Shell assembly for connector, connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a housing assembly (1) for an electrical connector (2) which can be mated with a mating connector (6), where the housing assembly (1) comprises a connector housing (16) and a cover element (12) attachable to the connector housing (16), where the housing assembly (1) further comprises at least two outlet openings (36) for the passage of electrical wires (3), wherein the at least two outlet openings (36) are at an angle of 90 DEG or greater to each other, and wherein at least one of the outlet openings (36) is jointly formed by the connector housing (16) and the cover element (12). Advantageously, due to the outlet opening, at least two wire outlet directions can be easily achieved. The invention further relates to an electrical connector having such a housing assembly and to a connection assembly comprising such an electrical connector and a mating connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a housing assembly for an electrical connector, such as a plug, a socket or a header for automotive applications. In addition, the invention relates to an electrical connector having such a housing assembly. In addition, the invention relates to a connection assembly comprising such an electrical connector and a mating connector.

[0002] However, the applicability of the inventive concept is neither limited to electrical connectors nor to the automotive field. For example, the inventive concept can also be used for other types of connectors, such as optical connectors, and can be extended to other applications in the engineering field. Background Art

[0003] In applications involving power and / or electrical signal transmission, spaced-apart technical units may have to be electrically connected in a detachable manner via cables or wires using electrical connectors. Here, the term wire shall also include cables, which themselves in the context of this application include at least one wire.

[0004] In systems that include branched networks with multiple such technology units, wires often need to be run from the same "origin" unit to various "destination" units. For example, the origin unit may be part of an interface, while the destination units are distributed around the system and require electrical power and / or electrical signals to pass through the interface.

[0005] Typically, each end of the wire has only one connector connected to the original unit. Therefore, for each target unit, a separate connector needs to be connected to the original unit. In highly complex and distributed systems, this approach excessively increases the number of required connectors.

[0006] Another conventional approach is to have a single connector from which the wire extends. The wire is then split into multiple "branches" along the path to the corresponding target unit. The effort of routing the wire and all of its branches results in a huge consumption of materials, time, and space.

[0007] Technical objectives to be addressed

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to improve the handling of electrical connectors in general and to facilitate the routing of electrical wires of the electrical connectors in particular. Summary of the invention

[0009] This object is achieved by a housing assembly for an electrical connector, which can be mated with a mating connector, wherein the housing assembly includes a connector housing and a cover element that can be attached to the connector housing, wherein the housing assembly also includes at least two outlet openings for allowing wires of the electrical connector to pass through, wherein at least two outlet openings are at an angle of 90° or more to each other, and wherein at least one of the outlet openings is formed jointly by the connector housing and the cover element.

[0010] The wires may each be part of a cable leading out of the housing assembly. The outlet openings at an angle of 90° or more face in different directions, which together form an angle of 90° or more. In other words, the outlet openings are at an angle of 90° or more. The cover element attachable to the connector housing may be attached, for example, by latching, threading, pressing and / or gluing.

[0011] The above solution is advantageous because at least two wire exit directions can be easily realized due to the outlet opening. There is no need to separate the wires further along the path nor to use a separate connector for each wire. All of this can advantageously be done with the same connector having a housing assembly according to the invention.

[0012] Furthermore, the outlet opening formed by the connector housing and the cover element together provides the advantage that the corresponding wire does not have to be passed through or threaded through the outlet opening. It can simply be placed in the outlet opening before the cover element is attached to the connector housing. This will be described in further detail below.

[0013] The above solution may be further improved by adding one or more of the following optional features. Each of the following optional features is advantageous in itself and may be independently combined with any other optional feature.

[0014] According to a feasible embodiment, the connector housing may include a mating surface that is complementary to the mating connector. In addition, the electrical connector and the mating connector may mate with each other along a mating direction. In particular, the mating surface may be arranged on a front side of the connector housing that faces the mating connector in the mating direction. In addition, a cover element may be attached to a rear side of the connector housing that is opposite to the mating surface. Thus, the wire and its contact terminals may be installed from the rear side. After this installation, the rear side may be closed with a cover element.

