Connector assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector assembly (20) for electrically contacting an auxiliary unit (2) of a motor vehicle with a vehicle electrical system, comprising a connector housing (40) with a circular-cylindrical receptacle (46), a contact carrier (28) inserted therein with at least two contact elements (30, 32), and a hollow-cylindrical shielding plate (44) made of an electrically conductive material, wherein the shielding plate (44) is arranged between an inner wall of the receptacle (46) and an outer wall of the contact carrier (28), wherein the shielding plate (44) has, on an end face facing the contact elements (30, 32), a number of radially bent contact tabs (48) for contacting a ground potential, and wherein at least one of the contact tabs (48') is bent such that the contact tab (48') engages behind an edge of the receptacle (46) in an axially positive-locking manner.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector assembly, in particular for contacting an electrical component, for example, an auxiliary unit of a motor vehicle, with a vehicle electrical system. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a connector assembly and an auxiliary unit with such a connector assembly.

[0002] In the automotive and motor vehicle sector, the components of a motor vehicle are divided into main units and auxiliary units. A main unit is understood in particular to be a component that enables the movement or propulsion of the motor vehicle, whereas an auxiliary unit is understood in particular to be those (auxiliary and additional) components that are not directly involved in the movement or propulsion of the motor vehicle. An auxiliary unit is understood, for example, to be a (refrigerant) compressor, an oil or fluid pump, a variable displacement drive, or the like.

[0003] Air conditioning systems are regularly installed in motor vehicles. These systems cool the vehicle interior using a system that forms a refrigerant circuit. Such systems generally have a circuit in which a refrigerant is circulated. The refrigerant, for example R-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) or R-744 (carbon dioxide), is heated in an evaporator and compressed by an auxiliary unit in the form of a (refrigerant) compressor. The refrigerant then releases the absorbed heat via a heat exchanger before being fed back to the evaporator via a throttle.

[0004] In such applications, scroll machines are in principle possible as refrigerant compressors. Such scroll compressors typically have two scroll parts that move relative to each other and operate like a positive displacement pump. The two scroll parts are typically designed as a nested (helical) pair of spirals or scrolls. This means that one of the spirals at least partially engages the other spiral. The first (spiral) spiral is fixed with respect to a compressor housing (stationary spiral, fixed scroll), while the second (spiral) spiral (movable spiral, orbiting spiral) is orbitally driven within the first spiral by an electric motor.

[0005] The electric motor is connected to (motor) electronics for regulation and / or control. The electric motor is usually brushless, with the excitation of the individual electrical coils via a bridge circuit on a circuit board of the motor electronics. To protect it from environmental influences (dirt, moisture), the motor electronics are usually housed in an electronics compartment or electronics housing. The electronics housing, for example, has a housing connection area in the form of an electrical interface for electrically contacting the electronics.

[0006] The electrical interface is preferably detachable, with the interface generally being designed as a plug connection or a connector assembly that is or can be attached to the electronics housing. The electrical interface has, for example, a high-voltage connection for supplying power to the electric motor and / or a low-voltage connection for supplying the electronics with control signals. High voltage is understood here and below to mean, in particular, a voltage range greater than 60 V (volts), e.g., 470 V, and low voltage is understood to mean, in particular, a voltage range less than 60 V, e.g., 48 V or 12 V.

[0007] The high- and low-voltage connections of the interface are usually designed as separate, spatially separated connectors or terminals. An electrical connection is often provided between the connections as an electrical interlock, also known as an interlock connection, which must be contacted during assembly if the connections are designed separately. Such separate connections therefore require increased assembly and sealing effort.

[0008] To reduce this effort, a combination connector assembly is known from DE 10 2019 111 691 A1, for example, which features both a high-voltage connection and a low-voltage connection. The (plug-in) contact elements for the high-voltage and low-voltage connections, as well as the interlock connection, are integrated into a common plastic carrier, which is attached to the electronics or compressor housing.

