Hermaphroditic insulating housing for a plug connector, plug connector system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a hermaphroditic insulating housing (1) for a plug connector (10) for direct electrical conductor-to-conductor contacting of cables (3, 3A). The hermaphroditic insulating housing (1) is designed as an elongated hollow body with an internal volume, and the internal volume is designed to completely accommodate and fix at least one contact element (2) of the plug connector (10). The invention further relates to a plug connector system (10) and a method for producing direct electrical conductor-to-conductor contacting of cables (3, 3A).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a hermaphroditic insulating housing for a connector. Furthermore, the invention relates to a connector system and method.

[0002] All inventions have a common goal, namely the production of a direct electrical conductor-conductor contact between cables, in particular two cables, using a connector and / or its components. State of the art

[0003] Connector systems, i.e. the combination of plug and coupling, for the direct electrical contact of two conductors of cables are known from the state of the art. Figure 10shows an example of such a connector system 10 from the prior art, which is typically used for contacting cables 3, 3A, 3', 3A'. Electrical contact elements 2, 2' are embedded in the housing 11, 11' of the respective connector, which are electrically contacted with the respective conductor of the cable 3, 3A, 3', 3A'. As shown above left, the electrical contact elements 2 are arranged free-standing in the housing 11. Although they are spaced apart from one another and thus electrically insulated from one another, a user of the connector 10 can still come into direct contact with the contact 2. Furthermore, the connector system 10 shown as an example only allows conductors to be contacted in pairs using electrical contact elements 2, 2'. This circumstance contributes, among other things, to the two housings 11, 11' having a large design, which is ideal for many applications with limited space, such asin robotics, the automotive industry, etc. is disadvantageous. Furthermore, the fixed pair-wise or group-wise arrangement of the electrical contact elements 2, 2' in the housing 11, 11' can be disadvantageous for applications in which the contact points must be spatially arranged relative to one another, particularly when the cables to be contacted have different cable lengths. The two housings 11, 11' of the in . Figure 10The connector system 10 shown are not hermaphroditic because they are not of the same type or identical design. The housing 11 shown at the top left can accommodate a part of the housing 11' shown at the top right in its interior. In the middle of the inner wall of the housing shown at the top left, a projection can be seen which engages in a corresponding recess in the housing 11' shown at the top right when the two housings 11, 11' are or will be joined together. The projection shown, in conjunction with the recess, acts as a guide. Furthermore, the housings 11, 11' are shaped relative to one another in such a way that incorrect mating is prevented because the projection is only arranged on one side of the inner wall. The housings 11, 11' are then secured against rotation relative to one another.

[0004] Examples of hermaphroditic cases are known from US4687263A and US5906518A.

[0005] Hermaphroditic insulating housings are characterized by the fact that each insulating housing of a connector system is designed to interlock with its counterpart, which is preferably of the same or identical design. This definition is to be understood as a supplementary and not a replacement for the definitions in the aforementioned publications. Furthermore, such hermaphroditic insulating housings can have the advantage that only two basic insulating housing components need to be provided to form a connector system. Task

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a hermaphroditic insulating housing, a connector system and a method, each of which individually overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of the prior art.

[0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide a hermaphroditic insulating housing, a connector system, and a method, each of which enables space-saving and flexible conductor-to-conductor contacting of cables. Flexible in this context can mean that the contact points of two cable pairs that are electrically contacted by means of the connector system can be arranged spatially offset from one another.

[0008] Alternatively, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a hermaphroditic insulating housing, a connector system and a method, each of which enables mechanically and electrically stable conductor-to-conductor contacting.

[0009] Alternatively, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a hermaphroditic insulating housing, a connector system and a method, each of which enables mechanical and electrical conductor-to-conductor contacting of cables without having to twist the cables, so that a simple production of the conductor-to-conductor contacting is possible.

[0010] According to the invention, these objects are achieved by a hermaphroditic insulating housing, a connector system and a method according to the independent claims.

[0011] Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0012] In a first aspect, a hermaphroditic insulating housing for a connector for direct electrical conductor-to-conductor contacting of two cables is disclosed.

[0013] The hermaphroditic insulating housing is designed as an elongated hollow body with an internal volume, wherein the internal volume is designed to completely accommodate and fix at least one electrical contact element of the connector.

