electrical connectors

Abstract

The device comprises a first housing 1 having a side wall 10 surrounding an internal space 11 in which at least one electrical contact element 12 is arranged, at least one further housing 2 having a side wall 20 surrounding an internal space 21 in which at least one electrical contact element 22 is arranged, and a mounting member 3 having a first opening 30 and at least one further opening 30, each of the first housing 1 or the further housing 2 comprising a mounting section 13, 23 via which the first housing 1 and the further housing 2 are mounted. a housing 2 fixedly connected to a mounting member 3 such that the first housing 1 is assigned to a first opening 30 and the further housing 2 is assigned to a further opening 30, each of the first housing 1 or the second housing 2 being provided with a hook structure 14, 24 on the outer side of the side wall 10, the hook structure 14 of the first housing 1 being adapted to be hooked to the hook structure 24 of the further housing 2 to establish a mechanical connection between the two housings 1, 2.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly according to the preamble of claim 1 . [Background technology]

[0002] Numerous connectors are known from the prior art, which usually comprise a pin side connected to a plug side and can serve various purposes such as providing electrical contact or establishing a liquid-tight connection in pneumatic or hydraulic piping systems.

[0003] For example, there are electrical connectors used on or connecting rail cars to provide electrical contact to supply electrical energy to electrical appliances such as lights, etc. Furthermore, such electrical connectors can be used for all on-board power applications such as inter-car connections, traction converter outputs, motor connections, battery connections, etc.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known from the prior art that connectors can be arranged next to each other so that multiple connections are established by a single insertion action. Such a connector assembly is known, for example, from US Pat. No. 5,629,499. This prior art document discloses a connector with various functions regarding the shielding and clamping properties of the cable.

[0005] The mechanical connection between the two housings is provided by a locking structure between two adjacent housing parts. Although the locking structure connection has given very good results, it has been shown that under extreme conditions there is a risk that the housing may become misoriented in the plug. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application No. 3534467 Summary of the Invention

[0007] In this example, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular to provide a connector unit that is robustly provided against external forces that occur in particular during the plugging process.

[0008] This object is solved by a connector unit according to claim 1. The connector unit comprises a first housing having a side wall enclosing an interior space in which at least one electrical contact element is arranged, at least one further housing having a side wall enclosing an interior space in which the at least one electrical contact element is arranged, and a mounting member having a first opening and at least a further opening. The first housing comprises a mounting section, and the further housing comprises a mounting section. Via the mounting sections, the first housing and the further housing are fixedly connected to the mounting member such that the first housing is assigned to the first opening and the further housing is assigned to the further opening. The first housing comprises a hooking structure on an outer side of the side wall, and the second housing also comprises a hooking structure on an outer side of the side wall. The hooking structure of the first housing is adapted to hook onto the hooking structure of the further housing to establish a mechanical connection between the two housings.

[0009] The connector unit includes two connection points for establishing a mechanical connection. The first connection point is provided between the mounting member and the housing. The second connection point is provided between the two housings via a latching structure. The mounting member serves as a mechanical base for the housing to which it is connected, preventing displacement of the housing along the central axis due to forces during the insertion process.

[0010] In other words, the mounting member acts as a base support structure to support the first housing and the at least one further housing.

[0011] The term "at least one further housing" should be understood to include one or more housings. When two or more housings are arranged as further housings, a first further housing is connected to the first housing, a second further housing is connected to the first further housing, and so on. The housings are arranged to form a row of housings.

[0012] Preferably, the first housing and the at least one further housing are arranged parallel to one another so that a row of housings is provided.

[0013] The number of openings in the mounting member preferably corresponds to the number of housings, one housing being assigned to one opening.

[0014] With respect to a direct connection between two adjacent housings, it is preferred that only one latching connection is provided by said latching structure, with the direct connection between the housings being provided only by the latching structure and the indirect connection being provided by a connection via the mounting member.