[0009] With such a combination plug, due to the close spatial arrangement of the connections, electromagnetic waves from the high-voltage connections can be coupled into the low-voltage connections - and thus into the electronics or the control unit of the electric motor - and thus negatively influence the EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) of the auxiliary unit.

[0010] To improve EMC, interference suppression elements (capacitors, coils, etc.) are integrated into the electronics or the control unit. Additionally or alternatively, connector assemblies can, for example, have electrical shielding to improve EMC, so that other assemblies or electronics, such as the control unit, are kept as free as possible from interference. For example, a sleeve- or cylindrical shielding plate is used, as disclosed, for example, in WO 2024 / 056383 A1.

[0011] During vehicle operation, the connector assembly is subjected to comparatively high vibration loads, which can lead to relative movement of the connector components. In particular, this involves movement between a contact carrier supporting the contacts, the shield plate, and a connector housing. This causes wear and tear on the connectors (plug contacts) and on the contacts with the control unit.

[0012] The invention is based on the object of providing a particularly suitable connector assembly. In particular, a particularly vibration-resistant connector assembly is to be realized. The invention is further based on the object of providing a particularly suitable method for producing the connector assembly and a particularly suitable auxiliary unit.

[0013] The problem is solved according to the invention with regard to the connector assembly by the features of claim 1, with regard to the method by the features of claim 6, and with regard to the auxiliary unit by the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims (subclaims). The statements made in connection with the connector assembly also apply mutatis mutandis to the method and / or the auxiliary unit, and vice versa.

[0014] The conjunction “and / or” is to be understood here and in the following in such a way that the features linked by this conjunction can be formed both together and as alternatives to one another.

[0015] The connector assembly according to the invention is intended, and is suitable and configured, in particular for electrically contacting an auxiliary unit of a motor vehicle with a vehicle electrical system. When plugged in, the connector assembly forms, in particular, the electrical interface between the electrical components of the auxiliary unit and an electrical system cable connected to the vehicle electrical system.

[0016] The connector assembly comprises a connector housing with a circular cylindrical receptacle, a contact carrier inserted therein with at least two contact elements, and a hollow cylindrical shielding plate made of an electrically conductive material.

[0017] The contact elements are designed, for example, as flat, roughly rectangular metal plugs, with the vehicle electrical system or the on-board power cable featuring a corresponding socket. This ensures simple and secure contact via the plug assembly.

[0018] Preferably, the plug assembly is designed as a combination plug, in particular as a combined signal and power plug, with a high-voltage connection with two high-voltage contact elements and a low-voltage connection with a number of low-voltage contact elements, in particular three low-voltage contact elements.

[0019] The high-voltage connection is intended, and is suitable and configured, as a power connection or power connector for supplying power to an electric motor of the auxiliary unit. The two high-voltage contact elements are designed, for example, as DC contacts for the high-voltage positive (HV+) and high-voltage negative (HV-) terminals of the vehicle's electrical system.

[0020] The low-voltage connection is intended, in particular, as a signal connection or a signal connector for supplying power and transmitting control signals to an electronics or control unit of the auxiliary unit, and is suitable and configured for this purpose. Two of the low-voltage contact elements are contacted or can be contacted, for example, as supply interfaces with an on-board power supply or a vehicle battery (KL30, KL31), with the third low-voltage contact being contacted or can be contacted as a signal interface, in particular with a communication or bus line (COM).

[0021] The connector housing, which is preferably designed as an injection-molded part, is preferably mechanically attachable to a housing of the auxiliary unit, for example, by means of screw connections. The connector housing has, for example, an edge seal, by means of which the connections are fluid-tightly sealed against the housing when assembled.

[0022] The shielding plate is designed as a hollow cylinder, i.e., tubular or sleeve-shaped, and is connected to a ground potential when plugged in or plugged in. The shielding plate has a round cross-section, for example, and is thus designed as a hollow circular cylinder. Alternatively, the shielding plate can have a polygonal, particularly square or rectangular, cross-section, so that the shielding plate is designed as a hollow polygonal cylinder (prism).

