Housing for a connector, and connector and connection assembly

Abstract

To improve safety and reliability of a connection assembly.SOLUTION: The housing 1 comprises a latching element 24 which is configured to be movable between a release position and a latching position for releasable latching engagement with the mating connector 5 and which comprises a push button part 32 which is operable in a triggering direction 34, wherein the latching engagement is released upon operation of the push button part 32, and a cover element 40 which at least partially covers the push button part 32 in the triggering direction 34, wherein an access channel 42 accessible from outside the housing 1 for inserting a tool tip extends between the push button part 32 and the cover element 40. In order to increase safety and reliability, the accessibility of the push button part 32 is limited by a cover element 40. A tool tip can be inserted into the access channel 42, but a finger cannot.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing for a connector that is pluggable with a mating connector along a plugging direction, and further to such a connector, as well as to a connection assembly comprising the connector and the mating connector. [Background technology]

[0002] Connection assemblies are used in many technical fields for power and / or signal transmission purposes. To prevent accidental or improper disconnection of the connection assembly due to vibration or other external influences, a releasable latching engagement is often used to maintain mating between the connector and the mating connector.

[0003] Accidental release of the latching engagement and subsequent disconnection of the connection assembly can result in material damage and physical injury, especially in high voltage applications. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to improve connection assemblies in terms of their safety and reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This object is achieved by a housing of the above kind, comprising a latch element configured to be movable between a release position and a latch position for releasable latching engagement with a mating connector, the latch element including a push button portion operable in a trigger direction, the latching engagement being released upon operation of the push button portion, and a cover element at least partially covering the push button portion in the trigger direction, wherein an access channel accessible from outside the housing for inserting a tool tip extends between the push button portion and the cover element.

[0006] The tool tip may in particular be a geometrically predetermined working tip of a given tool, for example a screwdriver or a screwdriver, respectively. In particular, the tool tip may be a cutting edge for a flat-head screw. By operating the push button, the latch element can be moved from the latched position to the released position, thereby releasing the latch engagement.

[0007] The present invention is advantageous because the cover element limits the accessibility of the push button portion, so that a tool tip can be inserted into the access channel, allowing the push button portion to be operated only in a controlled manner.

[0008] The present invention can prevent the push button from being accidentally operated by a finger or other body part, and can also prevent damage to the push button, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the connection assembly in which the housing of the present invention is used.

[0009] The invention can be further improved by the following features, which are advantageous in themselves and can be combined in any way with one another:

[0010] According to a first exemplary embodiment, the access channel can be configured to be accessible in the plug-in direction and / or to extend linearly along the plug-in direction, which embodiment is particularly suited for use with elongated tool tips.

[0011] Additionally, the housing may have a mating face side facing the insertion direction, preferably having a shape complementary to the mating face of the mating connector, for example, forming an interface according to industry standards.

[0012] Furthermore, the housing can have a cable exit side arranged opposite the mating side in the plug-in direction relative to the housing, which preferably forms a point at which an electrical conductor, e.g., a cable or wire, can exit the housing.

[0013] According to another possible embodiment, the access channel can be located on the cable exit side and / or configured to be accessible from the cable exit side. This configuration of the access channel allows the latch engagement to be released from the cable exit side, and therefore "from behind," using a tool tip. When the connector is in the mated state, it is usually easily accessible from the cable exit side, since there must be space for the above-mentioned electrical conductors on the cable exit side. In particular, a connector with a housing according to the present invention does not need to be accessible from the side, making it possible to arrange several connectors close to each other.

[0014] The trigger direction of the push button may be transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the insertion direction. The cover element can therefore cover the push button transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the insertion direction. In this case, the cover element preferably covers the push button from the outside of the housing. Furthermore, the cover element can form an abutment surface arranged opposite the push button for supporting a tool tip arranged between the push button and the cover element.

[0015] The abutment surface makes it easier to use the tool tip to operate the push button, thereby moving the latch element to the release position. That is, the tool tip can be placed against the abutment surface to lever the latch element into the release position. The abutment surface can form a pivot point from which the tool tip extends toward the push button and the remainder of the tool (e.g., the tool shank and tool handle) faces away from the push button. Pivoting of the tool handle can then force the tool tip against the push button in a trigger direction, thereby operating the push button and releasing the latch engagement.

