Plug-in connector arrangement and mating plug-in connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug-in connector arrangement (100) comprising a plug-in connector (1) which has a lamella cage (3) with a plurality of contact lamellae (5) and comprising a mating plug-in connector (2) which has a contact element (9) with a head section (10) and a contact-making portion (11), wherein the contact lamellae (5) have a front section (7) which faces the mating plug-in connector (2), wherein the head section (10) has a collar (12) which projects beyond the contact-making part (11) and into a bottom side (35) of which collar a groove (16) with an obliquely running groove outer wall (20) is made, wherein, in a first position (P1) of the contact element (9) and / or the mating plug-in connector (2), the groove outer wall (20), in a first groove section (37), is coupled to the front section (7) of the contact lamellae (5) in a first radial position (R1) and the groove outer wall (20), in a second position (P2) of the contact element (9) and / or the mating plug-in connector (2), in a second groove section (38) is coupled to the front section (7) of the contact lamellae (5) in a second radial position (R2), wherein, in the second radial position (R2), the contact lamellae (5) are shifted along the radial direction (R) towards the contact-making part (11) and as a result make electrical contact with the contact-making part (11) in a contact section (13) of the contact-making part (11).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a connector assembly and a mating connector.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Connector assemblies typically comprise a connector and a mating connector that can be plugged together. Connectors for high-current applications (e.g., for electrical currents of more than 10A, preferably more than 50A or even more than 100A), e.g., for electric vehicles or for automotive applications, often comprise contact elements with spring lamellas, e.g., toroidal or sleeve-shaped lamella cages, which are connected to a (e.g., shielded) cable by means of a mechanical crimp connection or ultrasonic welding. In other cases, the lamella cages can also be attached directly to a carrier element, e.g., a printed circuit board, e.g., soldered or by means of a press-fit contact. Such connectors are designed to be connected to a mating connector that has, for example, a contacting part, e.g., in the form of a contact pin or a contact blade or the like.The connector can, for example, be mated with the mating connector along a plug-in direction or a plug-in direction. In the final state, a contact element of the mating connector (also referred to as the mating contact element) makes electrical contact with the contact element of the connector. The spring blades of the contact element of the connector should, in the final mated state, exhibit a normal force (or contact normal force), which ensures that an electrical connection to the mating contact element is guaranteed even under mechanical and / or thermal loads and across all manufacturing tolerances. This normal force is, however, usually limited, since the mating forces when connecting the connector with the mating connector should not exceed a defined level. In order to reduce the high mating forces for an operator, for example,Lever designs or slider designs can be provided so that the operating force during mating is reduced. However, such lever or slider designs are often complex and expensive and require a large amount of movement for operation. They do not prevent damage to the surfaces rubbing against each other when the contact element of the mating connector slides along the contact blades. It is possible to reduce the mating forces by applying a friction-reducing coating to at least one contact partner (contact element and / or mating contact element) and also to reduce damage to the surfaces during the mating process. However, this increases the costs and complexity of the manufacturing process for the corresponding contact partner and does not reliably prevent damage to the surfaces of the contact partners. In addition, this can sometimes increase the contact resistance in the area of ​​the contact point.

[0007] In other applications, the contact partners (contact element and mating contact element) can be designed as busbars, for example. These can be screwed together, for example, to ensure permanent contact. When screwed together using M4 screws, for example, a so-called contact force or normal force in the range of 2000 N to 2500 N can be achieved. If M5 or M6 screws are used, even higher normal forces can be achieved. However, screwing the contact partners in this way requires additional space for arranging the screws and the means to tighten or loosen the screws during maintenance.In addition, several additional steps are necessary before and / or after the contact partners are mated together, which make the assembly process complex: the contact partners must be precisely aligned to each other in order to tighten the screw, the screw must be placed, a tool for tightening the screw must be placed, the screw must be tightened, the tool must be removed.

[0008] DE 10 2018 202 960 A1 discloses a connector for automotive applications and / or high-current applications in which the contact element is designed as a lamella cage. To reduce the high mating forces (between the contact element and the mating contact element) that occur during mating, a lever element is provided that is actuated during the mating process when the connector and mating connector are mated.

[0009] From DE 10 2017 213 093 A1 a plug contact for high current applications is known, wherein the contact element is designed as a lamella cage and in which a high insertion force (between contact element and mating contact element) must be overcome during the insertion of a mating contact element into the contact element.

[0010] From DE 10 2019 131 791 A1 a contact element of a connector is known, wherein the contact element is directly connected to a printed circuit board and wherein the contact element can be contacted by inserting a pin-like contact element of a mating connector.

[0011] From DE 20 2008 005 394 Ul a high-current printed circuit board connector with a lamella cage is known, wherein the connector can be pressed into a printed circuit board by means of a plug-in base and can thus be electrically contacted.

[0012] From WO 2007 / 107 208 A1 a plug connection of the Radsok type (Radsok connector) is known with a socket of the Radsok type (Radsok socket) and a plug that can be inserted into the socket, which form a plug-in connector arrangement when plugged together, wherein locking means are formed on the Radsok socket and the plug, which enable a defined fixing of the Radsok socket and plug.

[0013] Disclosure of the invention

[0014] The invention is based on the recognition that if a low normal force is present (at the contact point(s) between the contact element and the mating contact element) in the event of high temperature fluctuations and / or strong vibration or shaking loads, there is a risk of undesired relative movements between the contact partners (contact element and mating contact element) and / or contact interruptions. The invention is also based on the recognition that the largest possible contact area between the contact partners is advisable for a long service life of the contact and / or for low heating of the contact point when transmitting high currents. Furthermore, the invention is based on the recognition that high insertion forces over a large portion of the path when plugging together the connector and the mating connector complicate the plugging process.Furthermore, the invention is based on the knowledge that the application of the normal force between the contact element and the mating contact element already during the plugging process - i.e. during the path or a large part of the path, e.g. more than 30% of the path, e.g. from a pre-plugging position via an intermediate plugging position (first position) to a final plugging position (second position) - not only complicates and impedes the plugging process, in particular when several plug connectors are plugged together with several mating connectors at the same time, but that the surfaces of the respective contact partners can also be damaged. For example, if the normal force is applied during the plugging process, a contact blade can leave a grinding mark or a scratch on a contact part to be contacted.This can undesirably damage or destroy a surface coating and can be detrimental to repeated mating and unmating, as such scratches or grooves can cause the contact partner to jam during the mating or unmating process. A high mating force (between the contact partners) can even undesirably reduce the number of contact partners in a connector, as with a high number of contact partners, the mating forces can become so high, even when lever or slide designs are used, that the operating force is no longer reasonable for an operator. Finally, the invention is based on the finding that the coating of the contact partners can reduce the current-carrying capacity and increase costs.

[0015] There may therefore be a need to provide a connector arrangement which enables the connection or plugging together of a connector with a mating connector (which may also be designed as a male connector or the like, for example) with the lowest possible plugging force, which at the same time has a high normal force between the contact partners in the electrically contacted state, which has a high current carrying capacity, which provides the largest possible contact surface between the contact partners, which enables permanent, safe, reliable and uninterrupted electrical contact between the connector and the mating connector even in the case of alternating thermal loads and / or mechanical loads such as vibration loads or shaking loads, which requires only a small installation space orInstallation space is required which enables safe operation (no risk of contact with live parts), in which at least the contact partners (contact element and counter-contact element) can be manufactured cost-effectively and easily, and in which the establishment of the contact with the desired normal force is possible in a simple manner with as few steps as possible and even in complicated installation space situations.

[0016] Similarly, there may be a need to provide a mating connector having the properties described above.

[0017] Advantages of the invention

[0018] 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.

[0019] According to a first aspect of the invention, a connector arrangement is proposed, in particular for high-current applications and / or high-voltage applications, in particular for automotive applications, in particular for electric vehicles (which may include, for example, fully or partially electrically powered aircraft, ships, boats, e-bikes, motorcycles).

[0020] The connector assembly comprises a connector and a mating connector for mating with the connector. The insertion direction can also be referred to as the axial direction, for example. The connector comprises a laminar cage with a base element and a plurality of contact laminations. The contact laminations are connected to the base element in a rear section. The contact laminations protrude from the base element in the direction of the mating connector and have a front section facing the mating connector. The mating connector comprises a contact element with a head section and a contacting part, wherein the contacting part protrudes from the head section, wherein the head section has a collar that protrudes beyond the contacting part in a radial direction.A groove is formed in the collar on an underside facing the lamella cage, with the groove extending at least partially obliquely outward on an outer wall facing an edge of the collar. The contact element and / or the mating connector is displaceable between a first position and a second position, particularly when the mating connector and plug connector are plugged together. In the first position, the outer wall of the groove is mechanically coupled in a first groove section to the front section of the contact lamellas in a first radial position.In the second position, the groove outer wall is mechanically coupled in a second groove section to the front section of the contact lamellas in a second radial position, wherein in the second radial position the contact lamellas are displaced along the radial direction towards the contacting part and thereby electrically contact the contacting part in a contact section of the contacting part.

[0021] The groove, which may, for example, have a groove base and an inner groove wall in addition to the outer groove wall, advantageously ensures that the contact blades can be accommodated in the groove, e.g., with their front part or the part of the contact blade that protrudes furthest from the base element in the direction of the contact element (with its front side). This capture of the front section can, for example, already occur in the first position of the contact element and / or the mating connector.

[0022] This in turn has the advantageous effect that during the (further) displacement of the contact element from the first position to the second position, the front sections of the contact blades are always in a defined position and the pressing process of the contact blades in the radial direction against the contacting part is particularly defined and reliable. At the same time, tilting or canting of the head section or collar during displacement from the first position to the second position is prevented, which could be caused, for example, without the groove by individual contact blades whose front section could be radially misplaced, e.g. due to manufacturing tolerances, etc. The groove thus catches the front sections and then enables the plug connection to be correctly established in the contact section when moved to the second position.

