Plug connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plug connector (1) designed for interconnection with a mating plug connector (2) along a plugging direction (z), the plug connector (1) having: a housing (22); a connection device (5) coupled to the housing (22) and designed to connect and / or lock the plug connector (1) and mating plug connector (2), wherein the connection device (5) has: a first engagement element (7); a second engagement element (8); and an intermediate element (9), wherein the first engagement element (7) is rotationally coupled to the housing (22), wherein the intermediate element (9) is designed to transfer a rotational movement of the first engagement element (7) to the second engagement element (8), wherein the first engagement element (7) and the second engagement element (8) are designed to couple to respective mating engagement elements (2a, 2b) of the mating plug connector (2) in order, in the event of a rotational movement of the first engagement element (7) and the second engagement element (8), to effect a relative movement of plug connector (1) and mating plug connector (2) parallel to the plugging direction (z), and wherein the intermediate element (9) is arranged in a displaceable manner on the housing (22) such that a rotational direction of the first engagement element (7) is always opposite a rotational direction of the second engagement element (8).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] connectors

[0004] The present invention relates to a connector. Furthermore, the invention relates to a connector assembly comprising a connector and a mating connector.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Connectors are known, for example, from the automotive sector, for connecting a control unit to a cable. A large number of individual electrical contacts or contact elements can be arranged in a connector. The more contacts there are in a connector, the greater the force required to connect the connector to a mating connector. Therefore, systems are known to simplify the connection process.

[0007] For example, DE 202020 005 530 U1 discloses a locking system for a connector with two interlocking gears, each having a recess or slot with a continuously decreasing distance from the pivot point of the respective gear. If a counter element of a mating connector engages in this recess, the rotation of the gears can cause the connector and mating connector to connect.

[0008] Another system is known from DE 102017 203 909 A1. Here, a connector is locked by a linear displacement. Disclosure of the invention

[0009] The connector according to the invention is designed to be mated with a mating connector along a mating direction, which can, for example, run parallel to a z-axis or z-direction. The connector comprises a housing and a connecting device coupled to the housing, in particular attached to the housing. The connecting device is designed to connect and / or lock the connector and the mating connector.

[0010] The at least one contact element of the plug connector can be electrically contacted with a mating contact element of the mating connector. In this case, the contact element and mating contact element are, for example, plugged together, which requires a predefined amount of force. With a large number of such pairs of contact element and mating contact element, a high level of force is required to plug the plug connector and mating connector together. The connecting device fundamentally makes it easier to plug the plug connector and mating connector together. This can be achieved, for example, by reducing the operating forces when plugging the plug connector and mating connector together (e.g., by using leverage and / or transmission). A locking process can also be made easier, e.g., a locking process at the end of the plug-in path.In particular, the connecting device enables a smooth connection process with less operating force, but with a longer travel. The connecting device is thus particularly designed to support and / or facilitate a connection and / or locking process when connecting a plug and mating plug"—this can be understood by the expression that the connecting device is designed for connection and / or locking.

[0011] The connecting device is provided with at least one first engagement element, at least one second engagement element, and at least one intermediate element. For example, the first engagement element, the second engagement element, and the intermediate element can all be arranged on the same side of the housing. A further connecting arrangement can then be arranged, for example, on an opposite side. For example, the three elements can be arranged in one plane.

[0012] The first engagement element is rotatably coupled to the housing. Preferably, the first engagement element is rotatably arranged on the housing. For example, the first engagement element is mounted on the housing, wherein the mounting enables rotation of the first engagement element relative to the housing. The intermediate element is designed to transmit a rotational movement of the first engagement element to the second engagement element. In this context, “transmitting” means in particular that, as a result of the transmission, the second engagement element also executes a rotational movement. Thus, for example, driving the first engagement element leads to a rotation of the first engagement element relative to the housing, but also to a rotation of the second engagement element relative to the housing via the intermediate element. Thus, the first engagement element and the second engagement element preferably always rotate simultaneously and / or together.The direction of rotation of the first engagement element and the second engagement element is, in particular, always opposite. Preferably, the first engagement element and the second engagement element rotate about mutually parallel and, in particular, spaced-apart axes.

[0013] The first engagement element and the second engagement element are further designed to couple to respective counter-engagement elements of the mating connector. In particular, the first engagement element and the second engagement element are designed to engage in the respective counter-engagement elements or to at least partially encompass them or to surround them in a slotted manner. By coupling the engagement elements to the counter-engagement elements, a rotational movement of the first engagement element and the second engagement element causes a relative movement of the connector and mating connector parallel to the plugging direction. For example, when plugged together, the connector and mating connector move towards each other, and when the plug connection is released, they move away from each other, for example. This relative movement allows the connector and mating connector to be plugged together and released again easily and with little force.In particular, plug connections with a large number of contacts can be plugged together, detached or unplugged with little force. The intermediate element is arranged displaceably on the housing such that a direction of rotation of the first engagement element is always opposite to a direction of rotation of the second engagement element. In particular, the intermediate element is arranged linearly displaceably on the housing, preferably linearly displaceable along or parallel to the plugging direction. The expression that the intermediate element is arranged on the housing is to be understood in particular that the intermediate element is in contact with the housing and is coupled to it, in particular is fastened to it, in particular displaceably fastened.As a result, the intermediate element can be moved in particular relative to the housing of the connector, whereby the intermediate element preferably always remains connected or coupled to the housing during its entire movement.

[0014] The at least one intermediate element can be designed, for example, as a rigid element. In other words, it can be designed to be inherently inflexible. This advantageously allows it to transmit forces particularly well without losses due to bending, etc. The intermediate element can, for example, be a single element. The intermediate element can, for example, be formed in one piece.

[0015] It is particularly preferably provided that the intermediate element is arranged between the first engagement element and the second engagement element (e.g. viewed along a direction transverse to the plug-in direction, e.g. viewed along the x-direction). In particular, the intermediate element can, for example, be arranged completely between the two engagement elements or between the two axes of the two engagement elements. This applies in particular when viewed along an x-direction perpendicular to the plug-in direction or to the z-direction. The “intermediate element” is thus in particular a “transmission element” and is preferably oriented to transmit a movement, in particular a rotation, from the first engagement element to the second engagement element.

[0016] The intermediate element creates a gap between the first engagement element and the second engagement element, creating a smooth mating movement. The intermediate element can be easily adjusted in size to compensate for any gap between the engagement elements. This allows even large connectors with numerous electrical contacts to be reliably mated with a matching mating connector without the risk of, for example, the connector and mating connector becoming jammed.

