembly 100 are shown in the unclosed state. The state at the beginning of the plugging together process is shown.

[0084] As in Figure 7 As shown in FIG, after the plug connector 1 is placed on the mating plug connector 20, the engagement elements 8, 9, 18, 19 are embedded in the corresponding mating elements 21, 22, 23, 24. Figure 7 The position between the plug-in connector 1 and the mating plug-in connector 20 is shown in which the lever arrangement has been slightly pivoted (arrow C) and the engagement elements 8, 9, 18, 19 engage in the mating elements 21, 22, 23, 24. In this case, the pivot pins 53, 153 are already slightly guided in the guide cutouts 32, 33 in the insertion direction Z (i.e. slightly moved downwards in the figure).

[0085] It can be clearly seen that the pin 10 is supported in the groove 11 of the third guide assembly 16 and in the groove 11 of the fourth guide assembly 17, respectively, at its end facing the second guide slot 33. When the second lever device or the second lever assembly 15 is further rotated or pivoted in the rotation direction (see arrow C), the two pins 10 move further and further away from the second guide slot 33 and outward (along the X axis). At the same time, the second pivot pin 153 continues to move downwards due to the movement of the third and fourth arms 151, 152, which are connected to the pin 10, forced by the guide assemblies 16, 17.

[0086] In this case, the mating elements 21, 22, 23, 24 not only engage in the engagement elements 8, 9, 18, 19, which pull the plug connector 1 onto the mating plug connector 20 when the lever device is further rotated or pivoted. The engagement elements are also guided into the first to fourth mating element structures 27, 28 (see also Fig.11 ) (the first and second mating element structures are not visible in the figure shown here). The third and fourth mating element structures 27, 28 are designed here as grooves or cutouts 12 in the plug-in connector housing 3 and extend in the insertion direction Z. In this way, the non-skewed, guided, uniform plugging together of the plug-in connector 1 and the mating plug-in connector 20 is improved. The same applies to the first and second mating element structures, which are not visible here.

[0087] exist Figure 7 in (also as in Fig. 9 As in FIG. 1 , the pin 10 and the slot 11 covered by the arms 151 , 152 and the upper portion of the second guide cutout 33 are drawn in dotted lines.

[0088] then Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The end position of the plug connector assembly 100 is shown, in which the plug connector 1 is completely plugged into the mating plug connector 20 and the electrical contact is completed. Fig. 9It can be seen that the engagement elements 8, 9, 18, 19 of the first and second lever assemblies 5, 15 are pivoted beyond the horizontal position, thereby reaching a locked position of the plug connection between the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 20, in which an accidental release of the plug connection is impossible. In this position, the engagement elements 8, 9, 18, 19 are completely embedded in the mating elements 21, 22, 23, 24, which are then located at the end of the groove or cutout between the clamp-like claws or jaws of the engagement elements 8, 9, 18, 19 (see Fig. 9 ).exist Fig.10 FIG. 1 shows the position of the pin 10 in the slot 11, which corresponds to the position of the plug connector assembly 100. Fig. 9 The position corresponds to Fig.10 It can be seen that the counter elements 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 are positioned adjacent to the pin 10 here.

[0089] Furthermore, it can be clearly seen that the second pivot pin 153 has moved into the second guide cutout 33 to the lower end 33 c thereof.

[0090] The arrangement and shape of the third and fourth guide components 16, 17 and the second guide slot 33 are selected such that a particularly variable actuation force reduction and a non-jamming rotation of the second lever component 15 are achieved. The same applies analogously to the first lever component 5 and its elements.

[0091] Furthermore, four vertical cutouts 12 are provided in the plug connector housing 3 , in which the mating elements 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 can each be moved in a vertical direction, i.e., in the insertion direction Z. This means again that during the plug-in process, the plug connector 1 is plugged onto the mating plug connector 20 only in the insertion direction Z, so that the electrical contact elements 40 and the electrical mating contact elements 41 are not subjected to radial forces, but only to forces in the insertion direction Z.

