Electric connector assembly
By designing an adjustable encoding ring on the housing of the electrical connector assembly, the problem of lack of modularity of the encoding options in the prior art is solved, and a more flexible and customizable connection method is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380066431.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-09-15
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-05
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-25
AI Technical Summary
The existing electrical connector components lack modularity in terms of encoding options, making it difficult to adjust the encoding structure according to specific needs.
An electrical connector assembly is designed, wherein the first housing and the second housing each have coded rings adjustable at at least two definite positions, and the housing can only be connected if the coded ring is in the same definite position.
A connector assembly with a modular encoding structure that can be set by the user is provided, and the user can simply arrange the encoding ring according to specific needs, thereby achieving a more flexible connection mode.
Smart Images
Figure CN119895674A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connector assembly according to claim 1. Background Art
[0002] Electrical connector assemblies are known in the prior art. Many such electrical connector assemblies include coding elements for preventing incorrect connections. For example, the coding element can be arranged to enable two determined connector housings to be connected together. In other examples, the coding element can be arranged to prevent connection with incorrect polarity. Summary of the invention
[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector assembly which is more modular in terms of coding options.
[0004] This object is achieved by an electrical contact element according to claim 1. According to claim 1, an electrical connector assembly comprises: a first housing, which defines a first interior space and has a first connection portion, in which at least one first electrical plug element is arranged; and a second housing, which defines a second interior space and has a second connection portion, in which at least one second electrical plug element is arranged. The first housing can be connected to the second housing in an insertion direction. When the first housing is connected to the second housing, the first connection portion and the second connection portion engage with each other, and an electrical contact is established between the at least one first electrical plug element and the at least one second electrical plug element. The first housing also has a first coding ring with a first coding element, wherein the position of the first coding ring relative to the first housing can be adjusted in at least two determined positions. In addition, the second housing also has a second coding ring with a second coding element, wherein the position of the second coding ring relative to the second housing can be adjusted in at least two determined positions. The first housing and the second housing are connectable only when the first coding ring and the second coding ring are in the same determined position, and wherein the first coding element engages with the second coding element when the first housing is connected to the second housing.
[0005] When the first encoding ring and the second encoding ring are not located at the same determined position, or when the first encoding ring and the second encoding ring are located at different determined positions, respectively, the first shell and the second shell cannot be connected to each other.
[0006] With this structure, a connector assembly having a modular coding structure that can be set by a user can be provided. Therefore, the user can simply arrange the first coding ring and the second coding ring according to specific user needs.
[0007] Preferably, the encoding ring is provided separately from the respective housing and can be mounted to the respective housing at a selected determined position.
[0008] The insertion direction is preferably the longitudinal direction. Thus, the housing will move together along a linear axis.
[0009] Preferably, four or five determination positions are feasible. In particular, seven positions are provided.
[0010] In a first variant, the determined position is provided by at least two positioning grooves, into which at least one positioning notch engages. In a first variant, the number of positioning grooves is preferably equal to the number of determined positions, wherein the number of positioning notches is preferably lower than the number of grooves. Preferably, exactly one notch is arranged.
[0011] In a second variant, the determined position is provided by at least two positioning notches and at least one positioning groove, into which the positioning notch engages. In a second variant, the number of positioning notches is preferably equal to the number of determined positions, wherein the number of positioning grooves is preferably lower than the number of notches. Preferably, exactly one groove is arranged. In this embodiment, the area near the positioning groove is arranged so that the notch that is not engaged with the positioning groove has a corresponding space.
[0012] Preferably, the positioning groove (or grooves) and the positioning notch (or notches) are oriented respectively such that a positioning notch can be guided into one of the positioning grooves along a longitudinal movement of the corresponding encoding ring toward the corresponding housing.
[0013] Preferably, the longitudinal movement is collinear with an insertion direction along which the first housing is coupled to the second housing.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the first housing comprises the at least two positioning grooves, and the first encoding ring comprises the at least one positioning notch; and / or the second housing comprises the at least two positioning grooves, and the first encoding ring comprises the at least one positioning notch. Even more preferably, exactly one positioning notch is arranged on each encoding ring.