[0014] The cables and contact element may be external to the hermaphroditic insulating housing and are then not part of the insulating housing as such. The cables may have a sheath that electrically insulates the conductor of the respective cable from the environment.

[0015] Advantageously, the hermaphroditic insulating housing can completely accommodate the contact element within its internal volume and partially or completely enclose it, thus preventing user contact with the electrical contact element. The elongated design of the hollow body also has the advantage that the insulating housing contributes only slightly to the circumference of the cable sheath, thus requiring a compact size and a small installation volume for contacting and insulation.

[0016] In a first development of the first aspect, the elongated hollow body can have an approximately round or circular-cylindrical shape, wherein the ratio of inner to outer diameter can be at most 1:3, or at most 1:2, or at most 1:1.5. A ratio of inner to outer diameter of at most 1:1.5 is particularly preferred. This results in a slim design, particularly at the contact or connection point of the conductor-to-conductor contact, and is therefore suitable for narrow feedthroughs or passages with confined spaces. The ratio of inner to outer diameter is preferably determined at the points on the elongated hollow body that are furthest from a central longitudinal axis.

[0017] In a second development of the first aspect, the hermaphroditic insulating housing can be designed with a receiving and locking region for receiving and releasably locking a counterpart insulating housing. The counterpart insulating housing can be designed with a similar receiving and locking region, wherein the counterpart insulating housing can be arranged externally to the hermaphroditic insulating housing. Similar here can be synonymous with similar, identical, or matching. The receiving and locking region thus has a dual function. On the one hand, the counterpart insulating housing can be at least partially received therein. On the other hand, the counterpart insulating housing, with its similarly designed receiving and locking region, can engage in the locking region of the hermaphroditic insulating housing.

[0018] In a third development of the first aspect, the receiving and locking area can have a plurality of recesses for receiving the insulating housing counterpart. Here, too, the insulating housing counterpart can be arranged outside the hermaphroditic insulating housing. Advantageously, the recesses are spatially separated from one another, so that rotation of the hermaphroditic insulating housing and the insulating housing counterpart can be prevented, since the recesses interlock with the similarly designed receiving area.

[0019] In a further development of the first aspect, the receiving and locking region can have a plurality of spaced-apart, arm-shaped spring elements, wherein the spaced-apart, arm-shaped spring elements can be arranged substantially coaxially to a longitudinal axis and furthermore can be formed integrally with the hermaphroditic insulating housing. The spaced-apart, arm-shaped spring elements can engage in the recesses of the insulating housing counterpart and prevent rotation of the hermaphroditic insulating housing relative to the insulating housing counterpart. Spring element can also be used as a synonym for flexible or at least partially flexible, i.e., resilient element. The number of arm-shaped spring elements is preferably 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. A higher number is possible, but not advisable.The arm-shaped spring elements can be designed to be resilient (return) to enable resetting and thus release of the locking mechanism, allowing a connector with two interlocked hermaphroditic insulating housings to be separated from each other. A larger number would require greater effort to release them.

[0020] In a further development of the first aspect, the spaced-apart arm-shaped spring elements can have projections at one end directed toward a central axis, which are designed to engage with or into a counterstructure. The counterstructure can be the receiving and locking area of the insulating housing counterpart.

[0021] In a further development of the first aspect, adjacent arm-shaped spring elements can be spatially separated from one another by a respective recess and thus spaced apart from one another, wherein a width of the recesses, ie the distance between adjacent arm-shaped spring elements, can correspond at least to a width of the arm-shaped spring elements.

[0022] In a further development of the first aspect, the receiving and locking area can have a radially partially circumferential recess or molding for locking the insulating housing counterpart. Radial can refer to a central longitudinal axis, and the recesses or moldings can be arranged on an outer side of the hermaphroditic insulating housing. The recess or molding can also be fully circumferential.

[0023] In a further development of the first aspect, the radially partially circumferential recess or formation can be designed as a locking formation or locking recess and the projections can be designed as locking hooks for engagement and locking in the locking formation or locking recess of the insulating housing counterpart.

