High-current plug connector system and method for adjusting the total separating force thereof

Abstract

The object of the invention is to enable the adjustment of the total disconnection force of a high-current connector system to a predetermined value using simple means and to make the corresponding retrofitting of existing high-current connector systems as straightforward as possible. To this end, it is proposed to equip a connector (1) and a mating connector (2) of the connector system each with at least one further plug contact (100) and at least one further mating contact (200), respectively. The at least one further plug contact (100) and the at least one further mating contact (200) are pluggable together and, in the plugged state, can be disconnected again by applying a single disconnection force, and are thus jointly configured to generate a predetermined amount of the aforementioned total disconnection force of the connector system. This allows for individual adjustment, e.g.,The end user can easily adjust the desired overall disconnection force by selecting suitable additional plug contacts and mating contacts, and adapt it, for example, to the actual current used, so that connections that transmit particularly high electrical currents are especially difficult to disconnect, particularly for safety reasons.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a high-current connector system according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for adjusting a total disconnect force of a high-current connector system according to claim 14.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for adjusting the total disconnect force of a high-current connector system according to claim 15.

[0004] The term "total separation force" refers to the force required to separate a connector and its mating connector, both of which are part of the high-current connector system.

[0005] Such high-current connector systems can be used, for example, to transmit electrical energy. In particular, a total electrical current with high total current ratings of at least up to 16 A ("amperes"), e.g., at least up to 20 A, preferably at least up to 35 A, particularly preferably at least up to 70 A, in particular at least up to 125 A, for example at least up to 300 A, and in particular even at least 900 A, can be transmitted via the high-current connector system, and thus via both the connector and the mating connector. State of the art

[0006] In the prior art, connector systems consisting of a connector and a mating connector are known. The connector can be plugged into the mating connector and can be disconnected from the mating connector under a total disconnect force. In the prior art, this total disconnect force is generally determined rather randomly from frictional forces such as the sum of the insertion and withdrawal forces of the electrical contacts (especially those caused by friction), the friction of a seal on the connector housing, etc.

[0007] Practical applications have revealed requirements that stipulate certain connector systems should possess a defined total disconnection force, depending on their function. In particular, high-current connector systems designed for transmitting exceptionally high currents must, for safety reasons, have a particularly high total disconnection force.

[0008] A disadvantage of the current state of the art is that the strength of the total separation force cannot be easily adjusted in existing high-current connector systems.

[0009] The German Patent and Trademark Office has searched the following prior art in the priority application for the present application: DE 10 2019 111 847 A1, DE 10 2019 121 975 A1, DE 11 2018 006 768 T5, DE 14 65 689 A and US 2021 / 0194167 A1. Task

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide a high-current connector system and a method by which the total disconnect force of the high-current connector system can be adjusted to a predetermined value—especially individually—using the simplest possible means. Preferably, existing high-current connector systems should be retrofitted as easily as possible. Particularly preferably, as few new components as possible should be added or modified compared to existing high-current connector systems. In particular, the so-called "modularity" of the high-current connector system should be maintained as much as possible; that is, its components should be as widely available on the market as possible and compatible with as many other commercially available components as possible, i.e., at least pluggable and preferably also jointly mountable to form a connector system, especially a high-current connector system.

[0011] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0012] A high-current connector system consists of a connector and a mating connector. The connector and mating connector are both pluggable and detachable under a combined separation force. The connector has several identical high-current contacts. The mating connector has several high-current mating contacts that are pluggable with the high-current connectors. When mated, each high-current contact is mechanically and electrically connected to one of the mating contacts to form a high-current contact pair for the transmission of electrical energy.

[0013] Furthermore, the connector has at least one additional contact, and the mating connector has at least one additional mating contact. Each of these additional contacts forms a further contact pair with one of the mating contacts. The additional contact and the mating contact of each contact pair can be mated together by applying a single insertion force and, when mated, can be separated again by applying a single separation force. Thus, they are jointly configured to generate a predetermined total separation force, with the individual separation force of each additional contact pair being at least 1.5 times its individual insertion force.

[0014] In this and the following, it is clear to the expert that the term "single disconnect force" refers to exactly one plug contact pair in each case.

