Plug connector and plug connector arrangement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plug connector (1) having a plug connector housing (70), an operating element (39) which can be moved from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) for reducing operating force, in particular a lever (40) and / or a slide, which has a blocking element (90) which can be moved between an idle position (R1) and a shifted position (R2), wherein the plug connector (1) is designed to block a moving of the operating element (39) from the first position (P1) into the second position (P2) when the blocking element (90) is in the idle position (R1), and not to block a moving of the operating element (39) when the blocking element (90) is in the shifted position (R2), wherein the blocking element (90) has a blocking portion (93) which engages with a latching portion (100) on an outer side of the plug connector housing (70) when the operating element (39) is in the first position (P1) and the blocking element (90) is in the idle position (R1).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Connectors and connector arrangement

[0004] The present invention relates to a connector. Furthermore, the invention relates to a connector assembly comprising a connector and a mating connector.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] Connectors are known, for example, from the automotive sector, for connecting a control unit with a cable. A large number of individual electrical contacts or contact elements can be integrated into a

[0007] The more contacts there are in a connector, the higher the force required to connect the connector to a mating connector. Therefore, systems are known to simplify the connection, e.g., by means of

[0008] Operating elements that, for example, enable a force transmission so that a relatively low operating force is sufficient to overcome the plugging forces.

[0009] Such connectors with such operating elements are known from the documents DE 10 2004 018 152 A1, DE 199 33 933 A1 and DE 195 35628 A1.

[0010] It has been shown that it is disadvantageous if the operating elements are operated before the connector is correctly positioned in relation to the mating connector, as the connector can then no longer interact correctly with the mating connector. It has also been shown that even the provision of a rigid projection in the operating path of a lever as a lock to prevent accidental displacement of the operating element in the event of sudden movements (e.g. when transporting a connector) or due to incorrect operation by a fitter can be overcome relatively easily with the corresponding application of force. It may therefore be necessary to block actuation of the operating element as long as the two connection partners (e.g. male and female connector) are not correctly positioned in relation to one another.

[0011] Disclosure of the invention

[0012] According to the invention, a connector and a connector assembly comprising a connector and a mating connector are proposed, having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, a connector is proposed which is designed to be plugged together with a mating connector along a plug-in direction which can, for example, run parallel to a Z-axis or Z-direction.

[0014] The connector has a connector housing and an operating element that can be moved from a first position to a second position to reduce operating force. A connection process between the connector and the mating connector begins in particular in the first position and ends in the second position of the operating element. The operating element can be arranged or mounted in a displaceable manner on the connector housing, for example on a base body or a cover of the connector housing. The connector housing in particular has a cover with an outer cover side. In principle, it is also conceivable for the connector housing to have no cover. The cover can, for example, be arranged or arrangeable or fastened or fastened or mounted or mountable on the base body. The cover can, for example, be mounted or mounted on the base body in a non-destructive manner and, in particular, be mounted on the base body so that it can be rotated through 180°.

[0015] The mating connector has, in particular, a mating connector housing with a housing collar, which can also be referred to as a plug-in collar. The connector housing is, in particular, designed to be received with its outer contour or with the outer contour of the base body within the housing collar of the mating connector housing. In other words, the connector can, for example, be a so-called internal connector, in which the connector or the connector housing or, in particular, the base body is received in a mating connector interior of the mating connector or is received within the housing collar or the plug-in collar of the mating connector. It is understood that the connector can, in principle, also be designed as an external connector. In this case, the plug-in collar or the housing collar of the mating connector is received in the connector housing when plugged together.

[0016] In particular, the connector also has at least one contact element that can be electrically contacted with a mating contact element of the mating connector. For example, the contact element and mating contact element are plugged together, which requires a predefined amount of force. With a large number of such pairs of contact elements and mating contact elements, a high degree of force is required to plug the connector and mating connector together. The operating element can advantageously simplify the plugging together of the connector and mating connector. This can be achieved, for example, by reducing the operating forces required when plugging the connector and mating connector together (e.g., by using leverage and / or transmission).

[0017] The operating element has a locking element that is adjustable or displaceable between a rest position and a deflected position, wherein the plug connector is designed and / or wherein the locking element is designed to block a displacement of the operating element from the first position to the second position when the locking element is in the rest position, and not to block a displacement of the operating element from the first position to the second position when the locking element is in the deflected position.

[0018] For example, the operating element is a slider and / or a lever. In this context, a slider is understood to mean, for example, a linearly displaceable element, in particular, an exclusively linearly displaceable element (e.g., displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction). In this context, a lever is understood to mean, for example, a rotatable element, in particular, an exclusively rotatable element.