[0015] Optionally, the connector housing may include an internal contact chamber for holding contact terminals of the electrical wires. The contact chamber may lead to the mating face. Furthermore, when the cover element is not attached, the contact chamber may be accessible from the rear side opposite to the mating face. After the cable and its contact terminals are installed, the cover element attached to the connector housing may cover the contact chamber, in particular blocking access to the contact chamber.

[0016] According to another possible embodiment, the connector housing can be a single integral housing component. This reduces the number of individual components of the housing assembly. Similarly, the cover element can also be a single integral cover component. Alternatively, the cover element can include two components that can be attached to the connector housing separately. The two cover components can be separated from each other, or optionally connected by a film hinge (i.e., a living hinge).

[0017] Having two cover parts increases flexibility during installation of the housing assembly. For example, one cover part can already be attached to the connector housing when the first wire is easily installed. The other cover part is then attached only after installation of the second wire is completed.

[0018] According to another possible embodiment, the outlet opening that is not formed by the connector housing and the cover element can be formed by the two cover parts of the cover element. This again provides the following advantages: the wire does not have to pass or pass through the outlet opening, but can simply be placed between the two cover parts to end in the corresponding outlet opening.

[0019] To achieve such a simple placement of the wires, each of the two cover parts can at least partially form a pipe segment. For example, one cover part can form a first half-pipe and the other cover part can form a second half-pipe. The first half-pipe and the second half-pipe can together form a complete pipe around the outlet opening in the cover element.

[0020] A similar structure can be used for the outlet opening formed jointly by the connector housing and the cover element. That is, the connector housing can at least partially form a first pipe section, preferably surrounding the outlet opening. The first pipe section can be a half pipe or any angular section of a complete pipe with an angle of 360°-X°. Advantageously, the first pipe section provides additional support for the wires. In particular, due to the first pipe section, the wires can be prevented from bending in the vicinity of the connector housing.

[0021] Thus, the cover element can at least partially form a second pipe section, preferably around the same outlet opening as the first pipe section of the connector housing. The second pipe section can also be an angular section of a half pipe or a complete pipe with an angle of X°. In any case, the first pipe section and the second pipe section can together form a complete pipe. Advantageously, the second pipe section also provides additional support for the wires. In particular, due to the second pipe section, the wires can be prevented from bending in the vicinity of the cover element.

[0022] Alternatively, as described above, at least two outlet openings may be formed jointly by the connector housing and the cover element. In other words, all outlet openings may be formed jointly by the connector housing and the cover element or by two cover parts. This completely eliminates the necessity of passing or threading the corresponding wires through any outlet opening.

[0023] In another possible embodiment, the housing assembly may include an inner rib extending in a circumferential direction in the outlet opening formed by the connector housing and the cover element. The inner rib can be used to hold the corrugated conduit in a form-fitting manner. The corrugated conduit can be advantageously used to bundle a plurality of wires passing through a corresponding outlet opening.

[0024] If there are pipe sections, the inner ribs can extend beyond one of the pipe sections on one or both sides and serve to pre-position the corrugated conduit. Preferably, the other pipe section has a recess on one or both sides to accommodate the extended inner ribs.

[0025] As already mentioned, the housing assembly may comprise at least one corrugated conduit which is form-fittingly retained in an outlet opening jointly formed by the connector housing and the cover element.The corrugated conduit helps facilitate wire routing by bundling a plurality of wires.

[0026] According to another possible embodiment, the housing assembly may include at least one end cap for selectively closing at least one of the outlet openings. Similar to the corrugated conduit, the end cap may be retained in the corresponding outlet opening in a form-fitting manner.

[0027] At least one end cap increases the applicability of the housing assembly. For example, the housing assembly can be used in situations where the number of outlet openings in the housing assembly is greater than the number of required outlet directions. In particular, unused outlet openings can simply be closed with the at least one end cap.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the housing assembly may include at least one sealing ring for sealing a gap between the outlet opening and the electrical wire passing through the outlet opening. The sealing ring may have one or more parallel lead-in openings for passing one or more electrical wires. Furthermore, the sealing ring may have a circumferential sealing lip extending radially outwards for abutting the corresponding pipe section.

[0029] Optionally, the at least two outlet openings may be positioned opposite each other relative to the connector housing. In other words, the outlet openings may be at an angle of 180° to each other. This allows the wires to be easily routed in two opposite directions.

