Electrical connector and electrical entity

Abstract

Electrical plug connection (2&6, 6&2) which is formed by a plug connector (2, 6) and a mating plug connector (6, 2), wherein the plug connector (2, 6) has a connector housing (20, 60) in which at least one electrical terminal is arranged (30, 70), and the connector housing (20, 60) has at least one external upstream cooling gas connection (200, 210; 600, 610) for cooling the plug connection (2&6, 6&2), by means of which a cooling gas can be introduced into a cooling gas channel (400) of the connector housing (20, 60), wherein the cooling gas can be introduced into the plug connector (2, 6) by means of the cooling gas channel (400), characterized in that a central section of the cooling gas channel (400) is arranged between the plug connector (2, 6) and the mating plug connector (6, 2), said central section passing a heat source within the plug connection (2&6, 6&2).

Description

The invention relates to an electrical plug connection, in particular a power plug connection for the land vehicle sector, having at least two electrical plug connections. Furthermore, the invention relates to an electrical entity, preferably for the vehicle sector.In the electrical field (electronics, electrical technology, electrical, electrical energy technology, etc.), a large number of electrical connector devices or connector devices, socket connectors, pin connectors and / or hybrid connectors, etc., are known-referred to below as (electrical) connectors (also: mating connectors)-which serve to transmit electrical currents, voltages, signals and / or data with a wide range of currents, voltages, frequencies and / or data rates. In the low-, medium- or high-voltage and / or current range, and in particular in the vehicle range, such connectors must permanently, repeatedly and / or temporarily ensure transmission of electrical power, signals and / or data after a comparatively long period of inactivity in mechanically stressed, warm, possibly hot, contaminated, moist and / or chemically aggressive environments. Due to a wide range of applications, a large number of specially designed connectors are known.Such a connector and optionally its associated (e.g. in the case of a connector device or a connector device) or superordinate (e.g. in the case of a connector device) housing can be installed on an electrical line, a cable, a cable harness etc.-referred to below as a prefabricated (electrical) cable-or on / in an electrical device or device, such as e.g. on / in a housing, on / on a leadframe, on / on a printed circuit board etc., a (power) electrical, electro-optical or electronic component or a corresponding aggregation etc. (electrical entity).If a connector (with / without a housing) is located on a cable, a line or a cable harness, then a flying (plug) connector or a plug, a socket or a coupling is also referred to; if it is located on / in an electrical, electro-optical or electronic component, aggregation, etc., then a (connector device, such as, for example, a (built-in / mounted) connector, a (built-in / mounted) plug or a (built-in / mounted) socket is also referred to. Furthermore, a connector on such a device is often also referred to as a (plug) receptacle, pin trough, pin strip or header. In the context of electrical energy technology (generation, conversion, storage, transport and forwarding of electric power in electrical networks, preferably with three-phase high-voltage transmission), cable fittings are referred to here because of their comparatively complex structure.Such a connector must ensure a satisfactory transmission of electricity, wherein corresponding and partially complementary connectors (connectors and mating connectors) usually have locking devices and / or fastening devices for permanently but usually releasably locking and / or fastening the connector to / in the mating connector or vice versa. - Furthermore, an electrical connecting device for a connector, e.g. having or comprising an actual contact device (terminal; usually formed integrally or integrally, e.g. a contact element etc.) or a contact device (terminal; usually formed in multiple parts, two parts, integrally, integrally, integrally or integrally, e.g. a single- or multi-part (crimp) contact device), must be securely accommodated therein. In the case of a (pre-)mected electrical cable, such a connecting device can be provided as a connector (cf. above), that is to say without a housing, for example lying.Efforts are constantly being made to improve, in particular to design more effectively and to design and / or produce more cost-effective electrical connectors and terminals thereof. This relates, inter alia, to electrical plug connections in a vehicle. There is increasingly a need here for cooling, as is known in the field of electrical energy technology in cable fittings.AT 91 972 B discloses an air-cooled electrical plug connection, the heating male and female terminals of which are designed as tubes which are open outwards at both ends, whereby continuous channels are configured in the plug connection, through which channels cooling air can pass and pass the plug connection. In this case, the cooling air can enter an opening of the plug connection and emerge from the plug connection again at an opening opposite the latter. Neither the plug connector for the male terminals nor the plug connector for the female terminals