Plug connector device

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector arrangement, comprising: a plug connector (1) having a plug connector housing (2); a mating plug connector (3) having a mating plug connector housing (4); -an actuating element (5); a CPA (20), wherein the plug connector (1) has a plug-in position relative to the mating plug connector (3) and can be plugged together with the mating plug connector (3) starting from a starting plug-in position (AP) in a plug-in direction (S) up to a final plug-in position (EP), wherein the actuating element (5) can be moved between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) and is designed to reduce an insertion force when connecting the plug connector (1) to a mating plug connector (3), wherein the plug connector (1) is moved from a starting plug position (AP) into a final plug position (EP) when the actuating element (5) is moved from a first position (P1) into a second position (P2), the CPA (20) can be moved between an unlocking position (EL) and a locking position (SL), and the CPA (20) prevents the actuating element (5) from being moved from the second position (P2) into the first position (P1) in the locking position (SL). Wherein the CPA (20) and the mating plug connector (3) are set up relative to each other in such a way that the CPA (20) is prevented from moving from the unlocked position (EL) into the locked position (SL) as a function of the plugged position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plug connector device, a plug connector for the plug connector device, and a mating plug connector for the plug connector device. Background Art

[0002] In the field of plug connector arrangements which can be plugged together from a plug connector and a mating plug connector, it is important that a certain insertion force is not exceeded when plugging from a starting plug position into a final plug position. For high-pole plug connectors and / or for plug connectors for high-current applications, such as for electric vehicles, the insertion force can exceed the desired level.

[0003] In order to reduce the insertion force, an operating element can be provided on the plug-in connector, which can be moved between a first position and a second position and is constructed to reduce the insertion force when connecting the plug-in connector to a mating plug-in connector, wherein when the operating element is moved from the first position to the second position, the plug-in connector is moved into a final plug-in position.

[0004] It is also known that it may be advantageous for the operator if the plug connector device has an element which indicates the reaching of the second position of the actuating element or can only be moved when the second position is reached. Such elements are usually referred to as CPA (“Connector Position Assurance”). They can be moved, for example, between an unlocked position and a locked position along a movement direction and in the locked position prevent the actuating element from moving from the second position into the first position.

[0005] Such plug-in connector arrangements with different actuating elements are known from EP 0933836 A2, DE 102011101205 A1 and WO 02 / 078126 A2. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention is based on the following recognition, namely: in particular for high-current plugs and high-pole plug connectors with the above-mentioned operating element, the CPA only displays the situation of reaching the second position of the operating element. Therefore, its function is independent of the presence of the mating contact element (such as a blade or a high-current pin) of the mating plug connector. It is assumed by default that when the second position of the operating element is reached, the plug connector and the mating plug connector are in the final plug position and thus also construct a reliable electrical contact and mechanical contact. Therefore, it does not necessarily show a ready-to-operate and reliable electrical connection in the end. Here, the locking function of such a CPA often fixes the operating element without ensuring that the operating element has also pulled the plug onto the blade in the final position. Depending on the installation space, such incorrect installation is difficult to identify visually and tactilely. Because the plug connector, CPA, operating element and mating plug connector are (seemingly) in the correct position relative to each other and the operating element can no longer move relative to the plug connector.

[0007] Therefore, there may be a need to provide a plug connector device with an actuating element for reducing the insertion force and with a CPA, wherein the CPA safely and reliably indicates the presence of a mating plug connector and the correct reaching of a final plug-in position between the plug connector and the mating plug connector.

[0008] Advantages of the present invention

[0009] This need can be met by the subject matter of the invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided.

[0011] The plug connector device has a plug connector with a plug connector housing, a mating plug connector with a mating plug connector housing, an operating element and a CPA (Connector Position Assurance). The plug connector has a plug position relative to the mating plug connector and can be plugged together with the mating plug connector from a starting plug position along a plug direction to a final plug position. The operating element can be moved between a first position and a second position and is configured to reduce the insertion force when the plug connector and the mating plug connector are connected, wherein the plug connector is moved from the starting plug position to the final plug position when the operating element is moved from the first position to the second position. The CPA can be moved between an unlocked position and a locked position along the movement direction, wherein the CPA prevents the operating element from moving from the second position to the first position in the locked position. It is provided that the CPA and the mating plug connector or the plug connector are set up relative to each other so that the CPA is prevented from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position depending on the plug position.

[0012] For example, it can also be provided that, depending on the plug-in position, a movement of the CPA from the unlocked position into the locked position is blocked or released. The release can also additionally depend on the position of the actuating element, for example.

[0013] This advantageously achieves that incorrect plugging between the plug connector and the mating plug connector is prevented. This advantageously makes it impossible for the operator to move the CPA, which can be moved from the unlocked position into the locked position as a marker for a correct plugging, when, for example, only the actuating element is moved into its second position. Thus, the CPA can be moved between the plug connector and the mating plug connector in practice, in particular depending on the plugged position.

[0014] The "starting plug position" can refer, for example, to a state or any state in which the plug connector and the mating plug connector are not yet plugged together or at most are in loose contact with each other or have not yet moved towards each other. In particular, the "starting plug position" can also refer to a state of the plug connector in which the plug connector has not yet been placed on the mating plug connector or has not yet mechanically contacted the mating plug connector. For example, the plug connector can be provided in the starting plug position (for example, stopped on a cable harness) in order to then be placed on the mating plug connector (for example, a blade of a control device or a pin of a high-current connection of an inverter or a battery of an electric vehicle) starting from this starting plug position. The starting plug position can therefore correspond to a pre-plug state. The starting plug position ends when plugging together begins, for example, by actuating an operating element and movement between the plug connector and the mating plug connector is directed towards each other.

[0015] For example, it can be provided that the plug-in connector has (at least) one contact element.

[0016] For example, it can be provided that the mating plug-in connector has (at least) one mating contact element.

[0017] For example, it can be provided that in the final plug position the contact element is electrically connected to the mating contact element. For example, it can be provided that in the final plug position the plug connector is captively coupled to the mating plug connector. This means that the plug connector and the mating plug connector cannot be detached from each other in any spatial orientation without external action, in particular by an operator.

[0018] For example, it can be provided that the plug-in connector and the mating plug-in connector are coupled to one another, in particular mechanically and / or electrically, in the final plug-in position.

