Movable connector housing, housing assembly, contact assembly and plug connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector housing (1, 1a, 1b) having a first housing section and a second housing section (2a, 2b), having a receiving portion (4) extending from a first access opening (6a) to a second access opening (6b), wherein at least one busbar (8, 8a, 8b) and / or a contact structure (66) can be at least partially accommodated in the receiving portion, wherein the first access opening (6a) is arranged in the first housing section (2a) and the second access opening (6b) is arranged in the second housing section (2b), wherein the first housing section (2a) is movable relative to the second housing section (2b). Such a connector housing is suitable for compensating for tolerances in plug-in connections.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to connector housings, housing assemblies having such connector housings, and contact assemblies having such contact devices. The invention also relates to a plug connector having such a contact assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical plug connectors typically have electrical conductors, such as busbars, which can be electrically connected to each other via contact structures. Especially in applications where the busbars are subjected to movement, such as due to vibration or positional changes, the contact structures sometimes must compensate for large tolerances between the busbars. Furthermore, plug connectors usually require a housing to protect the current-carrying components. The housing must not impede the movement of the contact structures and busbars to compensate for these tolerances. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an electrical plug connector or a component thereof that compensates for tolerances.

[0004] This objective is achieved through a connector housing.

[0005] It has a first shell section and a second shell section.

[0006] It has a receiving section extending from a first access opening to a second access opening, wherein at least one busbar and / or contact structure can be accommodated in the receiving section at least partially.

[0007] The first access opening is arranged in the first housing section, and the second access opening is arranged in the second housing section.

[0008] The first housing section is movable relative to the second housing section.

[0009] The first and second housing sections of the connector housing are movable relative to each other. This means that elements connected to or arranged in the first housing section are also movable relative to elements connected to or arranged in the second housing section. Therefore, the connector housing is adapted to accommodate elements that can move relative to each other to compensate for tolerances. For example, one element may correspond to a busbar, while another element may correspond to a contact structure. The mobility of the housing sections of the connector housing allows the elements to undergo tolerance-compensated movement relative to each other.

[0010] The invention can be further improved by the following features, each of which is advantageous in itself and can be combined with each other as needed.

[0011] The first housing section can translate and / or rotate relative to the second housing section. Specifically, the first housing section can translate relative to the second housing section along a first axis and / or a second axis and / or a third axis, particularly being displaceable. The first, second, and third axes can each extend perpendicularly to each other. Alternatively or cumulatively, the first housing section can rotate relative to the second housing section about the first and / or second and / or third axes, particularly being pivotable.

[0012] In one embodiment, the translational and rotational relative motions between the first housing segment and the second housing segment can be coupled.

[0013] The first housing segment and the second housing segment can form a joint, such as a hinge or a ball joint. For this purpose, the first housing segment and the second housing segment can each have at least one joint segment, particularly a joint surface, wherein the joint segment or joint surface is complementary to each other.

[0014] To ensure mobility with low wear, the first housing section and the second housing section can be combined to form a bearing, such as a roller bearing or a sliding bearing. For this purpose, the first housing section and the second housing section can each have complementary support sections, such as support surfaces.

[0015] The connector housing is accessible via a first access opening and / or a second access opening for the busbar and / or for the contact structure.

[0016] To securely and releasably connect the first housing segment to the second housing segment, the connector housing may have a form-fitting assembly by means of which the first housing segment and the second housing segment can be connected in a form-fitting manner. The first housing segment and the second housing segment may each have at least one form-fitting element, wherein at least one form-fitting element of the first housing segment can be connected to at least one form-fitting element of the second housing segment.

[0017] At least one form-fitting element can be designed as a locking device, by means of which the first housing segment can be locked or locked to the second housing segment. Preferably, the lock is releasable and can be reattached.

[0018] The first housing segment may have at least one locking protrusion, and the second housing segment may have at least one recess complementary to the at least one locking protrusion, wherein the at least one locking protrusion may be connected to the at least one recess in a form-fitting manner. For example, a locking hook may be provided as a locking protrusion, and a groove may be provided as a recess.

[0019] To make the connector housing flexible and therefore particularly suitable for use with tolerance-compensating contact structures, the connector housing may have at least one segment whose material is more flexible than the rest of the connector housing. In other words, the connector housing may be partially made of a flexible material. For example, rubber can be considered a flexible material.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first housing segment and / or the second housing segment may each be made entirely of flexible material, or the first housing segment and / or the second housing segment may have only segments made of flexible material.