[0092] Fig.11 The inner wall of the connector housing 3 facing the interior of the connector housing 3 is shown as an example, in which the second guide cutouts 33 of the third and fourth guide components 16, 17 and two grooves 11 extending horizontally in the X direction and the two grooves of the third and fourth counterpart element structures 27, 28 extending vertically in the insertion direction Z are formed. The opposite wall having the first guide cutouts 32 and the first and second guide components 6, 7 can be formed similarly.

[0093] To ensure reliable guidance during the plugging process, e.g. Fig.11As shown in the example for one side of the plug connector 1, guide surfaces 33a are provided at the guide slots 33 along the slot walls of the guide slots 33. These guide surfaces 33a can be formed, for example, by steps in the wall.

[0094] At the upper, here closed, end 33b, the second guide slot 33 has here, by way of example, an increased diameter. The second pivot pin 153 can be inserted from the outside radially inward through this upper end 33b. The second pivot pin 153 can here have a cover which has an increased diameter relative to the directly adjacent region of the bolt (see also Figure 3 and Figure 4 ). The cover can then slide downwards with its side facing the bolt on the guide surface 33a. Due to the increased diameter of the cover, the second pivot pin 153 can advantageously no longer slide radially outwards from the interior after being moved away from the upper end 33b of the second guide slot 33. Furthermore, it is advantageously possible to achieve, by means of the cover and the guide surface set back in the wall, that the second pivot pin 153 does not or only very little protrude into the interior of the plug connector housing 3.

[0095] Furthermore, the enlarged upper end 33b advantageously reduces the risk of damaging the second pivot pin 153 when the lever device or the second lever assembly 15 is mounted on the plug connector housing 3. Since the second pivot pin must be mounted on the plug connector housing 3 in a rotatable and movably manner, it can be plugged easily and non-destructively through the widened upper end 33b in this way. Fig.11 The arrangement of the vertical cutouts 12 relative to the grooves 11 , here at a right angle, is also shown in detail again.

[0096] Note again that Figures 7 to 11 Only one side of the plug connector 1 is shown and described, but the Figures 7 to 11 The opposite side where the first rod assembly 5 is arranged is constructed in the same manner as the side shown in FIG.

[0097] So outside Figure 8 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 It can be seen that the guide cutouts 32, 33 have such a length in the vertical direction that the lower end 33c of the second guide cutout 33 is located below the groove 11, which is here exemplarily part of the third and fourth guide components 16, 17. As a result, the rod arrangement with the first rod component 5 and the second rod component 15 can be pressed downwards over a horizontal plane, so that the locking position of the rod arrangement can be achieved when the plug connector 1 is plugged into the mating plug connector 20. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 This state is shown in . The final position can preferably be further locked, for example by a latching engagement or the like.

[0098] Again with the help of Figures 12 to 16 The function of a plug-in connector assembly 100 according to the invention having a plug-in connector 1 according to the invention is explained schematically.

[0099] Fig.12 The schematic diagram shows the initial position before the plug-in process. The plug connector 1 is placed on the mating plug connector 20 so that the four engagement elements 8, 9, 18, 19 are located on the four pin-shaped mating elements 21, 22, 23, 24. The plug connector 1 is then moved in the insertion direction Z so that the engagement elements 8, 9, 18, 19 are placed against the mating elements 21, 22, 23, 24, as in Fig.12 As schematically indicated by the paired elements 23 ', 24 ' drawn with dashed lines. Fig.13 As indicated by arrow C in FIG. 1 , the first and second lever components 5, 15 are rotated (here in the counterclockwise direction). As a result, on the one hand, the relative position of the pin 10 with respect to the slot 11 is changed (the pin 10 is respectively moved outward from the center), and on the other hand, the engagement elements 8, 9, 18, 19 engage with the counterpart elements 21, 22, 23, 24. The first and second pivot pins 53, 153 move vertically downward (along the insertion direction Z) in the first or second guide cutouts 32, 33 in the insertion direction Z. In this case, Fig.13 A state is shown in FIG. 1 , in which the angle α between the first arm or the third arm 151 and the horizontal plane changes from Fig.12 The initial state in the example decreases by about 10°.