has a fluid-mechanical connection for the cooling air.US 2016 / 0270257 A1 teaches an electrical plug connection between two cooled high-current cables, wherein the respective high-current cable has within its electrical insulation, in addition to its high-current conductor, at least one cooling channel on the high-current conductor, which cooling channel surrounds the high-current conductor at a circumferential section. The plug connection is designed in such a way that, in addition to the electrical connection between the two high-current conductors, it can also conduct a liquid or gaseous cooling fluid from one high-current conductor into the other high-current conductor. For this purpose, a male terminal of the plug-in connection is tubular.JP 2009266418 A discloses an air-cooled electrical plug connection, wherein one plug connector has heating electrical tab terminals and the other plug connector has heating electrical socket terminals. A housing of the tab terminal plug connector has an opening in such a way that cooling air originating from a fan can pass via this opening into the interior of the plug connector with the tab and socket terminals inserted into one another. This cooling air can leave the interior of the plug-in connection again through an opening in a housing of the socket-terminal plug-in connector.U.S. Pat. No. 8,926,360 A1 discloses an electrical connection to an active cooling device, wherein the electrical connection comprises at least one electrical plug connection made up of a female and a male terminal. The at least one female terminal is optionally surrounded by a heat-resistant electrical insulation and is configured together with a heat sink of comparatively good thermal conductivity in a wall of an electrical device. Furthermore, the female terminal has an opening so that heat generated in the female terminal can be dissipated from the female terminal. The heat arising between the female and a male terminal can be transported away from the heat sink and the opening of the female terminal by a fan via ambient air of the electrical connection.It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a cooling system for an electrical plug connection. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved electrical connector and an improved electrical connector. In particular, the plug connector and the plug connection should still be able to be produced cost-effectively and have a small construction, have a simple structure and / or be easy to handle, wherein, furthermore, a later assembly should be cost-effective.The object of the invention is achieved by means of an electrical plug connection, in particular a power plug connection for the land vehicle sector, having at least two electrical plug connectors; and by means of an electrical entity, preferably for the vehicle sector; according to the independent claims. - Advantageous developments, additional features and / or advantages of the invention result from the dependent claims and the following description.A plug connector comprises a connector housing in which at least one electrical terminal is or can be set up (only connector housing), wherein, for cooling an electrical plug connection of the plug connector with a mating plug connector, the connector housing has at least one preferably outer cooling gas connection, by means of which a cooling gas can be brought into the plug connector through a cooling gas duct of the connector housing.A preferred cooling gas is air, but it may also be another gas, such as a gas substantially inert with respect to the terminals, such as nitrogen. In this case, the nitrogen can be separated from the ambient air, for example, by a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) method on board a vehicle. The term gas is also intended to be understood to include the term gas mixture (cf. air). The cooling gas can be, for example, a cooling gas precooled by means of an air conditioning system or also a cooling gas not precooled, which originates from a fan or a compressor and, if applicable, a cooler.The plug connector is in particular designed as a low-voltage plug connector, preferably as a vehicle plug connector for an on-board power supply system of a vehicle. low voltages are considered to be electrical voltages of less than 5 kV. Accordingly, the plug connector can be designed for low voltages up to voltages of 1 kV to 5 kV at, if appropriate, short-term, current intensities of up to 500 A. In particular, the plug connector is not suitable for voltages customary in electrical energy technology (medium voltage (medium voltage networks from about 3-10 kV), high voltage (transmission networks from about 60-110 kV or transport networks above 110 kV)); thus, the plug connector is not designed as a cable fitting.That is to say that the plug connector has, in particular, no outer shielding (electrical conductive layer, protective sheath, etc.) on its connector housing for transporting away surface charges, for field distribution, for electromagnetic shielding, etc. That is to say that the connector housing is electrically, in particular non-conductive, on the outside. The inside of the connector housing preferably does not have an extra Faraday cage; apart from applications for shielded coaxial cables or twisted-pair cables, which, due to their intrinsic structure, have one such cable but do not comprise it separately, as is the