Plug-in connector arrangement

Abstract

A plug-in connector arrangement comprising a first plug-in connector (1) having a first plug-in connector housing (3) and a first bearing element (5), on which the first plug-in connector housing (3) is alignably mounted, and comprising a second plug-in connector (2) having a second plug-in connector housing (4) and a second bearing element (6), on which the second plug-in connector housing (4) is alignably mounted, wherein the first plug-in connector (1) is plug-connectable to the second plug-in connector (2) along a plug-in axis (S) in such a way that the two plug-in connector housings (3, 4) are engageable with each other, wherein the first plug-in connector housing (3) is pivotable relative to the first bearing element (5) about a first axis (A1), wherein the second plug-in connector housing (4) is pivotable relative to the second bearing element (6) about a second axis (A2), and wherein the first axis (A1) runs at an angle angularly inclined with respect to the second axis (A2).

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] CONNECTOR ARRANGEMENT

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a connector assembly according to claim 1.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] The prior art discloses connector assemblies with socket-side and plug-side connector housings that align relative to each other during the mating process. For example, US Pat. No. 4,984,383 discloses a connector in which one of the two connector housings is raised relative to the other.

[0007] The connector arrangement according to US 4,984,383 has the disadvantage that if one of the two connector housings is incorrectly positioned with respect to the plug-in axis, severe wear occurs on the contact elements during the plugging process.

[0008] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Based on this prior art, the present invention is based on the object of providing a connector assembly that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. A preferred object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly that has improved properties for the plugging process.

[0010] These and other objects are achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Accordingly, a connector assembly comprises a first connector with a first connector housing and a first bearing element on which the first connector housing is alignably mounted, and a second connector with a second connector housing and a second bearing element on which the second connector housing is alignably mounted. The first connector can be plugged together with the second connector along a plug-in axis such that the two connector housings can be brought into engagement with one another. The first connector housing can be pivoted relative to the first bearing element about a first axis. The second connector housing can be pivoted relative to the second bearing element about a second axis. The first axis runs at an angle inclined to the second axis.

[0011] The term "alignably mounted" means that the connector housings are mounted in such a way that they can be aligned with the respective bearing element such that, during a mating process, the connectors can be displaced relative to the respective bearing element within a predetermined displacement angle or displacement path. The predetermined displacement angle or displacement path is preferably limited by mechanical structures on the bearing element and / or the connector housing.

[0012] The term "engagement" means that the two connector housings are in contact with each other after the mating process has been completed. Particularly preferably, the two connector housings are in guided and determined mechanical contact with each other. Preferably, parts of one connector housing protrude into sub-regions of the other connector housing.

[0013] By supporting the bearings and splitting the pivot axes between the first and second connectors, the mechanical structure of each connector can be simplified while still achieving good alignment between the two connector housings. This alignment also reduces mating forces and / or wear during the mating process.

[0014] Preferably, the angle between the first axis and the second axis in the plugged-in state is a right angle, i.e. an angle of 90°. Preferably, the angle between the first axis and the second axis in the unplugged state is variable within an angular range starting from 90°. The angular range is preferably a maximum of 8°, in particular a maximum of 6°. In particular, in the unplugged state, the angle is variable within the scope of play. In other words, the angle in the unplugged state is essentially 90°, although deviations of a few degrees are possible within the scope of play. The distance between the first axis and the second axis becomes smaller during the plugging process. Preferably, the two axes are spaced apart from one another before and after the plugging process and therefore do not intersect.

[0015] Preferably, the first connector housing is mounted on the first bearing element in such a way that pivoting is possible substantially about the first axis. The mounting is in particular such that pivoting is possible predominantly about the first axis, and pivoting about axes that differ from the first axis is only possible within the scope of the bearing play. Particularly preferably, the first connector housing is mounted on the first bearing element in such a way that pivoting is possible exclusively about the first axis.

[0016] Preferably, the second connector housing is mounted on the first bearing element in such a way that pivoting is possible substantially about the second axis. The mounting is in particular such that pivoting is possible predominantly about the second axis, and pivoting about axes that differ from the second axis is only possible within the scope of the play of the mounting. Particularly preferably, the second connector housing is mounted on the second bearing element in such a way that pivoting is possible exclusively about the second axis.

[0017] Preferably, the first connector housing is mounted on the first bearing element so as to be displaceable within a first displacement range relative to the first bearing element.