[0100] Then, Fig.14 The final position of the plugged-in plug connector 1 in the mating plug connector 20 is shown. Here, the pivot or the first and second pivot pins 53, 153 are moved in the insertion direction Z over the horizontal plane E in which the groove 11 is arranged, thereby locking the plug connection. The first and second pivot pins 53, 153 are therefore below the horizontal plane E. The lever arrangement has therefore been transferred into the over-compressed state.

[0101] Fig.15 and Fig.16 The connection process between the plug-in connector 1 and the mating plug-in connector 20 is shown again.

[0102] Fig.15Starting from an angle α equal to 40°, the first spacing A between the free end 151A of the third arm 153 and the center point of the third mating element 23 is shown here in steps of 10°. This first spacing is Fig.15 represented in accordance with the step of 10° by A40, A30, A20, A10, A0, and A-10 (A minus 10°) in

[0103] In addition, in Fig.15 the second spacing B between the center of the pin 10 and the center of the third mating element 23 is shown starting from B40 also in steps of 10° by B30, B20, B10, B0, and B-10 (B minus 10°). The positions A-10 and B-10 here represent the locked plugged-in positions corresponding to Fig.14 between the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 20. In addition, in Fig.15 the position of the second pivot pin 153 in the second guide cutout 33 is also shown respectively in accordance with the rotation of the rod device in steps of 10°.

[0104] In Fig.16 the table, the ratio V = A / B composed of the first spacing A and the second spacing B is shown respectively in accordance with the angle α between the third arm 151 and the horizontal plane. This ratio corresponds to the force transmission ratio generated by the rod assemblies 5, 15. For example, a ratio of V = 2 means that the operating force (without friction losses) is reduced to half with respect to the plugging force (the operating stroke is correspondingly extended to twice the plugging stroke).

[0105] Here, a diagram of the ratio V = A / B with respect to the angle α in degrees is shown in the table in Fig.16 . It can be seen here that for this embodiment, the maximum ratio exists in the range of α = 0°. That is, when the rod assemblies 5, 15 are oriented parallel to the horizontal plane E, at an angle α = 0°, the force transmission ratio will be the largest. In the embodiment shown here, the plugging process is completely ended at this angle, so that the electrical contact element 40 is in full contact with the electrical mating contact element 41. Then, the plugging process continues until the angle α = -10° in order to lock the plug connection.

[0106] In addition, from Fig.16It is clear from the diagram that, due to the ratio V=A / B which varies within a decreasing angular range, the maximum lever force exists within the range of an angle α of ±0°. In other words, when the plug-in connector 1 is plugged into the mating plug-in connector 20 and the lever assembly 5, 15 is actuated, the lever transmission ratio increases continuously from α=40° to α=0°. This is particularly advantageous because the necessary plug-in force during plugging together becomes increasingly greater as the travel along the insertion direction Z increases (the plug-in force can be composed, for example, of the contact force for contacting the contact element 40 with the mating contact element 41, the force for overcoming the increased internal pressure in the sealed plug connection in the case of an unvented plug-in connector housing, etc.). The plug-in connector 1 according to the invention can therefore optimally support the plug-in process and the application of force by the user by continuously varying the lever ratio within the range of the plug-in travel. As a result, even when the plug-in force increases, the operating force of the assembler can be kept below a defined threshold without the operating travel increasing too much. Therefore, the support for the user of the plug connector assembly 100 is greatest if the force required for inserting the plug connector 1 into the counterpart plug connector 20 is greatest. This is particularly advantageous for plug connector assemblies having a large number of electrical contacts or contact elements.

[0107] As mentioned above, as the transmission ratio increases, the actuation travel increases. By means of the variable, non-linear or non-constant lever transmission ratio present here, a double advantage is achieved with simple measures.