[0019] Furthermore, the locking element has a locking portion that engages, in particular is locked, with a locking portion on an outer side of the connector housing, in particular on an outer side of the base body and / or an outer side of the cover, when the operating element is in the first position and the locking element is in the rest position. The outer side is, in particular, a side facing away from the interior of the connector housing. It particularly faces an external environment of the connector.

[0020] The invention thus advantageously provides a simple way of preventing adjustment of the control element and thus connection of the connector to the mating connector by means of a locking element on the connector housing, as long as the locking element is engaged with the locking section. This advantageously ensures that the control element is not inadvertently displaced when, for example, the connector is being handled (e.g., during transport) or is already connected to a wiring harness and the wiring harness, together with the connector, is being installed in a device or transported to its destination.

[0021] The locking section can be designed, for example, in the form of a projection, a hook, a nose or a recess, which engages with the latching section, e.g. also in the form of a projection, a hook, a nose or a recess, on the outside of the connector housing when the operating element is in the first position and the locking element is in the rest position. Through the interaction or engagement or coupling of the locking section and latching section, the adjustment of the operating element from the first position to the second position can be easily and reliably prevented. The engagement can, for example, take the form of a positive fit. Such an engagement is very easy to produce and release. Furthermore, the locking section of the locking element is preferably not engaged with the latching section when the locking element is in the deflected position.In this deflected position, in particular the locking section can be moved relative to the locking section. Advantageously, the adjustment of the operating element from the first position to the second position is then not prevented. The formation of the locking section on the outside of the connector housing advantageously enables a gain in space in the interior of the connector housing and also of the mating connector housing or in the interior of the housing collar. Such a gain in space can advantageously be used, for example, for additional contact elements. Another advantage is that the locking arrangement (consisting of locking element and locking section) is particularly simple to design and can also advantageously be easily checked visually (e.g. with regard to damage, correct locking, etc.).Furthermore, the arrangement of the locking element on the operating element and the coupling of the locking element to the exterior of the connector housing advantageously result in an immediate or direct locking of the operating element against unintentional displacement. This advantageously provides a particularly simple, uncomplicated, cost-effective, and robust blocking mechanism that prevents unintentional displacement of the operating element before the connector is correctly positioned on or relative to the mating connector.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the invention, a connector assembly is proposed which comprises a connector according to the first aspect and a mating connector, wherein the mating connector has a mating connector housing and a counter-deflection element, wherein the counter-deflection element is designed to adjust the locking element of the operating element from the rest position into the deflected position.

[0023] This advantageously provides a connector arrangement in which the locking or blocking of the operating element is released essentially automatically when the connector is positioned in the correct position relative to the mating connector, e.g. in particular without further action by an installer (i.e., without the installer having to actuate an additional element). This advantageously facilitates the assembly of the connector arrangement. It can be provided, for example, that the counter-deflection element is designed to move the locking element from the rest position into the deflected position, in particular when the connector and the mating connector are in mechanical contact or when the connector is placed on the mating connector as intended or at the start of mating. The locking element should then preferably be deflected at this point in time in order to enable mating.In other words, it can be provided that the counter-deflection element is designed to adjust the locking element from the rest position into the deflected position depending on the plug-in position between the plug-in connector and the mating connector and / or depending on the relative position (tilt, angle, insertion depth, etc.) between the plug-in connector and the mating connector.

[0024] In one embodiment, the connector has three different configurations, wherein in a first configuration of the connector, the operating element is in the first position and the locking element is in the rest position. The first configuration is, for example, the configuration in which the connector is mechanically (and electrically) completely separated from the mating connector or in which the connector is just coming into mechanical contact with the mating connector. Electrical separation means, in particular, that (electrical) contact elements of the connector and associated (electrical) mating contact elements of the mating connector are not electrically connected or have no electrical contact. It is understood that the terms "contact element" and "mating contact element" can also be understood to include optical contact elements and mating contact elements.These are also not linked to each other in the first configuration.

[0025] In a second configuration of the connector, the operating element is in the first position or in a position close to the first position and the locking element is in the deflected position. In this configuration, a displacement of the operating element from the first position to the second position is therefore enabled, since the locking element is deflected. The deflection is caused in particular by an interaction with the mating connector, as will be explained in more detail below. In this configuration, there is therefore also mechanical contact with the mating connector. An electrical or optical contact is, for example, not yet formed or produced, or, for example, not yet formed or produced in the target state. The operating element can, for example, be slightly displaced from the first position towards the second position due to the release of the locking element and due to the interaction between the locking element and the housing collar (e.g.by an elastic pre-tension that releases).

[0026] In a third configuration of the connector, the operating element is in the second position and the locking element is in the rest position. In this configuration, the connector is mechanically and electrically connected (and / or optically in the case of optical contact elements) to the mating connector. The fact that the locking element is (again) in the rest position advantageously prevents plastic deformation or creep of the locking element material and the associated loss of function.