[0016] The region between the push button portion and the cover element can form a tool holder for receiving a tool tip. In particular, the push button portion and the cover element at least partially form an access channel, at the end of which the tool holder is formed. The cover element and the push button portion thereby together form the tool holder. When the latch element is in the latched position, the above-mentioned abutment surface of the cover element can extend at least partially parallel to the push button portion. When the latch element is in the released position, the abutment surface can extend at an angle to the push button portion, so that this region of the access channel, in particular the tool holder, is thereby at least wedge-shaped.

[0017] If space limitations prevent sufficient pivoting of the tool handle, a further embodiment can be used in which the access channel is configured to be non-rotationally symmetrical with respect to the insertion direction, at least in the region between the push button and the cover element. This means that the cross section of the access channel, particularly this region of the tool holder, perpendicular to the insertion direction is non-circular. For example, the access channel, particularly this region of the tool holder, can have a rectangular or lenticular cross section perpendicular to the insertion direction. This has the advantage that a flat, non-rotationally symmetrical tool tip (e.g., a flat-head screwdriver) can be inserted into the tool holder, and then the tool holder can be expanded by rotating the tool tip about the tool longitudinal axis, thereby operating the push button portion in the trigger direction. In other words, by twisting the tool tip, the latch element can be levered into the release position.

[0018] Optionally, when the latch element is in the latched position, the area between the push button portion and the cover element, in particular the tool holder, is narrower than the thickness of the tool tip. In other words, when the latch element is in the latched position, the spacing between the push button portion and the cover element is smaller than the thickness of the tool tip. For example, when the latch element is in the latched position, the push button portion can occupy the tool holder. This means that the push button portion fills the tool holder, such that the tool tip can be inserted into the tool holder only if the push button portion simultaneously moves out of the tool holder.

[0019] Thus, simply inserting a tool tip into the tool holder can move the latch element from its latched position to its released position. In other words, the inserted tool tip moves (e.g., pushes / slides / displaces) the push button portion out of the tool holder, thereby moving the latch element to its released position. Pivoting or twisting of the tool tip is thereby unnecessary.

[0020] Advantageously, the cover element and / or the push button portion includes an insertion bevel that facilitates the insertion of the tip of a tool into the area between the push button portion and the cover element.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the housing can be configured in several parts, with a first housing part including the latch element. The second housing part can be configured as a protective sleeve surrounding the first housing part, with the protective sleeve including the cover element. The protective sleeve can be made of, for example, metal or plastic material, thus providing the necessary stability for the cover element. The first housing part can then be configured as a base body made of plastic material that at least partially fills the protective sleeve.

[0022] Optionally, the protective sleeve may include an insertion opening that leads to or opens into the access channel from outside the housing, meaning that a tool tip must be inserted into the access channel through the insertion opening, and therefore the size of the insertion opening determines the type of tool that can be disengaged from the latch.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the protective sleeve can be held on the base body so as to be slidable relative to the latching element. In particular, when the latching element is in the latched position, the protective sleeve can be configured to be movable to a fixed position, and the protective sleeve in the fixed position prevents the latching element from moving from the latched position to the released position. This means that the protective sleeve performs a fixing function at the latch engagement between the connector and the mating connector. In other words, the protective sleeve can function as a connector position assurance (CPA).

[0024] The linear configuration of the access channel described above can be implemented particularly easily if the protective sleeve, together with other parts than the cover element, defines the access channel at least partially, especially radially outward. This means that the protective sleeve can, for example, form the inner wall of the access channel. In particular, the protective sleeve can form a guide surface for the tool tip in the access channel. The guide surface can be oriented radially inward, spaced apart from the cover element, and / or can be arranged flush with the push button. Furthermore, the guide surface can be flush with the push button in the insertion direction, so that the tool tip is guided by the guide surface into the tool holder and thereby precisely aligned.

[0025] To enable the latching element to better engage with the mating connector, it is desirable to arrange the latching element on the attachment of the first housing part. The attachment can be lifted transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the plugging direction. The latching element can be arranged, for example attached, to the attachment.