[0017] Enlarging the first and second engagement elements (or more generally: adjusting them) in order to adjust the distance between the engagement elements, which varies depending on the size of the housing, can thus advantageously be omitted. Such an adjustment could lead to problems with large distances between the rotational axes of the engagement elements, since the engagement elements would either protrude with their radius beyond the housing, in particular beyond a base body and / or a cover element of the housing, in the plug-in direction, or - in the case of an asymmetrical shape - would collide with the base of the mating connector, at least at a larger rotation angle. Furthermore, engagement elements of different sizes would have to be provided for each housing shape and each axis distance, which would entail considerable effort. Alternatively, reducing the distance between the rotational axes could lead to undesirable jamming during the plug-in process.

[0018] By using the intermediate element, it is advantageous to only adapt the width of the intermediate element (e.g. in the x-direction) to the different axial distances (e.g. in the x-direction), while the engagement elements can have the same size for different housing shapes, for example, or at least a size (a diameter) that does not exceed half the height of the housing. This enables cost-effective, modular and optimized production of the connector. Another advantage is that the axes of the engagement elements can be easily arranged at the outer ends of the housing body, for example for different housing lengths (e.g. along the x-direction), which reduces the risk of jamming during the plug-in process between the connector and the mating connector. Another advantage of this type of assembly of the rotation axis(es) on the edge of the housing, for exampleThe length of a lever element that can optionally be connected to one of the engagement elements can also be increased, which improves the force transmission (such a lever element can, for example, be folded onto or over the connector when plugged together, so that it does not take up any space on the side).

[0019] By providing two engagement elements (particularly on each side), the risk of tilting or jamming of the connector on the mating connector during the mating process is advantageously reduced. Furthermore, this advantageously allows for a particularly positive engagement or fixation on several mechanical elements. This can, for example, reduce the forces acting on the individual engagement elements or fixation points in the case of multi-pin connectors.

[0020] Counter-engagement elements act. The counter-rotation of the engagement elements also fundamentally enables a 180° rotation (around the z-axis) of the connector on the mating connector, since the rotation direction of the engagement elements remains unchanged with respect to such a 180° rotation. This also allows the engagement elements to be arranged on the housing rotated by 180°.

[0021] The connector can, for example, have at least one plug-in element, e.g. an electrical contact element or an optical plug-in element or a sensor plug-in element.

[0022] The housing may, for example, have a base body. The at least one plug-in element may, for example, be arranged in the base body.

[0023] The housing can optionally have, for example, a cover element or lid. The cover element or lid can be coupled to the base body, e.g., by clipping. Such a cover element can also be arranged on an optional additional housing part, e.g., an intermediate body, which can be arranged between the base body and the cover element or lid.

[0024] The first engagement element and / or the second engagement element and / or the intermediate element can be arranged, for example, on the base body or on the cover element or on the further housing part. It is also conceivable for the first engagement element, second engagement element, and intermediate element to be arranged on different housing parts. In the context of this application, the term "comprise" is used synonymously with the term "have" unless otherwise stated.

[0025] The subclaims show preferred developments of the invention.

[0026] The connector preferably has an operating element that can be moved from a first position to a second position. The operating element is designed, in particular, to (further) reduce the operating force when connecting the connector and mating connector. For example, the operating element is a slider and / or a lever. In this context, a slider is understood to mean a linearly displaceable element, in particular an exclusively linearly displaceable element (e.g., displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the plugging direction). In this context, a lever is understood to mean a rotatable element, in particular an exclusively rotatable element.

[0027] The first engagement element is operatively connected to the operating element in particular such that a displacement of the operating element from the first position to the second position leads to a rotation of the first engagement element. In other words, such a displacement of the operating element causes a rotation of the first engagement element. In particular, it is provided that a connection process of the plug connector with the mating plug connector begins in the first position and ends in the second position.

[0028] To connect the connector and mating connector, it is therefore advantageous to only operate the operating element manually, for example, by a technician, which leads to simplified and reliable handling of the connector. Another advantage is that, depending on the design of the transmission ratios, the operating force can be further reduced.

[0029] It is understood that the operating element is not an essential feature. For example, the first engagement element (or the second engagement element) can also be coupled to a motor (permanently installed or detachably arranged), whereby when the motor is operated, the coupled engagement element is driven and the plugging or unplugging process is effected. Other configurations are also conceivable. Preferably, the intermediate element is designed as a rack. A rack is advantageously simple and cost-effective to manufacture. Furthermore, a rack can be easily and inexpensively adapted to different distances between the engagement elements. The term "rod" is understood to mean, in particular, a component that extends in a straight line, but it can also be a component that extends along a curved curve.

[0030] The intermediate element, designed purely as an example as a rack, has in particular two parallel toothings, one of which interacts with each of the engagement elements. Thus, it is provided in particular that the intermediate element has a first rectilinear tooth arrangement which engages with (first) drive teeth of the first engagement element. Alternatively or additionally, the intermediate element has a second rectilinear tooth arrangement which engages with (further or second) drive teeth of the second engagement element. Thus, a secure, low-loss and efficient power transmission between the engagement elements and the intermediate element is advantageously achieved by means of a respective toothing. It is provided that the intermediate element in particular does not perform a rotational movement (in contrast, for example, to a (gear) wheel rotating about an axis), but is preferably displaceable linearly or along a defined trajectory.A rotational movement is carried out in particular (exclusively) by the force transmission elements or the engagement elements and / or an operating element.

[0031] A linear tooth arrangement is understood in particular to mean that the teeth extend essentially in a straight line along the intermediate element. The shape of the engagement elements with which the tooth arrangements engage is arbitrary, as long as force transmission between the respective tooth arrangement and the respective engagement element is possible.

[0032] The first engagement element and / or the second engagement element preferably have engagement teeth designed to engage with the respective mating engagement element (of the mating connector). Such a toothing is easy to create by placing the connector and mating connector together. This allows an initial state before mating to be created easily and with little effort, with the engagement elements and mating engagement elements reliably engaging to enable the mating movement to be carried out. Furthermore, this advantageously enables particularly low-friction and efficient force transmission, which advantageously reduces the mating force and / or operating force. Such tooth structures can also be manufactured with particularly reliable production.

[0033] It goes without saying that, in principle, other engagement structures on the engagement element are also conceivable than (engagement) teeth, e.g., links, bolts, pins, grooves, etc.