[0021] To fix the position of the connector housing at least relative to the busbar, a first housing segment can be configured to be fixed to the busbar. The housing segment may alternatively or cumulatively be configured to be fixed to the contact structure. A fixed connection can be understood as, in the state of connection with the busbar and / or contact structure, at least the segment of the connector housing connected to the busbar and / or contact structure is immobile relative to the busbar or contact structure, particularly rigidly and / or connected to it in a manner that transmits movement.

[0022] The connector housing may have a collar adapted to at least partially surround the busbar and / or be connected to the busbar in a force-fit, material-locking, and / or form-fit manner. In particular, the collar can securely clamp the busbar.

[0023] To prevent incorrect insertion and thus damage to the connector housing, the connector housing may have at least one alignment element disposed at the second access opening, wherein the at least one alignment element protrudes away from the receiving portion. The alignment element may be designed to align the connector housing relative to another connector housing. The at least one alignment element may be designed to engage with at least one alignment element of another connector housing, which is designed to be complementary to the at least one alignment element.

[0024] In a simple design, at least one alignment element may have the shape of a fin, rib, or plate. Similarly, at least one alignment element may have a guide groove or guide channel designed to complement the fin, rib, or plate. At least one alignment element may have a guide funnel leading to the guide groove or guide channel. The funnel may have at least one insertion ramp.

[0025] To ensure that the connector housing is protected from contact at least on the second housing section, particularly preventing human or test fingers from accessing it, the second housing section may have a non-conductive contact protection profile that divides the second access opening into a plurality of adjacent slots. These slots may together form the second access opening.

[0026] The touch protection profile is designed to prevent human fingers and UL or VDE test fingers from approaching the receiver through the slot, but the contacts of the contact structure can approach the receiver. This prevents human fingers or the aforementioned test fingers from contacting the current-carrying components in the receiver, while the busbar can make electrical contact through the contacts of the contact structure.

[0027] In a structurally simple and robust design, the touch protection profile can have multiple touch protection ribs arranged adjacent to each other, with each groove formed between adjacent touch protection ribs.

[0028] Preferably, the touch protection ribs and / or grooves are arranged parallel to each other, particularly equidistantly. The touch protection ribs and / or grooves may be arranged in a comb-like pattern.

[0029] The central plane spanned by the touch protection rib can be arranged to be orthogonal to the central plane spanned by the receiving part. The central plane of the receiving part can be parallel to the flat side of the receiving part and / or extend along the longitudinal axis of the receiving part.

[0030] For example, the width of the slot can be approximately 2 mm, and the width of the touch protection rib can be approximately 1 mm. The width of the slot or touch protection rib can be measured along the stacking direction, and the slot and / or touch protection rib are arranged parallel to each other along this stacking direction. The stacking direction can, for example, extend along a first axis.

[0031] The height of the slot and / or touch protection rib can correspond to the height specified by the UL or VDE test finger. In a further embodiment, the height of the slot and / or touch protection rib can exceed the height specified by the UL or VDE test finger by approximately 2 mm. For example, the height of the touch protection rib can be between approximately 5 mm and approximately 9 mm. The height can be measured orthogonally to the center plane of the connector housing receiving portion.

[0032] To simplify the insertion of the connector housing into other components, such as another connector housing, the touch protection profile may have at least one insertion ramp facing away from the receiving portion. Preferably, the connector housing has two insertion ramps that taper gradually toward the center plane of the receiving portion.

[0033] According to one embodiment, at least one (but preferably all) touch protection ribs may taper gradually away from the receiving portion. For this purpose, at least one tapering touch protection rib may have at least one, preferably two or more tapering chamfers on at least one side facing away from the receiving portion.

[0034] At least one insertion ramp of the touch protection profile may be formed by the ramp of the touch protection rib. The ramps of the touch protection rib may lie in a common plane and, in particular, may have the same shape.

[0035] At least one alignment element may protrude further from the receiving portion than the touch protection rib. At least a portion of the alignment element may be formed by or incorporated into one of the touch protection ribs. The at least one alignment element may correspond to a design of a touch protection rib without a bevel.

[0036] To prevent a person's fingers from entering the receiver through the second access opening, at least at the second access opening, multiple inwardly protruding touch protection strips can be arranged. Preferably, the touch protection strips are arranged parallel, and especially equidistantly.

[0037] The touch protection strip can form or surround an opening in the busbar, through which the busbar can protrude. A gap formed between two adjacent touch protection strips allows access to the receiving section.

[0038] The touch protection strip is designed to prevent human fingers, as well as UL and / or VDE test fingers, from entering the receiver through the second access opening.