[0015] In other words, the mechanical connection between the housings is provided only by the connection to the mounting member and the latch connection, which simplifies the overall structure of the connector unit, and in particular simplifies the assembly of the connector unit.

[0016] Preferably, the mounting sections of the housings are located at the front end of the respective housings and the latching structures are located in the area of ​​the rear end of the respective housings, which improves the overall structural stability.

[0017] The rear end is the end opposite the front end. It should be understood that in the area of ​​the rear end, the latching structure is located closer to the rear end than to the front end. The latching structure is preferably located in the rear third of the housing as viewed from the front end.

[0018] In other words, the latching structure is preferably positioned at a distance from the mounting member.

[0019] The distance from the rear end to the latch structure is the same for all the housings in one connector unit.

[0020] Preferably, each housing comprises two of said hooking structures, i.e. a first hooking structure arranged on one side of the side wall and a second hooking structure arranged on the other side of the side wall opposite said one side of the side wall, in other words one of the hooking elements arranged on the left side and the other hooking element arranged on the right side of the housing.

[0021] When three housings are arranged, the central housing engages with the first housing by the first hook structure and engages with the third housing by the second hook structure.

[0022] The two hooking structures are preferably arranged at the same distance from the rear end, and are preferably arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a central axis extending through each of the interior spaces.

[0023] Preferably, all of the latching elements have the same physical shape.

[0024] The housings are preferably made from a metallic material such as aluminum, stainless steel or a copper alloy, in which case the mechanical connection between the latching structures preferably and optionally also provides an electrically conductive connection between the housings, so that the housings are connected at the same potential for electromagnetic shielding.

[0025] The mounting member is preferably made of a metal material such as aluminum, stainless steel, or a copper alloy. If the housing is also made of a metal material, a conductive connection is also formed between the housing and the mounting member. Therefore, the housing and the mounting member can be easily connected to ground.

[0026] When the housing and the mounting member are both made of a conductive material, electrical contact for shielding and / or earthing can be provided between the housing and the mounting member. In addition, the two mounting members of two connector units to be connected to each other can be electrically connected to each other for shielding and / or earthing.

[0027] Alternatively, the housing and / or mounting member may be made from a plastic material.

[0028] The hooking structure provides a mechanical engagement between the first housing and the further housing such that the housings are fixedly connected for movement perpendicular to said central axis, and it is preferred that the mechanical engagement between the mounting section and the mounting member is fixedly connected for movement along said central axis.

[0029] This means that the mechanical engagement between the housings provides a fixed engagement with respect to two degrees of freedom, and the mechanical engagement between the housings and the mounting member provides a fixed engagement in one degree of freedom different from the other two degrees of freedom mentioned.

[0030] Preferably, the latching structure comprises at least one groove section and at least one comb section, the at least one comb section extending into the groove section in the connected state.

[0031] The at least one groove section and the at least one comb section are complementary in shape such that the at least one groove section extends into and engages the at least one comb section.

[0032] The connected state is the state when the first housing is connected to the further housing.

[0033] The comb and groove sections are dimensioned such that the engagement between the latching structures of two adjacent housings is a form fit. In a preferred embodiment, there is a slight play between the comb and groove sections to facilitate installation. In another preferred embodiment, there is a press fit between the comb and groove sections. A press fit is preferably used when greater forces are expected during the insertion process.

[0034] The groove and comb sections preferably have undercuts that are arranged so that the connection between the groove and comb sections cannot be separated perpendicular to the axis.

[0035] The groove section preferably has a base surface from which two side surfaces extend, the side surfaces being spaced apart and oriented parallel to one another, and at least one of the side surfaces preferably being angularly inclined relative to the base surface.

[0036] The comb section preferably has a base surface from which two side surfaces extend, the side surfaces being spaced apart and preferably oriented parallel to one another, and at least one of the side surfaces preferably being angularly inclined relative to the base surface.

