Connector Assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector assembly of an electrical plug connector and a mating plug connector.SOLUTION: The invention relates to a connector assembly of an electrical plug connector and a mating plug connector. The electrical plug connector 100 comprises a connector housing 101 and a housing interlock element 109 for securing the assembly connection of the connector housing 101 to the mating plug connector 200. The housing interlock element 109 is movable with respect to the connector housing 101 between a pre-latched position and a final latched position. The mating plug connector 200 comprises a receiving element 211 for the housing interlock element 109. The housing interlock element 109 has a switching element 131 which is configured and arranged such that the contacting of two electrical contacts 219a, 219b takes place only when the housing locking element 109 is in the final latched position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly comprising an electrical plug connector and a mating plug connector. [Background technology]

[0002] Connector assemblies for power transmission, consisting of an electrical plug connector and a mating plug connector, are known in which a housing interlocking element, also called Connector Position Assurance (CPA), protects the connection between the plug connector and the mating plug connector, thereby preventing unintentional disconnection. In automotive applications, for example, the connector assembly may be subjected to high vibration loads, and the housing interlocking element helps to achieve the required connection reliability.

[0003] In particular, it is known to arrange a housing interlocking element on the electrical plug connector so that it can be moved between a pre-latched position in which the assembled connection is not protected and a final latched position in which the assembled connection is protected. In the pre-latched position in which the electrical plug connector is preferably supplied, the housing interlocking element typically blocks an incorrect assembled connection by means of an additional positive lock. In the final latched position, the housing interlocking element typically prevents unintentional disconnection of the connector assembly.

[0004] Furthermore, in particular for high voltage applications, e.g. automotive applications at DC voltages above 60 V, it is known to protect the power transmission by means of an interlock circuit, also called an interlock loop or high voltage interlock system (HVIL), which is able to signal the electrical coupling of the electrical plug connector with a mating plug connector by means of a rising signal contact, such that a relay of an associated switching system on the mating plug connector starts the power transmission.

[0005] For example, in addition to the power contacts, relatively short signal contacts are arranged in the plug connector for this purpose, which close the interlock circuit only when the connector assembly is mated to a stop.

[0006] However, in known solutions, the interlock circuit is already closed and power transmission is possible even if the connector assembly is not yet sufficiently interlocked and protected. In this case, there is a risk that an electric arc may prematurely or erroneously in an insufficiently connected connector assembly signal the switching system to turn on the interlock circuit. This may lead to accidents or reduced availability of equipment. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved protective connector assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the invention the problem is solved by a connector assembly comprising an electrical plug connector and a mating plug connector as claimed in claim 1. In this context, the electrical plug connector comprises a connector housing and a housing interlocking element for securing an assembly connection of the connector housing to the mating plug connector, the housing interlocking element being movable relative to the connector housing between a pre-latched position and a final latched position, the mating plug connector comprising a receiving element for the housing interlocking element. The connector assembly is characterized in that the receiving element comprises two electrical contacts for an electrical interlock circuit and the housing interlocking element comprises a switching element which is constructed and arranged in such a way that contact of the two electrical contacts occurs only when the housing interlocking element is in the final latched position.

[0009] According to the present invention, the switching element is integrated into the housing interlock element such that the electrical interlock circuit function is connected to the mechanical housing lock function. Thus, power cannot be transmitted until the connector assembly is secured by being locked by the housing interlock element. Additionally, when the housing interlock element is moved away from the final latched position, leaving the connector assembly unsecured, the interlock circuit can be opened and power transmission ceases.

[0010] In this case, the state of the housing interlock can also be detected by the state of the interlock circuit, i.e. open or closed. This allows the step of checking the state of the mechanical housing interlock to be omitted during assembly of the connector assembly. The assembly of the connector assembly can therefore be made quicker and easier. Furthermore, the application and verification of a label, usually in the form of a data matrix code, which is only visible in the final latched position of the housing interlock element, can be omitted. This simplifies the design of the part and therefore the manufacture of the connector assembly.

[0011] In one embodiment, the receiving element may include a switch, and the switching element may be configured to close the switch and short two electrical contacts when moved to the final latched position. Thus, the switching element does not require a conductive element for shorting the electrical contacts, and the housing interlock element is particularly simply configured. In one embodiment, the switching element may include a conductive element that brings the two electrical contacts into contact in the final latched position. In this embodiment, the interlock circuit can be closed via the conductive element of the housing interlock element. Thus, an even higher safety of interrogation of the interlock circuit can be achieved.

[0012] In one embodiment, the housing interlocking element can be positively received by the receiving element such that in the final latched position, relative movement of the plug connector relative to the mating plug connector is blocked, and in the pre-latched position of the housing interlocking element, the blocking can be released. In this embodiment, the interlocking of the connector assembly is improved since relative movement between the plug connector and the mating plug connector can be blocked in the final latched position of the housing interlocking element.