[0034] The first engagement element and / or the second engagement element have at least one (first and / or further or second) blocking tooth. The (first and / or further or second) blocking tooth is each designed to limit a rotational path of the first engagement element and / or the second engagement element by abutting against the intermediate element and / or the mating connector. This advantageously prevents, in particular, incorrect operation. Furthermore, an installer advantageously receives haptic feedback that the plugging or unplugging process has been completed.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the at least one (first and / or further or second) blocking tooth is designed to hold the intermediate element in a defined position during assembly of the intermediate element between the first engagement element and the second engagement element. This advantageously ensures that the assembly of the intermediate element can always be carried out safely and reliably, without, for example, the intermediate element slipping between the two engagement elements during assembly. For example, the intermediate element can rest on the at least one (first and / or further or second) assembly tooth during assembly and can thus be held in the defined position, in particular at a defined height.

[0036] Preferably, the first engagement element and / or the second engagement element have at least one (first and / or further or second) support tooth. The (first and / or further or second) support tooth is each designed to mechanically couple to a stop structure of the corresponding mating engagement element when the connector is placed on the mating connector, so that further displacement of the connector toward the mating connector along the insertion direction is prevented without rotation of the first engagement element and / or the second engagement element.

[0037] This is particularly the case when the connector rests or sits on the mating connector before the mating process is initiated or when an optionally present operating element is in the first position. The stop structure can preferably be one of the teeth or the only tooth of a counter-engagement element, for example designed as a toothed rack. However, the stop structure can also be a different element separate from the counter-engagement element. The stop structure can, for example, be arranged at a distal end or in an end section of a counter-engagement element, in particular at an end or end section that faces the connector.

[0038] This advantageously prevents any (unintentional) displacement of the connector, and thus no tilting or unintentional initiation of the mating process, particularly without rotating the first engagement element or without actuating the optional operating element toward the second position. By actuating the operating element, however, mating can be achieved by the respective engagement element interacting with the respective counter-engagement element.

[0039] In other words, the support tooth(s) advantageously enables a defined starting position of the connector relative to the mating connector, allowing for a jam-free mating process during the subsequent mating process. When the connector and mating connector are disassembled, the support tooth(s) advantageously support the connector on the mating connector at the end of the disassembly process, allowing the connector to be removed from the mating connector easily and with minimal force.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, the housing - e.g. a base body, a further housing part (e.g. an intermediate body) and / or a cover element or cover - has a guide element. The intermediate element has a counter-guide element which is complementary to the guide element and coupled to the guide element. The intermediate element can preferably be displaced relative to the housing along a defined trajectory by means of the interaction of the guide element and the counter-guide element. The trajectory can be a straight line, for example, although it can also be a differently designed trajectory depending on the design of the engagement elements. This advantageously ensures that the transmission of the rotational movement from the first engagement element to the second engagement element takes place in a well-defined and reproducible manner. Furthermore, large forces orTorques are transmitted safely and reliably via the intermediate element. Furthermore, this advantageously prevents the intermediate element from jamming. Furthermore, this advantageously ensures a particularly low-friction and thus efficient transmission of torque from the first engagement element to the second engagement element. Furthermore, this advantageously ensures that the intermediate element does not disengage from the two engagement elements.

[0041] In a further development, it is provided that the housing preferably has a slot-shaped recess as a guide element, in which a projection is guided as a counter-guide element of the intermediate element. Alternatively or additionally, the housing has a guide rail as a guide element, which engages in a guide groove of the intermediate element as a counter-guide element. The intermediate element is thus arranged displaceably on the housing, wherein the intermediate element is reliably guided on the housing. Furthermore, the said guide elements or counter-guide elements can advantageously be attached easily and cost-effectively in or on the intermediate element or can be attached in or on the housing. A simple and / or non-destructively detachable coupling of the intermediate element and the housing is also advantageously possible using the said elements.

[0042] Particularly preferably, the projection is arranged at a first end of the intermediate element, wherein the guide rail rests against the guide groove or is inserted into it at least at a second end opposite the first end with respect to the plug-in direction. Thus, the intermediate element is reliably mounted on the housing, in particular along its entire dimension in the plug-in direction. This achieves a reliable displacement of the intermediate element relative to the housing (e.g., to a base body, intermediate body and / or cover element or cover), wherein preferably the risk of the intermediate element tilting on the housing is minimized and the frictional forces during the displacement of the intermediate element are particularly low. Furthermore, the housing can advantageously be designed with a particularly thin wall and at the same time be dimensionally stable. This is because the slot-shaped recess in the housing (e.g.,The distance between the intermediate element (in the base body, intermediate body, and / or cover) can be shorter compared to the case where two projections are arranged on the intermediate element. At the same time, the intermediate element can be guided along a long length, for example, using the guide rail, particularly toward the end of the insertion process, during which high forces occur, to prevent it from tilting. The intermediate element can also be designed to be particularly dimensionally stable with a small wall thickness if it does not have a continuous guide groove.

[0043] In principle, it is of course conceivable that the guide groove on the intermediate element is continuous (along the entire height of the intermediate element).

[0044] The housing (e.g. a base body, an intermediate body and / or a cover element or cover) preferably has a first opening and a second opening. The first engagement element and the second engagement element can be rotatably received in the respective openings. It is preferably provided that the first opening and / or the second opening each have a (first and / or further or second) bearing area for supporting the engagement elements. It is also preferably provided that the first opening and / or the second opening have a (first and / or further or second) insertion recess extending up to an edge of the housing (or housing part, e.g. the base body, intermediate body and / or cover), in particular an upper edge or edge facing away from the mating connector, for inserting the engagement elements or the respective engagement element into the (respective) bearing area.

[0045] As a result, the first and / or second engagement element can advantageously be installed or replaced particularly easily and quickly. This advantageously results in cost-effective installation and facilitates repair, thereby increasing the durability of the connector. The first engagement element and the second engagement element each have, in particular, a shaft. The respective shaft is mounted, in particular, in the first opening or second opening. The engagement elements are preferably arranged on an inner side of the housing. The shaft of the engagement elements can, for example, extend through the housing or a wall of the housing from radially outside to radially inside. Individual features of the mentioned features or a combination of them ensure rotatable mounting of the engagement elements and otherwise reliable hold of the engagement elements on the housing.