[0037] In other embodiments, the comb and groove sections may be provided by radiused structures arranged such that the connection between the groove and comb sections cannot be separated perpendicular to the axis.

[0038] Preferably, the mounting sections have the form of flanges extending radially from the outside of the housing, the flanges having openings through which the first housing or at least one further housing can be connected to the mounting members by means of connecting members such as screws.

[0039] The opening in the flange is preferably a threaded opening for receiving the screw, in which case the mounting member has a through opening through which the screw can be guided towards the threaded opening.

[0040] Preferably, the connector unit further comprises a tubular member. At least one tubular member is fixedly arranged in the respective interior spaces of the housings. Preferably, the electrical contact elements are mechanically fastened to the tubular member by mechanical fastening elements. In one variant, the mechanical fastening element is at least one latching element. The tubular member comprises at least one latching element by means of which the electrical contact elements can be latched. In a further variant, the mechanical fastening element is a locking ring provided between the tubular member and the electrical contact elements.

[0041] The tubular member is preferably made from an electrically insulating material such as plastic.

[0042] Preferably, the tubular member and the housing engage one another in a mechanically fixed manner.

[0043] Preferably, the tubular member has a cross-section with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the opening in said attachment member, such that the tubular member extends into and / or through said opening.

[0044] Preferably, the connector unit further comprises at least one side piece extending from the mounting member in a direction parallel to the housing, the at least one side piece being mechanically connected to the mounting member, and the at least one side piece being mechanically connected to a housing disposed adjacent to or next to the side piece.

[0045] The mounting member is preferably electrically connected to the side piece, which is electrically connectable to ground, meaning that the housing is grounded via the electrical connection to the mounting member and via the electrical connection between the mounting member and the side piece.

[0046] The side pieces preferably have latching formations provided so that latching formations on the side pieces engage latching formations on the housing.

[0047] Preferably, two side pieces are arranged, with a first side piece being arranged on one side of the outermost housing and a second side piece being arranged on the other side of the outermost housing.

[0048] At its rear end, the housing preferably comprises a cable gland for mechanically connecting the cable introduced into the interior space to the housing. The cable gland is also preferably sealed against humidity, water, dust, etc. Furthermore, if the housing is made of a metallic material, the housing comprises a contact surface to which the shielding braid of the cable can be connected, either directly or via a shielding braid connecting element.

[0049] Preferably, only one pole is arranged in each housing, although it may alternatively be possible to arrange multiple poles in each housing.

[0050] The central axis is preferably a straight axis so that the interior space extends along a straight direction.

[0051] The central shaft may also have a bend such that a first portion of the central shaft extends at an angle, angularly inclined relative to a second portion of the central shaft, thereby providing an angled connector unit.

[0052] For different combinations, a straight housing on one side of the plug connection and a straight housing on the other side, or a straight housing on one side of the plug connection and an angled housing on the other side; or It is possible to have an angled housing on one side of the plug connection and an angled housing on the other side.

[0053] A pin side connector assembly comprising the connector unit described above, wherein the electrical contact element is a pin side electrical contact element comprising a pin side contact section and a connection section that is connected to an electrical cable.

[0054] The pin side contact section preferably extends beyond a front surface of the mounting member, which is located opposite the housing.

[0055] The tubular member also preferably extends beyond the front surface and surrounds the pin side contact section.

[0056] A plug-side connector assembly comprising the connector unit according to the above description, wherein the electrical contact element is a plug-side electrical contact element comprising a plug-side contact section and a connection section to be connected to an electrical cable, the plug side comprising a socket into which the pin side can be inserted.

[0057] The plug-side connector assembly and the pin-side connector assembly are connectable to each other.