[0018] Preferably, the second connector housing is mounted on the second bearing element so as to be displaceable within a second displacement range relative to the second bearing element.

[0019] Particularly preferably, the respective connector housing is displaceable at least in the direction of the respective axis and preferably transversely to the plug-in axis in the respective displacement range relative to the respective bearing element.

[0020] Preferably, the first connector housing is displaceable in a plane that runs through the first axis or parallel to the first axis and perpendicular to the plug-in axis. Preferably, the second connector housing is displaceable in a plane that runs through the second axis or parallel to the first axis and perpendicular to the plug-in axis.

[0021] Preferably, the first connector housing has at least one bearing opening through which a connecting element with a shaft portion extends, wherein play is present between the bearing opening and the shaft portion to provide the displacement range.

[0022] Preferably, the second connector housing has at least one bearing opening through which a connecting element with a shaft portion extends, wherein play is present between the bearing opening and the shaft portion to provide the displacement range.

[0023] Particularly preferably, two bearing openings and two bearing elements are provided, wherein the bearing openings are spaced apart from one another in the direction of the respective axis. Preferably, the bearing openings on the first connector housing are located one above the other in the installed position, and the bearing openings on the second connector housing are located next to one another at the same height in the installed position.

[0024] Preferably, the first axis extends centrally through the two bearing openings on the first connector housing. Preferably, the second axis extends centrally through the two bearing openings on the second connector housing.

[0025] Preferably, the shaft section is followed by a bearing section whose radial extent transverse to the shaft section is greater than the clear width of the bearing opening.

[0026] Preferably, the connecting element has a screw opening through which a fastening screw extends, wherein the fastening screw engages with a threaded portion in a thread on the side of the respective bearing element.

[0027] Preferably, the play between the respective shaft section and the respective bearing opening is such that both pivoting about the respective axis and movement within the displacement range are enabled. In another variant, the first connector housing has a flange section that protrudes laterally from the first connector housing. Furthermore, a fastening element is provided that is fastened to the first bearing element, wherein an intermediate space is provided between the fastening element and the first bearing element, into which space the flange section projects. Likewise, the second connector housing can also have a flange section that protrudes laterally from the second connector housing.Here, too, a fastening element is provided which is fastened to the second bearing element, wherein an intermediate space is provided between the fastening element and the second bearing element, into which space the flange section projects.

[0028] Preferably, the flange section is mounted with play in the space.

[0029] The fastening element preferably has a frame surface from which a side wall protrudes. The side wall preferably extends completely, i.e., without interruption, around the frame surface. The side wall abuts the bearing element at the front. The frame surface has a passage through which cables can be passed. The fastening element can be firmly connected to the bearing element. The distance between the frame surface and the bearing element is greater than the thickness of the flange section, thereby providing play in the insertion direction. Play is also present between the side edges of the flange section and the side wall.

[0030] Preferably, the first displacement range is larger or smaller than the second displacement range. Alternatively, the first displacement range is the same size as the second displacement range.

[0031] Preferably, when viewed in the installed position, the first axis is oriented vertically. Preferably, when viewed in the installed position, the second axis is oriented horizontally. The vertical runs in the vertical direction, and the horizontal runs perpendicular to the vertical direction. Alternatively, when viewed in the installed position, the second axis is oriented vertically and the first axis is oriented horizontally.

[0032] Preferably, the second connector housing has a guide surface, which guide surface is inclined at an angle to the plugging direction, in particular that the guide surface is positioned such that, viewed in the installed position, the first connector housing is lifted against the force of gravity during the plugging process.

[0033] The first connector housing has a contact edge for contact with the guide surface.

[0034] Preferably, the second connector housing has further guide surfaces which are positioned such that the first connector housing is guided laterally, in particular transversely to the effect of gravity, during the plugging process.

[0035] The first connector housing has additional contact edges for contact with the other guide surfaces.

[0036] Preferably, the first connector housing can be pivoted about the first axis starting from its neutral position by an angle of up to 15°, in particular up to 7°, 5°, or 3°, in both directions to the neutral position.

[0037] Preferably, the second connector housing can be pivoted about the second axis starting from its neutral position by an angle of up to 15°, in particular up to 7°, 5°, or 3°, in both directions to the neutral position.

