Coupling for two plug connectors

Abstract

The present invention relates to a coupling (1) adapted to receive two plug connectors (100, 200) facing each other and connected in direct electrical contact with each other, each plug connector having at least one mounting means (110, 210) for mounting to a corresponding plug connector. The coupling (1) comprises a sleeve-like casing (2) extending along an axis (A) with a first end (3) and a second end (4) opposite the first end, an inner chamber (5), the first end (3) being provided with a first opening (6) for inserting a first plug connector (100) with the first mounting means (110), the second end (4) being provided with a second opening (7) for inserting a second plug connector (200) with the second mounting means (210), the first end (3) being provided with a first coupling mounting means (8) for inserting a second plug connector (200) with the second mounting means (210), the first end (3) being provided with a first coupling mounting means (9) for inserting a second plug connector (200) with the second mounting means (220), the second end (4) being provided with a first coupling mounting means (10) for inserting a second plug connector (200) with the second mounting means (230), the first end (3) being provided with a first coupling mounting means (110), the second end (4) being provided with a second opening (7) for inserting a second plug connector (200) with the second mounting means (210), the first end (3) being provided with a first coupling mounting means (120), the second end (4) being provided with a second opening (7) for inserting a second plug connector (200) with the second mounting means (220), the second end (4) being provided with a first coupling mounting means (130), the first coupling mounting means (140), the second end (4) being provided with a second opening (7) for inserting a second plug connector (200) with the second mounting means (230), the second end (4) being provided with a first coupling mounting means (150), the second end (4) being A first coupling mounting means is arranged at the second end (4), the first coupling mounting means being configured to cooperate with the first mounting means (110) of the first plug connector (100) such that the first plug connector (100) can be connected to the coupling (1) in a loss-preventing manner, and a second coupling mounting means (9) is arranged at the second end (4), the second coupling mounting means being configured to cooperate with the second mounting means (210) of the second plug connector (200) such that the second plug connector (200) can be connected to the coupling (1) in a loss-preventing manner.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupling adapted to receive two plug connectors facing each other and in direct electrical contact with each other, each plug connector having at least one mounting means for mounting to a corresponding plug connector. The present invention further relates to such a coupling and to a plug connector assembly comprising a first plug connector and a second plug connector.

[0002] Background technology Wire harnesses for motor vehicles are known from the prior art. These can have a plug connector or wire harness plug at one end, which has a housing with contact chambers in which contact elements are arranged. Some or all of these contact elements can be designed as female contact elements, for example as socket contact elements. The plug connector can be connected to a counter plug connector, for example to an interface of a control device. The counter plug connector has counter contact elements which are designed complementarily to the contact elements of the plug connector. If female contact elements are provided on the plug connector side, male contact elements, for example contact blades or contact pins, are provided on the counter plug connector side.

[0003] A wire harness plug or plug connector of this type is known from DE 10 2004 030 991 A1.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known from the prior art that plug connectors often also have at least one mounting means for the purpose of preventing loss and mechanically connecting them to a complementary counter-plug connector. This is important, for example, in plug connectors in motor vehicles in order to ensure that the electrical connection is not unintentionally disconnected. Furthermore, from the prior art, plug connectors are known which have a large number of contact elements (for example more than 5 contact elements, or more than 10 contact elements, or more than 50 contact elements). In order to ensure that the actuation forces of the installer are low when connecting the plug connector to the counter-plug connector even with a large number of contact elements, a conversion mechanism, for example in the form of a lever element and / or a sliding element, can be provided. These elements have mounting means, for example in the form of a sliding guideway or a gear wheel. In this case, these mounting means cooperate during the connection with corresponding counter-plug connector mounting means, for example in the form of a bolt, pin or lug, or in the form of a rack. In this way, for example by suitable lever and / or slider guideway design, the plug connector can be connected with reduced operating forces to a counter plug connector, for example to a multi-point connector of a control device, and at the same time, the fastening means can, in its end position, produce a loss-proof connection between the plug connector and the counter plug connector.

[0005] The plug connector known from DE 10 2013 212 914 A1 has an attachment means in the form of a lever element with a single-toothed gear wheel which meshes with a counter-connector attachment means in the form of a rack. In the final connected state, the plug connector and the counter-connector are connected to one another in a loss-proof manner by cooperation of the attachment means and the counter-connector attachment means.

[0006] The plug connector known from DE 195 11 225 A1 has mounting means in the form of a sliding element with a number of sliding guideways which cooperate with pins or bolts or projections as mounting means of the counter-plug connector, in the final connected state the plug connector and the counter-plug connector are connected to one another in a loss-proof manner by cooperation of the mounting means and the counter-plug connector mounting means.

[0007] The plug connector known from DE 10 2005 047 349 A1 has a lever element as mounting means which has two slider guide tracks which cooperate with pins as mounting means of a corresponding plug connector.

[0008] A plug connector known from German Utility Model DE 297 02 999 C1 has as mounting means a sliding element with a rack and a toothed wheel, the rack meshing with a toothed wheel which, on the side opposite the rack, meshes with another rack which serves as a counter-connector mounting means, wherein female contact elements of the plug connector are inserted into male contact elements of the counter-connector during connection.

[0009] Disclosure of the Invention The invention starts from the realization that situations may exist in which a plug connector or a wire harness plug is to be connected to a counter plug connector having at least one female contact element, whereby in this case the female contact element of the plug connector is to be abutted against the female contact element of the counter plug connector. Such a situation may arise, for example, when two identical wire harness plugs are to be connected to one another, for example, to extend a wire harness section. Another example of use may be a counter interface that is reconfigured from a male contact element to a female contact element. Electrical contacting is not easily possible in such cases. In this case, it is necessary to provide the plug connector with a male contact element (or at least one male contact element) that can be connected to a corresponding female contact element of the counter plug connector and thus is electrically contacted.

[0010] Plug connectors of this type, which must be provided with male contact elements, are required in relatively small numbers, for example in motor vehicles, since most control devices and other components usually have a multi-point connector with male contact elements as the electrical interface or provide for only one male contact element for the contact connection.

[0011] The production of a counter plug connector casing with complementary contact elements (i.e. usually male contact elements) for a plug connector (e.g. for the purpose of the above-mentioned wire extension) has proven to be costly, since specially manufactured tools are required to produce such counter plug connector casings, which are only required in small numbers, with corresponding counter plug connector mounting means which allow a loss-proof connection of the plug connector with such a counter plug connector casing.

