Electrical connector and electrical connector assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical connector for plugging together with a mating electrical connector (80) along an insertion direction (E), the electrical connector (1) comprising: -- a housing (2), -- a first inner housing (3), -- a contact element (5) having a contacting portion (6) for contacting a mating contact element (82) of the mating electrical connector (80), wherein: the first inner housing (3) is disposed in a housing interior (7) of the housing (2); the first inner housing (3) has a first interior (8) and an insertion opening (9) which faces the mating electrical connector (80); the first inner housing (3) has a first receiving element (10) and a second receiving element (11), which are are rotated relative to each other by an angle (W) in the range of 75° to 105°, in particular by 90°; viewed along the insertion direction (E), one of the two receiving elements (10, 11) is disposed on the side of the first inner housing (3) that is remote from the insertion opening (9); the contacting portion (6) of the contact element (5) can be inserted through the first receiving element (10) or through the second receiving element (11) into the first interior (8) so that the contacting portion (6) can be contacted through the insertion opening (9).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Connectors and connector arrangement

[0004] Field of the invention

[0005] The invention relates to a connector and a connector arrangement with such a connector.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] Connectors for high-current or high-voltage connectors, e.g., for use in electrically powered vehicles, are known from the prior art. Such connectors should be capable of transmitting currents of more than 10A, preferably more than 50A, and particularly preferably more than 100A, and / or voltages of more than 40V, preferably more than 200V, and particularly preferably more than 350V, to a mating connector.

[0008] From DE 10 2019 209 436 A1 and from DE 10 2018 202 960 A1 such connectors for mating with a mating connector along a plug-in direction are known, wherein the connectors each have a housing in which two contact elements are received, wherein the contact elements are attached to lines which extend along the plug-in direction and wherein the contact elements can be inserted into the respective housing exclusively in a direction parallel to the plug-in direction.

[0009] EP 3 073 577 A1 discloses another such plug connector for mating with a mating connector along a plug-in direction, the plug connector comprising a housing in which two contact elements are received, the contact elements being attached to lines extending along the plug-in direction, and the contact elements being insertable into the housing exclusively in a direction parallel to the plug-in direction. DE 10 2016 120304 A1 discloses another such plug connector for mating with a mating connector along a plug-in direction, the plug connector comprising a housing in which two contact elements are received, the contact elements being attached to lines extending rotated by 90° to the plug-in direction, and the contact elements being insertable into the housing exclusively in a direction parallel to the plug-in direction.

[0010] Disclosure of the invention

[0011] The invention is based on the realization that, depending on the installation situation or customer requirements, there may be situations in which the contact element cannot be inserted into the housing along the insertion direction, but must be inserted at an angle different from the insertion direction. Furthermore, it is necessary to ensure good insulation of live parts and to keep costs as low as possible, even in different installation situations. Providing different parts depending on the contact element's mounting direction can increase costs and complexity.

[0012] There may therefore be a need to provide a connector for mating with a mating connector along a mating direction, which is simple and cost-effective to manufacture and in which the mounting of the contact element from different directions relative to the mating direction is possible.

[0013] Advantages of the invention

[0014] This need can be met by the subject matter of the present invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims. According to a first aspect of the invention, a plug connector for plugging together with a mating connector along a plug-in direction is proposed. The plug connector is intended in particular for high-current applications (e.g. more than 20A or more than 50A or more than 100A or more than 150A or even more than 400A) and / or for high-voltage applications (e.g. more than 40V or more than 100V or more than 200V or more than 250V or more than 350V, e.g. 500V or 600V or 700V or 800V or 900V or 1000V) or is designed for such applications. It can, for example, be a plug connector for power components in electrically operated vehicles. Such a plug connector can, for example, be used for cables orCables must be provided which have a cable cross-section of at least 10mm, for example. 2 or at least 35mm 2 or at least 50mm 2 or at least 70mm 2 or at least 95mm 2 or at least 120 mm 2 .

[0015] The connector has a housing with a housing interior, a first inner housing, and a contact element with a contacting section for contacting a mating contact element of the mating connector, or comprises these elements. The first inner housing is arranged in the housing interior of the housing. The first inner housing has a first interior and an insertion opening facing the mating connector. The first inner housing has a first receiving element and a second receiving element, which are rotated relative to one another by an angle in the range from 70° to 110°, in particular in the range from 75° to 105°, wherein one of the two receiving elements is arranged on the side of the first inner housing facing away from the insertion opening, viewed along the insertion direction. The contacting section of the contact element can be inserted into the first interior through the first receiving element or through the second receiving element.

[0016] It is understood that, in particular in the fully assembled or mounted state of the connector, the contact element can be or is inserted into the first interior space through the first receiving element or through the second receiving element, so that the contacting section can be contacted through the insertion opening.

[0017] This advantageously ensures that particularly good, stable, robust, and reliable mounting and, if necessary, insulation of the contact element is provided, since the contact element is not merely arranged in the (outer) housing, but is arranged in the first interior space of the first inner housing. Furthermore, the first inner housing, with the aid of its insertion opening, can advantageously provide a special geometry that can only be mechanically and thus ultimately also electrically coupled to a complementary mating connector. By selecting different first inner housings while using the same (outer) housing, the connector can advantageously be adapted to different mating connectors in a simple and cost-effective manner (e.g., by using different internal geometries of the first inner housing). Furthermore, the provision of the housing and the first inner housing can advantageously achieve a functional separation: e.g.,the housing can be designed to be very sturdy (e.g. to provide an actuating element such as a lever or slider to reduce the operating force when plugging it into the mating connector) or can have a special color (e.g. a signal color to indicate high voltages), while the first inner housing can be designed, for example, to insulate the contact element against accidental contact or, for example, to electrically insulate the individual contact elements in multi-pin connectors by, for example, forming spatially separate chambers. The first inner housing can advantageously also be designed to accommodate a seal (e.g. arranged all the way around), so that the connector can be designed to be particularly tight against fluid media, dirt, grime or the like.The first receiving element and the second receiving element, which is arranged at an angle to it, particularly advantageously ensure that the same first inner housing can always be used, regardless of the mounting direction of the contact element. This advantageously eliminates the need to provide two different first inner housings depending on the mounting direction of the contact element in the first inner housing. This advantageously saves costs through economies of scale and also reduces the risk of incorrect assembly during connector assembly, as fewer component variants need to be considered.

[0018] It is understood that the connector can have exactly a single contact element. However, it can also have a plurality of contact elements (e.g. two, three, four, five or even more contact elements). The first and the second receiving element are to be understood as predestined or predefined (e.g. visually and / or haptically recognizable) areas or sections or surfaces or locations on or in the first inner housing through which the contact element can be mounted or plugged into the first interior space without great effort or without the application of great force. Mounting the contact element through the first or through the second receiving element into the first interior space is possible, for example, without destroying essential functions or functionally relevant elements of the first inner housing.

[0019] The first receiving element and the second receiving element can be rotated relative to one another, for example, by an angle of 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, or 110°. For example, the angle can be measured relative to an axis extending transversely or perpendicularly to the insertion direction (the angle is then determined by rotation around this axis). The respective mounting direction of the contact element in the first interior space can serve as the limit for the angle, or the maximum possible mounting directions of the contact element rotated relative to one another can serve as the limit for the angle.