[0058] Further embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0059] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention but are not intended to limit it. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0060] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two connector units according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of two connector units according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the connector unit according to one of the previous figures. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the connector unit according to one of the previous figures, configured as a plug side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the connector unit according to one of the previous figures, configured as a pin side. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the plug-side connector assembly and the pin-side connector assembly in a connected state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the plug side according to FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the pin side according to FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the plug-side connector assembly and the pin-side connector assembly in a connected state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of two connector units according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a further perspective view of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of a preferred housing structure of the connector unit according to FIGS. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view passing through the latch structure of the connector unit according to FIGS. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a view of a further embodiment of the plug side of the connector assembly. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a view of a further embodiment of the pin side of the connector assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0061] The figures show a connector unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The connector unit is preferably an electrical connector unit. The connector unit can be used for a variety of applications. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 10, the connector unit is shown as a straight connector, and in the embodiment of Figures 11 to 14, the connector unit is shown as an angled connector.

[0062] 1 and 2 show a plug-side connector assembly including a connector unit and a pin-side connector assembly including a connector unit.

[0063] The connector unit is a multi-pole connector unit having at least two different poles.

[0064] The connector unit comprises a first housing 1, at least one further housing 2 and a mounting member 3. The first housing 1 is arranged next to the further housing 2. If an additional housing is arranged, the additional housing is arranged next to the further housing 2. The housings 1, 2 are connected to the mounting member 3 oriented transversely to the main extension direction of the housings 1, 2.

[0065] The first housing 1 and the further housing 2 are provided identical to each other. The mechanical structure of the housings 1, 2 will be outlined in more detail below. The housings 1, 2 have side walls 10, 20 enclosing internal spaces 11, 21. At least one electrical contact element 12, 22 is arranged in the internal spaces 11, 21. Furthermore, central axes M1, M2 extend through the internal spaces 11, 21. The side walls 10, 20 are cylindrical side walls with circular cross sections and extend around the central axes M1, M2. In other words, the housings 1, 2 are tubular. However, in other embodiments, it is also possible to provide housings 1, 2 with different cross sections.

[0066] Two adjacent housings, in the figure a first housing 1 and a further housing 2, are mechanically connected to each other. To provide said mechanical connection, the housings 1, 2 are provided with hooking structures 14, 24. The hooking structures 14, 24 are arranged on the outer surfaces of the side walls 10, 20. The hooking structure 14 of the first housing 1 engages with the hooking structure 24 of the further housing 2. To provide the mechanical connection between the two housings 1, 2, the hooking structure 14 of the first housing 1 is adapted to hook onto the hooking structure 24 of the further housing 2.

[0067] Furthermore, the housings 1, 2 include mounting sections 13, 23, by which the housings 1, 2 are individually connected to the mounting member 3. The mounting member extends transversely to the central axes M1, M2 of the housings 1, 2, as described above. The mounting member 3 includes one opening 30 for each housing 1, 2. Thus, one opening 30 is assigned to each housing 1, 2. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two housings 1, 2, and the mounting member 3 has two openings 30. The interior spaces 11, 12 of the housings 1, 2 are accessible through the openings 30 in the mounting member 3.

[0068] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the housings 1, 2 are directly connected to each other by the latching structures 14, 24 and indirectly connected to each other via the mounting member 3. In this preferred embodiment, there is only one direct connection between two adjacent housings 1, 2. In other words, there is only one latching connection between two adjacent housings 1, 2. This single latching connection is provided by the latching structures 14, 24.

[0069] In this embodiment, the mounting sections 13, 23 are arranged at the front ends 15, 25 of the respective housings 1, 2. The front ends 15, 25 are the ends facing the mounting member 3. The hooking structures 14, 24 are arranged in the region of the rear ends 16, 26 of the respective housings. The rear ends 16, 26 are the ends located at the other ends opposite the front ends 15, 25. In the illustrated embodiment, the hooking structures 14, 24 are arranged at a distance from the rear ends 16, 26.