[0013] In one embodiment, the housing interlocking element can have a pin-shaped body arranged along a plug-in direction in which the plug connector can be plugged into the mating plug connector, the housing interlocking element has at least one projection projecting transversely to the plug-in direction at a first end of the pin-shaped body facing the plug-in direction, in particular the conductive element forms a projection which, in the final latched position, can be received in a cavity of the receiving element arranged transversely to the plug-in direction to provide a positive lock against the plug-in direction. The positive lock of the plug connector allows the connector arrangement connection to absorb additional mechanical forces, which can result in the connector assembly being able to withstand higher vibration loads.

[0014] In one embodiment, the receiving element and / or the housing interlocking element can be configured to allow mating of the plug connector with a mating plug connector only when the housing interlocking element is in a pre-latched position, thus preventing mating of the connector assembly only when the housing interlocking element is in a condition that inadvertently or unintentionally closes the interlock circuit.

[0015] The object of the present invention is also achieved by an electrical plug connector of a plug assembly according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments, the plug connector having a connector housing and a housing interlocking element for securing an assembled connection of the connector housing to a mating connector, the housing interlocking element being movable relative to the connector housing between a pre-latched position and a final latched position, the housing interlocking element having a conductive element. With the plug connector thus configured, the advantages of the above-mentioned connector assembly can be realized.

[0016] The plug connector according to the invention can be further improved by the following further developments and configurations, each of which is preferred and which can be combined with one another as desired.

[0017] In one configuration, the housing interlocking element can further comprise a pin-shaped body arranged along a plug-in direction of the connector housing, the plug-in direction being a direction in which the plug connector can be plugged into a mating connector, such that the pin-shaped body of the locking element can be inserted into the mating plug connector together with the power transmission contact of the plug connector in a plug-in movement parallel to the power transmission contact and protected from undesired external influences.

[0018] In a further configuration, the housing interlocking element may be rotatable in the connector housing about a rotation axis extending parallel to the plugging direction and passing through the pin-like body from a first rotational position to a second rotational position, the first rotational position corresponding to a pre-latched position and the second rotational position corresponding to a final latched position. In this way, movement from the pre-latched position to the final latched position can be achieved by a space-saving rotational movement.

[0019] In a further configuration, the conductive element may include a metal pin extending transverse to the plugging direction through the housing interlocking element.

[0020] Such an advanced conductive element may be suitable as a contact bridge for closing an interlock circuit, which is brought to a desired position based on the rotation of the pin-shaped body. In particular, this conductive element can increase the absorption of forces during connection by an additional positive connection and a frictional connection, and further stabilize the connector assembly. The connector assembly is therefore more resistant to vibration stresses and reduces the risk of fretting corrosion occurring during high voltage transmission.

[0021] In a further configuration, at least one end of the conductive element may form a projection projecting transversely with respect to the plug-in direction with respect to the pin-shaped body.

[0022] Such protruding conductive elements can enable a positive locking of the plug connector and can absorb additional mechanical forces, and in addition, the electrical contacts of the interlock circuit can be located deeper in the mating connector, in particular away from the power-transmitting contacts, thus increasing the electromagnetic shielding between the interlock circuit and the current circuit.

[0023] In a further configuration, the housing interlocking element may further include an actuation element for manually moving the housing interlocking element between the first and second rotational positions, in particular the actuation element is connected to the pin-like body at a second end opposite the first end and is disposed on an outer surface of the connector housing facing away from the plugging direction, in this configuration the surface facing away from the plugging direction may be more easily accessible, thereby facilitating manual actuation of the housing interlocking element by an assembler.

[0024] In a further configuration, the connector housing may further include a lever configured to assemble the assembly connection upon pivoting from a first lever position to a second lever position, the lever may aid and facilitate assembly of the plug connector with a mating plug connector.

[0025] In a further configuration, the lever can engage the mating connector such that movement, in particular rotation, of the lever from the first lever position to the second lever position generates a pushing force in the plugging direction. In this way, the lever can assist in the mechanical coupling of the plug connector and the mating plug connector.

[0026] In a further configuration, the actuation element can be arranged such that pivoting of the lever from the first lever position to the second lever position is only possible when the actuation element is arranged in the first rotation position. This ensures that full mechanical coupling of the connector assembly is only possible when it is guaranteed that no unintentional closing of the electrical circuit occurs when the lever is fully depressed. Furthermore, the lever position allows the assembler to visually recognize incorrect assembly in a simple manner.

[0027] In a further configuration, the actuation element can, in the second rotational position, block pivoting of the lever from the second lever position to the first lever position, particularly by positive connection, such that the connector assembly cannot be disconnected without returning the housing interlock element from the final latched position to the pre-latched position while simultaneously opening the interlock circuit.