[0020] It is understood that the contact element can be mounted, inserted, pushed, or pressed from an external environment of the first inner housing into the first interior space by both the first receiving element and the second receiving element. The external space, or external environment, and the first interior space can advantageously be demarcated or separated from one another by a wall of the first inner housing, or a first inner housing wall. The wall, or the first inner housing wall, can be designed to be closed, for example (e.g., with the exception of the insertion opening and the receiving elements).

[0021] In addition to the contacting section or contacting region for contacting the mating contact element, the contact element can also have a connecting section or connecting region. The connecting section or connecting region can be configured for connection to an electrical line (this can be designed, for example, as a stranded wire, a busbar, a power rail, or the like). The contacting region or contacting section can be arranged, for example, at the front or in a front section or front region of the contact element, i.e., facing the mating connector. It can be arranged at a first end of the contact element. The connecting region or connecting section can be arranged, for example, at a second end of the contact element, wherein the second end, for example, is opposite the first end when viewed along a longitudinal direction of the contact element. The connecting region can, for example,be arranged at a rear area or rear section of the contact element.

[0022] The two receiving elements can, for example, be designed so that the contacting section of the contact element can be inserted through them, if necessary by applying an insertion force which can, for example, be a few Newtons (e.g., less than ION, preferably less than 5N).

[0023] The first inner housing can have a body that, when mounted in the housing, faces the mating connector with the insertion opening. The body can, for example, have a wall or first inner housing wall that runs around the insertion direction. It can, for example, be cup-shaped.

[0024] For example, in the case of a multi-pin connector, the first inner housing can provide a separate chamber for each contact element, which is partially or completely separated from the adjacent chamber, with each chamber ultimately forming its own first interior space. First inner housings or first interior spaces configured in this way can, for example, be integrally connected to one another by a base element that forms the common insertion opening.

[0025] In other cases, in multi-pin connectors, each contact element can have its own first inner housing, with the inner housings then being arranged together in the (outer) housing. In such a case, each first inner housing can have its own insertion opening.

[0026] The first inner housing can, for example, be mounted in the housing interior through a front or first housing opening of the housing facing the mating connector, e.g. be plugged in, pushed in or pressed in, etc. The contact element can, for example, be mounted in the housing interior through a rear or second housing opening of the housing together with the first inner housing, e.g. be plugged in, pushed in or pressed in, etc. However, it can also be provided that the contact element is mounted together with the first inner housing through a lower housing opening or an upper housing opening in the housing interior, wherein the lower or upper housing opening is arranged on the housing rotated by an angle to the insertion direction, e.g. by an angle in the range of 70° to 110°.

[0027] In the context of this application, the term “comprise” is used synonymously with the term “comprise”, unless otherwise stated.

[0028] In a further development, it is provided that the first receiving element is designed as a first receiving opening or as a first breakthrough surface for producing a first receiving opening.

[0029] Designing the first receiving element as a first receiving opening advantageously enables particularly simple and quick installation of the contact element into the first interior space. The contact element simply needs to be inserted into the first interior space through the first receiving opening.

[0030] The design of the first receiving element as the first opening surface advantageously ensures that the first inner housing (in particular in its rear part) remains substantially or completely closed in the event that no contact element is mounted through the first receiving element. This can be the case, for example, before the connector is assembled or if no contact element is fitted into the first interior space (e.g. in the case of multi-pin connectors in which not all of the existing chambers are to be fitted) or if the contact element is mounted through the second receiving element into the first interior space. This can advantageously improve the tightness and / or stability of the first inner housing. Another advantageous feature is electrical insulation of the first interior space from the outside environment orof the exterior of the first inner housing can be improved if the first opening surface remains closed and the contact element is mounted in the first interior space (e.g. through the second receiving element). It can be provided, for example, that the first inner housing has a smaller wall thickness at the point or in the region or at the location of the first opening surface than the adjacent regions. Alternatively or additionally, for example, an indentation or a notch or a perforation or some other predefined material weakening can be provided on at least one edge section of the first opening surface (e.g. by irradiation, in particular prior irradiation, e.g. with light or other electromagnetic waves or with a gas stream or with a fluid stream or by local temperature influences, etc.). This can advantageously enable particularly simple and low-force installation of the contact element through the first opening surface.For example, the first aperture surface can be removed prior to mounting the contact element (e.g., broken out, dissolved, or melted, etc.), and then the contact element can be inserted or mounted into the first interior space through the resulting first receiving opening. In other cases, it may be possible, for example, for the contact element to be pushed through the first aperture surface, thereby creating a first receiving opening. For example, when the contact element is pushed through the first aperture surface, the first aperture surface is at least partially removed or converted into a first receiving opening.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the second receiving element is designed as a second receiving opening or as a second breakthrough surface for producing a second receiving opening.

[0032] The design of the second receiving element as a second receiving opening advantageously enables particularly simple and quick installation of the contact element into the first interior space. The contact element simply needs to be inserted into the first interior space through the second receiving opening.

[0033] The design of the second receiving element as a second opening surface advantageously ensures that the first inner housing (in particular in its rear part) remains substantially or completely closed in the event that no contact element is mounted through the second receiving element. This can be the case, for example, before the connector is assembled or if no contact element is fitted into the first interior space (e.g. in the case of multi-pin connectors in which not all of the existing chambers are to be fitted) or if the contact element is mounted through the first receiving element into the first interior space. This can advantageously improve the tightness and / or stability of the first inner housing. Another advantageous feature is electrical insulation of the first interior space from the outside environment orof the outer space of the first inner housing can be improved if the second opening surface remains closed and the contact element is mounted in the first inner space (e.g. through the first receiving element).

[0034] For example, it can be provided that the first inner housing has a smaller wall thickness at the point or in the region or at the location of the second opening surface than the adjacent regions. Alternatively or additionally, for example, an indentation or a notch or a perforation or some other predefined material weakening can be provided on at least one edge section of the second opening surface (e.g. by, in particular, prior irradiation, e.g. with light or other electromagnetic waves, or with a gas stream or with a fluid stream, or by local temperature influences, etc.). This can advantageously enable particularly simple and low-force installation of the contact element through the second opening surface. For example, the second opening surface can be removed before installation of the contact element (e.g. broken out, dissolved, or melted, etc.).) and then the contact element is inserted or mounted into the first interior space through the resulting second receiving opening. In other cases, it may be possible, for example, for the contact element to be pushed through the second opening, thereby creating a second receiving opening. For example, when the contact element is pushed through the second opening, the second opening is at least partially removed or converted into a second receiving opening.

[0035] It is understood that both receiving elements can be designed as receiving openings before the contact element is mounted. Or that both receiving elements can initially be designed as through-holes (i.e. essentially closed) before the contact element is mounted. However, it can also be provided that one of the two receiving elements is provided as a receiving opening and the other receiving element is provided as a through-hole. In the case of multi-pin connectors, it can also be provided that different types of receiving elements are provided for different chambers or first inner housings (e.g. a first inner housing or a chamber of a first inner housing has two through-holes, while another first inner housing that is arranged in the same housing has two receiving openings or while another chamber of the first inner housing has two receiving openings ora receiving opening and a breakthrough area, etc.).

[0036] Finally, it is understood that, for example, more than two receiving elements can be provided on the first inner housing. For example, three receiving elements can be provided, each rotated by 90° (or by an angle between 70° and 110°) relative to the adjacent receiving element. In this way, the contact element could be mounted relative to the insertion direction, e.g., from the directions -90°, 0°, and +90°.