[0108] On the one hand, it is ensured that the actuating force is kept below a critical threshold value (e.g. 75 N or 50 N or 40 N) at every position of the plugging stroke by means of a variable transmission ratio. At the same time, however, in sections of the plugging stroke in which the plugging force is not so high, the actuating stroke can be shortened by means of a smaller lever transmission ratio compared to the actuating stroke in the case of the highest transmission ratio. Depending on the plug-in connector assembly, this variable lever transmission ratio, which is advantageously completely achieved without a gear, rack or sliding element, can be adapted with little effort to the desired boundary conditions in terms of actuating force and actuating stroke by means of a suitable shaping of the guide assembly and the guide cutouts and by means of their relative arrangement to one another.

[0109] Fig.17 FIG. 1 shows a plug connector 1 and a plug connector assembly 100 according to a preferred second embodiment of the present invention, wherein components having the same or functional characteristics are denoted by the same reference numerals. Different from the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the arrangement of the mating elements on the plug connector 1 and the arrangement of the geometrically corresponding mating elements on the mating plug connector 20 are opposite. Fig.17 As shown in the figure, as the engagement elements on the third and fourth arms 151, 152, for example cylindrical or circular pins 18a, 19a are provided here, which are embedded in the correspondingly geometrically designed clamp-shaped or notch-shaped or groove-shaped mating elements 23a, 24a on the mating plug-in connector 20 or the mating plug-in connector housing 2. Fig.17 Only a diagram of the second lever assembly 15 is shown schematically. However, the first lever assembly 5 of the second exemplary embodiment is constructed in the same manner as the second lever assembly 15. Otherwise, this exemplary embodiment corresponds to the preceding exemplary embodiment, so that reference can be made to the description given there.

[0110] Fig.18 and Fig.19 A third and a fourth embodiment of the invention are shown, wherein identical or functionally identical components are again denoted by the same reference numerals. Fig.18 In the third embodiment, the third engagement element and the fourth engagement element are configured with arc-shaped free ends, which are bent inwardly in the direction of the second pivot pin 153 or in the direction of the second guide slot 33 .

[0111] exist Fig.19 In the fourth embodiment of FIG. 1 , the third and fourth engagement elements 18 , 19 are also configured with arcuate ends, but these arcuate ends are bent outwards, ie away from the second guide slot 33 , at their free ends.

[0112] exist Figure 20 to Figure 23 Further alternative embodiments are schematically shown in FIG.

[0113] exist Fig. 20 and Fig.21 In the embodiment, the groove 11 in the plug connector housing 3 is no longer made horizontally, but extends linearly at a predetermined angle, preferably 15°, relative to the horizontal plane extending along the X direction. Fig. 22 and Fig.23 In the embodiment, the groove 11 is formed to be concave once and convex once in an arc shape relative to the horizontal plane.

[0114] By this angled arrangement of the straight slots ( Fig. 20 and Fig.21 ) or the arc-shaped arrangement of the groove 11 ( Fig. 22 and Fig.23), the lever force during the plugging stroke can be influenced in a targeted manner. This is advantageous, for example, when the electrical contact element 40 has, for example, electrical tongues or contact pieces, which must be pressed by the electrical mating contact element 41 during the plugging process. As a result, the force to be applied for the plugging process (engagement peak) can be significantly increased, which can be adapted by a clever geometric design of the groove 11 so that the highest lever transmission ratio (and therefore the lowest relative actuating force) is present when the highest insertion force or plugging force is required to perform the plugging process.