[0028] In a further configuration, the lever can have a resilient locking element which, in a second lever position, releasably blocks the actuating element of the housing interlocking element by positive connection in the second rotational position. Thus, the housing interlocking element is blocked from unintentionally or erroneously returning from the final latched position to the pre-latched position and the connector assembly is fully protected. At the same time, the assembler can disconnect the connection again without tools by manually moving the locking element against the resilient restoring force.

[0029] The present invention further includes a mating connector of the connector assembly according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments, the mating connector having a receiving element for the housing interlock element, the receiving element having two electrical contacts for the electrical interlock circuit. The mating connector thus formed is suitable for realizing the advantages of the connector assembly described above.

[0030] In one configuration of the mating plug connector, the receiving element is configured for positive reception along a plug-in direction of the pin-like bodies, the plug-in direction being the direction in which the plug connector can be plugged into the mating plug connector. Due to the form-fitting reception of the corresponding pin-like bodies of the housing interlocking element, additional mechanical forces of the plug connector can be absorbed and it can better withstand vibration loads.

[0031] In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail by means of preferred configurations with reference to the drawings. The illustrated preferred further developments or configurations are independent of one another and can be combined with one another as required by the application. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 shows a connector assembly according to a preferred configuration of the present invention, with the plug connector and the mating plug connector in an unplugged state. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows the connector assembly of FIG. 1A in a final coupled and secured state. [Figure 1C] FIG. 13 shows only the mating connector of the connector assembly, with a detailed view of the receiving element of the housing interlocking element. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1C is a first cross-sectional view of the connector assembly in the final state taken along cross-sectional axis A of FIG. 1B. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1C is a second cross-sectional view of the connector assembly in the final state taken along cross-sectional axis B of FIG. 1B. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 illustrates the connector assembly in a plugged, unmated state. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a detailed view of the receiving element 211 in the state of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 illustrates the connector assembly in a plugged and mated state. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a detailed view of the receiving element 211 in the state of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 illustrates the connector assembly in a plugged, mated and secured state. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a detailed view of the receiving element 211 in the state of FIG. 5A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Like reference numbers in the figures refer to like elements of the invention.The drawings are only illustrative of the invention and should not be construed as limiting with respect to size or proportion.

[0034] 1A and 1B show a connector assembly 1 according to a preferred configuration of the present invention, comprising an electrical plug connector 100 and a mating plug connector 200. The connector assembly 1 is an automotive power transmission connector for voltages above 60V.

[0035] The plug connector 100 includes a connector housing 101, a rear housing cover 103, a lever 105, and a housing interlocking element 109, also referred to as a connector position assurance (CPA). A substantially planar actuating element 111 of the housing interlocking element 109 is arranged on an outer surface 113 of the plug connector 100 facing away from the plug-in direction x and is rotatable about a first rotation axis D1 extending parallel to the plug-in direction x. This actuating element 111 is used for manually actuating the housing interlocking element 109.

[0036] The housing cover 103 covers an opening 115 in a first region 117 of the connector housing 101 of the plug connector 100, facing away from the plug-in region. The first region 117 of the connector housing 101 is configured along a body direction y perpendicular to the plug-in direction x. The opening 115 is for receiving at least two cables of insulated current conductors 119a, 119b. The housing cover 103 surrounds the received cables 119a, 119b and preferably covers the opening 115 in a waterproof manner. Current transfer contacts (not visible in Figs. 1A, 1B) are arranged in the connector housing 101, to which the ends of the current conductors of the cables 119a, 119b received through the openings 115 are conductively attached, for example crimped.

[0037] The first region 117 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the second region 121 of the housing 101. In this embodiment, the plug connector 100 is a right-angled, so-called 90° exit connector. In this embodiment, both the first region 117 and the second region 121 have a rectangular cross section. The second region 121 is suitable for holding contact terminals of the power transmission contacts and for plugging into a mating plug connector 200 to mate the connector assembly 1. However, other configurations of the connector shape are possible.

[0038] The lever 105 comprises two lever arms 123a, 123b and a cross beam 125 that is configured in a particularly flat manner suitable for manipulation. The cross beam 125 has a recess 137. With first ends that face at least partially in the body direction y, the lever arms 123a, 123b are connected to the cross beam 125. With second ends that face at least partially away from the body direction y, the lever arms 123a, 123b are arranged rotatably about respective pivot pins 127. The pivot pins 127 are arranged along a second rotation axis D2 that runs through the connector housing 101 transversely to the plug-in direction x.

[0039] Engagement lugs 129 disposed about pivot pin 127 are also configured to face outwardly at the second ends of lever arms 123a, 123b. Engagement lugs 129 (not visible in FIG. 1B) are suitably positioned to engage corresponding lever handle notches 225 of the mating plug connector 200. As lever 105 rotates about pivot pin 127, engagement lugs 129 engage corresponding lever handle notches 225, thereby exerting a pushing force in plug-in direction x to facilitate mating of the connector assemblies.