case with cable fittings.Furthermore, the plug connector in particular does not comprise a field control body, a grounding device, a capacitive splitter, a capacitive test point, a sealing plug, a protection for e.g. an underground, in particular ground-buried, place of use, a UV protection and / or a deep-fill protection. A vehicle can be understood to mean a land vehicle (road vehicle, off-road vehicle and / or rail vehicle), a watercraft (displacer and / or slider) and / or an aircraft (propeller aircraft, jet aircraft, helicopter and / or airship).The plug connector is in particular free of a seal and / or free of a sealing edge for a liquid seal of a liquid cooling of the plug connection of the plug connector with the mating plug connector. In embodiments, the connector may include a single, exactly two, or a plurality of cooling gas ports. Furthermore, a cooling gas connection can be designed as a connecting piece, a connecting flange or a connecting bushing, etc. In embodiments, the cooling gas channel of the connector housing can be configured in the plug connector in such a way that the cooling gas channel can be guided to a heat source within the plug connection of the plug connector with the mating plug connector, and can be guided past it and / or can be guided through it.In embodiments, starting from the cooling gas connection, a cooling gas channel in the connector housing can open on the inside at a chamber in the connector housing through a channel opening, wherein the chamber, apart from the channel opening, is formed to be gas-permeable at at least one further point. Such a gas-permeable location can be formed as an at least partially open side of the plug connector (plug face) or also as an open terminal access (separate terminal and / or mating terminal). The open location can be secured by a gas-permeable layer, for example a membrane, against entry of dust and dirt.In embodiments, the connector housing can have exactly one or at least one cooling gas connection for an upstream forward transport of the cooling gas. Furthermore, the cooling gas channel in the connector housing can open on the inside at a receiving chamber for a mating connector. Furthermore, the cooling gas channel in the connector housing can open on the inside at least one terminal chamber of the connector housing. In addition, the connector housing can have exactly or at least one cooling gas connection for downstream removal of the cooling gas. - In embodiments, a cross section or effective volume in an inlet region that is decisive for a gas flow rate can differ from that of an outlet region of the cooling gas duct (cf. et al.).The connector housing can be formed integrally or materially integrally with its cooling gas connection or connections. An integral formation is understood to mean a formation of the connector housing with its cooling gas connection or connections, in which there is only a single component which can be divided virtually only under the destruction thereof. The component is made of a single original piece (e.g. blank) and / or a single original mass (e.g. plastic melt), which in turn is necessarily integral. Internal cohesion takes place by means of adhesion and / or cohesion.A materially (adhesively) one-piece configuration is understood to mean a configuration of the connector housing with its cooling gas connection or its cooling gas connections, the individual parts of which (e.g. the actual connector housing and a cooling gas connection) are firmly bonded to one another (adhesive bonding, etc.) and preferably cannot be separated into its individual parts without damage to one of its individual parts. The cohesion can furthermore be produced by means of a force fit and / or form fit (not in the case of the integral formation).The plug connection comprises at least two electrical plug connectors, wherein exactly one or at least one electrical plug connector of the plug connection is designed as a plug connector. A fluid flow according to requirements (constant and / or varying, optionally depending on the load case of the plug connection) of cooling gas, which can be conducted or is conducted through the plug connection, maintains a temperature of the plug connection, in particular a temperature of plugged terminals, in a desired working range.In particular, the plug connection is free of a seal and / or free of a sealing edge for a liquid seal of a liquid cooling of the plug connection. In embodiments, a central section of the cooling gas duct can furthermore be set up between the plug connectors, wherein this central section passes the heat source within the plug connection (first case, cf. FIGS. 1, 2 (partially)) and / or passes through the heat source (first case, cf. FIG. 2 (partially)). For this purpose, the plug connection is designed accordingly.In the first case, the cooling gas flows, for example in a layer-like manner, for example outside past the terminal chambers of the mating connector in which the terminals which actually produce heat are plugged. This allows indirect flow cooling by removing the heat present at / in the mating connector housing. In the alternative or additional second case, the cooling gas flows, for example in a labyrinth-like manner, for example (also) into the terminal chambers of the mating connector, in which the terminals which are actually heat-producing are in turn plugged. This allows direct flow