[0024] In a further development of the first aspect, the hermaphroditic insulating housing can be provided with an insertion area for receiving at least one attachment. The insertion area can have a volume delimited by at least three walls. The insertion area can be open on at least one side to allow the insertion or fastening of the attachment in this area. Furthermore, the insertion area can be arranged on a side of the hermaphroditic insulating housing opposite the receiving and locking area.

[0025] In a further development of the first aspect, the insertion region can be formed by at least two superficially arranged recesses or moldings which extend from an end region along a longitudinal axis in the direction of a central section and preferably as far as this, wherein the two superficially arranged recesses or moldings can be spaced apart from one another.

[0026] In a further development of the first aspect, the hermaphroditic insulating housing can have a recess or molded portion arranged at least partially in the interior volume for engagement with and axially fixing the electrical contact element, wherein the recess or molded portion arranged in the interior volume can be arranged at an end opposite the receiving and locking region (6). Because the electrical contact element can be held or fixed by the hermaphroditic insulating housing, reliable electrical contact can be ensured during locking, since the electrical contact element is guided through the hermaphroditic insulating housing. In this context, axial can mean in the plug-in direction of the hermaphroditic insulating housing and / or the connector system.

[0027] In a further development of the first aspect, the recess or molded portion arranged in the inner volume can be designed to be at least partially or completely radially circumferential, and wherein the recess or molded portion arranged in the inner volume can be designed free of locking, fastening, or securing means for supporting the electrical contact element rotatably about a rotation axis. The recess or molded portion, which can be arranged at least partially, preferably completely, within the hermaphroditic insulating housing, forms an outer shell or an outer ring of a radial bearing, wherein the electrical contact element can be rotatably mounted in this outer shell or outer ring, but axial movement of the electrical contact element out of this shell / ring is prevented.The electrical contact element is held in the plug-in direction during the plugging process. However, the rotatable mounting of the electrical contact element allows the arm-shaped spring elements and the corresponding recesses to be aligned during the plugging process in such a way that a locking action is possible. This can be particularly advantageous when the electrical contact element is attached to an electrical conductor of a cable, as it prevents the cable from twisting.

[0028] In this context, "free of locking, fastening, or securing means" can mean that the hermaphroditic insulating housing is designed in such a way that it can rotate freely around the electrical contact element. In this case, the hermaphroditic insulating housing has no locking, fastening, or securing means.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, the hermaphroditic insulating housing (according to the first aspect) described above can also be an insulating housing for a connector for direct electrical conductor-to-conductor contacting of two cables, which consists of two partial housings, wherein the two partial housings are of the same or identical design and each partial housing has the features of the first aspect as well as the features of its further developments.

[0030] The training courses in the first aspect can be combined with each other as desired, provided this is sensible and technically possible.

[0031] In a second aspect, a connector system for direct electrical conductor-to-conductor contacting of two cables is disclosed.

[0032] The connector system includes: at least two hermaphroditic insulating housings, each designed according to the first aspect (including further developments thereof and a combination thereof), wherein the hermaphroditic insulating housings have similar receiving and locking regions; at least two cables, each equipped with a contact element at their cable ends and the respective contact element being electrically contacted with a conductor of the cable on the connection side, wherein at least one contact element is arranged in each internal volume of the hermaphroditic insulating housing and is enclosed by the respective hermaphroditic insulating housing, wherein the hermaphroditic insulating housings are further arranged such that the receiving and locking regions of the hermaphroditic insulating housings engage with one another to lock the position of the hermaphroditic insulating housings relative to one another and to electrically contact the contact elements.

[0033] The similar or identical receiving and locking areas ensure that the hermaphroditic insulating housings can interlock and be locked. Furthermore, the electrical contact elements are held or fixed by the hermaphroditic insulating housing, ensuring secure electrical contact when locked into place. Furthermore, the electrical contact elements inside the connector system are completely enclosed by the two hermaphroditic insulating housings when locked and are protected from contact. The connector system can be designed for rated operating voltages of up to 200 V, preferably 500 V, but particularly preferably up to 1000 V, and for rated currents of up to 5 A, preferably 15 A, particularly preferably up to 30 A.

[0034] In a first development of the second aspect, the number of spaced-apart arm-shaped spring elements of the at least two hermaphroditic insulating housings can be the same. This ensures that only hermaphroditic insulating housings with similar or identically designed receiving and locking areas can be plugged or locked together.