[0040] In FIG. 1A, the connector assembly 1 is in an unplugged state. The plug connector 100 is only approaching the mating plug connector 200 in the plug-in direction x, but is not yet coupled. The actuating element 111 is in a first rotational position corresponding to a pre-latched position of the housing interlocking element 109. In the first rotational position, the actuating element 111 is disposed at a first angle α1 (see FIG. 1B). The angle α1 is preferably between 10° and 40° with respect to the body direction y. The lever 105 is in a first lever position or an open lever position. In the first lever position, coupling of the plug connector 100 and the mating plug connector 200 can be started. In this position, the lever arms 123a, 123b are aligned substantially parallel to the plug-in direction x. In particular, the lever arms 123 a , 123 b are configured to allow the engagement lugs 129 to pass through the lever handle notches 225 without blocking the mating of the connector assembly 1 .

[0041] 1A further shows a stop element 139 disposed on the surface 113. The stop element 139 blocks the actuation element 111 from rotating beyond the angle α1 in the opposite direction of rotation of the rotation axis D1.

[0042] FIG. 1B shows the connector assembly of FIG. 1A in a final coupled and secured state. The plug connector 100 is fully inserted into the mating plug connector 200. The connector housing 101 is positively attached to the mating connector housing 201. The lever 105 is in a second or closed lever position. In the second lever position, the lever arms 123a, 123b are aligned substantially parallel to the body direction y. The actuating element 111 of the housing interlock element 109 has been pivoted about the rotation axis D1 and is in a second rotation position corresponding to the final latched position of the housing interlock element 109.

[0043] In the second rotational position, the actuating element 111 is disposed at a second angle α2 with respect to the body direction y. The second angle α2 preferably has the same magnitude as the first angle α1 in the opposite direction of rotation about D2. FIG. 1B shows that in the second rotational position, the actuating element 111 positively blocks the movement of the cross beam 125. FIG. 1B further shows that the plug connector 100 also includes a latch element 141, a support element 143, and a fixing element 145. The latch element 141 and the support element 143 are disposed on the outer surface 113 of the plug connector 100. The fixing element 145 is disposed in the center of the cross beam 125 of the lever 105 and protrudes from the surface of the cross beam 125. In particular, the fixing element 145 is resiliently mounted relative to the cross beam 125 so that it can be moved manually, for example along the plug-in direction x. In the final latched position shown in FIG. 1B, the actuating element 111 is positively locked by the fixing element 145.

[0044] The latch element 141 holds the actuating element 111 positively along a rotation about D2 in the yz-plane and blocks bending against the plug-in direction x. The support element 143 supports one end of the actuating element 111 in the yz-plane in the first rotational position and prevents bending of the actuating element 111 in the plug-in direction x.

[0045] 1C shows a mating plug connector 200. A rectangular base 201 carries a mating connector housing 203 and two contact terminals 205a, 205b for transmitting power, which are surrounded by respective supports 207a, 207b. Screws 209 are arranged at each of the four corners to fix the mating plug connector 200 to the device. A lever handle notch 225 of the mating connector housing 203 is configured to receive the engagement lug 129 of the lever 105.

[0046] The receiving element 211 is arranged in the mating connector housing 203 in the xy plane, here for example between the two contact terminals 205a, 205b. The receiving element 211 comprises a guide body 213 having an opening 215 for receiving and inserting the housing interlock element 109. The guide body 213 is configured tubularly along the plug-in direction x and comprises two notches 217a, 217b extending along the plug-in direction x. The notches 217a, 217b are grooves for guiding the housing interlock element 109, in particular for guiding the protruding ends 135a, 135b of the switching element formed as the conductive element 131, as will be described below with reference to Figures 2A and 2B.

[0047] In the detailed view of FIG. 1C, the receiving element 211 is shown in a cross section along the xz plane perpendicular to the plug-in direction x at the height of the base 201. Two electrical contacts 219a, 219b of an interlock circuit, also called an interlock loop or high voltage interlock system (HVIL), are arranged in the opening 215 of the receiving element 211. With a closed interlock circuit, a rising signal contact can signal a correct electrical coupling of the electrical plug connector 100 with the mating plug connector 200, such that a relay of an associated switching system on the mating plug connector side starts transmitting power through the cable 119a, 119b. As shown in FIG. 1C, the two contacts 219a, 219b are arranged opposite each other in the xy plane in the opening 215, with their ends protruding into the opening 215.

[0048] Furthermore, the detailed view of FIG. 1C shows in cross section the boundaries of the notches 217a, 217b and of the guide body 213 at the base 201. The notches 217a, 217b of the guide body 213 are arranged around the opening 215 opposite each other, in this embodiment on an axis offset by 45° to the body direction y. As can be seen in FIGS. 2A, 2B, the thickness 221 of the guide body 213 allows the formation of a rotation cavity 229, which creates space for the movement and form-fit against the plug-in direction x for the ends 135a, 135b of the conductive element 131, which will be described later. The thickness 221 creates space in cross section to connect the notches 217a, 217b to the electrical contacts 219a, 219b arranged along the body direction y.