[0012] There may therefore be a need to provide an inexpensive possibility for mechanically connecting two such plug connectors to one another, which are not directly mechanically connectable to one another. Furthermore, there may be a need to provide one of two such plug connectors in a simple form for mechanical connection as a kind of counter plug connector, for example as an end of an extension line connected to the other plug connector. There may therefore be a need to connect two such plug connectors, which are inexpensively made and cannot be easily connected to one another, reliably and electrically and mechanically, in particular in a loss-proof manner. Furthermore, there may also be a need to form a direct electrical connection between the two plug connectors without electrical intermediate lines, in order to save construction space and to avoid multiple contact transitions as much as possible, since multiple contact transitions each have a contact resistance and a risk of contact breakage. In other words, it is desirable not to use adapter intermediate parts which are longer in longitudinal extension and which, if necessary, have further lines inside them.

[0013] Advantages of the invention This requirement can be covered by the subject matter of the invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, a coupling is proposed.

[0015] The coupling is adapted to receive two plug connectors facing each other and in direct electrical contact with each other, each plug connector having at least one mounting means for mounting to a corresponding plug connector. The coupling has a casing extending along an axial direction. The casing has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The coupling further has an internal chamber. The internal chamber may be, for example, an internal chamber of the casing. The first end of the casing is provided with a first opening for inserting the first plug connector, the first plug connector having the first mounting means. The first opening may be formed for inserting the first plug connector. The second end of the casing is provided with a second opening for inserting the second plug connector, the second plug connector having the second mounting means. The second opening may be formed for inserting the second plug connector. The first coupling mounting means is arranged at the first end. The first coupling attachment means is configured to cooperate with the first attachment means of the first plug connector such that the first plug connector is connectable or connected in a loss-preventing manner to the coupling when the first plug connector is inserted into or connected to the coupling at a predetermined position. A second coupling attachment means is disposed at the second end. The second coupling attachment means is configured to cooperate with the second attachment means of the second plug connector such that the second plug connector is connectable or connected in a loss-preventing manner to the coupling when the second plug connector is inserted into or connected to the coupling at a predetermined position.

[0016] This advantageously provides a very simple and inexpensive device with which two plug connectors can be securely, reliably and permanently connected to one another, even if it is not possible to connect them directly to one another (for example because the mounting elements or mounting means of both plug connectors to be connected to one another are both configured, for example, as lever elements or both as sliding elements (hereinafter referred to as female) or both as pins, lugs, bolts, racks for cooperating with lever or sliding elements (hereinafter referred to as male)). The loss-proof connection of both plug connectors to one another is thus achieved indirectly in that the coupling provides both coupling mounting means with which each one of the plug connectors can be connected to this coupling in a loss-proof manner (for example in this case the coupling has two male coupling mounting means complementary to the female mounting means of the plug connectors or vice versa, a mixed form is also possible: one coupling mounting means is female and the other male). Advantageously, this coupling provides an apparatus or component that can significantly reduce the cost of providing the above-mentioned uses (e.g., with extension wires or multi-pole connectors for wire harnesses).

[0017] This is because the coupling advantageously allows the formation of a suitable counterpart, i.e. a second plug connector, with the same (first) plug connector casing, for example for connecting a conventional (first) plug connector, which simply needs to be provided with contact elements complementary to the contact elements of the first plug connector. In contrast, it is not necessary to manufacture a completely new casing for the second plug connector, for example with a second mounting means complementary to the first plug connector. In other words, the coupling allows the reduction of the costs for a second plug connector, which must be manufactured in a laborious manner, only a small number of which are required for such an extension line, since the mechanical interface function is provided by the coupling. The coupling functions, for example, like a kind of adapter, but preferably does not have electrical functions and / or electrical lines. The coupling can be configured in such a way that it merely provides a mechanical corresponding interface for the plug connectors with its casing and allows a direct contact connection between both plug connectors in its interior.

[0018] The radial direction extends perpendicular to the axial direction, and the circumferential direction extends around the axial direction.

[0019] The coupling itself can be produced very simply and inexpensively, for example from insulating plastics. The coupling can be produced, for example, by injection molding. In principle, however, the coupling can be produced from (metal) sheet metal or from other materials with good electrical conductivity. In this case, the coupling can additionally advantageously produce a shielding effect with respect to the electrical connection, which is formed in the interior space when the plug connector is plugged in. Furthermore, the coupling can be designed as a composite component. Such a coupling can, for example, be made partially from a plastic that allows electrical insulation (for example in the area of ​​the direct electrical contact connection of the two plug connectors). The coupling can also, for example, be made partially of metal, in order to provide shielding.

[0020] The casing may, for example, be sleeve-shaped. The casing may, for example, have a first plug-in collar at a first end. A first coupling attachment means may be attached or arranged on the first plug-in collar. The first plug-in collar may be configured in shape similar to a plug-in collar or a plug-in interface of a corresponding plug connector that corresponds to the first plug connector. This allows the first plug connector to be connected to the coupling at the first end in a loss-proof manner without any problems. The casing may, for example, have a second plug-in collar at a second end. A second coupling attachment means may be attached or arranged on the second plug-in collar. The second plug-in collar may be configured in shape similar to a plug-in collar or a plug-in interface of a corresponding plug connector that corresponds to the second plug connector. This allows the second plug connector to be connected to the coupling at the second end in a loss-proof manner without any problems.

[0021] Of course, the coupling may have only one first coupling attachment means or only one second coupling attachment means. However, the coupling may also have a plurality of first and / or second coupling attachment means, for example two, three, four or more. If a plurality of first and / or second coupling attachment means are provided, these may all be configured similarly or may differ from one another, for example to cooperate with different first and / or second attachment means of the first or second plug connector. They may also give rise to various retention features (radial, axial, etc.) for separating functions.

[0022] The first and second openings may, for example, each be oriented - opposite to one another - parallel to the axial direction, but they may also be arranged at an angle to one another, provided that a direct interconnection of the contact elements arranged in both plug connectors is possible.

[0023] Particularly advantageously, it may be provided that the loss-proof connection is non-destructively detachable again.

[0024] Within the scope of this application, unless otherwise specified, the term "having" is used synonymously with the term "including."

[0025] In one development, it is provided that the casing is flexibly and / or rigidly configured, i.e., it is not, for example, merely an elastic silicone sleeve or an insulating strip ("tape") that covers the connecting parts of the two plug connectors.