[0038] The maximum angle of pivoting of the first or second connector housing around the respective axis corresponds to twice the specified ranges. The maximum pivot angle is therefore preferably 30°, in particular 14°, 10°, or 6°.

[0039] Preferably, the first connector housing rests on at least one elevation projecting from the first connector housing on a bearing surface on the first bearing element, wherein the elevation is designed such that a linear support structure is provided for the first connector housing and wherein the linear support structure is oriented in the direction of the first axis.

[0040] Preferably, the second connector housing rests on at least one elevation projecting from the second connector housing on a bearing surface on the bearing element, wherein the elevation is designed such that a linear support structure is provided for the second connector housing, and wherein the linear support structure is oriented in the direction of the second axis. Preferably, in particular as an alternative to the described connecting elements, at least two elastic elements spaced apart from one another are arranged between the second connector housing and a bearing surface on the second bearing element, on which elastic elements the connector housing rests on the bearing surface, wherein the elastic elements are designed such that they are partially compressed when the second connector housing is pivoted relative to the second bearing element, and wherein the second axis extends centrally through the elastic elements.

[0041] Preferably, in particular as an alternative to the connecting elements described, at least two elastic elements are arranged at a distance from one another between the first connector housing and a bearing surface on the first bearing element, on which elastic elements the connector housing rests on the bearing surface, wherein the elastic elements are designed such that they are partially compressed when the first connector housing is pivoted towards the first bearing element, and wherein the first axis extends centrally through the elastic elements.

[0042] Preferably, the first bearing element has a bearing space from which the first connector housing extends. Preferably, the bearing space is laterally surrounded by a surface portion.

[0043] Preferably, the second bearing element has a bearing space from which the second connector housing extends. Preferably, the bearing space is laterally surrounded by a surface portion.

[0044] The above-mentioned storage area preferably forms a part of this area section.

[0045] Preferably, each of the connector housings has a receiving space. At least one electrical connector is arranged in the receiving spaces, wherein the at least one electrical connector is positioned in the respective receiving space such that, in the plugged-in state, an electrical contact can be established between the at least one electrical connector in the first connector housing and the at least one electrical connector in the other connector housing. In addition to or instead of the electrical connector, a fluidic connector and / or an optical fiber connector can also be inserted into the receiving space.

[0046] Further embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0047] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting. In the drawings:

[0049] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first connector of a connector assembly according to a first particularly preferred embodiment;

[0050] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a second connector of a connector assembly according to a particularly preferred embodiment;

[0051] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connector of Figure 1;

[0052] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the connector of Figure 2;

[0053] Fig. 5 is a further perspective exploded view of the connector according to Figure 1;

[0054] Fig. 6 is a side view of the connector assembly with the connectors according to the preceding figures before a plugging operation;

[0055] Fig. 7 is a plan view of Figure 6;

[0056] Fig. 8 shows the side view of the connector arrangement according to Fig. 6 after

[0057] Plugging process;

[0058] Fig. 9 is a sectional view of Figure 8;

[0059] Fig. 10a / b front views of the connector according to Figure 1;

[0060] Fig. 11a-c top views of the connector according to Figure 1 in three different angular positions; and

[0061] Fig. 12-c Side views of the connector according to Figure 2 in three different angular positions;

[0062] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a first connector of a connector arrangement according to a further variant;.

[0063] Fig. 14a / b perspective views of the connector according to Figure 13 from the rear in the unassembled and assembled state;

[0064] Fig. 15 is a sectional view similar to that of Figure 9 with the first connector according to the further variant and the second connector according to the first embodiment; and

[0065] Fig. 16a-c Top views of the connector according to Figure 13 in three different angular positions.

[0066] DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0067] Figures 1 and 3, and 2 and 4, respectively, show individual connectors for a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises a first connector 1 and a second connector 2, which can be plugged together along a plug-in axis S. When plugged together, the two connector housings 3, 4 are mechanically connected to one another. Figures 1 and 3 show the first connector 1, and Figures 2 and 4 show the second connector 2.

[0068] The first connector 1 has a first connector housing 3 and a first bearing element 5, on which the first connector housing 3 is mounted in an alignable manner. The second connector 2 has a second connector housing 4 and a second bearing element 6, on which the second connector housing 4 is mounted in an alignable manner. During a mating process, the connectors 1, 2 are displaced relative to the respective bearing element 5, 6 within the scope of the possible alignment movement and thus aligned relative to one another.