[0049] Figures 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of the connector assembly 1 in a final latched state corresponding to Figure 1B. Figure 2A shows a second region of the device 1 in a cross-sectional view along cross-sectional axis A of Figure 1B. Figure 2B shows the device in a cross-sectional view along cross-sectional axis B of Figure 1B.

[0050] Figures 2A and 2B show the housing 101, lever 105 and housing interlocking element 109 of the plug connector 100 as previously described with reference to Figures 1A and 1B. The mating plug connector 200 includes a base 201, a mating connector housing 203, supports 207a, 207b for current carrying contacts and a receiving element 211. A screw 209 for fixing the mating plug connector 200 to a device is further shown.

[0051] In particular, FIGS. 2A and 2B show the structure of a housing interlock element 109 that includes a pin-like body 107 and a conductive element 131 in addition to an actuating element 111 .

[0052] At a first end opposite to the plug-in direction x, the pin-like body 107 is firmly connected to an actuating element 111 which is arranged on the outside of the housing 101 and is in particular constructed integrally therewith. The pin-like body 107 extends along a rotation axis D2 which runs parallel to the plug-in direction x. In the present embodiment, the pin-like body 107 is constructed circularly symmetrically about the axis D2. In an alternative configuration, the pin-like body 107 is not circularly symmetrical, for example due to additional positive locking elements formed on the surface of the pin-like body 107.

[0053] The conductive element 131 is arranged, for example by a positive connection, at a second end of the pin-shaped body 107 facing in the plug-in direction x. The conductive element 131 comprises a metal pin 133 with two ends 135a, 135b. The ends 135a, 135b project transversely with respect to the pin-shaped body 107 in the plug-in direction x and are configured as protrusions. The metal pin 133 passes through the center of the pin-shaped body 107 of the housing interlocking element 109. The electrical contacts 219a, 219b of the mating plug connector 200 extend along the plug-in direction x through the base 201. In particular, the electrical contacts 219a, 219b extend along the inner surface of the receiving element 211 forming the opening 215 up to the height of the ends 135a, 135b. In FIG. 2A, the housing interlocking element 109 is in a final latched state with ends 135a, 135b in conductive contact with ends of electrical contacts 219a, 219b of the mating plug connector 201. In FIG.

[0054] Instead of the pin 133 passing through the pin-like body 107, a differently shaped electrical element can be used, such as a ring section extending outside the pin-like body 107 and spanning an angle of 180°.

[0055] The connector housing 101 is mated with the mating connector housing 203 such that the pin-shaped bodies 107 of the housing interlocking elements 109 are inserted into the receiving elements 211. At the same time, the supports 207a, 207b (see FIG. 1c) of the contact terminals 205a, 205b receive respective sleeves 147a, 147b of the power transmission contacts (not shown), which are associated with the cables 119a and 119b of the plug connector 100.

[0056] 2A and 2B, the connector assembly 1 is shown in a final latched state. The lever 105 is closed in a second lever position. In the second lever position, the lever 105 abuts against an outer housing surface 113 parallel to the body direction y. The housing interlock element 109 is in a second rotational position in which the conductive element 131 is aligned parallel to the xy plane. In particular, the ends 135a, 135b of the conductive element 131 are located in the rotational cavity 229 of the guide body 213 of the receiving element 211.

[0057] 2A and 2B show enlarged detail of the receiving and contact areas of the housing interlock element 109. As previously described, it can be seen that in the final latched state, the ends 135a, 135b abut the ends of the electrical contacts 219a, 219b of the interlock circuit of the receiving element 211. Thus, electrical contact is made, thereby closing the interlock circuit.

[0058] The ends 135a, 135b protrude from the pin-shaped body 107 in a body direction y, transverse to the plug-in direction x. The ends 135a, 135b are thus configured to be inserted into the notches 217a, 217b when the plug connector 100 is mated, and to maintain the rotational orientation of the housing interlocking element 109 on the receiving element 211 when the pin-shaped body 107 is inserted into the guide body 213. As can be seen from FIG. 2A, the protruding ends 135a, 135b are configured to be received in rotation cavities 229 extending transversely to the plug-in direction x in the guide body 213 of the receiving element 211. Thus, a positive locking of the plug connector 100 against the plug-in direction x is obtained when the housing interlocking element 109 on the receiving element 211 is rotated from a first rotational position, as will be explained below.