[0019] For example, it can be provided that in the initial plug-in position the plug-in connector and the mating connector are connected to one another in a non-captive manner or that in the initial plug-in position the plug-in connector and the mating connector are not yet in contact with one another.

[0020] For example, it can be provided that the operating element is arranged on the plug connector, in particular on the plug connector housing. As an alternative, it can be provided that the operating element is arranged on the mating plug connector, in particular on the mating plug connector housing.

[0021] For example, it can be provided that the actuating element is designed to cooperate with a structure, in particular arranged on the mating plug connector or arranged on the plug connector, so that when the actuating element is moved from the first position to the second position, the plug connector is moved from the starting plug position to the final plug position. For example, when the actuating element is arranged on the plug connector, the actuating element can have a slide that cooperates with a structure, which is designed as a pin, on the mating plug connector and thus pulls the plug connector onto the mating plug connector from the starting plug position to the final plug position when the actuating element is moved from the first position to the second position. The structure can also be designed, for example, as a slide, a gear, a rack, etc. A mating structure complementary to the structure is correspondingly configured on the actuating element.

[0022] In the context of the present application, the concept "having" should be understood as being synonymous with the concept "comprising", unless otherwise specified.

[0023] In one refinement, provision is made for the CPA to be prevented from moving from the unlocked position into the locked position before the final plug-in position is reached. This advantageously achieves that the impossibility of moving the CPA clearly indicates to the operator that the plug connection between the plug-in connector and the mating plug-in connector has not yet been correctly established. If, for example, the actuating element is only (almost) moved into the second position without the plug-in connector being arranged on the mating connector at all or if, in this case, the plug-in connector has not yet been pulled onto the mating connector, the prevention of the movement of the CPA indicates to the operator, haptically and visually, in a simple mechanical manner that there is still an incorrect plug-in or that a correct plug-in has not yet been achieved.

[0024] For example, it can be provided that in the final plug position, the CPA is allowed to move from the unlocked position into the locked position. However, it can also be provided that in the final plug position, only one locking element of the CPA (e.g. a latching arm) is released from its locked state and the final mobility of the CPA depends on the position or position of other elements of the plug connector device, for example an actuating element.

[0025] In one development, it is provided that the CPA is arranged on the actuating element. This advantageously allows the CPA to be manufactured and assembled particularly easily and cost-effectively. It is provided together with the actuating element. Furthermore, this advantageously allows the CPA to always be directly visible to the operator when the actuating element is actuated and can be actuated in one working process. This advantageously shortens the cycle time when plugging the plug connector and the mating plug connector into a plug connector arrangement.

[0026] As an alternative or in addition, it is provided that the CPA is arranged on the plug connector, for example on the plug connector housing. This advantageously enables the mobility of the CPA to be made dependent in a simple manner also on the position or the attitude of other elements of the plug connector device, for example on the position of an actuating element. It is also advantageous that the CPA is particularly well protected against damage in this way.

[0027] As an alternative or in addition, it is provided that the CPA is arranged on the mating plug connector, for example on the mating plug connector housing. This advantageously enables the mobility of the CPA to be made dependent on the position or the attitude of other elements of the plug connector arrangement, for example on the position of an actuating element, in a simple manner. It is also advantageous that the CPA is particularly well protected against damage in this way.

[0028] In a further development, it is provided that the operating element is designed as a slide and / or as an operating lever that can be rotated about an axis. This advantageously provides an operating element that can be operated particularly well. In the design as an operating lever, the insertion force can be adjusted and reduced particularly easily for the operator within the length of the operating lever.

[0029] In a further development, it is provided that the CPA has a latching element which can latch onto a counter element, wherein the latching element can be displaced between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the latching element is latched onto the counter element and prevents the CPA from being moved from an unlocked position into a locked position, wherein the latching element is not latched onto the counter element in the second position. In the initial plug position, the latching element is in the first position, wherein the first delatching element is arranged on the plug connector housing or the counter plug connector housing and is designed such that in the final plug position the latching element is moved into the second position by means of the first delatching element.

[0030] In other words: the first unlocking element moves the locking element into the second position in the final plug-in position.

[0031] For example, it can be provided that in the second position of the latching element, the CPA can be moved from the unlocking position into the locking position. However, it can also be provided, for example, that whether the CPA can be moved into the locking position depends on the position of at least one other element of the plug connector device.

[0032] The latching element can be configured, for example, to be elastically reversibly movable between a first position and a second position. It can be configured, for example, as a latching arm.

[0033] This advantageously enables a particularly simple, cost-effective and reliable mechanical locking of the CPA. At the same time, this ensures that unlocking of the CPA is only possible when the CPA is in mechanical contact with the unlocking element, which is not part of the actuating element, and in this way a correct plugging-in can be determined very reliably and securely.

[0034] In one development, it is provided that the first detent element is designed as a projection on the plug-in connector housing or on the mating plug-in connector housing.

[0035] The projection can protrude outward from the plug-in connector housing or the mating connector housing, for example, in a radial direction perpendicular to the plug-in direction.

[0036] This provides a particularly simple, cost-effective and robust design for moving the latching element into the second position. Furthermore, the design as a projection advantageously achieves that the final plug position cannot be reached at all when the plug connector is incorrectly placed (e.g. twisted by 180°) or when an unsuitable plug connector (e.g. a similar plug connector that does not match the existing mating plug connector) is applied to the mating plug connector, since the projection acts in the manner of a key-lock principle. This advantageously improves the safety and reliability of the plug connector arrangement, for example in high-current applications.

[0037] In a further development, it is provided that the latching element has a latching element projection which projects radially inwards, wherein the latching element projection contacts the first delatching element in the final plug-in position and thereby the latching element is moved by the first delatching element into the second position.

[0038] The second position can be reached, for example, by moving the latching element radially outward.

[0039] The second position can be reached, for example, when the CPA is in the unlocked position.