[0039] In one embodiment, the top side and the bottom side opposite the top side of the connector housing may each have a row of touch protection strips. Preferably, each touch protection strip on the top side is opposite to a touch protection strip on the bottom side. The number of touch protection strips on the top side may correspond to the number of touch protection strips on the bottom side. The touch protection strips on the top and bottom sides opposite to each other may be aligned.

[0040] The touch protection strip arranged on the top side may protrude towards the bottom side, and the touch protection strip arranged on the bottom side may protrude towards the top side. Preferably, the touch protection strips on the top side and / or the bottom side have equal lengths or protrude inward by equal distances.

[0041] To simplify the insertion of other components into the connector housing, the touch protection strip may taper gradually away from the first access opening on its side facing away from the first access opening. Each touch protection strip may have at least one chamfer pointing away from the first access opening, particularly along its normal direction. Preferably, each touch protection strip has at least two chamfers that taper gradually away from the first access opening.

[0042] To ensure that other components are not obstructed from insertion into the connector housing by the contact structure, according to another embodiment, the connector housing may have positioning elements arranged parallel to each other, which are designed to align the contacts of the contact structure relative to the touch protection strip. Alternatively or cumulatively, the positioning elements may be designed to align the busbar relative to the touch protection strip.

[0043] The positioning elements can be designed to align with the contacts of the contact structure at a predetermined distance. The positioning elements can be arranged in parallel, especially at equal intervals.

[0044] The spacing of the touch protection strips (adjacent touch protection strips are spaced apart from each other by this spacing) can correspond to the spacing of the positioning elements (adjacent positioning elements are spaced apart from each other by this spacing).

[0045] The positioning elements can be aligned with the contacts of the contact structure so that they overlap with the contact protection strip, particularly along the longitudinal direction of the receiving portion of the connector housing, ensuring complete alignment. The positioning elements can extend along the longitudinal direction of the receiving portion and / or the longitudinal direction of the first housing segment and / or the longitudinal direction of the second housing segment.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the positioning element may be arranged on the second housing section.

[0047] The positioning element may taper gradually on its side facing the second access opening in a direction from the first access opening to the second access opening. The positioning element may have at least one, but preferably two, chamfers extending toward each other. In these designs, the insertion of the positioning element between the contacts of the contact structure or the insertion of the contacts of the contact structure between the positioning elements is simplified, particularly by preventing the positioning element from entangled with the contacts.

[0048] This objective is also achieved by a housing assembly having a first connector housing according to the invention and a second connector housing according to the invention capable of being connected to the first connector housing, wherein a touch protection strip of the second connector housing is capable of being at least partially inserted into a groove in the touch protection profile of the first connector housing.

[0049] The housing assembly is suitable for tolerance-compensated plug connectors because the first connector housing and the second connector housing each have movable housing sections, and the first connector housing is also movable relative to the second connector housing, in particular, it is pivotable.

[0050] In this embodiment, the first connector housing may have a touch protection profile, while the second connector housing may be provided with a touch protection strip.

[0051] Preferably, in each groove of the touch protection profile of the first connector housing, exactly one touch protection strip of the second connector housing is received at least partially.

[0052] In one embodiment, the touch protection profile may include a plurality of touch protection ribs arranged adjacent to each other, and the touch protection ribs of the touch protection profile may be arranged in a comb-like manner with the touch protection strip. The touch protection ribs and touch protection strip may always be arranged alternately adjacent to each other.

[0053] This objective is further achieved by a contact assembly with touch protection, having a housing assembly according to the invention and a contact structure at least partially received in a receiving portion of a second connector housing. This contact structure is insertable into a first busbar and a second busbar, movable relative to the first busbar and / or the second busbar, and configured to electrically connect the first busbar to the second busbar. The contact structure is designed to compensate for positional tolerances between the first and second busbars. The housing assembly is adapted to compensate for positional tolerances caused by the movement of the housing segments of the two connector housings relative to each other and by the relative movement of the two connector housings. Simultaneously, it prevents human fingers from contacting the current-carrying components arranged in the housing assembly.

[0054] The contact structure may have at least one contact, but preferably has multiple contacts.

[0055] There are virtually no limitations on the design of the contact structure. For example, the contacts of the contact structure can be designed as cables, contact bridges, or terminals. Furthermore, the contact structure can have at least one electrical connector that can connect to a first busbar and / or a second busbar.

[0056] Other examples of possible contact structures are disclosed in German patent application DE 10 2024 136 289.8.