[0023] When assembled, the shielding plate is electrically coupled to a housing potential of the (auxiliary unit) housing as ground potential. The shielding plate is arranged between an inner wall of the receptacle and an outer wall of the contact carrier. The shielding plate is thus inserted into the receptacle, and the contact carrier is inserted into the shielding plate.

[0024] On an end face facing the contact elements, the shielding plate has a number of circumferentially distributed and radially outwardly bent contact tabs (shielding legs) for contacting a ground potential. In the assembled state, the contact tabs rest, for example, at least partially against a housing of the auxiliary unit housing. According to the invention, at least one of the contact tabs is bent such that the contact tab axially engages behind an edge in a form-fitting and / or locking manner. The contact tab is bent, for example, in a clamp-like manner, so that the shielding plate is supported on the edge of the receptacle in a form-fitting manner. This creates a particularly suitable connector assembly. In particular, the vibration resistance of the connector assembly is thus improved.

[0025] A "positive connection" or a "positive connection" between at least two interconnected parts is understood here and below in particular to mean that the interconnected parts are held together at least in one direction by a direct interlocking of the contours of the parts themselves or by an indirect interlocking via an additional connecting part. The "blocking" of mutual movement in this direction is therefore due to the shape.

[0026] A "positive connection" or a "positive connection" between at least two interconnected parts is understood here and below in particular to mean that the interconnected parts are prevented from sliding against each other due to a frictional force acting between them. If a "connecting force" causing this frictional force (this means the force that presses the parts against each other, for example, a screw force or the force of gravity itself) is missing, the positive connection cannot be maintained and can therefore be released.

[0027] The invention is based on the finding that by bending or reshaping the existing contact tabs of the shielding plate, which are usually used as electrical contacts for EMC, a tight fit of the shielding plate within the receptacle can be achieved. The contact tabs are thus at least partially repurposed as clamps. The contact tabs of the shielding plate are thus at least partially used to fix the shielding plate to or in the receptacle.

[0028] Bending the shield plate contact tabs is a particularly scalable approach for improving the tight fit of the shield plate and the contact carrier for connector assemblies that have increased vibration requirements. Advantageously, no tool changes are required compared to connector assemblies with "normally bent" contact tabs.

[0029] The connector housing, for example, has a one-piece, i.e., monolithic, molded-on annular wall that encloses the receptacle on its periphery (annular collar). In other words, the shielding plate sits in the central annular opening of the annular wall. At least one contact tab is bent over in such a way that it engages behind an edge of the annular wall.

[0030] In an advantageous design, the contact tabs are spring-loaded. This ensures vibration-proof contact with the ground potential. Due to the spring elasticity or spring action, a certain (axial) restoring force acts on the edge of the receptacle or the ring wall when the contact tab is bent (overbent). The shielding plate is thus positively and force-fitted to the receptacle edge by the rear grip.

[0031] To achieve the desired (vibration) resistance, one or more contact tabs are bent over to engage behind the mounting edge. For example, the shield plate has twelve contact tabs, with three contact tabs being bent over to form a three-point support.

[0032] In a practical development, the shielding plate has an even number of contact tabs, for example, twelve (12) contact tabs, with one half (e.g., six contact tabs) bent to connect to the ground potential and the other half to engage behind the edge of the receptacle. Half of the contact tabs are thus deformed or reshaped in such a way that a force fit (spring action due to overbending) and a positive fit are achieved when the contact carrier and the shielding plate are mounted in the connector housing.

[0033] In one conceivable embodiment, a contact tab for contacting the ground potential and a contact tab for engaging behind the edge of the receptacle are bent alternately along a circumferential direction. This ensures a particularly stable and reliable attachment of the shielding plate to or in the receptacle, further improving the vibration resistance of the connector assembly.

[0034] An additional or further aspect of the invention provides that the shielding plate has a radially outwardly curved locking tab along a circumferential surface, which engages positively and / or non-positively with a locking receptacle in the inner wall of the receptacle. This ensures axial fixation of the shielding plate within the receptacle.

[0035] The method according to the invention is intended for producing a connector assembly as described above and is suitable and configured for this purpose.