[0030] According to another possible embodiment, the housing assembly may include three, four or five outlet openings that are mutually angled at 90° or more. For example, as described above, the first outlet opening, the second outlet opening, the third outlet opening and the fourth outlet opening are each formed by the connector housing and the cover element, while the fifth outlet opening is formed only by the cover element. Thus, up to five different cable outlet directions can be achieved. Therefore, more than one end cap and / or sealing ring can be provided.

[0031] The object of the invention defined at the beginning can also be achieved by an electrical connector having a housing assembly according to one of the aforementioned embodiments and at least two contact terminals held in a connector housing. In particular, the at least two contact terminals can be positioned in their corresponding contact chambers of the connector housing. Depending on the application, more than two contact terminals can be provided.

[0032] Due to the functions and advantages of the housing assembly that have been described above, the electrical connector according to the present invention can be easily handled.

[0033] According to a possible embodiment, the electrical connector may include at least two electrical wires, each connected to a different contact terminal, wherein the at least two cables each pass through a different outlet opening and are routed in directions at an angle of 90° or more to each other. Thus, the electrical connector can be easily used within a branch network of a technical unit.

[0034] The object of the invention defined at the beginning can also be achieved by a connection assembly, which includes an electrical connector according to one of the aforementioned embodiments and includes a mating connector, wherein the mating connector includes at least two mating contacts that are complementary to at least two contact terminals of the electrical connector.

[0035] The connection assembly according to the invention also benefits from the advantages of the housing assembly, in particular, the wiring of the electrical wires is facilitated due to the opening.

[0036] The mating connector may also include a housing assembly according to the invention having at least two outlet openings for respective electrical wires. The mating connector may be a plug, a slot or a header disposed at a socket or an inlet, for example for automotive applications. Conversely, the electrical connector may be a counterpart of the mating connector, and vice versa. That is, the electrical connector may also be a plug, a slot or a header disposed at another socket or an inlet.

[0037] Optionally, the mating connector may include a mating assistance mechanism, such as a lever or a slider. By manually actuating the lever or the slider, the mating process between the electrical connector and the mating connector is driven or at least facilitated. Alternatively, the mating assistance mechanism in the form of a lever or a slider may also be arranged on the electrical connector, as long as the mating assistance mechanism does not interfere with any of the wires, the corrugated conduit and the pipe section, and does not block or cover any outlet opening. Preferably, the mating assistance mechanism is arranged on a side of the housing assembly without any outlet opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments shown and described are for illustrative purposes only. The combination of features shown in the embodiments may be changed according to the foregoing description. For example, features not shown in the embodiments but described above may be added if the technical effects associated with the features are beneficial to a specific application.

[0039] Vice versa, as described above, a feature shown as part of an embodiment may be omitted if the effect associated with that feature is not required in a particular application.

[0040] In the figures, elements which correspond to one another in terms of function and / or structure are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0041] In the attached picture:

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a housing assembly according to one possible embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a housing assembly according to another possible embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a housing assembly according to another possible embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a housing assembly according to another possible embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a housing assembly according to another possible embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a housing assembly according to another possible embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a housing assembly according to another possible embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an exploded view of the housing assembly shown in ;

[0050] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram showing a perspective view of an electrical connector according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Fig.10 a schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a connection assembly according to one possible embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0052] Fig.11 A schematic diagram showing a partially transparent view of a housing assembly according to another possible embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] In the following, reference Figures 1 to 11 The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 explains the structure of the housing assembly 1. The structures of the electrical connector 2 and the connection assembly 4 according to the present invention will also be described.

[0054] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a housing assembly 1 is shown. The housing assembly 1 is intended to be used as a part of an electrical connector 2 (see Fig. 9 The electrical connector 2 can be mated with the mating connector 6 along the mating direction 8 (see Fig.10 ). The electrical connector 2 and the mating connector 6 together form a connection assembly 4.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing assembly 1 includes a connector housing 16. The connector housing 16 may be an injection molded plastic component 10 and may include such a mating face 18. The mating face 18 may face the mating connector 6 in the mating direction 8. In particular, the mating face 18 may be arranged on a front side 20 of the connector housing 16, which faces the mating direction 8 toward the mating connector 6.