[0037] In a further development, it is provided that the first opening surface is connected to the first inner housing at a first edge after the first receiving opening has been produced.

[0038] This advantageously ensures that after the first opening surface is loosened or broken out, it does not enter the first interior space as a separate element, which would require removal. This advantageously eliminates at least one step during connector assembly and increases the connector's safety, as no loose parts remain in the first interior space.

[0039] It can, for example, furthermore be advantageously provided that the first opening surface in the first interior space is or is displaced in the direction of the second receiving element, e.g. is or is tilted or pivoted, and covers the second receiving element at least in sections.

[0040] This advantageously has the effect that, for example, the tightness and / or electrical insulation of the first interior space against an external environment of the first inner housing in the region of the second receiving element is improved. If, for example, the second receiving element is designed as a second receiving opening, the first opening surface can cover the second receiving opening and thereby advantageously prevent or at least limit the penetration of dirt, grime or fluid media into the first interior space. An electrical flashover, for example from a shielding element or another electrical conductor, through the second receiving opening is also advantageously prevented or minimized by the cover by means of the first opening surface. If the second receiving element is designed as a second opening surface, electrical insulation in the region of the second opening surface is likewise improved.

[0041] Another advantage is that in the area of ​​the still existing connection of the first breakthrough surface to the first inner housing, the electrical insulation and sealing against the ingress of dirt, grime or fluid media are improved.

[0042] The first opening surface can, for example, be connected to the first inner housing at the first edge by means of a film hinge. This can be formed in a targeted and simple manner during the manufacture of the first inner housing, so that when the first opening surface is pierced or opened, the first opening surface remains connected to the first inner housing at the film hinge.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, in a further development it can be provided that the second opening surface is connected to the first inner housing at a second edge after the production of the second receiving opening.

[0044] This advantageously ensures that after the first opening surface is loosened or broken out, it does not enter the first interior space as a separate element, which would require removal. This advantageously eliminates at least one step during connector assembly and increases the connector's safety, as no loose parts remain in the first interior space.

[0045] It can, for example, furthermore be advantageously provided that the second opening surface in the first interior space is or is displaced in the direction of the first receiving element, e.g. is or is tilted or pivoted, and covers the first receiving element at least in sections.

[0046] This advantageously has the effect that, for example, the tightness and / or electrical insulation of the first interior space against an external environment of the first inner housing in the region of the first receiving element is improved. If, for example, the first receiving element is designed as a first receiving opening, the first opening surface can cover the first receiving opening and thereby advantageously prevent or at least limit the penetration of dirt, grime or fluid media into the first interior space. An electrical flashover, for example from a shielding element or another electrical conductor, through the first receiving opening is also advantageously prevented or minimized by the cover by means of the second opening surface. If the first receiving element is designed as a first opening surface, electrical insulation in the region of the first opening surface is likewise improved.Another advantage is that in the area of ​​the still existing connection of the second breakthrough surface to the first inner housing, the electrical insulation and sealing against the ingress of dirt, grime or fluid media are improved.

[0047] The second opening surface can, for example, be connected to the first inner housing at the first edge by means of a film hinge. This can be formed in a targeted and simple manner during the manufacture of the first inner housing, so that when the second opening surface is pierced or opened, the second opening surface remains connected to the first inner housing at the film hinge.

[0048] In a further development, the housing is made of an electrically insulating material. This advantageously ensures particularly safe handling of the housing, for example, when connecting it to the mating connector.

[0049] The housing can be made of an insulating plastic, for example, or comprise one, e.g., predominantly (more than 50%). For example, the housing can be made of polyamide (PA) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), whereby the plastic can be glass fiber filled, for example (e.g., GF30, meaning: 30% glass fiber content, or GF25 or GF20, or other filler levels). The housing can be manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process, making it particularly simple and cost-effective. It can thus be designed, for example, as an injection-molded part.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the first inner housing is made of an electrically insulating material. This advantageously ensures that the contact element is particularly well insulated and ensures particularly safe handling of the connector, for example, when mating with the mating connector.

[0051] The first inner housing can, for example, be made of an insulating plastic or comprise such a material, e.g., predominantly (more than 50%). For example, the first inner housing can be made of polyamide (PA) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), wherein the plastic can, for example, be glass fiber filled (e.g., GF30 or GF25 or GF20 or other fill levels). The first inner housing can, for example, be manufactured using an injection molding process, making it particularly simple and cost-effective. It can thus, for example, be designed as an injection-molded part.

[0052] In a further development, it is provided that the first receiving element and the second receiving element are separated from each other, in particular by a web or the like. In other words, the first receiving element and the second receiving element do not merge into one another; at least, continuous movement with the contact element from the first receiving element to the second receiving element is not possible.

[0053] This advantageously results in particularly high stability and dimensional rigidity of the first inner housing. Compression of the first inner housing in the area of ​​the two receiving openings (e.g., transverse to the insertion direction) is thus advantageously avoided or made more difficult. It also prevents or reduces distortion of the first inner housing after exemplary production using the injection molding process.

[0054] Alternatively, it is provided that the first receiving element and the second receiving element are formed continuously. In other words, the first receiving element and the second receiving element merge into one another. Due to the significantly different mounting directions for the contact element and / or due to minor structural modifications between the two mounting areas (e.g., a slight narrowing or widening between the two receiving elements), two receiving elements can still be distinguished from one another. This advantageously enables particularly simple manufacturing. Another advantage is that the assembly of the contact element can be carried out more easily, since the positioning tolerances during assembly are larger.

[0055] It may happen that the connector has multiple contact elements. This can mean, for example, that the first inner housing has multiple first and second receptacle elements. In this case, for one contact element, the first receptacle element can be separated from the second receptacle element (e.g., by a web), while the first receptacle element and the second receptacle element for another contact element can be continuous, for example.

[0056] In a further development, the plug connector has a second inner housing, wherein the second inner housing is arranged in the housing interior of the housing, wherein the contact element is arranged in the second inner housing, e.g. arranged in a second interior space of the second inner housing. This advantageously has the effect that the contact element can be pre-assembled on or in the second inner housing. The contact element can be arranged, for example, together with the connection area or connection section and together with the cable fastened to the contact element in or on the second inner housing, thereby providing a particularly compact and easy-to-handle element for assembly in the housing of the plug connector. This can be particularly advantageous in multi-pin plug connectors, since in this way the distances between the contact elements can already be predetermined by the second inner housing.The second inner housing also makes it particularly easy to seal the contact element against fluid media, dirt, grime or the like.

[0057] For example, it can be provided that the second inner housing is arranged entirely within the interior of the housing. This advantageously provides a particularly compact connector. The connector can be sealed fluid-tight behind the second inner housing, e.g., by an end cap and / or a sealing element through which the contact element's line is routed into the exterior.