[0026] A simple movement sequence of the latch element occurs when the latch element is arranged on the base body so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis extending perpendicular to the plug-in direction. In this case, the latch element can be configured as a locker attached to the attachment of the first housing part. For example, the latch element is connected to the attachment of the first housing part by a torsion joint.

[0027] In the released position, the latch element can be elastically deflected. For example, an elastic restoring force from a torsion joint can return the latch element to the latched position. The latched position thereby represents a force-free state of the latch element. The latch element, together with the cover element, can thus form a clamp for holding the tool tip. In particular, the clamp can be configured to support the weight of the entire tool. In other words, the housing can be configured to hold the tool tip inserted into the access channel together with the rest of the tool by clamping it in place. For example, the abutment surface and the push button portion can clamp the tool tip in a frictional engagement.

[0028] Clamping the tool tip is useful when only a short period of latching is required, for example during maintenance work to re-engage the connector and mating connector after visual inspection of the interface.

[0029] Additionally, clamping the tool tip is also useful when the housing has an additional latching element. The additional latching element includes an engagement portion and an operating portion connected to the engagement portion to transmit motion, where the engagement portion is configured to further latch with the mating connector, and the operating portion is configured to be pressed by a human finger to release the further latch. In this embodiment, the latching can be first released using the tool tip. Then, the further latching can be released while the tool clamped by the tool tip is held in place by the housing. In other words, the operator does not need to hold the tool with his or her hands, freeing both hands to release the further latching.

[0030] In this embodiment, the multiple latch elements, i.e., the latch element and the further latch element, provide redundancy and thus increase reliability. At the same time, safety is also increased, since the latching engagement of these latch elements must be released using different means. These latch elements can be positioned opposite each other transversely to the insertion direction with respect to the housing, particularly with respect to the first housing part. This reduces the possibility of accidental release.

[0031] A connector comprising a housing according to one of the above embodiments and at least one contact element also achieves the initially stated object: the housing, in particular the base body, comprises at least one contact chamber in which the at least one contact element is received.

[0032] Such a connector can benefit from the advantages of the housing described above and therefore exhibits high safety and reliability.

[0033] The above object is also achieved by a connection assembly comprising a connector according to the invention and a mating connector insertable into the connector in a mating direction, the mating connector including at least one mating contact for at least one contact element of the connector, the mating connector being configured for latching engagement with a latch element of the connector.

[0034] The advantages of the housing discussed above also apply to the connection assembly, in particular the clear definition of the means that can and cannot be used to release the latching enhances the safety and reliability of the connection assembly according to the invention.

[0035] Finally, the present invention also relates to a method for unlatching the connection assembly according to the present invention. The method includes inserting a tool tip into the access channel in a plugging direction until it is between the push button portion and the cover element, and using the tool tip to operate the push button portion. The wedge-shaped tool tip can be pressed between the cover element and the push button portion, so that the push button portion is pushed away from the cover element in a trigger direction and operated. Thus, the latching can be unlatched simply by inserting the tool tip into the access channel.

[0036] Alternatively, the entire tool can be used as a lever, so that the tool tip is pressed against the push button portion, which, as previously described, is operated to move the latch element from its latched position to its released position.

[0037] Optionally, a flat tool tip having one or more flat surfaces can be used. When the latch element is in its latched position, the width of the flat surface measured transversely to the tool axis should be greater than the distance between the cover element and the push button portion. Furthermore, when the latch element is in its released position, the width of the flat surface should correspond to the distance between the cover element and the push button portion. This allows the flat tool tip to be initially inserted with its flat surface parallel to the abutment surface between the cover element and the push button portion.

[0038] The flat tool tip can then be rotated about a tool longitudinal axis parallel to the tool axis. For example, the flat tool tip can be rotated 45° to 135°, particularly 90°, to an upright position. This spreads the cover element and the push button, thus moving the latch element from its latched position to its released position. This also releases the latch engagement.