[0023] Furthermore, such a groove can advantageously further increase the additional contact area between the contact blades and the contact element. This is because, by moving the contact element into the second position, the part of the front section trapped in the groove can ultimately only expand radially, as the axial space available to the contact blade is reduced. This is particularly true if the contact blade is mechanically contacted and compressed in its front area by the groove base. This expansion in the groove leads to a greater filling of the groove with parts or material of the contact blade, thus creating a larger contact area.Furthermore, by filling the groove more with contact lamella material, the force exerted by the contact lamella in the groove on the groove walls and groove floor is increased, which increases the normal contact force of the contact lamella to the boundary surfaces of the groove (groove walls and groove floor). This advantageously creates additional contact paths in the groove, increasing the redundancy of the contact points, reducing contact resistance, and advantageously increasing the reliability and service life of the connector assembly, and in particular the contact point.

[0024] The sloped outer wall of the groove advantageously creates a type of slotted guide, through which the contact blades are moved or displaced in a targeted manner in the radial direction towards the contacting part. In this way, the displacement can be influenced in a targeted or more targeted manner. Another advantageous feature of the shape of the slope is a type of path-force curve, through which the translation of the axial path of the contact element into a radial path of the contact blades can be adjusted when the contact element is moved from the first position to the second position. By adjusting the slope, the application of the normal force can advantageously be adapted to the given installation space situation and the available path from the first position to the second position.

[0025] The mechanical coupling of the groove outer wall and the second groove section in the second position advantageously further increases the contact area between the contact lamellae and the contact element. This is because not only are the contact lamellae in (radial) contact with the contacting part (with an inner side of the contact lamellae), but the contact lamellae also contact the head cut, in particular in a very defined manner at a very defined location, namely in the groove, on the groove outer wall, and thus on the outside of the contact lamellae. This advantageously increases the number of contact points between the lamella cage and the contact element, reduces the contact resistance, and improves robustness against vibrations, thermal loads, and manufacturing tolerances.

[0026] Another advantage is that the joining or mating of the connector and mating connector can be carried out largely force-free or with a very low insertion force, and the actual application of the contact element of the mating connector with the contact normal force only occurs at the end of the mating process. In contrast to conventional lamella cages, in which the insertion process of the contact element of the mating connector must already expand the contact lamellas radially outwards (so-called "beak-opening peak" in the insertion force) and the friction force between the contact lamellas and contact element must also be overcome along the further path, an increased force is only applied at the end of the insertion process or the joining process; this force is necessary so that the contact lamellas can apply the contact normal force to the contact element.This force along the insertion direction only needs to be applied from the first position to the second position, but not along the insertion path up to the first position. This advantageously simplifies the assembly process, also advantageously enables larger manufacturing tolerances, as tilting due to the insertion forces is prevented, and advantageously also enables the arrangement of the connector and mating connector to be corrected during the assembly process. Another advantage is that the joining and / or mating process can be distributed across different, spatially separate machines or workstations in a production line: in a first step, the connector and mating connector and / or contact element and laminar cage, for example, are simply plugged or joined together until the first position is reached. This occurs essentially force-free or with a very low insertion force.In this first position, the contact blades and the contacting part advantageously already overlap. In a second step (which can also be carried out at a different workstation or by other machines or assemblers, for example), the normal contact force can then be applied and thus the desired electrical (and also mechanical) connection can be formed. In this way, pre-assembly is possible. It may also be possible, for example, to secure the pre-assembly process (reaching the first position), e.g. mechanically, e.g., by a type of primary locking mechanism, so that the pre-assembled connector assembly can be transported to another location easily and securely.

[0027] Furthermore, this advantageously prevents the surfaces of the contact element and contact blades from being damaged or destroyed during the joining process along a longer path (e.g., from the beginning of the overlap between the contact blade contact point and the contact part of the contact element to the contact section of the contact part). This also enables multiple mating and unmating of the connector and mating connector (e.g., for repairs, maintenance, etc.), which advantageously improves the durability of the connector assembly and the associated components.

[0028] Furthermore, the number of contact blades can be increased compared to conventional connector arrangements and / or the normal force applied to the contact blades in the final mating position can be increased. Alternatively or additionally, a material with a higher spring constant or a higher modulus of elasticity can be used for the contact blades. This advantageously results in improved current-carrying capacity over the lifetime, the thermal stress on the contact partners in the contact area can be advantageously reduced (lower contact resistance), and the connector arrangement can thus exhibit increased robustness, for example, against alternating thermal loads, vibrations, and / or manufacturing tolerances.Since an increased axial force only needs to be applied at the end of the plugging process (on the (particularly short) path from the first position to the second position) in order to apply a radially acting contact normal force, an actuating element can be arranged on the plug connector and / or the mating connector, for example, which, despite a possibly limited operating path, has a particularly high force transmission (e.g. more than 10:1 or more than 50:1, or more than 100:1). In cases with limited installation space and little room for the movement of such an actuating element, the proposed invention can ensure that a significant force transmission is even possible using simple means. Such an operating element or actuating element - which can be provided optionally, but is not absolutely necessary and therefore not essential - can be designed, for example, as a lever or a slide. Such an actuating element can, for example,be arranged on a connector housing or on a mating connector housing. It can, for example, have a cam structure that interacts with a complementary pin or bolt on the mating element (if the actuating element is arranged, for example, on the connector or on the connector housing, then the bolt or pin can be arranged on the mating connector or mating connector housing).

[0029] Furthermore, the mechanical contact or mechanical coupling of the second groove section with the front section of the contact blades in the second position advantageously increases the number of contact points between the contact element and the blade cage. This can, for example, result in at least double the number of contact points compared to a situation in which only the contacting part is in mechanical and electrical contact with the contact blades. This advantageously increases the current carrying capacity, reduces the electrical contact resistance, increases the redundancy of the contact points, reduces the thermal load on the contact point(s) and also further improves robustness against (radial) manufacturing tolerances and against (radial) vibrations and / or shaking loads. The insertion direction can, for example, be the direction along which the mating connector is plugged together with the plug connector.It can preferably be defined, for example, as the direction along which the contact element is displaced relative to the laminar cage to establish contact. The insertion direction can also be referred to as the axial direction, for example.

[0030] The radial direction, for example, runs perpendicular to the insertion direction. A circumferential direction, for example, runs around the insertion direction.

[0031] The groove can be arranged, for example, between the contact part and an edge of the collar.

[0032] The first radial position can, for example, be an outer radial position. It can, for example, be further spaced from the contacting element along the radial direction than the second radial position. The second radial position can, for example, be an inner radial position that is closer to the contacting element than the first radial position.

[0033] In the first position, for example, a radial clearance can be created between the contact blades and the contact part of the mating connector. This advantageously supports or enables a (virtually) force-free joining, insertion, or mating process, at least up to the first position.

[0034] A distance (referred to below as the third distance) can be formed between the first radial position and the second radial position. This distance can, for example, be greater than the radial clearance between the contact blades and the contacting part in the first position. It can, for example, be at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, greater than this radial clearance.

[0035] The groove can, for example, be circumferential. The groove can, for example, encircle the contact part along the circumferential direction. It can, for example, be closed, e.g., ring-shaped. It can, for example, have a uniform cross-section along its length.

[0036] The groove can, in particular, be inclined along the outer wall of the groove in such a way that a kind of semi-funnel shape is visible when looking into the groove. The outer wall of the groove can, for example, be inclined over most of its extent, e.g., along at least 80% or even at least 90% of its extent. The outer wall of the groove can, for example, run from the edge to the bottom of the groove. This makes the groove particularly easy to manufacture.

[0037] The slope of the bevel can be constant, like a straight line. However, the outer wall of the groove can be curved, like a concave or convex shape. This advantageously allows the insertion forces on the path from the first position to the second position to be set in a defined manner. It can also simplify the engagement of the contact blades.

[0038] The outer side of the groove can, for example, have two or more groove sections which have different gradients. There can be a continuous or abrupt transition from one gradient to the next between the groove sections. The groove can, for example, have a vertical outer wall in the second groove section (parallel to the insertion direction) or even have a slope which extends away from the contacting part (towards an upper side of the collar), so that an undercut is formed in the collar. This advantageously has the effect of ensuring that the plug connector arrangement is self-stabilized in the second position. This is because the contact blades cannot then - e.g. due to their elasticity - exert a radial force on a slope which would force the contact element from the second position towards the first position.If an undercut is formed in the second position, a slightly increased release force would have to be exerted to release the contact element from the second position in order to displace the contact blades from the undercut.

[0039] The laminar cage can, for example, be designed so that the contact element, in particular with its contacting part, can be inserted into an interior space of the laminar cage. The base element of the laminar cage can, for example, also be referred to as a collar or, for example, be designed as a collar to which the contact laminations are fastened. The base element and contact laminations can, for example, be made in one piece, e.g. from a single piece of sheet metal. They can, for example, be designed as a stamped and bent part. The contact laminations can, for example, be designed to contact the contacting part, in particular to contact it electrically. The contact laminations can, for example, be fastened in the front section to a further base element or head element or a further collar so that they run between the two base elements or between the base element and head element. The contact laminations can thus be connected to one another in the front section, e.g. by means of the head element.However, it can also be provided that the contact blades, for example, have a self-supporting or free end in the front section or are self-supporting in the front section. It can, for example, be provided that the contact blades are not connected to one another in the front section. Such a free end can, for example, point directly in the direction of the mating connector and thus represent a type of end face of the contact blade in the direction of the contact element. However, there can also be embodiments in which the contact blades are bent at or with their free end and, for example, point in a radial direction or even point in the direction of the base element. In such a case, part of the front section forms the end face that projects furthest from the base element in the direction of the contact element.