[0026] This advantageously ensures that the first and / or second plug connector is connected to the coupling in a particularly reliable and loss-proof manner, and further advantageously ensures that the electrical or contact connections between the two plug connectors are particularly reliably protected, for example against external mechanical influences, when the two plug connectors are connected to the coupling.

[0027] In one development, it is provided that the first coupling mounting means or the coupling mounting element is configured to couple with the first mounting means in a form-locking and / or force-locking and / or friction-locking manner. This advantageously allows a particularly simple and reliably formable connection between the coupling and the first plug connector. Preferably, such a type of connection can be non-destructively released, for example for maintenance purposes.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the second coupling mounting means or the coupling mounting element is configured to couple with the second mounting means in a form-locking and / or force-locking and / or friction-locking manner. This advantageously allows a particularly simple and reliably formable connection between the coupling and the second plug connector. Preferably, such a type of connection can be non-destructively released, for example for maintenance purposes.

[0029] In one development, it is provided that the first coupling mounting means is formed as a bolt or pin or a protrusion protruding outwards or inwards. Alternatively, the first coupling mounting means can be formed as a rack. The bolt or pin or protrusion or rack is formed in such a way that, together with the first mounting means formed as a lever element or as a sliding element, a loss-proof connection between the coupling and the first plug connector is established.

[0030] "Externally projecting" may be understood to mean, for example, a projection away from the interior chamber in a radial direction, for example from the outer surface of the casing, into the outer space of the coupling. "Internally projecting" may be understood to mean, for example, a projection radially inwards, for example from the inner surface of the casing, into the interior chamber.

[0031] It will be appreciated that more than one of the above elements (bolts, pins, lugs, racks) may be provided as coupling attachment means to interact with one another. Different first coupling attachment means may be provided at different locations on the first end.

[0032] Furthermore, of course, exactly one first coupling attachment means (e.g. exactly one bolt etc.) may be provided. However, a plurality (e.g. two, three, four or more) first coupling attachment means, e.g. bolts etc. may be provided. These may be located on different faces of the casing or all on the same face.

[0033] This advantageously allows a particularly simple and secure connection between the first plug connector and the coupling, and also advantageously allows low actuation forces when mating the first plug connector with the second plug connector, as well as a reduction in the actuation forces when mating the first plug connector with a counter-plug connector actually provided for the first plug connector (e.g. a control device interface with a plug-in collar).

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, it is envisaged that the second coupling mounting means is formed as a separate bolt or a separate pin or a separate protrusion protruding towards the outside or towards the inside. The second coupling mounting means may alternatively be formed as a separate rack. The separate bolt or the separate pin or the separate protrusion or the separate rack is formed to cooperate with the second mounting means formed as a separate lever element or as a separate sliding element to provide a loss-proof connection between the coupling and the second plug connector.

[0035] It will be appreciated that more than one of the above elements (separate bolts, separate pins, separate lugs, separate racks) may be provided as coupling attachment means to interact with one another. Different second coupling attachment means may be provided at different locations on the second end.

[0036] Furthermore, of course, exactly one second coupling attachment means may be provided (e.g. exactly one separate bolt etc.). However, a plurality (e.g. two, three, four or more) second coupling attachment means, e.g. separate bolts etc. may be provided. These may be located on different faces of the casing or all on the same face.

[0037] This advantageously allows a particularly simple and secure connection between the second plug connector and the coupling, and also advantageously allows low actuation forces when mating the first plug connector with the second plug connector, as well as a reduction in the actuation forces when mating the second plug connector with a counter-plug connector actually provided for the second plug connector (e.g. a control device interface with a plug-in collar).

[0038] In one development form, it is envisaged that a stopper is provided in the inner chamber of the casing, the stopper being configured such that movement of the first plug connector and / or the second plug connector, respectively, along the plug-in direction beyond the stopper is blocked.

[0039] Advantageously, this ensures that when the first plug connector and / or the second plug connector are plugged in, the first plug connector is plugged in at the axially correct position and / or the second plug connector is also plugged in to the axially correct position. In this way, a reliable and reliable electrical contact between the first plug connector and the second plug connector is ensured in the inner chamber of the coupling. This also ensures a correct positioning of the plug connector mounting means including the associated coupling mounting means. Furthermore, advantageously, the stop provides the installer with tactile feedback that the correct position has been reached. It can also be provided that the stop is movably configured in the inner chamber, i.e., the stop can initially hold the plugged-in plug connector in a pre-assembly position. During final connection, for example by moving an operating element (e.g. a lever element or a sliding element, etc.) on the plug connector, the stop can then be moved together, so that the corresponding plug connector can be moved deeper into the inner chamber. Such (movable) stops may for example be formed to define end-stop positions which block or prevent further movement of each plug connector along the respective plug-in direction.

[0040] For example, it may be possible for only one stopper to be provided in the interior space. However, it is also possible for several stoppers to be provided in the interior space. For example, each plug connector may have its own stopper in the interior space, or each plug connector may have one or several stoppers in the interior space.

[0041] Certainly, the coupling mounting means or even the walls of the coupling casing or the end faces of the coupling can be used in the form of stops, but these elements are often not located in the interior space or are not assignable to the interior space (end faces, etc.).

[0042] In one development, a bottom plate is provided within the inner chamber, the bottom plate extending substantially along a radial direction extending perpendicular to the axial direction, and it is assumed that the bottom plate is spaced apart from the first opening and from the second opening, respectively, by at least 20% of the length of the inner chamber, as viewed along the axial direction.

[0043] This advantageously stabilizes the casing. It becomes more torsionally rigid and more stable against mechanical influences in the radial direction. Furthermore, advantageously, the bottom plate can be used, for example, as a stop indicating a maximum end position for the first plug connector and / or the second plug connector. Furthermore, advantageously, the bottom plate can form a kind of separation wall or seal between the first end and the second end. The bottom plate can, for example, form a substantially closed surface in the interior of the casing. The bottom plate can, for example, divide the interior into a first zone (from the first end to the bottom plate) and a second zone (from the second end to the bottom plate). The ingress of contaminants, dust or fluid media from the first zone to the second zone or vice versa is made difficult or even prevented by the bottom plate. This can be extremely advantageous when using the coupling, for example, as a penetration between two different clean spaces (for example, separation of the engine compartment from the vehicle passenger compartment).

[0044] In one development, it is envisaged that the bottom plate has at least one through-opening for guiding through a contact portion of a male contact element, in particular a pin or a contact blade, of the first plug connector and / or for guiding through a contact portion of a male contact element, in particular a pin or a contact blade, of the second plug connector.

