Plug connector assembly with two plug housing parts displaceable relative to each other for two-stage plug-in operation

Abstract

A plug connector device (1) for transmitting data signals is described. The plug connector device comprises a plug housing (3) and a counter plug housing (5) which can be connected to one another in a mechanically reversible manner from a separated initial configuration via a plug configuration in a plug direction (7) into a coupled configuration, a first signal conductor element (9) held in the plug housing, and a second signal conductor element (11) held in the counter plug housing. The plug housing is of two-part design with a first plug housing part (13) and a second plug housing part (15). The plug housing parts hold one another and can be displaced relative to one another in the plug direction between a retracted configuration and an advanced configuration. The first signal conductor element is fastened to the first plug housing part such that it can be displaced with the first plug housing part relative to the second plug housing part. The plug housing has a locking mechanism (17) which is configured such that in a locked configuration it prevents the two plug housing parts from being displaced relative to one another from the retracted configuration into the advanced configuration as long as the plug housing and the counter plug housing are in the separated initial configuration, and when the plug housing and the counter plug housing are pushed together at least as far as the plug configuration it releases the corresponding displacement of the two plug housing parts relative to one another only by switching into an unlocked configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plug connector device, wherein, in order to transmit data signals, a first signal conductor element held in a plug housing can be coupled to a second signal conductor element held in a mating plug housing. Background Technology

[0002] For example, in the automotive industry, there are many different applications where data, in the form of data signals that change at very high frequencies, is transmitted between devices. For instance, a device acting as an information source or transmitter might generate such data signals. Such a device could be, for example, a sensor. Especially in automotive applications, such devices could be, for example, lidar sensors, radar sensors, cameras, etc., and can generate very large amounts of data or very high-frequency data. Other devices, in the form of data receivers, used for information processing or conversion and acting as receivers, can further process the received data signals or control operations based on them. For example, such devices could be, for example, control devices or actuators. Data signals can be transmitted, for example, via signal conductor elements in the form of data lines. In such cases, the data lines can be coupled at the coupling point to other data lines and / or information sources and / or data receivers by means of plug connector devices to transmit data or signals.

[0003] As applications become increasingly complex, the demands for signal transmission and the required data transmission bandwidth can increase significantly. For example, in automotive applications, the need for high-frequency data signal transmission is growing. To meet these demands, data is being transmitted more frequently, no longer via conductive data lines as electrical signals, but via signal conductor elements such as optical waveguides for optical data transmission.

[0004] However, coupling signal conductor elements, such as optical waveguides, using plug connector assemblies typically requires high precision. In particular, it is essential to avoid degradation of data transmission performance due to contamination and / or damage to such signal conductor elements. This is especially critical in automotive applications, where maintenance or repairs, such as connecting or disconnecting plug connector assemblies, are performed in environments often filled with dust and / or other harsh working and environmental conditions.

[0005] In this context, in the case of plug connector devices, it is generally necessary to ensure that the signal conductor elements to be connected in this way are not exposed in a way that is easily damaged or soiled when the plug housing and the mating plug housing of the plug connector device are not connected to each other.

[0006] For this purpose, in the case of conventional plug connector assemblies, the signal conductor element is typically surrounded by protrusions, such as protective rings, which are formed on the plug housing or mating plug housing.

[0007] However, at least in some applications, including such a guard ring can be disadvantageous. For example, in some cases, due to installation space or geometry, the guard ring may not be able to be formed large enough to reliably protect the signal conductor elements it surrounds, or conversely, the overall installation length of the plug connector assembly may increase significantly due to the long guard ring. Furthermore, problems may arise in cases where there is so-called wobbling clearance (or lateral clearance) between the plug components of the plug connector assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, a plug connector device may be needed for transmitting high-frequency data signals, by means of which signal conductor elements can be mechanically connected, for example, to different devices and / or other signal conductor elements in a simple and reliable manner in different configurations, and for data transmission purposes. In such a case, the signal conductor elements should be protected from damage, contamination, etc. Furthermore, the plug connector device should be as compact as possible, and / or able to be plugged in and disconnected in a simple and reliable manner.

[0009] The subject matter of the independent claims can satisfy this need. Advantageous embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims, the following description, and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a plug connector device for transmitting data signals is described. The plug connector device includes: - Plug housing and mating plug housing, which are mechanically reversibly connected to each other in a coupled configuration via plug configuration by being pushed together in the plug direction; - A first signal conductor element, which is held within the plug housing; and - A second signal conductor element, which is held in the mating plug housing.

[0011] In this configuration, the plug housing is a two-piece design having a first plug housing portion and a second plug housing portion. The first and second plug housing portions are held together and can be displaced relative to each other in the plug direction between a retracted configuration and an advanced configuration. The first signal conductor element is secured to the first plug housing portion such that it can be displaced relative to the second plug housing portion together with the first plug housing portion. The plug housing has a locking mechanism configured such that, in the locked configuration, as long as the plug housing and the mating plug housing are in a separated initial configuration, the locking mechanism prevents the first and second plug housing portions from displacing relative to each other from the retracted configuration to the advanced configuration, and when the plug housing and the mating plug housing are pushed together at least far into the plug configuration, the locking mechanism releases the displacement of the first and second plug housing portions relative to each other from the retracted configuration to the advanced configuration only by switching to an unlocked configuration.

[0012] As an introduction, basic concepts related to the embodiments of the invention described herein will be briefly explained, wherein this explanation should be understood as a rough summary and not as a limitation of the invention: In conventional plug connector assemblies, the purpose is to connect signal conductor elements, such as optical waveguides (i.e., fiber optics), to each other. These signal conductor elements typically reside in one of two housing sections. In this configuration, a first signal conductor element is securely held to the plug housing, while a second signal conductor element is securely held to the mating plug housing. The free ends of the signal conductor elements are typically surrounded by protective rings on the respective housing sections to protect them from damage. Furthermore, in some plug connector assemblies, the free ends are covered with caps for additional protection against damage and contamination. These caps must be folded during the plugging of the housing sections together to allow the free ends of the signal conductor elements in the two housing sections to be connected to each other.

[0013] However, due to the long protective ring and possible cap, such conventional plug connector assemblies often become very long, making them unsuitable for installation conditions with limited space. Furthermore, in cases of lateral clearance (wobble clearance) that occurs when the housing portions of a conventional plug connector assembly are mated together, relatively large tolerances must typically be maintained because the guide depth between the two housing portions—which is relatively short at the start of the mating operation—still allows for a certain tilt position between the housing portions to be mated together.

[0014] In the case of the plug connector device presented here, the plug housing is a special two-piece design. Although the first and second plug housing parts are mechanically connected to each other in such a case, they can be displaced relative to each other in the plug direction.