cooling of the terminals.In embodiments, the plug connection can comprise at least one plug connector and at least one mating plug connector, wherein the plug connector or the mating plug connector has at least one upstream cooling gas connection. Additionally or alternatively, the plug connector or the mating plug connector can have at least one downstream cooling gas connection. Depending on the embodiment, the cooling gas channel is then set up in the relevant plug connector, in the plug connection and, if appropriate, between the plug connectors.In embodiments, the cooling gas channel can initially open downstream of its upstream cooling gas connection into an intermediate region between the plug connector and the mating plug connector, and this intermediate region can continue to extend as far as the downstream cooling gas connection (cf. FIG. 1 ). This allows indirect flow cooling of the electromechanical terminal connections. An outlet of the cooling gas downstream of the downstream cooling gas connection can be effected away from the electrical plug connection at a lower or higher point, for example. In particular, such an outlet can open out at / in a (lower-lying) spray water-protected trough.In embodiments, the cooling gas channel downstream of its upstream cooling gas connection can initially open into an intermediate region between the plug connector and the mating plug connector and extend downstream into terminal chambers of the plug connector and / or a further intermediate region of the plug connector (cf. FIG. 2 ). This allows direct and, if appropriate, additionally indirect flow cooling of the electromechanical terminal connections. In particular, in such an embodiment, a cooling gas discharge can be dispensed with; the heated cooling gas leaves the plug connection at openings between the plug connectors, at insertion openings of the terminals in the mating connector and / or other channels which lead to the outside.It is of course also possible to guide the cooling gas duct exclusively over the plugged terminals. In this case, a cooling gas connection of a mating plug connector or plug connector can be effected, for example, via at least one preferably empty terminal chamber. Opposite this, the cooling gas connection can be effected, for example, at the receiving chamber of the plug connector or mating plug connector, for the mating plug connector or plug connector. Such embodiments can be used in addition to the above embodiments. - A fluid flow direction is fundamentally immaterial; both the plug connector and the mating plug connector can be located upstream or downstream. Depending on the local circumstances, the cooling gas can flow through the plug connector or the mating plug connector first, for example.In embodiments, a cross section or effective volume relevant for a gas flow in an inlet region (e.g. cooling gas connection, a section of the cooling gas channel adjoining downstream thereof, etc.) may differ from that of an outlet region of the cooling gas channel (e.g. cooling gas connection, a section of the cooling gas channel adjoining upstream thereof, sum of the outlet cross sections (cf. FIG. 2 ) etc.). In this case, it is preferred that the relevant cross section or the effective volume in the inlet region of the cooling gas duct is smaller than in a section, for example comparable section, situated downstream thereof in the outlet region of the cooling gas duct.The plug connector or the plug connector can, for example for reasons of cleanliness or in the event of moisture problems, naturally have an additional component such as a vent, a membrane, a seal, a pressure compensation etc. Depending on a type of plug connector or plug connector, e.g. whether sealed or not, different embodiments can be selected for each concept. In all embodiments, additional venting channels or venting openings, in particular those which lead to an outer side of the plug connection, can be applied in / on corresponding regions of the relevant plug connector or the plug connection.The entity has a plug connection. Such an entity is configured, for example, as an electrical device, an electrical device, a ready-made electrical cable, an electrical assembly, an electrical printed circuit board, an electrical component, an electrical module, an electrical device, an electrical apparatus, an electrical unit, an electrical installation, an electrical system, etc.The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the appended schematic drawing, which is not true to scale. Sections, elements, components, units, components and / or diagrams which have an identical, univocal or analogous configuration and / or function are identified by the same reference symbols in the description of the figures (see below), the list of reference symbols, the patent claims and in the figures (FIG. ) of the drawing. A possible alternative, not explained in the description of the invention (see above), not shown in the drawing and / or not concluding, a static and / or kinematic reversal, a combination etc. to the exemplary embodiments of the invention or a component, a diagram, a unit, a component, an element or a section thereof can furthermore be gathered from the list of reference numerals and / or from the description of the figures.In the invention, a feature (section, element, component, unit, component, function, size, etc.) can be designed to be