[0046] The optional operating element is, in particular, a lever element and is preferably arranged radially outside the wall, for example. Thus, the lever element acts on the shaft of the first engagement element, whereby the second engagement element can be driven via the toothing of the first engagement element, the intermediate element, and the second engagement element.

[0047] Preferably, a holding element is also provided. This is a counter element for holding the respective shaft in the opening and for preventing the shaft from slipping out transversely to the plug-in direction (e.g. in a y-direction perpendicular to the x-direction and the z-direction). The holding element can, for example, be formed integrally with the first engagement element and / or with the second engagement element. It can, for example, have a surface area and / or a diameter which is larger than a surface area of ​​the first and / or second opening or than their diameter. This ensures that the shaft remains securely and permanently perpendicular to the plug-in direction. Alternatively, the holding element can be dispensed with, in particular if the wall thickness of the housing is sufficient. Likewise, for example, an overlap oran overlap of the intermediate element with the first and / or second engagement element can be provided in order to prevent or at least make it more difficult for the first and / or second engagement element to become jammed and / or fall out of the opening in the housing. Such an overlap can be realized, for example, by a surface in another plane of the intermediate element that projects beyond the structures coupling with the respective engagement element. The housing (or a housing part such as a base body, an intermediate body and / or a cover element or cover) is advantageously designed in the shape of a frame with a plurality of legs. The legs are alternatively also referred to as walls. It is preferably provided that an arrangement of the first engagement element, second engagement element and intermediate element is attached to opposite legs. For example, four legs or walls can be provided.In such a case, it can be provided, merely by way of example, that the said arrangements are provided on two of the walls and none of the said arrangements are provided on the other two walls. Furthermore, for example, a common bow-shaped operating element can be provided which is operatively connected to all of the first engagement elements. This achieves a symmetrical structure. The engagement elements thus allow reliable mating of the plug connector and mating connector, whereby the risk of tilting during mating is advantageously prevented or reduced. Furthermore, mechanical stress on the individual engagement elements during mating is advantageously minimized.

[0048] In an advantageous embodiment, the first engagement element and the operating element are formed as a single piece. This advantageously enables particularly simple manufacturing. Furthermore, the number of different components is minimized. Furthermore, a reliable force transmission between the operating element and the first engagement element is possible. If multiple first engagement elements are present, all first engagement elements are preferably formed as a single piece with the operating element.

[0049] A further aspect of the invention relates to a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises a connector as described above and a mating connector. The mating connector comprises a mating connector housing with at least one mating contact element connected to at least one contact element of the connector, a first mating engagement element configured to couple to the first engagement element, and a second mating engagement element configured to couple to the second engagement element, or comprises these elements. This advantageously provides a connector assembly that is particularly easy to manufacture and adaptable to different housing sizes.

[0050] Preferably, the first counter-engagement element and the second counter-engagement element are each designed as a toothed rack. In particular, the first counter-engagement element and the second counter-engagement element are designed mirror-symmetrically to one another and / or arranged on the mating connector housing, in particular arranged mirror-symmetrically on the mating connector housing. This achieves reliable interaction with the toothing of the engagement elements of the connector. The connector arrangement can thus be plugged together easily and with little effort, but equally reliably. This is particularly advantageous when a large number of connectors and mating connectors are present, which results in high plug-in forces during plug-in. Another advantageous feature is that the connector can be placed on the mating connector rotated by 180° around the vertical axis (z-axis).Due to the mirror-symmetrical design of the mating engagement elements, the connector can still be plugged together with the mating connector using the connecting device.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that an optional control element, e.g., a lever element, can be arranged or mounted on the housing rotated by 180° without restricting the functionality of the connecting device. This advantageously allows the control element to be mounted in the most convenient direction for operation, depending on the spatial situation.

[0052] Preferably, the first counter-engagement element and the second counter-engagement element are arranged on the same side of the mating connector housing. It may be provided that a further pair of first and second counter-engagement elements is provided on an opposite side of the mating connector housing. In total, for example, at least two pairs of counter-engagement elements may be provided on the mating connector. Brief description of the drawing

[0053] Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing:

[0054] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a connector arrangement,

[0055] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a connector used for

[0056] suitable for use in the connector arrangement shown in Figure 1,

[0057] Figure 3 is a schematic detailed view of a connector,

[0058] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional representation of the view of Figure 3,

[0059] Figure 5a is a schematic view of a connector in a first state during mating with a mating connector of the connector assembly,

[0060] Figure 5b is a schematic view of the connector of Fig. 5a in a second state during mating with a mating connector of the connector assembly,

[0061] Figure 5c is a schematic view of the connector from the

[0062] Figs. 5a and 5b in a third state during mating with a mating connector of the connector assembly,

[0063] Figures 6a to 6d are schematic spatial representations of various individual components of a connector,

[0064] Figure 7 shows a comparison of a connector with an alternative connector, and Figures 8a to 8c each show a comparison of different connector principles with different connector widths.

[0065] Embodiments of the invention

[0066] Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a connector assembly 100. The connector assembly 100 comprises a connector 1 and a mating connector 2. The connector 1 is designed to be mated with the mating connector 2 along a mating direction z. The mating direction z, together with a width direction x and a transverse direction y, forms a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0067] The plug connector 1 has a housing 22. In this exemplary embodiment, the housing 22 has a base body 3 for receiving at least one contact element 4. The mating connector 2 has a mating connector housing 2c with at least one mating contact element 4a, wherein the mating contact element 4a is electrically connected to the at least one contact element 4 of the plug connector 1, in particular when the plug connector 1 and the mating connector 2 are plugged together. The electrical connection of the contact element 4 and the mating contact element 4a is achieved in particular by plugging them into one another. In this process, predefined insertion forces must be overcome. The plug connector 1 has, in particular, a plurality of contact elements 4, which are to be connected to corresponding mating contact elements 4a.The resulting insertion forces then make it difficult to plug together connector 1 and mating connector 2 or make this impossible using normal human forces or can lead to tilting when the insertion force is applied.

[0068] The connector 1 therefore has a connecting device 5 coupled to the housing 22, here, for example, to the base body 3 of the housing 22, and in particular attached to the base body 3. The connecting device 5 is designed to connect and / or lock the connector 1 and the mating connector 2. This is to be understood in particular that the connecting device 5 facilitates, enables, or simplifies the mating and / or locking of the connector 1 and the mating connector 2.