[0040] If the CPA is subsequently moved from the unlocked position into the locked position, it can be provided, for example, that the latching element projection is moved over the projection and the latching element leaves the second position and is moved back into the first position, for example (for example by its elasticity, which enables an elastically reversible movement from the second position into the first position). The latching element projection can then, for example, again prevent the CPA from moving from the locked position into the unlocked position by latching, for example, with the projection or another mating element or locking in an undercut manner. In such a case, it may be necessary to first move the latching element into the second position (for example by tilting the CPA or by means of an unlocking element, etc.) and thus disengage the latching element projection from the projection or another mating element in order to open the plug-in connector arrangement (i.e., to separate the plug-in connector and the mating plug-in connector from each other).

[0041] In a further development, the CPA and the actuating element are designed to cooperate with one another such that the displaceability or movement of the CPA from the unlocked position into the locked position depends on the position of the actuating element, wherein in a first position of the actuating element the CPA cannot be moved from the unlocked position into the locked position.

[0042] For example, it can be provided that the CPA can only be moved from the unlocked position into the locked position when the actuating element is in the second position and the final plug-in position has been reached at the same time.

[0043] This advantageously achieves that the locking of the actuating element can be reliably and easily achieved by means of the CPA. Furthermore, it is advantageously prevented that the plug-in connector is placed on the mating plug-in connector and pressed into the final plug position without the actuating element or when the actuating element is damaged, and the CPA can be moved only when the final plug position is reached. This also advantageously achieves that the plug-in connector and the mating plug-in connector do not become loose from one another after the final plug position has been reached. This is because the actuating element can be designed to secure the plug-in connector to the mating plug-in connector in a manner that prevents it from being lost, for example by a self-locking effect.

[0044] However, it can also be provided that, in addition to the presence of the two aforementioned conditions, the movement of the CPA from the unlocking position into the locking position is dependent on the position of another element of the plug connector arrangement.

[0045] In an improved scheme, it is provided that the CPA has an additional locking element, which can be locked to an additional matching element, wherein the additional locking element can be displaced between a third position and a fourth position, wherein the additional locking element is locked to the additional matching element in the third position and prevents the CPA from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position, wherein the additional locking element is not locked to the additional matching element in the fourth position and in particular the CPA can be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position, wherein the additional locking element is in the third position in the first position of the operating element, wherein a second de-locking element is provided and the second de-locking element is in particular arranged on the operating element and is constructed in such a way that in the second position of the operating element the additional locking element is moved to the fourth position by means of the second de-locking element.

[0046] This advantageously achieves a particularly simple, cost-effective and robust, in particular purely mechanical, design of the further latching element and the CPA.

[0047] In principle, it can be provided that the latching element and the further latching element are made as a common latching element, the description as latching element and further latching element in this case only serving to explain different functions (e.g. locking before reaching the final plug-in position on the one hand and locking before reaching the second position on the other hand). For example, it is possible to move from the first position to the second position along the first direction and to move from the third position to the fourth position along the second direction. Such a second direction can, for example, extend approximately perpendicularly to the first direction. However, it is also possible that the latching element and the further latching element are independent elements. They can, for example, be designed as two latching arms spaced apart from each other. The latching element and the further latching element can, for example, be designed in such a way that they can be elastically reversibly moved.

[0048] In a further development, it is provided that the second unlocking element is designed as a further projection on the actuating element.

[0049] This provides a particularly simple, cost-effective and robust second unlocking element.

[0050] The further projection can protrude from the actuating element, for example, in a radial direction perpendicular to the plug-in direction.

[0051] In a development, the further latching element has a further additional latching element projection, wherein the further additional latching element projection contacts the second unlocking element in the second position of the actuating element and thereby the further latching element is moved by the second unlocking element into the fourth position.

[0052] This advantageously provides a particularly simple, cost-effective, robust, reliable and purely mechanical device for releasing the locked state of the CPA as a function of the position of the actuating element.

[0053] This movement into the fourth position can be carried out, for example, in a direction which is transverse to the movement direction or the movement towards the latching element caused by the first delatching element in the final plug-in position. In other words: the movement direction from the third position into the fourth position can extend substantially (for example + / - 30°) perpendicularly to the movement direction from the first position into the second position.

[0054] According to another aspect of the present invention, a plug-in connector for a plug-in connector arrangement having a mating plug-in connector is provided.

[0055] The plug-in connector comprises a plug-in connector housing, an operating element and a CPA, wherein the plug-in connector has a plug-in position relative to a mating plug-in connector and can be plugged together with the mating plug-in connector from a starting plug-in position along a plug-in direction to a final plug-in position, wherein the operating element can be moved between a first position and a second position and is constructed to reduce the insertion force when connecting the plug-in connector and the mating plug-in connector, wherein the plug-in connector is moved from the starting plug-in position to the final plug-in position when the operating element is moved from the first position to the second position, wherein the CPA can be moved between an unlocked position and a locked position along a moving direction, wherein the CPA prevents the operating element from moving from the second position to the first position in the locked position, wherein the CPA and the mating plug-in connector are set up relative to each other in such a way that the CPA is prevented from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position depending on the plug-in position.

[0056] This advantageously achieves that, if, for example, the actuating element is (only) moved into the second position, the CPA cannot be moved alone. Thus, the establishment of a correct plug connection can advantageously be better indicated by the CPA.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the invention, a mating plug connector for a plug connector arrangement is proposed, the plug connector arrangement having a plug connector with an actuating element.

[0058] The mating plug-in connector comprises a mating plug-in connector housing and a CPA, wherein the plug-in connector has a plug-in position relative to the mating plug-in connector and can be plugged together with the mating plug-in connector from a starting plug-in position along a plug-in direction to a final plug-in position, wherein the CPA can be moved along a movement direction between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the CPA prevents an actuating element from moving from a second position to a first position in the locked position, wherein the CPA and the mating plug-in connector are arranged relative to each other in such a way that the CPA is prevented from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position depending on the plug-in position.

[0059] This advantageously achieves that, if, for example, the actuating element is (only) moved into the second position, the CPA cannot be moved alone. Thus, the establishment of a correct plug connection can advantageously be better indicated by the CPA. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which however should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention.

[0061] in:

[0062] Figure 1a and 1b The plug connector device is shown in the initial plug-in position ( Figure 1a ) and in the final plug-in position ( Figure 1b ) is a schematic perspective view of

[0063] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross section of the plug connector arrangement in the final plugged position;

[0064] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1b A schematic perspective view of a plug connector device in FIG. 1 , wherein the operating elements are omitted;

[0065] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of a mating plug connector of the plug connector device in FIG.