[0058] For example, it can be provided that the second inner housing has an outer contour that is designed like an inner contour of the housing interior (e.g. with a slightly smaller diameter, so that the second inner housing can be inserted into the housing like parts of a Russian doll), or the shape of the second inner housing can be adapted to the (outer) shape or inner contour of the housing interior (e.g., be designed to complement it). This advantageously ensures that the inner housing can be inserted into the (outer) housing very precisely and in a location-defined or position-defined manner (even if, for example, a cable to which the contact element is attached is pliable and / or flexible).This advantageously also allows the contact element to be inserted particularly easily and precisely through the corresponding receiving element of the first inner housing and placed in the first interior space, because it is only necessary to correctly insert the second inner housing into the housing. Furthermore, in this way, only a small gap remains open between the second inner housing and the outer housing, so that the sealing of the housing interior is improved. It is understood that the inner contour of the housing can have at least one coding structure or can be non-rotationally symmetrical (in particular around the insertion direction, in particular in the area in which the second inner housing is arranged). In this way, the second inner housing can advantageously be arranged in only one orientation in the housing interior or can be mounted in only one orientation in the housing interior, e.g.inserted or plugged or pressed in or the like.

[0059] For example, it can be provided that the contact element is arranged in the second inner housing in a captive manner. This advantageously ensures that the contact element and the second inner housing can be handled together as a type of module or independent element, which simplifies handling during assembly of the connector. For example, overhead installation can be easily achieved without the contact element becoming detached from the second inner housing. Or transport, for example under the influence of vibrations, is possible without the (pre-assembled) contact element slipping or becoming detached from the second inner housing.

[0060] The captive security can be achieved, for example, by a type of primary locking mechanism. For example, the contact element can have a type of lance (e.g., elastically reversibly displaceable or rigid), e.g., a projection that engages behind an undercut after the contact element has been installed in the second inner housing or that acts as an undercut for an elastically reversible part (e.g., a housing wall) of the second inner housing. Pulling the contact element out of the second inner housing without deliberately releasing the primary locking mechanism or primary locking mechanism is then no longer possible.

[0061] The second inner housing can be made of an electrically insulating material, for example. This advantageously ensures that the contact element is particularly well insulated, e.g., even in the connection area, and that the connector is particularly safe to handle, e.g., when mating with the mating connector.

[0062] The second inner housing can, for example, be made of an insulating plastic or comprise such a material, e.g., predominantly (more than 50%). For example, the second inner housing can be made of polyamide (PA) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), whereby the plastic can also be glass fiber filled, for example (e.g., GF30 or GF25 or GF20 or other fill levels). The second inner housing can, for example, be manufactured using an injection molding process and is thus particularly simple and cost-effective. It can thus, for example, be designed as an injection-molded part.

[0063] In a further development, it is provided that the second inner housing has a projection in a front section facing the first inner housing, wherein the contacting section of the contact element, viewed along the insertion direction, is surrounded on its end face and on at least one long side by the projection of the second inner housing. This advantageously provides particularly simple and cost-effective contact protection. The provision of dedicated contact protection in the (outer) housing and / or in the first inner housing can therefore advantageously be omitted. The contact element can be pushed into the projection so that, viewed from the insertion direction, direct contact with the end face of the contacting element is prevented or (for example, when the contact element or first inner housing is mounted at 90° to the insertion direction) direct contact with that long side of the contact element which faces the mating connector is prevented.This design also advantageously allows the contact element to be pre-assembled in the second inner housing before assembly in the (outer) housing. Correct positioning of the contact element in the second inner housing can be facilitated, for example, by very easily checking whether the contact element, with its contacting section, is correctly mounted relative to the projection. Furthermore, it is advantageous to test the contact protection before assembly in the (outer) housing. Finally, this also protects the contact element from mechanical influences on its outer edges, ensuring secure and reliable contact with the mating contact element in the fully assembled connector.

[0064] For example, it can be provided that one side surface of the contacting section is freely accessible. In other words, at least one side surface of the contacting section is not covered by the projection. Contacting the mating contact element can be made, for example, via the free side surface.

[0065] The projection can be shaped like a bow, for example. It can surround the contact section in a U-shape or C-shape, for example.

[0066] In a further development, it is provided that the second inner housing with the front section together with the contacting section is arranged in the first interior space of the first inner housing, e.g. can be plugged in or is plugged in. This advantageously enables particularly simple and securely positioned installation of the contact element in the first interior space of the first inner housing and also in the (outer) housing. The second inner housing and contact element can therefore advantageously be pre-assembled and then installed together in the first interior space and also in the (outer) housing. In this way, a time-consuming and complicated "threading" of the contact element from outside the first interior space into the first interior space of the first inner housing is no longer necessary, so that the assembly of the connector can be carried out more simply, reliably and cost-effectively.

[0067] In a further development, it is provided that the plug connector further comprises a shielding element, wherein the shielding element surrounds the second inner housing at least in sections, wherein the shielding element covers the first receiving element and / or the second receiving element and / or electromagnetically shields it from the environment of the plug connector. This advantageously ensures that electrical or electronic components or lines for signal transport in the environment of the plug connector are not negatively influenced by electromagnetic radiation released in the first interior space and / or in the second interior space. It is particularly advantageous to prevent electromagnetic radiation from escaping from the first interior space into the environment of the plug connector through one of the two or both receiving elements.

[0068] In a further development, it is provided that the contact element further comprises a connection section for connection to an electrical line, wherein the connection section is arranged in a second interior space of the second inner housing, wherein the contacting section protrudes from the second interior space into an external environment of the second inner housing.

[0069] This advantageously ensures that the connection section is particularly well mechanically protected and electrically insulated. Another advantageous feature is that it can already be possible, for example, to seal the electrical cable during pre-assembly by sealing the electrical cable from the outside in the second inner housing. After inserting the second inner housing into the housing, the seal is therefore essentially already present and does not have to be laboriously manufactured. Because the contacting section projects into the outside environment of the second inner housing, it can advantageously be installed particularly easily in the first inner housing and contact can be made there.

[0070] According to a second aspect of the invention, a connector assembly is provided. The connector assembly can be designed, for example, for high currents and / or high voltages, e.g., for more than 20A or more than 50A or more than 100A or more than 150A or even more than 400A and / or for more than 40V or more than 100V or more than 200V or more than 250V or more than 350V, e.g., 500V or 600V or 700V or 800V or 900V or 1000V.

[0071] The connector assembly comprises a connector as described above. It further comprises a mating connector, wherein the mating connector has a mating contact element that is connected in particular to a further electrical line. This advantageously provides a connector assembly that features particularly good, stable, robust, and reliable mounting and, if applicable, also insulation of the contact element, which can be contacted particularly easily and reliably by the mating contact element of the mating connector. This is because the contact element is not merely arranged in the (outer) housing of the connector, but in the first interior space of the first inner housing. Furthermore, the first inner housing, with the aid of its insertion opening, can advantageously provide a special geometry that can only be mechanically and thus ultimately also electrically coupled to the (complementary) mating connector.By selecting different first inner housings while using the same (outer) housing, the connector can advantageously be adapted to different mating connectors in a simple and cost-effective manner. Furthermore, by providing the housing and the first inner housing, a functional separation can be achieved: e.g., the housing can be designed to be very stable (in order to achieve an actuating element such as a lever or slider to reduce the operating force when connecting to the mating connector) or have a special color (e.g., a signal color to indicate high voltages), while the first inner housing can be designed, for example, to insulate the contact element against accidental contact of the contact element or, for example, can be designed to electrically isolate the individual contact elements from one another in multi-pin connectors, for example byspatially separated chambers are formed. The first inner housing can advantageously also be designed to accommodate a seal (e.g. arranged all the way around), so that the plug connector and thus the plug connector arrangement can be designed to be particularly tight against fluid media, dirt, grime or the like. The first receiving element and the second receiving element arranged rotated relative to it particularly advantageously ensure that the same first inner housing can always be used regardless of the mounting direction of the contact element. In this way, the provision of two different first inner housings depending on the mounting direction of the contact element in the first inner housing can advantageously be dispensed with.This allows for cost savings through economies of scale, and also reduces the risk of faulty assembly during connector assembly, as fewer component variants need to be considered. Drawings.