[0069] In addition, the connector 1 or the housing 22 here has, for example, an optional cover element 17 or cover that covers the contact elements 4 and electrical lines. In this exemplary embodiment, this cover element 17 or cover is designed to enable a defined cable outlet (here to the left), whereby it can also be arranged offset by 180° on the base body 3 in order to enable a cable outlet in the other direction. It can, for example, be clipped or otherwise arranged or fastened to the base body 3. The cover or cover element 17 can further provide a latching structure for an operating element 6, provided here as an example, in its end position. The cover or cover element 17 is not shown further in the following figures for reasons of clarity.

[0070] It is understood that the connecting device 5 or individual components thereof can also be arranged on the cover or cover element 17 or coupled thereto in other embodiments or with further housing parts (e.g. an intermediate body not shown here).

[0071] Figure 2 schematically shows a side view of the connector 1. The base body 3 of the connector 1 is frame-shaped with a plurality of legs 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d or walls or walls (side walls). On opposite legs 16a, 16b, which here extend, for example, along the width direction x, an arrangement of a first engagement element 7, a second engagement element 8, and an intermediate element 9 is attached. In this exemplary embodiment, an optional common operating element 6, which is merely exemplary in the form of a bow, is provided, which is operatively connected to all of the first engagement elements 7. The first engagement element 7, the second engagement element 8 and the intermediate element 9 form the connecting device 5. The legs 16a, 16b along the width direction x are connected by transverse legs 16c, 16d which extend along the transverse direction y.In this way, the frame-shaped base body 3 is formed with a quadrangular contour. The structure of the connecting device 5 is described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4. These figures show a leg 16a of the base body 3 from a view from inside the plug-in connector 1, i.e., from a position where the contact elements 4 are provided. The first engagement element 7 is here merely rotatably coupled to the base body 3 of the housing 22, by way of example, in that it is arranged or mounted rotatably on the base body 3. The intermediate element 9 is designed to transmit a rotational movement of the first engagement element 7 to the second engagement element 8. The intermediate element 9 is arranged, here for example: linearly, displaceably on the base body 3. In particular, the intermediate element 9 does not perform any rotational movement.A rotational direction of the first engagement element 7 is always converted into an opposite rotational direction of the second engagement element 8 by means of the intermediate element 9. If, for example, the first engagement element 7 rotates clockwise, the second engagement element 8 rotates counterclockwise (when viewed in the same direction).

[0072] In particular, the intermediate element 9 is designed here, for example, as a toothed rack. It has - purely by way of example - a first, here by way of example, rectilinear, tooth arrangement 9a, which engages or meshes with (first) drive teeth 7a of the first engagement element 7. In addition, the intermediate element 9 also has, by way of example, a second, here also by way of example, rectilinear, tooth arrangement 9b, which engages or meshes with (second or further) drive teeth 8a of the second engagement element 8. If the first engagement element 8 rotates, the interaction of the (first) drive teeth 7a of the first engagement element 7 and the first tooth arrangement 9a displaces the intermediate element 9 linearly, whereby the interaction of the second tooth arrangement 9b and (second or further) drive teeth 8b of the second engagement element 8 leads to a rotation of the second engagement element 8.This ensures that the first engagement element 7 and the second engagement element 8 always rotate in opposite directions, particularly since the intermediate element 9 does not rotate about an axis but is displaced along a trajectory (at least the displacement component outweighs the rotational component).

[0073] The first engagement element 7 and the second engagement element 8 also each have, by way of example, (first and second) engagement teeth 7b, 8b, at least one (first and second) blocking tooth 7c, 8c, and at least one (first and second) support tooth 7d, 8d. The functionality of these teeth is described below. It is understood that not all of these tooth types need to be present simultaneously on the first and / or second engagement element 7, 8.

[0074] The operation of the connector 1 is described below with reference to Figures 5a, 5b and 5c.

[0075] The operating element 6 provided here as an example can be moved from a first position P1 shown in Figure 5a to a second position P2 shown in Figure 5c. Figure 5b shows an intermediate position during the movement of the operating element 6. It is provided here as an example that the operating element 6 is designed to reduce the operating force when connecting the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 2. It is designed here merely as an example as a rotatable lever element. In other embodiments, it can alternatively or additionally be designed as a (e.g., linearly) displaceable slide element.

[0076] The first engagement element 7 and the second engagement element 8 are designed to couple with respective (first and second) counter-engagement elements 2a, 2b of the mating connector 2. The mating connector 2 has a first counter-engagement element 2a, which is designed to couple with the first engagement element 7. In addition, the mating connector 2 has a second counter-engagement element 2b, which is designed to couple with the second engagement element 8, in particular to engage therein, in order to bring about a relative movement of the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 parallel to the plugging direction z upon a rotational movement of the first engagement element 7 and the second engagement element 8.

[0077] The (first and second) engagement teeth 7b, 8b of the first engagement element 7 and the second engagement element 8 are designed here, for example, for engagement with the respective (first and second) counter-engagement elements 2a, 2b. In this way, a rotational movement of the first engagement element 7 and the second engagement element 8 results in a relative movement of the connector 1 and the mating connector 2, particularly uniform on both sides, particularly parallel to the insertion direction z. It is understood that other coupling elements can also be provided, e.g., cam-pin structures or the like.

[0078] The first engagement element 7 is here, for example, formed in one piece or integrally with the operating element 6. The operating element 6 and the first engagement element 7 are operatively connected in such a way that a displacement of the operating element 6 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 leads to a rotation of the first engagement element 7. A connection process of the plug connector 1 with the mating connector 2 begins here, for example, in the first position P1. It ends here, for example, in the second position P2. The first engagement element 7 and the second engagement element 8 are also limited in their rotation path or in their rotation angle range by the respective at least one (first or second) blocking tooth 7c, 8c by bearing against the intermediate element 9 and / or the mating connector 2. Furthermore, the correct assembly of the intermediate element 9 can be ensured by the respective (first or second) blocking tooth 7c, 8c.second) blocking tooth 7c, 8c can be ensured simply and reliably. In a position of the operating element 6 that is even more horizontal than shown in Fig. 5a, the intermediate element 9 can be mounted, e.g., inserted, between the two engagement elements 7, 8. The respective blocking tooth 7c, 8c prevents the intermediate element 9 from slipping downward. The intermediate element 9 rests on the respective (first or second) blocking tooth 7c, 8c.