[0015] Preferably, the single separating force can be at least 1.75 times the single insertion force.

[0016] In particular, the single separating force can be at least twice as large as the single insertion force.

[0017] For example, the individual separating force can be at least 2.5 times the individual insertion force. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the individual separating force can even be at least three times, in particular at least four times, and especially preferably at least five times, the individual insertion force.

[0018] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0019] One advantage of the invention is that retrofitting existing high-current connector systems is particularly straightforward. Ultimately, compared to existing high-current connector systems, only one or possibly several high-current contact pairs need to be replaced with one or more additional contact pairs.

[0020] A particular advantage is that the so-called "modularity" of the high-current connector system is largely preserved. This means that all its components may already exist on the market and can also be used with other commercially available components. They are therefore not only compatible with standard connectors, but preferably also compatible with other standard components to form a different connector / high-current connector system. The aforementioned solution differs significantly in this respect from other conceivable, and in this regard inferior, approaches that would require, for example, the modification of one or more connector housings, a locking system, or other components to alter the overall disconnection force.

[0021] One advantage of the invention is that the overall disconnect force of a high-current connector system can be individually adjusted to a predetermined value using very simple means. Ultimately, only at least one of the high-current plug contacts of a standard high-current connector system needs to be replaced by another plug contact, and one of the mating high-current plug contacts of the standard high-current connector system needs to be replaced by another mating contact. Replacing a plug contact is a common procedure frequently performed by end users and therefore requires minimal effort.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, to generate a specific individual disconnection force, the additional plug contact and the mating plug contact can be designed accordingly at the factory, such that the total disconnection force corresponds at least to the current-carrying capacity of the high-current connector system. This has the advantage that the adaptation can be carried out at the factory and the high-current connector system can be delivered to the end user pre-configured with this adaptation.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment, the high-current connector system can additionally have a whole set of different plug contacts and mating contacts, which, in combination, generate different total disconnecting forces. From this set, one or more suitable plug contacts and mating contacts can be selected and inserted into the connector and the mating connector, in order to set the desired / predefined total disconnecting force, particularly in combination with each other. This has the advantage that the end user can individually adjust the total disconnecting force to their specific application, e.g., the range of the actual transmitted current.

[0024] A method for adjusting the total disconnect force of a high-current connector system therefore provides that the adjustment of the specified total disconnect force is carried out by selecting one or more suitable plug contacts and one or more suitable mating contacts from the said set of various other plug contacts and mating contacts.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the additional plug contact and the additional mating plug contact can be latched together in the plugged-in state, so that the individual release force generated during their release creates the total release force or at least a part thereof. Alternatively or additionally, frictional forces can also play a role.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, each high-current plug contact pair can be designed to transmit currents of at least 10 A ("amperes"), preferably at least 20 A, particularly preferably at least 40 A, in particular at least 60 A, for example at least 70 A and in particular even at least 80 A when plugged in.

[0027] The term "designed" means that the respective high-current plug contact pair can be permanently loaded with currents "up to" the specified maximum value, i.e. with currents that correspond to or are less than the specified maximum value.

[0028] It is clear to the expert that the high current-carrying capacity, especially at a given electrical voltage, is advantageous for the transmission of the highest possible electrical energies.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the said single separating force is at least 15 N ("Newtons"), preferably at least 20 N, particularly preferably at least 25 N, in particular at least 60 N, for example at least 75 N, for example at least 85 N and preferably even 97 N and more, e.g. at least 100 N, and possibly even more than 110 N and more, i.e. e.g. 120 N and even more.

[0030] Specified separating forces can therefore be, for example: 18 N; 22 N; 27 N; 67 N; 89 N; 111 N; 127 N.

[0031] While a connector manufacturer specifies and assigns maximum current carrying capacity, the total disconnect force can be adjusted for a permanent installation by the end user based on the actual current transmitted by the entire high-current connector system. This total current is the sum of the currents flowing through each high-current connector pair.

[0032] For example, for a total current of 15 A actually used, the specified total cutting force can be 18 N.

[0033] For example, for an actual total current of 16 A to 20 A, the specified total cutting force can be 22 N.