[0039] In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings on the basis of several embodiments, the different features of which may be combined with one another as required in accordance with the above-mentioned observations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a connection assembly according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 2] 2 is a further view of the connection assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 1 with a tool tip inserted. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a housing according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 6] 6 is a further view of the housing of FIG. 5 without the tool tip yet inserted. [Figure 7] 7 is a further view of the housing of FIG. 6 with a tool tip inserted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The general structures of the housing 1, the electrical connector 2, and the connection assembly 4 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0042] 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a connection assembly 4 according to the invention, comprising a connector 2 according to the invention and a mating connector 5. The connector 2 is plugged into the mating connector 5 along a plugging direction 7. Contact elements (not shown) of the connector 2 are in electrical contact with mating contacts (not shown) of the mating connector 5 for power and / or signal transmission.

[0043] The connector 2 comprises a housing 1 having a mating face side 6 facing in a plug-in direction 7 and a cable exit side 8 arranged opposite the mating face side 6 in the plug-in direction 7 relative to the housing 1 .

[0044] The mating face side 6 preferably has a shape complementary to the mating face 10 (see FIG. 5) of the mating connector 5, forming an interface, for example, according to industry standards. The contact elements of the mating contact are located at the interface so as to be accessible.

[0045] The cable exit side 8 preferably forms the point where an electrical conductor 12, for example a cable 14 or wire (not shown), can exit the housing 1. The electrical conductor 12 leads to a contact element of the interface.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1 is made up of several parts. The first housing part 16a can be configured as a base body 18 made of a plastic material. The second housing part 16b can be configured as a protective sleeve 20 that surrounds the first housing part 16a. The protective sleeve 20 can be made of, for example, metal or plastic material. In particular, the protective sleeve 20 can be a hollow body 22 having a substantially cylindrical outer shape. Alternatively, the outer shape of the hollow body 22 can be square, cubic, or polygonal. The base body 18 at least partially fills the protective sleeve 20.

[0047] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the housing 1 includes a latch element 24 configured to be movable between a latched position 28 and a released position 30 (see FIG. 7) for releasable latching 26 with the mating connector 5.

[0048] The latch element 24 includes a push button portion 32 configured to be actuated in a trigger direction 34. The trigger direction 34 of the push button portion 32 is transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the insertion direction 34. Actuation of the push button portion 32 releases the latch engagement 26. Furthermore, the latch element 24 has an engagement portion 36 connected to the push button portion 32 in a motion-transmitting manner. The engagement portion 36 and the push button portion 32 can be connected to one another in one piece, i.e., integrally.

[0049] The engagement portion 36 is configured, for example, in a hook shape, and enters into a latch connection portion 35 with the latch portion 38 of the mating connector 5 when the latch element 24 is placed in the latched position 28, thereby forming the latch engagement 26. When the latch element 24 is in the released position 30, the engagement portion 36 disengages from the latch connection portion 35, and therefore the latch engagement 26 is released. In other words, the latch element 24 is configured to form the latch connection 35 with the mating connector 5 when the latch element 24 is in its latched position 28, and the latch connection 35 is released when the latch element 24 is in the released position 30.

[0050] Actuation of the push button portion 32 moves the latch element 24 from the latched position 28 to the released position 30, thereby releasing the latch engagement 26. In this case, actuation of the push button portion 32 should only be possible in a controlled manner. This is achieved by the housing 1 being provided with a cover element 40 that at least partially covers the push button portion 32 in the trigger direction 34. The cover element 40 can cover the push button portion 32 transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the insertion direction 7. The cover element 40 preferably covers the push button portion 32 from the outside of the housing 1. This limits access to the push button portion 32. In particular, it prevents the push button portion 32 from being accidentally operated by a finger or other body part. Furthermore, it prevents damage to the push button portion 32.

[0051] Nevertheless, an access channel 42 accessible from outside the housing 1 extends between the push button portion 32 and the cover element 40 for the insertion of a tool tip 44, in order to enable operation of the push button portion 32. The tool tip 44 may in particular be a working tip 46 of a given tool 48, for example a geometrically predetermined cutting edge 50 of a screwdriver 52.

[0052] The access channel 42 may be configured to be accessible in the insertion direction 7 and / or may extend linearly along the insertion direction 7 to accommodate the elongated shape of the tool tip 44. Furthermore, the access channel 42 may be arranged at the cable exit side 8 and / or may be configured to be accessible from the cable exit side 8.