[0035] In a second development of the second aspect, the hermaphroditic insulating housings can be designed to be rotatable about a rotation axis with respect to their contact elements mounted in the interior volume. Advantageously, this allows the arm-shaped spring elements of the respective hermaphroditic insulating housing to be aligned with one another without having to twist the electrical contact element or its cable located inside.

[0036] The training courses in the second aspect can be combined with each other as desired, provided this is sensible and technically possible.

[0037] In a third aspect, an assembly for direct electrical conductor-to-conductor contacting of two cables is disclosed.

[0038] The assembly includes: at least two connector systems according to the second aspect; at least one attachment formed with a structure opposite to the surface-arranged recesses or moldings of the hermaphroditic insulating housings for insertion and fastening of the attachment in the insertion region of two hermaphroditic insulating housings, wherein the attachment engages with at least two connector systems to form a torsion-resistant arrangement.

[0039] Advantageously, the two connector systems are held in position in their respective insertion areas by using the attachment. Although the assembly is no longer compact, it can be useful for industrial applications where strong vibrations may occur or where particularly reproducible cable routing is required to create such an assembly using the attachments. It should be noted that the assembly can consist of at least four hermaphroditic insulating housings with electrical contact elements mounted within them.

[0040] In a fourth aspect, a method for producing a direct electrical conductor-conductor contact between two cables using a connector system is disclosed.

[0041] The procedure includes the following steps: Providing at least two hermaphroditic insulating housings, each designed according to the first aspect (including further developments thereof and a combination thereof), wherein the hermaphroditic insulating housings have similar receiving and locking areas; Providing at least two pre-assembled cables, each cable having a contact element at one cable end and electrically contacting a conductor of the respective cable on the connection side; Inserting the contact elements into an inner volume of the hermaphroditic insulating housings; Aligning the two hermaphroditic insulating housings with respect to one another by twisting, so that at least one spaced-apart arm-shaped spring element of one hermaphroditic insulating housing is opposite the recess of the other hermaphroditic insulating housing;and bringing the hermaphroditic insulating housings together until spaced-apart arm-shaped spring elements of each hermaphroditic insulating housing engage with the radially partially circumferential recess or molding of the other hermaphroditic insulating housing, whereby the electrical contact elements are electrically contacted.

[0042] The advantage of the method using hermaphroditic insulating housings is that they achieve stable locking and reliable electrical contact between the electrical contact elements within the hermaphroditic insulating housings. Furthermore, the locking can be released again, for example, by bending back the arm-shaped spring elements with a tool to separate the electrical contact.

[0043] In a further development of the fourth aspect, the procedure may include the following step: Inserting at least one attachment into the insertion area of at least one hermaphroditic insulating housing.

[0044] By inserting at least one attachment into the insertion area, the connector system is able to mechanically engage with another connector system to form an assembly (as described above).

[0045] In a fifth aspect, a kit for producing a direct electrical conductor-conductor contact between two cables using a connector system is disclosed.

[0046] The kit includes: At least two hermaphroditic insulating housings according to the first aspect (including further developments thereof and a combination thereof), wherein the hermaphroditic insulating housings have similar receiving and locking areas; at least two electrical contact elements, each for insertion into the interior volume of a hermaphroditic insulating housing; optionally at least one attachment part for insertion into a respective insertion area.

[0047] Such a kit can be commercially attractive and beneficial to the user to form a connector system with all the advantages described above, which can be used in applications where space is limited and reliable electrical contact from conductor to conductor is required. Short description of the characters

[0048] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail below. They show: Fig. 1a perspective view of a hermaphroditic insulating housing Fig. 2a further perspective view of a hermaphroditic insulating housing or a connector Fig. 3a perspective view of a locked connector system with two hermaphroditic insulating housings Fig. 4a sectional view of the locked connector system from Fig. 3 Fig. 5 a perspective view of several connector systems Fig. 6 a perspective view of a hermaphroditic insulating housing with two different attachments Fig. 7 a sectional view of a hermaphroditic insulating housing with different attachments inserted Fig. 8 a perspective view of an assembly with connector systems and attachments Fig. 9A-9C sectional views of various assembly arrangements Fig. 10 perspective views of a connector system from the prior art. Examples of implementation

[0049] Some of the figures contain simplified schematic representations. In some cases, the same reference symbols are used for the same, but possibly not identical, elements. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently. Directional references such as "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" are to be understood in relation to the respective figure and may vary in the individual illustrations with respect to the object depicted.