[0034] For example, for an actual total current of 21 A to 35 A, the specified total cutting force can be 27 N.

[0035] For example, for an actual total current of 36 A to 70 A, the specified total cutting force can be 67 N.

[0036] For example, for an actual total current of 71 A to 125 A, the specified total cutting force can be 89 N.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the connector has at least one contact carrier made of an electrically insulating material. The contact carrier can be formed as a single piece within a one-piece connector insert ("monoblock"). Alternatively, the connector can have several connector modules mounted in a modular connector frame to form a modular connector insert. In the latter case, each connector module has a contact carrier, so the connector then has multiple contact carriers.

[0038] The connector has a contact chamber for each of the aforementioned high-current contacts and also for each of the aforementioned additional contacts. The contact chambers are arranged within the contact carrier – or distributed across and within the multiple contact carriers.

[0039] Furthermore, the mating connector has at least one mating contact carrier made of an electrically insulating material. The mating contact carrier can be a single piece as part of a mating connector insert ("monoblock"). However, the mating connector can also have several additional mating connector modules that are installed in a mating connector modular frame to form a modular mating connector insert. In the latter case, each module has a mating contact carrier, so the mating connector then has multiple mating contact carriers.

[0040] The high-current-inverse connector has a contact chamber for each of the aforementioned high-current mating contacts and also for each of the aforementioned additional mating contacts. These contact chambers are arranged in the contact carrier – or distributed across several contact carriers and within the contact carriers themselves.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the contact chambers of the connector are uniformly designed relative to each other. In a further advantageous embodiment, the mating contact chambers of the mating connector are uniformly designed relative to each other.

[0042] This benefits the aforementioned modularity in terms of compatibility with other possible product components, because the respective contact carrier / counter-contact carrier can be optionally equipped with high-current contacts / high-current counter-contacts as well as with other plug-in contacts / counter-plug-in contacts in all contact receptacles.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one contact carrier has a cable connection side and a plug-in side opposite the cable connection side. The contact chambers are designed as through-holes that connect the cable connection side to the plug-in side.

[0044] Furthermore, the at least one mating contact carrier can have a mating cable connection side and a mating plug-in side opposite the mating cable connection side. The mating contact chambers can also be designed as through-openings that connect the mating cable connection side with the mating plug-in side.

[0045] In this context, it should be noted that the terms "plug side" and "cable connection side," as well as "plug-side" and "cable connection side," and "plug direction," always refer to the corresponding connector or mating connector. The plug direction, in the sense of a vectorial direction, actually refers to the plug axis, which is identical for both the connector and the mating connector. The orientation always refers to the direction of insertion, i.e., towards the other connector / mother connector. When plugged in, the contact carrier and the mating contact carrier are oriented with their plug-side and mating-side facing each other, and their respective cable connection sides facing away from each other.

[0046] In a further preferred embodiment, the high-current plug contacts and the additional plug contact(s) are each arranged in and held in one of the contact chambers of the connector. The high-current mating contacts and the additional mating contact(s) are each arranged in and held in one of the mating contact chambers of the mating connector.

[0047] This has the advantage that the additional plug contacts – although different from the high-current plug contacts – can be accommodated in uniform contact recesses, which benefits the aforementioned modularity. For example, a conventional contact carrier can be used. Simply insert another plug contact – or the desired number of additional plug contacts – into its contact chamber, which was originally intended for the high-current plug contacts. The same applies, of course, analogously to the mating contact carrier and the additional mating contacts.

[0048] Both the high-current plug contacts and the high-current mating contacts can be made of one or more electrically conductive material(s), in particular metal, i.e., possibly of one or more metals, and each have a cable connection-side cable connection area and a plug-side high-current plug-in area for mutual mechanical and electrically conductive connection.

[0049] The additional plug contacts and / or the additional mating plug contacts can also be made of one or more electrically conductive material(s), in particular metal(s), but alternatively - depending on the shape and required elasticity - also of one or more electrically non-conductive material(s), for example plastic and possibly several different plastic(s).