[0070] In this embodiment, each of the housings 1, 2 includes two hooking structures 14, 24. The two hooking structures 14, 24 are located on two sides of the side walls 10, 20, namely, on the left and right sides.

[0071] The hooking structures 14, 24 are provided such that the mechanical engagement between the first housing 1 and the further housing 2 allows the housings 1, 2 to move relative to each other along the central axis. Along this direction, the hooking structure 14 of the first housing 1 can engage with the hooking structure 24 of the further housing 2. The hooking structures 14, 24 are also provided such that movement transverse to the central axes M1, M2 is not possible or is mechanically prevented. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the first housing 1 and the further housing 2 are connected to the mounting member 3. Through this connection, any possible movement of the housings 1, 2 along the central axes M1, M2 is mechanically fixed. In other words, the mounting member 3 provides a fixed base from which the first housing 1 and the further housing 2 extend.

[0072] An attachment process is preferably provided in which the first housing 1 is mechanically connected to the attachment member 3. Thereafter, the further housing 2 together with the hooking structure 24 slides along the central axis M2 towards the attachment member 3 and engages with the hooking structure 14 of the first housing. The further housing 2 is then mechanically fixed to the attachment member 3.

[0073] Figure 3 shows a top view of the connector unit. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along section line IV-IV in Figure 3. The features of the latching structures 14, 24 of the housings 1, 2 will be described in more detail below. As can be seen from Figure 4, the two latching structures 14, 24 of one housing 1, 2 are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the central axes M1, M2 of the respective housings 1, 2, as shown in Figure 4.

[0074] The latching structure 14, 24 comprises at least one groove section 140, 240 and at least one comb section 141, 241. The groove section 140, 240 is provided such that the comb section 141, 241 can be mechanically engaged with the groove section 140, 240. This means that a mechanical engagement is provided between the groove section 140, 240 and the comb section 141, 241.

[0075] In this embodiment, the groove section 140, 240 has a base surface 142, 242 from which two side surfaces 143, 243 extend. The side surfaces 143, 243 are spaced apart from one another. In this example, the side surfaces 143, 243 are angled relative to the base surface. Furthermore, the side surfaces 143, 243 are oriented parallel to one another.

[0076] The comb sections 141, 241 have a structure similar to that of the groove sections 140, 240. The comb sections 141, 241 have a base surface 144, 244 from which side surfaces 145, 245 extend. The side surfaces 145, 245 are spaced apart from one another. In this example, the side surfaces 145, 245 are angularly inclined relative to the base surface. Furthermore, the side surfaces 145, 245 are oriented parallel to one another.

[0077] Figures 5 and 6 show exploded views of the connector unit shown in the previous figures. Figure 5 shows the pin side, and Figure 6 shows the plug side. From these exploded views and Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that the mounting sections 13, 23 have flanges 17, 27 extending radially from the outer surfaces of the housings 1, 2. In this example, two flanges 17, 27 are arranged on one housing. The flanges 17, 27 have threaded openings 170, 270 in this example. A through opening 32 is arranged on the side of the mounting member 3. A screw 33 is guided through the through opening 32 and engages with the threaded openings 170, 270.

[0078] The exploded views of FIGS. 5 and 6 also show that the connector unit further includes a tubular member 6 disposed in the internal spaces 11, 12 of each housing 1, 2. The tubular member 6 is preferably made of an electrically insulating material. The tubular member 6 surrounds the electrical contact elements 12, 22 disposed within the housings 1, 2. The tubular member includes a latch element 60 that engages with the electrical contact elements 12, 22. Thus, the electrical contact elements 12, 22 are retained by a mechanical fastening element within the tubular member 6. The tubular member 6 further includes an engagement portion 61 extending from the outer surface of the tubular member 6. The engagement portion 61 engages with a corresponding recess 18, 28. The recess 18, 28 has an open side that is closed by the mounting member 3. The engagement of the engagement portion 61 with the recess 18, 28 retains the tubular member 6 within the internal spaces 11, 21. The recess 18, 28 is disposed proximal to the flange 17, 27.