[0069] The first connector housing 3 is mounted on the first bearing element 5 such that this first connector housing 3 is pivotable relative to the first bearing element 5 about a first axis A1. The second connector housing 4 is mounted on the second bearing element 6 such that this second connector housing 4 is pivotable relative to the second bearing element 6 about a second axis A2.

[0070] The first axis A1 is inclined at an angle to the second axis A2. The angle between the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 is preferably a right angle, i.e. an angle of 90°, when plugged in. When unplugged, the angle is variable within the scope of play. Preferably, the angle in the unplugged state is essentially 90°, although deviations of a few degrees are possible within the scope of play. The angle is to be understood such that, looking in the direction of the first axis A1 or the plug-in axis, the second axis A2 runs at the aforementioned angle to the first axis A1. In other words, the two axes A1 and A2 are not spatially parallel to one another.

[0071] The two axes A1 and A2 are each at an angle, in particular at a right angle, to the plug-in axis S. In particular, the two axes A1 and A2 intersect the plug-in axis S. Preferably, the two axes A1 and A2 are at a right angle to the plug-in axis S and at a right angle to each other when plugged in.

[0072] Preferably, the first axis A1, viewed in the installed position, runs essentially in the vertical direction, and the second axis A2 preferably runs essentially horizontally. The two axes can also be shifted from the vertical and horizontal directions within the range of displacement specified below.

[0073] In addition to the angular alignment of the two connector housings 3, 4 to the respective bearing element 5, 6, relative displacement between the connector housings 3, 4 and the respective bearing element 5, 6 is also possible. Preferably, the first connector housing 3 is mounted on the first bearing element 5 so as to be displaceable within a first displacement range relative to the first bearing element 5, and the second connector housing 4 is mounted on the second bearing element 6 so as to be displaceable within a second displacement range relative to the second bearing element 6.

[0074] In a preferred variant, one of the plug connector housings 3, 4 is pivotable relative to the respective bearing element 5, 6 essentially about the aforementioned axes A1, A2, and any other pivoting is only possible within the play or is essentially not possible or not possible at all. In this variant, the other of the two plug connector housings 4, 3 can be arranged to be displaceable relative to the respective bearing element 5, 6 within the displacement range.

[0075] The mounting of the first connector housing 3 on the first bearing element 5 will now be explained with reference to Figures 3 and 5. The first connector housing 3 has at least one bearing opening 7, through which a connecting element 8 with a shaft section 9 extends. Play exists between the bearing opening 7 and the shaft section 9 to provide the displacement range. In the embodiment shown, the bearing opening 7 is formed with a circular cross-section. The shaft section 9 also has a circular cross-section. Preferably, the diameter of the shaft section 9 is several times smaller than the diameter of the bearing opening 7. The difference between the two diameters results in a play that corresponds to the above-mentioned displacement range.

[0076] The connecting element 8 here further comprises a bearing section 10 which adjoins the shaft section 9. The bearing section 10 has a radial extension transverse to the shaft section 9, which is greater than the clear width of the bearing opening 7. In the present case, the outer diameter of the bearing section 10 is larger than the inner diameter of the bearing opening 7. Furthermore, the connecting element 8 has a screw opening 11 through which a fastening screw 12 extends. The screw opening 11 is provided as a cylindrical hole in the connecting element 8. The fastening screw 12 engages with a threaded section 13 in a thread 14 on the side of the bearing element 5. The thread 14 can be part of the bearing element 5 or provided by a threaded nut 26.

[0077] In the embodiment shown, two bearing openings 7, two connecting elements 8 and two fastening screws 12 are provided.

[0078] In the initial position, the center axis of the bearing opening 7 or the connecting element 8 or the fastening screw 12 intersects with the first axis A1. The first axis A1 can shift within the displacement range, depending on the relative movement.

[0079] From Figure 5 it can be seen that the first connector housing 3 has at least one, here several elevations 17. The at least one elevation 17 protrudes from the connector housing 3. The first connector housing 3 rests on a bearing surface 18 on the first bearing element 5 via the at least one elevation 17. The elevation 17 is designed such that a linear support structure is provided for the first connector housing 3. The linear support structure is oriented in the direction of the first axis A1. Here the elevations 17 are convexly rounded in cross-section transverse to the first axis A1. The elevations 17 are each arranged in the immediate vicinity of or adjacent to the bearing opening 7. Each of the bearing openings 7 is adjoined by two elevations 17.