[0015] Preferably, the shapes of the positioning grooves and the positioning recesses of the first housing and the first encoding ring are different from the shapes of the positioning grooves and the positioning recesses of the second housing and the second encoding ring.
[0016] Thus, a mismatch during assembly, ie an arrangement of the first encoding ring on the second housing or vice versa, can be prevented.
[0017] Preferably, the positioning recess protrudes away from the rear side of the encoding ring. This has the advantage that the elements arranged for positioning the encoding ring do not affect the coupling.
[0018] The front side of each encoding ring is preferably flat without any protrusions, which faces the other ring.
[0019] Preferably, said first encoding ring is mechanically locked to said first housing, and / or wherein said second encoding ring is mechanically locked to said second housing.
[0020] Preferably, the snap-fit structure is arranged to mechanically lock the respective ring to the respective housing.
[0021] Preferably, the determined position is marked with a marking. The marking preferably has the shape of a letter and / or a number and / or a symbol and / or a combination thereof. Preferably, the marking on the first shell and the second shell is provided in the same way.
[0022] Preferably, one of the encoding rings comprises a coding recess as a corresponding coding element, and wherein the other of the encoding rings comprises a coding groove as a corresponding coding element, into which the coding recess engages when the first housing is connected to the second housing.
[0023] In a first variant, the first coding element is a coding recess extending from the inner side of the first coding ring into the ring space of the first coding ring, and wherein the second coding element is a coding groove extending from the outer side into the second coding ring, wherein the coding recess and the coding groove have complementary forms so that the coding recess can be inserted into the coding groove.
[0024] In a second variant, the first coding element is a coding groove extending from the inner side of the first coding ring into the coding ring, and wherein the second coding element is a coding notch extending from the outer side of the second coding ring, wherein the coding notch and the coding groove have complementary forms so that the coding notch can be inserted into the coding groove.
[0025] The term ring space is to be understood as a space within the ring surrounded by the side wall of the ring. The ring space is preferably cylindrical. The side of the side wall facing the ring space is the inner side, and the side of the side wall on the other side of the ring space is the outer side. Except for the area where the coding element is arranged, both the inner side and the outer side are arranged as cylinders.
[0026] Preferably, the second encoding ring extends with its outer side into the ring space of the first encoding ring.
[0027] Preferably, the second encoding ring has a cylindrical surface section. Preferably, the annular space is configured as a cylinder. The outer diameter of the cylindrical surface section of the second encoding ring is smaller than the inner diameter of the annular space, so that the cylindrical surface section can extend into the annular space.
[0028] Preferably, the first housing has a front side, and the first coding element is located in front of the front side when viewed from the insertion direction. Preferably, the second housing has a front side, and the second coding element is located behind the front side when viewed from the insertion direction.
[0029] Preferably, the first encoding ring is mounted on a first mounting section on the first housing, wherein the annular space of the first encoding ring contacts the first mounting section. Preferably, the second encoding ring is mounted on a second mounting section on the first housing, wherein the annular space of the second encoding ring contacts the second mounting section.
[0030] Preferably, the coding groove and the coding recess are oriented such that the coding recess can be introduced into one of the coding grooves in the insertion direction.
[0031] Preferably, the first connector housing comprises a further coding element, and wherein the second connector housing comprises a further coding element, wherein the further coding elements engage with each other when the first housing is connected to the second housing.
[0032] With the further coding element, not only the first coding element and the second coding element must be adapted, but also the further coding element.
[0033] Preferably, one of the encoding rings comprises at least one cutout through which at least one of the further encoding elements is guided during the mating process.
[0034] Preferably, the first connector housing comprises at least one first snap-fit element, and wherein the second connector housing comprises at least one second snap-fit element, wherein the at least one first snap-fit element engages with the at least one second snap-fit element.