positive, i.e. present, or negative, i.e. absent. In this specification (description (description of the invention (see above), description of the figures (see below)), list of reference numerals, patent claims, drawing), a negative feature is not explicitly explained as a feature unless value is placed according to the invention on the absence thereof. That is, the invention actually made, rather than one constructed by the prior art, is to omit this feature.A feature of this specification may be applied not only in a stated manner, but also in another manner (isolation, summary, replacement, addition, division, omission, etc.). In particular, it is possible to replace, add or omit a feature in the patent claims and / or the description based on a reference sign and a feature or vice versa assigned thereto, in the description, the list of reference signs, the patent claims and / or the drawing. Moreover, a feature can thereby be designed and / or specified in more detail in a patent claim.The features of the description can also be interpreted as optional features (in view of the (initially mostly unknown) prior art); i.e. each feature can be understood as an optional, arbitrary or preferred feature, that is to say as a non-binding feature. Thus, a solution of a feature, optionally including its periphery, from an exemplary embodiment is possible, wherein this feature can then be transferred to a generalized inventive idea. The lack of a feature (negative feature) in an embodiment shows that the feature is optional with respect to the invention. Furthermore, in the case of a generic term for a feature, a generic term for the feature is also readable (optionally further hierarchical organization in subgatting etc.), as a result of which generalization of the feature is possible, e.g. with attention to equality and / or equivalence.In the figures, which are given by way of example only,FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment and FIG. 2 a second embodiment of an electrical plug connection comprising an electrical plug connector and an electrical mating plug connector, andFIGS. 3 and 4 show two greatly simplified electrical and fluidic interconnection plans of a third (FIG. 3 ) and a fourth (FIG. 4 ) embodiment of the electrical plug connection.The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments of four embodiments (FIGS. 1 to 4 ) of a variant of an electrical plug connection 2 & 6 of two electrical plug connectors 2, 6 (plug connector 2 / 6, mating plug connector 6 / 2) for the motor vehicle sector. Although the invention is described and illustrated in more detail by preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed exemplary embodiments but is of a more fundamental nature.Thus, the invention is also generally applicable to an electrical component and / or in a non-vehicle sector, such as e.g. a power electronics sector, electrical technology sector etc., and quite generally in technology, in particular in the field of power electricals. That is, the invention is generally applicable to an electrical entity (see above). Only those spatial sections of an object of the invention are shown in the drawing which are necessary for an understanding of the invention. Terms such as connectors and mating connectors, terminals and mating terminals, etc. are to be interpreted as synonyms, i.e. optionally each interchangeable.FIG. 1 shows two electrical plug connectors 2, 6 plugged into one another, i.e. a plug connector 2 & 6. a plug connector 2 which is lower with respect to FIG. 1 is in the present case formed as a plug receptacle 2, a pin trough 2, a pin strip 2 or a header 2 which can be formed, for example, as a plug connector 2 or add-on plug 2 of a (power) electrical assembly 1 (entity) of a (power) electrical entity 0. An upper plug connector 6, referred to below as mating plug connector 6, with reference to FIG. 1, is designed as a preferably flying socket connector 6. In this case, the mating connector 6 can be part of a prefabricated electrical cable 5 (entity) or another entity.In the present case, the plug connector 2 comprises a connector housing 20 with one or preferably a single inner receiving chamber 220 for the mating plug connector 6. A plurality of electrical terminals 30 are configured in the receiving chamber 220, which terminals are configured in the present case as male terminals 30, in particular pin terminals 30. Other terminals are of course applicable as long as they are compatible with the terminals 70 of the mating connector 6. The terminals 30 are connected electromechanically to electrical lines, not shown, of the assembly 1.The mating connector 6 further comprises a connector housing 60 having at least one inner terminal chamber 620 for the connector 6. A plurality of electrical terminals 70 are configured in the terminal chambers 620, which terminals are embodied in the present case as female terminals 70, in particular socket terminals 70. Other terminals are of course applicable as long as they are compatible with the terminals 30 of the connector 2. The terminals 70 are connected electromechanically to electrical lines of the pre-assembled cable 5.In principle (cf. above), an embodiment of the mutually corresponding and / or partially complementary plug connectors 2, 6 is arbitrary. However, a design should be matched as far as possible to a location of use, operating conditions, etc., as long as