[0056] In addition, the mating surface 18 can be designed to be complementary to the mating mating surface (not shown) of the mating connector 6. As a part of the mating surface 18, the connector housing 16 includes a socket 22 for at least partially receiving the mating connector 6. In other words, the mating connector 6 is configured to be insertable into the socket 22 of the electrical connector 1.

[0057] The electrical connector 2 positioned in the housing assembly 1 includes at least two electrical contact terminals (not shown) for contacting corresponding mating contacts (not shown) of the mating connector 6. For this purpose, the connector housing 16 may include an internal contact chamber 24 for holding the contact terminals. The contact chamber 24 may lead to the mating face 18. In addition, the contact chamber 24 may be approached from a rear side 26 opposite to the mating face 18, in particular from a rear side 26 opposite to the front side 20 of the connector housing 16. Depending on the application, more than two contact terminals may be provided.

[0058] The housing assembly 1 further comprises a cover element 12 attachable to the connector housing 16. For example, the cover element 12 may be attached to the connector housing 16 by a latch connection 28. In particular, the cover element 12 and the connector housing 16 may each comprise latch elements configured in pairs to engage in the latch connection 28. Alternatively or additionally, the cover element 12 may be attached to the connector housing 16 by a threaded connection, a press connection and / or a glue connection (not shown).

[0059] Furthermore, the cover element 12 may be attachable to the rear side 26 of the connector housing 16. Thus, the rear side 26 may be closed with the cover element 12. In particular, the cover element 12 attached to the connector housing 16 may cover and thus block access to the contact chambers 24. Before closing the rear side 26 and covering the contact chambers 24, the contact terminals may be mounted in their respective contact chambers from the rear side 26.

[0060] The contact terminals may each be attached to one end of an electric wire 3. The electrical connector 2 may comprise at least two such electric wires 3 for at least two contact terminals. Preferably, the electrical connector 2 may comprise one electric wire 3 for each contact terminal.

[0061] As will be described in detail below, the housing assembly 1 is particularly useful in situations where the wires 3 need to be routed in directions 5a, 5b that are at 90° or greater to each other. Alternatively, the wires 3 may each be part of a different cable 34 of the electrical connector 2. In this case, the cables 34 need to be routed in directions 5a, 5b.

[0062] First, the wires 3 and / or cables 34 need to be led out of the housing assembly. For this purpose, the housing assembly 1 comprises at least two outlet openings 36 for passing the wires 3.

[0063] from Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the at least two outlet openings 36 are at an angle of 90° to each other. Optionally, the at least two outlet openings 36 may be at an angle greater than 90°, up to 180° (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 ). In the latter case, the at least two outlet openings 36 may be positioned opposite each other relative to the connector housing 16. In other words, the at least two outlet openings may be at an angle of 90° or more, thereby facing different directions 5a, 5b encompassing an angle of 90° or more.

[0064] One of the outlet openings 36 may extend through the cover element 12, in particular, through the center of the cover element 12. The outlet opening 36 may be located at the rear side 26 of the connector housing 16 opposite the contact chamber 24. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the cover element 12 with the outlet opening 36 is a single integral cover part 38 .

[0065] according to Fig. 9 In the alternative embodiment shown, the cover element 12 may include two parts 38a, 38b that are separately attachable to the connector housing 16. The two cover parts 38a, 38b may be separate from each other or alternatively connected by a film hinge or living hinge (not shown).

[0066] The two cover parts 38a, 38b can jointly form an outlet opening 36 at the rear side 26 of the connector housing 16. For this purpose, each of the two cover parts 38a, 38b can at least partially form a tube section 46. For example, one cover part 38a can form a first half tube 42a, and the other cover part 38b can form a second half tube 42b. The first half tube 42a and the second half tube 42b can together form a complete tube 44 surrounding the outlet opening 36 in the cover element 12. This provides the following advantages: the wire 3 does not have to pass or pass through the outlet opening 36, but can simply be placed between the two cover parts 38a, 38b to end in the corresponding outlet opening 36 (see Fig. 9 ).

[0067] As in Figure 1 As can be further seen in the figure, another outlet opening 36 of the housing assembly 1 is formed by the connector housing 16 and the cover element 12. That is, the connector housing 16 can at least partially form a first pipe section 46a, preferably surrounding the outlet opening 36. Therefore, the cover element 12 can at least partially form a second pipe section 46, preferably surrounding the same outlet opening 36 as the first pipe section 46 of the connector housing 16.