[0053] 1, the protective sleeve 20 can include a cover element 40. In particular, the cover element 40 can be configured as a belt-like material strip 54 that is curved around the push button portion 32. The material strip 54 can be an integral part of the hollow body 22 or can be subsequently attached to the hollow body 22 by welding or pressing.

[0054] Additionally, the cover element 40 may form an abutment surface 56 facing the push button portion 32 for supporting the tool tip 44 disposed between the push button portion 32 and the cover element 40. The abutment surface 56 makes it easier to use the tool tip 44 to actuate the push button portion 32, thereby moving the latch element 24 to the release position 30, because the tool tip 44 can be placed against the abutment surface 56 to lever the latch element 24 to the release position 30 (see FIG. 7 ). Here, the abutment surface 56 may form a pivot point from which the tool tip 44 extends toward the push button portion 32 and the remainder of the tool (e.g., the tool shaft 58 and tool handle 60) faces away from the push button portion 32. Pivoting movement 62 of tool handle 60 causes tool tip 44 to be pressed against push button portion 32 in trigger direction 34, thereby operating push button portion 32 and releasing latch engagement 26.

[0055] The first housing part 16a, in particular the base body 18, can include a latch element 24. To enable the latch element 24 to better engage with the latch portion 38 of the mating connector 5, it is desirable to arrange the latch element 24 in an attachment 64 of the first housing part 16a. The attachment 64 can be lifted transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the plugging direction 7. The latch element 24 can be arranged, e.g., attached, to the attachment 64.

[0056] As can be seen from Figures 5 to 7, the latch element 24 can be arranged on the base body 18 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 66 extending perpendicular to the insertion direction 7. Here, the latch element 24 can be configured as a locker attached to the attachment 64 of the first housing part 16a. For example, the latch element 24 is connected to the attachment 64 of the first housing part 16a by a living hinge 70 or a torsion joint 72.

[0057] 7 shows that in the released position 30, the engagement portion 36 of the latch element 24 can be deflected away from the latch portion 38 of the mating connector 5. The protective sleeve 20 can form an evasion region 74 into which the deflected engagement portion 36 can at least partially enter. The evasion region 74 can be embodied, for example, as a window-like cutout 76 or an outwardly extending ridge (not shown).

[0058] 1 and 2 , the protective sleeve 20 can be held on the base body 18 so as to be slidable relative to the latch element 24. In particular, when the latch element 24 is in the latched position 28, the protective sleeve 20 can be configured to be movable to a fixed position 78. The protective sleeve 20 disposed in the fixed position 78 prevents the movement of the latch element 24 from the latched position 28 to the released position 30. The prevention occurs, for example, because the avoidance region 74 slides relative to the latch element 24 when the protective sleeve 20 is in the fixed position 78. In particular, this prevents the engagement portion 36 from entering the avoidance region 74. Therefore, the engagement portion 36 cannot bend, and the latch element 24 remains in the latched position 28.

[0059] The area between the push button portion 32 and the cover element 40 can form a tool holder 80 for receiving the tool tip 44. In particular, the push button portion 32 and the cover element 40 at least partially define an access channel 42 at the end of which the tool holder 80 is formed.

[0060] When the latch element 24 is in the latched position 28 (see FIG. 6), the abutment surface 56 of the cover element 40 can extend at least partially parallel to the push button portion 32. When the latch element 24 is in the released position 30, the abutment surface 56 can extend at an angle to the push button portion 32, such that the tool holder 80 is wedge-shaped (see FIG. 7).

[0061] If space constraints do not allow for a sufficient pivoting movement 62 of the tool handle 60, a further embodiment can be used in which the access channel 42 is configured to be non-rotationally symmetrical with respect to the insertion direction 7, at least in the region between the push button part 32 and the cover element 40. This means that the cross section perpendicular to the insertion direction 7 of the access channel 42, and in particular of this region of the tool holder 80, is non-circular. For example, the access channel 42, and in particular of this region of the tool holder 80, can have a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the insertion direction 7.