[0045] This advantageously allows an electrical connection between the male contact elements and the female contact elements arranged on the opposite side of the bottom plate. Furthermore, the through openings advantageously allow the male contact elements to have a radial guide or, when inserting a plug connector having male contact elements, to sense tactilely (possibly also visually through a further opening in the coupling) whether the plug connector has been installed in the correct radial position so that the male contact elements have also actually butted against the corresponding female contact elements. The bottom plate with the through openings therefore advantageously serves as a kind of positioning aid.

[0046] Of course, the bottom plate can have just one through-opening, but it may also have several through-openings, for example, one through-opening for each male contact element.

[0047] For example, it may be advantageous for the through opening to have a diameter only slightly larger (e.g., at most 20% larger or at most 10% larger) than the contact portion of the male contact element, such that the contact portion passes through the through opening and contacts a corresponding female contact element on the opposite side of the bottom plate.

[0048] It may also be provided, for example, that the through-opening has, on the side facing the male contact element, a lead-in bevel or a lead-in funnel, so that when the plug connector is inserted into the first opening, the contact is "captured" and then directed into the through-opening by the lead-in bevel or the lead-in funnel. In this way, the male contact element can easily and reliably contact the corresponding female contact element without damage, even if the plug connector is slightly tilted in the radial direction. It is also possible for the through-opening to have one lead-in bevel on each side of the bottom plate. This advantageously allows the coupling to be used for any insertion direction of the male contact element. In this case, the narrowing of the through-opening between two such lead-in bevels advantageously results in a radial positioning of the inserted male contact element.

[0049] It is furthermore advantageous to provide, for example, a seal in the through-opening or on the bottom plate, i.e. before and after the through-opening as viewed in the axial direction, which advantageously further improves the sealing effect of the bottom plate between the first and second areas.

[0050] Of course, both plug connectors can each have at least one male contact element which can be connected to a corresponding female contact element of the other plug connector, but it is also conceivable, for example, that only the second plug connector has male contact elements and the first plug connector has only female contact elements.

[0051] In one development, it is envisaged that the first end is provided with a first sealing member configured to cooperate with the first plug connector to seal the inner chamber from the first opening against the environment external to the coupling.

[0052] This advantageously protects the electrical contact from contaminants, dirt and / or fluid media that may enter the interior space from the exterior space through the first opening, and thus also prevents them from entering the second opening. This can be particularly advantageous, for example, if the first opening is exposed to a particularly non-clean or non-dry environment. Such an environment can be, for example, the engine compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0053] Of course, the first sealing member may also alternatively or additionally be arranged on the first plug connector, in which case it is inserted together with the first plug connector into the inner chamber of the coupling or casing, thereby ensuring a seal.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, the second end is provided with a second sealing member configured to cooperate with the second plug connector to seal the interior chamber from the second opening against an environment external to the coupling.

[0055] This advantageously protects the electrical contact from contaminants, dirt and / or fluid media that may enter the interior space from the exterior space through the second opening, thereby preventing them from entering the first opening as well. This can be particularly advantageous, for example, if the second opening is exposed to a particularly non-clean or non-dry environment. Such an environment can be, for example, the engine compartment of a motor vehicle.

[0056] Of course, the second sealing member may also alternatively or additionally be arranged on the second plug connector, in which case the second sealing member is inserted together with the second plug connector into the inner chamber of the coupling or casing, thereby ensuring a seal.

[0057] In one development it is provided that the casing is provided with at least one mounting device for mounting the coupling to another element, in particular to a wall surface or in a wall.

[0058] Advantageously, the coupling can thereby be stabilized: the electrical connection formed by the insertion of the first and second plug connectors in the interior of the coupling and / or the loss-proof connection of the plug connectors in the coupling is advantageously protected against unintended movement (e.g. when the coupling is located on the bottom or falls on the bottom), the ingress of contaminants, dust and moisture by mounting the coupling on an external element.Furthermore, advantageously, by providing a mounting device, an element is provided that is defined for mounting the coupling.Thereby, for example, a quick assembly of the coupling on the other element, which may damage or hide one of the coupling mounting means, can advantageously be avoided.

[0059] In one development, it is envisaged that a first area of ​​the inner chamber capable of accommodating a first plug connector has a first cross-section and a second area of ​​the inner chamber capable of accommodating a second plug connector has a second cross-section, the first and second cross-sections having the same shape or having shapes that are mirror images of each other.

[0060] Advantageously, this allows the coupling to be manufactured particularly simply and inexpensively. Furthermore, this allows the coupling to be used in the same way from both openings. Misorientations, which occur, for example, in the case of automated connection of plug connectors or during assembly under conditions of poor visibility (for example in the engine compartment), can thereby be advantageously avoided. The assembly quality is advantageously improved. The assembly time is advantageously reduced. Furthermore, this allows two identical plug connector casings to be used for the first plug connector and the second plug connector. This advantageously allows considerable cost savings.

[0061] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a plug connector assembly is proposed.

[0062] The plug connector assembly includes a first plug connector, a second plug connector, and a coupling as described above. The first plug connector includes a first plug connector casing with a first contact chamber and a female contact element disposed in the first contact chamber.

[0063] The first plug connector has a first mounting means. The first mounting means may be configured or formed, by way of example only, as a lever element and / or as a slide element. The second plug connector has a second plug connector casing with a second contact chamber and a male contact element arranged in the second contact chamber. The second plug connector has a second mounting means. The second mounting means may be configured or formed, by way of example only, as another lever element and / or as another slide element. The first plug connector is inserted into the interior chamber through the first opening and is connected to the coupling in a loss-proof manner by a connection between the first mounting means and the first coupling mounting means. The second plug connector is inserted into the interior chamber through the second opening and is connected to the coupling in a loss-proof manner by a connection between the second mounting means and the second coupling mounting means. The male contact elements of the second plug connector are electrically connected to the female contact elements of the first plug connector. The male contact elements of the second plug connector may, for example, be joined to the female contact elements.