[0015] In this configuration, the first signal conductor element, held on the plug housing, is securely attached to the first plug housing portion such that when the first plug housing portion is pushed into a forward configuration relative to the second plug housing portion in the plugging direction, or when the first plug housing portion is pulled into a retracted configuration relative to the second plug housing portion in the opposite direction to the plugging direction, the first signal conductor element can be displaced relative to the second plug housing portion together with the first plug housing portion. In other words, by displacing the first and second plug housing portions relative to each other, the first signal conductor element can be pushed back and forth relative to the second plug housing portion in the plugging direction.

[0016] Therefore, when the two plug housing portions are in a retracted configuration, the free end of the first signal conductor element can be protectively housed within the plug housing. Alternatively, when the two plug housing portions are in an extended configuration, the free end of the first signal conductor element can extend from the plug housing in the plug direction so that it can subsequently be coupled to, for example, the free end of a second signal conductor element in a mating plug housing.

[0017] However, it has been recognized that in the case of such a two-piece plug housing, the two plug housing portions should be prevented from shifting relative to each other in an uncoordinated manner. In particular, it should be prevented that the two plug housing portions may be shifted into a forward configuration while the plug housing is still separated from the mating plug housing, because in such a case, the free end of the first signal conductor element that may protrude from the plug housing will not be protected.

[0018] Therefore, it is stipulated that the plug housing should be equipped with a special locking mechanism. This locking mechanism achieves its characteristics through the special geometry of the first and second plug housing portions and the appropriate special geometry of the mating plug housing. In this case, the locking mechanism is configured to prevent the first and second plug housing portions from shifting relative to each other from the retracted configuration to the forward configuration, and instead separate them, at least as long as the plug housing and the mating plug housing have not been pushed together at least partially. This state of the locking mechanism is referred to here as the locked configuration. In other words, the locking mechanism ensures that the first and second plug housing portions remain in the retracted configuration when the plug housing is not pushed into the mating plug housing, so that in this initial separated configuration, the first signal conductor element is still protected and housed within the plug housing.

[0019] Furthermore, the locking mechanism is configured to allow the first and second plug housing portions to move from the retracted configuration to the forward configuration only when the plug housing and the mating plug housing have been at least partially pushed together. This state is referred to here as the unlocked configuration. In other words, in its unlocked configuration, the locking mechanism allows the first and second plug housing portions to move relative to each other to the forward configuration, and in such a case, the first signal conductor element is pushed out, for example, from an opening on the end side of the plug housing with its free end. Since the locking mechanism can only be engaged in the unlocked configuration when the plug housing and the mating plug housing have been at least partially pushed together, the risk of the free end of the first signal conductor element being exposed to an unprotected state is eliminated in such a case.

[0020] In this configuration, the locking mechanism is designed such that when the plug housing is pushed together with the mating plug housing, the locking mechanism automatically switches from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration. In other words, solely by the locking mechanism's own configuration on the plug housing and its interaction with the mating plug housing during the pushing process, once the plug housing and the mating plug housing are pushed together far enough to enter the plug configuration, the locking mechanism releases the previously prevented displacement of the first and second plug housing portions in the forward configuration.

[0021] Therefore, due to the specific configuration of the locking mechanism, during the process of plugging the plug connector devices together, the plug housing can be gripped only on its first plug housing portion and moved toward the mating plug housing, wherein the second plug housing portion is initially rigidly held in a retracted configuration relative to the first plug housing portion and can be pushed into the mating plug housing to reach the plug configuration, after which the locking mechanism is switched to an unlocked configuration, and the first plug housing portion can be displaced relative to the second plug housing portion into an advancing configuration, so that the first signal conductor element held thereon can be pushed from the plug housing toward the mating plug housing.

[0022] In this scenario, the entire complex process can be accomplished simply by pushing the plug housing into the mating plug housing in the insertion direction. No further manipulation or actuation of the plug connector assembly is required. In particular, when the housing portions are pushed together, unlocking occurs automatically without separate actuation of the locking mechanism, due to the way the components constituting the locking mechanism in the plug housing interact with, in particular, the mating plug housing during insertion.

[0023] In a similar manner, as described in more detail below, the separation of the two housing portions can also be achieved by simply pulling them apart, where it is also ensured that the free end of the first signal conductor element is initially embedded in the plug housing by the two plug housing portions being displaced into the retracted configuration, and is thus protected from damage before the plug housing is then pulled out from the mating plug housing.

[0024] The possible configurations and advantages of embodiments of the plug connector device are described in more detail below.

[0025] The plug connector device described herein can be suitably designed to transmit data signals at high frequencies, for example, greater than 1 MHz, preferably greater than 1 GHz, or even greater than 10 GHz. In such cases, signal transmission can be performed optically, in particular.

[0026] Optical waveguides, especially fiberglass, can be used as first and / or second signal conductor elements. Such optical waveguides can transmit optical signals over long distances and at very high frequencies. For this purpose, the signal conductor element can be configured as a fiberglass cable. However, the signal conductor element can also be used to transmit signals, especially optical signals, over short distances, such as within a device, to components such as processors, actuators, etc.

[0027] The plug connector assembly has two housing parts, in the form of a plug housing and a mating plug housing. In this case, one housing part can be designed as a plug, and the other housing part can be designed as a receptacle. The housing parts can be configured in a suitable complementary manner so that they can be mechanically reversibly connected to each other by being pushed together in the plug direction, and can be disconnected again by being pulled apart in the opposite direction to the plug direction. The two housing parts preferably have geometries or surfaces that ensure force and / or form fit between the two housing parts when they are pushed together. The housing parts can be designed as plastic components. In particular, the housing parts can be composed of a single piece or several parts. For example, the housing parts can be designed as injection-molded components or have injection-molded components.

[0028] In each case, each housing portion has a receiving cavity. In such a case, a first signal conductor element is received in a first receiving cavity in the plug housing, and a second signal conductor element is received in a second receiving cavity in the mating plug housing. In such a case, the signal conductor element is typically elongated and surrounded laterally by the walls of the corresponding receiving cavity. In such a case, the signal conductor element can be held in the associated receiving cavity by force-fit and / or form-fit. During the assembly of the plug connector assembly, the signal conductor element can preferably be pushed into the associated receiving cavity in the longitudinal direction and, for example, locked therein. In such a case, each signal conductor element is received and arranged in the associated receiving cavity such that it is positioned or can be displaced at its free end, so that when the two housing portions are pushed together, it can be coupled to the free end of a corresponding other signal conductor element in the other housing portion. Preferably, the signal conductor element is arranged with its longitudinal direction parallel to the plug direction. In such a case, at least one signal conductor element can be cable-like and therefore much longer than the housing portion that receives it, and thus can be led out from the associated receiving cavity in the housing portion.

[0029] The plug housing is a two-piece design. Although the first plug housing portion remains on the second plug housing portion in this configuration, it can still be displaced relative to the second plug housing portion in the plugging direction. In the retracted configuration, the centers of the first and second plug housing portions are at their maximum distance, although the edge regions of the two plug housing portions may still overlap. In the push-to-join configuration, the two centers of the first and second plug housing portions are arranged at their closest possible distances, and the two plug housing portions typically overlap significantly more than in the retracted configuration. Between the push-to-join and retracted configurations, the first and second plug housing portions can be displaced within a distance typically a few millimeters, for example, 5mm to 30mm, preferably 10mm to 20mm. In each case, the first and second plug housing portions can be designed as separate parts or integrated parts, especially injection-molded parts. Guide contours, such as guide grooves or guide protrusions, can be provided on the two plug housing portions, allowing the first and second plug housing portions to move relative to each other in a guided manner in the plugging direction.