[0057] This objective is also achieved by a plug connector with touch protection having a contact assembly according to the invention, the contact assembly having a first busbar that is at least partially inserted into a receiving portion of a first connector housing, and a second busbar that is at least partially inserted into a receiving portion of a second connector housing, wherein contact structures are inserted into the first and second busbars and electrically connect them to each other, wherein a touch protection strip of the second connector housing is at least partially arranged in a groove of a touch protection profile of the first connector housing, and wherein at least one contact of the contact structure electrically contacts the first busbar through the groove of the touch protection profile.

[0058] The plug connector can compensate for the tolerances between the first and second busbars. Due to the movement of the connector housings relative to each other and the movement of the housing segments of each connector housing relative to each other, the housing assembly can allow for tolerance-compensated movement.

[0059] To define the position of the busbar at least relative to the corresponding first housing segment and to securely fasten the busbar to the corresponding connector housing, the first housing segment of the first connector housing may be fixed to the first busbar and / or the first housing segment of the second connector housing may be fixed to the second busbar. The first housing segment can be fixed immovably or rigidly to its corresponding busbar. This fixing can be form-fit, such as by a latching element, and / or friction-fit, such as by pressing, and / or material-locking, such as by gluing or welding.

[0060] Preferably, only the second housing section of the first connector housing is movable relative to the first busbar and / or only the second housing section of the second connector housing is movable relative to the second busbar. Attached Figure Description

[0061] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. If the technical effect associated with a feature is irrelevant according to the above embodiments, the various features present in the following embodiments may be omitted. Conversely, if the technical effect associated with a feature is important for a particular application, the features described above but not shown in the following exemplary embodiments may be added to the exemplary embodiments.

[0062] In the following text, the same reference numerals are used for elements that correspond to each other in terms of structure and / or function.

[0063] It is shown that:

[0064] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a connector housing according to one possible embodiment;

[0065] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the connector housing;

[0066] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector housing according to another possible embodiment;

[0067] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view of a connector housing according to another possible embodiment;

[0068] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of a plug connector according to one possible embodiment;

[0069] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the plug connector; and

[0070] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of a plug connector, showing the second housing section without the second connector housing. Detailed Implementation

[0071] In the following text, see references Figures 1 to 3 The connector housing is described purely by way of example, according to one possible embodiment.

[0072] The connector housing 1 has a first housing section 2a and a second housing section 2b. (As shown in...) Figure 2 As can be clearly seen, the connector housing 1 includes a receiving portion 4 extending from a first access opening 6a to a second access opening 6b. The first access opening 6a is located in a first housing segment 2a, and the second access opening 6b is located in a second housing segment 2b. In the illustrated embodiment, as an example, a busbar 8 is inserted into the connector housing 1. The busbar 8 is accommodated in the receiving portion 4 of the connector housing 1 and can protrude from the connector housing 1 at the first access opening 6a.

[0073] The first housing segment 2a is movable relative to the second housing segment 2b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing segment 2a is movable relative to the second housing segment 2b along a first axis 10a. In other embodiments, the first housing segment 2a is alternatively or cumulatively movable relative to the second housing segment 2b along the second axis 10b and / or the third axis 10c, wherein the first axis 10a, the second axis 10b, and the third axis 10c are each oriented perpendicularly to each other. In other embodiments, the first housing segment 2a is alternatively or cumulatively rotatable, particularly pivotable, about the first axis 10a and / or the second axis 10b and / or the third axis 10c relative to the second housing segment 2b.

[0074] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the displacement of the first housing segment 2a relative to the second housing segment 2b along the first axis 10a can be achieved by the form-fitting assembly 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the form-fitting assembly 12 may include form-fitting elements 14, wherein at least one of these form-fitting elements 14 may be arranged on each of the first housing segment and the second housing segments 2a, 2b. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the form-fitting element 14 of the first housing segment 2a can be designed as a protrusion 16, and the form-fitting element 14 on the second housing segment 2b can be designed as a groove 18 complementary to the protrusion 16. The form-fitting assembly 12 allows the first housing segment 2a to be connected to the second housing segment 2b. Of course, the form-fitting assembly 12 can also be configured differently, such that at least one of the form-fitting elements 14 is configured as a latching device.

[0075] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2In the design shown, the first housing segment 2a can be fixed to the busbar 8. Fixing can be understood as the first housing segment 2a being rigidly connected to the busbar 8 and not being able to move relative to the busbar 8. The fixing of the first housing segment 2a to the busbar 8 can be achieved through a form-fit connection, a force-fit connection, a material-fit connection, or a combination of at least two of the aforementioned connection types. Because in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing segment 2a is fixedly connected to the busbar 8, but is mounted to be displaceable relative to the second housing segment 2b, so that the second housing segment 2b can be aligned relative to the busbar 8. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the second housing segment 2b may have a non-conductive touch protection profile 20 to prevent the second access opening 6 from being opened.