[0064] This advantageously provides a simple and inexpensive device for constructing an extension line, for example for a wire harness or a wire harness plug. For example, such an extension wire can have two plug connectors of the same type at its two ends, which allows the inexpensive use of standardized components. Advantageously, it allows the use of plug connector casings of the same type or two plug connectors that are not connectable to one another due to their geometry can be electrically and mechanically connected to one another in a loss-proof manner in an inexpensive manner. This advantageously makes it unnecessary to produce a corresponding corresponding plug connector casing for the first plug connector and / or the second plug connector. At the same time, advantageously, the direct electrical contact connection between the first plug connector and the second plug connector (or between their female and male contact elements) avoids the formation of additional contact points, for example in an adapter part with its own electrical lines. The plug connector assembly thus advantageously provides a space-saving and reliable, low-resistance electrical contact connection. At the same time, the plug connector assembly is formed to be mechanically loss-proof and therefore robust, even if two plug connector casings that are normally not mechanically compatible or directly connectable to one another in a loss-proof manner are components of the plug connector assembly.

[0065] The female contact element may be formed, for example, as a socket contact element. The male contact element may be formed, for example, as a contact pin or contact blade. Preferably, the male contact element is formed complementary to the female contact element. For example, an electrical connection may be formed between the male and female contact elements by plugging or sliding the male contact element into the female contact element or by slipping the male contact element over the female contact element.

[0066] Of course, the first plug connector casing is provided with exactly one first contact chamber, however, it can also be provided with several first contact chambers.

[0067] Of course, the first plug connector can also have exactly one female contact element (and no other contact elements at all). However, the first plug connector can also have several female contact elements, which are arranged, for example, in corresponding first contact chambers. Furthermore, it is possible for the first plug connector to additionally have only one or several male contact elements, which can also be assembled or arranged, for example, in corresponding first contact chambers.

[0068] Of course, the first plug connector can have exactly one first mounting element or mounting means. However, it is also conceivable that the first plug connector has several first mounting means. These can all be configured the same or can be designed in different ways. For example, a lever element can cooperate with a sliding element.

[0069] The above considerations regarding the type and number of the first contact chamber, the female contact elements and / or the first mounting means equally apply with respect to the second plug connector (in this case the second contact chamber, the male contact elements and possibly also at least one female contact element, as well as the second mounting means).

[0070] In one development it is provided for the first plug connector casing to be designed mirror-symmetrically, in particular along the first longitudinal axis.

[0071] This advantageously allows the first plug connector housing to also be used for the second plug connector (and therefore as the second plug connector housing), for which it is only necessary to provide contact elements which are formed complementary to the contact elements of the first plug connector. The use of a mirror-symmetrical housing also allows for an exact alignment of the contact elements when the two plug connectors are placed one on top of the other with their connector faces, since the mirror symmetry avoids handedness.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the second plug connector casing is formed mirror-symmetrically, in particular along the second longitudinal axis.

[0073] One development provides for the first plug connector casing and the second plug connector casing to be designed as one and the same part.

[0074] This advantageously results in a particularly inexpensive plug connector assembly, since, for example, a mass-produced first plug connector casing can be used and no separate tooling needs to be purchased for its manufacture. The second plug connector casing only needs to be provided with contact elements in its contact chambers that are complementary to the contact elements of the first plug connector.

[0075] Alternatively, it is provided that the first plug connector casing and the second plug connector casing are designed as mirror images of one another.

[0076] Advantageously, this provides that the two plug connector casings fit together when stacked one on top of the other inside the coupling.

[0077] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which should not be construed as limiting the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0078] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal section of a coupling having a coupled first plug connector and a second plug connector immediately prior to coupling with the coupling; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the coupling of FIG. 1 shown without the plug connector.

[0079] FIG. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a coupling 1 having a coupled first plug connector 100 and a second plug connector 200 immediately prior to coupling with the coupling 1.

[0080] In a fully mated state in which the first plug connector 100 and the second plug connector 200 are loss-proofed and connected to the coupling 1, a plug connector assembly 500 is formed.

[0081] The coupling 1 is configured to receive two plug connectors 100, 200 facing each other and in direct electrical contact with each other, each of which has at least one mounting means 110, 210 for mounting to a corresponding plug connector (not shown here), e.g. a multipoint connector of a control device or a contact pin of a sensor.

[0082] The coupling 1 has a casing 2 extending along an axis A and having a first end 3 and a second end 4 opposite the first end. The coupling further has an internal chamber 5, which may be, for example, the internal chamber of the casing 2 as shown here.

[0083] The radial direction R extends perpendicular to the axial direction A, and the circumferential direction U extends around the axial direction A.

[0084] The first end 3 of the casing 2 is provided with a first opening 6 for receiving a first plug connector 100, the first plug connector having a first mounting means 110. The second end 4 of the casing 2 is provided with a second opening 7 for receiving a second plug connector 200, the second plug connector having a second mounting means 210. The first end 3 is provided with a first coupling mounting means 8 arranged to cooperate with the first mounting means 110 of the first plug connector 100 such that the first plug connector 100 can be connected to the coupling 1 in a loss-proof manner, and the second end 4 is provided with a second coupling mounting means 9 arranged to cooperate with the second mounting means 210 of the second plug connector 200 such that the second plug connector 200 can be connected to the coupling 1 in a loss-proof manner.

[0085] In a fully mated state (not shown here), a plug connector assembly 500 is formed - as already described above - comprising a first plug connector 100, a second plug connector 200 and a coupling 1.

[0086] The first plug connector 100 has a first plug connector casing 101, which in this case has, for example, two first contact chambers 102, which can be seen in the longitudinal section of Fig. 1. The two first contact chambers 102 each have a female contact element 103. The first plug connector 100 has first mounting means 110, which in this case are formed, for example, as lever elements 111.

[0087] The second plug connector 200 has a second plug connector casing 201, which in this case has, for example, two second contact chambers 202, which can be seen in the longitudinal section of Fig. 1. Both second contact chambers 202 are each equipped with a male contact element 203. The second plug connector 200 has second mounting means 210, which in this case are formed, for example, as a further lever element 211.

[0088] The first plug connector 100 is inserted into the inner chamber 5 through the first opening 6 and is connected to the coupling 1 in a loss-proof manner by the connection between the lever element 111 and both bolts 18 as the first coupling mounting means 8, shown in this figure.

[0089] The second plug connector 200 can be inserted into the inner chamber 5 through the second opening 7 and can be connected to the coupling 1 in a loss-proof manner by means of a connection between a further lever element 211 and further bolts 19, shown in this figure, as second coupling mounting means 9. Although in FIG. 1 the connection of the second plug connector 200 has not yet been finally effected, the completed connected state is in this case to be regarded as being the same as the state of the first plug connector 100, which is shown, for example, on the left side of FIG. 1.