[0030] The first signal conductor element is preferably statically connected to the first plug housing portion and can be displaced relative to the second plug housing portion along with the first plug housing portion. In this case, the first plug housing portion may have a so-called internal contact carrier unit by means of which the first signal conductor element is held on the first plug housing portion. Accordingly, the first signal conductor element can be displaced relative to the second plug housing portion by a distance between a retracted configuration and an advanced configuration.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the plug housing is configured such that a first signal conductor element is fastened to a first plug housing portion such that, in a retracted configuration, the free end of the first signal conductor element is accommodated within the plug housing, and in an advanced configuration, the free end of the first signal conductor element protrudes beyond the plug housing toward the mating plug housing.

[0032] In other words, the plug housing together with its two plug housing portions and the first signal conductor element held thereon can be configured such that when the plug housing is in a retracted configuration, the free end of the first signal conductor element is housed inside the plug housing and thus protected from external destructive influences, while when the plug housing is in an advanced configuration, the free end of the first signal conductor element is pushed out from inside the plug housing and protrudes beyond the plug housing, for example, protruding on the front side of the plug housing, so that it can be pushed into, for example, a mating plug housing and coupled there to the second signal conductor element.

[0033] The plug housing is provided with a special locking mechanism. This locking mechanism is configured to be reconfigurable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the locking mechanism prevents relative displacement between the first and second plug housing portions, thus locking them in the retracted configuration and preventing them from moving to the forward configuration. In the unlocked configuration, such relative displacement is permitted.

[0034] In this configuration, the locking mechanism is configured such that during the process of pushing the plug housing and the mating plug housing together at least into the plug configuration, a reconfiguration of the locking mechanism from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration automatically occurs. In this configuration, the plug configuration corresponds to an intermediate state between a separated initial configuration and a final coupled configuration, wherein the plug housing and its second plug housing portion have been at least partially or even completely pushed together with the mating plug housing, but the first plug housing portion has not yet shifted relative to the second plug housing portion into the forward configuration.

[0035] Due to the specific locking mechanism configuration, the plug housing can be pushed together with the mating plug housing in the following manner: First, both plug housing portions remain in a retracted configuration, and thus the first signal conductor element can be protected and housed, for example, within the plug housing. Only when the second plug housing portion is pushed at least partially together with the mating plug housing does the locking mechanism switch to an unlocked configuration, allowing the first plug housing portion to shift relative to the second plug housing portion into an advancing configuration, and thus allowing the first signal conductor element to be pushed out of the plug housing and into the mating plug housing.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism on the plug housing and the mating plug housing are configured such that during the process of the plug housing and the mating plug housing being pushed together by a force applied to the first plug housing portion and acting in the plug direction, when the plug configuration is achieved, the relative displacement between the first and second plug housing portions that were initially prevented is released due to the action of the mating plug housing on the locking mechanism.

[0037] In other words, the plug housing and its locking mechanism are configured, especially in terms of geometry, such that as the mating plug housings are pushed together by their respective suitable configurations, especially their respective suitable geometric configurations, the locking mechanism automatically reconfigures from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration.

[0038] Therefore, it is sufficient to push the plug housing together with its second plug housing portion to the plug configuration together with the mating plug housing, thereby releasing the locking mechanism, and by further pushing the first plug housing portion, then shifting it relative to the second plug housing portion to the forward configuration. Thus, there is no need to operate the locking mechanism separately, such as manually unlocking.

[0039] As a result, on the one hand, the insertion process of the plug housing and the mating plug housing can be simplified. On the other hand, it can ensure that the locking mechanism will not be unlocked at inappropriate times, such as when the plug housing is still separated from the mating plug housing.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism has at least one extended spring arm tab formed on a first plug housing portion and projecting at its free end toward a second plug housing portion along the plug direction. Furthermore, the locking mechanism also has at least one stop surface formed on the second plug housing portion and oriented toward the first plug housing portion in a direction orthogonal to the plug direction. The spring arm tab and the stop surface are formed and arranged such that the free end of the spring arm tab rests on the stop surface, preventing relative displacement between the first and second plug housing portions from a retracted configuration to a forward configuration, at least as long as the plug housing and mating plug housing are in an initial separated configuration.

[0041] According to one specific embodiment, in such a case, the spring arm tab and the stop surface, as well as the mating plug housing, are formed and arranged such that as the plug housings and the mating plug housings push against each other, the free end of the spring arm tab will disengage from the support of the stop surface, thereby releasing the relative displacement between the first and second plug housing portions from the retracted configuration to the forward configuration.

[0042] Furthermore, according to another specific embodiment, the spring arm tab is arranged and formed such that, when supported on the stop surface, it extends outward in the radial direction transverse to the plug direction by at least one protruding region beyond the stop surface. In this case, the mating plug housing is arranged and formed such that, during the process of the plug housing being pushed together with the mating plug housing, it presses the protruding region of the spring arm tab inward in a direction opposite to the radial direction.

[0043] The possible details regarding the configuration of the locking mechanism and the spring arm tab, as well as the stop surface, will be further explained below in conjunction with the embodiments shown in the figures.

[0044] According to another embodiment, the locking mechanism on the plug housing and the mating plug housing are configured such that during the process of pushing the plug housing and the mating plug housing apart from the coupling configuration to the initial separation configuration in the direction opposite to the plug direction, due to the force applied to the first plug housing portion and acting in the direction opposite to the plug direction, the first and second plug housing portions are first moved from the forward configuration to the retracted configuration, and then the second plug housing portion is moved away from the mating plug housing in the direction opposite to the plug direction.

[0045] In other words, the plug housing and its locking mechanism are configured, particularly geometrically, such that during the process of pushing the mating plug housing away from the mating plug housing due to a suitable configuration, particularly a suitable geometry, of the mating plug housing, initially only the first and second plug housing portions are displaced relative to each other into a retracted configuration, and thus the first signal conductor element is pulled into the interior of the plug housing with its free end. In this case, automatic reconfiguration of the locking mechanism from an unlocked configuration to a locked configuration is also preferably achieved. Only then can the continued application of tension to the first plug housing portion serve to transfer the tension to the second plug housing portion, thereby pulling the latter out of its engagement with the mating plug housing.

[0046] It is sufficient to separate the plug connector assembly by pulling the plug housing apart from the mating plug housing on its first portion. Due to the special construction of the locking mechanism, the applied pulling force has the following effect: firstly, the plug housing is displaced to its retracted configuration, and in this case, the first signal conductor element is retracted into the plug housing. Only when the aforementioned plug configuration is achieved, for example, will further pulling of the first plug housing cause the second plug housing to be pulled out of the mating plug housing. In this case, it is preferable that the locking mechanism, such as manually locking or unlocking the latter, is not required.