[0072] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which, however, are not to be construed as limiting the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] It shows

[0074] Fig. 1: a schematic perspective view of a

[0075] connector arrangement;

[0076] Figs. 2a, 2b: schematic perspective views of two

[0077] Connectors with a different mounting direction of the contact element with respect to a plug-in direction of a mating connector;

[0078] Fig. 3: a schematic perspective

[0079] Exploded view of a connector;

[0080] Figs. 4a, 4b: a schematic perspective view (Fig. 4a) and a side view (Fig. 4b) of a first inner housing and a second inner housing in a state before assembly (Fig. 4a) and after assembly (Fig. 4b) to each other parallel to the insertion direction;

[0081] Figs. 4c, 4d: a schematic perspective view (Fig. 4c) and a side view (Fig. 4d) of a first inner housing and a second inner housing in a state before assembly (Fig. 4c) and after assembly (Fig. 4d) to each other transversely to the insertion direction;

[0082] Fig. 5: a schematic perspective view of a

[0083] Details of another embodiment of a connector; Fig. 6: a schematic perspective view of the

[0084] Connector from Fig. 5 from a different perspective;

[0085] Fig. 7: a schematic perspective cross-section of the

[0086] Connector from Fig. 5.

[0087] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly 100. The connector assembly 100 can be configured to transmit high currents (e.g., more than 100A) and / or high voltages (e.g., more than 100V or more than 200V). The connector assembly 100 is surrounded by an environment 50.

[0088] The plug connector 100 comprises or has: a plug connector 1 for plugging together with a mating connector 80 along a plug-in direction E. The plug connector 1 is shown in a lateral rear view and is connected to a line 19. The line 19 is surrounded by insulation 24 and, together with the insulation 24, forms a cable 23. The plug connector arrangement 100 further comprises a mating connector 80, wherein the mating connector 80 has a mating contact element 82, which is connected in particular to a further electrical line 86. The mating connector 80 is shown here in a lateral front view. The mating contact element 82 can, for example, be fork-shaped, so that it is able to enclose a contact element 5, which is shaped, for example, as a contact blade (see Fig. 3), on both sides. In order to prevent the mating contact element 82 from spreading apart, for exampleIn order to prevent or at least limit this when plugging together or during operation, a holding element can be pushed over the counter-contact element 82, for example, which limits a movement of the contact surfaces of the counter-contact element transversely to the plug-in direction in the manner of guard rails.

[0089] The further electrical line 86 can be designed, for example, as a stranded wire or, as here, as a busbar, busbar, or busbar. The mating connector 80 can be arranged, for example, only on an electrical or electronic component not shown here or on a housing wall of such a component. Such a component can be, for example, an inverter of a vehicle, an electric motor, a battery, a control unit, or the like.

[0090] The connector assembly 100 is shown here in a state in which it has not yet been finally connected.

[0091] The connector 1 has a housing 2, which can also be referred to as an outer housing. An operating element 22, here in the form of a lever element, is arranged on the housing 2. The actuating element or operating element 22 can be brought together with a link structure on a counterstructure (here: a bolt) of the mating contact element 80. When the operating element 22 is actuated (here: a rotation), the operating force required to plug together the connector 1 and the mating connector 80 can be reduced.

[0092] At the lower end of the connector 1 in Fig. 1, two cables 23 can be seen. The electrical line 19 of the cables 23 can, for example, have a cross-section of more than 5mm 2 or more than 10mm 2 or more than 50mm 2to be able to conduct high currents (e.g., more than 100A). It can be made of a material with good electrical conductivity, for example, aluminum, copper, or a copper alloy.

[0093] The electrical lines 19 are each attached to a contact element 5 (see, for example, Fig. 3) not visible in Fig. 1. As clearly visible in Fig. 1, the contact elements 5, together with the electrical lines 19, are mounted in the housing 2 transversely to the insertion direction E (here: from below).

[0094] Figure 2a shows a schematic perspective view of another connector 1, viewed along the insertion direction E. The connector 1 from Fig. 2a is constructed very similarly to the connector 1 from Fig. 1.

[0095] However, the contact elements 5 are mounted here together with the two cables 23 along the insertion direction E into the housing 2.

[0096] In Fig. 2a, part of a first inner housing 3 and a first interior space 8 of the first inner housing 3 can be seen through an insertion opening 9 of the housing 2. Furthermore, a projection 29 of a second inner housing 4 (see Fig. 3) can be seen, as well as an end face 14 of a contacting section 6 (see Fig. 3) of the contact element 5. Finally, a seal 25 can be seen, which is arranged between the housing 2 and an outer wall of the first inner housing 3. The first inner housing 3 can be mounted into the housing 2, for example, through the insertion opening 9, e.g., plugged in, pushed in, or pressed in.

[0097] Figure 2b shows a schematic perspective view (a side front view) of a connector 1, viewed along the insertion direction E, which is similar to that in Fig. 1. The contact elements 5 and the electrical lines 19 attached thereto are mounted, e.g. plugged, into the housing 2 transversely to the insertion direction E (e.g. rotated by 90° to the insertion direction E).

[0098] It should be noted that, for example, the first inner housing 3 in both embodiments of Figs. 2a and 2b is of identical design and orientation. Likewise, the insertion opening 9 and the mechanical interface of the housing 2 of the two connectors 1 are each of identical design, for example.

[0099] The housing 2 can, for example, be made of an electrically insulating material. The housing 2 can, for example, be made of an insulating plastic or comprise such a material, e.g., predominantly (more than 50%).

[0100] For example, the housing 2 can be made of polyamide (PA) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), whereby the plastic can be glass fiber filled (e.g., GF30, meaning 30% glass fiber content, or GF25 or GF20, or other filler levels). The housing 2 can be manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process, making it particularly simple and cost-effective. It can thus be designed, for example, as an injection-molded part.

[0101] The first inner housing 3 can, for example, be made from an electrically insulating material. The first inner housing 3 can, for example, be made from an insulating plastic or comprise such a material, for example predominantly (more than 50%). For example, the first inner housing 3 can have polyamide (PA) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as its material, wherein the plastic can be glass fiber filled (e.g. GF30 or GF25 or GF20 or other fill levels). The first inner housing 3 can, for example, be produced using an injection molding process and is therefore particularly simple and cost-effective. It can therefore, for example, be designed as an injection-molded part. Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective exploded view of part of a connector 1, as shown, for example, in Fig. 2a. It should be noted that here the first inner housing 3 is shown adjacent to a second inner housing 4.It can be provided that the first inner housing 3 is mounted through the (front) insertion opening 9 in the housing 2 and the second inner housing 4 is mounted through a rear opening of the housing 2.