[0090] In the fully assembled state forming the plug connector assembly 500, both male contact elements 203 of the second plug connector 200 are directly electrically connected to both female contact elements 103 of the first plug connector 100. The male contact elements 203 are in this case plugged into or joined to the female contact elements 103.

[0091] The female contact element 103 in this case has, by way of example, a first crimping section 104 on the side facing away from the inner chamber 5, in which a first insulating crimping section 107 and a first conductor crimping section 108 are arranged. The male contact element 203 likewise has, on the side facing away from the inner chamber 5, a second crimping section 204 in each case, in which a second insulating crimping section 208 and a second conductor crimping section 208 are arranged. In the first crimping section 104 or the second crimping section 204, a cable 60 is attached to each female contact element 103 or each male contact element 203, respectively, and is electrically connected to the respective contact element 103, 203. Each cable 60 in this case has, for example, an insulator 61 and a conductor 62. The insulator 61 is attached by insulation crimps 107, 207 respectively and the conductor 62 is attached by conductor crimps 108, 208 respectively. Basically, other types of attachment are also conceivable, such as for example welding, brazing, bonding, insulation displacement etc.

[0092] The female contact element 103, which may for example be formed as a socket contact element, has in this case a female contact section 105 facing the inner space 5, which may for example also be formed as a kind of contact box. Inside the female contact section 105, for example, contact foils (at least one contact foil in each case) not shown here can be provided. A first locking lance 106, which protrudes obliquely outwardly and can be elastically and reversibly displaced, is arranged on the female contact section 105, which may also be called a primary locking lance or primary locking lance. When the female contact element 103 is inserted into the first contact chamber 102, each first locking lance 106 can engage from behind in a first undercut 130 of the first plug connector casing 101.

[0093] The male contact element 203, which may be configured, for example, as a pin contact or contact blade, in this case has, for example, a male contact part 205 facing the inner chamber 5. The male contact element further has, in this embodiment - merely by way of example - a box part 209 which is located in the axial direction A between the contact part 205 and the crimping part 204. In the box part 209, a resiliently reversibly displaceable second locking lance 206 is arranged which protrudes obliquely outwards and which may also be called a primary locking lance or primary locking lance. When the male contact element 203 is inserted into the second contact chamber 202, each second locking lance 206 can engage from behind in a second undercut 230 of the second plug connector casing 201.

[0094] For example, it may be assumed that the male contact element 203 is actually originally formed as a female contact element. In this case, one male contact element 203 can be produced from the mass-produced female contact element simply and inexpensively by means of an adapter bolt, which acts like a contact blade or pin contact and is inserted into the front opening. In this way, the use of the same parts is increased, which further reduces the costs for the production of the specially manufactured male contact elements and thus the costs for the plug connector assembly 500. In this case, the male contact part 205 is a part of such an adapter bolt that protrudes from the female contact element, which was originally formed, for example, as a socket contact element. The adapter bolt may have a contact body, for example, with a first adapter bolt end facing the (original) female contact element and a second adapter bolt end opposite to the first adapter bolt end, extending along the adapter bolt longitudinal axis, as well as at least one means for removably connecting the adapter bolt to the (original) female contact element in an anti-lost and in particular non-destructive manner.

[0095] For example, the adapter bolt is firmly clamped in the (original) female contact element by a pressing element arranged at a first adapter bolt end, for example by pressing the contact foil flat. Alternatively or additionally, the adapter bolt may have a locking lance (not shown here) which engages in the front end (contact opening) of the (original) female contact element. At least one such locking lance can then lock, for example, in a recess in the wall of the (original) female contact element, so that the adapter bolt can be connected to the (original) female contact element in a loss-proof manner and the (original) female contact element can be converted into a male contact element.

[0096] The first plug connector casing 101 is provided with a first casing through-opening 131 for each of the two contact chambers 102 shown here, through which the contacts 205 of the male contact elements 203 of the second plug connector 200 can make electrical contact with the respective female contact elements 103. On the side facing the male contact elements 203, the first casing through-opening 131 can be provided with, for example, a feed funnel.

[0097] In the second plug connector 200, similarly, each contact chamber 202 shown here has a second casing through opening 231, through which the male contact portion 205 can protrude from the contact chamber 202 towards the outside.

[0098] The first lever element 111 is pivotally supported and connected to the first plug connector housing 101 by means of two first lever axles 113. The first lever element 111 has on each side a first slide guideway 112 facing the first plug connector housing 101, in which a bolt 18 can engage in each case. By pivoting the first lever element 111, the first plug connector 100 can then be pulled into the inner space 5 of the coupling 1. In the state shown on the left side of FIG. 1, the first lever element 111 has been moved into its end position, so that the first plug connector is connected to the coupling 1 in a loss-proof manner. The first plug connector 100 can thus be attached to the coupling 1 in a loss-proof manner, but at the same time in a non-destructive and removable manner. The first end 3 of the coupling 1 thus functions in the manner of a plug collar of a corresponding plug connector, which is complementary to the first plug connector 100.

[0099] The further lever element 211 is pivotally supported and connected to the second plug connector housing 201 by means of two second lever axles 213. The further lever element 211 has on each side a second guideway 212 facing the second plug connector housing 201, into which one further bolt 19 can engage in each case. By pivoting the further lever element 211, the second plug connector 200 can then be pulled into the inner chamber 5 of the coupling 1. In the state shown on the right side of FIG. 1, the second lever element 211 is still shown in its initial position. Since the further lever element 211 here partially protrudes out of the drawing or section plane, this part of the further lever element 211 as well as the front part of the further lever element 211 adjacent to the guideway are shown with dashed lines. When the second plug connector is further inserted into the inner chamber 5, the further bolt 19 engages in the second guideway 212. In this case, upon further rotation of the further lever element 211, the second plug connector 200 is drawn into the inner chamber 5 by the cooperation of the further bolt 19 and the further or second slider guideway 212, so that at the end position of the further lever element 211, the male contact element 203 is brought into direct electrical contact with the female contact element 103. In this case, the second plug connector 200 is attached to the coupling 1 in a loss-proof and, at the same time, non-destructively removable manner. The second end 4 of the coupling 1 thus functions in the form of a plug collar of a complementary counterpart plug connector for the second plug connector 100.