[0050] Preferably, the additional plug contacts and mating plug contacts are each manufactured in one piece, particularly as a single unit. However, multi-part designs, particularly multi-piece designs, are also conceivable.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the additional plug contacts and / or the additional mating plug contacts each have a plug-side insertion area for mechanical connection, but no cable-side connection area. This has the advantage of being less complex to manufacture. Furthermore, it has the advantage of making them particularly robust relative to their size.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the insertion area of ​​the additional plug contacts can be configured as a contact pin and the insertion area of ​​the additional mating plug contacts as a contact socket. In particular, the respective contact socket of the at least one additional mating plug contact can have several slots, thereby forming lamellae pointing in the insertion direction within its insertion area.

[0053] In another preferred embodiment, the contact pin of the plug connector can have a circumferential groove.

[0054] The circumferential groove of the contact pin can also have a retaining surface on the insertion side. Preferably, this retaining surface can be oriented essentially perpendicularly, i.e., at an angle between 80° and 120°, particularly at an angle between 85° and 95° or between 95° and 105°, and ideally at a right angle of 90° or at an angle of 100° to the insertion direction in which the contact pin naturally points. These values ​​have proven particularly suitable in experiments, but of course, other angles may also be appropriate under different boundary conditions.

[0055] Furthermore, the aforementioned lamellae of the mating contact, pointing in the direction of insertion, can have radially inwardly directed locking hooks at their plug-side ends, which engage in the circumferential groove of the plug contact when plugged in.

[0056] The locking hooks can each have a sliding ramp and a locking surface, wherein the locking surface is in an angular relationship of between 30° and 90°, preferably between 40° and 50° or between 55° and 65°, particularly preferably between 42.5° and 47.5° or 57.5° and 62.5°, i.e. for example at an angle of about 45° or 60° to the insertion direction.

[0057] A method is used to adjust the total disconnect force of a high-current connector system. The specified total disconnect force is achieved by dimensioning at least the following parameters: The number of additional plug contacts / additional mating contacts; the material of the lamellae; the thickness of the lamellae; the length of the lamellae; the angle of the locking surface of the locking hook of the lamellae to the insertion direction; the angle of the plug-side holding surface of the circumferential groove of the contact pin to the insertion direction.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the specified total separation force can also be set by selecting one or more suitable additional plug contacts and one or more suitable additional mating contacts from the aforementioned set of various additional plug contacts and various additional mating contacts. Example of implementation

[0059] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail below. The drawings show: Fig. 1a a connector housing; Fig. 1 a populated module frame; Fig. 1c a further plug contact; Fig. 2a a mating connector housing; Fig. 2 a populated mating module frame; Fig. 2c a further mating plug contact; Fig. 3 a further plug contact in an enlargement; Fig. 3b the further mating plug contact in an enlargement; Fig. 4 the further plug contact and the further mating plug contact in the plugged-in state in a sectional view; Fig. 5a a plugged high-current connector system without and with high-current plug contact pair in a first sectional view; Fig. 6a,b the plugged high-current connector system with and without high-current plug contact pair in a second sectional view.

[0060] The figures contain simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for elements that are the same but may not be identical. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently. Directional indications such as "left," "right," "up," and "down" are to be understood in relation to the respective figure and may vary between the individual representations compared to the object depicted.

[0061] The Fig. 1a Figure 1 shows a connector housing 10 of a connector 1, which in turn is part of a high-current connector system shown below (see Figure 1). Fig. 5a, b and Fig. 6a, bThe connector housing 10, which is a grommet housing, is not strictly necessary for the function of the high-current connector system, but in the version shown here it is a useful safety and protective optional component of the connector 1 and thus also of the high-current connector system. The connector housing 10 is made of plastic and has a cable outlet with a cable exit 11 on one side and a rectangular insertion opening 18 on the other, into which a plug insert 12, shown below, can be inserted and locked. In addition, the connector housing 10 has a locking lever 14 on each of its opposite narrow sides for locking it to a mating connector housing 20, shown later.

[0062] The Fig. 1bFigure 1 shows the aforementioned connector insert 12. This connector insert 12 is designed as a modular frame 120 equipped with connector modules 123. Thus, it is a modular connector insert 12. In the present version, three connector modules 123 are provided, but of course, any other number of connector modules 123 could be provided in another version.