[0036] According to the method, a plug housing with a circular cylindrical receptacle, a contact carrier with at least two contact elements, and a hollow cylindrical shielding plate made of an electrically conductive material are first provided, wherein the shielding plate has a number of radially bent contact tabs on one end face for contacting a ground potential.

[0037] In one process step, the shield plate is inserted into the receptacle. The shield plate may already be joined to the contact carrier; in other words, the contact carrier and the shield plate are inserted into the receptacle as a pre-assembled unit.

[0038] According to the method, at least one of the contact tabs is bent such that the contact tab axially engages behind an edge of the receptacle in a form-fitting manner. The forming or bending of the at least one contact tab can take place after insertion into the receptacle or before. In particular, the bending of at least one contact tab can take place before or after a joining process of the contact carrier to the shielding plate. This realizes a particularly suitable method for manufacturing the connector assembly.

[0039] For forming the contact tabs, a bending or forming tool is provided. The forming tool includes, for example, a holding fixture for the shielding plate and a forming die (bending die).

[0040] The forming die has a crown-like forming bearing on its front face with a number of forming contours (bending contours) corresponding to the number of contact tabs. The forming contours for the contact tabs to be formed are designed, for example, as wedge contours, which bend the contact tabs from radially inward to radially outward when the forming die is lowered axially onto the shield plate.

[0041] The auxiliary unit according to the invention comprises a connector assembly as described above. This ensures reliable contact with a vehicle electrical system, which subsequently improves the operation of the auxiliary unit.

[0042] For example, the auxiliary unit is a pump, in particular a water or oil pump, such as a lubricant pump. Alternatively, the auxiliary unit is an adjustment drive, such as a steering assistance system, i.e. a so-called power steering system, a window lifter or an electric seat adjustment. In the installed state, the auxiliary unit is electrically contacted via the connector assembly with the vehicle's on-board electrical system (vehicle on-board electrical system) and is powered by this. The vehicle on-board electrical system has both a low-voltage on-board electrical system with an electrical voltage of, for example, 12 V, 24 V or 48 V, and a high-voltage network with an electrical voltage of, for example, 60 V, 288 V, 450 V, 650 V, 830 V or 1000 V. For example, in the installed state, the auxiliary unit is still signal-wise coupled to a BUS system, in particular a LIN or CAN bus.

[0043] Particularly preferably, the auxiliary unit comprises an electrical machine, for example, a generator or an electric motor. The electric motor is, for example, a brushed commutator motor. However, the electric motor is particularly preferably brushless and is suitably a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. The electric motor is, for example, an asynchronous motor or a synchronous motor.

[0044] Particularly preferably, the auxiliary unit is an electric refrigerant drive, which in particular is an electric motor-driven refrigerant compressor. The electric motor-driven refrigerant compressor is suitably a component of a refrigerant circuit of the motor vehicle, by means of which, during operation, the temperature of the interior of the motor vehicle and / or the cooling of an energy storage device of the motor vehicle takes place. In particular, the electric motor-driven refrigerant compressor comprises a compressor head, for example a scroll compressor. Particularly preferably, a refrigerant, for example a chemical refrigerant such as R134a or R1234yf, is compressed by means of the electric motor-driven refrigerant compressor. Alternatively, CO2 is used as the refrigerant.

[0045] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. In the drawings: Fig. 1 in perspective view an auxiliary unit with a connector assembly, Fig. 2 in perspective view a shield plate of the connector assembly, Fig. 3 in sectional view of the auxiliary unit with the connector assembly, Fig. 4 in perspective view a forming die, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 in perspective view, section of the forming die, Fig. 7 in schematic sectional view the shield plate for different forming dies, Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the connector assembly with a non-formed shielding plate, and Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the connector assembly with a formed shield plate.