[0059] 3A-5B, it will be described how the electrical plug connector 100 is fully mated with the mating plug connector 200 to ultimately achieve the final latched state shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0060] Figures 3A, 4A and 5A of the connector assembly 1 show successive steps of coupling of the connector assembly 1. Figures 3B, 4B and 5B are detailed views of the position of the housing interlock element 109 relative to the receiving element 211 at the steps of Figures 3A, 4A and 5A, respectively. The detailed Figures 3B, 4B and 5B correspond to the cross-sectional views along the cross-sectional axis S shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0061] 3A, the lever 105 is in a first lever position and the housing interlock element 109 is in a pre-latched position. The connector housing 101 is partially inserted into the mating connector housing 203; however, the connector assembly 1 is not yet electrically coupled. The lever 105 is in a first open lever position, where the engagement lug 129 has not yet been inserted into the lever handle notch 225 of the mating connector housing 203.

[0062] Only in this position of the housing interlock element 109 can the plug connector 100 be pushed into the mating plug connector 200. Only when the housing interlock element 109 is in the pre-latch position can the contact arms 135a, 135b be in an angular position about the rotation axis D2 relative to the main body direction y, in which position the contact arms 135a, 135b can be received in the respective notches 217a, 217b of the guide body 213 of the receiving element 211.

[0063] 3B is a view showing the yz-plane of the receiving element 211 with the contact arms 135a, 135b located in the notches 217a, 217b. When the contact arms 135a, 135b are located in the notches 217a, 217b, they are not blocked along the plug-in direction x and can slide along the notches 217a, 217b as when the pin-shaped body 107 is inserted into the receiving element 211. In this embodiment, the notches 217a, 217b are arranged in the guide body 213 offset relative to the body direction y by an angle α3 of 45° about the rotation axis D2. Thus, the housing interlock element 109 can be inserted into the receiving element 211 without the guide body 213 blocking the contact arms 135a, 135b in the plug-in direction.

[0064] In Fig. 4A the connector assembly 1 is in a fully coupled but not yet protected intermediate state. The lever 105 has been moved from the first lever position of Fig. 3A to the second lever position, for example by manually actuating the cross beam 125. This is possible because the actuating element 111 of the housing interlock element 109 is in the first rotational position. Only then can the recess 137 in the cross beam 125 allow the lever 105 to be moved completely to the second lever position without the cross beam 125 being blocked by the actuating element 111.

[0065] Due to the leverage that can be exerted by the engagement lugs 129, the plug connector 100 and the mating plug connector 200 have been fully coupled by rotation of the lever 105. Unintentional uncoupling of the coupling is prevented by engaging the lugs of the spring elements of the plug connector 100 with corresponding recesses of the mating plug connector 200. In this position, the coupling of the power transmission contacts is also performed.

[0066] Figure 4B, like Figure 4A, shows that in the pre-latched state, contact arms 135a, 135b are not yet engaged with contacts 219a, 219b of receiving element 211. However, because the connector assembly is fully coupled based on closing of lever 105, contact arms 135a and 135b are already flush with contacts 219a, 219b, such that pin-like body 107 of housing interlock element 109 is fully inserted into receiving element 211. In this state, the interlock circuit is not yet closed and power transmission through the interlock circuit has not yet commenced.

[0067] In this state, the contact arms 135a, 135b are located in the receiving element 211 and can move in a circle along the aforementioned rotation cavity 229 of the receiving element 211 in the thickness portion 221 of the guide body 213. The movement space created by the rotation cavity 229 fills the 45° offset between the notches 217a, 217b and the contacts 219a, 219b. Thus, the rotation movement of the contact arms 135a, 135b of the housing interlock element 109 is no longer blocked by the notches 217a, 217b of the receiving element 211.

[0068] In Fig. 5A, the connector assembly 1 is in a coupled and secured end state with the lever 105 in the second lever position and the housing interlock element 109 in the final latched position. To this end, following the plugging of the connector 100 and the rotation of the lever 105 to the second lever position, the housing interlock element 109 was moved to the final latched position. To this end, the actuating element 111 was manually moved from the first rotational position to the second rotational position in a circle about the rotation axis D1. In this process, the actuating element 111 was partially pressed onto the cross beam 125 of the lever 105, such that the lever 105 is positively locked in the second lever position.

[0069] As the actuating element 111 slides over the cross beam 125, it also displaces the resilient locking element 145, which protrudes from the surface of the cross beam 125, from its rest position. When the actuating element 111 causes the resilient locking element 145 to move to the second rotated position, the locking element 145 springs back to its rest position, blocking the return of the actuating element 111. In this manner, the housing interlock element 109 is positively fixed in the final latched position and the connector assembly 1 is locked.