[0050] Fig. 1shows a perspective view of a hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 or connector. The hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 encloses the electrical contact element 2 located therein. The electrical contact element 2 is in electrical contact with a conductor (not shown) of the cable 3, so that an electrically conductive connection exists between them. The cable end is also partially surrounded by the hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 or inserted into it. As can be seen, the electrical contact element 2 is shielded by the structure of the hermaphroditic insulating housing 1, so that unintentional contact with it is difficult or impossible. Furthermore, the hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 is designed with a total of three locking arms 5A-5C in the receiving and locking area 6.The locking arms 5A-5C are spaced apart from one another, with locking arms of a second, not shown, hermaphroditic insulating housing being able to be received in the spaces between them. The locking arms 5A-5C have a certain flexibility or pliability, so that it is possible to bend each locking arm 5A-5C radially outward, wherein they can spring back into their initial position, as shown. Each locking arm 5A-5C is provided with an inwardly directed locking lug or an inwardly directed projection. This locking lug or projection is on the right side of . Fig. 1can be seen (circled). In addition, the hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 is formed with a locking formation 4 in the receiving and locking area 6, which in the example shown is partially radially circumferential. Instead of a formation, a recess, for example in the form of a notch, can also be provided. Regardless of whether it is a formation or a recess, these can also be completely radially circumferential. The hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 is made of a non-conductive material, for example of a fiber-reinforced plastic, preferably by injection molding or 3D printing. The hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 further has an insertion area 7 into which an attachment can be pushed or plugged.

[0051] The connector can be manufactured by passing the cable 3 completely through the hermaphroditic insulating housing 1, assembling the cable 3 with the electrical contact element 2, and inserting the electrical contact element 2 into the interior of the hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 by pulling on the cable 1 or by pushing it. Alternatively, it can also be a pre-assembled cable 3, with the hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 being pushed on from the side of the electrical contact element 2. This simplifies the manufacture of the connector.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows a further perspective view of a hermaphroditic insulating housing 1. The illustrated hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 is essentially identical to the one shown in Fig. 1This hermaphroditic insulating housing 1, however, has four locking arms 5A-5D. The locking arms 5A-5D have a through-hole located in the locking arm, which can further reduce the weight of the hermaphroditic insulating housing 1.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a locking connector system 10 with two hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1'. Each hermaphroditic insulating housing 1, 1' is as in Fig. 1 shown and described.

[0054] Inside the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1' are two electrical contact elements (not shown) that are in contact with each other. The two cables 3, 3' are connected to the respective electrical contact element. As can be seen, the two hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1' are in a locked state to form the connector system 10. This means that the locking arms 5 of the first hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 engage in the locking formation of the second hermaphroditic insulating housing 1', and the locking lugs are engaged therewith. Likewise, the locking arms 5' of the second hermaphroditic insulating housing 1' engage in the locking formation of the first hermaphroditic insulating housing 1, with the corresponding locking lugs being engaged or being engaged with the locking formation.The locking arms 5, 5' of each hermaphroditic insulating housing 1, 1' are inserted into the spaces between the locking arms of the other, so that the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1' are secured against rotation relative to each other.

[0055] When a tensile force is applied to the cable, the connector system 10 remains locked as long as a specified tensile force limit is not exceeded. As long as the connector system 10 is locked, an electrical connection exists between the electrical contact elements within the connector system 10. To release the locking, the locking arms 5, 5' can be bent radially outward. This can be achieved using tools developed for this purpose.