[0063] Each of the connector modules 123 has a contact carrier 122 with two contact chambers 128. However, only one of these contact chambers 128 is visible in the drawing because the others are fitted with high-current plug contacts 121. The two outer contact carriers 122 are fully fitted, i.e., in this case, with two high-current plug contacts 121. The middle contact carrier 122 is partially fitted, namely with a high-current mating contact 221, while the last contact chamber 128 remains empty for the time being to accommodate another plug contact 100. Of course, each of the contact carriers 122 could also have a different number of contact chambers 128. The contact chambers 128 of the contact carriers 122 are identical to each other.

[0064] The Fig. 1c and 1dFigure 1 shows the aforementioned additional plug contact 100, which is intended for insertion into the last unpopulated contact chamber 128. This plug contact can be received into the contact chamber 128 and held therein by the contact carrier 122, but differs from the aforementioned high-current plug contacts 121 in particular in that, although it has a retaining area 108, this area is solid, so that the additional plug contact 100 does not have a cable connection area.

[0065] The additional plug contact 100 also has a plug-in area designed as a contact pin 101. The contact pin 101 has a circumferential groove 106 with a plug-side retaining surface 107, which is shown in the enlarged view in Fig. 1d It is particularly easy to see and labeled.

[0066] The Fig. 2aFigure 1 shows a mating connector housing 20 of a mating connector 2, which, together with the aforementioned connector 1, is part of the high-current connector system. The mating connector housing 20, which is a grommet housing, is not strictly necessary for the function of the high-current connector system; however, in the design shown here, it is a useful safety and protective optional component of the mating connector 2 and thus of the high-current connector system. The mating connector housing 20 is made of plastic and has a cable outlet with a cable exit 21 on one side and a rectangular insertion opening 28 on the other, into which a mating connector insert 22, shown below, can be inserted and locked. Furthermore, the mating connector housing 20 has two locking pins 24 on each of its two long sides for locking with the two locking levers 14 of the connector housing 10.

[0067] The Fig. 2b Figure 1 shows the aforementioned mating connector insert 22. This mating connector insert 22 is designed as a modular frame 220 equipped with mating connector modules 223. Thus, it is a modular mating connector insert 22. In the present version, three mating connector modules 223 are provided, but of course, any other number of mating connector modules 223 could be provided in another version.

[0068] Each of the mating connector modules 223 has a mating contact carrier 222 with two mating contact chambers 228. However, only one of these mating contact chambers 228 is visible in the drawing because the others are fitted with high-current mating contacts 221. The two outer mating contact carriers 222 are fully fitted, i.e., in this case, with two high-current mating contacts 221. The middle mating contact carrier 222 is only partially fitted, namely with one high-current mating contact 221, while the last mating contact chamber 228 remains empty for the time being to accommodate another mating contact 200. Of course, each of the mating contact carriers 222 could also have a different number of mating contact chambers 228. The mating contact chambers 228 of the mating contact carriers 222 are identical to each other.

[0069] The Fig. 2cFigure 1 shows the aforementioned additional mating contact 200, which is intended for insertion into the still unpopulated mating contact chamber 228. This can be received in the mating contact chamber 228 and held therein by the mating contact carrier 222, but differs from the aforementioned high-current mating contacts 221 in particular in that, although it has a retaining area 208, this area is solidly constructed, so that the additional mating contact 200 does not have a cable connection area.

[0070] The additional mating contact 200 also has a plug-in area designed as a contact socket 201. The contact socket 201 has several slots 206 through which lamellae 209 with end-facing, inwardly directed locking hooks 207 (in the Fig. 3b are provided (to be seen).

[0071] The Fig. 3a The figure shows an enlarged view of the additional plug contact 100. The retaining surface 107 of the circumferential groove 106 is concealed.

[0072] The Fig. 3b The drawing shows the other mating contact 200 in an enlarged view. Through a segment-like section, at the top right of the drawing, the locking hook 207 with a sliding ramp 2072 and a locking surface 2071 inclined towards the insertion direction is clearly visible.