[0040] The contact part can, for example, protrude from the head section of the contact element along the insertion direction. The contact part can be designed, for example, as a pin, a tenon, or a contact blade, generally: as a male contact part. The contact element can, for example, have a mushroom shape, with the contact part representing the stem and the head section the cap of the mushroom. In longitudinal section, the contact element can, for example, have a T-shape. It can, for example, protrude from the head section by at least 2 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, and particularly preferably at least 10 mm.

[0041] The displacement between the first position and the second position can occur, for example, along the insertion direction. The first position can be, for example, an intermediate insertion position in which a large portion (e.g., more than 70%, preferably more than 90%) of the insertion path between the contact part and the contact element has already been covered. The insertion path can be referred to, for example, only as the path over which the contact part overlaps with the contact element, viewed in the radial direction. The second position can be, for example, a final insertion position.

[0042] In the first position, for example, a gap can be formed between the contact part and the contact blades (with simultaneous overlap of the contact part and the contact blades). This gap can, for example, allow radial play between the contact part and the contact blades. In the second position, the contact blades can, for example, clamp the contact part between them. The clamping can, for example, be formed along the radial direction. The term “clamping” here means that the contact part - assuming that the contact blades are held in the second radial position, e.g. by the second groove section, groove outer wall - is held captively between or by the contact blades. The contact part is therefore clamped or clamped between the contact blades when viewed along the radial direction.In other words: in the second position, the contacting part has an excess with respect to the contact blades with respect to the space delimited by the contact blades (in the case of only two contact blades which would be approximately opposite each other, the excess could be formed, for example, with respect to the distance between the contact blades).

[0043] For example, it can be provided that the contact blades enclose a contacting space. The contact blades can be arranged around the contacting space, for example, only along the circumferential direction. In the second position, the contacting part can be located with the contact section in the contacting space and can be or be contacted by the contact blades there (in the contacting space).

[0044] In other words: the contacting space can, for example, be formed radially inward between the contact lamellas. It can, for example, be part of an interior space of the lamella cage. The contacting part of the contact element can, for example, be plugged into the contacting space in the first position and in the second position. The contacting space can, for example, have an excess (in particular along the radial direction) with respect to the contacting part when not fully plugged together (i.e. during the plugging or joining process up to the first position). In the fully plugged together state, in particular in the second position, the contacting part can, for example, have an excess (in particular along the radial direction) with respect to the contacting space.

[0045] The contact blades can, for example, be designed to be elastically reversible. This means that when the contact element returns from the second position to the first position, the contact blades return to their original position (i.e., they move radially away from the contacting part). This advantageously allows for unplugging without significant unplugging force and / or without damaging the surfaces of the contact partners. Furthermore, a renewed plugging or joining process, preferably at least to the first position (approximately), is then possible without force or with play between the contact blades and the contacting part.

[0046] The contact element can, for example, be designed as a single piece. For example, the contacting part and the head section can be designed so that they cannot be separated from one another without causing damage. It can, for example, be provided that the head section and the contacting part are rigidly connected to one another, in particular not displaceable relative to one another. Alternatively, it can be provided that the contacting part is displaceable relative to the head section, e.g., along the axis of the contacting part. For example, the contacting part can be movable through an opening in the head section. The contacting part and head section can, for example, be formed from an electrically conductive material, e.g., from the same material. In an alternative embodiment, the head section and / or the collar can, for example, be formed from a different material than the contacting part, e.g.,made of an insulating material, wherein the head portion and / or the collar is designed or arranged or serves only to apply the axial force to the front portion of the contact blades during displacement from the first position to the second position.

[0047] The contact element can be designed, for example, as a pin or a contact blade or the like. It can, for example, generally be designed as a male contact element that can be inserted into the laminar cage as a female contact element.

[0048] The contact part can, for example, have a diameter in the range between 2mm and 30mm, preferably between 4mm and 20mm.

[0049] A single lamella or contact lamella can, for example, have a thickness in the range of 200 μm (200 micrometers) to 3 mm, preferably between 400 μm and 2 mm. The width of a lamella or contact lamella can, for example, be greater than the thickness of the contact lamella.

[0050] For example, it can be provided that the diameter of the laminar cage is at least 20um larger than a diameter of the contacting part, preferably at least 50um.

[0051] The term "comprise" is used synonymously with the term "have", unless stated otherwise. In a further development, it is provided that in the second position the contact blades each contact the contact section with a contact normal force in the radial direction of at least 1 N, preferably of at least 5 N. For example, the contact normal force of the contact blades, in particular of each contact blade or of the majority of contact blades, is in a range between 5 N and 50 N or even between 5 N and 200 N. This advantageously results in particularly safe and reliable contact which has a low contact resistance over its service life, even in the event of vibrations, under alternating thermal loads or other operating conditions. This advantageously makes it possible to keep heating at the transition between the contact partners to a minimum, even at high currents of, for example, more than 50 A or even more than 100 A.This also advantageously reduces installation space, weight, and material usage in the contact zone, especially in the laminar cage, since reliable contacting using high contact normal force allows for a smaller number of contact points. This also advantageously increases the service life of the connector assembly.

[0052] In a further development, the base element of the laminar cage is designed to be enclosed all the way around. This advantageously ensures that the laminar cage is particularly stable, and in the second position, the contact laminations cannot spread the base element apart. This advantageously ensures a particularly reliable and permanent application of the contact normal force.

[0053] For example, it can be provided that the base element or the collar or the collar area of ​​the laminar cage is designed to be closed in a ring shape.

[0054] The base area can, for example, have a circular or elliptical cross-section in the force-free state (i.e., before mounting the mating connector). However, a polygonal cross-section of the base element, e.g., triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal, is also conceivable. Even more than eight corners are conceivable.

[0055] The circumferentially closed shape can be achieved, for example, by rolling up an originally flat stamped and bent part, e.g. made from sheet metal. In order to keep the base area closed, a material-to-material connection (e.g. by welding, gluing, or soldering) can be provided. However, a form-fitting connection can also be provided, e.g. at one end of the base area at least one type of eyelet or a type of recess with a neck area with a flat or narrow neck can be formed, and at the other end of the base area at least one type of tenon with a shape complementary to the eyelet or recess (tongue and groove principle). After the stamped and bent part has been rolled up, the at least one tenon can then be inserted into the complementary at least one associated eyelet or recess, so that the base element cannot unroll again.A positive connection enables a particularly simple and cost-effective assembly and temperature-stable connection.

[0056] In a further development, it is provided that the first position and the second position are located apart along the insertion direction by a maximum of 5 mm, preferably by a maximum of 2 mm, and particularly preferably by a maximum of 1 mm. This advantageously ensures that the contact partners (contact blades and contacting part) can only rub against one another over a very short, in particular axial, distance, and damage to the surfaces is thereby prevented or limited to a very short travel range. Furthermore, this advantageously makes it possible to provide a plug-in connector arrangement which requires only an extremely small installation space along the insertion direction. Finally, in this way, a particularly high normal force can advantageously be applied, for example if an actuating element for reducing operating force is provided.If, for example, the travel between the first position and the second position is 1 mm and the travel of an optional actuating element, such as a slide element or a rotatably mounted lever element, is 100 mm, then a force transmission ratio of 100:1 can be achieved. The entire travel of the actuating element and thus the entire force transmission can therefore be used to apply the contact normal force. It is not necessary to waste part of the actuating travel for part of the joining travel. Another advantage is that the force transmission can be very uniform along the actuating travel, e.g. by means of an essentially linear link path with a uniform gradient in the actuating element. This is because an optionally available actuating element only needs to be used for the travel from the first position to the second position and not for the entire joining travel.Alternatively, the actuation travel can be reduced with the same force transmission, thereby saving installation space or free space for actuating the actuating element. In a further development, the radial play between the contact blades and the contacting part in the first position is in a range between 5 µm (5 micrometers) and 200 µm (200 micrometers) or in a range between 20 µm and 100 µm. This has the advantageous effect that a high contact normal force can be generated even with a short distance between the first position and the second position. A high force transmission can also be achieved in this way, which is advantageous, since only a very short radial path has to be covered for contacting or only a very small gap has to be closed. For example, if an axial path of 1 mm is available between the first and second positions and the gap orIf the radial clearance is uniformly distributed over 100 um all around, a force ratio of 10:1 is already achievable. At the same time, such a small radial clearance already advantageously enables the insertion or joining process, for example, at least up to the first position, to be virtually force-free. Such a small clearance also enables a particularly compact design of the laminar cage and / or the connector in the radial direction.

[0057] In a further development, it is provided that the contact blades extend at least partially diagonally from the base element towards the contacting part or run diagonally towards the contacting part or contact element or protrude diagonally from the base element towards the contacting element. This advantageously ensures that the contact blades are already arranged closer to the contacting part in the first position, so that the radial play or a gap can be smaller than if the contact blades ran straight upwards (i.e. parallel to the insertion direction) or diagonally radially away from the contacting part. Furthermore, the base element can advantageously be arranged radially further away from the contacting part, whereby the contacting part can advantageously pass the base element in the connected state and does not collide with it (a greater insertion depth can therefore be achieved). The contacting part can, for example, be integrated into a guide element (e.g.an opening with only a slightly larger diameter) and / or a locking element (viewed along the insertion direction) can be inserted below the base element and thus better define or stabilize the alignment of the contacting part. Another advantage is that the displacement of the contact blades radially towards the contacting part can be carried out more easily and reliably, since the contact blades already have a preferred direction radially towards the contacting element in the force-free state. If the blade cage encloses a contacting space in its interior into which the contact element or its contacting part is inserted, it can be provided that the contact blades extend at least in sections obliquely radially inwards from the base element or protrude obliquely radially inwards or run obliquely radially inwards.

[0058] In a further development, it is provided that the connector has a contact chamber with an outer wall, wherein the laminar cage is arranged in the contact chamber, wherein the base element is arranged in the interior of the contact chamber adjacent to the outer wall.