[0079] In this embodiment, an optional shielding connection structure 102 is also provided. The shielding connection structure 102 allows the shielding braid 80 to be electrically connected to the housings 1, 2.

[0080] As seen from the rear ends 16, 26, the cable 8 is guided into the interior space 11. The cable 8 is fixed to the housings 1, 2 by a cable gland 100. The cable gland 100 is connected to the housings 1, 2 at the rear ends 16, 26 of the housings 1, 2 by a threaded connection 101. The cable gland 100 may be a standard cable gland 100, which also comprises a sealing member 101 acting on the outer surface of the electric cable 8.

[0081] As can be seen from Figures 1 to 6, the connector units further comprise optional side pieces 7. In this example, two side pieces 7 are arranged on one of the connector units. The other connector unit is not provided with any side pieces 7.

[0082] The side pieces 7 are mechanically connected to the mounting member 3 and extend in the same direction as the housings 1 and 2. The side pieces 7 also have latching structures 70 that can engage with the latching structures 14 and 24 of the housings 1 and 2. In this example, as shown in FIG. 6, the side piece 7 adjacent to the first housing 1 is connected to the first housing 1, and the side piece 7 adjacent to the further housing 2 is connected to the further housing 2. The side pieces 7 function as mounting structures. For this reason, the side pieces 7 have various openings 71 through which the side pieces can be connected to the base piece. The base piece can be part of the train. Furthermore, the openings 71 can also function as mounting openings for the earth braid.

[0083] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a pin-side connector assembly including the connector unit described above, and a plug-side connector assembly also including the connector unit described above. Figure 8 shows the plug-side assembly without the pin-side assembly, and Figure 9 shows the pin-side assembly without the plug-side assembly. The mechanical structure of the connector unit, particularly the mounting member 3, the two housings 1 and 2, and the corresponding mechanical connections between these three members, is the same whether the connector unit is used in a pin-side assembly or a plug-side assembly.

[0084] The pin-side electrical contact elements 12, 22 shown in Fig. 9 comprise a pin-side contact section 90 and a connecting section 91. The plug-side electrical contact elements 12, 22 shown in Fig. 8 comprise a plug-side contact section 92 and a connecting section 93. To establish electrical contact, a contact lamella 94 is disposed between the plug-side connecting section 92 and the pin-side connecting section 91. The connecting section 91 receives an end of a cable 8 and electrically connects the cable 8 to the respective electrical contact element. The cable 8 can be crimped to the connecting section 91. Alternatively, the cable may be clamped by other means.

[0085] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the connector part. From Figure 10, it can be seen that the pin-side mounting member 3 engages with the plug-side mounting member 3. For this engagement, the mounting members 3 are provided with stepped connection surfaces 34, via which the two mounting members 3 are mechanically and optionally electrically connected. Furthermore, the stepped connection surfaces 34 make it possible to minimize the risk of interference by external components.

[0086] 11 to 14 show a further embodiment of the connector unit. Here, the central axes M1, M2 have a bend such that the first portions M1a, M2a of the central axes M1, M2 extend at an angle to the second portions M1b, M2b of the central axes. The first portions M1a, M2a extend at an angle of 90° relative to the second portions M1b, M2b. The overall structure of the connector unit is the same as that of the connector units according to the previous figures, so please refer to the above description.

[0087] The latching structures are arranged in the region of the second portions M1b, M2b of the central axes. The first portions M1a, M2a of the central axes M1, M2 are oriented perpendicular to the mounting member 3.

[0088] 13 shows that the housing can be provided as two part housings that can be mechanically connected to each other. The housing comprises mechanical connecting structures 19, 29.