[0073] From the Figs. 3a and 3b It is therefore clear to the expert that the single separation force is significantly higher than the single insertion force. After all, the part slides during insertion. Fig. 3a The sliding rounding (not labelled) of the further plug contact shown on the right slides along the sliding ramp 2072 of the further mating plug contact 200 and bends its lamellae 209 apart over a part of the plugging path corresponding to the shape of the roundings.

[0074] In contrast, the portion of the pull-out path where the retaining surface 107 of the further plug contact 100, when being pulled out of the further mating contact 200, pushes the lamellae 209 of the further mating contact 200 apart via its respective detent surfaces 2071, is significantly shorter. However, the further plug contact must, according to the law of conservation of energy, exert at least the same mechanical energy over this short distance. Therefore, even disregarding frictional forces that further amplify this effect, the single disconnecting force is already considerably higher than the aforementioned single insertion force, because the single insertion force has a significantly longer path available to exert the same mechanical tension energy on the lamellae.

[0075] The Fig. 4Figure 1 shows the additional plug contact 100 and the corresponding mating plug contact 200 in a sectional view in the plugged-in state. It is easily recognizable that the locking hooks 207, with their locking surfaces 2071 inclined against the plugging direction, engage behind the retaining surface 107 of the groove 106 (not labeled here). A corresponding individual separating force would therefore have to be applied to disconnect them.

[0076] The Figs. 5a and 5b Figures 6a and 6b show a plugged high-current connector system, comprising the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 in two different sectional views, each with and without a high-current plug contact pair, consisting of the high-current plug contact 121 and the high-current mating contact 221.

[0077] In the Figs. 5a and 5b It is particularly easy to see how the lamellae 209 of the further mating contact 200 completely surround the contact pin 101 of the further plug contact 100 in the area of ​​its groove 106. In the Figs. 6a and 6bIt is easy to see how the locking hooks 207 of the lamellae 209 engage in the groove 106.

[0078] Furthermore, it is clearly evident that the contact chambers 128 are identical in design, regardless of whether a high-current plug contact 121 or another plug contact 100 is inserted into them. Likewise, it is evident that the mating contact chambers 228 are identical in design, regardless of whether a high-current mating plug contact 221 or another mating plug contact 200 is inserted into them. Reference symbol list

[0079] 1 Connector 10 Connector housing 11 Cable exit 12 Connector insert 18 Plug opening 121 High-current plug contacts 122 Contact carrier 123 Connector modules 128 Contact chambers 100 Additional plug contact 101 Plug area, contact pin 106 Groove 107 Retaining surface 108 Retaining area 2 Mating connector 20 Mating connector housing 21 Cable exit 22 Mating connector insert 28 Plug opening 221 High-current mating contacts 222 Mating contact carrier 223 Mating connector modules 228 Mating contact chambers 200 Additional mating contact 201 Plug area, contact socket 206 Slots 207 Locking hook 2071 Locking surface 2072 Sliding ramp 208 Retaining area 209 Lamellae The following is a list of further embodiments of the present invention.