[0080] The aforementioned elevations can optionally also be arranged on the second connector housing.

[0081] Figure 4 shows the mounting of the second connector housing 4 on the second bearing element 6 in more detail. The second connector housing 4 has at least one bearing opening 28 through which a connecting element 32 with a shaft portion 33 extends, with play being present between the bearing opening 28 and the shaft portion 33 to provide the displacement range. The connecting element 32 also has a screw opening through which a screw 27 can be passed. The screw 27 fastens the connecting element to the second bearing element 6. The screw 27 engages with a threaded portion 29 in a thread 34 on the side of the bearing element 6. The thread 34 can be part of the bearing element 6 or provided by a nut 30. The shaft portion 33 is adjoined by a bearing portion 35, the radial extent of which is greater than the clear width of the bearing opening 28.

[0082] The mating process will now be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 6 to 9. Starting from the position shown in Figures 6 and 7, the two connectors 1, 2 are moved toward each other. The vertical direction L is shown in Figure 6. When mated together, parts of the first connector housing 3 protrude into the second connector housing 4. During the mating process, the two connector housings 3, 4 are aligned around the axes A1 and A2 mentioned above, and preferably along the displacement path mentioned above.

[0083] For the alignment and to provide guidance between the two connector housings 3, 4, the second connector housing 4 has a guide surface 15. The guide surface 15 is brought into contact with a contact edge 16 on the first connector housing 3 during the plugging process. The guide surface 15 is inclined at an angle to the plugging direction S. In particular, the guide surface 15 is positioned such that, viewed in the installed position, the first connector housing 3 is lifted against the force of gravity during the plugging process. This can be seen from Figures 6 and 9, in which the vertical direction L is shown. During a plugging process, the contact edge 16 comes into contact with the guide surface 15 and the first connector housing 3 slides over the guide surface 15 as it moves further towards the second connector housing 4, whereby the first connector housing 3 is lifted against the vertical direction L.

[0084] Furthermore, the second connector housing 4 has further guide surfaces 15a, 15b and 15c, which are arranged in such a way that the first connector housing 3 is guided laterally, transversely to the effect of gravity, during the plugging process.

[0085] Figures 10a and 10b show the displacement of the first connector housing 3 relative to the first bearing element 5. Figure 10a shows the initial position. In Figure 10b, the first connector housing 3 is in the displaced position corresponding to the position of the second connector housing 4 within the displacement path. Here, the first connector housing 3 has been lifted counter to the vertical direction L.

[0086] Figures 11a to 11c show the pivoting of the first connector housing 3 relative to the first bearing element 5 about the first axis A1. Starting from the neutral position, as shown in Figure 11b, the first connector housing 3 is pivotable in two directions about the first axis A1. Particularly preferably, the first connector housing 3 is pivotable from its neutral position by an angle of up to 15°, in particular up to 7°, 5°, or 3°, in both directions to the neutral position about the first axis A1. The pivoting angle is denoted by the reference symbol a, alpha. Figure 11a shows the clockwise pivoting about the first axis A1, and Figure 11c shows the counterclockwise pivoting about the first axis A1. The movement of the first connector housing 3 is limited by the contact between the rear of the first connector housing 3 and the aforementioned bearing surface 5.As soon as the first connector housing 3 strikes the bearing surface 5 with a side edge 31, the connector housing 3 can no longer be pivoted in the same direction.

[0087] From Figures 11a to 11c it is further evident how the first connector housing 3 rolls on the elevation 17 relative to the bearing surface 18.

[0088] Figures 12a to 12c show the pivoting of the second connector housing 4 relative to the second bearing element 6 about the second axis A2. Starting from the neutral position, as shown in Figure 12b, the second connector housing 4 can be pivoted in two directions about the second axis A2. Particularly preferably, the second connector housing 4 can be pivoted from its neutral position by an angle of 5° in each direction, in particular 3° in each direction, about the second axis A2 in both directions. The pivoting angle is denoted by the reference symbol ß, beta. Figure 12a shows the clockwise pivoting about the second axis A2, and Figure 12c shows the counterclockwise pivoting about the second axis A2.