[0066] Figures 5a to 5c shows a schematic cross section of a cutout portion of the plug connector device in the previous figure in different assembly states;

[0067] Figure 6 A schematic perspective and partially cutaway view shows another plug-in connector arrangement in a final plug-in position;

[0068] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 Schematic perspective view of a CPA of a plug connector arrangement in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Reference below Figure 2 , 3 , 4 and 5c together Figure 1a and 1b .

[0070] Figure 1a and 1b Schematic perspective views of the plug-in connector device 100 are shown in different assembled states.

[0071] The plug-in connector device 100 has a plug-in connector 1 with a plug-in connector housing 2 , a mating plug-in connector 3 with a mating plug-in connector housing 4 , an actuating element 5 and a CPA 20 (CPA=Connector Position Assurance).

[0072] The plug connector 1 can be designed, for example, as a plug connector 1 for a high-current plug connector device (for example, for power transmission from a battery to an inverter and / or an electric motor in an electric vehicle), but other plug connections, for example high-pole plug connections, are also conceivable. The plug connector 1 can be arranged or fixed on a cable harness, for example. Two cables 18 are arranged on the plug connector 1, each of which has an (electrical) conductor 15 (see Figure 2 ) and an insulator 16 surrounding the wire 15.

[0073] The plug-in connector housing 2 has here, by way of example, tabs which can be designed as latching tabs 17 (see also Figure 3 ), the latching tab can be elastically and reversibly deflected in a radial direction R perpendicular to the plug-in direction S. It can be elastically and reversibly deflected in a radial direction R perpendicular to the plug-in direction S. It can be elastically and reversibly deflected in a radial direction R perpendicular to the plug-in direction S. The mating plug-in connector 3 has a projection 41 on the mating plug-in connector housing 4, which protrudes radially outward from the mating plug-in connector housing 3 in a clamp-shaped manner and has an opening 42 between the projection 41 and the mating plug-in connector housing 4 (see Figure 4The tab or here the latching tab 17 can be guided through the opening 42 when the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 3 are plugged together. The tab can, for example, latch under the clamp-shaped projection 41 in the final plug position EP (see Figure 3 ). It goes without saying that embodiments without latching tabs 17 and / or without projections 41 are also conceivable.

[0074] The mating plug connector 3 can be designed, for example, as a blade or as a pin arrangement, which is arranged on a component, such as a control device or an inverter, etc. Here, the mating plug connector 3 is arranged, for example, on a component housing 70. The mating plug connector is screwed or fixed to the component housing 70 by means of four screws, for example, and partially extends through a recess of the component housing 70 into the interior of the component housing 70, while the plug connector 1 is here, for example, completely outside the component housing 70.

[0075] The plug connector 1 has a plug position relative to the mating plug connector 3. The plug connector can be moved from the starting plug position AP ( Figure 1a ) along the plug-in direction S until the final plug-in position EP ( Figure 1b ) is plugged together with the mating plug connector 3. The initial plugging position AP of the plug connector 1 can already be in (with Figure 1a ), the plug-in connector 1 is not yet placed on the mating plug-in connector 3 or coupled thereto, for example, in a state in which the plug-in connector 1 is delivered together with a cable harness.

[0076] The plug-in connector 1 can have, for example, at least one contact element 7, in the present example two contact elements 7 (see Figure 2 ). The mating plug connector 3 can have at least one mating contact element 8 (see Figure 2 ), which in this example has two mating contact elements 8 (see Figure 4 ). Figure 2 In the final plug-in position shown in FIG, the two contact elements 7 are electrically connected to the two mating contact elements 8 .

[0077] The plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 3 are coupled to each other in the final plug position EP, in particular mechanically and electrically. In the final plug position EP, they are coupled to each other in a captive manner, for example, so that the plug connector 1 cannot be released from the mating plug connector 3 in any spatial position and under normal operating conditions, as long as no manual intervention is performed to release the captive coupling state. In the initial plug position AP, the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 3 can be connected to each other, for example, in a non-captive manner, and they can, for example, only be in loose contact with each other.

[0078] The operating element 5 can be in the first position P1 ( Figure 1a ) and the second position P2( Figure 1b ). It is designed to reduce the insertion force when connecting the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 3, wherein when the operating element 5 is moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the plug connector 1 is moved from the starting plug position AP to the final plug position EP as long as the plug connector 1 is correctly placed on the mating plug connector 3. Figure 1a This is the case when the 200 is plugged onto or placed onto the mating plug connector 3 in its starting plug position AP as shown in FIG.

[0079] In the present exemplary embodiment, the actuating element 5 is arranged on the plug-in connector 1 , here by way of example on the plug-in connector housing 2 .

[0080] The actuating element 5 is designed here by way of example as an actuating lever 6 rotatable about an axis X. Here, the actuating lever 6 is rotatably supported by way of example on a bolt 12 , wherein the bolt 12 is arranged here by way of example on the plug connector housing 2 . Instead of the bolt 12 , a shaft can also be provided.

[0081] The actuating element 5 is designed to cooperate with a structure 9, which is arranged here by way of example on the mating plug-in connector 3, so that when the actuating element 5 is moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the plug-in connector 1 is moved from the starting plug-in position AP to the final plug-in position EP. In this exemplary embodiment, the actuating element 5 has a guide groove 11 on each side (on the two actuating lever arms), which cooperates with the structure 9, which is designed here as a pin 10.

[0082] The CPA 20 can be moved along a (first) movement direction V between an unlocking position EL and a locking position SL, wherein in the locking position SL the CPA 20 prevents the actuating element 5 from moving from the second position P2 into the first position P1 (see also Figure 5c In the present exemplary embodiment, the CPA 20 and the mating plug connector 3 are arranged relative to one another so that, depending on the plug position, the CPA 20 is prevented from moving from the unlocked position EL into the locked position SL, as exemplarily described below in conjunction with Figures 5a to 5c As described in further detail.

[0083] Here, it is provided by way of example that the CPA 20 is prevented from moving from the unlocking position EL into the locking position SL before reaching the final plug-in position EP (see Figure 5a ). Here, it is provided by way of example that in the final plug-in position EP, the CPA 20 is allowed to move from the unlocking position EL to the locking position SL (see Figure 5b and 5c ).