[0070] 5B shows electrical contact between the contact arms 135a, 135b and the contacts 219a, 219b. The interlock circuit is closed via the metal pin 133 and power transmission is initiated. Thus, power transmission is not initiated until the lever 105 is in the second lever position, where the coupling of the connector assembly 1 is completed. In addition, in this position, the metal contact arms 135a, 135b protruding from the pin-like body 107 are in the rotation cavity 229. The positive connection of the protruding metal contact arms 135a, 135b in the rotation cavity 229 blocks the relative movement of the housing interlock element 109 with respect to the receiving element 211 against the plugging direction x. Thus, the locked connector assembly can be subjected to high mechanical loads and is protected against vibrations. In this manner, the risk of electrical or mechanical accidents during use of the connector assembly may also be reduced.

[0071] To release the connector assembly 1, the housing interlocking element 109 must first be rotated back from the second rotational position of the final latched state to the first rotational position of the pre-latched state. In the first rotational position, the contact arms 135a, 135b protruding from the pin-like body 107 are no longer located in the rotational cavity 229 but in the notches 217a, 217b, thus unblocking the metal contact arms 135a, 135b against the plugging direction x. Only then is the lever 105 also no longer blocked by the actuating element 111 and the lever 105 can be actuated to release the connector assembly 1.

[0072] In this way, it is simultaneously and additionally ensured that the interlock circuit is opened and power transmission is interrupted before the lever 105 can be actuated and the connector assembly 1 can be unlocked.

[0073] In this embodiment of the invention, when assembling the connector assembly 1, the further step of checking the state of the housing interlock 109 is eliminated, since the interlock circuit can only be closed in the final latched state. Thus, assembly of the connector assembly becomes quicker and easier, and the usual Data Matrix code can be omitted entirely.

[0074] In the previously described embodiment, the switching element of the connector assembly according to the invention is configured as a conductive element 131 comprising a metal pin 133 with protruding ends 135a, 135b. In an alternative embodiment, the switching element is a protrusion formed on the surface of the pin-like body 107. The protrusion is located at the end of the pin-like body 107 facing in the plug-in direction x and protrudes transversely to the plug-in direction x. The position and geometry of the protrusion on the pin-like body 107 may preferably correspond to the position and geometry of the end 135a or the end 135b of the previously described embodiment.

[0075] In this alternative embodiment, the receiving element 211 comprises a switch, and the electrical contacts of the mating plug connector 200 are arranged to be short-circuited by the switch. The switch is preferably located at the level of the rotation cavity 229. Thus, when the housing interlock element moves from the pre-latched position to the end-latched position, i.e. when the pin-like body rotates about the axis D1, the protrusion activates the switch and is able to short-circuit the electrical contacts of the mating plug connector. During the movement from the end-latched position back to the pre-latched position, the protrusion returns to its initial position. Thus, as can be seen from the previous embodiment, the electrical contacts of the mating plug connector are unshorted and the interlock circuit is opened.

[0076] In this alternative embodiment, the underlying problem can be solved and the advantages of the present invention can be realized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 Connector Assembly 100 Electrical Plug Connectors 101 Connector housing 103 Rear housing cover 105 Lever 107 Pin-shaped body 109 Housing interlocking elements 111 Actuating elements 113 Outer surface of connector housing 115 First Area Opening 117 First region of connector housing 119a, 119b cables 121 Second area of ​​connector housing 123a, 123b Lever arm 125 Crossbeam 127 Swivel Pin 129 Engagement lug 131 Conductive Elements 133 Metal Pin 135a, 135b Ends of metal pins formed as protrusions 137 Cross beam recess 139 Stopping elements 141 Latching elements 143 Supporting elements 145 Fixed elements 147a, 147b Sleeve of power transmission contact 200 Mating plug connector 201 Base 203 Mating connector housing 205a, 205b Contact terminal 207a, 207b Support for current-transmitting contact 209 Screw 211 Acceptance elements 213 Guide body of receiving element 215 Receiving element opening 217a, 217b Receiving element notch 219a, 219b Two electrical contacts of an interlock circuit 221 Thickness of guide body 225 Lever handle notch 227 Elastic Fixation Elements 229 Rotating Cavity X Insertion Direction Y Body direction D1 First rotation axis D2 Second rotation axis A, B, S cross section axis α1 angle of the actuating element in the first rotation position α2 Angle of the actuating element in the second rotation position α3 Angle of arrangement of notches in guide body

Claims

1. A connector assembly (1) of an electrical plug connector (100) and a mating plug connector (200), The electrical plug connector (100) includes a connector housing (101) and a housing interlocking element (109) for securing an assembly connection of the connector housing (101) to the mating plug connector (200); The housing interlock element (109) is movable relative to the connector housing (101) between a pre-latched position and a final latched position; The mating plug connector (200) includes a receiving element (211) for the housing interlock element (109), The receiving element (211) includes two electrical contacts (219a, 219b) for an electrical interlock circuit; the housing interlock element (109) having a switching element (131) constructed and arranged such that contact between the two electrical contacts (219a, 219b) occurs only when the housing interlock element (109) is in the final latched position; 1. A connector assembly comprising: a housing interlocking element having a pin-shaped body arranged along a plug-in direction (x) along which the electrical plug connector can be plugged into the mating plug connector; the housing interlocking element having at least one projection protruding transversely to the plug-in direction (x) at a first end of the pin-shaped body facing the plug-in direction (x); the switching element forming the at least one projection, the at least one projection being received in a recess of the receiving element arranged transversely to the plug-in direction (x) in the final latched position, to provide a positive lock against the plug-in direction (x).