[0079] The at least one (first or second) support tooth 7d, 8d of the first engagement element 7 and the second engagement element 8, respectively, is designed to mechanically couple to a stop structure 23 of the corresponding mating engagement element 2a, 2b when the connector 1 is placed onto the mating connector 2, as shown in Fig. 5a. In this way, further displacement of the connector 1 toward the mating connector 2 along the insertion direction z is prevented without rotation of the first engagement element 7 and / or the second engagement element 8.

[0080] Starting from the initial situation according to Fig. 5a, the operating element 6 can be actuated, whereby the first engagement element 7 and the second engagement element 8 are rotated. The (first and second) engagement teeth 7b, 8b and the (first and second) counter-engagement elements 2a, 2b cause a relative movement of the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 along the - TI -

[0081] Plugging direction z. This results in plugging together of connector 1 and mating connector 2, as shown in Figs. 5b and 5c. It is understood that if the engagement elements 7, 8 are rotated in the opposite direction, plugging apart of connector 1 and mating connector 2 occurs.

[0082] Figures 6a to 6d show perspective views of individual components of the connector 1. Figure 6a shows a leg 16a or a side wall of the base body 3 in a view of its outer side (in principle, this side could also be an inner side). The base body 3 has a first opening 14 and a second opening 15. The first engagement element 7 can be rotatably received in the first opening 14. The second engagement element 8 can be rotatably received in the second opening 15.

[0083] It is understood that in the case of a different cable outlet and / or a mounting of the connector 1 on the mating connector 2 rotated by 180° (with respect to the z-axis), the first engagement element 7 can also be mounted in the second opening 15 and the second engagement element 8 in the first opening 14.

[0084] The first opening 14, for example, has a first bearing area 14a for supporting the first engagement element 7. The second opening 15 has a second bearing area 15a for supporting the second engagement element 8. This enables simple and cost-effective storage of the engagement elements 7, 8.

[0085] The first opening 14 and the second opening 15 each comprise, for example, a (first or second) insertion recess 14b, 15b extending up to an upper edge 3a of the base body 3 in Fig. 6a, or have these, for inserting the engagement elements 7, 8 into the bearing area 14a, 15a. The (first or second) insertion recess 14b, 15b can, for example, be slot-shaped in the leg 16a or the side wall. In particular, it can have a smaller width than the associated opening. Thus, the first engagement element 7 and the second engagement element 8 can be easily and reliably attached to the base body 3 and also removed again. At the same time, an unintentional falling out of the engagement elements is made more difficult. Figure 6b shows a schematic view of the intermediate element 9. The mounting of the intermediate element 9 on the base body 3 is also shown in Fig. 6a. The base body 3 (orHere, for example, the leg 16a) has a guide element 10, 12, wherein the intermediate element 9 has a counter-guide element 11, 13 complementary to the guide element 10, 12, which is coupled or can be coupled to the guide element 10, 12. The intermediate element 9 can be displaced relative to the base body 3 along a defined trajectory T by means of the interaction of the guide element 10, 12 and the counter-guide element 11, 13.

[0086] The base body 3 here has, for example, as a guide element 10, 12, a slot-shaped recess 10 in which a projection 11 is guided or can be guided or moved as a counter-guide element of the intermediate element 9. In addition, the base body 3 has (in Fig. 6a, for example, further down, i.e. below the slot-shaped recess 10) as a guide element 10, 12, a guide rail 12 (here for example with a T-shaped cross-section or profile), which engages in a guide groove 13 of the intermediate element 9 as a counter-guide element 11, 13. The guide groove 13 here has, for example, a profile that is complementary to the profile of the guide rail 12. The projection 11 is arranged at a first end 9c of the intermediate element 9. The guide rail 12 rests against the guide groove 13 at least at a second end 9d opposite the plug-in direction z; it can be moved during the plug-in process orthe displacement of the intermediate element also interacts with the guide groove 13 over a larger area. As a result of these measures, the intermediate element 9 is reliably mounted on the base body 3 and can be displaced linearly. By guiding the intermediate element 9, tilting or jamming of the intermediate element 9 during displacement is prevented or at least made more difficult. The design with a projection 11 at the first end and a guide groove 13 in the further course enables reliable guidance of the intermediate element 9 along the entire path and also makes it possible to keep the wall thickness of the intermediate element 9 low while maintaining high dimensional stability. This is because the guide groove 13 does not run along the entire height of the intermediate element 9. It is understood that other designs (e.g., with a continuous guide groove 13 or with two or more projections 11) are also conceivable. Figure 6c shows a schematic of the second engagement element 8.It can be seen that, viewed in the y-direction, it has, for example, two or even three levels.

[0087] In a first plane (facing the viewer) the different tooth types 8a, 8b, 8c are arranged as examples.

[0088] In a second plane (shown here only in dashed lines), a shaft 8e is formed, which can be mounted in the second opening 15. This shaft 8e can be inserted through the insertion recess 15b by means of its slender part 8f and, after assembly, rotates with its exemplary rounded ends in the (second) opening 15. The second engagement element 8 is mounted or can be mounted in the (second) opening 15 by means of the shaft 8e.

[0089] A counterstructure 8g is formed in a third plane. This counterstructure 8g is formed by an oval or circular structure or plane, which covers the shaft 8e or, in the assembled state, (at least partially) covers the edge of the (second) opening 15 or has a larger diameter than the latter. This prevents the second engagement element 8 from falling out of the (second) opening along its rotational axis or from being removed (here, along the y-direction).

[0090] It is understood that the first engagement element 7 can be configured analogously or substantially identically or substantially mirror-inverted to the second engagement element 8. A difference can be an operating element 6 arranged on the first engagement element 7 or integrally connected thereto, or an engagement structure, for example, for the (removable) attachment of a motor or the like. The operating element 6 or the engagement structure can assume the function of the counterstructure 8g.

[0091] Figure 6d shows the first engagement element 7, which is here, by way of example, formed integrally with the actuating element 6. In both cases (first engagement element 7 here and second engagement element 8 in Fig. 6c), it is shown by way of example that two drive teeth 7a, 8a, one engagement tooth 7b, 8b, one blocking tooth 7c, 8c and one support tooth 7d, 8d are present.

[0092] In addition, a shaft 7e, 8e is provided in both cases. The actuating element 6 is U-shaped here and has a first engagement element 7 on each of its two long legs. The two first engagement elements 7 are of identical design. This also allows the actuating element 6 to be mounted rotated by 180° on the connector 1 or its housing 22.