[0084] The CPA 20 is arranged here by way of example on the actuating element 5. Alternatively or additionally, it can be arranged on the plug connector housing 2 or on the plug connector 1. Alternatively or additionally, it can be arranged on the mating plug connector 3, in particular on the mating plug connector housing 4.

[0085] Figure 2 A schematic cross section of the plug connector device 100 in the final plug position EP is shown. Here, a cross section through the contact element 7, the associated mating contact element 8 and the associated cable 18 is produced, the cable having the conductor 15 and the insulation 16 (see Figure 1b ). Therefore, CPA 20 is not visible here.

[0086] The plug connector 1 has a sealing element 13 in the plug connector housing 2, which is configured as a radial seal here by way of example. The sealing element 13 is arranged on a first end of the plug connector housing 2, which first end faces the mating plug connector 3. In the final plug position EP, the sealing element 13 seals the interior space 80 of the plug connector device 100 to prevent the intrusion of dirt, dust, dust, moisture and other fluid media from the external environment 81 of the plug connector device 100. For this purpose, the sealing element 13 contacts the mating plug connector housing 4.

[0087] In addition, the plug connector 1 has another sealing element 14, which is arranged on the second end on the cable side. The other sealing element 14 is also designed as a radial seal here by way of example and is in contact with the insulation 16 of the cable 18. In this way, the interior space 80 is sealed against the intrusion of dirt, dirt, dust, moisture and other fluid media from the external environment 81 of the plug connector device 100. The other sealing element 14 can also be arranged on the cable 18 before the cable 18 is installed and inserted into the plug connector housing 2 when the cable 18 is installed on or in the plug connector housing 2.

[0088] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1bSchematic perspective view of a plug connector device 100 in the final plug position, wherein the actuating element 5 is omitted for reasons of simplicity (the actuating element 5 is in the second position P2). As described above, the projection 41 with the opening 42 on the mating plug connector housing 4 can be clearly seen. It can also be clearly seen that the latching tab 17 is inserted from above through the opening 42. The projection 41 can, for example, be used as an undercut for the latching tab 17 in the final plug position EP, which has a latching lug protruding radially outward. The plug connector 1 can, for example, be arranged or fixed on the mating plug connector 3 in the final plug position EP alone in this embodiment.

[0089] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 Schematic perspective view of the mating plug connector 3 of the plug connector device 100 in FIG. The projection 41 arranged on the mating plug connector housing 4 and the opening 42 formed here by way of example on the projection 41 can be clearly seen. The projection 41 is designed in the form of a clamp here and is closed in an annular manner (together with a part of the mating plug connector housing 4).

[0090] Figures 5a to 5c Schematic cross-sections of the plug connector device 100 from the previous figures are shown in different assembled states and are described together below. The figures are not shown to scale. In particular, the function of the latching tabs 17 is not visible here in order to better illustrate the function of the CPA 20. The latching tabs 17 are shown here only in the form of tabs, which also represent a possible embodiment.

[0091] exist Figures 5a to 5c , it is shown by way of example how the CPA 20 and the mating plug-in connector 3 are here arranged relative to one another in such a way that a movement of the CPA 20 from the unlocking position EL into the locking position SL is prevented depending on the plugged position.

[0092] It is thereby advantageously achieved that the CPA 20 cannot be transferred from the unlocking position EL into the locking position solely as a function of the position of the actuating element 5. If such a movement of the CPA 20 is realized solely as a function of the position of the actuating element 5, there is a risk that the actuating element 5 is already moved into a position (e.g. into the second position P2) before the plug-in connector 1 and the mating plug-in connector 3 are plugged together, in which the CPA 20 can be moved, and the CPA 20 is then moved from the unlocking position EL into the locking position SL. If the plug-in connector 1 and the mating plug-in connector 3 are subsequently plugged together, the operator may mistakenly assume that the plug-in connector device 100 is correctly configured, whereby functional faults may occur in the subsequent process. It is also possible that the CPA 20 can be moved when the actuating element reaches the set position (e.g. the second position P2) when the plug-in connector 1 and the mating plug-in connector 3 are plugged together, but does not actually reach the final plug position EP. In this case, the movability of the CPA 20 also gives the operator an error message that the plug connection is correctly established, even though this is not the case. By preventing the movement of the CPA 20 depending on the plug position between the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 3, these possible intentional or unintentional misoperations can be suppressed.

[0093] Can be like in Figures 5a to 5c As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the movement of the CPA 20 from the unlocking position EL to the locking position SL is blocked before reaching the final plug position EP (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 5a ). Here, it is also provided by way of example that in the final plug-in position EP, in particular when the actuating element 5 is approximately in the second position P2, the CPA 20 is allowed to move from the unlocking position EL into the locking position SL (see Figure 5b and 5c ).

[0094] The CPA 20 has here, by way of example, a latching element 21 which can latch onto a counter element 30. The counter element 30 is here formed on the actuating element 5 and acts here as an undercut. The latching element 21 can (here, by way of example: elastically reversibly) be retracted in a first position S1 ( Figure 5a and 5c ) and the second position S2( Figure 5b ) between them. The latching element 21 is latched on the counterpart element 30 in the first position S1 and prevents the CPA 20 from moving from the unlocking position EL to the locking position SL ( Figure 5a). The latching element 21 is not latched on the counterpart element 30 in the second position S2. Thus, the CPA 20 can be moved, for example, from the unlocking position EL to the locking position SL in the second position S2 of the latching element 21 ( Figure 5b and 5c ).

[0095] The latching element 21 is in the first position S1 in the initial plug position AP. In this exemplary embodiment, the first de-latching element 40 is arranged on the mating plug connector housing 4 and is designed so that the latching element 21 is moved into the second position S2 by means of the first de-latching element 40 in the final plug position EP.

[0096] The first unlocking element 40 is here exemplarily formed by a projection 41 on the mating connector housing 4, wherein the projection 41 here exemplarily protrudes outwardly from the connector housing 2 or from the mating connector housing 4 along a radial direction R perpendicular to the plug-in direction S as described above.