[0100] The casing 2 of the coupling 1 is in this embodiment flexurally rigid and / or rigid. It may, for example, be injection-molded from (electrically insulating) thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic. However, it may also be made from sheet metal (or other electrically conductive material), in which case it may have an electrical shielding effect. The wall thickness of the casing may, for example, be in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, preferably 1 mm to 4 mm. It is furthermore possible for the casing 2 to be manufactured partly from (electrically insulating) plastic and partly from metal. In this way, electrical insulation can be provided in the area of ​​the direct electrical connection between the first plug connector 100 and the second plug connector 200, and at the same time a shield against the environment can be formed by metal components (for example the outer sheet metal) or the electrical contact points can be shielded from the environment.

[0101] The first coupling mounting element 8 is in this case, by way of example only - as described above - configured as a radially outwardly projecting bolt 18 or pin, and in the illustrated longitudinal section one bolt 18 is shown on the upper and lower outer walls of the casing 2, viewed in the radial direction R. The second coupling mounting element 9 is in this case, by way of example only - as described above - configured as a radially outwardly projecting further bolt 19 or further pin. As in the case of the first coupling mounting element or coupling mounting means 8, also in the case of the second coupling mounting element or coupling mounting means 9, two further bolts 19 are shown on the upper and lower outer walls of the casing 2. It is to be understood that the type and number of the coupling mounting means 8, 9 may differ in other embodiments from those illustrated here.

[0102] The bolt 18 is, as already mentioned above, configured to cooperate with the first attachment means 110 of the first plug connector 100, here configured as a lever element 111 by way of example, to provide a loss-proof connection between the coupling 1 and the first plug connector 100. Similarly, the further bolt 19 is configured by means of a second lever element 211 for a loss-proof connection of the second plug connector 200 to the coupling 1.

[0103] In this case, a power transmission device can additionally be provided at the first lever element 111 and / or at the second lever element 211, so as to reduce the operating forces required for connecting the first plug connector 100 to the coupling 1 or to the second plug connector 200. In principle, the first and / or second mounting means 110 and / or 210 can also be, for example, sliding elements or the like.

[0104] The bolt 18 and the further bolt 19 are in this case designed, for example, to connect with the first lever element 111 or with the second lever element 211 in a positive-locking and / or force-locking and / or friction-locking manner.

[0105] A stopper 10 is provided in the inner chamber 5 of the casing 2, which is configured to block movement of the first plug connector 100 and / or the second plug connector 200 beyond the stopper 10 along the respective plug-in direction (in FIG. 1: the first plug connector 100 from left to right, the second plug connector 200 from right to left, i.e. each parallel to the axial direction A).

[0106] The inner chamber 5 is provided with a bottom plate 11, which extends substantially along a radial direction R. The bottom plate 11 is spaced apart from the first opening 6 and from the second opening 7, respectively, along the axial direction A by at least 20% of the length L of the inner chamber 5.

[0107] The bottom plate 11 in this case divides the coupling 1 into a first section 16 and a second section 17. The bottom plate in this case, for example, also serves as a stopper 10 for both plug connectors 100, 200 at the same time. However, the (at least one) stopper 10 can also be formed separately from the bottom plate 11 in alternative embodiments. The bottom plate 11 can also be omitted.

[0108] The bottom plate 11 has two through-openings 12, which are shown in this figure, and which are provided in this case for the through-guiding of the contacts 205 of the male contact elements 203 assigned to the second plug connector 200. The through-openings 12 each have a feed-in bevel 20 or a feed-in funnel facing the male contacts 205. A feed-in bevel 20 can also be provided on each side of the through-opening 12. This ensures that the contacts 205 can be easily guided through the bottom plate 11 without damage, even if the second plug connector 200 is mounted in the inner space 5 of the coupling 1 with slight radial position errors. The through-openings 12, together with the bottom plate, also provide a sort of centering or positioning of the male contacts relative to the corresponding female contact elements 103, so that the connection of the two plug connectors 100, 200 is ensured easily and without damage. The bottom plate may, for example, have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, preferably 0.7 mm to 4 mm.

[0109] The first end 3 of the coupling 1 is provided with a first sealing element 13, which in this case extends along the circumferential direction U over the inner wall of the casing 2. The first sealing element may be arranged on a first plug connector 100. The first sealing element is arranged in cooperation with the first plug connector 100 to seal the inner chamber 5 from the first opening 6 against the external environment 50 of the coupling 1. Furthermore, the second end 7 is provided with a second sealing element 14. This second sealing element 14 may essentially be arranged on a second plug connector 200. The second sealing element also extends along the circumferential direction U over the inner wall of the casing 2. The second sealing element 14 is arranged in cooperation with the second plug connector 200 to seal the inner chamber 5 from the second opening 7 against the external environment 50 of the coupling 1. Thereby, the inner chamber and in particular the electrical contacts located therein are protected against moisture, contamination and dust.

[0110] The casing 2 of the coupling 1 is further provided with a mounting device 15, in this case in the form of a collar, which has a through hole for example for a screw 82. The mounting device 15 is designed for mounting the coupling 1 to another element, in this case for example a wall 80. For this purpose, the screw 82 is inserted through the through hole and further through a wall through hole or wall mounting opening 81 and is fixed, in this case for example by means of a nut 83, to the rear side of the wall 80 (in this case to the left of the wall 80). Viewed in the axial direction A, in this exemplary embodiment a sealing element 84, for example a cord seal or an O-ring, is arranged between the collar or mounting device 15 and the wall 80. Thereby, for example a dirty and / or moist environment (e.g. the engine compartment) located to the left of the wall 80 is sealed against contaminants and fluids against a clean and / or dry environment (e.g. the passenger compartment) located to the right of the wall 80.

[0111] In the illustrated embodiment, the first section 16 of the inner chamber 5, which can (or has) received the first plug connector 100, has a first cross-section Q1, and the second section 17 of the inner chamber 5, which can (or has) received the second plug connector 200, has a second cross-section Q2. The first cross-section Q1 and the second cross-section Q2 in this case have the same shape or they at least have shapes that are mirror images of one another.

[0112] In the purely exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1, it is assumed that the first plug connector casing 101 is in particular configured mirror-symmetrically along a first longitudinal axis LA1. Furthermore, it is assumed that the second plug connector casing 200 is in particular configured mirror-symmetrically along a second longitudinal axis LA2. Both longitudinal axes LA1, LA2 are in this case configured parallel to the axial direction A.

[0113] 1, it is furthermore assumed (although only a longitudinal section is shown) that, for example, the first plug connector casing 100 and the second plug connector casing 200 are formed as one and the same part, whereby, in this example, the first plug connector casing 100 and the second plug connector casing 200 are further preferably formed as mirror images of one another.