[0102] The connector 1 is arranged in an (external) environment 50. The connector 1 has a housing 2 (outer housing) with a housing interior 7, as well as a first inner housing 3 and, in this exemplary embodiment, two contact elements 5, each having a contacting section 6 for contacting a respective mating contact element 82 of the mating connector 80 (two-pin connector 1). The first inner housing 3 is arranged (in the fully assembled state of the connector 1) in the housing interior 7 of the housing 2, wherein the first inner housing 3 has a first interior 8 and an insertion opening 9 facing the mating connector 80.The first inner housing 3 has a first receiving element 10 and a second receiving element 11 (here, by way of example, a pair of first receiving element 10 and second receiving element 11 for each contact element 5, although more receiving elements could in principle also be provided), which are rotated relative to one another by an angle W in the range from 70° to 110°, in particular in the range from 75° to 105°. In this exemplary embodiment, the angle W is 90°. One of the two receiving elements 10, 11 (for each contact element 5) is arranged on the side of the first inner housing 3 facing away from the insertion opening 9, as viewed along the insertion direction E (here: the first receiving element 10 in each case). The contacting section 6 of the contact element 5 can be inserted (orin the fully assembled state of the connector 1: inserted into the first interior space 8 or arranged or mounted therein), so that the contacting section 6 can be contacted through the insertion opening 9, see e.g. Figs. 2a and 2b.

[0103] In an embodiment of the connector 1 as in Fig. 1 or in Fig. 2b (different from Fig. 3), the contacting section 6 of the contact element 5 can be inserted through the second receiving element 11 into the first interior space 8 (or in the fully assembled state of the connector 1: inserted into the first interior space 8), so that the contacting section 6 can be contacted through the insertion opening 9 (in Fig. 3 this would correspond to assembly from above, in which case the housing 2 would have to protrude upwards with its rear side).

[0104] In principle, a third receiving element can also be provided on the first inner housing 3 for each contact element 5, which would enable mounting from below, for example, in Fig. 3. This third receiving element could in turn be rotated by an angle in the range between -70° and -110°, e.g., -90°, relative to the insertion direction E.

[0105] For example, the angle W can be measured relative to an axis A extending transversely or perpendicularly to the insertion direction E (the angle W is then determined by rotation about this axis A). The possible mounting directions of the contact element 5 in the first interior space 3 can serve as the limit of the angle. The axis A can, for example, run parallel to a surface normal of the large side surfaces 16 of the contacting section 6 shown in Fig. 3.

[0106] It is understood that the connector 1 can, in principle, also be designed as a single-pole connector, i.e., it can have only a single contact element 5. However, the connector 1 can also be designed as a three-pole connector, a four-pole connector, a five-pole connector, or even have more than five poles (i.e., contact elements 5).

[0107] In this exemplary embodiment, the connector 1 has a second inner housing 4. The second inner housing 4 is arranged in the housing interior 7 of the housing 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the second inner housing 4 is arranged entirely in the housing interior 7 (in the fully assembled state of the connector 1). The contact element 5 is arranged in the second inner housing 4. It can be arranged or held there in a captive manner, for example. The second inner housing 4 can be made, for example, from an electrically insulating material.

[0108] It should be noted that the second inner housing 4 does not represent an essential feature of the connector. In principle, the contact elements 5 can also be mounted in the first interior space 8 without the second inner housing 4. The second inner housing 4 simplifies assembly. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3, the contact element 5 has a connection section 18 for connecting to the electrical line 19, wherein the connection section 18 is arranged in the second interior space 20 of the second inner housing 4, wherein the contacting section 6 protrudes from the second interior space 20 into an external environment 21 (see Figs. 4a and 4c) of the second inner housing 4.

[0109] The second inner housing 4 has a projection 29 in a front section 13 facing the first inner housing 3 (for example, one projection 29 is provided here for each contact element 5). The contacting section 6 of the respective contact element 5 is surrounded here, for example, viewed along the insertion direction E, on its end face 14 and here likewise for example on at least one long side 15 by the associated projection 29 of the second inner housing 4, wherein here, for example, both side surfaces 16 of the contacting section 6 are freely accessible (it is also conceivable that, for example, only one side surface 16 is freely accessible). The projection 29 is bow-shaped or in the shape of a "U" or a "C" with an approximately rectangular shape, wherein the shape here, for example, follows the shape of the contacting section 6.As a result, the second inner housing 4 provides frontal contact protection and damage protection for the contact element 5 or its front side 14 through the projection 29. Lateral contact protection and damage protection are also provided in this way.

[0110] The second inner housing 4 can be arranged with the front section 13 or the projection 29 together with the contacting section 6 in the first interior space 8 of the first inner housing 8, e.g. plugged in (or arranged in the assembled state, e.g. plugged or pushed in or the like). This can considerably simplify the assembly of the contact elements 5 in the connector 1. Firstly, the contact element 5 can be assembled into the second inner housing 4. It is then possible to check the correct positioning of the contact element 5 in the second inner housing 4 and also to check the positioning of the individual contact elements 5 relative to one another. The assembly of the cable 23 or the electrical line 19 can also be carried out in a controlled manner. Likewise, sealing against fluid media can be carried out and checked.After this inspection, the second inner housing 4, together with the mounted contact elements 5, can then be easily and correctly installed as a unit into the housing 2 (or the housing interior 7) of the connector 1. The shape of the second inner housing 4 makes it easy to guide the contact elements 5 through the receiving elements 10, 11 of the first inner housing 3 and to place them in the first interior 8. For this purpose, an outer contour 51 of the second inner housing 4 can, for example, be designed like an inner contour 52 of the housing interior 7 (e.g., with a slightly smaller diameter, so that the second inner housing 4 can be inserted into the housing 2 like parts of a Matryoshka doll), or the shape of the second inner housing 4 can be adapted to the (external) shape of the housing interior 7 (e.g., designed to complement it).

[0111] This assembly is particularly simple and reliable thanks to the second inner housing 4.

[0112] In Fig. 3, the two first receiving elements 10 are designed as a first receiving opening 30. This means: both first receiving elements 10 are designed as first receiving openings 30 from the outset, i.e. directly during production of the first inner housing 3, i.e. as openings in the first inner housing wall 53 of the first inner housing 3. It is understood that the two first receiving elements 10 can be designed at the beginning (before assembly of the respective contact element 5) in an alternative embodiment as first opening surfaces 31 for producing first receiving openings 30. After the two contact elements 5 have been pushed through together with the projection 29 of the second inner housing 4, the first opening surfaces 31 are then opened and converted into first receiving openings 30.Alternatively, it is also possible that one of the two first receiving elements 10 is initially designed as a receiving opening 30 and the other first receiving element 30 is initially designed as a first opening surface 31.

[0113] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3, the two second receiving elements 11 are designed as second opening surfaces 41 for producing second receiving openings 40. For this purpose, the two second opening surfaces 41 can, for example, have a smaller material thickness than the first inner housing wall 53 surrounding them. Alternatively or additionally, the second opening surfaces 41 can, for example, have a targeted material weakening at their edges and / or on the second opening surface 41 itself, e.g., a perforation on the opening surface and / or at its edge, a notch in the edge, e.g., in sections or all around, a notch on the edge, etc. Material weakenings achieved by irradiation with light or other radiation and / or by a (locally limited) effect of fluid media and / or by a (locally limited) effect of temperature, etc. are also conceivable.As a result, the second opening surface 41 can be broken out, removed, pierced, or detached from the first inner housing wall 53 in a targeted and spatially limited manner, at least in sections, in particular without damaging the remaining or adjacent first inner housing wall 53.