[0097] The latching element 21 here has, by way of example, a latching element protrusion 22 which here protrudes radially inward (toward the mating plug connector housing 4), wherein the latching element protrusion 22 in the final plug position EP contacts the first delatching element 40 (here: protrusion 41) and is moved into the second position S2, in particular radially outward, by the first delatching element 40. This movement into the second position S2 is particularly performed if the CPA 20 is in the unlocking position EL.

[0098] The CPA 20 here has, by way of example, a base 24 from which the latching element 21 protrudes. The latching element 21 here is designed, by way of example, as a latching arm. The latching arm is designed here in a cantilevered manner, wherein the latching arm is fixed at one end to the base 24. The latching arm is designed here, by way of example, in a manner that it can be elastically reversibly displaced between a first position S1 and a second position S2. The CPA 20 also has a gripping element 25. Finally, the CPA 20 also has a locking element 23, which is also designed here in a cantilevered manner and extends approximately parallel to the latching element 21.

[0099] When the CPA 20 moves from the unlocking position EL to the locking position SL, the locking element 23 passes through the opening 42 ( Figure 5c ) and thus prevents the actuating element 5 from moving out of the second position P2 in the direction of the first position P1 in cooperation with the inner side of the projection 41.

[0100] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the projection 41 has a triple function. On the one hand, the projection is designed to securely hold the plug connector on the mating plug connector in the final plug position EP in cooperation with the latching tab 17 of the plug connector 1. At the same time, it is used with its radially outwardly protruding surface (i.e., with its protruding part) to move the latching element 21 from the first position S1 to the second position S2 depending on the plug position. Finally, it prevents the actuating element 5 from moving out of the second position P2 in the locking position SL of the CPA 20 in the direction of the first position P1 by means of its inwardly protruding surface in cooperation with the locking element 23 of the CPA 20.

[0101] In principle, the latching element 21 can also be moved from the first position S1 to the second position S2 by means of the gripping element 25, for example by applying a pressure opposite to the displacement direction V to the gripping element so that the gripping element 25 tilts together with the latching element 21. Figure 5a and 5b As can be seen in the figure, as long as the CPA 20 is in the unlocking position EL, the gripping element 25 abuts against the corresponding surface of the actuating element 5. Therefore, in the unlocking position EL of the CPA 20, the gripping element 25 cannot be tilted by a pressure opposite to the displacement direction V, and therefore in the unlocking position EL of the CPA 20, the latching element 21 cannot be moved from the first position S1 to the second position S2 by means of the gripping element 25. This is only possible after the CPA 20 has been transferred into the locking position SL and the gripping element 25 no longer abuts against the corresponding surface of the actuating element 5.

[0102] When the CPA 20 has been moved to the locked position SL, the CPA 20 can also be prevented from moving from the locked position SL to the unlocked position EL by means of the latch element 21 (see Figure 5c ). This is achieved here, for example, by means of a latching element projection 22, which, after the latching element 21 has rebounded into the first position S1, engages in another undercut from behind (here on the back side of the mating element 30). If, for example, the plug-in connector 1 is to be released from the mating plug-in connector 3 again, this locked state can be cancelled here, for example, by manual actuation by an operator (for example, as described above, on the gripping element 25 of the CPA 20). For this purpose, the latching element 21 is then moved manually, for example, into the second position S2 and the CPA 20 is subsequently moved from the locked position SL into the unlocked position EL. Subsequently, the actuating element 5 can be moved from the second position P2 into the first position P1 and the plug-in connector 1 can be released from the mating plug-in connector 3 in this way.

[0103] Figure 5aThe state is shown when the plug-in connector 1 and the mating plug-in connector 3 are plugged together, in which the final plug-in position EP is almost, but not yet completely, reached. The actuating element 5 is almost, but not yet completely, in the second position P2. The CPA 20 is in the unlocking position EL. It can also be seen that the latching tab 17 is guided through the opening 42 of the projection 41.

[0104] Figure 5b The following state is shown, in which the final plug position EP is reached and the projection 41 as the first delatching element 40 has moved the latching element 21 into the second position S2 by means of the latching element projection 22 and has thereby disengaged the latching element projection from the counterpart element 30. As a result, the CPA 20 is no longer blocked from moving from the unlocking position EL into the locking position SL. The latching element 21 can also be moved into the second position S2 completely independently of the actuating element 5 reaching the second position P2 exactly. This can be done, for example, by a suitable choice of the length of the first delatching element 40. However, for example, the CPA 20 can also be arranged on the plug connector housing 2 instead of on the actuating element 5.

[0105] Figure 5c The following state is shown, in which the CPA 20 has now been moved into the locking position SL in the displacement direction V (here: downward) after reaching the final plug position EP. The latching element 21 has now returned to the first position S1 again and the latching element projection 22 is now latched with the counterpart element 30 on the other side thereof and more precisely prevents the CPA 20 from moving from the locking position SL into the unlocking position EL. The gripping element 25 can now be used, for example, to move the latching element 21 back into the second position S2 and thereby release the locking state of the CPA 20 that prevents the movement from the locking position SL into the unlocking position EL.

[0106] The locking element 23 can have a lifting slope so that, if, for example, the actuating element 5 has not completely reached the second position P2 due to manufacturing tolerances or tolerances caused by temperature when the final plug-in position EP is reached, then when the CPA 20 is moved from the unlocking position EL to the locking position SL, the locking element pulls the actuating element 5 into the second position P2 in cooperation with the inner side of the protrusion 41.

[0107] Figure 6 and 7 A schematic perspective and partially cutaway view of another plug connector device 100 is shown ( Figure 6 ) and a schematic perspective view of the CPA 20 of the plug connector device 100 ( Figure 7 ) and are described together below.

[0108] exist Figure 6 and 7 In the plug connector device 100 , the CPA 20 is arranged on the plug connector housing 2 .

[0109] Here, the CPA 20 and the actuating element 5 are designed to cooperate with one another in such a way that the movement of the CPA 20 from the unlocking position EL into the locking position SL (in addition to being dependent on the plug-in position) is dependent on the position of the actuating element 5, wherein the CPA 20 cannot be moved from the unlocking position EL into the locking position SL in the first position P1 of the actuating element 5. It is provided here by way of example that the CPA 20 can be moved from the unlocking position EL into the locking position SL in the second position P2 of the actuating element 5 and when the final plug-in position EP is simultaneously present.