[0035] Preferably, the at least one first latching element is a latching opening, and the at least one second latching element is a latching tongue engaging in the latching opening.
[0036] Preferably, the further coding element is part of at least one first latching element and / or a first housing and is part of at least one second latching element and / or a second housing.
[0037] Preferably, the at least one first electrical plug element is a socket and the at least one second electrical plug element is a pin, wherein the pin engages into the socket. Alternatively, the at least one first electrical plug element is a pin and the at least one second electrical plug element is a socket, wherein the pin engages into the socket.
[0038] In a first variant, the at least one first electrical plug element and / or the at least one second electrical plug element are directly mounted in the corresponding housing. In a second variant, the at least one first electrical plug element and / or the at least one second electrical plug element are mounted in the corresponding housing using a contact carrier element.
[0039] Preferably, the first encoding ring and / or the second encoding ring are mechanically locked to the first housing or the second housing, respectively. Preferably, the snap-in element is arranged on the housing and / or the encoding ring.
[0040] Further embodiments of the invention are listed in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are used to illustrate the purpose of the current preferred embodiments of the present invention, rather than to limit the purpose of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings,
[0042] Figure 1a A preferred embodiment of the connector assembly is shown in a first perspective view;
[0043] Figure 1b A preferred embodiment of the connector assembly according to FIG. 1 is shown in a second perspective view;
[0044] Figure 2 shows a top view of the connector assembly with an exploded encoding ring;
[0045] Figure 3 shows a first perspective exploded view of a first housing of a connector assembly according to one of the preceding figures;
[0046] Figure 4 shows another exploded perspective view of the first housing of the connector assembly according to one of the preceding figures;
[0047] Figure 5 shows a first perspective exploded view of a second housing of a connector assembly according to one of the preceding figures;
[0048] Figure 6 shows another exploded perspective view of the second housing of the connector assembly according to one of the preceding figures;
[0049] Figure 7 shows another exploded perspective view of the first housing and the second housing of the connector assembly according to one of the preceding figures;
[0050] Figure 8 shows another exploded perspective view of the first housing and the second housing of the connector assembly according to one of the preceding figures;
[0051] Fig. 9 a cross-sectional view showing the engagement of the coding element of the first housing with the coding element of the second housing;
[0052] Fig.10 shows a perspective view of the first shell and the second shell before connection,
[0053] Fig.11shows a perspective view of the first shell and the second shell before connection,
[0054] Fig.12 shows a perspective view of the first shell and the second shell after connection, and
[0055] Fig.13 A cross-sectional view showing the coding element of a first housing engaging with the coding element of a second housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A perspective view of an electrical connector assembly 1 is shown. The electrical connector assembly 1 comprises a first housing 2 and a second housing 5. The housings 2, 5 are connectable to each other along an insertion direction P.
[0057] The first housing 2 defines a first interior space 3, in which at least one first electrical plug element 29 is arranged. In addition, the first housing 2 has a first connection portion 4. The second housing 5 defines a second interior space 6, in which at least one second electrical plug element 30 is arranged. In addition, the second housing 2 has a second connection portion 7.
[0058] When the first housing 2 is connected to the second housing 5 , the first connecting portion 4 and the second connecting portion 7 engage with each other, and electrical contact is established between the at least one first electrical plug element 29 and the at least one second electrical plug element 30 .
[0059] The first housing 2 also has a first coding ring 8 with a first coding element 9. The position of the first coding ring 8 relative to the first housing 2 can be adjusted in at least two determined positions. This means that the first coding ring 8 can be positioned in a first determined position and a second determined position. Optionally, the first coding ring 8 can be positioned in another determined position.
[0060] The second housing 5 also has a second coding ring 10 with a second coding element 11. The position of the second coding ring 10 relative to the second housing 5 can be adjusted in at least two determined positions. This means that the second coding ring 10 can be positioned in a first determined position and in a second determined position. Optionally, the second coding ring 10 can be positioned in another determined position.