[0059] This has the advantageous effect that the laminar cage can be mounted particularly easily and reliably in or on the connector. It can, for example, be plugged or pushed into the contact chamber. This means that it is automatically arranged in the correct position in the connector. Another advantage is that this can create a particularly large electrical transition area from the laminar cage to the connector, which reduces the contact resistance. For example, the contact chamber can be electrically conductive and can be electrically contacted with the base element at least in the second position, e.g. from the outside of the base element to the inside of the outer wall of the contact chamber. Another advantage is that this can make complex press-in mounting, e.g. into a circuit board, or soldering or welding of the laminar cage, e.g. to a carrier substrate or an electrical component, unnecessary.

[0060] For example, it can be provided that the outer wall of the contact chamber rests against the base element when the laminar cage is in a force-free state, or is only separated from the base element by a small (radial) gap, e.g., a gap of no more than 500 μm, preferably no more than 200 μm, and particularly preferably no more than 100 μm. In this way, the laminar cage is still easy to insert into the contact chamber, ideally force-free, but at the same time, it is positioned very precisely with respect to the radial direction, ensuring a simple and reliable joining process with the mating connector.

[0061] In a further development, the base element is supported on the outer wall of the contact chamber in the second position. This advantageously ensures that the radial displacement of the contact blades towards the contacting part as a result of the coupling with the outer wall of the groove on the way from the first position to the second position does not lead to (excessive) spreading of the base element and / or the contact blades shifting in the axial direction instead of in the radial direction (during the transition from the first position to the second position). This can also advantageously result in a reduced material thickness of the base element or the use of a material with a lower modulus of elasticity, which can result in cost advantages.

[0062] Furthermore, this advantageously improves electrical contact between the base element and the contact chamber in the second position, since the base element forms a secure mechanical and electrical contact with the contact chamber by being supported on the outer wall.

[0063] The support can be provided, for example, in the radial direction.

[0064] For example, a radial movement of the base element (e.g. when moving the contact element from the first position to the second position) can be limited by the outer wall of the contact chamber to less than 500µm, preferably to less than 200µm and particularly preferably to less than 100µm.

[0065] In a further development, it is provided that an inner groove wall is formed flush with the outer wall of the contacting part. This advantageously holds the contact blades particularly close (viewed in the radial direction) to the contacting part. Furthermore, this advantageously allows a particularly high contact pressure or a particularly high normal contact force of the contact blades on the contacting part to be generated. Furthermore, this advantageously prevents the contact blades from having to overcome a step between the contacting part and the inner groove wall, and thus the surface of the contact blades is particularly well protected against scratches or other damage.

[0066] In a further development, it is provided that a first angle of the groove outer wall with respect to the insertion direction lies in a range between 2° and 45° or in a range between 3° and 15°.

[0067] This advantageously achieves a particularly high force transmission through the slope of the groove's outer wall. The displacement distance of the contact blades in the radial direction toward the contacting part is, in this case, at most as large as the axial travel from the first position to the second position. This allows the operating force to be reduced even when high contact forces are generated. This advantageously results in a force transmission that makes an actuating element for reducing the insertion force superfluous or supplements it, thus enhancing its effect.

[0068] In a further development, the contact blades contact the groove on at least two sides. This advantageously further increases the contact area or contact points. This increases robustness against adverse operating conditions and reduces contact resistance. As already described above, the groove has three surfaces or sides: an inner groove wall or groove inside (toward the contacting part), an outer groove wall or groove outside (toward the edge of the head section), and a groove bottom or a bottom side. The groove bottom can, for example, extend transversely to the insertion direction.

[0069] For example, it can be provided that the surfaces or sides of the groove contacted by the front section are rotated relative to each other by at least 30°. Thus, in the second position, for example, the groove bottom and the inner groove wall can be contacted by the front section of the contact blade, or the groove bottom and the outer groove wall, or all three walls can be contacted by the front section.

[0070] In a further development, it is provided that the contact blades in the front section are bent in the radial direction away from the contact part.

[0071] This advantageously provides a type of insertion funnel for the contact part, which simplifies the joining process of the contact element into the laminar cage and enables the joining process without damaging the front section, even with manufacturing tolerances. At the same time, this also simplifies the radial displacement of the contact laminations during the transition from the first to the second position, since the collar can mechanically contact a defined contact surface. Another advantageous feature is an improved force introduction from the outer wall of the groove into the contact lamination along the radial direction. This can improve or increase the contact normal force or contact pressure of the contact laminations in the contact section of the contact part. For example,It can be provided that the bend is formed relative to the insertion direction at a second angle of at least 30°, preferably at least 60°, and particularly preferably at least 110°. Even a bend of more than 180° is conceivable. In this case, the free end can again point toward the contact blades.

[0072] The contact blades can be bent radially outward in the front section or at the free end, for example. They can be bent outward beyond the cross-section of the base element or away from the contact part.

[0073] In a further development, it is provided that the mating connector can be displaced from a pre-plug-in position, in which the contacting part does not yet overlap with the contact blades, at least up to the first position with a force of less than 5N, in particular force-free, along the plug-in direction.

[0074] This has the advantageous effect that the joining or mating of the connector and mating connector can be carried out largely force-free or with a very low insertion force, and the actual application of the contact element of the mating connector with the contact normal force only occurs at the end of the mating process. In contrast to conventional lamella cages, in which the insertion process of the contact element of the mating connector must already expand the contact lamellas radially outwards (so-called "beak-opening peak" in the insertion force) and the friction force between the contact lamellas and contact element must also be overcome on the further path, according to the invention an increased force needs to be applied only at the end of the insertion process or the joining process, which is necessary so that the contact lamellas can apply the contact normal force to the contact element.This advantageously simplifies the assembly process, also advantageously enables larger manufacturing tolerances, since tilting due to the insertion forces is prevented and also advantageously enables correction of the arrangement of the connector and mating connector during the assembly process. Furthermore, the joining and / or plugging process can advantageously be distributed across different, spatially separated machines or workstations in a production line: in a first step, the connector and mating connector are simply plugged or joined together until the first position is reached. This occurs essentially force-free or with a very low insertion force. In this first position, the contact blades and the contacting part already overlap. In a second step (e.g.The normal contact force can then be applied (this can also be done at a different workstation or by other machines or assemblers), thus creating the desired electrical (and also mechanical) connection. This allows for pre-assembly. It may also be possible, for example, for the pre-assembly process (reaching the first position) to be secured, e.g., mechanically, e.g., by a type of primary locking mechanism, so that the pre-assembled connector assembly can be transported to another location easily and securely.

[0075] Furthermore, this advantageously prevents the surfaces of the contact element and contact blades from being damaged or destroyed during the joining process along a longer path (e.g., from the beginning of the overlap between the contact blade contact point and the contact part of the contact element to the contact section of the contact part). This also enables multiple mating and unmating of the connector and mating connector (e.g., for repairs, maintenance, etc.), which advantageously improves the durability of the connector assembly and the associated components.

[0076] Furthermore, the number of contact blades can be increased compared to conventional connector arrangements and / or the normal force applied to the contact blades in the final mating position can be increased. Alternatively or additionally, a material with a higher spring constant or a higher modulus of elasticity can be used for the contact blades. This advantageously results in improved current-carrying capacity over the lifetime, the thermal stress on the contact partners in the contact area can be advantageously reduced (lower contact resistance), and the connector arrangement can thus exhibit increased robustness, for example, against alternating thermal loads, vibrations, and / or manufacturing tolerances.Since, according to the invention, an increased axial force only needs to be applied at the end of the plugging process (on the (particularly short) path from the first position to the second position) in order to apply a radially acting contact normal force, an actuating element can be arranged on the plug connector and / or the mating connector, for example, which, despite a possibly limited operating path, has a particularly high force transmission (e.g., more than 10:1 or more than 50:1, or more than 100:1). In cases with limited installation space and little room for the movement of such an actuating element, the proposed invention can ensure that a significant force transmission is even possible using simple means. Such an operating element or actuating element - which can be provided optionally, but is not absolutely necessary and therefore not essential - can be designed, for example, as a lever or a slide. Such an actuating element can, for example,be arranged on a connector housing or on a mating connector housing. It can, for example, have a cam structure that interacts with a complementary pin or bolt on the mating element (if the actuating element is arranged, for example, on the connector or on the connector housing, then the bolt or pin can be arranged on the mating connector or mating connector housing).

[0077] The term "force-free" is to be understood as meaning that joining or mating the connector and mating connector, at least up to the first position, requires only a negligible amount of force or mating force, and in particular, no peeling peak for pushing apart the contact blades or frictional force between the contact partners must be overcome. Particularly for power contacts for high-current or high-voltage applications, a joining or mating force of less than 10 N, preferably less than 5 N, and particularly preferably less than 3 N can be considered "force-free."

[0078] In a further development, it is provided that in the second position, a groove base mechanically contacts the front section of the contact lamellae in such a way that the contact lamellae are displaced along the radial direction towards the contacting part and as a result the contact lamellae exert an additional contact normal force in the radial direction on the contact section of the contacting part.

[0079] In other words, due to the mechanical contacting of the front section of the contact blade by means of the groove base, a force, particularly an axial one, is exerted from the groove base onto the respective contact blade. This compresses the contact blade in the axial direction, causing it to deflect radially toward the contacting part, thus increasing the normal contact force.