[0047] Therefore, on the one hand, the separation process between the plug housing and the mating plug housing can be simplified. On the other hand, it can be ensured that the first signal conductor element and its free end are initially pulled into the plug housing under any circumstances, and the locking mechanism preferably locks automatically in an appropriate manner before the plug housing is subsequently separated from the mating plug housing.

[0048] In one specific embodiment, the second plug housing portion has at least one latch hook that is resiliently displaceable in a radial direction transverse to the plug direction, and the mating plug housing has at least one recess. In this case, the latch hook and the recess are arranged and formed such that when the plug housing and the mating plug housing are in a coupled configuration, the latch hook engages in the recess.

[0049] In another specific embodiment, in such a case, the first plug housing portion is arranged and formed such that, during the process of the plug housing and the mating plug housing being pushed apart from the plug configuration to the initial separation configuration in a direction opposite to the plug direction, the component initially prevents the latch hook from disengaging from the engagement with the recess and releases it only upon reaching the plug configuration.

[0050] In such a case, according to one embodiment, the first housing portion may have at least one extended spring arm tab arranged and formed such that when the first and second plug housing portions are in the forward configuration, the tab supports the latch hook in the radial direction, and when the first and second plug housing portions are in the retracted configuration, the tab does not support the latch hook.

[0051] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the latch hook may have at least one side that is inclined relative to the direction of the plug.

[0052] The following description, with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures, further illustrates possible details of the locking mechanism and possible functional configurations regarding the advantageous separation of the plug housing and the mating plug housing.

[0053] It should be noted that various embodiments of the invention have been described herein with reference to a plug connector device configured according to the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the features described for each embodiment can be suitably transferred to other embodiments in a similar manner, and can also be adjusted and / or replaced to obtain further embodiments of the invention, potentially resulting in synergistic effects. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

[0055] Figure 1 A perspective view of the plug connector device of the present invention in a separate initial configuration is shown.

[0056] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the first plug housing portion of the plug connector assembly together with the first signal conductor element.

[0057] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the second plug housing portion of the plug connector assembly.

[0058] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the mating plug housing of the plug connector device.

[0059] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 The plug connector device is in a perspective view of the plug configuration.

[0060] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 The plug connector device is presented in a stereoscopic view with alternative perspectives.

[0061] Figure 7 The housing without mating plugs is shown. Figure 5 Side view of the plug connector device.

[0062] Figure 8 The housing without mating plugs is shown. Figure 5 A perspective view of the plug connector device.

[0063] Figure 9 The housing without mating plugs is shown. Figure 5 A longitudinal sectional view of the plug connector assembly in the xy plane.

[0064] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 A detailed 3D view of the area marked "A".

[0065] Figure 11 It shows Figure 5 A longitudinal sectional view of the plug connector assembly in the xy plane.

[0066] Figure 12 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the plug connector assembly in a coupling configuration.

[0067] Figure 13 The housing without mating plugs is shown. Figure 12 A perspective view of the plug connector device.

[0068] Figure 14 It shows Figure 12 A longitudinal sectional view of the plug connector assembly on the xz plane.

[0069] Figure 15 It shows Figure 12 A longitudinal sectional view of the plug connector assembly in the xy plane.

[0070] These figures are schematic diagrams only and are not to scale. The same reference numerals indicate the same or equivalent features in different figures. Detailed Implementation

[0071] Figure 1 A plug connector assembly 1 is shown, wherein the plug housing 3 and the mating plug housing 5 can be mechanically reversibly connected to each other from an initial position in which they are initially separated by pushing the two housing portions together in the plug direction 7.

[0072] In the illustrated example, a first signal conductor element 9 in the form of an optical waveguide 39 is held within the plug housing 3. This first signal conductor element 9 is intended to be coupled via a plug connector device 1 to a second signal conductor element 11 housed within a mating plug housing 5 (see [link to example]). Figure 14 This allows for the exchange of data signals between two signal conductor elements 9 and 11. In the example shown, the plug connector assembly 1 has an approximately rectangular cross-section on both the plug housing 3 and the mating plug housing 5, the cross-section having rounded edges.

[0073] The plug housing 3 is a two-piece design and has a first plug housing portion 13 and a second plug housing portion 15. The first and second plug housing portions 13 and 15 are configured such that they mechanically interact with each other, such that in the assembled state of the plug housing 3, they reliably hold each other together, while also being able to shift relative to each other along the plug direction 7.

[0074] In the illustrated example, for this purpose, the first plug housing portion 13 engages, at least in certain areas, in a sleeve-like manner around the second plug housing portion 15. In other words, the first plug housing portion 13 has a central channel opening 43 in its longitudinal direction through which the second plug housing portion 15 passes. Accordingly, the first plug housing portion 13 can be positioned relative to the second plug housing portion 15 in its longitudinal direction corresponding to the plug direction 7. Figure 1 and Figure 5-11 The retraction configuration shown is the same as Figure 12-15 The device reciprocates between the forward and backward configurations. Such displacement between the retracted and forward configurations can be prevented or released by means of the locking mechanism 17.

[0075] exist Figure 2 , 3 In Figures 1 and 4, the first plug housing portion 13 and the first signal conductor element 9 attached thereto, the second plug housing portion 15, and the mating plug housing 5 are each shown in perspective.

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the first plug housing portion 13 has a frame-like region 41 with an approximately rectangular cross-section having rounded edges, surrounding the channel opening 43. Two spring arm tabs 21 extend from this frame-like region 41. Each spring arm tab 21 has a flattened, elongated geometry and, in the assembled state of the plug connector assembly 1, extends parallel to the plug direction 7 in a direction toward the second plug housing portion 15 or the mating plug housing 5. In this case, the two spring arm tabs 21 extend on opposite sides of the first plug housing portion 13 and are substantially parallel to each other. In this case, each spring arm tab 21 has a rear sub-region 45, a front sub-region 47, and a free end 23. The rear sub-region 45 directly abuts the frame-like region 41 and extends in a plane parallel to the plug direction 7. The front sub-region 47 is adjacent to the rear sub-region 45 and extends on a plane that is slightly inclined relative to the plug direction 7 (i.e., at an angle of less than 20°, preferably less than 10° but greater than 2°, preferably greater than 5°). In other words, starting from the rear sub-region 45, the front sub-region 47 extends in a slightly expanded manner, resulting in the distance between the free ends 23 of the spring arm tabs 21 being at least slightly larger than the distance between their rear sub-regions 45.

[0077] Furthermore, the first plug housing portion 13 also has a latching device 49, by means of which the first plug housing portion 13, and even the entire plug housing, can latch with the mating plug housing 5 when the latter is pushed together to achieve a coupling configuration. The latching device 49 operates substantially independently of other components of the plug connector assembly, such as its locking mechanism 17, and will not be described in detail here.