[0076] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the second housing segment 2b may have a non-conductive touch protection profile 20 that divides the second access opening 6b into a plurality of slots 22 arranged adjacent to each other. In this embodiment, the second access opening 6b may therefore be formed by or correspond to a plurality of slots 22. The touch protection profile 20 may have a plurality of touch protection ribs 24 arranged adjacent to each other, wherein one of the slots 22 is formed between each adjacent touch protection rib 24. The touch protection ribs 24 are arranged so closely together, and the slots 22 are so narrow, that a human finger cannot penetrate the receiver 4 or come into contact with the busbar 8 or other current-carrying components inserted into the receiver 4.

[0077] The touch protection ribs 24 can be arranged parallel to each other, especially equidistant from each other, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The embodiments depicted are shown in the figure. Figure 3 As can be seen from the schematic cross-sectional view of the touch protection profile 20 according to another embodiment, each of the touch protection ribs 24 may have a height 26 measured orthogonally to the center plane 28 of the receiving portion 4 of the connector housing 1. The height 26 of the touch protection ribs 24 may, for example, be between approximately 5 mm and approximately 9 mm. Figure 3It can also be seen that each of the touch protection ribs 24 can have a width 30, which can be measured along the central plane 28 of the receiving portion 4 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 32 of the receiving portion 4. The width 30 of the touch protection rib 24 can be, for example, about 1 mm. The width 34 of the groove 22 can be, for example, about 2 mm, which can also be measured along the central plane 28 of the receiving portion 4 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 32 of the receiving portion 4. In addition, the width 36 of the receiving portion 4 can be greater than the width 38 of the busbar 8 to allow for displacement of the second housing segment 2a relative to the busbar 4 along the first axis 10a.

[0078] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The connector housing 1 is further shown to have at least one insertion ramp 40 pointing away from the receiving portion 4. In this embodiment, the connector housing 1 may be provided with two insertion ramps 40 that converge toward each other. The insertion ramps 40 may be formed by the converging ramps 42 of the respective contact protection ribs 24. The respective ramps 42 do not necessarily have to additionally have a chamfer 44 pointing away from the receiving portion 4.

[0079] The connector housing 1 may also have at least one alignment element 46, which may be arranged at the second access opening 6b and may protrude away from the receiving portion 4. In the illustrated embodiment, two alignment elements 46 are provided purely as an example, each alignment element 46 may be formed by one of the contact protection ribs 24, or may be accessible to one of the contact protection ribs 24. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment element 46 may specifically correspond to the touch protection rib 24 where the bevel 42 is not provided. Of course, in other embodiments, the alignment element 46 may also be arranged at other locations on the second housing section 2b, particularly not on the touch protection rib 24.

[0080] The alignment element 46 of connector housing 1 can be designed to align connector housing 1 relative to another connector housing 1. Another connector housing 1 may also have at least one alignment element 46 for this purpose, which may be designed to complement the alignment element 46 of connector housing 1. Figure 4 As shown, another connector housing 1 may, for example, have an insertion funnel 50 leading to the insertion slot 48. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The alignment element 46 (designed as a fin 52) of the connector housing 1 shown can engage with the insertion slot 48. Of course, there are no real limitations on the design of the alignment element 46.

[0081] Figure 4A connector housing 1 according to another advantageous embodiment is shown. The connector housing 1 has a first housing section 2a with a first access opening 6a and a second housing section 2b with a second access opening 6b, wherein a receiving portion 4 extends between the first access opening 6a and the second access opening 6b. The first housing section 6a is movable relative to the second housing section 6b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing section 6a is rotatable or pivotable relative to the second housing section 6b, particularly about a first axis 10a. Of course, as described above, the first housing sections 2a, 2b are displaceable relative to the second housing sections 2a, 2b along the first axis and / or the second axis and / or the third axis 10a, 10b, 10c and / or rotatable about the first axis and / or the second axis and / or the third axis 10a, 10b, 10c, particularly pivotable about the first axis and / or the second axis and / or the third axis 10a, 10b, 10c. Of course, a combination of translational and rotational motions of the first shell section relative to the second shell sections 2a and 2b is also possible.

[0082] Figure 4 The connector housing 1 shown may also have a form-fitting assembly 12, through which the first housing segment and the second housing segments 2a, 2b can be or—in this case—connected in a form-fitting manner. The form-fitting connection may preferably be detachable and reattachable. The form-fitting assembly 12 may include form-fitting elements 14 disposed on the second housing segment 2b and on the first housing segment 2a, the form-fitting elements being shown herein, exemplarily, as protrusions 54 and recesses 56. The protrusions 54 may be provided with chamfers 58 to facilitate the placement or attachment of the first housing segment 2a to the second housing segment 2b. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing segment 2a can be fixed to the busbar 8. For this purpose, the first housing segment 2a may specifically have a collar 60 that surrounds the busbar 8, and in particular, securely grips the busbar.