[0080] The mechanical contact between the groove base and the front section of the contact lamellae advantageously increases the number of contact points between the contact element and the lamella cage. Compared to a situation in which only the contacting part is in mechanical and electrical contact with the contact lamellae, or to a situation in which the front section of the contact lamellae is also in mechanical and electrical contact with the second groove section, the number of contact points is increased even further. This advantageously increases the current-carrying capacity, reduces the electrical contact resistance, increases the redundancy of the contact points, reduces the thermal load on the contact point(s), and also further improves robustness against (radial) manufacturing tolerances and (radial) vibrations and / or shaking loads.This is because the contacts between the groove base and the front section of the contact blades are formed along the axial direction and are thus orthogonal to the contact points between the contact blades and the contacting part, which preferably act or are formed in the radial direction. Another advantage is that the normal contact force exerted by the contact blades on the contact section is further increased, which improves the robustness of the connector arrangement. Another advantage of this axial mechanical contacting is that it can also compensate for manufacturing tolerances, e.g., of the groove. Should the radial guidance of the contact blades by the groove be insufficient to cause a sufficiently large radial displacement of the contact blades, the axial force can compensate for such a deficit.

[0081] It can be provided, for example—particularly in the case of contact blades arranged opposite one another—that the groove base mechanically contacts the contact blades in their front section in such a way that the contact blades are displaced radially inward as the contact element moves from the first position to the second position, thereby exerting an additional normal contact force on the contacting part in the contact section. In the second position, the contact blades are then displaced radially inward and contact the contacting part in the contact section.

[0082] In the second position, the groove base can, for example, be in axial contact with the front section of the contact blades, thereby exerting an axial force on the contact blades, which leads to at least partial displacement of the contact blades in the radial direction toward the contacting part. In the second position, the groove base can be pressed onto the front section of the contact blades, in particular along the axial direction.

[0083] It can be provided, for example—particularly in the case of contact blades arranged opposite one another—that the groove base mechanically contacts the contact blades in their front section in such a way that the contact blades are displaced radially inward as the contact element moves from the first position to the second position, thereby exerting an additional contact normal force on the contacting part in the contact section. In the second position, the contact blades are then displaced radially inward and exert an additional contact normal force on the contacting part in the contact section.

[0084] Already on the way from the first position to the second position and in the second position, the groove base can, for example, be in axial contact with the front section of the contact blades, thereby exerting an axial force on the contact blades, which leads to at least partial displacement of the contact blades in the radial direction toward the contacting part. In the second position, the groove base can be pressed against the front section of the contact blades, particularly along the axial direction.

[0085] According to a further aspect of the invention, a mating connector, in particular for high-current applications and / or high-voltage applications, is proposed.

[0086] The mating connector is suitable or configured for mating with a connector having a lamella cage with a plurality of contact lamellas. The mating connector has a contact element with a head portion and a contacting part, wherein the contacting part protrudes from the head portion, wherein the head portion has a collar that protrudes beyond the contacting part in a radial direction, wherein a groove is formed in the collar on an underside facing the lamella cage, wherein the groove extends at least partially obliquely outwards on an outer groove wall facing an edge of the collar, wherein the contact element and / or the mating connector, in particular when mated with the connector, is displaceable between a first position and a second position, in particular along the insertion direction, wherein the outer groove wall is configuredin the first position in a first groove section to mechanically couple to the front section of the contact blades in a first radial position, wherein the groove outer wall is configured to mechanically couple to the front section of the contact blades in a second radial position in the second position in a second groove section, wherein in the second radial position the contact blades are displaced along the radial direction towards the contacting part and thereby electrically contact the contacting part in a contact section of the contacting part and in particular clamp the contacting part between them.

[0087] This advantageously provides a mating connector that enables a (virtually) force-free joining process over a large distance of the insertion process and simultaneously enables the defined application of a contact normal force on the path from the first position to the second position. The other advantages described above also apply to the proposed mating connector.

[0088] Drawings

[0089] 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.

[0090] They show:

[0091] Fig. 1: a schematic perspective view of a connector arrangement in a non-contacted state;

[0092] Figs. 2a to 2c: perspective schematic views of two different laminar cages of a connector (Figs. 2a and 2b) and a plan view of a stamped sheet (Fig. 2c) as the initial state for a laminar cage;

[0093] Figs. 3a and 3b: schematic cross-sections through a connector arrangement with the mating connector in a first position (Fig. 3a) and in a second position (Fig. 3b), respectively;

[0094] Fig. 4: schematic cross sections through a further connector arrangement with the mating connector in the second position;

[0095] Figs. 5a and 5b: schematic cross-sections through another connector assembly with the mating connector in the first position (Fig. 5a) and in the second position (Fig. 5b), respectively. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly 100 in a non-contacted state, e.g., in a pre-mating position. For reasons of clarity, neither an actuating element (such as a lever element or a slide element) for reducing the operating force during mating, nor a connector housing, nor a mating connector housing are shown here. Such elements are known from the prior art and do not represent essential elements for the implementation of the invention.

[0096] The connector assembly 100 is configured here merely by way of example for high-current applications (e.g. for transmitting at least 10A, preferably at least 50A and particularly preferably at least 100A) and / or high-voltage applications (e.g. for at least 100V, preferably at least 200V and particularly preferably at least 500V).

[0097] The connector assembly 100 has a connector 1 and a mating connector 2 for mating with the connector 1, here for example along a mating direction E, wherein a radial direction R runs perpendicular to the mating direction E and wherein a circumferential direction U circumvents the mating direction E. The mating direction E can also be referred to as an axial direction. The connector 1 has a laminar cage 3 with a base element 4 and with a plurality of contact laminations 5. The contact laminations 5 are connected to the base element 4 in a rear section 6. They protrude from the base element 4 in the direction of the mating connector 2 and have a front section 7 which faces the mating connector 2 and which here for example has a cantilevered end 8.

[0098] It is understood that the contact blades 5 can in principle be formed in their front section connected to another base element.

[0099] The lamellae or contact lamellae 5 of the lamella cage 3 are here, starting from the base element 4, initially bent radially inwards or initially run obliquely towards the contacting part 11, tilted or bent or displaced upwards (towards the free end 8). In the front section 7, the contact lamellae 5 are then bent away from the contacting part 11 in the radial direction R, whereby here, for example, the free end 8 of the contact lamellae 5 forms an end face 33 facing the mating connector 2. By bending the front section 7, an insertion funnel is provided here, for example, whereby the contact lamellae 5 here form an angle in the range between 10° and 35° with respect to the axial direction on the end face 33.

[0100] The connector 1 here also has, by way of example, a contact chamber 14 with an outer wall 15, wherein the laminar cage 3 is arranged in the contact chamber 14, wherein the base element 4 is arranged inside the contact chamber 14 adjacent to the outer wall 15. The contact chamber 14 can, for example, be electrically conductive. The contact chamber 14 is arranged on, at, or in a first component 50.

[0101] The laminar cage 3 can, for example, be electrically connected to the first component 50 via its base element 4. Depending on the embodiment, it can also be mechanically connected to the first component 50, e.g., by a press-fit connection and / or a soldered connection or the like.

[0102] The first component 50 can be designed, for example, as a printed circuit board 51 or as a busbar. It can also be directly connected to an electrical power component, e.g., an inverter, an AC / DC converter, a battery, an electrical machine, or the like, or can be designed as such a power component. Thus, a particularly simple embodiment of a connector 1 is shown here. It is understood that, in other embodiments, the connector 1 can also have a connector housing in which the laminar cage 3 is arranged.

[0103] The mating connector 2 has a contact element 9 with a head section 10 and a contact part 11. The contact part 11 protrudes from the head section 10, here, for example, along the insertion direction E. The head section 10 has a collar 12 that protrudes beyond the contact part 11 in the radial direction R.

[0104] The contact element 9 is here, for example, electrically connected to a second component 60, e.g. directly as shown here or via a line or via a busbar, etc. The second component 60 can, for example, be designed as a further power component, e.g. as an inverter, an electrical machine, a battery, etc. However, the second component 60 can also be a printed circuit board or a line that is connected to the further power component. Shown in dashed lines in Fig. 1 is that a groove 16 is introduced into the collar 12 on an underside 35 facing the laminar cage 3. The groove 16 is arranged here, for example, between the contacting part 11 and an edge 17 of the collar 12. The groove 16 runs at least in sections (here: from the underside 35 to a groove bottom 30 of the groove 16) obliquely outwards on an outer groove wall 20 facing the edge 17.

[0105] In a plan view of the underside 35, the groove 16 has, here by way of example, the shape of a half-funnel, with the inclined wall arranged radially on the outside. The groove 16 further has an inner groove wall 18 which is flush with a contact-part outer wall 19 of the contact-part 11. The inner groove wall 18 can, for example, run parallel to the axial direction. The groove 16 here, by way of example, encircles the contact-part 11 along the circumferential direction U. It is designed here by way of example in a closed ring shape. Here, it has - purely by way of example - a uniform cross-section.

[0106] The contact element 9 and, here by way of example, also the mating connector 2, are, in particular when plugged together with the connector 1, displaceable between a first position PI and a second position P2 (see, for example, Figs. 3a, 3b, 5a, 5b), in particular along the insertion direction E. The first position PI can be referred to, for example, as a pre-contact position or intermediate plug-in position - here, the contacting part 11 can, for example, already overlap with the contact blades 5, for example along at least 50% or at least 70% of its longitudinal extent. The second position P2 can, for example, be referred to as the final contact position or final plug-in position, in which the electrical connection is formed in the desired state. A position as shown in Fig. 1 can, for example, be referred to as the pre-plug-in position, in which, for example,the actual plugging process has not yet led to an overlap of contact blades 5 and contact part 11 or the contact part 11 only overlaps with the contact blades 5 to a very small extent (e.g. <20% or <10%) at its front end.

[0107] In the first position PI (see, for example, Figs. 3a and 5a), the groove outer wall 20 is mechanically coupled in a first groove section 37 to the front section 7 of the contact blades 5 in a first, particularly outer, radial position RI. For example, in the first position PI, a radial clearance is formed between the contact blades 5 and the contacting part 11 of the mating connector 2.

[0108] In other words, the groove 16 captures the contact blades 5. The radial clearance can be formed, for example, as a gap 29, wherein a first distance D1 is formed between the contact blades 5 and the contacting part 11 (see Figs. 3a and 5a).