[0068] The first pipe segment 46a can be any angular segment of a half pipe or a complete pipe with an angle of 360°-X°. The second pipe segment 46b can also be an angular segment of a half pipe or a complete pipe with an angle of X°. Therefore, the first pipe segment 46a and the second pipe segment 46b can form a complete pipe together.

[0069] according to Figure 2 In the alternative embodiment shown, as described above, the at least two outlet openings 36 may be formed jointly by the connector housing 16 and the cover element 12. In this context, no outlet opening extends only through the cover element 12. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A further alternative embodiment is shown, in which the outlet openings 36 are arranged opposite each other with respect to the connector housing 16. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the outlet opening 36 is aligned in the longitudinal direction 48 of the housing assembly 1, while in Figure 4 4 and 5. The alignment of the outlet opening 36 in the transverse direction 50 is shown in . Both the longitudinal direction 48 and the transverse direction 50 are preferably perpendicular to the mating direction 8.

[0070] Optionally, the housing assembly 1 may include three outlet openings 36. This may be provided, for example, at Figure 5 and Figure 6 The three outlet openings 36 are arranged at an angle of 90° or more to each other. The number of outlet openings can also be increased to four (see Figure 7 ) or five (see Fig. 9). Thus, up to five different cable outlet directions 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e can be realized with five different electrical wires 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e.

[0071] like Fig. 9 As shown, having two cover parts 38a, 38b increases flexibility during installation of the housing assembly 1. For example, when the first wire 3a is easily installed, one cover part 38a can already be attached to the connector housing 16. The other cover part 38b is then attached only after installation of the remaining wires 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e is completed.

[0072] Of course, the number of wires is not limited to the number of outlet openings. After all, more than one wire may extend through each outlet opening. In this case, it may be advantageous to bundle the wires in a corrugated conduit 52 (see Fig.10 ). Therefore, the housing assembly 1 may include at least one bellows conduit 52.

[0073] In order to hold such a corrugated conduit 52, the housing assembly 1 may include an inner rib 54 extending in a circumferential direction 56 in each outlet opening 36 formed by the connector housing 16 and the cover element 12. By means of the inner rib 54, the corrugated conduit 52 can be held in a form-fitting manner (see Fig.10 ). Optionally, a plurality of inner ribs 54 may be provided to improve the form fit.

[0074] According to an embodiment not shown in the figures, the inner rib 54 may extend beyond one of the tube sections 46a, 46b on both sides. Alternatively, one of the tube sections 46a, 46b may include an outer annular collar 58 (see Figure 7 and Figure 8 ). Both the extended rib 54 and the annular collar 58 are used to pre-position the corrugated conduit 52. Preferably, the corresponding other pipe section 46 has a recess 60 to accommodate the extended inner rib 54 or the annular collar 58.

[0075] like Fig.10 As shown, the mating connector 6 may include a mating assistance mechanism, such as a lever or a slider. By manually actuating the lever or the slider, the mating process between the electrical connector 2 and the mating connector 6 is driven or at least promoted. According to an embodiment not shown in the figure, a mating assistance mechanism in the form of a lever or a slider can also be arranged on the electrical connector 2, as long as the mating assistance mechanism does not interfere with any of the wires 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, the corrugated conduit 52 and the pipe sections 46a, 46b, and does not block or cover any outlet opening 36. Preferably, the mating assistance mechanism is arranged on the side of the housing assembly without the outlet opening 36.

[0076] like Fig.11As shown, the housing assembly 1 may include at least one end cap 62 for selectively closing at least one of the outlet openings 36. The end cap 62 may be retained in the corresponding outlet opening 36 in a form-fitting manner similar to the corrugated conduit 52.

[0077] Alternatively or additionally, the housing assembly 1 may include at least one sealing ring 64 for sealing a gap 66 between the outlet opening 36 and the wire 3 passing through the outlet opening 36. The sealing ring 64 may have one or more parallel introduction openings 68 for passing one or more wires 3. In addition, the sealing ring 64 may have a circumferential sealing lip (not shown) extending radially outward for abutting the corresponding pipe section 46a, 46b. Depending on the application, more than one end cap 62 and / or sealing ring 64 may be provided.