[0115] Fig.24 A plug-in connector 1 of a plug-in connector assembly 100 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention is shown. Identical or functionally identical components are again denoted by the same reference numerals. The fifth embodiment corresponds essentially to the first embodiment, wherein, in contrast to the first embodiment, the first pivot pin 53, the pin 10 and the first engagement element 8 are no longer located on a common straight line. In other words: the pin 10 can, for example, be arranged eccentrically with respect to the cutout of the first engagement element 8. As shown by Fig.24 It can be seen that in particular the connection between the pin 10 and the first engagement element 8 or the (further) pin 10 and the second engagement element 9 is embodied at an angle or eccentrically. As a result, the forces required for carrying out the plug-in process can be further reduced. Fig.24 Here, a state of the plug-in process is shown in which the plug-in connector 1 has just been placed on the mating connector 20 , so that the engagement elements 8 , 9 are in contact with the corresponding mating elements 21 , 22 .

[0116] Fig.24 Once again, only one side of the plug-in connector 1 is shown on the first lever assembly 5. The second side of the plug-in connector 1 having the second lever assembly 15 is designed identically and will not be described in detail again.

[0117] With regard to the described exemplary embodiments it should be noted that various combinations are of course possible. Fig. 20 , Fig.21 , Fig. 22 and Fig.23 The groove 11 shown in FIG. 1 can be used in all described exemplary embodiments.

[0118] It is also possible that Fig.18 , Fig.19 and Fig.24 The engagement elements shown in FIG. 1 can be used in all described exemplary embodiments.

[0119] It should also be noted that it is also possible that the groove 11 is not arranged in the plug connector housing 3 but on the lever assembly 5, 15, and the pin 10 is then arranged on the plug connector housing 3. In other words, the guide assembly 6, 7, 16, 17 and the engagement element 8, 9, 18, 19 arranged on the lever assembly 5, 15 and the plug connector housing 3 can also be arranged on another component.

[0120] Furthermore, it goes without saying that all embodiments can also be constructed with only a single rod assembly. The illustration of the second rod assembly 15 does not mean that two rod assemblies 5 , 15 must necessarily be provided.

[0121] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the guide components or guide receptacles arranged on the same longitudinal side of the plug connector housing 3, which are designed here as grooves by way of example, do not have to be arranged at the same height (i.e. viewed along the Z axis). For example, it can be meaningful if the counterpart elements 21, 22 or 23, 24 arranged on the same longitudinal side of the plug connector housing 3 are arranged at different heights (relative to the Z axis). In the same way, the first and second guide cutouts 32, 33 can also extend (slightly) obliquely with respect to the insertion direction Z, for example, at an inclination of less than 30°, preferably less than 15°, particularly preferably less than 10°.

[0122] Compared to a plug-in connector having a lever assembly which has a sliding groove structure in order to variably reduce the plug-in force, the proposed plug-in connector has the advantage that the frictional forces during operation are significantly reduced.

[0123] Compared to plug-in connectors with sliding elements for reducing the operating forces, the proposed plug-in connector has the advantage that the frictional forces during operation are significantly reduced. In addition, the proposed solution has a self-centering effect when plugging together and / or releasing, thereby reducing the risk of tilting or tilting when the plug-in connection is plugged together or released.

[0124] Compared to plug-in connectors with a lever assembly for reducing the actuating forces, which is formed by meshing gearwheels, the proposed plug-in connector has the advantage that a variable transmission ratio can be set with simple measures and low friction and can be adapted to the respective application purpose.

Claims

1. A plug-in connector (1) for being plugged together with a mating plug-in connector (20) having a mating plug-in connector housing (2) along an insertion direction (Z), the plug-in connector (1) comprising: - a plug connector housing (3); A plurality of electrical contact elements (40) arranged in the plug connector housing (3); a first lever assembly (5), which is used to reduce the operating force when the plug connector is plugged together and / or released from the mating plug connector, and the first lever assembly is rotatably supported on the plug connector housing (3), - wherein the first rod assembly (5) comprises: a first arm (51) and a second arm (52), wherein the second arm (52) is pivotably arranged on the first arm (51) by means of a first pivot pin (53), wherein the first pivot pin (53) is movable in a first guide slot (32) in the plug connector housing (3) and extending substantially in the insertion direction (Z); a first guide assembly (6) located between the first arm (51) and the plug connector housing (3), wherein the first guide assembly (6) comprises a first guide element and a first guide receiving portion for receiving the first guide element; a second guide assembly (7) between the second arm (52) and the plug connector housing (3), wherein the second guide assembly comprises a second guide element and a second guide receiving portion for receiving the second guide element; a first engagement element (8) which is arranged on the first arm (51) and is designed to engage in a first counterpart element (21) on the counterpart plug-in connector housing (2); and A second engagement element (9) which is arranged on the second leg (52) and is designed to engage in a second counterpart element (22) on the counterpart plug-type connector housing (2).