[0062] 6, when a flat, non-rotationally symmetrical tool tip 44 (e.g., a flat-head screwdriver 82) is inserted into the tool holder 80, the tool holder 80 can then be expanded by a rotational movement 84 of the tool tip 44 about the tool longitudinal axis 86, thereby manipulating the push button portion 32 in the trigger direction 34. In other words, twisting the tool tip 44 can pry the latch element 24 into the release position 30.

[0063] The flat tool tip 44 should have one or more flat surfaces 88. When the latch element 24 is in its latched position 28, a width 90 of the flat surface 88 measured transversely to the tool axis 58 (see FIG. 7) should be greater than a distance 92 between the cover element 40 and the push button portion 32 (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, when the latch element 24 is in its released position 30, the width 90 of the flat surface 88 should correspond to the distance 92 between the cover element 40 and the push button portion 32 (see FIG. 7). Thus, the flat tool tip 44 can be initially inserted with its flat surface 88 parallel to the abutment surface 56 between the cover element 40 and the push button portion 32 (see FIG. 6).

[0064] The flat tool tip 44 can then be rotated about a tool longitudinal axis 86 that is parallel to the tool axis 58. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the flat tool tip 44 can be rotated through an angle of 45° to 135°, particularly 90°, to an upright position. This spreads the cover element 40 and the push button portion 32 apart, thus moving the latch element 24 from its latched position 28 to its released position 30, thereby releasing the latch engagement 26.

[0065] Optionally, when the latch element 24 is in the latched position 28, the area between the push button portion 32 and the cover element 40, and in particular the tool holder 80, is narrower than the thickness 94 of the tool tip 44. In other words, when the latch element 24 is in the latched position 28, the distance 92 between the push button portion 32 and the cover element 40 is less than the thickness 94 of the tool tip 44. For example, when the latch element 24 is in the latched position 28, the push button portion 32 can occupy the tool holder 80. This means that the push button portion 32 fills the tool holder 80, such that the tool tip 44 can be inserted into the tool holder 80 only if the push button portion 32 simultaneously moves out of the tool holder 80.

[0066] Thus, simply inserting the tool tip 44 into the tool holder 80 can move the latch element 24 from its latched position 28 to its released position 30. In other words, the inserted tool tip 44 moves (e.g., pushes / slides / displaces) the push button portion 32 out of the tool holder 80, thereby moving the latch element 24 to its released position. Pivoting movement 62 or rotational movement 84 of the tool tip 44 is thereby unnecessary.

[0067] Advantageously, the cover element 40 and / or the push button portion 32 include an insertion bevel 98 that facilitates penetration of the tool tip 44 into the area between the push button portion 32 and the cover element 40 .

[0068] 1, the protective sleeve 20 can have an insertion opening 98 that leads to or opens into the access channel 42 from outside the housing 1. This means that the tool tip 44 must be inserted into the access channel 42 through the insertion opening 98, and the size of the insertion opening 98 determines the type of tool that can release the latch engagement 26.

[0069] 1 , the protective sleeve 20 can at least partially define the access channel 42, in particular radially outward. This means that the protective sleeve 20 can, for example, form an inner wall 100 of the access channel 42. In particular, the protective sleeve 20 can form a guide surface 102 for the tool tip 44 in the access channel 44.

[0070] The guide surfaces 102 can be oriented radially inward and spaced apart from the cover element 40 and / or can be arranged flush with the push button portion 32. Furthermore, the guide surfaces 102 can be flush with the push button portion 32 in the insertion direction 7, so that the tool tip 44 is guided by the guide surfaces 102 into the tool holder 80 and is also accurately aligned there.

[0071] 7, in the released position 30, the latch element 24 may be resiliently deflected. For example, a resilient restoring force from a living hinge 70 or a torsion joint 72 may return the latch element 24 to the latched position 28, which represents the unforced state of the latch element 24.