[0061] The first housing 2 and the second housing 5 are connectable only when the first encoding ring 8 and the second encoding ring 10 are in the same determined position. In the case where both encoding rings 8, 10 are in the first determined position, the mating process will be successful. In the case where the first encoding ring 8 is in the first determined position and the second encoding ring 10 is in the second position, the mating process will not be feasible.
[0062] In other words, when the first encoding ring 8 and the second encoding ring 10 are not located at the same determined position, or when the first encoding ring 8 and the second encoding ring 10 are located at different determined positions, respectively, the first housing 2 and the second housing 5 cannot be connected to each other.
[0063] The coding elements 9 , 11 are arranged such that when the first housing 2 is connected to the second housing 5 , the first coding element 9 engages with the second coding element 11 .
[0064] Will use Figures 2 to 8 The positioning of the encoding rings 8 , 10 on the housings 2 , 5 is summarized below.
[0065] The above-mentioned determined position is provided by at least two positioning grooves 12, into which at least one positioning recess 13 engages. Thus, at least two positioning grooves 12 are located on the first housing 2 and at least two positioning grooves 12 are located on the second housing 5. The positioning recesses 12 are components of the respective housing 2, 5. The first encoding ring 8 comprises at least one positioning recess 13. In the present case, exactly one positioning recess 13 is arranged. The second encoding ring 10 also comprises at least one positioning recess 13. In the present case, exactly one positioning recess 13 is arranged. The positioning recesses 13 on the two encoding rings 8, 10 are arranged as components of the encoding rings 8, 10.
[0066] In other embodiments, the positioning groove may be arranged on the encoding ring, and the positioning notch may be arranged on the housing.
[0067] As from Figure 2 It can be seen that the positioning groove 12 and the positioning recess 13 are oriented so that the positioning recess 13 can be guided into one of the positioning grooves 12 along the longitudinal movement of the corresponding encoding ring 8, 10 towards the corresponding housing 2, 5. The longitudinal movement is therefore preferably parallel to the insertion direction.
[0068] exist Figures 3 to 8 In FIG. 8 , the coding ring 8 , 10 is shown in an unmounted state. The coding ring 8 , 10 is to be oriented in the desired position and then moved toward the respective housing 2 , 5 , so that the positioning notch 13 engages in the positioning groove 12 . Fig.10 , 10 are shown in the attached figures.
[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the shape and / or position of the positioning grooves 12 and the positioning recesses 13 of the first housing 2 and the first encoding ring 8 are different from the shape and / or position of the positioning grooves 12 and the positioning recesses 13 of the second housing 5 and the second encoding ring 10. This prevents incorrect installation of the encoding ring, in particular, prevents incorrect installation of the encoding ring on the wrong housing.
[0070] The encoding rings 8 and 10 have a back side 14. The back side 14 of the first encoding ring 8 faces away from the second encoding ring 10, and the back side 14 of the second encoding ring 10 faces away from the first encoding ring 8. The positioning notch 13 on the first encoding ring 8 protrudes away from the back side 14 of the first encoding ring 8, and the positioning notch 13 on the second encoding ring 10 protrudes away from the back side 14 of the second encoding ring 10.
[0071] The encoding rings 8, 10 also have a front side 31. The front side 31 of the first encoding ring 8 faces the front side 31 of the second encoding ring 10. The front sides 31 of the two encoding rings are arranged as flush or flat surfaces. The front side 31 preferably extends parallel to the back side 14.
[0072] Furthermore, the encoding ring 8 , 10 comprises an inner side 18 , 32 , which surrounds a cylindrical annular space 19 , 25 . On the outer side, the encoding ring 8 , 10 comprises an outer side 20 , 33 .
[0073] In the present embodiment, the first encoding ring 8 and the second encoding ring 10 are respectively mechanically locked to the first housing 2 or the second housing 5. In the present example, a snap-in element 34 is provided on the housing 2, 5 and / or the encoding ring 8, 10. The snap-in element 34 is arranged so that once the positioning recess 13 is fully engaged in the positioning groove 12, the corresponding encoding ring 8, 10 is snapped to the housing 2, 6 by the snap-in element 34.