[0046] Corresponding parts and sizes are always provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0047] The Fig. 1 shows an auxiliary unit 2 according to the invention, which is installed, for example, as a refrigerant compressor in a refrigerant circuit (not shown in detail) of an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle. The auxiliary unit 2, which is also referred to below as a refrigerant compressor 2, has a modular design, for example, and has an electric (electromotor) drive (drive module) 4 and a compressor head (compressor module) 6 coupled to it. A bearing plate (not shown in detail) is provided between the drive 4 and the compressor head 6 as a mechanical interface, by means of which the compressor head 6 is connected to the drive 4.

[0048] The bearing plate forms an intermediate wall between a drive housing 8 and a compressor housing (compressor head housing) 10. The compressor head 6 is connected (joined, screwed) to the drive 4 by means of flange connections 12 distributed around the circumference and extending in an axial direction of the refrigerant compressor 2, which are provided with reference numerals in the figures merely as an example.

[0049] A compressor-side housing section of the drive housing 10 is designed as a motor housing for accommodating an electric motor and is closed on the one hand by an integrated housing partition (not shown) to form an electronics compartment 16 provided with a cover 14, and on the other hand by the bearing plate. The electronics compartment 16 accommodates electronics (not shown in detail), in particular inverter electronics and control electronics or a control unit, of the electric motor.

[0050] The drive housing 10 has a connection section 18 in the area of ​​the electronics compartment 16 for electrically connecting the electronics to the vehicle's electrical system (vehicle electrical system). The connection section 18 is designed as a housing opening in the electronics compartment 16, which is closed by a connector assembly 20 screw-fastened to the connection section 18. The connector assembly 20 forms the electrical and / or signaling interface to the vehicle's electrical system or to an electrical system cable.

[0051] The connector assembly 20 is designed as a power connector and has a high-voltage connector 22. For example, a further connector and a low-voltage connector 24 are arranged on the electronics compartment 16, with the connectors 22, 24 being arranged spatially spaced from one another. In a variant not shown, the connector assembly 20 can also be designed as a combination connector, i.e., a combined signal and power connector.

[0052] The high-voltage connection 22 is designed as a plug connector with a socket 26. A cylindrical contact carrier 28 ( Fig. 8, Fig. 9) with integrated (high-voltage) contact elements 30 are used, wherein the contact elements 30 are embedded, for example overmolded, at least in sections in the contact carrier 28.

[0053] The high-voltage connection 22 has at least two contact elements 30 (HV+, HV-). The contact elements 30 are designed in particular as plug-in contacts, for example as pin or blade contacts. In addition, the contact carrier 28 can have further contact elements 32. To supply power to the electric motor, for example, a mating connector (not shown), which is connected to the power-supplying vehicle electrical system cable, is plugged into the socket 26, whereby the electrical contact elements 30 are connected to corresponding mating contacts arranged in the mating connector and a current flow is realized via the cable, the mating contacts, the contact elements 30, and the inverter electronics to the brushless electric motor. The socket 26 can have a cover 34 to protect the contact elements 30. The cover 34 is preferably designed as a transport protection and is disposed of when the auxiliary unit 2 is installed.

[0054] The low-voltage connection 24 is also designed as a plug connector with a socket 36. The socket 36 can have a cover 38. The cover 38 is preferably designed as a transport protection and is disposed of when the auxiliary unit 2 is installed. The low-voltage contact elements are or can be contacted as supply interfaces with an on-board power supply or a vehicle battery (KL30, KL31) and / or as a signal interface, in particular with a communication or bus line (COM).

[0055] The connector assembly 20 has a connector housing 40 for holding the contact carrier 28. The connector housing 40 is designed as an injection-molded part and has a circumferential edge seal 42 on the rear or inside, i.e., facing the electronics compartment 16 ( Fig. 3, Fig. 8, Fig. 9), which encloses the contact carrier 28 and the contact elements 30, 32, and thus seals them off from the connection section 18.

[0056] The contact elements 30, 32 or the contact carrier 28 are enclosed or surrounded by a (hollow) cylindrical or tubular shielding plate 44. The shielding plate 44 is made of an electrically conductive material. Fig. The shielding plate 44 shown individually in Figure 3 is arranged between the outer circumference of the contact carrier 28 and the inner circumference of a cylindrical receptacle 46 of the connector housing 40. The contact carrier 28 is held in place indirectly via the shielding plate 44. The receptacle 46 opens into the socket 26, for example, on a front or outer side of the connector assembly 20.