[0078] The first signal conductor element 9 is attached to the first plug housing portion 13 in a fixed position. The first signal conductor element 9 is elongated and its sub-regions are held on the plug housing portion 13 in a longitudinal direction parallel to the insertion direction 7. In the illustrated example, the signal conductor element 9 has two optical waveguides 39 in the form of glass fibers, most of which are housed in a protective sheath 51. These optical waveguides 39 are exposed only at the free end 19 of the first signal conductor element 9.

[0079] The frame-like region 41, spring arm tab 21, and latching device 49 of the first plug housing portion 13 can be designed as a single, integral component, for example, as an injection-molded component. The signal conductor element 9 and its sheath 51 can be secured to this component, for example, by a latching mechanism, and thus can be easily mounted on the first plug housing portion 13.

[0080] Figure 3 A second plug housing portion 15 is shown. The second plug housing portion 15 has at least partially an outer contour that is substantially complementary to the inner contour of the channel opening 43 on the first plug housing portion 13, so that the second plug housing portion 15 can extend through the channel opening 43 in a corresponding portion. Furthermore, the second plug housing portion 15 has suitably designed guide surfaces 53, guide grooves 55, and / or guide protrusions 57, which, with said contours suitably designed for this purpose, can suitably interact with the first plug housing portion 13 to guide the relative movement of the first and second plug housing portions 13, 15 between them and parallel to the plug direction 7, and / or to guide the movement of the second plug housing portion 15 when pushed together with the mating plug housing 5.

[0081] Furthermore, a stop profile 59 is formed on the second plug housing portion 15, which is designed to limit relative movement between the first plug housing portion 13 and the second plug housing portion 15 when they are pushed together to an advanced configuration. When the second plug housing portions 15 are plugged together, the opposite side of the stop profile 59 facing the mating plug housing 5 contacts the corresponding mating surface on the mating plug housing 5, thereby limiting the two components from being pushed together to achieve the plug configuration.

[0082] Furthermore, bridge-shaped holding-down structures 61 are formed on the second plug housing portion 15. Each of these holding-down structures 61, in particular, engages the associated spring arm tab 21 of the first plug housing portion 13 when the first plug housing portion 13 is received within one of the guide grooves 55, referred to herein as the spring arm guide groove 63. In this case, the holding-down structure 61 spans the spring arm tab 21 and thus prevents the spring arm tab 21 from opening excessively in the radial direction 29 away from the second plug housing portion 15.

[0083] Furthermore, a latch hook 33 is formed on the second plug housing portion 15. The latch hook 33 protrudes laterally beyond the adjacent outer surface of the second plug housing portion 15 in the radial direction 29. In this case, the latch hook 33 has at least one inclined side 37, preferably two inclined sides 37 inclined in opposite directions. The latch hook 33 is connected to the adjacent area of ​​the second plug housing portion 15 by a spring arm 65, so that the latch hook 33 can be elastically rebounded inward, i.e., pressed in the direction opposite to the radial direction 29.

[0084] An extended recess 67 extends inside the second plug housing portion 15. In the assembled state of the plug housing 3, the first signal conductor element 9 extends through this recess 67. In this configuration, the first signal conductor element 9, together with the first plug housing portion 13, can be displaced back and forth within the recess 67 parallel to the plugging direction 7 relative to the second plug housing portion 15. In this configuration, in the retracted configuration, the free end 19 of the first signal conductor element 9 retracts behind the end face 69 of the second plug housing portion 15 and is thus protectedly housed within the recess 67. In the forward configuration, the free end 19 of the first signal conductor element 9 is pushed out of the end-side opening 71 on the end face 69 and thus protrudes beyond the end face 69 in the plugging direction 7.

[0085] Figure 4 A mating plug housing 5 is shown. In the example shown, the mating plug housing 5 is a socket-like design and has a profile on the receiving opening 73, which can interact substantially complementaryly with the profile on the second plug housing portion 15, such as some guide surfaces 53, guide grooves 55 and / or guide protrusions 57, when the second plug housing portion 15 is inserted into the mating plug housing 5.

[0086] The mating plug housing 5 has a recess 35 in one of its sidewalls, which is configured and arranged such that, in each case, when the second plug housing portion 15 has been fully pushed into the mating plug housing 5 as far as its plug configuration, one of the latch hooks 33 can engage therein.

[0087] Furthermore, a latching recess 75 is provided on the mating plug housing 5, and the latching device 49 can engage in a latching manner in the latching recess when the entire plug housing 3 has been fully pushed into the mating plug housing 5 to achieve its coupling configuration and has been moved to its forward configuration.

[0088] In region 77, opposite to the receiving opening 73, the second signal conductor element 11 can be received or held on the mating plug housing 5. Furthermore, this region 77 is configured to connect to the printed circuit board 79 by means of a pin 81 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 12 and Figure 14 ).

[0089] Reference Figures 5 to 11 First, the first stage of the overall two-stage process is described. In this stage, the plug connector device 1 described herein begins from a separate initial configuration in which the plug housing 3 and the mating plug housing 5 are separated from each other. It is then continuously pushed together via a plug configuration to reach a coupling configuration in which the plug housing 3 is plugged at least partially with its second plug housing portion 15 into the mating plug housing 5. In this coupling configuration, the plug housing 3 and the mating plug housing 5 are fully pushed together, and the first signal conductor element 9 is coupled to the second signal conductor element 11.

[0090] In the first stage illustrated, the second plug housing portion 15 and the mating plug housing 5 are pushed together in the plugging direction 7 to such an extent that the second plug housing portion 15 abuts against the end face of the mating plug housing 5 in the plugging direction 7 with its stop profile 59, while the first plug housing portion 13 and the second plug housing portion 15 remain in their retracted configuration on the plug housing 3. This configuration is referred to herein as the plug configuration and represents an intermediate configuration between the initial separation configuration and the final coupling configuration in the two-stage process. In this plug configuration, the second plug housing portion 15 also engages with a recess 35 in the mating plug housing 5 via a latch hook 33 disposed thereon.

[0091] Until this plug configuration is reached, the locking mechanism 17 provided on the plug housing 3 prevents the first and second plug housing portions 13, 15 from shifting from the retracted configuration to the forward configuration.

[0092] For this purpose, such as Figures 8 to 10As shown, the locking mechanism 17 utilizes an extended spring arm tab 21 on the first plug housing portion 13 and a stop surface 25 formed on the second plug housing portion 15. In this configuration, the spring arm tab 21 protrudes towards the second plug housing portion 15 with its free end 23 slightly inclined in or relative to the plug direction 7. Conversely, on the second plug housing portion 15, the stop surface 25 is formed such that the end face surface 83 on the spring arm tab 21 can be pressed directly and substantially along the plug direction 7 against the stop surface 25. In this way, the first plug housing portion 13 with the spring arm tab 21 and its end face surface 83 and the second plug housing portion 15 with the stop surface 25 are initially latched to each other, thus preventing the two plug housing portions 13, 15 from shifting in the retracted configuration and preventing them from moving in the forward configuration. In this case, it can have a supporting effect, that is, the front sub-region 47 of the spring arm tab 21 extends in a slightly outward manner and is prevented from lateral deflection in the radial direction 29 by means of the pull-out structure 61. Therefore, the end surface 83 of the spring arm tab 21 can be supported on the stop surface 25 in a stable manner and with a certain diffusion mechanical prestress.