[0074] As can be seen from the figures, the determined positions are marked with markings 15. The markings preferably have the form of letters and / or numbers and / or symbols and / or combinations thereof. The markings are arranged on the respective housings 2, 5.
[0075] Reference Figures 3 to 12 , the coding elements 9, 11 of the coding rings 8, 10 are explained in more detail. As described above, the two housings 2, 5 can be connected together in the case where the coding rings 8, 10 on the two housings 2, 5 are in the same determined position. As a result, the coding elements 9, 11 match each other and an engagement that allows movement in the insertion direction P becomes possible. In the case where the positions of the coding rings 8, 10 are different, the connection will not be possible because the coding elements 9, 11 cannot match each other and an engagement that allows movement in the insertion direction P is prevented.
[0076] In the present embodiment, the first encoding ring 8 has encoding elements 9 in the form of encoding recesses 16. The second encoding ring 10 has encoding elements 11 in the form of encoding grooves 17. The encoding recesses 16 and the encoding grooves 17 have complementary forms, so that the encoding recesses 16 can be slid into the encoding grooves 17. In the present example, exactly one encoding recess 16 is arranged on the first encoding ring 10 and exactly one encoding groove 17 is arranged on the second encoding ring 11.
[0077] The coding recess 16 of the first coding ring 8 extends away from the inner side 18 of the first coding ring 8. The coding recess 16 thus extends into the ring space 25 of the first coding ring. The coding groove 17 of the second coding ring 9 extends from the outer side 20 into the coding ring 9.
[0078] from Fig. 9 and Fig.13 As can be seen from the cross section of the coding notch 16 , the cross section of the coding groove 17 is configured so that their cross sections match each other.
[0079] from Fig. 9 and Fig.13 It can also be seen from the cross section of FIG. 8 that the second encoding ring 10 extends with its outer side 20 into the ring space 19 of the first encoding ring 8 .
[0080] Will use Figures 3 to 9 Explain the installation of the first encoding ring 8 and the second encoding ring 10. The first encoding ring 8 is installed to the first installation section 23 on the first housing 2. The ring space 19 of the first encoding ring 8 is in contact with the first installation section 23. The second encoding ring 10 is installed to the second installation section 24 on the first housing 2, wherein the ring space 25 of the second encoding ring 10 is in contact with the second installation section 24.
[0081] from Fig.10 It can be clearly seen that the first housing 2 has a front face 21, and when viewed from the insertion direction P, the first coding element 9 is located in front of the front face 21. Fig.10 It can also be seen how the first coding element 8 engages into the second coding element 11. This is indicated by arrow A.
[0082] Preferably, the coding groove 17 and the coding recesses 16 are oriented such that a coding recess 16 can be introduced into one of the coding grooves 17 in the insertion direction.
[0083] use Fig.12 Explain the additional coding structure. Thus, the first connector housing 2 includes an additional coding element 26, and the second connector housing 5 includes an additional coding element 26. When the first housing 2 is connected to the second housing 5, the additional coding elements 26 engage with each other. The additional coding element 26 on the first housing 2 is configured as a coding groove, and the additional coding element 26 on the second housing 5 is configured as a coding recess. Arrow B shows how the coding elements 26 engage with each other.
[0084] from Fig.11 and Fig.122 also shows a clamping element for mechanically fixing the housings to each other. In this embodiment, the first connector housing 2 includes at least one first clamping element 27, and the second connector housing 5 includes at least one second clamping element 28. The at least one first clamping element 27 is engaged with the at least one second clamping element 28. The first clamping element 27 is a clamping opening, and the second clamping element 28 is a clamping piece engaged in the clamping opening.
[0085] In the present embodiment, the further coding element 26 is a part of at least one first latching element 27 and at least one second latching element 28 as well as a second housing. Fig.11 For example, if Figure 7 It can be seen in FIG. 1 that the first encoding ring 8 comprises a plurality of cutouts 35 which provide space for further encoding elements 26 located on the further second housing.