[0093] Figure 7 schematically shows an advantage of the design of the connector 1 as described above. In addition to the schematic representation of the connector 1, a comparison connector 1' with only a single comparison engagement element 18 is also shown. The comparison connector 1' can be mated with a comparison mating connector 2'. The comparison mating connector 2' has a first comparison mating engagement element 2a' and a second

[0094] Comparison counter-engagement element 2b', wherein the comparison engagement element 18 can interact with one of the two comparison counter-engagement elements 2a', 2b'.

[0095] With increasing dimensions (and / or increasing number of pins on plug-in elements) of the connector 1 in the width direction x, on the one hand, the force required for mating can increase, which leads to a very high material load on the comparison engagement element 18 and the corresponding comparison counter-engagement element 2a', 2b'. On the other hand, with only one engagement element 7, 8, 18 (per leg) that interacts with only one counter-engagement element 2a, 2b 2a', 2b', there is a risk of the connector 1 becoming jammed on the mating connector 2. This is because the overhangs of the base body 3 over the rotation axis of the comparison engagement element 18 (in Fig. 7 to the left and right of the comparison engagement element 18) become increasingly larger with increasing width of the comparison connector 1'.The connecting device 5 as described above enables, on the one hand, the use of both the first counter-engagement element 2a and the second counter-engagement element 2b for plugging together the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 2. For this purpose, a large distance b can also be selected between the counter-engagement elements 2a, 2b, e.g., the distance can be selected to be greater than half the width of the housing 22, here, for example, the base body 3. Alternatively or additionally, the counter-engagement elements 2a, 2b can each be arranged in edge regions of the mating plug connector 2 (e.g., relative to the base body 3 or the housing 22), e.g., in opposite outermost thirds or outermost quarters relative to the base body 3. Such a spreading or the enlargement of the distance b reduces the risk of tilting during the plugging process.The distribution of the forces during the plugging process over several counter-engaging elements 2a, 2b reduces the forces acting on individual elements and thus reduces the risk of damage during the plugging or unplugging process.

[0096] In other words, a more uniform force transmission between the connector 1 and the mating connector 2 can occur, particularly in the outer regions of the connector 1 with respect to the width direction x. This, in turn, reduces the risk of the connector 1 becoming jammed during mating.

[0097] A large distance b or a distance b that is variable depending on the connector size or connector width is possible in particular by the intermediate element 9 of the connecting device 5, without the size or shape of the first and / or second engagement element 7, 8 having to be adjusted. Due to its design as a linearly displaceable component in the form of a rack (of course, for example, also conceivable are guides in which a pin or bolt of the respective engagement element is guided, or other coupling structures), the intermediate element 9 can set almost any distance between the first engagement element 7 and the second engagement element 8, whereby almost any distance b between the first counter-engagement element 2a and the second counter-engagement element 2b can be achieved.Furthermore, more than one guide element 10, 12 can be provided on the base body 3 (generally: on the housing 22) and more than one counter-guide element 11, 13 on the intermediate element 9. The number of guide elements 10, 12 and counter-guide elements 11, 13 can be selected, for example, depending on the distance b.

[0098] The first counter-engagement element 2a and the second counter-engagement element 2b of the mating connector 2 are each designed here as a toothed rack, for example (other counter-engagement elements are also conceivable, e.g., link structures, pin structures, etc.). The first counter-engagement element 2a and the second counter-engagement element 2b are designed here, for example, to be mirror-symmetrical to one another and / or arranged on the mating connector housing 2c, in particular arranged mirror-symmetrically. In the connector arrangement 100 of Fig. 7, the connector 1 can therefore in principle be mounted rotated by 180° (about the z-axis) on the mating connector 2. In the same way, the first and second engagement elements 7, 8 could be mounted in reverse (rotated by 180°), ie: the first engagement element 7 (here: with operating element 6) could be mounted in the second opening 15 (see Figs.6a, 6c, 6d) and the second engagement element 8 could be mounted in the first opening 14 (see Figs. 6a, 6c, 6d). This allows the connector 1 to be flexibly adapted to different situations with little effort and using the usual parts, depending on the installation space situation and / or cable outlet direction (the optional cover element 17 or the cover can also be mounted by 180° around the z-axis, e.g., on the base body 3). A design that is not one-piece or integral with the operating element 6 and the first engagement element 7, but rather a design that can be coupled, further increases flexibility. For example, the operating element 6 can be arranged or mounted on the first engagement element 7 rotated by 180° around the z-axis. Optionally, the operating element 6 can also be coupled to the second engagement element 8, which further increases flexibility.

[0099] Overall, a very flexible connector 1 or a very flexibly adaptable connector arrangement 100 can be provided.

[0100] Figures 8a to 8c show a further advantage of using the intermediate element 9 as described above by comparing different approaches. Figure 8a shows the case where a small comparison distance b' (left side of Fig. 8a) between the first comparison counter-engagement element 2a' and the second comparison counter-engagement element 2b' is to become the distance b shown above between the counter-engagement element 2a and the second counter-engagement element 2b, when no intermediate element 9 is present. In this case, the first alternative engagement elements 19' would have to have an elongated or oval shape compared to the first alternative comparison engagement elements 19 in order to continue to be in direct engagement with the first and second counter-engagement elements 2a, 2b. As the distance b increases, this makes rotation more difficult or at least makes it impossible for the angle of rotation required for mating.Alternatively, the diameter of approximately round alternative comparison engagement elements 19 could be increased (not shown here). However, starting from a distance b that exceeds the height of the base body 3 or the housing 22, there is then a risk that the alternative comparison engagement elements 19 will protrude beyond the base body 3 (or the housing 22) in the insertion direction z, causing interference. Furthermore, different comparison engagement elements 19' would have to be manufactured for each distance b, which would result in higher costs.

[0101] Figure 8b shows the case of an intermediate gear 21 or comparison intermediate gear 2T. Since the directions of rotation of second alternative engagement elements 20 are the same, the same arrangement of the counter-engagement elements 2a, 2b cannot be used, which is why the distance b or the comparison distance b' is only indicated schematically. The problem here is that with increasing distance b, the diameter of the intermediate gear 21 must increase compared to the comparison intermediate gear 21' in order to bridge the increased distance between the first engagement element 7 and the second engagement element 8. This would lead to an unnecessary and not always feasible enlargement of the connector 1 (especially the height of the base body 3 or the housing 22 in the z-direction) in order to enable the free rotation of the comparison intermediate gear 21.