[0078] Reference numerals

[0079] 1 Shell assembly

[0080] 2Electrical connector

[0081] 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e wires

[0082] 4 Connecting components

[0083] Directions 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d

[0084] 6Mating connector

[0085] 8. Coordination direction

[0086] 10Plastic parts

[0087] 12 Cover element

[0088] 16 Connector housing

[0089] 18 mating surface

[0090] 20 front side

[0091] 22 sockets

[0092] 24 contact chamber

[0093] 26 dorsal

[0094] 28 Latch connection

[0095] 34 Cable

[0096] 36 exit openings

[0097] 38, 38a, 38b Cover member

[0098] 40 pipe sections

[0099] 42a, 42b half pipe

[0100] 44 complete tube

[0101] 46a, 46b pipe sections

[0102] 48 vertical direction

[0103] 50 horizontal direction

[0104] 52 corrugated conduit

[0105] 54 inner rib

[0106] 56 Circumferential direction

[0107] 58 annular ring

[0108] 60 recess

[0109] 62 end cap

[0110] 64 sealing ring

[0111] 66 Clearance

[0112] 68 Introduction opening

Claims

1. A housing assembly (1) for an electrical connector (2), the electrical connector (2) being capable of mating with a mating connector (6), wherein: The housing assembly (1) comprises: a connector housing (16); and a cover element (12) which is attachable to the connector housing (16), The housing assembly (1) further comprises at least two outlet openings (36) for passing the electric wires (3). wherein the at least two outlet openings (36) are at an angle of 90° or greater to each other, and At least one of the outlet openings (36) is formed jointly by the connector housing (16) and the cover element (12).

2. The housing assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The cover element (12) comprises two cover parts (38a, 38b) which can be individually attached to the connector housing (16).

3. The housing assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein: An outlet opening (36) which is not jointly formed by the connector housing (16) and the cover element (12) is jointly formed by the two cover parts (38a, 38b) of the cover element (12).

4. The housing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The connector housing (16) includes a mating face (18) configured to be complementary to the mating connector (6), and wherein the cover element (12) is attachable to the connector housing (16) opposite the mating face (18).

5. The housing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The connector housing (16) comprises an internal contact chamber (24) for holding contact terminals of the electric wires (3), and wherein the cover element (12) attached to the connector housing (16) covers the contact chamber (24).

6. The housing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The connector housing (16) at least partially forms a first pipe section (46a).

7. The housing assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The cover element (12) at least partially forms a second tube section (46b), wherein the first tube section (46a) and the second tube section (46b) together form a complete tube (44).

8. The housing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The housing assembly (1) comprises an inner rib (54) extending in a circumferential direction (56) within an outlet opening (36) jointly formed by the connector housing (16) and the cover element (12).

9. The housing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The housing assembly (1) comprises at least one corrugated conduit (52) which is held in a form-fitting manner in an outlet opening (36) jointly formed by the connector housing (16) and the cover element (12).

10. The housing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The housing assembly (1) includes at least one of an end cap (62) for selectively closing at least one of the outlet openings (36) and a sealing ring (64) for sealing a gap (66) between one of the outlet openings (36) and an electric wire (3) passing through the outlet opening (36).

11. The housing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The at least two outlet openings (36) are jointly formed by the connector housing (16) and the cover element (12).

12. The housing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The housing assembly (1) comprises three, four or five outlet openings (36) which are arranged at an angle of 90° or more to each other.

13. An electrical connector (2), comprising a housing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and at least two contact terminals held in the connector housing (16).

14. The electrical connector (2) according to claim 13, wherein: The electrical connector (2) comprises at least two electrical wires (3), each of which is connected to a different contact terminal, wherein the at least two electrical wires (3) each pass through a different outlet opening (36) and are routed in directions (5a, 5b) that are at an angle of 90° or more to each other.

15. An electrical connection assembly (4), comprising an electrical connector (2) according to claim 13 or 14, and comprising a mating connector (6), wherein the mating connector (6) comprises at least two mating contacts, and the at least two mating contacts are constructed to be complementary to the at least two contact terminals of the electrical connector (2).

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