[0056] Fig. 4 shows a sectional drawing of the locked connector system from Fig. 3As can be seen, the electrical contact elements 2, 2' are located inside, with the left contact element 2 of the first hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 being designed as a socket contact and the right contact element 2' of the second hermaphroditic insulating housing 1' being designed as a pin contact. This means that, unlike the insulating housings, the electrical contact elements are not hermaphroditic. Highlighted in the top center (dashed circle) in the receiving and locking area 6', you can see how the locking lug of the second hermaphroditic insulating housing 1' engages the locking formation 4 of the first hermaphroditic insulating housing 1. The locking lug is provided on both sides with a chamfer or bevel, which has an angle of approximately 60° to the horizontal axis. The locking formations 4, 4' are also provided with a chamfer or bevel. The bevelled locking lugs and the locking formations 4, 4' make it easier to plug together or snap into place.Furthermore, this allows the force, particularly the tensile force, required to separate the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1' to be adjusted. If the locking lugs and locking protrusions 4, 4' were designed perpendicular to the horizontal, a maximum force would be required for separation by means of tensile force. In this case, a radial bending back of the locking arms 5, 5' would be necessary to release the locking without exerting great force. Consequently, the above-mentioned tensile force limit is adjusted by the angle of the locking lugs and the locking protrusions 4, 4' to one another.

[0057] The figure also shows that the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1' fix the respective electrical contact element 2, 2' within them or hold it in its position, particularly horizontally. The first hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 has a radially circumferential web on the left side (see circle), which presses against the electrical contact element 2. The second hermaphroditic insulating housing 1' is also provided with such a web (right side, circle). When the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1' are brought together, the webs press laterally against the electrical contact elements 2, 2', so that the pin contact 2' is inserted into the socket contact. The aforementioned web is only one possible variant for fixing an electrical contact element 2, 2' in the hermaphroditic insulating housing 1, 1' to ensure reliable contact when plugging them together.Further variants could involve providing corresponding recesses or moldings within the hermaphroditic insulating housing 1, 1', which hold and / or guide the electrical contact elements 2, 2'. The aforementioned molding could also be flexible, so that the electrical contact elements 2, 2' are brought together by spring force. However, the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1' are mounted so that they can rotate relative to the electrical contact elements 2, 2' in order to align the locking arms 5, 5' with the recesses of the counterpart. This prevents twisting of the cables 3, 3'. In summary, it should be noted that the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1' are mounted so that they can rotate.The hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1' are designed, particularly internally, in such a way that they fix or guide the electrical contact elements 2, 2', particularly during the plugging process, in the plugging direction, while the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1' are freely rotatable, i.e., mounted by 360°. A recess or protrusion designed as a locking, fixing, or securing means to limit rotation about the rotation axis would restrict the use of the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1' or the connector system 10.

[0058] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of several connector systems, which include a connector system with two hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1' according to Fig. 1 and a connector system with two hermaphroditic insulating housings 1A, 1A' according to Fig. 2shows. The connector systems are created by plugging the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1', 1A, 1A' together by movement M relative to one another (see arrow) and locking them together by applying a further appropriate force. Before they can be plugged together, at least one hermaphroditic insulating housing 1', 1A' of a connector system must be aligned by turning so that the locking arms are aligned with the recesses of the other hermaphroditic insulating housing 1, 1A. The connector systems are released by applying an appropriate force, which can correspond to the tensile force limit. In addition, the design of the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1', 1A, 1A' with a different number of locking arms prevents the wrong connectors from being locked together.Due to the different number of locking arms, it is not possible to incorrectly plug and lock the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1', 1A, 1A' together.

[0059] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 with two different attachments 9A, 9B. The hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 is as in Fig. 2shown, i.e. with four locking arms. The hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 is formed in the insertion area 7 with insertion projections 8. The insertion projections 8 are designed as protruding ridges. The add-on parts 9A, 9B are formed with corresponding recesses that receive the insertion projections 8 and can slide on them. The add-on parts 9A, 9B are pushed into the hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 from behind and are prevented from sliding out of the insertion area 7 by the locking projection. The locking projections act as an end stop during insertion. The figure shows two different designs of the add-on parts 9A, 9B. Depending on how many locking arrangements the hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 is designed with, a different design of the add-on part 9A, 9B is required in order to be able to form an assembly with other hermaphroditic insulating housings.The angle of rotation when plugging the hermaphroditic insulating housings together depends, among other things, on the number of locking arms. The various attachments 9A, 9B can be provided with different colors or at least with markings to indicate which versions of the insulating housing 1 they are compatible with. This facilitates assembly. Furthermore, the attachments 9A, 9B are preferably made of plastic or a fiber-reinforced plastic. Fig. 7 shows a detailed view of the hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 from Fig. 6with inserted attachments 9A, 9B. As can be seen, the insertion projections are engaged (see circle) with corresponding recesses in the attachments 9A, 9B. This is, of course, only one design variant. The attachments 9A, 9B could also have projections that engage with corresponding recesses in the hermaphroditic insulating housing 1. It is only important that the attachments 9A, 9B and the hermaphroditic insulating housing 1 have opposing structures in order to be able to be releasably engaged with each other.