[0109] In the second position P2 (see e.g. Figs. 3b, 4, 5b), the groove outer wall 20 is mechanically coupled in a second groove section 38 to the front section 7 of the contact blades 5 in a, in particular inner, second radial position R2, wherein in the second radial position R2 the contact blades 5 are displaced along the radial direction R towards the contacting part 11 and thereby electrically contact the contacting part 11 in a contact section 13 of the contacting part 11 and in particular clamp the contacting part 11 between them (in particular viewed along the radial direction R).

[0110] The first position PI and the second position P2 are spaced apart from each other by a second distance D2 in the axial direction or along the insertion direction E (see Fig. 3b).

[0111] The first radial position RI can be spaced from the second radial position R2 by a third distance D3 in the radial direction (see Figs. 3a, 3b, 4, 5a, 5b). The third distance D3 can, for example, be at least the same size, preferably larger, than the first distance D1 (the radial clearance) in the first position PI. The third distance D3 can, for example, be at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, larger than the first distance D1. This results in particularly secure contact and a particularly high contact normal force.

[0112] The second position P2 can be reached starting from the first position P1, for example, by an axial force acting on the contact element 9. The contact blades 5 are guided along the groove outer wall 20 by the mechanical coupling with the groove outer wall 20 (or by contact with the groove outer wall 20) when the contact element 9 is moved from the first position P1 to the second position and are displaced at least partially in the radial direction R towards the contacting part 11 due to the incline of the groove outer wall 20. As a result, the contact blades 5 in the contact section 13 are pressed against the contacting part 11 at the latest in the second position P2. The blade cage 3 can be made, for example, from a material with good electrical conductivity, such as copper or a copper alloy. The contact blades 5 can be designed to be elastically reversible with regard to the displacement of the contact element 9 from the first position P1 to the second position P2.This means that when the contact element 9 is moved back from the second position P2 to the first position P1 or even further, the contact blades are moved back (approximately) to their original position, which they had assumed in the force-free initial state. Subsequently, a new plug-in process can take place, which, in the second position P2 of the contact element 9, again leads to a radial displacement of the contact blades 5 toward the contact part 11 and to an electrical contact with the latter.

[0113] The groove 16 can, for example, advantageously capture the front section 6 of the contact blades 5 and thus arrange it in the correct radial position on or in the collar 12, e.g. already in the first position PI. If one or more contact blades 5 are damaged or bent, for example the end face 33 is not in the correct radial position, or if the contact element 9 is placed slightly radially offset, then a (particularly radial) self-centering of the bent contact blade(s) 5 in the groove 16 and / or a radial self-centering of the contact element 9 can advantageously take place. If there is a significant bending of one or more contact blades 5, the contact element 9 can become crooked because some contact blades 5 are caught in the groove 16, but others are outside on the underside 35 of the collar 12.Such misalignment can serve as an indicator for a technician or machine that a problem exists, thus significantly improving assembly quality.

[0114] By accommodating or arranging the front section of the contact blades in the groove 16, at the latest in the second position P2 (see Figs. 3a, 3b, 4, 5a, 5b), the contact blades 5 are advantageously secured against (radial) slipping out of the contacting position, e.g., even under strong vibration loads or thermal cycling. It is therefore not possible for the end face 33 to be briefly displaced radially outwards (e.g., due to an impact), causing the contact blade 5 to change its bending (e.g., into a bistable second state in which the contact blade 5 folds over radially outwards at the level of the contact section 13). The insertion direction E can also be defined as the direction determined by the direction of displacement of the contact element 9 when contacting the blade cage 3.

[0115] Figures 2a and 2b show perspective schematic views of two different lamella cages 3 of a connector 1.

[0116] Figure 2a shows a lamella cage 3 in which the contact lamellae 5, starting from the base element 4, initially run obliquely inwards upwards (radially inclined towards the contact part 11, not shown here).

[0117] In other words: the contact blades 5 extend at least in sections obliquely from the base element 4 towards the contact part 11 (not shown here).

[0118] The free ends 8 of the contact blades 5 are bent here, for example, in such a way that a type of hook or eyelet is formed in each case. The front section 7 forms the end face 33 of the contact blades 5, which faces the contact element 9 and its collar 12 of the mating connector 2. On this end face 33, for example, the groove base 30 of the contact element 9 can mechanically contact the respective contact blade 5 and, in addition to the slotted guide provided by the inclined groove outer wall 20, can exert an axial force on the contact blade during displacement from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The mechanical coupling of the contact blades 5 with the first and second groove sections 37, 38 (see Figs. 3a, 3b, 4, 5a, 5b) takes place radially further outside the end face 33 (or further away from the contact part 11) in a coupling section 39. The free end 8 is bent at an angle relative to the contact section 13, which e.g.can be in a range between 150° and 230° and here is approximately 180° with respect to the insertion direction E. A laminar cage 3 shaped in this way has a particularly smooth end face 33 and a particularly smooth coupling section 39 for coupling with the first and second groove sections 37, 38, in particular without pointed ends. The end face 33 and the coupling section 39 thus also have a relatively large contact area compared to a free end 8 forming the end face 33 or the coupling section 39. This minimizes the risk of the end face 33 becoming tilted on the inclined groove outer wall 20 and / or of the end face 33 digging into the groove base 30 when an axial force is exerted on the contact element 9, which could make it more difficult to detach the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 2. Furthermore, such a shaped one can be advantageous.

[0119] REVISED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP front section 7 with a strongly bent free end 8 can fill the groove 16 in the head section 10 particularly well and advantageously increase the contact area from the contact blade 5 to the contact element 9. Finally, a free end 8 bent as in Fig. 2a can advantageously simplify transport and assembly of the lamellar cage 3. This is because it minimizes the risk of different lamellar cages 3, which are used, for example, as bulk goods, becoming caught on one another or of their free ends being damaged, e.g., plastically bent, during transport. The end face 33 designed in this way can also have the function of an insertion funnel, which ensures that the contacting part 11 can be inserted into the interior of the lamellar cage 3 (into a contacting space of the lamellar cage 3) particularly easily and without snagging.

[0120] Figure 2b shows a laminar cage 3 in which the free ends 8 of the contact laminations 5 initially run obliquely radially inwards or obliquely towards the contacting part 11 (not shown here) and are then bent radially outwards (away from the contacting part 11) in a similar way to the laminar cage 3 in Fig. 1. The free ends 8 or a section or part of their sides facing the contacting part 11 (not shown) form the end face 33 here, for example. The laminar cage 3 shown in Fig. 2b is particularly easy to manufacture. The shape, which is slightly bent radially outwards at the free end 8, creates a small friction surface between the outer wall 20 of the groove and the contact laminations 5. Furthermore, this also advantageously prevents the free ends 8 from digging into the groove base 30 when axial force is applied to the contact element 9.A sliding surface is provided which particularly easily converts an axial force acting on the groove base 30 into a radial movement of the contact blades 5 towards the contact part 11 (here: radially inwards).

[0121] In the two exemplary embodiments of Figs. 2a and 2b, the base element 4 of the laminar cage 3 is designed to be circumferentially closed—only by way of example. Here, it is designed to be annularly closed. The laminar cages 3 designed in this way enclose an interior space 34, which can also be referred to as a contacting space. The contacting part 11 of the contact element 9 can be inserted into this interior space 34. The contacting process (between the contacting part 11 and the contact laminations 5) takes place therein.

[0122] Figure 2c shows a plan view of a stamped sheet as the initial state for a laminated cage 3, as shown, for example, in Figs. 2a or 2b. This is therefore ultimately a two-dimensional preliminary stage of the laminated cage 3. In Fig. 2c, the base element 4 can be seen on the lower side and, projecting upwards from it, the majority of the contact blades 5. On the left side of the base element 4 in Fig. 2c, two pins 25 can be seen, round here as an example, which are connected to the base element 4 by means of a neck area with a smaller diameter. On the right side of the base element 4 in Fig. 2c, two recesses 24 complementary to the pins 25 can be seen. In order to design the lamella cage 3, this two-dimensional punching form can first be pressed or embossed, for example, in such a way that the desired course of the contact lamellas 5 is obtained (e.g.a section initially running obliquely radially inwards towards the contacting part 11 and then a front section 7 running radially outwards with a more or less strongly bent free end 8). The laminar cage 3 can then be formed by a winding process, wherein the pins 25 are latched or inserted into the recesses 24 and the laminar cage 3 is held dimensionally stable by means of the form-fitting connection of the base element 4 to itself, which is formed here. In other embodiments, the base element can be connected by a material fit (e.g. soldered, welded, glued, etc.). In yet other embodiments, the base element can simply be wound and / or embossed, for example, so that it automatically holds the predetermined shape, e.g. is designed to be ring-shaped and closed.

[0123] Figures 3a and 3b show schematic cross-sections through a plug connector arrangement 100 with the mating connector 2 in the first position P1 (Fig. 3a) and in the second position P2 (Fig. 3b), respectively. One contact blade 5 can be seen to the left and one to the right of the contacting part 11. Furthermore, it can be seen schematically how the first component 50 is electrically connected to the plug connector 1 and the second component 60 is electrically connected to the mating connector 2. For reasons of clarity, no actuating element for reducing the insertion force is shown in Figs. 3a and 3b either, even though such an actuating element (e.g., a lever element, a slide element, or the like) can be provided optionally.

[0124] The collar 12 of the contact element 9 has a groove 16 on its underside 35 facing the contact blades 5. The groove 16 has a groove outer wall 20 which, in the first groove section 37, runs obliquely outwards towards the edge 17 of the collar 12 and has a first angle W1 with respect to the insertion direction E, which is different from zero. In the second groove section 38, the groove outer wall 20 runs perpendicular or parallel to the insertion direction E. In principle, it could also run radially outwards (as viewed from bottom to top in Figs. 3a and 3b), thus forming an undercut or a sack-like pocket with a narrower neck. This configuration of the groove outer wall 20 in the second groove section 38 advantageously brings about a type of self-locking of the plug-in connector arrangement 100 in the second position P2. In other words: in the second position P2, the front section 7 of the contact blades 5 (e.g.by a spring-like force effect radially outwards, away from the contact part 11) no axial force component is exerted on the groove outer wall 20, which would lead to a drifting apart of the connector 1 and the mating connector 2.