[0110] Thus, a single purely mechanical element, here the CPA, can be used to ensure or indicate that, on the one hand, the end plug position EP has been reached and, on the other hand, the actuating element 5 is in the second position P2. This makes it particularly easy and reliable to check the correct assembly of the plug-in connector 1 and the mating plug-in connector 3 and the correct configuration of the plug connection between the plug-in connector 1 and the mating plug-in connector 3.

[0111] The CPA 20 has a further latching element 50 (here: two further latching elements 50, see Figure 7 ), which can be locked in another mating element 31 (here: two other mating elements 31, see Figure 7 ). The further latching element 50 can be displaced between a third position S3 and a fourth position S4, wherein the further latching element 50 is latched on the respectively assigned further counterpart element 31 in the third position S3 and the CPA 20 is prevented from moving from the unlocked position EL into the locked position SL. Here, it is sufficient for the locked state that only a single further latching element 50 is in the third position S3. The further latching element 50 is not latched on the respectively assigned further counterpart element 31 in the fourth position S4.

[0112] If all the other latching elements 50 are in the fourth position, the CPA 20 can in principle be moved from the unlocking position EL into the locking position SL or is no longer locked. The other latching elements 50 are in the third position S3 in the first position P1 of the actuating element 5. Second delatching elements 60 (here: two second delatching elements 60) are provided, which are arranged on the actuating element 5 here (here: two second delatching elements 60 are arranged on the actuating element 5). The two second delatching elements 60 are designed so that in the second position P2 of the actuating element 5, the other latching elements 50 are moved into the fourth position S4 by means of the second delatching elements 60.

[0113] In the present embodiment, it is provided that the further latching element 50 each has a further latching element projection 51. Here, the further latching element projections 51 project radially laterally outwardly away from each other, as an example, from the further locking element 50. The further latching element projections 51 are here, as an example, respectively latched together with one of the further counterpart elements 31 in the third position S3 of the further latching element 50.

[0114] Furthermore, here, by way of example, a further additional latching element projection 52 is provided on each of the two further latching elements 50 . Viewed along the plug-in direction S, the further additional latching element projection 52 is spaced apart from the further latching element projection 51 .

[0115] Each of these additional latching element projections 52 here protrudes radially laterally from the other latching element 50, wherein the additional additional latching element projections 52 of the two additional latching elements 50 here point away from each other. The two additional additional latching element projections 52 here each have a lifting slope, which the second delatching element 60 hits when the actuating element 5 almost reaches the second position P2. If the actuating element 5 is then completely moved into the second position P2, the two additional additional latching element projections 52 are here pushed laterally inward (toward each other), and thus the two additional latching elements 50 are moved from the third position S3 to the fourth position S4. In principle, other designs are also possible in order to cause the movement of the additional latching element 50 from the third position S3 to the fourth position S4.

[0116] In other words: the further latching element 50 has a further additional latching element projection 52, wherein the further additional latching element projection 52 contacts the second delatching element 60 in the second position P2 of the actuating element 5 and thereby moves the further latching element 50 (here: indirectly) from the second delatching element 60 into the fourth position S4. Here, the movement is performed, for example, transversely to the movement towards the latching element 21 in the final plug position EP by means of the first delatching element 40, but other movement directions are also possible, for example a movement direction in the direction of the plug connector housing 2.

[0117] In order to illustrate the role of the third position S3 and the fourth position S4, Figure 7 , the other latching element 50 depicted on the right is in the third position S3 (latched position) and the other latching element 50 depicted on the left is in the fourth position S4 (no longer latched position). In the second position P2 of the operating element 5 without a fault, the two other latching elements 50 should be in the fourth position S4.

[0118] The second detent elements 60 are designed here by way of example as further projections 61 on the actuating element 5 , which project from the actuating element 5 in particular in a radial direction R perpendicular to the plug-in direction S (here: in the second position P2 towards the mating connector housing 4 ).

[0119] In this embodiment, the first de-latching element 40 is formed by a wall section 43 of the mating connector housing 4. When the plug-in connector 1 is plugged together with the mating plug-in connector 3 in the final plug-in position EP, the latching element 21 of the CPA 20 extends toward the end side 44 of this wall section 43 by means of an additional latching element projection 26, which has a lifting bevel here. As a result, the latching element 21 is moved from the first position S1 to the second position S2 (see Figure 6 As a result, the latching element projection 22 is disengaged from the associated counterpart element 30 of the plug-in connector housing 2 (see Figure 6 ). In this way, in the final plug-in position EP, the state in which the CPA 20 is prevented from moving from the locked position SL to the unlocked position EL by the locking element 21 is cancelled.

[0120] Thus, if both the final plug-in position EP and the second position P2 are reached, the latching element 21 of the CPA 20 and the two further latching elements 50 can be released from their latched state with the counterpart element 30 or the two further counterpart elements 31, and the CPA 20 can be moved from the unlocked position EL to the locked position SL. This movement possibility is a reliable sign for the operator that the plug-in connector 1 and the counterpart plug-in connector 3 are correctly plugged together. In addition, the CPA 20 moved into the locked position SL is a sign that the plug connection has been correctly established, for example, when performing a visual quality control.

Claims

1. A plug connector device, comprising: - a plug-in connector (1) with a plug-in connector housing (2), a mating plug connector (3) with a mating plug connector housing (4), - an operating element (5), -CPA(20), The plug-in connector (1) has a plug-in position relative to the mating plug-in connector (3) and can be plugged together with the mating plug-in connector (3) starting from an initial plug-in position (AP) along a plug-in direction (S) to a final plug-in position (EP), wherein the actuating element (5) is movable between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) and is designed to reduce the insertion force when connecting the plug-in connector (1) and the mating plug-in connector (3), wherein when the actuating element (5) is moved from a first position (P1) into a second position (P2), the plug-in connector (1) is moved from an initial plug-in position (AP) into an end plug-in position (EP), wherein the CPA (20) is movable along a displacement direction (V) between an unlocking position (EL) and a locking position (SL), wherein the CPA (20) in the locked position (SL) prevents the actuating element (5) from moving from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1), The CPA (20) and the mating plug connector (3) or the plug connector (1) are arranged relative to one another such that, depending on the plugged position, the CPA (20) is prevented from moving from an unlocked position (EL) into a locked position (SL).