[0086] from Fig.13 It can be clearly seen in FIG. 2 that the further coding element 26 is arranged on one of the two first latching elements 27 and the second latching elements 28 .
[0087] In the present embodiment, the at least one first electrical plug element 29 is a pin, and the at least one second electrical plug element 30 is a socket, wherein the pin engages in the socket.
[0088] Reference numerals list
[0089] 1Connector assembly
[0090] 2First shell
[0091] 3First internal space
[0092] 4First connection part
[0093] 5 Second shell
[0094] 6 Second Internal Space
[0095] 7 Second connection part
[0096] 8First coding ring
[0097] 9First coding element
[0098] 10 Second coding ring
[0099] 11 Second coding element
[0100] 12 Positioning groove
[0101] 13 Positioning notch
[0102] 14 Back
[0103] 15. Logo
[0104] 16 Coding notches
[0105] 17 Coding groove
[0106] 18 Inside of the first coding ring
[0107] 19 Ring space of the first coding ring
[0108] 20 Outer side of the second coding ring
[0109] 21 Front
[0110] 22 Front
[0111] 23 First installation section
[0112] 24 Second installation section
[0113] 25 Ring Space
[0114] 26 Additional coding elements
[0115] 27 first clamping element
[0116] 28 second clamping element
[0117] 29 First electrical plug element
[0118] 30 Second electrical plug element
[0119] 31 Front
[0120] 32 Inside of the second coding ring
[0121] 33 Outer side of the first coding ring
[0122] 34 Clamping element for coding ring
[0123] 35 Incision
[0124] AArrow
[0125] B Arrow
[0126] P Insertion direction
Claims
1. An electrical connector assembly (1), comprising: a first housing (2) which defines a first interior space (3) and has a first connecting portion (4), in which at least one first electrical plug element (29) is arranged, and a second housing (5) which defines a second interior space (6) and has a second connecting portion (7), in which at least one second electrical plug element (30) is arranged, in, The first housing (2) can be connected to the second housing (5) along an insertion direction (P), wherein, when the first housing (2) is connected to the second housing (5), the first connecting portion (4) and the second connecting portion (7) engage with each other, and electrical contact is established between the at least one first electrical plug element (29) and the at least one second electrical plug element (30), The first housing (2) further comprises a first coding ring (8) with a first coding element (9), wherein the position of the first coding ring (8) relative to the first housing (2) can be adjusted in at least two determined positions, The second housing (5) further comprises a second coding ring (10) with a second coding element (11), wherein the position of the second coding ring (10) relative to the second housing (5) can be adjusted in at least two determined positions, and wherein the first housing (2) and the second housing (5) are connectable only when the first encoding ring (8) and the second encoding ring (10) are located at the same determined position, and wherein the first encoding element (9) engages with the second encoding element (11) when the first housing (2) is connected to the second housing (5).
2. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The determined position is provided by at least two positioning grooves (12), and at least one positioning recess (13) is engaged in the at least two positioning grooves; or wherein the determined position is provided by at least two positioning recesses (13) and at least one positioning groove (12), and the positioning recess (13) is engaged in the at least one positioning groove.
3. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The positioning groove (12) or the plurality of positioning grooves (12) and the positioning recess (13) or the plurality of positioning recesses (13) are respectively oriented so that the positioning recess (13) can be guided into one of the positioning grooves (12) along the longitudinal movement of the corresponding encoding ring (8, 10) toward the corresponding housing (2, 5).
4. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The first shell (2) comprises the at least two positioning grooves (12), and wherein the first encoding ring (8) comprises the at least one positioning notch (13); and / or wherein the second shell (5) comprises the at least two positioning grooves (12), and wherein the second encoding ring (10) comprises the at least one positioning notch (13).
5. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The shape and / or position of the positioning groove (12) and the positioning notch (13) of the first shell (2) and the first encoding ring (8) are different from the shape and / or position of the positioning groove (12) and the positioning notch (13) of the second shell (5) and the second encoding ring (10).
6. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The positioning notch (13) protrudes away from the back side (14) of the encoding ring (8, 10).
7. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first encoding ring (8) is mechanically locked to the first housing (2), and / or wherein the second encoding ring (8) is mechanically locked to the second housing (5).
8. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The determined position is marked with a marking (15), preferably with a marking (15) in the form of a letter and / or a number and / or a symbol and / or a combination thereof.
9. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: One of the encoding rings (8, 10) comprises a coding recess (16) as a corresponding coding element (9, 11), and wherein the other of the encoding rings (10, 8) comprises a coding groove (17) as a corresponding coding element (9, 11), the coding recess (16) engaging into the coding groove (17) when the first housing (2) is connected to the second housing (5).
10. Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The first coding element (9) is a coding recess (16) extending from the inner side (18) of the first coding ring (8) into the ring space (19) of the first coding ring (8), and wherein the second coding element (11) is a coding groove (17) extending from the outer side (20) into the second coding ring, wherein the coding recess (16) and the coding groove (17) have complementary forms so that the coding recess (16) can be inserted into the coding groove (17); or wherein the first coding element (9) is a coding groove (17) extending from the inner side (18) of the first coding ring (8) into the coding ring (8), and wherein the second coding element (11) is a coding recess (16) extending from the outer side (20) of the second coding ring (10), wherein the coding recess (16) and the coding recess (17) have complementary forms such that the coding recess (16) can be inserted into the coding recess (17).
11. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second encoding ring (10) extends with its outer side (20) into the ring space (19) of the first encoding ring (8).
12. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first shell (2) has a front face (21), and wherein, viewed from the insertion direction (P), the first coding element (9) is located in front of the front face (21), and / or wherein, the second shell (5) has a front face (22), and wherein, viewed from the insertion direction, the second coding element (11) is located behind the front face (22).
13. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first encoding ring (8) is mounted on a first mounting section (23) on the first housing (2), wherein the annular space (19) of the first encoding ring (8) is in contact with the first mounting section (23); and / or the second encoding ring (10) is mounted on a second mounting section (24) on the second housing (5), wherein the annular space (25) of the second encoding ring (10) is in contact with the second mounting section (24).
14. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 9 to 13, wherein: The coding groove (17) and the coding recess (16) are oriented such that the coding recess (16) can be introduced into one of the coding grooves (17) along the insertion direction.
15. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first connector housing (2) comprises a further coding element (26), and wherein the second connector housing (5) comprises a further coding element (26), wherein the further coding elements (26) engage with each other when the first housing is connected to the second housing.
16. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 15, wherein: One of the encoding rings (8, 10) comprises at least one cutout (35), through which at least one of the further encoding elements (26) is guided during the mating process.
17. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first connector housing (2) comprises at least one first snap-fit element (27), and wherein the second connector housing (5) comprises at least one second snap-fit element (28), wherein the at least one first snap-fit element (27) engages with the at least one second snap-fit element (28).
18. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of claims 15 or 17, wherein: The further coding element (26) is part of the at least one first latching element (27) and / or the first housing (2) and is part of the at least one second latching element (28) and / or the second housing (5).
19. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one first electrical plug element is a socket and the at least one second electrical plug element is a pin, wherein the pin engages into the socket; or wherein the at least one first electrical plug element is a pin and the at least one second electrical plug element is a socket, wherein the pin engages into the socket.
20. The connector assembly (1) according to claim 19, wherein: The at least one first electric plug element (29) and / or the at least one second electric plug element (30) are directly mounted in the corresponding housing (2, 5); or the at least one first electric plug element (29) and / or the at least one second electric plug element (30) are mounted in the corresponding housing using a contact carrier element.
21. The connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first encoding ring (8) and / or the second encoding ring (10) are mechanically locked to the first housing (2) or the second housing (5), respectively, wherein preferably a snap-in element (34) is arranged on the housing (2, 5) and / or the encoding ring (8, 10).