desired cooling-of the plug connection 2 & 6; of the mating plug connection 6, of the plug connection 2; of relevant terminals 30, 70 in electromechanical contact and / or of relevant electromechanical connections of terminals 30, 70 with their electrical lines-is ensured for the operating conditions of the plug connection 2 & 6.This relates in particular to an effective flow cross section (throttle point(s)), realizable flow rates at reasonable fluid pressures and fluid temperatures, flow resistances, a realizable cooling volume, etc., for a cooling gas (arrows) that can be flowed through or pumped through the plug connection 2 & 6. That is to say, all cross-sectional diameters or cross-sectional dimensions of the cooling gas duct 400 are to be selected in such a way that the corresponding sections of the cooling gas duct 400 (branches, throttle points etc.) can be flowed through as desired by the cooling gas.A cooling liquid is not used in a dedicated manner, since this would result in a complicated sealing concept (safety against pressure peaks in the line system), complicated cooling liquid connections, possibly corrosion-resistant terminals 30, 70 etc., for the plug connection 2 & 6. Furthermore, cooling fluids in the field of electrical devices are always a problem that increases even in the case of power-electrical requirements. That is, the invention is limited to cooling gases, in particular air or nitrogen.The connector housing 20 of the plug connector 2 has at least (not shown) or exactly one upstream cooling gas connection 200 with a section of a cooling gas duct 400 of the plug connector 2 & 6, which leads downstream inwards to the receiving chamber 220 and opens there through a duct opening 203. Away from this, preferably on an opposite side, optionally offset in height, which is not the case in the present case, the connector housing 20 optionally (cf. FIG. 2 ) has at least (not shown) or exactly one downstream cooling gas connection 210 with a section of the cooling gas duct 400, which leads upstream inwards to the receiving chamber 220 and opens there through a duct opening 213. These sections in the connector housing 20 form the cooling gas channel 400 of the connector housing 20 or of the plug connector 2 and are in fluid communication with one another via the receiving chamber 220.By means of the upstream cooling gas connection 200, the cooling gas can be transported to the plug connection 2 & 6, and by means of the downstream cooling gas connection 210, a heated cooling gas can be transported away from the plug connection 2 & 6. In the present case, a respective cooling gas connection 200, 210 is designed as a connecting piece 200, 210, with the result that a hose-like cooling gas feed line 900 and / or a hose-like cooling gas discharge line 910 can easily be pushed or plugged onto the relevant connecting piece 200, 210 and can optionally be fixed further there (not illustrated). It is of course possible to choose a different fluid connection instead of a connecting piece 200, 210, such as a connecting flange, a connecting socket etc. In all embodiments, gas seals can be used.The corresponding and partially complementary plug connectors 2, 6 are designed in such a way that, in a plugged state of the plug connector 2 with the mating plug connector 6, that is to say in the plug connector 2 & 6, a cooling gas duct 400 through which the cooling gas can flow is formed, which can be supplied with cooling gas from the upstream cooling gas connection 200 and can be supplied with heated cooling gas via the downstream cooling gas connection 210. The cooling gas channel 400 is aligned in such a way that it passes at least one region at which the plug connection 2 & 6 tends to heat up during operation.In the present case, the plug connectors 2, 6 are mutually designed in such a way that the cooling gas flows from the upstream cooling gas connection 200 laterally toward the mating plug connector 6 in the plug connector 2, wherein a cooling gas flow impinges on an outer side of the mating plug connector 6 at an angle of approximately 90°. As a result of time, the cooling gas flows in the direction of a free end region (mating face) of the mating connector 6 and over the latter. The outflow of the cooling gas takes place in a manner analogous to the inflow.Furthermore, in such an embodiment, the plug connection 2 & 6 can be configured mutually in such a way that a preferably transverse flow of the terminal chambers 620 of the mating plug connection 6 is possible (cf. dashed line in FIG. 1 ). For this purpose, for example, only the connector housing 60 has to have corresponding channels towards the plugged terminals 30, 70 and away from the plugged terminals 30, 70, wherein these channels are in fluid communication with the cooling gas channel 400. - These concepts are of course alternatively or additionally applicable to the mating connector 6.The embodiment of FIG. 2 differs from that of FIG. 1 in that the downstream cooling gas connection 210 is missing and instead the heated cooling gas is disposed of via open locations or regions on the outside of the plug connection 2 & 6. In the present case, these are, for example, terminal chambers 620 of the mating connector 6, which are open on the outside away from the mating face, and / or external intermediate regions between two joint edges of the two connectors 2, 6. Additionally or alternatively, other