[0083] The connector housing 1 may have at least one segment 62 whose material is more flexible than the material of the rest of the connector housing 1. Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the entire first housing segment 2a may be made of this flexible material, or correspond to a segment 62 made of a flexible material. In this way, the mobility of the first housing segment 2a relative to the second housing segment 2b can be further increased. Of course, in other embodiments, the second housing segment 2b may alternatively or cumulatively have a segment 62 made of a flexible material, or correspond entirely to that segment 62. Similarly, only a portion of the first housing segment 2a and / or only a portion of the second housing segment 2b may be made of a flexible material. Elastic materials such as rubber are particularly suitable as flexible materials.

[0084] from Figure 4 It can also be seen that multiple inwardly protruding touch protection strips 64 can be arranged at the second access opening 6b of the second housing section 2b to prevent human fingers or other objects from entering the receiving section 4. In particular, it can prevent human fingers from contacting the contact structure 66 or the busbar 8 housed in the receiving section 4.

[0085] In this embodiment, purely exemplarily, a row of touch protection strips 64 is arranged on the top side 68a and bottom side 68b of the second housing section 2b. The touch protection strips 64 on the top side 68a may protrude in the direction of the touch protection strips 64 on the bottom side 68b, and the touch protection strips 64 on the bottom side 68b may protrude in the direction of the touch protection strips 64 on the top side 68a. The touch protection strips 64 on the top side 68a need not be opposite one of the touch protection strips 64 on the bottom side 68b, as... Figure 4 As shown in the embodiments, they do not necessarily need to be aligned. For example, the touch protection strips 64 on the bottom side 68b and the top side 68a can be offset along the stacking direction 70, and the touch protection strips 64 can be adjacent to each other along the stacking direction 70.

[0086] The touch protection strip 64 may taper gradually away from the first access opening 6a on its side 72 facing away from the first access opening 6a. The touch protection strip 64 may have at least one chamfer 74, but preferably multiple chamfers 74. The tapered or chamfered touch protection strip 64 facilitates the insertion of other components into the connector housing 1. Figure 5 It can be seen that such a component can correspond to, for example, another connector housing 1, in particular Figure 1 and Figure 2 The connector housing 1 shown is shown.

[0087] In the following text, refer to Figures 5 to 7 The plug connector 76 with touch protection is described purely by way of example.

[0088] The plug connector 76 may include a housing assembly 78 having first connector housings 1, 1a and second connector housings 1, 1b. The first connector housings 1, 1a may, for example, correspond to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The connector housing 1 shown, and the second connector housings 1 and 1b can correspond to Figure 4 The connector housing 1 is shown. Of course, the first connector housing and / or the second connector housing 1, 1a, 1b can alternatively correspond to other designs of the connector housing 1. Figures 5 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector housing 1 and the second connector housings 1a and 1b are inserted together, and the touch protection strips 64 of the second connector housings 1 and 1b are each at least partially inserted into one of the slots 22 of the touch protection profile 20 of the first connector housings 1 and 1a. Therefore, the receiving portion 4 of the second housing portion 2b of the second connector housings 1 and 1b and the receiving portion 4 of the second housing portion 2b of the first connector housing 1a are both protected from intrusion of human fingers from the outside of the housing assembly 78.

[0089] like Figure 6 As shown, the plug connector 76 may have a contact assembly 80 with touch protection and a housing assembly 78. The contact assembly 80 may include a contact structure 66 that is at least partially received in the receiving portion 4 of the second connector housings 1, 1b, and... Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, by way of example only, the contact structure 66 includes a plurality of contacts 82 arranged parallel to each other. The contacts 82 may, for example, be designed as flat contact bridges. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the contact 82 of the contact structure 66 can be inserted into the first busbar 8a (which is at least partially inserted into the receiving portion 4 of the first connector housing 1, 1b) and into the second busbar 8b (which is at least partially inserted into the receiving portion 4 of the second connector housing 1, 1b). In this way, the contact structure 66 can electrically connect the first busbar and the second busbars 8, 8a, 8b to each other.