[0114] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the coupling of FIG. 1, without the plug connectors 100, 200. The bottom plate 11 with the through opening 12 can be easily seen, as can the first sealing member 13.

[0115] It can be seen that the first cross section Q1 is identical to the second cross section Q2, so it is irrelevant from which end 3, 4 the first plug connector 100 or the second plug connector 200 is plugged in. This is all the more true since the coupling mounting means 8, 9, 18, 19 as well as the mounting device 15 are also formed with mirror or rotational symmetry.

[0116] The coupling 1 or the plug connector assembly 500 can be used, for example, for plug connectors with at least one contact chamber or at least one receptacle for receiving a female contact element or contact element assembly. In particular, a use in miniaturized contact elements (sheet metal thickness significantly below 1 mm) or in multi-pole plug connectors or wire harness plug connectors may be envisaged. Particularly advantageously, a use in wire harness plug connectors for control devices and / or wire harness plug connectors for motor vehicles is envisaged.

Claims

1. A coupling adapted to receive two plug connectors (100, 200) facing each other and in direct electrical contact with each other, said plug connectors each having at least one mounting means (110, 210) for mounting to a corresponding plug connector, The coupling (1) comprises a casing (2), in particular a sleeve-like casing, extending along an axis (A) with a first end (3) and a second end (4) opposite to the first end, and an inner chamber (5), The first end (3) is provided with a first opening (6) for receiving a first plug connector (100) having a first mounting means (110), and the second end (4) is provided with a second opening (7) for receiving a second plug connector (200) having a second mounting means (210), a first coupling attachment means (8) is arranged on the first end (3), the first coupling attachment means being configured to cooperate with the first attachment means (110) of the first plug connector (100) such that the first plug connector (100) can be connected to the coupling (1) in a loss-proof manner; a second coupling mounting means (9) is arranged at the second end (4), the second coupling mounting means being configured to cooperate with the second mounting means (210) of the second plug connector (200) such that the second plug connector (200) can be connected to the coupling (1) in a loss-proof manner; Coupling.

2. 2. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the housing (2) is designed to be flexurally stiff and / or rigid.

3. the first coupling mounting means (8) is configured to couple with the first mounting means (110) in a form-locking and / or force-locking and / or friction-locking manner, and / or the second coupling mounting means (9) is configured to couple with the second mounting means (210) in a form-locking and / or force-locking and / or friction-locking manner, 3. A coupling according to claim 1 or 2.

4. said first coupling attachment means (8) being formed as an outwardly or inwardly projecting bolt (18) or a projection or pin or as a rack; said bolt (18) or lug (110) or pin (112) or rack (116) being formed to cooperate with a first mounting means (110) formed as a lever element (111) or as a slide element to provide a loss-proof connection between the coupling (1) and the first plug connector (100); and / or the second coupling attachment means (9) being formed as a separate bolt (19) or a separate projection or a separate pin or as a separate rack projecting outwards or inwards, the further bolt (19) or the further protrusion or the further pin or the further rack is formed to cooperate with a second mounting means (210) formed as a further lever element (211) or as a further sliding element to provide a loss-proof connection between the coupling (1) and the second plug connector (200), A coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. 5. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the inner chamber (5) of the casing (2) is provided with a stopper (10), which is configured to block movement of the first plug connector (100) and / or the second plug connector (200) in the respective plug-in direction beyond the stopper (10).

6. A bottom plate (11) is provided within the inner chamber (5), The bottom plate (11) extends substantially along a radial direction (R) that extends perpendicular to the axial direction (A); the bottom plate (11) is spaced apart from the first opening (6) and from the second opening (7) by at least 20% of the length (L) of the inner chamber (5) along the axial direction (A); A coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The bottom plate (11) is for guiding through the contacts of the male contact elements, in particular the pins or contact blades, of the first plug connector (100); and / or for guiding through a contact portion (205), in particular a pin or a contact blade, of a male contact element (203) of the second plug connector (200); having at least one through opening (12); 7. The coupling of claim 6.

8. a first sealing member (13) is provided at the first end (3) and configured to cooperate with the first plug connector (100) to seal the internal chamber (5) from the first opening (6) against an external environment (50) of the coupling (1); and / or the second end (4) is provided with a second sealing member (14) configured to cooperate with the second plug connector (200) to seal the internal chamber (5) against an external environment (50) of the coupling (1) through the second opening (7); A coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. 9. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein the casing (2) is provided with at least one mounting device (15) for mounting the coupling (1) to another element, in particular to a surface of or within a wall (80).

10. 10. The coupling according to claim 1, wherein a first section (16) of the inner chamber (5) capable of accommodating the first plug connector (100) has a first cross-section (Q1) and a second section (17) of the inner chamber (5) capable of accommodating the second plug connector (200) has a second cross-section (Q2), the first cross-section (Q1) and the second cross-section (Q2) having the same shape or having shapes that are mirror images of each other.

11. 1. A plug connector assembly comprising: The plug connector assembly (500) comprises: A first plug connector (100); A second plug connector (200); A coupling (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and It has The first plug connector (100) comprises a first plug connector casing (101) with a first contact chamber (102) and a female contact element (103) arranged in the first contact chamber (102), said first plug connector (100) having first mounting means (110), in particular a lever element (111) and / or a sliding element, The second plug connector (200) comprises a second plug connector casing (201) with a second contact chamber (202) and a male contact element (203) arranged in the second contact chamber (202), the second plug connector (200) has second mounting means (210), in particular a further lever element (211) and / or a further sliding element, the first plug connector (100) is inserted into the inner chamber (5) through the first opening (6) and is connected to the coupling (1) in a loss-proof manner by the connection between the first mounting means (110) and the first coupling mounting means (8); the second plug connector (200) is inserted into the inner chamber (5) through a second opening (7) and is connected to the coupling (1) in a loss-proof manner by a connection between a second mounting means (210) and a second coupling mounting means (9); the male contact elements (203) of the second plug connector (200) are electrically connected, in particular joined, to the female contact elements (103) of the first plug connector (100); Plug connector assembly.

12. The first plug connector casing (101) is in particular formed mirror-symmetrically along a first longitudinal axis (LA1), and / or The second plug connector casing (200) is in particular formed mirror-symmetrically along a second longitudinal axis (LA2), The plug connector assembly of claim 11.

13. The first plug connector casing (100) and the second plug connector casing (200) are formed as a single part, or The first plug connector casing (100) and the second plug connector casing (200) are formed as mirror images of each other.

13. A plug connector assembly according to claim 11 or 12.

Images