[0072] Thus, the latch element 24, together with the cover element 40, can form a clamp 104 for holding the tool tip 44. In other words, the housing 1 can be configured to hold the tool tip 44 inserted into the access channel 42 by clamping it in place. For example, the abutment surface 56 and the push button portion 32 can clamp the tool tip 44 in a frictional engagement. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1. Housing 2 connectors 4 Connection Assembly 5 Mating connector 6 Mating surface side 7 Insertion direction 8 Cable exit side 10 Mating surface 12 Electrical conductors 14 Cable 16 Housing section 18 Base body 20 Protective sleeve 22 Hollow body 24 Latching Elements 26 Latch engagement 28 Latch position 30 Release position 32 Push button section 34 Trigger Direction 35 Latch Connection 36 Engagement part 38 Latch section 40 Cover Elements 42 Access Channels 44 Tool tip 46 Working tip 48 Tools 50 cutting edge 52 Drivers 54 Material Strips 56 Contact surface 58 Tool axis 60 Tool Handle 62 Circular Movement 64 Attachments 66 Swivel axis 68 Rocca 70 Integral hinge 72 Torsion joint 74 Avoidance Area 76 Window Cutout 78 Fixed position 80 Tool holder 82 Flathead screwdriver 84 Rotational Motion 86 Tool longitudinal axis 88 Flat surface 90 width 92 distance 94 Thickness 96 Insertion Slope 98 Insertion opening 100 Inner wall 102 Guide surface 104 Clamp

Claims

1. A housing (1) for a connector (2) that is pluggable with a mating connector (5) along a plugging direction (7), said housing (1) comprising: a latch element (24), configured to be movable between a released position (30) and a latched position (28) for releasable latching engagement (26) with said mating connector (5); The device includes a push button portion (32) operable in a trigger direction (34), and the latch engagement (26) is released when the push button portion (32) is operated. a latch element (24); a cover element (40) at least partially covering said push button part (32) in said trigger direction (34); Equipped with A housing (1) in which an access channel (42) accessible from outside the housing (1) for inserting a tool tip (44) extends between the push button portion (32) and the cover element (40).

2. 2. The housing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the access channel (42) extends linearly along the insertion direction (7).

3. 3. The housing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (1) includes a mating face side (6) and a cable exit side (8), and the access channel (42) is configured to be accessible from the cable exit side (8).

4. 4. A housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover element (40) forms an abutment surface (56) arranged opposite the push button portion (32) for supporting the tool tip (44) arranged between the push button portion (32) and the cover element (40).

5. 5. A housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the access channel (42) is configured to be non-rotationally symmetrical at least in the region between the push button portion (32) and the cover element (40).

6. 6. The housing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (1) is configured in several parts, a first housing part (16a) including the latch element (24) and a second housing part (16b) configured as a protective sleeve (20) surrounding the first housing part (16a), the protective sleeve (20) including the cover element (40).

7. 7. The housing (1) of claim 6, wherein the protective sleeve (20) at least partially defines the access channel (42).

8. 8. A housing (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the protective sleeve (20) forms a guide surface (102) for the tool tip (44), the guide surface (102) being spaced apart from the cover element (40) and arranged flush with the push button portion (32).

9. The housing (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the first housing part (16a) comprises an attachment (64) on which the latch element (24) is arranged.

10. 10. The housing (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the latch element (24) is pivotally arranged on the first housing part (16a).

11. 11. A housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the latch element (24) is elastically deflectable in the release position (30) and forms, together with the cover element (40), a clamp (104) for holding the tool tip (44).

12. The housing (1) comprises a further latching element, the further latching element comprising: - an engagement portion; - an operating part connected to said engagement part so as to transmit a movement; Including, 12. The housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the engagement portion is configured to effect a further latching engagement with the mating connector, and the operation portion is configured to be pressed by a human finger to release the further latching engagement.

13. A connector (2), A housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, at least one contact element; Equipped with The connector (2), wherein the housing includes at least one contact chamber in which the at least one contact element is received.

14. A connection assembly (4), The connector of claim 13; a mating connector (5) that can be inserted into the connector (2) in the insertion direction (7); Equipped with The mating connector (5) includes at least one mating contact for the at least one contact element of the connector, and the mating connector (5) is configured to perform the latching engagement (26) with the latch element (24) of the connector (2).

15. 15. A method for unlatching a connection assembly (4) according to claim 14, comprising the steps of: - inserting a tool tip (44) into said access channel (42) in said insertion direction (7) until it is between said push button part (32) and said cover element (40); - operating said push button portion (32) using said tool tip (44); A method comprising:

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