[0089] 1 to 10. The main difference is that in this further variant, a locking ring 160 is used instead of the latching element 60 described above. The locking ring 160 is arranged in a groove 162 on the electrical contact element 12. The electrical contact element 12 further comprises a stop surface 161 arranged at a distance from the locking ring 160. The stop surface 161 and the locking ring 160 provide a notch into which an embossment 163 on the tubular member 6 engages. A sealing ring 164 is preferably provided between the stop surface 161 and the locking ring 160. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1. First housing 2. Further Housing 3 Mounting material 6 Tubular member 7 Side parts 8 Electrical Cables 10 side wall 11 Interior Space 12 Electrical contact elements 13 Mounting Section 14 Latch structure 140 groove section 141 Comb Section 142 Base 143 Side 144 Base 145 Side 15 Front end 16 Rear end 17 Flange 18 Recess 19 Mechanical connection structure 170 Aperture 20 side wall 21 Interior Space 22 Electrical contact elements 23 Mounting Section 24 Latch structure 240 groove section 241 Comb Section 242 Base 243 Side 244 Base 245 Side 25 Front end 26 Rear end 27 flange 270 Aperture 28 Recess 29 Mechanical connection structure 30 aperture 31 Front 32 Through opening 33 Screw 34 Connection Surface 60 Hooking element 61 Engagement part 70 Latching structure 71 Aperture 80 shielding braid 90 Pin Side Contact Section 91 Connection Section 92 Plug side contact section 93 Connection Section 94 Lamellar 100 Cable Glands 101 sealing material 102 Shielding structure 160 Locking ring 161 Stopping surface 162 Groove 163 Embossed section 164 Seal ring M1 center axis M2 center axis M1a, M1b, M2a, M2b Central axis

Claims

1. a first housing (1) having a sidewall (10) enclosing an interior space (11) in which at least one electrical contact element (12) is disposed; at least one further housing (2) having a side wall (20) enclosing an interior space (21) in which at least one electrical contact element (22) is arranged; a mounting member (3) having a first opening (30) and at least one further opening (30); Equipped with each of the first housing (1) or the further housing (2) comprises a mounting section (13, 23) via which the first housing (1) and the further housing (2) are fixedly connected to the mounting member (3) in such a way that the first housing (1) is assigned to a first opening (30) and the further housing (2) is assigned to a further opening (30); each of the first housing (1) or the second housing (2) comprises a hooking structure (14, 24) on the outside of the side wall (10), the hooking structure (14) of the first housing (1) being adapted to be hooked to the hooking structure (24) of the further housing (2) to establish a mechanical connection between the two housings (1, 2); and further comprising a tubular member (6), at least one tubular member being fixedly disposed in the interior space (11, 12) of each of the housings (1, 2); The tubular member (6) is made of an electrically insulating material; A connector unit, wherein the housing (1, 2) and the mounting member (3) are made from a conductive material, whereby electrical contact is provided between the housing (1, 2) and the mounting member (3).

2. 2. A connector unit according to claim 1, characterized in that for a direct connection between two adjacent housings (1, 2), only one latching connection is provided by the latching structure.

3. 3. A connector unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mounting sections (13, 23) of the housings (1, 2) are arranged at the front ends (15, 25) of the respective housings (1, 2) and the latching structures (14, 24) are arranged in the region of the rear ends (16, 26) of the respective housings (1, 2).

4. 4. The connector unit according to claim 1, wherein each of the housings (1, 2) comprises two of the latching structures (14, 24), i.e., a first latching structure arranged on one side of the side wall (10, 20) and a second latching structure arranged on the other side of the side wall (10, 20) opposite to the one side of the side wall (10, 20).

5. A connector unit as described in claim 4, characterized in that the two hanging structure parts are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a central axis (M1, M2, M1a, M1b, M2a, M2b) extending through the housing.

6. 6. A connector unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the latching structure (14, 24) provides a mechanical engagement between the first housing (1) and the further housing (2) such that the housings (1, 2) are fixedly connected with respect to movement perpendicular to a central axis (M1, M2) extending through the housings, and the mechanical engagement between the mounting section (13, 23) and the mounting member (3) is fixedly connected with respect to movement along the central axis (M1, M2).