[0080] Embodiment 1 High-current connector system comprising a connector (1) and a mating connector (2) which are both pluggable and separable from each other under a total separation force, wherein the connector (1) has several identical high-current plug contacts (121), and wherein the mating connector (2) has several high-current mating contacts (221) that can be plugged into the high-current plug contacts (121), wherein in the plugged state each of the high-current plug contacts (121) is mechanically and electrically connected to one of the high-current mating contacts (221) to form a high-current plug contact pair for the transmission of electrical energy, characterized by the fact thatThe connector (1) has at least one further plug contact (100) and the mating connector (2) has at least one further mating contact (200), wherein the at least one further plug contact (100) and the at least one further mating contact (200) can be plugged into each other by applying a single insertion force and, in the plugged state, can be separated from each other again by applying a single separation force and are thus jointly configured to generate a predetermined amount of the said total separation force, wherein the said single separation force is at least 1.5 times the said single insertion force. Embodiment 2: High-current connector system according to embodiment 1, characterized in that the further plug contact (100) and the further mating contact (200) are locked together in the plugged state. Embodiment 3: High-current connector system according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in thatthat each high-current connector pair, when mated, is designed to transmit currents of at least 10 A ("amperes"), preferably at least up to 20 A, particularly preferably at least up to 40 A, in particular at least up to 60 A, for example at least up to 80 A, and in particular even at least up to 100 A or more. Embodiment 4: High-current connector system according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the said single disconnect force is at least 75 N ("newtons"), for example at least 85 N, and preferably even 97 N, and in particular even more, e.g., more than 100 N and possibly also 110 N and more, i.e., for example, 120 N and more. Embodiment 5: High-current connector system according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the connector (1) has at least one contact carrier (122),which is made of an electrically insulating material and in which—or in which—a contact chamber (128) is arranged for each of said high-current plug contacts (121) and also for each of said further plug contacts (100), and that furthermore the mating connector (2) has at least one mating contact carrier (222) made of an electrically insulating material, in which—or in which—a mating contact chamber (228) is arranged for each of said high-current mating contacts (221) and also for each of said further mating contacts (200), and that the contact chambers (128) of the connector (1) are uniform with respect to each other, and that furthermore the mating contact chambers (228) of the mating connector (2) are uniform with respect to each other. Embodiment 6 High-current connector system according to embodiment 5, characterized in thatthat the at least one contact carrier (122) has a cable connection side and a plug-in side opposite the cable connection side, and that the contact chambers (128) are designed as through-openings which connect the cable connection side with the plug-in side, and that the at least one mating contact carrier (222) has a mating cable connection side and a mating plug-in side opposite the mating cable connection side, and that the mating contact chambers (228) are also designed as through-openings which connect the mating cable connection side with the mating plug-in side. Embodiment 7 High-current connector system according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that said high-current plug contacts (121) and said further plug contact(s) (100) are each arranged in and held in one of the contact chambers (128) of the connector (1),and that said high-current mating contacts (221) and said further mating contact(s) (200) are each arranged in and held in one of the mating contact chambers (228) of the mating connector (2). Embodiment 8 High-current connector system according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that both the high-current plug contacts (121) and the high-current mating contacts (221) consist of one or more electrically conductive material(s), in particular one or more metal(s), and each have a cable-connection-side cable connection area and a plug-side high-current plug-in area for mutual mechanical and electrically conductive connection, and furthermore, that the further plug contacts (100) and / or the further mating contacts (200) are made of one or more electrically conductive material(s),in particular metal(s) or made of one or more electrically non-conductive material(s), for example plastic(s), and each having a plug-side plugging area (101, 201) for mutual mechanical plugging connection, but no cable-side cable connection area. Embodiment 9: High-current connector system according to embodiment 8, characterized in that the plugging area of ​​the further plug contacts (100) is designed as a contact pin (101) and the plugging area of ​​the further mating plug contacts (200) is designed as a contact socket (201). Embodiment 10: High-current connector system according to embodiment 9, characterized in that the contact socket (201) of the at least one further mating plug contact (200) has several slots (206), whereby lamellae (209) pointing in the plugging direction are formed. Embodiment 11: High-current connector system according to embodiment 10, characterized in thatthat the contact pin (101) of the further plug contact (100) has a circumferential groove (106). Embodiment 12 High-current connector system according to embodiment 11, characterized in that the contact pin (101) points in the plug-in direction and the circumferential groove (106) has a plug-side retaining surface (107) which is oriented substantially perpendicularly, i.e., at an angle of between 80° and 100°, in particular at an angle of between 85° and 95° or between 95° and 105°, and ideally at a right angle of 90° to the plug-in direction. Embodiment 13 High-current connector system according to embodiment 12, characterized in that the lamellae (209) of the further mating plug contact (200) have radially inwardly directed locking hooks (207) at their plug-side ends,which, in the inserted state, engage in the circumferential groove (106) of the further plug contact (100). Embodiment 14 High-current connector system according to embodiment 13, characterized in that the locking hooks (207) each have a sliding chamfer (2072) and a locking surface (2071), wherein the locking surface (2071) is at an angular relationship of between 30° and 90°, preferably between 40° and 50° or between 55° and 65°, particularly preferably between 42.5° and 47.5° or 57.5° and 62.5°, i.e., for example, at an angle of 45° or at an angle of 60° to the insertion direction. Embodiment 15 High-current connector system according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the high-current connector system additionally has a set of various further plug contacts (100) and various further mating contacts (200),which, in combination with one another, generate different individual disconnecting forces and can be selectively inserted into the contact carrier (122) of the connector (1) or the mating contact carrier (222) of the mating connector (2) to generate the specified total disconnecting force. Embodiment 16 Method for adjusting the total disconnecting force of a high-current connector system according to one of embodiments 14 to 15,wherein the setting of the specified total disconnection force is achieved at least by dimensioning the following parameters: number of additional plug contacts (100) / additional mating contacts (200); material of the lamellae (209); thickness of the lamellae (209); length of the lamellae (209); angle of the detent surface (2071) of the detent hook (207) of the lamellae (209) to the insertion direction; angle of the insertion-side retaining surface (107) of the circumferential groove (106) of the contact pin (101) to the insertion direction. Embodiment 17 Method for setting the total disconnection force of a high-current connector system according to embodiment 15, wherein the setting of the specified total disconnection force is achieved by selecting one or more suitable additional plug contacts (100) and one or more suitable additional mating contacts (200) from said set of various additional plug contacts (100) and various additional mating contacts (200).