[0090] The contact structure 66 can move relative to the first busbar and / or the second busbars 8, 8a, 8b to compensate for tolerances or relative movement between the first busbar and the second busbars 8, 8a, 8b. In doing so, the contact structure 66 can, for example, compensate for translational relative movement along the first axis and / or the second axis and / or the third axis 10a, 10b, 10c. Similarly, rotational movement about the first axis and / or the second axis and / or the third axis 10a, 10b, 10c of the first busbar and / or the second busbars 8, 8a, 8b can be compensated by the contact structure 66.

[0091] The design of contact structure 66 is by no means limited to Figure 6 and Figure 7The design of the contact structure 66 shown is illustrated. In principle, any contact structure 66 can be conceived that electrically connects the first busbar and the second busbars 8, 8a, 8b and is movable relative to the first busbar and / or the second busbars 8, 8a, 8b. For example, in other designs, the contact 82 of the contact structure 66 can be designed as a cable with a connecting terminal that can connect to either the first or second busbar. In other designs, the contact 82 can be designed as a tab, terminal, or plug. Of course, in some designs, the contact structure 80 may also have only a single contact 82.

[0092] exist Figures 5 to 7 In the plug connector 76 shown, the contact protection strip 64 of the second connector housing 1, 1b can be at least partially arranged in the groove 22 of the contact protection profile 20 of the first connector housing 1, 1a. From Figure 6 It can be clearly seen that the contact 82 of the contact structure 66 can contact the first busbar 8, 8a through the groove 22 of the contact protection contour 20 of the first connector housing 1, 1a. Figure 7 Each contact 82 is preferably arranged in a slot 22 of the contact protection profile 20, such that the contacts 82 and the contact protection ribs 24 of the contact protection profile 20 are always arranged alternately adjacent to each other. The contacts 82 and the contact protection ribs 24 can, in particular, interlock with each other. In other embodiments, it is of course conceivable that two or more contacts 82 of the contact structure 66 are arranged in each slot 22 and contact the first contact bridges 8, 8a through this slot 22. However, it is also possible, of course, that some slots 22 do not accommodate any contacts 82 at all.

[0093] To align the contacts 82 of the contact structure 66 with the contact protection strip 64, the second connector housings 1 and 1b may have positioning elements 84 preferably arranged parallel to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning elements 84 may be located on the first housing portion 2a of the second connector housings 1 and 1b. Figure 7 As can be clearly seen, the positioning elements 84 can be aligned with the contacts in such a way that when the first busbars 8, 8a equipped with the first connector housings 1, 1a are inserted, each contact protection rib 24 of the contact protection profile 20 can enter the contact structure 66, particularly between adjacent contacts 82 of the contact structure 66. Similarly, each contact 82 of the contact structure 66 can engage in the groove 22 of the contact protection profile 20 and contact the first busbars 8, 8a through the groove. The spacing 86 of the positioning elements 84 spaced apart from each other can preferably correspond to the spacing 88 of the contact protection strips 64 spaced apart from each other (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0094] Since the first housing segments 2a and 2b of the first connector housings 1 and 1a can move relative to the second housing segments 2a and 2b, the first busbars 8 and 8a can still move relative to the second busbars 8 and 8b even when the touch protection contour 20 is inserted into the receiving part 4 of the second connector housings 1 and 1b.

[0095] Figure Labels

[0096] 1 Connector Housing

[0097] 1a First connector housing

[0098] 1b Second Connector Housing

[0099] 2a First shell section

[0100] 2b Second shell section

[0101] 4 Receiving Unit

[0102] 6a First access opening

[0103] 6b Second Access Opening

[0104] 8 busbars

[0105] 8a First Busbar

[0106] 8b Second Busbar

[0107] 10a First Axis

[0108] 10b Second Axis

[0109] 10c third axis

[0110] 12 shape matching components

[0111] 14 Shape-Matching Components

[0112] 16 protrusions

[0113] 18 grooves

[0114] 20 Touch Protection Outline

[0115] 22 slots

[0116] 24 Touch protection ribs

[0117] 26 Height of touching the protective rib

[0118] 28. Center plane of the receiving section

[0119] 30 touch protection rib width

[0120] 32 Longitudinal direction of the receiving section

[0121] 34 slot width

[0122] 36 Width of the receiving section

[0123] Width of 38 busbars

[0124] 40 Insertion sloping surface

[0125] 42 bevel

[0126] 44 chamfer

[0127] 46 Alignment Elements

[0128] 48 Insertion Slots

[0129] 50 Insertion Funnel

[0130] 52 fins

[0131] 54 Protrusions on the second shell section

[0132] 56 Recess on the first housing section

[0133] 58. Chamfer on the protrusion

[0134] 60 rings

[0135] 62 Flexible Section

[0136] 64 Touch Protection Strip

[0137] 66 contact structure

[0138] 68a top side

[0139] 68b bottom side

[0140] 70 stacking direction

[0141] 72. The side of the touch protection strip away from the first access opening.