[0089] As can be seen from the figures, the first bearing element 5 has a bearing space 22 from which the first connector housing 3 extends, wherein the bearing space 22 is laterally surrounded by a surface section 21. Furthermore, the second bearing element 6 has a bearing space 22 from which the second connector housing 3 extends, wherein the bearing space 22 is laterally surrounded by a surface section 23.

[0090] Preferably, each of the connector housings 3, 4 has a receiving space 24 in which at least one electrical connector 25 is arranged, wherein the at least one electrical connector 25 is located in the respective receiving space 24 such that, in the plugged-in state, an electrical contact can be provided between the at least one electrical connector 25 in the first connector housing 3 and the at least one electrical connector 25 in the other connector housing 4. In addition to or instead of the electrical connector 25, a fluidic connector and / or an optical fiber connector can also be inserted into the receiving space 24.

[0091] Figures 13 to 16c show a further variant of the connection of the first connector housing 3 to the first bearing element 5. Identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals, and reference is made to the above description. The second connector 2 can be designed as described above. However, it would also be conceivable to design the mounting of the second connector housing 4 on the second bearing element 6 according to the further variant.

[0092] According to a further variant, the first connector housing 3 has a flange section 36 which protrudes laterally from the first connector housing 3. Here, the flange section 36 extends completely around the first connector housing 3. Furthermore, a fastening element 37 is provided, which is fastened to the first bearing element 5. Between the fastening element 37 and the first bearing element 5, an intermediate space 38 is provided, into which the flange section 36 projects. The intermediate space 38 can be seen in Figures 14a and 15. The flange section 36 and the intermediate space 38 are designed such that the flange section 36 can be moved with play in the intermediate space 38. The play is present both in the direction of the first axis A1 and in the direction of the second axis A2.

[0093] The flange section 36 further comprises elevations 17. The first connector housing 3 rests on a bearing surface 18 via the at least one elevation 17. The bearing surface 18 is part of the fastening element 37. As described above, the elevation 17 ensures the pivotability of the connector housing 3 relative to the bearing element 5.

[0094] Figures 16a to 16c show the pivoting of the first connector housing 3 relative to the first bearing element 5 about the first axis A1. Starting from the neutral position, as shown in Figure 11b, the first connector housing 3 can be pivoted in two directions about the first axis A1. Reference is made to the above description in this regard.

[0095] In the variant shown, the fastening element 37 has a frame surface 39 from which a side wall 40 protrudes. The side wall 40 extends completely, i.e., without interruption, around the frame surface 39. The side wall 40 rests against the front side of the first bearing element 5, here at the rear side 42 of the first bearing element 5. The frame surface 39 has a passage 41 through which at least one or more cables can be passed. The fastening element 37 can be firmly connected to the bearing element 5.

[0096] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS first connector 31 side edge second connector 32 connecting element first 33 shaft section

[0097] Connector housing 34 thread second 35 bearing section

[0098] Connector housing 36 Flange section first bearing element 37 Fastening element second bearing element 38 Intermediate space bearing opening 39 Frame surface connecting element 40 Side wall shaft section 41 Passage bearing section 42 Rear side screw opening A1 first axis fastening screw A2 second axis threaded section S plug-in axis thread L perpendicular direction , 15a-c guide surface contact edge a, alpha pivot angle about A1 elevation ß, beta pivot angle about A2 bearing surface of 5 bearing surface of 6 surface section bearing space surface section receiving space electrical connector threaded nut screw bearing opening threaded section nut

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A connector assembly comprising a first connector (1) with a first connector housing (3) and a first bearing element (5) on which the first connector housing (3) is mounted in an alignable manner, and a second connector (2) with a second connector housing (4) and a second bearing element (6) on which the second connector housing (4) is mounted in an alignable manner, wherein the first connector (1) can be plugged together with the second connector (2) along a plug-in axis (S) such that the two connector housings (3, 4) can be brought into engagement with one another, wherein the first connector housing (3) can be pivoted about a first axis (A1) relative to the first bearing element (5), wherein the second connector housing (4) can be pivoted about a second axis (A2) relative to the second bearing element (6), and wherein the first axis (A1) runs at an angle inclined to the second axis (A2).

2. Connector arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that in the plugged state, the first axis (A1) runs at right angles to the second axis (A2); and / or that in the unplugged state, the angle between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) is variable over an angular range starting from 90°.