[0093] The plug connector device 1 is specifically designed to automatically release the obstruction of the plug housing 3 in its retracted configuration caused by the locking mechanism 17 when plugged into the mating plug housing 5. In this case, the spring arm tab 21 is arranged and formed such that when it is supported on the stop surface 25, it protrudes outward in the radial direction 29 beyond the stop surface 25 with at least a protruding region 27 (see especially...). Figure 10 and Figure 11 Furthermore, the mating plug housing 5 is arranged and formed such that during the process of the plug housing 3 and the mating plug housing 5 being pushed together, it will press the protruding region 27 of the spring arm tab 21 inward in a direction opposite to the radial direction 29, as... Figure 10 and 11 The pivoting movement is indicated by arrow 85. In other words, during the process of pushing the plug housing 3 together with the mating plug housing 5, when the plug configuration is reached, the end of the mating plug housing 5 facing the plug housing 3 will contact the protruding area 27 at the free end 23 of the spring arm tab 21, causing the latter to deflect inward in a direction opposite to the radial direction 29, and thus be moved out of the latching configuration with the stop surface 25 on the second plug housing portion 15.

[0094] After the free end 23 of the spring arm tab 21 is deflected in such a manner, the first plug housing portion 13 can be further pushed in the plug direction 7, thereby shifting it from a retracted configuration to an advanced configuration. In this case, the spring arm tab 21 can be continuously pushed into the extended groove 87 formed in the second plug housing portion 15.

[0095] To facilitate the deflection of the free end 23 of the spring arm tab 21 and the subsequent pushing of the spring arm tab 21 into the extended recess 87, a suitable bevel or chamfer may be formed on the exposed end 23 of the spring arm tab 21 and / or on the corresponding mating surface of the second plug housing portion 15 adjacent to the stop 25.

[0096] Reference Figures 12 to 15 The following will explain how the plug housing 3, starting from the above plug configuration, is further advanced to achieve the final coupling configuration together with the mating plug housing 5, as shown in the figure mentioned.

[0097] After the locking configuration previously generated by the locking mechanism 17 has been released as described above, the first plug housing portion 13 can be displaced relative to the second plug housing portion 15 in the plug direction 7 by the thrust applied thereto, from the retracted configuration to the forward configuration, wherein it abuts against the stop profile 59 on the second plug housing portion 15.

[0098] Along with this movement, the first signal conductor element 9 also shifts relative to the second plug housing portion 15 in the plug direction 7, and in this way, moves from the recess 67 of the second plug housing portion 15 (see especially...). Figure 13 The end-side opening 71 on the end face 69 of the second plug housing portion 15 is pushed out of the first signal conductor element 9. Therefore, the free end 19 of the first signal conductor element 9 can be inserted into the opposing mating plug housing 5 and contact the second signal conductor element 11 there, so as to couple the two signal conductor elements 9, 11 together, allowing data signals to be transmitted between them (see especially...). Figure 14 ).

[0099] Furthermore, during this movement, the spring arm tab 21 of the first plug housing portion 13 is continuously pushed into the extended recess 87 on the second plug housing portion 15. In this case, it engages with the spring arm 65 behind it by means of a latch hook 33 formed thereon on the second plug housing portion 15 (see especially...). Figure 15 Due to this rear engagement, the latch hook 33 is prevented from deflecting inward in the direction opposite to the radial direction 29. Since the latch hook 33 engages in the recess 35 in the mating plug housing 5, it is possible to prevent the plug housing 3 and its second plug housing portion 15 from being easily pulled out of the mating plug housing 5.

[0100] The following will describe possible details of the two-stage process of separating or pushing the plug housing 3 from the mating plug housing 5 during the release of the plug connector device 1.

[0101] Due to the special configuration of the locking mechanism 17 on the plug housing 3 and the corresponding suitable configuration of the mating plug housing 5, it is possible to remove the plug housing 3 and the mating plug housing 5 from their coupling configuration (e.g., as...). Figure 15 As shown, during the process of pushing 7 toward the initial separation configuration in the direction opposite to the plug direction, the first and second plug housing portions 13 and 15 are first moved from the forward configuration to the retracted configuration, and then the second plug housing portion 15 can be pulled out from the mating plug housing 5 in the direction opposite to the plug direction.

[0102] In this configuration, the method employed is as follows: in the coupled configuration where the plugs are inserted together, a resiliently displaceable latching hook 33, which protrudes radially outward on the second plug housing portion 15 and engages with a recess 35 on the mating plug housing 5, is subsequently engaged by a spring arm tab 21 pushed into an extended groove 87 in the plug housing portion 15, and is thus prevented from deflecting in the direction opposite to the radial direction 29. In other words, the first plug housing portion 13 is arranged and formed such that the spring arm tab 21 prevents the latching hook 33 from disengaging from the recess 35 at least initially during the initial process of the plug housing 3 and the mating plug housing 5 being pushed apart, and allows the latching hook 33 to deflect only when the first plug housing portion 13 has been pulled into its retracted configuration.

[0103] In this case, due to the retraction of the first plug housing portion 13, the first signal conductor element 9 connected to it also retracts into the plug housing 3, thus protecting its free end 19 from damage.

[0104] Only after the plug housing 3 has been placed in the retracted configuration by the retraction of its second plug housing portion 13, and thus the entire plug connector assembly 1 has been placed in the plug configuration, can the plug housing 3, together with its second plug housing portion 15, be pulled out of the mating plug housing 5 by further pulling. In such a case, it may be advantageous that the side 37 of the latch hook 33 extends obliquely relative to the plug direction 7, so that when the latch hook 33 moves relative to the mating plug housing 5, its oblique side 37 can be displaced slightly from the engagement with the recess 35 in the mating plug housing 5.

[0105] It should be noted that in another patent application filed concurrently with this patent application, entitled "Plug Connector Device with Signal Conductor Elements Protected by a Closing Cover and a Sliding Cover," a plug connector device is described that is similar in certain features to the plug connector device described herein. The details described in that other patent application may be applied, in part or by analogy, to the plug connector device described in this patent application. The contents of that other patent application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0106] Finally, the concepts and ideas related to the plug connector device described herein are reiterated below in slightly different terms: The embodiments of the plug connector device described herein can be used in any type of plug connector where sufficient plug reliability (“Koshiri”) cannot be guaranteed due to the protruding contact portion, and the contact portion may be damaged during plug tilting. Therefore, the problem of lateral clearance (swing clearance) in the contact portion can also be improved.