[0102] Figure 8c, on the other hand, shows the use of the intermediate element 9 as previously described. Due to its design as a, in particular linearly, displaceable element, the intermediate element 9 can bridge almost any distance between the first engagement element 7 and the second engagement element 8. For this purpose, the intermediate element 9 only needs to be extended along the direction of the distance b (here in the x-direction) compared to the comparison intermediate element 9'. This makes it possible to achieve a greater distance b than the comparison distance b', with the first engagement element 7 and the second engagement element 8 remaining unchanged. The use of the intermediate element 9 is therefore advantageous for use with enlarged connectors 1. The height of the base body 3 (generally: the housing 22 or one of its parts, e.g. the cover element 17) can remain the same regardless of the distance b.The direction of rotation of the engagement elements 7, 8 remains opposite to each other (without using multiple intermediate gears), a 180° rotated placement of the connector 1 onto the mating connector 2 is made possible, tilting is prevented and the mating forces are transmitted to multiple engagement elements 7, 8 and counter-engagement elements 2a, 2b, which reduces their individual load.

Claims

Claims 1. Connector (1) designed to be plugged together with a mating connector (2) along a plugging direction (z), the connector (1) comprising -- a housing (22), -- a connecting device (5) coupled to the housing (22), in particular attached to the housing (22), designed to connect and / or lock the plug connector (1) and the mating plug connector (2), -- wherein the connecting device (5) comprises: — - a first engagement element (7), — - a second engagement element (8) and — - an intermediate element (9), -- wherein the first engagement element (7) is rotatably coupled to the housing (22), in particular is rotatably arranged on the housing (22), -- wherein the intermediate element (9) is designed to transmit a rotational movement of the first engagement element (7) to the second engagement element (8), -- wherein the first engagement element (7) and the second engagement element (8) are designed to couple with respective counter-engagement elements (2a, 2b) of the mating connector (2), in particular to engage in these, in order to effect a relative movement of the plug connector (1) and the mating connector (2) parallel to the plug-in direction (z) during a rotational movement of the first engagement element (7) and the second engagement element (8), and -- wherein the intermediate element (9) is arranged, in particular linearly, displaceably on the housing (22), so that a direction of rotation of the first engagement element (7) is always opposite to a direction of rotation of the second engagement element (8).

2. Connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connector (1) has an operating element (6) which can be moved from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2), which in particular is used for Reduction of the operating force when connecting the plug connector (1) and the mating plug connector (2), wherein the first engagement element (7) is operatively connected to the operating element (6) in such a way that a displacement of the operating element (6) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) leads to a rotation of the first engagement element (7), wherein in particular a connection process of the plug connector (1) with the mating plug connector (2) begins in the first position (P1) and is ended in the second position (P2).

3. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate element (9) is designed as a rack.

4. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate element (9) has a first rectilinear tooth arrangement (9a) which engages with drive teeth (7a) of the first engagement element (7) and / or a second rectilinear tooth arrangement (9b) which engages with drive teeth (8a) of the second engagement element (8).

5. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first engagement element (7) and / or the second engagement element (8) have engagement teeth (7b, 8b) which are designed to engage with the respective counter-engagement element (2a, 2b).

6. Plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first engagement element (7) and / or the second engagement element (8) have at least one blocking tooth (7c, 8c) which is designed to limit a rotational path of the first engagement element (7) and / or second engagement element (8) by bearing against the intermediate element (9) and / or against the mating connector (2) and / or which is designed to hold the intermediate element (9) in a defined position during assembly of the intermediate element (9) between the first engagement element (8) and the second engagement element (9).

7. Plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first engagement element (7) and / or the second engagement element (8) have at least one support tooth (7d, 8d) which is designed to mechanically couple to a stop structure (23) of the corresponding counter-engagement element (2a, 2b) when the plug connector (1) is placed on the mating plug connector (2), so that further displacement of the plug connector (1) towards the mating plug connector (2) along the insertion direction (z) is prevented without rotation of the first engagement element (7) and / or the second engagement element (8).

8. Plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (22) has a guide element (10, 12), wherein the intermediate element (9) has a counter-guide element (11, 13) complementary to the guide element (10, 12) and coupled to the guide element (10, 12), wherein in particular the intermediate element (9) is displaceable relative to the housing (22) along a defined trajectory (T) by means of the interaction of the guide element (10, 12) and the counter-guide element (11, 13).

9. Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the housing (22) has a slot-shaped recess (10) as a guide element, in which a projection (11) is guided as a counter-guide element of the intermediate element (9), and / or wherein the housing (22) has a guide rail (12) as a guide element, which engages in a guide groove (13) of the intermediate element (9) as a counter-guide element.

10. Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the projection (11) is arranged at a first end (9c) of the intermediate element (9), wherein the guide rail (12) is arranged at least at one end with respect to the In the plugging direction (z), the second end (9d) opposite the first end (9c) rests against the guide groove (13).

11. Plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (22) has a first opening (14) and a second opening (15) in which the first engagement element (7) and the second engagement element (8) can be rotatably received, wherein the first opening (14) and / or the second opening (15) in particular each have a bearing area (14a, 15a) for supporting the engagement elements (7, 8) and an insertion recess (14b, 15b) extending up to a, in particular upper, edge (3a) of the housing (22) for inserting the engagement elements (7, 8) into the bearing area (14a, 15a).

12. Plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (22) is frame-shaped with a plurality of legs (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d), wherein an arrangement of first engagement element (7), second engagement element (8) and intermediate element (9) is attached to opposite legs (16a, 16b), wherein in particular a common bow-shaped operating element (6) is provided which is operatively connected to all first engagement elements (7).

13. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first engagement element (7) and the operating element (6) are formed in one piece.

14. Connector assembly (100), the connector assembly (100) comprising: -- a plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, -- a mating plug connector (2), the mating plug connector (2) comprising - - a mating plug connector housing (2c) with at least one mating contact element (4a) which is connected to the at least one contact element (4) of the plug connector (1); — - a first counter-engagement element (2a) adapted to couple to the first engagement element (7); — - a second counter-engagement element (2b) adapted to couple to the second engagement element (8).

15. Connector arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein the first counter-engagement element (2a) and the second counter-engagement element (2b) are each designed as a toothed rack, wherein in particular the first counter-engagement element (2a) and the second counter-engagement element (2b) are designed mirror-symmetrically to one another and / or are arranged on the mating connector housing (2c).

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