[0125] Furthermore, it is also conceivable, for example, that the underside 35 of the collar 12 is concavely curved, i.e., it is located lower at the edge 17 than in the area of ​​the contact part 11 or than in the area of ​​the beginning of the groove outer wall 20. In such a case, it can, for example, form a continuous surface without jumps (such as through a groove 16).

[0126] Figure 3a shows the first position PI when plugging together the connector 1 and mating connector 2. The contacting part 11 already overlaps to a very large extent (almost 100%) with the lamella cage 3 (overlap along the insertion direction E). The first groove section 37 of the contact element 9 rests loosely on or against the coupling section 39 of the contact lamellas 5. No or only a slight axial force (e.g., only the force of gravity) or radial force is exerted by the contact element 9 on the contact lamellas 5. The contact point between the contact lamella 5 and the outer wall of the groove in the first position PI results in the first radial position RI. The second radial position, which is only reached in the second position (see Fig. 3b), is already shown here for illustrative purposes. The first, radially outer, radial position RI and the second, radially inner, radial position R2 are spaced from each other by the third distance D3.The third distance D3 is, for example, larger than the first distance Dl.

[0127] The connector 1 has a contact chamber 14 with an outer wall 15, wherein the laminar cage 3 is arranged in the contact chamber 14, wherein the base element 4 is arranged in the interior of the contact chamber 14 adjacent to the outer wall 15.

[0128] The contact chamber 14 also has, for example, a base 26. Arranged in the base 26 of the contact chamber 14 is a recess 27 into which, for example, a front end 31 of the contacting part 11 (here: a cantilevered end of the contacting part 11) can be inserted (e.g., in the second position P2, see Fig. 3b). In this way, for example, the correct radial positioning of the contacting part 11 in the second position P2 can be ensured, or the positioning tolerances during mating can be reduced.

[0129] In Fig. 3a it can also be seen that in the first position PI a radial play is formed between the contact blades 5 and the contacting part 11 of the mating connector 2, here in the form of a gap 29.

[0130] The mating connector can be displaced, for example, from a pre-insertion position (a position of the mating connector further up than in Fig. 3a, in particular without overlap of contact part 11 and contact blades 5 or contact section 13) at least up to the first position PI of the mating connector 2 with a force of less than 5N, in particular force-free, along the insertion direction E.

[0131] Force-free displacement, or displacement with a force of less than 5N, refers in particular to forces necessary to overcome frictional forces, flexion forces, etc. Overcoming gravity, e.g., during overhead installation, should not be considered here.

[0132] In the first position PI, for example, the radial play between the contact blades 5 and the contacting part 11 is in a range between 5um (5 micrometers) and 200um (200 micrometers) or in a range between 20um and 100um, e.g., at 20um or 30um or 40um or 50um or 60um or 70um or 80um or 90um or 100um or 130um or 160um or 200um. In other words, the gap 29 causes the radial play and establishes a first distance Dl (in the radial direction R) in the range described above (e.g., between 5um and 200um, etc.).

[0133] It is clearly visible that in this exemplary embodiment the contact blades 5 in the front section 6 are bent in the radial direction R away from the contacting part 11. Here, for example, they are bent relative to the insertion direction E by a second angle W2, which here is somewhat greater than 180°, for example, and can lie in a range between 185° and 260° merely by way of example. In other exemplary embodiments, the second angle W2 can be omitted entirely, or it can be, for example, at least 30°, preferably at least 60°, and particularly preferably at least 110°. It can also be seen in Fig. 3a that the contact blades 5 here, for example, in their rear section 6, starting from the base element 4, run obliquely inwards or obliquely towards the contacting part 11. A third angle W3 between the contact blade 5 and the insertion direction E can be, for example, between 5° and 40°, preferably between 10° and 35°.

[0134] Figure 3b shows the contact element 9 in the second position P2 (solid lines - the previous first position P1 from Fig. 3a is shown with dashed lines). The front end 31 of the contacting part 11 is inserted into the bottom recess 27 of the bottom 26 of the contact chamber 14 or is arranged in the bottom recess 27. For this purpose, the bottom recess 27 can, for example, have a particularly slight oversize (e.g., up to 500 μm, preferably up to 250 μm) compared to the front end 31. However, a press fit can also be formed, i.e., the front end 31 has a particularly slight oversize with respect to the diameter of the bottom recess 27. In this way, the contact element 9 is guided and / or secured in the radial direction 9, thereby advantageously ensuring permanent and reliable contact even under adverse operating conditions (e.g., shaking loads, alternating thermal loads, etc.).

[0135] The first position P1 and the second position P2 are spaced apart along the insertion direction E by a maximum of 5 mm, preferably by a maximum of 2 mm, and particularly preferably by a maximum of 1 mm. This axial spacing is represented by the second distance D2.

[0136] In other words, the second position P2 is spaced from the first position PI by a second distance D2 (viewed along the insertion direction E).

[0137] In the second position P2, the groove outer wall 20 in the second groove section 38 (here: the vertical part of the groove outer wall 20) is mechanically coupled to the front section 7 of the contact blades 5 in the, in particular inner, second radial position R2, wherein in the second radial position R2 the contact blades 5 are displaced along the radial direction R towards the contacting part 11 and thereby electrically contact the contacting part 11 in a contact section 13 of the contacting part 11 and in particular clamp the contacting part 11 between themselves (in particular viewed along the radial direction R). In other words: the oblique groove outer wall 20 has pressed on the coupling section 39 with a radial force component in the manner of a slotted guide on the (axial) path from the first position PI to the second position P2 and has thereby forced the contact blades 5 to deflect radially inwards or towards the contacting part 11 in the radial direction R.This tilts or displaces the contacting part 11 in the contact section 13 by means of the contact blades 5, which, for example, acts essentially in the radial direction R.

[0138] In this embodiment, it is provided, for example, that in the second position P2, the contact blades 5 contact the contact section 13 with a contact normal force in the radial direction R of at least 1N, preferably of at least 5N.

[0139] In addition to the contact between connector 1 and mating connector 2 by means of the contact blades 5 in the contact section 13 of the contacting part 11, further current conduction paths are formed, which run via the coupling section 39 in the front section 7 of the contact blades 5 to the groove outer wall 20. These contact points run radially outward here, for example, i.e., in the opposite direction to the contact points in the contact section 13 of the contacting part 11.

[0140] This results in particularly reliable and secure contact. On the one hand, the number of contact points is significantly increased (in this case, doubled). On the other hand, the contact points, or contact points, essentially pointing away from each other, provide a contact that is particularly robust against mechanical influences from various directions (e.g., vibrations or alternating thermal stresses) and against manufacturing tolerances.

[0141] In Fig. 3b it can also be seen that the base element 4 is supported in the second position P2 on the outer wall 15 of the contact chamber 14. This support takes place here, for example, essentially along the radial direction R. Due to the radial outward pressure exerted due to the elasticity of the contact blades 5, the contact blades 5 can press, tilt or displace the base element 4 radially outwards. This displacement is limited by the support on the outer wall 15, on which the base element 15 is supported. This stabilizes the laminar cage 3. The normal contact force of the contact blades 5 on the contact section 13 can thus be maintained or set in a defined manner. An optional locking element 28 is also shown purely schematically, which secures the second position P2 against loosening. The locking element 28 is shown here merely symbolically or.schematically shown as a clamp which clamps the contact element 9 and the contact chamber 14 together and thus secures the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 against moving apart.

[0142] Figure 4 shows a schematic cross section through a further connector arrangement 100 in the second position P2, this connector arrangement 100 being designed similarly to that of Fig. 1 or 3b.

[0143] However, the connector assembly 100 of Fig. 4 differs from that of Fig. 3b, among other things, in that the groove outer wall 20 here has a continuous, linear slope. The first groove section 36 and the second groove section 37 thus have the same slope. This makes the groove 16 particularly easy to manufacture.

[0144] Furthermore, the connector assembly 100 of Fig. 4 differs from that of Fig. 3b in that in the second position P2 the groove base 30 mechanically contacts the front section 7 of the contact blades 5 in such a way that the contact blades 5 are displaced along the radial direction R towards the contacting part 11 and as a result the contact blades 5 exert an additional contact normal force in the radial direction on the contact section 13 of the contacting part 11.

[0145] In this way, the guide rails are additionally supported by the groove's outer wall 20 and the resulting radial displacement of the contact blades 5 by axial compression of the contact blades 5. By contacting the groove base 30 with the end faces 33 of the contact blades 5, the number of contact points and the contact area are further increased. Furthermore, these current paths are formed along the axial direction, which further increases the robustness of the contact, for example, against mechanical or thermal loads from different directions, as well as against manufacturing tolerances.

[0146] In this exemplary embodiment, the groove inner wall 18 is flush with the contacting part outer wall 19. This allows the contact blades 5 to be positioned particularly close to the contacting part 11, and a high contact normal force in the contact section 13 can be achieved particularly easily.

[0147] REVISED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP In this exemplary embodiment, the contact blades 5 each contact the groove 16 on at least two sides. The at least two sides are preferably spaced apart from each other by at least 30° (this is to be understood as an angle in the illustrated image plane, not an angle along the circumferential direction U). One contact side here is, for example, the groove inner wall 18 (this contact point can be spaced apart from the contact section 13 in the axial direction). Another contact side here is, for example, the groove bottom 30. In this exemplary embodiment, the groove outer wall 20 is also contacted by the contact blade 5. The front section 6 of the contact blades 5 is pressed together in the groove 16 due to the axial force applied by the contact element 9 in the second position P2 and fills the groove 16 significantly more in the second position P2 than in the first position P1.In this way, the contact area between contact blades 5 and contact element 9 is significantly enlarged, thereby significantly increasing the current-carrying capacity of the connector assembly 100 and reducing the contact resistance. Furthermore, the number of contact points is advantageously increased. This advantageously increases the redundancy of contact points, so that the connector assembly 100 is better protected against failures.