[0107] Conventional plug connectors with pin and socket contacts are protected from damage by a plug housing that protrudes beyond the contacts. Furthermore, the plug housing additionally acts as a pre-guide during insertion. This ensures plug reliability (Koshiri).

[0108] However, the following disadvantages may arise in such a situation: 1. In some plug devices, it is impossible to protect the contact part with a protruding plug housing, nor can damage to the contact part be avoided.

[0109] 2. The swing clearance tolerance of the contact portion must be kept larger. Due to the guide depth of the two plug housings—which is shorter at the start of plugging operation—a certain degree of oblique plugging is initially permitted.

[0110] This leads to the following problem settings or solutions: A plug connector with protruding contacts is a two-part, or two-stage, design, featuring a tunnel-type plug housing and an inner contact carrier unit that is independently movable in the plug direction and has an integrated wire connection. In this configuration, during plugging operation, in the first step, the movable inner contact carrier unit is in a protected retracted position. The second plugging step, involving the inner contact carrier unit and the contacts, is only possible after the two "mutual" main plug housings (i.e., the mating plug and the tunnel plug housing) are fully plugged together. Another advantage is that, since the mating plug and the tunnel plug housing are fully plugged in the first step, the plug system achieves very good alignment, which positively impacts the issue of "playback clearance between contacts." The initial angled plugging has no effect on the contacts.

[0111] The following specific solutions are proposed: (a) Function during insertion: Before the actual insertion operation begins, the inner contact carrier unit is positioned approximately 14 mm from the insertion position and is pre-held by two stops via two spring-arm tabs to prevent forward movement. A latching device is also provided at the rear to ensure that the inner contact carrier unit cannot detach from the tunnel plug housing. Only after the first actual insertion operation between the mating plug and the tunnel plug housing is completed will the mating plug housing actuate the two spring-arm tabs, thus removing the stops and allowing the inner contact carrier unit to perform a second insertion operation until the main locking mechanism finally engages. This locking operation is guaranteed by the existing so-called CPA.

[0112] (b) Function during withdrawal: To ensure that the inner contact carrier unit reaches the protected retracted position during withdrawal, two lateral, fine latching hook elements are integrated on the tunnel plug housing. These latching hook elements then latch into two small lateral latching windows on the mating plug housing. To ensure that these two small latching hook elements only open after the inner contact carrier unit has retracted, they are prevented from deflecting by two spring-arm tabs. Only after the complete retraction of the plug has been completed, through the inner contact carrier unit, will the two spring-arm tabs clear the path for the latching hook elements, and only then can the tunnel plug housing be finally withdrawn.

[0113] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having" and "comprising" do not exclude any other elements or steps, and indefinite articles such as "a" or "one" do not exclude multiple. Furthermore, it should be pointed out that features or steps described with reference to one of the foregoing exemplary embodiments may also be used in combination with features and steps described with reference to other foregoing exemplary embodiments. Reference numerals in the claims should not be considered limiting.

[0114] List of reference numerals 1. Plug connector device 3 plug housings 5 mating plug housings 7. Insertion direction 9 First signal conductor element 11 Second signal conductor element 13 First plug housing part 15 Second plug housing part 17 Locking Mechanisms 19. Free end of the first signal conductor element 21 Spring Arm Protrusion 23. Free end of the spring arm tab 25 Stop surface 27 protruding areas 29 Radial direction 31. Force acting in the direction of insertion 32. Force acting in the opposite direction to the direction of insertion. 33 latch hook 35 depression 37. Inclined side 39 Optical Waveguide 41. Frame-like area of ​​the first plug housing portion 43-channel opening Rear sub-region of 45 spring arm tab 47. Front sub-region of the spring arm tab 49. Latch device 51 sheath 53 Guide Surface 55 guide slot 57 guide protrusions 59 Stop profile 61 Pull-out structure 63 Spring Arm Guide Slot 65 spring arm 67 Depression 69 end face 71 end side opening 73 Accommodation opening 75 latch recess 77. Area of ​​mating plug housing 79 Printed Circuit Boards 81 pin 83 Spring arm protrusion end surface 85 Pivot motion arrow 87. Extended groove in the plug housing portion Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty) 1. A plug connector device (1) for transmitting data signals, wherein the plug connector device (1) comprises: The plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) are mechanically reversibly connected to each other in a coupled configuration via the plug configuration by being pushed together in the plug direction (7); The first signal conductor element (9) is held in the plug housing (3); and The second signal conductor element (11) is held in the mating plug housing (5); The plug housing (3) is a two-piece design, having a first plug housing part (13) and a second plug housing part (15). The first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) are held together and are capable of shifting relative to each other in the plug direction (7) between a retracted configuration and an advanced configuration; The first signal conductor element (9) is fastened to the first plug housing portion (13) such that it can be displaced relative to the second plug housing portion (15) together with the first plug housing portion (13); The plug housing (3) has a locking mechanism (17) configured such that, in the locked configuration, as long as the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) are in the initial separated configuration, the locking mechanism (17) prevents the first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) from moving relative to each other from the retracted configuration to the forward configuration, and when the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) are pushed together at least far to the plug configuration, it releases the displacement of the first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) from the retracted configuration to the forward configuration relative to each other only by switching to the unlocked configuration; The second plug housing portion (15) has at least one latch hook (33) which is resiliently displaceable in a direction opposite to the radial direction (29) transverse to the plug direction (7), and wherein the mating plug housing (5) has at least one recess (35). The latch hook (33) and the recess (35) are arranged and formed such that when the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) are in a coupled configuration, the latch hook (33) engages in the recess (35); and The first plug housing portion (13) is arranged and formed such that, during the process of the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) being pushed apart from the coupling configuration to the initial separation configuration in a direction opposite to the plug direction (7), it initially prevents the latch hook (33) from disengaging from the recess (35) and releases it only upon reaching the plug configuration. 2. The plug connector device (1) according to claim 1. The plug housing (3) is configured such that, and the first signal conductor element (9) is fastened to the first plug housing portion (13) such that, in the retracted configuration, the free end (19) of the first signal conductor element (9) is accommodated within the plug housing (3), and in the forward configuration, the free end (19) of the first signal conductor element (9) protrudes beyond the plug housing (3) into the mating plug housing (5). 3. The plug connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. The locking mechanism (17) on the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) are configured such that during the process of pushing the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) together due to the force (31) applied to the first plug housing portion (13) and acting in the plug direction (7), when the plug configuration is achieved, the initially prevented displacement of the first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) relative to each other is released due to the action of the mating plug housing (5) on the locking mechanism (17). 4. The plug connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. The locking mechanism (17) has at least one extended spring arm tab (21) formed on the first plug housing portion (13) and protruding at its free end (23) toward the second plug housing portion (15) in the direction along the plug direction (7); The locking mechanism (17) further comprises at least one stop surface (25) formed on the second plug housing portion (15) and oriented toward the first plug housing portion (13) in a direction orthogonal to the plug direction (7); and The spring arm tab (21) and the stop surface (25) are formed and arranged such that the free end (23) of the spring arm tab (21) is supported on the stop surface (25) such that at least as long as the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) are in the initial separated configuration, the displacement of the first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) relative to each other from the retracted configuration to the forward configuration is prevented. 5. The plug connector device (1) according to claim 4. The spring arm tab (21), the stop surface (25), and the mating plug housing (5) are formed and arranged such that as the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) are pushed together, the free end (23) of the spring arm tab (21) is removed from the support on the stop surface (25), thereby releasing the displacement of the first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) relative to each other from the retracted configuration to the forward configuration. 6. The plug connector device (1) according to claim 5. The spring arm tab (21) is arranged and formed such that, when supported on the stop surface (25), it protrudes outward beyond the stop surface (25) in a radial direction (29) transverse to the plug direction (7) with at least one protruding region (27); and The mating plug housing (5) is arranged and formed such that, during the process of pushing the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) together, it presses the protruding area (27) of the spring arm tab (21) inward in a direction opposite to the radial direction (29). 7. The plug connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. The locking mechanism (17) on the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) are configured such that during the process of the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) being pushed apart from the coupling configuration to the initial separation configuration in the direction opposite to the plug direction (7), due to the force (32) applied to the first plug housing portion (13) and acting in the direction opposite to the plug direction (7), the first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) first move from the forward configuration to the retracted configuration, and then the second plug housing portion (15) moves away from the mating plug housing (5) in the direction opposite to the plug direction (7). 8. The plug connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. The first plug housing portion (13) has at least one extended spring arm tab (21) which is arranged and formed such that when the first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) are in the forward configuration, it supports the latch hook (33) in the radial direction (29), and when the first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) are in the retracted configuration, it does not support the latch hook (33) in the radial direction (29). 9. The plug connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. The latch hook (33) has at least one side (37) that extends obliquely relative to the plug direction (7). 10. The plug connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. The first and / or second signal conductor elements (9, 11) have optical waveguides (39) for transmitting data signals.