2. The plug connector according to claim 1, further comprising a second rod assembly (15), the second rod assembly having: a third arm (151) and a fourth arm (152), wherein the fourth arm (152) is arranged on the third arm (151) by means of a second pivot pin (153), wherein the second pivot pin (153) is movably arranged in a second guide slot (33) extending substantially along the insertion direction (Z) in the plug connector housing (3); a third guide assembly (16) between the third arm (151) and the plug connector housing (3), wherein the third guide assembly comprises a third guide element and a third guide receiving portion for receiving the third guide element, a fourth guide assembly (17) between the fourth arm (152) and the plug connector housing (3), wherein the fourth guide assembly comprises a fourth guide element and a fourth guide receiving portion for receiving the fourth guide element, a third engagement element (18) which is arranged on the third leg (151) and is designed to engage in a third counterpart element (23) on the counterpart plug-in connector housing (2), and A fourth engagement element (19) which is arranged on the fourth leg (152) and is designed to engage in a fourth counter element (24) on the counter connector housing (2).

3. The plug-in connector according to claim 2, wherein the guide components (6, 7, 16, 17) each have a pin (10) as a guide element and a groove (11) as a guide receptacle, wherein the position of the pin (10) in the groove (11) can be varied.

4. The plug connector according to claim 3, wherein the pins (10) are respectively arranged on the support arms (51, 52, 151, 152), and the grooves (11) are respectively arranged in the plug connector housing (3).

5. The plug connector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the groove (11) extends substantially transversely to the insertion direction (Z).

6. The plug connector according to claim 5, wherein the groove (11) extends at a right angle.

7. The plug connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first rod assembly (5) and the second rod assembly (15) are connected to each other by means of a connecting element (50).

8. The plug-in connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first guide slot and the second guide slot (32, 33) are designed to be rectilinear.

9. The plug connector according to claim 8, wherein the first and second guide cutouts (32, 33) are arranged along the insertion direction (Z).

10. The plug connector according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first pivot pin (53) is arranged on the first arm (51), and wherein the second pivot pin (153) is arranged on the third arm (151).

11. The plug connector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the guide component (6, 7, 16, 17) has a straight groove (11), or wherein the guide component has an arc-shaped groove.

12. A plug connector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the guide cutout (32, 33) has a lower end when viewed along the insertion direction (Z), and the lower end is below the groove (11), and / or wherein the guide cutout (32, 33) has an upper end when viewed along the insertion direction (Z), and the upper end is above the groove (11).

13. A plug connector assembly having: - A plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and - a mating plug connector (20), The mating plug-in connector (20) has a mating plug-in connector housing (2) with mating elements (21, 22, 23, 24).

14. A plug connector assembly according to claim 13, wherein the mating plug connector (20) has a plurality of electrical mating contact elements, which are arranged in the mating plug connector housing (2) and are configured to contact the electrical contact elements of the plug connector (1) when the plug connector and the mating plug connector are plugged together.

15. The plug connector assembly according to claim 13 or 14, - wherein the mating elements (21, 22, 23, 24) on the mating plug connector housing (2) couple with complementary mating element structures (12) on the plug connector housing (3) when plugged together, and The counterpart elements (21, 22, 23, 24) are displaced relative to the plug-in connector housing along the plug-in direction (Z) when plugged together.

Images