[0060] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of an assembly 20 with connector systems and attachments 9A, 9B. As can be seen, the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1', 1A, 1A' are as in Fig. 2shown and described. In addition, the locking arms of the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1A are aligned such that they align with corresponding recesses or spaces in the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1', 1A' on the right-hand side, so that they can be pushed together by a movement M and locked by applying a force. The hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1', 1A, 1A' are further provided with add-on parts 9A, 9B in their insertion areas, so that their position or the angle of rotation of the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1', 1A, 1A' relative to one another is predetermined and the locking of the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1A on the left-hand side with the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1', 1A' on the right-hand side can take place in one movement or in one work step. In addition, the relative position of the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1', 1A, 1A' respectively.The connector systems are fixed to each other by the attachments 9A, 9B. For assembly 20 or the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1A on the left side, attachments 9A of a different design than those on the right side 9B are required. As in . Fig. 6 As explained, this is necessary due to the rotation of the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1A relative to each other. In the Fig. 8 In the example shown, only hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1A with four locking arms are used.

[0061] The Figures 9A to 9C show sectional drawings of various assembly arrangements. In particular, Fig. 9A a first and a second hermaphroditic insulating housing 1, 1' with a centrally arranged attachment 9. As already described, the attachment fixes the position of the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1' relative to one another. Fig. 9Balso shows three hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1', 1", which are arranged in a fixed manner to one another in their insertion areas by means of two similarly designed attachment parts 9. The Figures 9A and 9B The hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1' shown are as shown in Fig. 2 shown and described.

[0062] Fig. 9C shows additionally two as in Fig. 2 illustrated and described hermaphroditic insulating housing 1, 1' and a as in Fig. 1illustrated and described hermaphroditic insulating housing 1A. To form the assembly or the group-wise arrangement, two identically designed attachments 9 were used in the insertion area of the hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1', 1A, so that differently shaped hermaphroditic insulating housings 1, 1', 1A can also be combined using the attachments. Of course, the structure of the insertion area and the structure of the attachment must be compatible with each other.

[0063] Although various aspects or features of the invention are illustrated in combination in the figures, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art—unless otherwise stated—that the illustrated and discussed combinations are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding units or feature complexes of different embodiments can be interchanged. List of reference symbols

[0064] 1, 1', 1A, 1A'Hermaphroditic insulating housing 2, 2'Electrical contact element 3, 3', 3A, 3A'Cable with conductor and sheath 4, 4'Locking formation 5, 5', 5A-5DRasting arm(s) 6, 6'Receiving and locking area 7, 7'Insertion area 8Insertion formations 9, 9A, 9BAdditional or insertable part 10Connector system 11, 11'Insulating housing (state of the art) 20Assembly MMovement

Claims

1. Hermaphroditic insulating housing (1) for a plug connector (10) for direct electrical conductor-to-conductor contacting of two cables (3, 3A), wherein the hermaphroditic insulating housing (1) is designed as an elongated hollow body with an internal volume, and wherein the internal volume is designed to completely accommodate and fix an electrical contact element (2) of the plug connector (10).

2. Hermaphroditic insulating housing (1) according to claim 1, the elongated hollow body having an approximately round cylindrical shape, wherein a ratio of inner to outer diameter is at most 1:3, preferably at most 1:2, particularly preferably at most 1:1.

5.

3. Hermaphroditic insulating housing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, formed with a receiving and locking area (6) for receiving and releasably locking an insulating housing counterpart (1'), the insulating housing counterpart (1') preferably formed with a similar receiving and locking area (6).

4. Hermaphroditic insulating housing (1) according to claim 3, the receiving and locking area (6) having a plurality of recesses for receiving the insulating housing counterpart (1').