channels with openings can be configured to an environment in / on the connector 2, the mating connector 6 and / or the plug connection 2 & 6.In the present case, the plug connectors 2, 6 are configured mutually in such a way that the cooling gas from the upstream cooling gas connection 200 once again flows laterally toward the mating plug connector 6 in the plug connector 2, wherein a cooling gas flow impinges on an outer side of the mating plug connector 6 at an angle of approximately 90°. As a result of time, the cooling gas flows on the one hand again in the direction of a free end region (mating face) of the mating connector 6 and on the other hand in an opposite direction between the mating connector 6 and the connector 2.In the first case, the cooling gas subsequently enters the terminal chambers 620 of the mating plug connector 6 in the region of its mating face, flows over the terminals 30, 70 plugged therein and passes completely through the terminal chambers 620; the cooling gas subsequently exits from its terminal chambers 620 away from the mating face of the mating plug connector 6. In the second case, the cooling gas then flows along a gap between the plug connectors 2, 6 to the outer joint edges of the two plug connectors 2, 6; here, cooling gas escapes to the vicinity of the plug connector 2 & 6.Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments of FIG. 1 (including the explanations thereto) and of FIG. 2 (including the explanations thereto) can be combined with one another. Here, for example, the downstream cooling gas connection 210 of FIG. 1 can be converted into a second upstream cooling gas connection 210, in addition to the upstream first cooling gas connection 200. That is to say, the plug connection 2 & 6 can be supplied with cooling gas from two cooling gas connections 200, 210. The cooling gas is then disposed of as in the exemplary embodiments of FIG. 2, which allows the plugged terminals 30, 70 to be supplied with cooling gas in a "symmetrical" manner.FIGS. 3 and 4 show further embodiments, wherein the plug connections 2 & 6, which are shown in a greatly simplified manner, are shown electrically (vertically with a view to this FIG. ) and fluidically (horizontally with respect to this FIG. ) connected in a rudimentary manner. The respective plug connection 2 & 6 is connected by means of a cooling gas feed line 900 from a fan 9, a compressor 9 (optionally incl. Cooling), an air conditioner 9, etc. are supplied with cooling gas. The cooling gas subsequently enters the plug connection 2 & 6 and passes through the latter and leaves the plug connection 2 & 6 away from, preferably in comparison with the supply of cooling gas via a cooling gas outlet 910 (analogy to FIG. 1 ). In this case, the cooling gas discharge line 910 is optional (analogy to FIG. 2 ).In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the mating connector 6 has both an upstream cooling gas connection 600 with its upstream channel opening 603 and a downstream cooling gas connection 610 with its downstream channel opening 613. The cooling gas can be guided through the plug connection 2 & 6 in a similar manner to that of FIG. 1. Additionally or alternatively, the cooling gas can be guided through terminal chambers of the plug connection 2 & 6. Furthermore, the downstream cooling gas connection 610 can be omitted, wherein the cooling gas can then be guided through the plug connection 2 & 6, for example analogously to FIG. 2.In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the mating connector 6 has the upstream cooling gas connection 600 with its upstream channel opening 603 and the connector 2 has the downstream cooling gas connection 210 with its downstream channel opening 213. The cooling gas can be guided through the plug connection 2 & 6 in a similar manner to that of FIG. 1. Additionally or alternatively, the cooling gas can be guided through terminal chambers of the plug connection 2 & 6. Furthermore, the downstream cooling gas connection 210 can be omitted, wherein the cooling gas can then be guided through the plug connection 2 & 6, for example analogously to FIG. 2.Furthermore, in embodiments it is possible to realize an upstream and / or downstream cooling gas connection via at least one terminal chamber or all terminal chambers. In this case, a blind chamber can also be used which, in the event that the respective plug connector 2, 6 does not have to be cooled, can be closed by means of a blind plug. It is of course possible to employ the above-mentioned embodiments as conventional connectors without connection to a refrigerant gas pipe. Furthermore, in all embodiments, instead of one cooling gas connection 200, 210, a plurality of cooling gas connections 200, 210 can also be provided in each case.List of reference characters0 (Power) Electric entity 1 (Power) Electric assembly 2 (Electric) (Mating) Connector 5 (Pre) Assembled (Electric) cable 6 (Electric) (Mating) Connector 9 Fan, compressor, air conditioner 20 Connector housing 30 (Male / Female) Electric (Mating) terminal 200 (Upstream) Cooling gas port 203 (Upstream) Duct opening 210 (Downstream) Cooling gas port 213 (Downstream) Duct opening 220 Accommodation chamber 400 Cooling gas duct 60 Connector housing 70 (Female / Male) Electric (Mating) terminal 600 (Upstream) Cooling gas port 603 (Upstream) Duct opening 610 (Downstream) Cooling gas port 613 (Downstream) Duct opening 620 Terminal chamber 900 Cooling gas supply line 910 Cooling gas discharge