[0114] The considerations made here for the second opening surfaces 41 also apply analogously in the case where only a single second opening surface 41 is provided or in the case where more than two second opening surfaces 41 are provided. They also apply analogously to one or more first opening surfaces 31 if the first receiving element 10 is designed as the first opening surface 31. The considerations also apply in the case where further receiving elements (e.g. third or fourth or fifth, etc.) are provided that are designed as third, fourth, fifth, etc.

[0115] breakthrough surface).

[0116] It is understood that the second receiving elements 11 are already designed as second receiving openings 40 from the outset or only one of the two receiving elements 11.

[0117] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3, the first receiving element 10 and the second receiving element 11 are separated from one another by a web 12. In other words: it is not possible to get directly from the first receiving element 10 (particularly if it were designed as a first receiving opening 30) to the second receiving element 11 (particularly if it were designed as a second receiving opening 40). The web 12 can, for example, in particular have a different wall thickness than the receiving elements 10, 11 separated by it. The web 12 improves the dimensional stability of the first inner housing 3 in the region of the receiving elements 10, 11, in particular against compression or the application of force transversely to the insertion direction E. In an alternative embodiment not shown here, it can be provided, for example, that the first receiving element 10 and the second receiving element 11 are designed to be continuous.

[0118] The connector 1 can further comprise a shielding element 17 - not provided in the embodiment of Fig. 3 - wherein the shielding element 17 surrounds the second inner housing 4 at least in sections, wherein the shielding element 17 covers the first receiving element 10 and / or the second receiving element 11 and / or electromagnetically shields it against an environment 50 of the connector 1, see e.g. Figs. 5 to 7.

[0119] Such a shielding element 17 can be made of an electrically conductive material, e.g. a sheet metal.

[0120] Figure 4a shows a schematic perspective view of a first inner housing 3 and a second inner housing 4 in a state prior to assembly. In this exemplary embodiment, the contact element 5 is mounted together with the projection 29 of the second inner housing 4 parallel to the insertion direction E in the first interior space 8. Assembly thus takes place through the first receiving elements 10.

[0121] Here, a situation is shown in which the two second receiving elements 11 are designed as second opening surfaces 41. Furthermore, the first receiving element 10 shown on the left in Fig. 4a is designed here, for example, as a first opening surface 31 (not yet opened), while the right-hand first receiving element 10 is designed here, for example, as a first receiving opening 30. This can be a first receiving opening 30 that was already formed from the outset or a first receiving opening 30 that was created after breaking out a first opening surface 31 initially provided at this location. The notches on the edge of the first and second opening surfaces 31, 41 are clearly visible. The first and second opening surfaces 31, 41 provide sealing and / or mechanical and / or electrical protection for the first interior space 8 from the external environment 21 of the first inner housing 3.They also increase – as long as they are not opened, e.g. broken out – the stability of the first inner casing 3.

[0122] Figure 4b shows a side view of the first inner housing 3 and the second inner housing 4 from Fig. 4a in a state after assembly, i.e. in a state in which the contacting sections 6 of the contact elements 5 are inserted or pushed into the first interior space 8 (or into the two chambers of the first interior space 8).

[0123] Figure 4c shows a schematic perspective view of a first inner housing 3 and a second inner housing 4 in a state prior to assembly. In this exemplary embodiment, the contact element 5 is mounted together with the projection 29 of the second inner housing 4 transversely or perpendicularly to the insertion direction E in the first interior space 8. Assembly thus takes place through the second receiving elements 11.

[0124] Here, for example, the two left-hand receiving elements 10, 11 in Fig. 4c are designed as through-hole surfaces 31, 41, while the right-hand receiving elements 10, 11 are designed as receiving openings 30, 40. However, the two right-hand receiving elements 10, 11 may also have been designed as through-hole surfaces 31, 41 in the initial state and have now already been opened. Alternatively, at least one of the two right-hand receiving elements 10, 11 may already have been designed as a receiving opening 30, 40 during the manufacture of the first inner housing 3.

[0125] Figure 4d shows a side view of the first inner housing 3 and the second inner housing 4 from Fig. 4c in a state after assembly, i.e. in a state in which the contacting sections 6 of the contact elements 5 are inserted or pushed into the first interior space 8 (or into the two chambers of the first interior space 8).

[0126] Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a detail of a further embodiment of a plug connector 1, which is designed here by way of example as a two-pin plug connector 1. The (outer) housing 2 of the plug connector 1 has been omitted here for reasons of clarity. In this embodiment, each contact element 5 has its own second inner housing 4 (the second inner housings 4 are thus designed separately from one another by way of example). In this embodiment, too, the second inner housing 4 is not an essential element of the plug connector 1, but merely facilitates the assembly of the contact element in the first interior space 8. The first inner housing 3 has a base element 54 and a separate chamber 55 for each contact element 5. The two chambers 55 are designed here by way of example as one piece (i.e., cannot be separated non-destructively) with the base element 54.

[0127] Both contact elements 5 are inserted into the first interior space 8 through the respective second receiving element 11, together with the projection 29 of the second inner housing 4. The second receiving elements 11 are thus formed as second receiving openings 40 in the assembled state of the contact elements 5. This involves mounting the contact elements 5 in a direction transverse to the insertion direction E into the first interior space 8.

[0128] On the rear side of the first inner housing 3 facing the viewer, the first receiving element 10 for the lower chamber 55 is visible. It is designed here as the first opening surface 31.

[0129] The upper second inner housing 4 is surrounded by a shielding element 17, which extends above the upper chamber 55 of the first inner housing 3. The shielding element 17 can be designed, for example, as a metal sheet. It covers or surrounds both the first receiving element 10 and the second receiving element 11 of the associated contact element 5. It is understood that the shielding element 17 could, in principle, also extend around both second inner housings 4. It can also, in principle, be omitted (as for the contact element 5 shown below in Fig. 5).

[0130] Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the plug connector 1 from Fig. 5 from a different perspective. Here, the view is directed through the insertion opening 9 into the first interior space 8 of the first inner housing 3. It can be seen how the projection 29 of the second inner housing 4 surrounds the contacting section 6 of the contact element 5 like a bracket, thus providing protection against contact and damage. Only the side surfaces 16 of the contact elements 5 are left free for contact with the mating contact element 82. The two chambers 55 for the two contact elements 5 are separated from one another, thus preventing a short circuit between the contact elements 2. Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective cross-section of the plug connector from Fig. 5. Here, it is clearly visible how the captive holding of the contact element 5 in the second inner housing 4 can be achieved by way of example.For this purpose, a primary locking element 26 is arranged or formed on the contact element 5, here for example in the form of a stamped projection that protrudes from the contact element 5 transversely to the direction of extension of the contacting section 6. When the contact element 5 is inserted into the second inner housing 4, this primary locking element 26 presses its wall slightly outwards in the transition area to the projection 29. The wall is preferably designed to be elastically reversible. As soon as the primary locking element 26 has passed the wall, the wall moves to its original position and thus engages behind the primary locking element 26 as an undercut 27. In this way, the contact element 5 is initially arranged in the second inner housing 4 in a captive manner.A particularly secure locking mechanism to prevent the contact element 5 from being removed from the second inner housing 4 is also provided by a secondary locking element 28 which (viewed along the insertion direction E) can be inserted into the second inner housing 4 behind the connection section 18 or is inserted here and thereby engages behind the connection section 18.