Claims

1. High-current connector system comprising a connector (1) and a mating connector (2) which are both pluggable and separable from each other under a separating force, wherein the connector (1) has several identical high-current plug contacts (121), and wherein the mating connector (2) has several high-current mating contacts (221) that can be plugged into the high-current plug contacts (121), wherein in the plugged state each of the high-current plug contacts (121) is mechanically and electrically connected to one of the high-current mating contacts (221) to form a high-current plug contact pair for the transmission of electrical energy, characterized by the fact thatthe connector (1) has a further plug contact (100) and the mating connector (2) has a further mating contact (200), wherein the further plug contact (100) and the further mating contact (200) are pluggably connected to each other and mechanically separable from each other in the plugged state and are jointly configured to generate a predetermined amount of the said separation force, wherein the further plug contact (100) and the further mating contact (200) are locked together in the plugged state, wherein both the high-current plug contacts (121) and the high-current mating contacts (221) consist of one or more electrically conductive material(s), in particular one or more metal(s), and each has a cable-connection-side cable connection area and a plug-side high-current plug-in area for mutual mechanical and electrically conductive connection.wherein the further plug contact (100) consists of one or more electrically non-conductive material(s), for example plastic(s) and has a plug-side plugging area (101) in the form of a contact pin (101), but does not have a cable-side cable connection area, wherein the further mating plug contact (200) consists of one or more electrically non-conductive material(s), for example plastic(s) and has a plug-side plugging area (201) in the form of a contact socket (201), but does not have a cable-side cable connection area, wherein the contact pin (101) and the contact socket are designed for mutual mechanical plugging connection, wherein the contact socket (201) has several slots (206) forming plug-in-direction lamellae (209) which have radially inwardly directed locking hooks (207) at their plug-side ends,wherein the contact pin (101) pointing in the insertion direction has a insertion-side retaining surface (107) which is oriented essentially perpendicularly, i.e. at an angle of between 80° and 100°, in particular at an angle of between 85° and 95° or between 95° and 105° and ideally at a right angle of 90° to the insertion direction, wherein the locking hooks (207) engage behind the retaining surface (107) when inserted.

2. High-current connector system according to claim 1, wherein the locking hooks (207) each have a sliding chamfer (2072) and a locking surface (2071), wherein the locking surface (2071) is in an angular relationship of between 30° and 90°, preferably between 40° and 50° or between 55° and 65°, particularly preferably between 42.5° and 47.5° or 57.5° and 62.5°, i.e. for example at an angle of 45° or at an angle of 60° to the insertion direction.

3. High-current connector system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact pin (101) has a groove (106) which has the plug-side retaining surface (107), wherein the locking hooks (207) engage in the circumferential groove (106) when plugged in.

4. High-current connector system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (1) and the mating connector (2) are separable from each other under a total separation force, wherein the further plug contact (100) and the further mating contact can be plugged into each other by applying an individual plugging force and are separable from each other again in the plugged state by applying an individual separation force and are thus jointly arranged to generate a predetermined amount of said total separation force, wherein the individual separation force is at least 1.5 times the individual plugging force.

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