3. Connector arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first connector housing (3) is mounted on the first bearing element (5) is mounted such that pivoting is possible substantially about the first axis (A1); and / or that the second connector housing (4) is mounted on the first bearing element (6) is mounted so that pivoting is possible essentially around the second axis (A2).

4. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connector housing (3) is arranged within a first Displacement range relative to the first bearing element (5); and / or that the second connector housing (4) is displaceably mounted on the second bearing element (6) within a second displacement range relative to the second bearing element (6).

5. Connector arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the respective connector housing (3, 4) is displaceable at least in the direction of the respective axis (A1, A2) and preferably transversely to the plug-in axis (S) in the respective displacement range relative to the respective bearing element (5, 6).

6. Connector arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the first connector housing (3) has at least one bearing opening (7) through which a connecting element (8) with a shaft section (9) extends, wherein play is present between the bearing opening (7) and the shaft section (9) to provide the displacement range; and / or that the second connector housing (4) has at least one bearing opening (28) through which a connecting element (32) with a shaft section (33) extends, wherein play is present between the bearing opening (28) and the shaft section (33) to provide the displacement range.

7. Connector arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the shaft section (9) is adjoined by a bearing section (10), the radial extent of which, transversely to the shaft section (9), is greater than the clear width of the bearing opening (7); and / or in that the connecting element (8) has a screw opening (11) through which a fastening screw (12) extends, the fastening screw (12) engaging with a threaded section (13) in a thread (14) on the side of the bearing element (5).

8. Connector arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the first connector housing (3) has a flange portion (36) which projects laterally from the first connector housing (3), and that a fastening element (37) is further provided which is fastened to the first bearing element (5), wherein between the fastening element (37) and the first bearing element (5) an intermediate space (38) is provided, into which the flange portion (36) projects; and / or that the second connector housing has a flange portion which projects laterally from the second connector housing, and that a fastening element is further provided which is fastened to the second bearing element, wherein an intermediate space is provided between the fastening element and the second bearing element, into which space the flange portion projects.

9. Connector arrangement according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the first displacement range is larger than the second displacement range; or that the first displacement range is smaller than the second displacement range; or that the first displacement range is the same size as the second displacement range.

10. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, seen in the installed position, the first axis (A1) is oriented vertically or horizontally and / or that, seen in the installed position, the second axis (A2) is oriented horizontally or vertically.

11. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second connector housing (4) has a guide surface (15), which guide surface (15) is inclined at an angle to the plugging direction (S), in particular that the guide surface (15) is positioned such that, viewed in the installed position, the first connector housing (3) is lifted against the force of gravity during the plugging process.

12. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second connector housing (4) has further guide surfaces (15a, 15b and 15c) which are arranged such that the first connector housing (3) is guided laterally, in particular transversely to the effect of gravity, during the plugging process.

13. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connector housing (3), starting from its neutral position, is pivotable about the first axis (A1) by an angle of up to 15°, in particular up to 7°, 5°, or 3°, in both directions to the neutral position; and / or that the second connector housing (4), starting from its neutral position, is pivotable about can be pivoted about the second axis (A2) through an angle of up to 15°, in particular up to 7°, 5° or 3°, in both directions to the neutral position.

14. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connector housing (3) rests on at least one elevation (17) projecting from the first connector housing (3) on a bearing surface (18) on the first bearing element (5), wherein the elevation (17) is designed such that a linear support structure is provided for the first connector housing, wherein the linear support structure is oriented in the direction of the first axis (A1); and / or that the second connector housing (4) rests on at least one elevation protruding from the second connector housing (4) on a bearing surface on the bearing element, wherein the elevation is designed such that a linear support structure is provided for the second connector housing, wherein the linear support structure is oriented in the direction of the second axis (A2).

15. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first bearing element (5) has a bearing space (22) from which the first connector housing (3) extends, wherein the bearing space (22) is laterally surrounded by a surface section (21); and / or that the second bearing element (6) has a bearing space (22) from which the second connector housing (4) extends, wherein the bearing space (22) is laterally surrounded by a surface section (23).

16. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the connector housings (3, 4) has a receiving space (24) in which at least one electrical connector (25) and / or a fluidic connector and / or an optical fiber connector is arranged, wherein the at least one connector (25) is located in the respective receiving space (24) in such a way that, in the plugged-in state, contact can be provided between the at least one connector in the first connector housing and the at least one connector in the other connector housing.

Images