[0148] The optional locking element 28 for securing the second position P2 is designed here merely as an example as a slider which can be guided in the second position P2 through locking recesses 36 in the base 26 of the contact chamber 14 and passes through a recess 32 in the contacting part 11 in the region of the base recess 27.

[0149] In this exemplary embodiment, the first angle W1 of the groove outer wall 20 relative to the insertion direction E is in a range between 2° and 45° (i.e., a range of 2°-45°) or in a range between 3° and 15° (i.e., a range of 3°-15°). The first angle W1 can also be in this range in the other exemplary embodiments, e.g., at least in the first groove section 37.

[0150] As a result, when the contact element 9 is displaced from the first position PI to the second position P2 (i.e., by a distance corresponding to the second distance D2, see Figs. 3a and 3b), in addition to the axial force, it is ensured that the contact blades 5 move a defined distance in the radial direction R toward the contact part 11, and that the desired contact normal force is thereby applied in the contact section 13 by the contact blades 5. Furthermore, a gap 29 (see Fig. 3a), which is optionally present in the first position PI, is closed between the contact blades 5 and the contact part 11.

[0151] Figures 5a and 5b show schematic cross sections through a further connector arrangement 100 with the mating connector 2 in the first position PI (Fig. 5a) and in the second position P2 (Fig. 5b), respectively.

[0152] In this embodiment, the laminar cage 3 is directly connected to the first component 50; a separate contact chamber 14 is not provided here, but could optionally be present.

[0153] The contact element 9 is accommodated or arranged in a mating connector housing 61. Here, for example, it is mounted or arranged at its head portion 10 in a contact element chamber 62 and is preferably secured with respect to the axial direction.

[0154] The groove 16 is designed in its cross-section similar to that in Fig. 4. The collar 12 projects radially outward beyond the groove 16 in order to be received, arranged, or fastened in a form-fitting manner in the contact element chamber 62.

[0155] The cross-section shown shows two spaced-apart locking elements 52, which are arranged on the first component 50 and protrude from the first component 50 in the direction of the mating connector 2. The laminar cage 3 is arranged between them. The locking elements 52 have undercuts, for example.

[0156] In the cross-section shown, two counter-locking elements 63 can be seen on the mating connector housing 61. These elements protrude from the mating connector housing 61 in the direction of the connector 1 and each have a hook element. The counter-locking elements 63 can be designed as elastically reversible locking lances or clip elements (particularly along the radial direction R). The contact element 9 is arranged between the counter-locking elements 63.

[0157] In the first position PI shown in Fig. 5a, the counter-locking elements 63 can rest on the locking elements 52, for example, and thus advantageously provide a technician with haptic feedback upon reaching the first position PI. In other embodiments, it can be provided, for example, that a captive connection between the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 is formed upon reaching (or even before reaching) the first position PI, so that the assembly can be transported in this state.

[0158] For example, the counter-locking elements 63 can slide past the undercuts of the locking elements 52 on the way from the first position P1 to the second position P2 (deflection radially outward in the exemplary embodiment shown) and, in the second position P2, can elastically and reversibly spring back radially inward to their initial position, so that their hook elements engage behind the undercuts of the locking elements 52. In this way, an unintentional release of the contact element 9 from the second position P2 toward the first position P1 is prevented. Locking elements 52 and counter-locking elements 63 thus form a type of locking element 28.

[0159] The lamella cage 3 is designed here, for example, analogously to the lamella cage from Fig. 2b.

[0160] In the first position PI (Fig. 5a), the contact element 9 has, for example, a radial play with respect to the contact blades 5; here, for example, a gap 29 is formed between the contacting part 11 and at least one contact blade 5. In the second position P2 (Fig. 5b), the contact blades 5 are not only coupled or mechanically and electrically contacted with the second groove section 38 in the coupling section 39, but the contact blades 5 are also in (mechanical) contact with the groove bottom 30 at or in their front section 7. They are compressed by the axial force acting on the collar 12 or the groove bottom 30 (between the collar 12 or the groove bottom 30 and the base element 4) and are thereby displaced in the radial direction R towards the contacting part 11, which they electrically contact in the contact section 13 and, in particular, apply a defined contact normal force to. You can clamp the contact part 11 between you, for example.

Claims

Connector arrangement, in particular for high-current applications and / or high-voltage applications, the connector arrangement (100) comprising: -- a connector (1); -- a mating connector (2) for plugging together with the plug connector (1); wherein the plug connector (1) has a lamella cage (3) with a base element (4) and with a plurality of contact lamellas (5), wherein the contact lamellas (5) -- are connected to the base element (4) in a rear section (6), -- protrude from the base element (4) in the direction of the mating connector (2) and -- have a front section (7) facing the mating connector (2), wherein the mating connector (2) has a contact element (9) with a head section (10) and a contacting part (11), wherein the contacting part (11) protrudes from the head section (10), wherein the head section (10) has a collar (12) which protrudes in a radial direction (R) beyond the contacting part (11), wherein a groove (16) is introduced into the collar (12) on an underside (35) facing the laminar cage (3), wherein the groove (16) extends at least partially obliquely outwards on an outer groove wall (20) facing an edge (17) of the collar (12), wherein the contact element (9) and / or the mating connector (2), in particular when plugged together with the connector (1), is displaceable between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), in particular along a plug-in direction (E),wherein in the first position (PI) the groove outer wall (20) is mechanically coupled in a first groove section (37) to the front section (7) of the contact blades (5) in a first radial position (RI) and in particular a radial play, is formed between the contact blades (5) and the contacting part (11) of the mating connector (2), wherein in the second position (P2) the groove outer wall (20) is mechanically coupled in a second groove section (38) to the front section (7) of the contact blades (5) in a second radial position (R2), wherein in the second radial position (R2) the contact blades (5) are displaced along the radial direction (R) towards the contacting part (11) and thereby electrically contact the contacting part (11) in a contact section (13) of the contacting part (11) and in particular clamp the contacting part (11) between them.

2. Connector arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein in the second position (P2) the contact blades (5) contact the contact section (13) each with a contact normal force in the radial direction (R) of at least 1N, preferably of at least 5N.

3. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (4) of the lamella cage (3) is designed to be circumferentially closed, in particular annularly closed.

4. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first position (PI) and the second position (P2) are located apart along the insertion direction (E) by at most 5 mm, preferably by at most 2 mm and particularly preferably by at most 1 mm.

5. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the first position (PI) the radial play between the contact blades (5) and the contacting part (11) is in a range between 5 µm and 200 µm or in a range between 20 µm and 100 µm.

6. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact blades (5) extend at least partially obliquely from the base element (4) towards the contacting part (11).

7. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (1) has a contact chamber (14) with an outer wall (15), wherein the laminar cage (3) is arranged in the contact chamber (14), wherein the base element (4) is arranged in the interior of the contact chamber (14) adjacent to the outer wall (15).

8. Connector arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein the base element (4) in the second position (P2) is supported on the outer wall (15) of the contact chamber (14), in particular in the radial direction (R).

9. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a groove inner wall (18) is flush with a contact part outer wall (19).

10. Connector assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein a first angle (Wl) of the groove outer wall (20) with respect to the insertion direction (E) is in a range between 2° and 45° or in a range between 3° and 15°.

11. Connector arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein the contact blades (5) contact the groove (16), in particular on at least two sides.

12. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact blades (5) in the front section (6) are bent in the radial direction (R) away from the contacting part (11), in particular relative to the insertion direction (E) by a second angle (W2) of at least 30°, preferably of at least 60° and particularly preferably of at least 110°.

13. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mating connector can be displaced from a pre-plug-in position, in which the contacting part (11) does not yet overlap with the contact blades (5), at least up to the first position (PI) with a force of less than 5N, in particular force-free, along the plug-in direction (E).

14. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the second position (P2) a groove bottom (30) surrounds the front section (7) the contact blades (5) are mechanically contacted in such a way that the contact blades (5) are displaced along the radial direction (R) towards the contacting part (11) and as a result the contact blades (5) exert an additional contact normal force in the radial direction on the contact section (13) of the contacting part (11). Mating connector, in particular for high-current applications and / or high-voltage applications, for mating with a connector (1) having a blade cage with a plurality of contact blades, wherein the mating connector (2) has a contact element (9) with a head section (10) and a contacting part (11), wherein the contacting part (11) protrudes from the head section (10), wherein the head section (10) has a collar (12) which protrudes in a radial direction (R) beyond the contacting part (11), wherein a groove (16) is introduced into the collar (12) on an underside (35) facing the laminar cage (3), wherein the groove (16) extends at least partially obliquely outwards on an outer groove wall (20) facing an edge (17) of the collar (12), wherein the contact element (9) and / or the mating connector (2), in particular in the state plugged together with the connector (1), is displaceable between a first position (PI) and a second position (P2), in particular along the plug-in direction (E), wherein the outer groove wall (20) is designed, in the first position (PI), in a first groove section (37) to mechanically couple to the front section (7) of the contact blades (5) in a first radial position (RI),wherein the groove outer wall (20) is configured to mechanically couple, in the second position (P2), in a second groove section (38) with the front section (7) of the contact blades (5) in a second radial position (R2), wherein in the second radial position (R2) the contact blades (5) are displaced along the radial direction (R) towards the contacting part (11) and thereby electrically contact the contacting part (11) in a contact section (13) of the contacting part (11) and in particular clamp the contacting part (11) between them.

Images