Claims

Electrical plug connection (2&6, 6&2) which is formed by a plug connector (2, 6) and a mating plug connector (6, 2), wherein the plug connector (2, 6) has a connector housing (20, 60) in which at least one electrical terminal is set up (30, 70), and the connector housing (20, 60) for cooling the plug connection (2&6, 6&2) has at least one outer upstream cooling gas connection (200, 210; 600, 610), by means of which a cooling gas can be introduced into a cooling gas duct (400) of the connector housing (20, 60), wherein the cooling gas can be introduced into the plug connector (2, 6) by means of the cooling gas duct (400), characterized in that a central section of the cooling gas duct (400) is set up between the plug connector (2, 6) and the mating plug connector (6, 2), wherein this central section leads past a heat source within the plug connector (2&6, 6&2).Electrical plug connection (2&6, 6&2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the plug connection (2&6, 6&2) is designed as a low-voltage plug connection (2&6, 6&2) and / or a vehicle plug connection (2&6, 6&2) for an on-board power supply system of a vehicle.Electrical plug connection (2&6, 6&2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling gas duct (400) of the connector housing (20, 60) is set up in the plug connection (2, 6) in such a way that the cooling gas duct (400) can be guided towards the heat source within the plug connection (2&6, 6&2) and can be guided past it and / or can be guided through it.Electrical plug connection (2&6, 6&2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, starting from the at least one upstream cooling gas connection (200, 210; 600, 610), a section of the cooling gas duct (400) opens on the inside in the connector housing (20, 60) at a chamber (220, 620) in the connector housing (20, 60) through a duct opening (203, 603), wherein the chamber (220, 620), apart from the duct opening (203, 603), is formed to be gas-permeable at at least one further point.Electrical plug connection (2&6, 6&2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug connector (2, 6) or the mating plug connector (6, 2) has a downstream cooling gas connection (210, 610).Electrical plug connection (2&6, 6&2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: • the cooling gas duct (400) opens on the inside in the connector housing (20) at a receiving chamber (220) for the mating connector (6, 2), • the cooling gas duct (400) opens on the inside in the connector housing (50) at at least one terminal chamber (620) of the connector housing (50), and / or • the connector housing (20, 60) has exactly or at least one downstream cooling gas connection (210, 610) for transporting away the cooling gas, including optionally the downstream cooling gas connection (210, 610) of the plug connector (2, 6) according to Claim 5.Electrical plug connection (2&6, 6&2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling gas connection (200, 210; 600, 610) of the plug connector (2, 6) or one of the cooling gas connections (200, 210; 600, 610) of the plug connector (2, 6) is designed as a connecting piece (200, 210; 600, 610), a connecting flange or a connecting socket.Electrical plug connection (2&6, 6&2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connector housing (20, 50) is formed integrally or materially integrally with its cooling gas connection (200, 210; 600, 610) or its cooling gas connections (200, 210; 600, 610).Electrical plug connection (2&6, 6&2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the plug connection (2&6, 6&2) is free of a seal and / or free of a sealing edge for a liquid seal of a liquid cooling of the plug connection (2&6, 6&2), and / or the central section of the cooling gas duct (400) furthermore leads through the heat source.Electrical plug connection (2&6, 6&2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling gas duct (400) opens downstream of its at least one upstream cooling gas connection (200, 600) initially into an intermediate region between the plug connector (2, 6) and the mating plug connector (6, 2), and this intermediate region furthermore extends as far as one or as far as the at least one downstream cooling gas connection (210, 610) of the connector housing (20, 60).Electrical plug connection (2&6, 6&2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling gas duct (400), downstream of its at least one upstream cooling gas connection (200, 600), initially opens into the or an intermediate region between the plug connector (2, 6) and the mating plug connector (6, 2), and, downstream of the intermediate region, extends into terminal chambers (620) of the plug connection (2&6, 6&2) underneath, optionally the at least one terminal chamber (620) of the connector housing (20, 60) and / or a further intermediate region of the plug connection (2&6, 6&2).Electrical plug connection (2&6, 6&2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cross section or effective volume which is decisive for a gas flow in an inlet region of the cooling gas duct (400) differs from that of an outlet region of the cooling gas duct (400).An electrical entity (0, 1, 5) characterised in that the entity (0, 1, 5) comprises an electrical connector (2&6, 6&2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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