2. 2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the receiving element (211) includes a switch, and the switching element (131) is configured to close the switch and short the two electrical contacts (219a, 219b) when moved to the final latched position.

3. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the switching element (131) comprises a conductive element (131) that brings the two electrical contacts (219a, 219b) into contact in the final latched position.

4. 2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing interlock element (109) is positively received by the receiving element (211) such that in the final latched position, relative movement of the electrical plug connector (100) with respect to the mating plug connector (200) is blocked, and in the pre-latched position of the housing interlock element (109) is unblocked.

5. 2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the receiving element (211) and / or the housing interlock element (109) are configured such that mating of the electrical plug connector (100) with the mating plug connector (200) is possible only when the housing interlock element (109) is in the pre-latched position.

6. The electrical plug connector of the connector assembly of claim 1, The electrical plug connector (100) comprises the connector housing (101) and the housing interlocking element (109) for fixing an assembly connection of the connector housing (101) to the mating plug connector (200); The electrical plug connector, wherein the housing interlock element (109) is movable relative to the connector housing (101) between a pre-latched position and a final latched position, the housing interlock element (109) including a conductive element (131).

7. 7. The electrical plug connector of claim 6, wherein the housing interlocking element (109) further comprises the pin-shaped body (107) configured along the plug-in direction (x) of the connector housing (101), the plug-in direction (x) being a direction in which the electrical plug connector (100) is configured to be plugged into the mating plug connector (200).

8. 8. The electrical plug connector of claim 7, wherein the housing interlock element (109) is rotatable in the connector housing (101) from a first rotational position to a second rotational position about a rotational axis (D1) extending parallel to the plug-in direction (x) and passing through the pin-shaped body (107), the first rotational position corresponding to the pre-latched position and the second rotational position corresponding to the final latched position.

9. 8. The electrical plug connector of claim 7, wherein the conductive element (131) comprises a metal pin (133) extending transversely to the plug-in direction (x) through the housing interlocking element (109).

10. 8. The electrical plug connector according to claim 7, wherein at least one end (135a, 135b) of the conductive element (131) forms, with respect to the pin-shaped body (107), at least one protrusion (135a, 135b) which protrudes transversely to the plug-in direction (x).

11. 9. The electrical plug connector of claim 8, wherein the housing interlock element (109) further comprises an actuating element (111) for manually moving the housing interlock element (109) between the first rotational position and the second rotational position, in particular the actuating element (111) being connected to the pin-shaped body (107) at a second end opposite to the first end and arranged on an outer surface (113) of the connector housing (101) facing away from the plug-in direction (x).

12. 9. The electrical plug connector of claim 8, wherein the connector housing (101) further includes a lever (105) configured for pivoting from a first lever position to a second lever position to effect an assembly connection.

13. the housing interlock element (109) further includes an actuation element (111) for manually moving the housing interlock element (109) between the first rotational position and the second rotational position; 13. The electrical plug connector according to claim 12, wherein the actuating element (111) is arranged such that pivoting of the lever (105) from the first lever position to the second lever position is only possible when the actuating element (111) is arranged in the first rotation position.

14. the housing interlock element (109) further includes an actuation element (111) for manually moving the housing interlock element (109) between the first rotational position and the second rotational position; 13. The electrical plug connector according to claim 12, wherein the actuating element (111) in the second rotational position blocks the pivoting of the lever (105) from the second lever position to the first lever position by a positive lock.

15. the housing interlock element (109) further includes an actuation element (111) for manually moving the housing interlock element (109) between the first rotational position and the second rotational position; 13. The electrical plug connector of claim 12, wherein the lever (105) comprises a resilient locking element (145) which, in the second lever position, releasably locks the actuating element (111) of the housing interlock element (109) by positive locking in the second rotational position.

16. 6. The mating plug connector of the connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mating plug connector (200) comprises the receiving element (211) for the housing interlock element (109) of the electrical plug connector (100), the receiving element (211) including two electrical contacts (219a, 219b) for an electrical interlock circuit, the two electrical contacts (219a, 219b) being arranged to contact a switching element (131) of the housing interlock element (109) only when the housing interlock element (109) is in the final latched position.

17. 17. The mating plug connector of claim 16, wherein the receiving element (211) is configured along the plug-in direction (x) to be at least partially tubular for positively receiving the housing interlocking element (109), the plug-in direction (x) being a direction in which the electrical plug connector (100) can be plugged into the mating plug connector (200).

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