5. Hermaphroditic insulating housing (1) according to claim 3 or 4, the receiving and locking region (6) comprising a plurality of spaced-apart arm-shaped spring elements (5), the spaced-apart arm-shaped spring elements (5) arranged substantially coaxially to a longitudinal axis, wherein the spaced-apart arm-shaped spring elements (5) are formed integrally with the hermaphroditic insulating housing (1).

6. Hermaphroditic insulating housing (1) according to claim 5, the spaced arm-shaped spring elements (5) having projections at one end directed towards a central axis for engagement with a counter structure.

7. Hermaphroditic insulating housing (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein adjacent arm-shaped spring elements (5) are spatially separated from one another by a respective recess, wherein a width of the recesses can correspond to at least a width of the arm-shaped spring elements (5) or at least one arm-shaped spring element (5).

8. Hermaphroditic insulating housing (1) according to one of claims 3 to 7, the receiving and locking area (6) having a radially partially circumferential recess or molding (4) for locking the insulating housing counterpart (1').

9. Hermaphroditic insulating housing (1) according to claim 6 and 8, wherein the radially partially circumferential recess or molding (4) is designed as a locking molding or locking recess and the projections are designed as locking hooks for engagement in the locking molding or locking recess of the insulating housing counterpart (1').

10. Hermaphroditic insulating housing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a recess or molding arranged at least partially in the inner volume for engagement with and for axially fixing the electrical contact element, wherein the recess or molding arranged in the inner volume is arranged at an end opposite the receiving and locking area (6).

11. Hermaphroditic insulating housing (1) according to claim 10, wherein the recess or molding arranged in the inner volume is designed to be at least partially or completely radially circumferential, and wherein the recess or molding arranged in the inner volume is designed to be free of locking, fastening or securing means for mounting the electrical contact element (2) rotatably about a rotation axis.

12. Connector system (10) for direct electrical conductor-to-conductor contacting of two cables (3, 3A), comprising: - at least two hermaphroditic insulating housings (1, 1'), each designed according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the hermaphroditic insulating housings (1, 1') have similar receiving and locking areas (6);- at least two cables (3, 3A), each of which is equipped with an electrical contact element (2, 2') at its cable end, and the respective contact element (2, 2') is electrically contacted with a conductor of the cable (3, 3A) on the connection side, wherein at least one electrical contact element (2, 2') is arranged in each internal volume of the hermaphroditic insulating housing (1, 1') and is enclosed by the respective hermaphroditic insulating housing (1, 1'), wherein the hermaphroditic insulating housings (1, 1') are further arranged such that the receiving and locking regions (6, 6') of the hermaphroditic insulating housings (1, 1') engage with one another to lock the position of the hermaphroditic insulating housings (1, 1) relative to one another and to electrically contact the electrical contact elements (2, 2'); 13. Connector system (10) according to claim 12, wherein the number of spaced-apart arm-shaped spring elements (5) of the at least two hermaphroditic insulating housings (1, 1') is the same.

14. Connector system (10) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the hermaphroditic insulating housings (1, 1') are designed to be rotatable about a rotation axis with respect to their electrical contact elements (2, 2') mounted in the inner volume.

15. A method for producing a direct electrical conductor-to-conductor contact between two cables (3, 3A) using a connector system (10), comprising the following steps: - providing at least two hermaphroditic insulating housings (1, 1'), each designed according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the hermaphroditic insulating housings (1, 1') have similar receiving and locking regions (6); - providing at least two pre-assembled cables (3, 3'), each cable having an electrical contact element (2, 2') at one cable end and electrically contacting a conductor of the respective cable (3, 3') on the connection side; - introducing the electrical contact elements (2, 2') into an internal volume of the hermaphroditic insulating housings (1, 1');- Aligning the two hermaphroditic insulating housings (1, 1') with each other by twisting them so that at least one spaced-apart arm-shaped spring element (5) of one hermaphroditic insulating housing (1, 1') is opposite the recess of the other hermaphroditic insulating housing (1, 1'); and - Bringing the hermaphroditic insulating housings (1, 1') together until spaced-apart arm-shaped spring elements (5) of each hermaphroditic insulating housing (1, 1') engage with the radially partially circumferential recess or molded-on portion (4) of the respective other hermaphroditic insulating housing (1, 1'), whereby the electrical contact elements are electrically contacted.

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