[0142] 74. Chamfering of the touch protection strip

[0143] 76 plug connector

[0144] 78 housing assembly

[0145] 80 contact components

[0146] 82 Contact structure

[0147] 84 positioning elements

[0148] Spacing of 86 positioning elements

[0149] 88 Spacing of touch protection strip

Claims

1. A connector housing (1, 1a, 1b). It has a first shell section and a second shell section (2a, 2b). A receiving section (4) extends from a first access opening (6a) to a second access opening (6b), wherein, At least one busbar (8, 8a, 8b) and / or contact structure (66) can be at least partially accommodated in the receiving part (4). The first access opening (6a) is arranged in the first housing section (2a), and the second access opening (6b) is arranged in the second housing section (2b). The first housing segment (2a) is movable relative to the second housing segment (2b).

2. The connector housing (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 1. in, The connector housing (1, 1a, 1b) has a form-fitting assembly (12) by means of which the first housing segment and the second housing segment (2a, 2b) can be connected in a form-fitting manner.

3. The connector housing (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 1 or 2. in, The connector housing (1, 1a, 1b) has at least one segment (62) made of a material that is more flexible than the material of the rest of the connector housing (1, 1a, 1b).

4. The connector housing (1, 1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. in, The first housing section (2a) is configured to be fixed to the busbar (8, 8a, 8b).

5. The connector housing (1, 1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 4. in, The connector housing (1, 1a, 1b) has at least one alignment element (46) arranged at the second access opening (6b), wherein the at least one alignment element (46) protrudes away from the receiving part (4).

6. The connector housing (1, 1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. in, The second housing segment (2b) has a non-conductive touch protection profile (20) that divides the second access opening (6b) into a plurality of slots (22) arranged adjacent to each other.

7. The connector housing (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 6. in, The touch protection profile (20) has a plurality of touch protection ribs (24) arranged adjacent to each other, wherein each of the grooves (22) is formed between adjacent touch protection ribs (24).

8. The connector housing (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 6 or 7. in, The touch protection profile (20) has at least one insertion ramp (40) facing away from the direction of the receiving part (4).

9. The connector housing (1, 1a, 1b) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. in, At least at the second access opening (6b), a plurality of inwardly protruding touch protection strips (64) are arranged.

10. The connector housing (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 9. in, On its side (72) away from the first access opening (6a), the touch protection strip (64) gradually tapers away from the first access opening (6a).

11. The connector housing (1, 1a, 1b) according to claim 9 or 10. The positioning elements (84) are arranged parallel to each other and are designed to align the contacts (82) of the contact structure (66) with respect to the touch protection strip (64).

12. A housing assembly (78) having a first connector housing (1, 1a) according to any one of claims 6 to 8 and a second connector housing (1, 1b) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, the second connector housing being connectable to the first connector housing (1, 1a). in, The touch protection strip (64) of the second connector housing (1, 1b) can be at least partially inserted into the groove (22) of the touch protection profile (20) of the first connector housing (1, 1a).

13. A contact assembly (80) with touch protection, having a housing assembly (78) according to claim 12. It also has a contact structure (66) that is at least partially received in the receiving portion (4) of the second connector housing (1, 1b), the contact structure (66) being able to be inserted into the first busbar and the second busbar (8, 8a, 8b) and being movable relative to the first busbar and / or the second busbar (8, 8a, 8b), and is configured to electrically connect the first busbar (8, 8a) to the second busbar (8, 8b).

14. A plug connector (76) with touch protection, having a contact assembly (80) according to claim 13. It has a first busbar (8, 8a) that is at least partially inserted into the receiving portion (4) of the first connector housing (1, 1a). It has a second busbar (8, 8b) that is at least partially inserted into the receiving portion (4) of the second connector housing (1, 1b). in, The contact structure (66) is inserted into the first busbar and the second busbar (8, 8a, 8b) and electrically connects them to each other. The touch protection strip (64) of the second connector housing (1, 1b) is at least partially arranged in the groove (22) of the touch protection profile (20) of the first connector housing (1, 1a). Furthermore, at least one contact (82) of the contact structure (66) makes electrical contact with the first busbar (8, 8a) through the groove (22) of the touch protection profile (20).

15. The plug connector (76) according to claim 14. in, The first housing segment (2a) of the first connector housing (1, 1a) is fixed to the first busbar (8, 8a), and / or wherein the first housing segment (2a) of the second connector housing (1, 1b) is fixed to the second busbar (8, 8b).

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