Claims

1. A plug connector device (1) for transmitting data signals, wherein the plug connector device (1) comprises: The plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) are mechanically reversibly connected to each other in a coupled configuration via the plug configuration by being pushed together in the plug direction (7); The first signal conductor element (9) is held in the plug housing (3); as well as The second signal conductor element (11) is held in the mating plug housing (5); The plug housing (3) is a two-piece design, having a first plug housing part (13) and a second plug housing part (15). The first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) are held together and are capable of shifting relative to each other in the plug direction (7) between a retracted configuration and an advanced configuration; The first signal conductor element (9) is fastened to the first plug housing portion (13) such that it can be displaced relative to the second plug housing portion (15) together with the first plug housing portion (13); The plug housing (3) has a locking mechanism (17) configured such that, in the locked configuration, as long as the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) are in the initial separated configuration, the locking mechanism (17) prevents the first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) from moving relative to each other from the retracted configuration to the forward configuration, and when the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) are pushed together at least far to the plug configuration, it releases the displacement of the first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) relative to each other from the retracted configuration to the forward configuration only by switching to the unlocked configuration.

2. The plug connector device (1) according to claim 1. The plug housing (3) is configured such that, and the first signal conductor element (9) is fastened to the first plug housing portion (13) such that, in the retracted configuration, the free end (19) of the first signal conductor element (9) is accommodated within the plug housing (3), and in the forward configuration, the free end (19) of the first signal conductor element (9) protrudes beyond the plug housing (3) into the mating plug housing (5).

3. The plug connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. The locking mechanism (17) on the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) are configured such that during the process of pushing the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) together due to the force (31) applied to the first plug housing portion (13) and acting in the plug direction (7), when the plug configuration is achieved, the initially prevented displacement of the first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) relative to each other is released due to the action of the mating plug housing (5) on the locking mechanism (17).

4. The plug connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. The locking mechanism (17) has at least one extended spring arm tab (21) formed on the first plug housing portion (13) and protruding at its free end (23) toward the second plug housing portion (15) in the direction along the plug direction (7); The locking mechanism (17) further comprises at least one stop surface (25) formed on the second plug housing portion (15) and oriented toward the first plug housing portion (13) in a direction orthogonal to the plug direction (7); and The spring arm tab (21) and the stop surface (25) are formed and arranged such that the free end (23) of the spring arm tab (21) is supported on the stop surface (25) such that at least as long as the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) are in the initial separated configuration, the displacement of the first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) relative to each other from the retracted configuration to the forward configuration is prevented.

5. The plug connector device (1) according to claim 4. The spring arm tab (21), the stop surface (25), and the mating plug housing (5) are formed and arranged such that as the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) are pushed together, the free end (23) of the spring arm tab (21) is removed from the support on the stop surface (25), thereby releasing the displacement of the first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) relative to each other from the retracted configuration to the forward configuration.

6. The plug connector device (1) according to claim 5. The spring arm tab (21) is arranged and formed such that, when supported on the stop surface (25), it protrudes outward beyond the stop surface (25) in a radial direction (29) transverse to the plug direction (7) with at least one protruding region (27); and The mating plug housing (5) is arranged and formed such that, during the process of pushing the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) together, it presses the protruding area (27) of the spring arm tab (21) inward in a direction opposite to the radial direction (29).

7. The plug connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. The locking mechanism (17) on the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) are configured such that during the process of the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) being pushed apart from the coupling configuration to the initial separation configuration in the direction opposite to the plug direction (7), due to the force (32) applied to the first plug housing portion (13) and acting in the direction opposite to the plug direction (7), the first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) first move from the forward configuration to the retracted configuration, and then the second plug housing portion (15) moves away from the mating plug housing (5) in the direction opposite to the plug direction (7).

8. The plug connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. The second plug housing portion (15) has at least one latch hook (33) that is resiliently displaceable in a direction opposite to the radial direction (29) transverse to the plug direction (7), and the mating plug housing (5) has at least one recess (35); and The latch hook (33) and the recess (35) are arranged and formed such that when the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) are in a coupled configuration, the latch hook (33) engages in the recess (35).

9. The plug connector device (1) according to claim 8. The first plug housing portion (13) is arranged and formed such that, during the process of the plug housing (3) and the mating plug housing (5) being pushed apart from the coupling configuration to the initial separation configuration in a direction opposite to the plug direction (7), it initially prevents the latch hook (33) from disengaging from the recess (35) and releases it only upon reaching the plug configuration.

10. The plug connector device (1) according to any one of claims 8 or 9. The first plug housing portion (13) has at least one extended spring arm tab (21) which is arranged and formed such that when the first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) are in the forward configuration, it supports the latch hook (33) in the radial direction (29), and when the first and second plug housing portions (13, 15) are in the retracted configuration, it does not support the latch hook (33) in the radial direction (29).

11. The plug connector device (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 10. The latch hook (33) has at least one side (37) that extends obliquely relative to the plug direction (7).

12. The plug connector device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. The first and / or second signal conductor elements (9, 11) have optical waveguides (39) for transmitting data signals.

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