[0131] In an embodiment not explicitly illustrated here, it can be provided that the first opening surface 31 is connected to the first inner housing 3 at a first edge after the first receiving opening 30 has been produced, e.g., by means of a film hinge, which can, for example, be specifically formed during the production of the first inner housing 3. This advantageously prevents the first opening surface 31 from remaining loose in the first interior space 8 or from having to be laboriously removed.

[0132] In a further alternative embodiment, the first opening surface 31 can be displaced, for example, in the first interior space 8 in the direction of the second receiving element 11 (e.g. twisted, pivoted, tilted, etc.). Looking, for example, at Fig. 4a, the first opening surface 31 could, for example, fold, tilt, or pivot in the direction of the second receiving element 11 by means of a film hinge on its upper edge, wherein the film hinge could be arranged, for example, on the web 12, see Fig. 3. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the first opening surface 31, for example, advantageously covers the second receiving element 11 at least in sections, or covers it from the first interior space 8, or overlaps it with the second receiving element 11, e.g. in the manner of a lid or a cap. Such a cover orOverlap at least 30% of the area of ​​the second receiving element 11, particularly preferably at least 50% of the area of ​​the second receiving element 11 and most preferably at least 75% of the area of ​​the second receiving element 11. This can advantageously improve the sealing of the first interior space 8 against the ingress of dirt, grime or fluid media. Furthermore advantageously, this can improve the electrical insulation of the first interior space 8 against the external environment 21. Furthermore advantageously, when the contact element 5 is removed from the first receiving element 10, the first breakthrough surface 31 can be moved back into the first receiving opening 30 and then again offers protection against the ingress of dirt, grime or fluid media and / or in this way improves the electrical insulation. Furthermore, the mechanical stability in the region of the first receiving element 10 can also be improved.

[0133] Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment also not shown, the second opening surface 41 can be connected to the first inner housing 3 at a second edge after the second receiving opening 40 has been produced, e.g., by means of a film hinge, which can be specifically formed during the production of the first inner housing 3. This advantageously prevents the second opening surface 41 from remaining loose in the first interior space 8 or from having to be laboriously removed.

[0134] In a further alternative embodiment, the second opening surface 41 can be displaced (e.g., twisted, pivoted, or tilted, etc.) in the first interior space 8 in the direction of the first receiving element 10. Looking, for example, at Fig. 4a, the second opening surface 41 could, for example, fold, tilt, or pivot in the direction of the first receiving element 10 by means of a film hinge at its rear edge, wherein the film hinge could be arranged, for example, on the web 12, see Fig. 3.

[0135] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the second breakthrough surface

[0136] 41 advantageously covers the first receiving element 10 at least in sections or covers it from the first interior space 8 or overlaps it with the first receiving element 10, e.g. in the manner of a lid or a cap.

[0137] Such an overlap can preferably amount to at least 30% of the surface area of ​​the first receiving element 10, particularly preferably at least 50% of the surface area of ​​the first receiving element 10, and very particularly preferably at least 75% of the surface area of ​​the first receiving element 10. This can advantageously improve the sealing of the first interior space 8 against the ingress of dirt, grime or fluid media. Furthermore advantageously, this can improve the electrical insulation of the first interior space 8 against the external environment 21. Furthermore advantageously, when the contact element 5 is removed from the second receiving element 11, the second opening surface 41 can be moved back into the second receiving opening 40 and then again offers protection against the ingress of dirt, grime or fluid media and / or in this way improves the electrical insulation.Furthermore, the mechanical stability in the area of ​​the second receiving element 11 can also be improved.

Claims

Connector for mating with a mating connector (80) along a plug-in direction (E), the connector (1) comprising: - a housing (2); - a first inner housing (3); - a contact element (5) with a contacting section (6) for contacting a mating contact element (82) of the mating connector (80); wherein the first inner housing (3) is arranged in a housing interior (7) of the housing (2), wherein the first inner housing (3) has a first interior (8) and an insertion opening (9) facing the mating connector (80); wherein the first inner housing (3) has a first receiving element (10) and a second receiving element (11) which are rotated relative to one another by an angle (W) in the range of 70° to 110°, in particular by 90°, wherein one of the two receiving elements (10, 11) is arranged on the side of the first inner housing (3) facing away from the insertion opening (9), viewed along the insertion direction (E), wherein the contacting section (6) of the contact element (5) can be inserted into the first interior space (8) through the first receiving element (10) or through the second receiving element (11),so that the contacting section (6) can be contacted through the insertion opening (9). Connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the first receiving element (10) is designed as a first receiving opening (30) or as a first through-hole surface (31) for producing a first receiving opening and / or wherein the second receiving element (11) is designed as a second receiving opening (40) or as a second through-hole surface (41) for producing a second receiving opening.

3. Plug connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the first breakthrough surface (31) is connected to the first inner housing (3) at a first edge after the first receiving opening (30) has been produced, in particular by means of a film hinge, wherein in particular the first breakthrough surface (31) in the first interior space (8) is displaced in the direction of the second receiving element (11) and at least partially covers the second receiving element (11) and / or wherein the second breakthrough surface (41) is connected to the first inner housing (3) at a second edge after the second receiving opening (40) has been produced, in particular by means of a film hinge, wherein in particular the second breakthrough surface (31) in the first interior space (8) is displaced in the direction of the first receiving element (10) and at least partially covers the first receiving element (10).

4. Connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the housing (2) is made of an electrically insulating material, and / or wherein the first inner housing (3) is made of an electrically insulating material.

5. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first receiving element (10) and the second receiving element (11) are separated from one another, in particular by a web (12), or wherein the first receiving element (10) and the second receiving element (11) are formed continuously.

6. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector has a second inner housing (4), wherein the second inner housing (4) is arranged, in particular completely, in the housing interior (7) of the housing (2), wherein the contact element (5) is arranged in the second inner housing (4), in particular captively, wherein the second inner housing (4) is made in particular from an electrically insulating material. Connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the second inner housing (4) has a projection (29) in a front section (13) facing the first inner housing (3), wherein the contacting section (6) of the contact element (5), viewed along the insertion direction (E), is surrounded by the projection (29) on its end face (14) and on at least one longitudinal side (15), wherein in particular a side surface (16) of the contacting section (6) is freely accessible. Connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the second inner housing (4) with the front section (13) together with the contacting section (6) is arranged, in particular plugged in, in the first interior space (8) of the first inner housing (3).Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (1) further comprises a shielding element (17), wherein the shielding element (17) surrounds the second inner housing (4) at least in sections, wherein the shielding element (17) covers the first receiving element (10) and / or the second receiving element (11) and / or electromagnetically shields it from an environment (50) of the connector (1). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (5) further comprises a connection section (18) for connecting to an electrical line (19), wherein the connection section (18) is arranged in a second interior space (20) of the second inner housing (4), wherein the contacting section (6) protrudes from the second interior space (20) into an external environment (21) of the second inner housing (4). Connector arrangement, the connector arrangement (100) comprising: - a connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims; - a mating connector (80); wherein the mating connector (80) has a mating contact element (82) which is connected in particular to a further electrical line (86).

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