2. The plug connector device according to the preceding claim, wherein the CPA (20) is prevented from moving from the unlocked position (EL) into the locked position (SL) before reaching the final plug-in position (EP), In particular, in the final plug-in position (EP), the CPA (20) is moved from an unlocked position (EL) into a locked position (SL).

3. The plug connector device according to any one of the preceding claims, The CPA (20) is arranged on the operating element (5) or The CPA (20) is arranged on the plug connector housing (2) or The CPA (20) is arranged on the mating plug-in connector (3), in particular on the mating plug-in connector housing (4).

4. Plug connector device according to any one of the preceding claims, The operating element (5) is designed as a slide and / or as an operating lever (6) which can be rotated about an axis (X).

5. Plug connector device according to any one of the preceding claims, The CPA (20) has a latching element (21) that can be latched onto a counterpart element (30). The locking element (21) is capable of shifting between a first position (S1) and a second position (S2). The latching element (21) is latched on the counterpart element (30) in a first position (S1), and the CPA (20) is prevented from moving from an unlocked position (EL) to a locked position (SL), wherein the latching element (21) is not latched to the counterpart element (30) in the second position (S2), and in particular the CPA (20) is movable from an unlocking position (EL) into a locking position (SL), The locking element (21) is in a first position (S1) in the initial plug-in position (AP), A first de-latching element (40) is arranged on the plug connector housing (2) or on the mating plug connector housing (4) and is designed so that in the final plug-in position (EP) the locking element (21) is moved into a second position (S2) by means of the first de-latching element (40).

6. Plug connector device according to the preceding claim, The first de-latching element (40) is constructed as a protrusion (41) on the plug connector housing (2) or on the mating plug connector housing (4), In particular, the projection (41) projects outwards from the plug-in connector housing (2) or from the mating plug-in connector housing (4) in a radial direction (R) perpendicular to the plug-in direction (S).

7. Plug connector device according to any one of the two preceding claims, The locking element (21) has a locking element protrusion (22) protruding radially inwards. The locking element protrusion (22) contacts the first de-latching element (40) in the final plug-in position (EP), and thereby, in particular when the CPA (20) is in the unlocking position (EL), the locking element (21) is moved by the first de-latching element (40) to a second position (S2), in particular radially outward.

8. Plug connector device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the CPA (20) and the operating element (5) are designed to cooperate with one another so that the mobility of the CPA (20) from an unlocked position (EL) to a locked position (SL) depends on the position of the operating element (5), wherein in the first position (P1) of the actuating element (4), the CPA (20) cannot be moved from the unlocked position (EL) into the locked position (SL), In particular, the CPA (20) can be moved from an unlocked position (EL) into a locked position (SL) in a second position (P2) of the actuating element (5) and when an end plug-in position (EP) is simultaneously present.

9. Plug connector device according to the preceding claim, The CPA (20) has a further latching element (50) which can be latched onto a further counterpart element (31). wherein the further latching element (50) is displaceable between a third position (S3) and a fourth position (S4), wherein the further latching element (50) is latched on the further counterpart element (31) in a third position (S3) and prevents the CPA (20) from moving from an unlocked position (EL) into a locked position (SL), wherein the further latching element (50) is not latched to the further counterpart element (31) in a fourth position (S4) and in particular the CPA (20) is movable from an unlocked position (EL) into a locked position (SL), wherein the further locking element (50) is in a third position (S3) in the first position (P1) of the actuating element (5), A second delatching element (60) is provided and is in particular arranged on the operating element (5) and is designed so that in the second position (P2) of the operating element (5), the further latching element (50) is moved into a fourth position (S4) by means of the second delatching element (60).

10. Plug connector device according to the preceding claim, The second detent element (60) is designed as a further projection (61) on the actuating element (5), which projects from the actuating element (5) in particular in a radial direction (R) perpendicular to the plug-in direction (S).

11. Plug connector device according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the further latching element (50) has a further additional latching element projection (52), The further additional locking element protrusion (52) contacts the second de-latching element (60) in the second position (P2) of the operating element (5), and the further locking element (50) is thereby moved by the second de-latching element (60) to a fourth position (S4), in particular transversely to the movement towards the locking element (21) caused by the first de-latching element (40) in the final plug-in position (EP).

12. A plug connector for a plug connector device having a mating plug connector, the plug connector having: - a plug connector housing (2), - an operating element (5), -CPA(20), - wherein the plug-in connector (1) has a plug-in position relative to the mating plug-in connector (3) and can be plugged together with the mating plug-in connector (3) starting from an initial plug-in position (AP) along a plug-in direction (S) up to a final plug-in position (EP), wherein the actuating element (5) is movable between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) and is designed to reduce the insertion force when connecting the plug-in connector (1) and the mating plug-in connector (3), wherein when the actuating element (5) is moved from a first position (P1) into a second position (P2), the plug-in connector (1) is moved from an initial plug-in position (AP) into an end plug-in position (EP), The CPA (20) is movable along a movement direction (V) between an unlocked position (EL) and a locked position (SL), wherein the CPA (20) in the locked position (SL) prevents the actuating element (5) from moving from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1), The CPA (20) and the mating plug connector (3) are arranged relative to one another such that, depending on the plugged position, the CPA (20) is prevented from moving from an unlocked position (EL) into a locked position (SL).

13. A mating plug-in connector for a plug-in connector device, the plug-in connector device having a plug-in connector with an actuating element, the mating plug-in connector having: - a mating plug connector housing (4), -CPA(20), - wherein the plug-in connector (1) has a plug-in position relative to the mating plug-in connector (3) and can be plugged together with the mating plug-in connector (3) starting from an initial plug-in position (AP) along a plug-in direction (S) up to a final plug-in position (EP), The CPA (20) is movable along a movement direction (V) between an unlocked position (EL) and a locked position (SL), wherein the CPA (20) in the locked position (SL) prevents the actuating element (5) from moving from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1), The CPA (20) and the mating plug connector (3) are arranged relative to one another such that, depending on the plugged position, the CPA (20) is prevented from moving from an unlocked position (EL) into a locked position (SL).

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