7. The connector unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the latching structure (14, 24) comprises at least one groove section (140, 240) and at least one comb section (141, 241), and the at least one comb section (141, 241) extends within the groove section (140, 240) in a connected state.

8. The groove section (140, 240) has a base surface (142, 242) from which two side surfaces (143, 243) extend, the side surfaces (143, 243) being spaced apart from one another and 8. The connector unit of claim 7, wherein the comb section (141, 241) has a base surface (144, 244) from which two side surfaces (145, 245) extend, the side surfaces (145, 245) being spaced apart from one another.

9. the groove sections (140, 240) are oriented parallel to one another and at least one of the side surfaces (143, 243) is angularly inclined relative to the base surface (142, 242); and / or 9. The connector unit of claim 8, wherein the sides (145, 245) of the comb section (141, 241) are oriented parallel to each other, and at least one of the sides (145, 245) is angularly inclined relative to the base surface (144, 244).

10. 10. A connector unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the mounting sections (13, 23) have the form of flanges (17, 27) extending radially from the outside of the housings (1, 2), the flanges (17, 27) having openings (170, 270) through which the first housing (1) or the at least one further housing (2) can be connected to the mounting member (3) by means of connecting members (33), such as screws.

11. The connector unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical contact elements (12, 22) are fastened to the tubular member (6) by mechanical fastening elements (60, 160).

12. 12. The connector unit of claim 11, wherein the mechanical fastening element is at least one latching element (60) capable of latching the electrical contact element (12, 22), the latching element being a part of the tubular member, or the mechanical fastening element is a locking ring (160) provided between the tubular member and the electrical contact element.

13. A connector unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the tubular member (6) has a cross-section with a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the opening (30) in the mounting member (3), whereby the tubular member extends into and / or through the opening (30).

14. A connector unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular member (6) is made from plastic.

15. The connector unit further comprises at least one side part (7), the at least one side piece (7) extends from the mounting member in a direction parallel to the housing; A connector unit according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the at least one side part (7) is mechanically connected to the mounting member (3) and the at least one side part (7) is mechanically connected to the adjacent housing (1, 2).

16. A connector unit as described in Claim 15, characterized in that at least one side part (7) is electrically connected to the mounting member (3).

17. A connector unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the central axis (M1, M2) extending through the housing is a straight axis so that the internal space (11, 21) extends along a straight direction, or the central axis (M1, M2) extending through the housing has a bent portion so that a first portion (M1a, M2a) of the central axis (M1, M2) extends at an angle, angularly inclined relative to a second portion (M1b, M2b) of the central axis.

18. A connector unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that electrical contact for shielding and / or earthing is provided between the housing (1, 2) and the mounting member (3).

19. A pin-side connector assembly comprising a connector unit according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the electrical contact elements (12, 22) are pin-side electrical contact elements comprising a pin-side contact section (90) and a connection section (91) to be connected to an electrical cable (8).

20. 20. The pin-side connector assembly according to claim 19, wherein the pin-side contact section (91) extends beyond a front surface (31) of the mounting member (3) that is arranged opposite the housing (1, 2).

21. A plug-side connector assembly comprising a connector unit according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the electrical contact elements (12, 22) are plug-side electrical contact elements comprising a plug-side contact section (92) and a connection section (93) to be connected to an electrical cable.

22. A connector system comprising a pin-side connector assembly according to claim 19, 20 or 21 and a plug-side connector assembly according to claim 21, wherein the mounting member of the pin-side connector assembly is in electrical contact with the mounting member of the plug-side connector assembly.

23. A connector system as described in claim 22, wherein the mounting member of the pin side connector assembly is in electrical contact with the mounting member of the plug side connector assembly for shielding and / or earthing.