[0057] The shielding plate 44 has, on the end face facing the rear or inner side, a contact lug ring with a number of radially outwardly bent contact lugs 48, by means of which the shielding plate 44 is electrically conductively coupled to the connection section 18 or the drive housing 8. The shielding plate 44 is thus electrically connected to a ground potential in the assembled state. The electrically conductive coupling is, in particular, a resilient contact 50 of at least one of the contact lugs 48 with the connection section 18 or the drive housing 8 ( Fig. 3). The contact tabs 48 are provided with reference numerals in the figures merely as examples. In the illustrated embodiment, the shield plate 44 has twelve (12) spring-loaded contact tabs 48.

[0058] The plug housing 40 has an annular wall 52 on the rear side surrounding the receptacle 46. The annular wall 52 is arranged, for example, coaxially aligned or opposite the plug socket 26.

[0059] In an inner wall or inner wall of the receptacle 46, radial recesses or depressions are also introduced as locking receptacles 54. A jacket (jacket surface) 56 of the shielding plate 44 received in the receptacle 46 has a number of radially outwardly bent locking tabs (locking hooks) 58, which lock with the locking receptacles 54 ( Fig. 3). The locking tabs 58 are open toward the front side of the contact tabs 48, or are bent outward from the front side.

[0060] According to the invention, at least one of the contact tabs 48 is used to axially fix the shielding plate 44 in the receptacle 46 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. For this purpose, the at least one contact tab 48 is bent axially until it runs essentially along the radial direction. The bent or formed contact tabs are identified in the figures by the reference numeral 48'. The contact tabs 48' thus axially engage behind the edge of the receptacle 46 or the annular wall 52 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0061] As particularly in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the bent-over contact tabs 48' generate an axial preload, with the locking receptacle 54 or the locking connection with the locking tab 58 forming a counterbearing for this axial preload. The shielding plate 44 is thus clamped or axially clamped between the locking receptacle 54 and the edge of the annular wall 52 by means of the locking hooks 58 and the contact tabs 48', so that a particularly vibration-proof and vibration-resistant mounting or fixation of the shielding plate 44 in the receptacle 46 is realized.

[0062] The shielding plate 44 or the contact lug ring is, for example, connected to a Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The bending tool 62 has a stationary counterbearing 64 and a bending punch 66 that is axially movable relative thereto. The counterbearing 64 has a bearing receptacle (not shown in more detail), into which the shielding plate 44 is inserted such that the contact tabs 48 protrude from the end face.

[0063] The bending punch 66 has a bending or forming ring with a number of bending or forming contours 68 corresponding to the number of contact tabs 48 to be formed. The bending contours 68 are designed as radially directed and axially oriented wedge surfaces, which are distributed circumferentially on one end face of the bending punch 66. When the bending punch 66 is lowered (i.e., when the bending punch 66 moves in the direction of the counter bearing 64), the bending contours 68 engage radially on the inside of the contact tab ring, so that during further lowering, the wedge-shaped bending contours 68 slide off the contact tabs 48 to be formed or bent and thus successively bend or push them away radially outwards ( Fig. 5).

[0064] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the edge of the counter bearing 64 is lower than the edge of the connector housing 40, so that a preload is generated in the actually installed state. The preload is achieved by overbending the elastic portion of the contact tabs 48'.

[0065] The Fig. Figure 7 shows that, depending on the position of a pivot point 69 or the shape of the forming die 66 or the forming contours 68, the contact tab 48' is bent such that a contact point moves further upward or outward. The higher the pivot point 69 is positioned, the more likely it is that the contact tab 48' will rest on the top end of the edge of the receptacle 46.

[0066] For assembly, the shield plate 44 is first joined to the contact carrier 28, for example, in particular by means of the locking tabs 60. For this purpose, the shield plate 44 has, for example, radially inwardly bent locking tabs 60, which engage with corresponding locking receptacles of the contact carrier 28. The locking tabs 60 are oriented, for example, opposite to the locking tabs 58.

[0067] The shield plate 44 and the contact carrier 28 are then inserted into the receptacle 46, thereby generating the axial preload between the locking tabs 58 and the contact tabs 48'.

[0068] Depending on the application and the required vibration resistance, one or more contact tabs 48 can be bent to form contact tabs 48'. For example, six contact tabs 48' of the twelve contact tabs 48 of the shielding plate 44 are bent. As shown, for example, in the Fig.As shown in Figure 9, non-bent contact tabs 48 and bent contact tabs 48' can be arranged alternately along the circumferential direction. This ensures a particularly stable and reliable attachment of the shield plate 44 to or in the receptacle 46, so that the vibration resistance of the connector assembly 20 is further improved.

[0069] The claimed invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art within the scope of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention. In particular, all individual features described in connection with the various exemplary embodiments can also be combined in other ways within the scope of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention. List of reference symbols 2 Auxiliary unit, refrigerant compressor 4 Drive 6 Compressor head 8 drive housing 10 Compressor housing 12 Flange connection 14 lids 16 Electronics compartment 18 connecting section 20 connector assembly 22 high-voltage connection 24 low-voltage connection 26 socket 28 contact carriers 30 contact element 32 contact element 34 lids 36 socket 38 lids 40 connector housings 42 Seal 44 shield plate 46 recording 48, 48' contact tab 50 touch contact 52 ring wall 54 locking mount 56 Shell, shell surface 58 locking tab 60 locking tab 62 bending tool 64 counter bearings 66 bending punches 68 Bending contour QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2019 111 691 A1

[0008] WO 2024 / 056383 A1

[0010]

Claims

[1] Connector assembly (20), in particular for electrical contacting an auxiliary unit (2) of a motor vehicle with a vehicle electrical system, comprising a connector housing (40) with a circular cylindrical receptacle (46), a contact carrier (28) inserted therein with at least two contact elements (30, 32), and a hollow cylindrical shielding plate (44) made of an electrically conductive material, - wherein the shielding plate (44) is arranged between an inner wall of the receptacle (46) and an outer wall of the contact carrier (28), - wherein the shielding plate (44) has a number of radially curved contact tabs (48) for contacting a ground potential on an end face facing the contact elements (30, 32), and - wherein at least one of the contact tabs (48') is bent such that the contact tab (48') engages an edge of the receptacle (46) axially in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner. [2] Connector assembly (20) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the contact tabs (48, 48') are designed to be spring-elastic, wherein the shielding plate (44) is fixed to the edge of the receptacle (46) by means of the rear grip in a form-fit and force-fit manner. [3] Connector assembly (20) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the shielding plate (44) has an even number of contact tabs (48, 48') wherein one half are bent to contact the ground potential and the other half to engage behind the edge of the receptacle (46). [4] Connector assembly (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that along a circumferential direction a contact tab (48) for contacting with the ground potential and a contact tab (48') for engaging behind the edge of the receptacle (46) are alternately bent. [5] Connector assembly (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the shielding plate (44) has a radially outwardly bent locking tab (58) along a lateral surface (56), which engages in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner in a locking receptacle (54) in the inner wall of the receptacle (46). [6] Method for manufacturing a connector assembly (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, - wherein a connector housing (40) with a circular cylindrical receptacle (46), a contact carrier (28) with at least two contact elements (30, 32), and a hollow cylindrical shielding plate (44) made of an electrically conductive material are provided, wherein the shielding plate (44) has on one end face a number of radially bent contact tabs (48) for contacting with a ground potential, - wherein the shielding plate (44) is inserted into the receptacle (46), and - wherein at least one of the contact tabs (48') is bent over such that the contact tab (48') engages an edge of the receptacle (46) in a form-fitting manner. [7] Auxiliary unit (2) of a motor vehicle, in particular refrigerant compressor, comprising a plug assembly (20) according to one of claims 1 to 6.

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