[0027] In one embodiment, the locking element is pivotally mounted between the rest position and the deflected position, in particular parallel to an X-direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, in particular elastically reversible. The locking element can, for example, be pivotally mounted on the operating element. Pivoting can advantageously be provided mechanically very easily without complex guides. Furthermore, by pivoting or displacement in the X-direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, compression or axial loading (parallel to the insertion direction) of the locking element can be avoided or at least kept to a minimum, whereby the locking element can be designed to be relatively delicate with small wall thicknesses and / or dimensions (e.g. a width / depth of less than 3 mm). The high insertion forces could lead to uncontrollable loading of the locking element in the event of an axial displacement direction (i.e. along the insertion direction).Furthermore, a deflection, in particular along or parallel to the X-direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, can advantageously ensure that the locking element can be designed in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0028] The locking element can be pivoted from the rest position to the deflected position outwards or radially outwards (away from the connector housing). This enables a particularly compact connector design and provides more space for contact elements while maintaining the same external dimensions.

[0029] This configuration also offers the advantage of high resistance to mishandling or incorrect operation while at the same time providing low deflection force when used as intended.

[0030] In the present case, the X-direction can be defined, for example, with respect to the operating element or with respect to a direction of displacement of the operating element, wherein the X-direction runs perpendicular to a plane (YZ plane) in which the displacement of the operating element takes place. With a rotatable lever as the operating element, the X-direction accordingly runs parallel to the axis of rotation. With a slider as the operating element, the X-direction accordingly runs, for example, perpendicular to the sliding direction and perpendicular to the Z-direction (insertion direction). The displacement of the locking element or of the part of the locking element that interacts with the locking section can - as already described above - advantageously take place (e.g. parallel to the X-direction) away from a wall of the connector housing towards the outside.

[0031] In one embodiment, the locking element is monolithic, formed in one piece with the operating element, or manufactured in the same manufacturing step, wherein the locking element is connected to the operating element via a bent section. This advantageously provides a robust locking element that is particularly simple and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0032] In one embodiment, the locking element is pre-tensioned into the rest position by the bending section, in particular when it is deflected or pivoted from the rest position. This makes it very easy to pivot the locking element back into the rest position (in particular radially inwards) after deflection, and no additional spring means or the like need to be provided for this purpose. Furthermore, the locking means is advantageously immediately ready for its function in this way and does not have to be separately moved (e.g. manually) into the rest position. Furthermore, the locking element is advantageously held particularly reliably in the rest position or is returned to the rest position in the event of external mechanical influences, thus reliably locking the operating element against unintentional operation. If the operating element is moved (back) to the first position (e.g.When the connector and mating connector are unplugged, the locking element can automatically or independently return to its rest position due to the preload, preventing the control element from being accidentally moved. The connector is then reliably prepared for the next plugging process, even if it is transported in between, for example.

[0033] In one embodiment, the bending section is formed at a first, particularly distal, end of the locking element, with the locking element being cantilevered at a second, particularly distal, end opposite the first end. This advantageously results in particularly simple production of the locking section and a particularly large pivoting path with low applied forces.

[0034] For example, it can be provided that the locking section is formed in the region of the second end or is formed at the second (distal) end. This advantageously ensures that the bent section is only slightly loaded when the locking element pivots from the rest position into the deflected position (e.g., compared to an arrangement of the locking section in the center of the locking element - because in this case, a greater angular pivoting of the locking element would have to occur for the same displacement path of the locking section in, for example, the X direction). This advantageously reduces the risk of plastic deformation of the bent section and enables long-lasting function of the locking element.

[0035] Overall, this advantageously provides a locking element that is particularly simple and cost-effective to manufacture, durable, robust and can be actuated with low forces.

[0036] In one embodiment, the operating element has a frame element, which is in particular monolithic with the operating element, wherein the locking element is framed or delimited by the frame element at least on two, in particular opposite, sides, wherein the locking element is adjustable or displaceable relative to the frame element, in particular such that the locking element is adjustable or displaceable out of a frame plane of the frame element. As a result, the frame element advantageously protects the locking element from mechanical influences during the actuation of the locking element (it can, for example, represent a type of guide for the locking element) and also from external damage. The risk of damage to the locking element can thus be advantageously reduced, e.g.during transport of the operating element (before mounting on the connector); during transport of the connector; when handling the connector when plugging or unplugging it; when the connector and mating connector are plugged in (vibrations can occur during operation, for example - the frame element can prevent the locking element from swinging freely or limit a deflection path); etc. Another advantage is that the frame element can also structurally reinforce the operating element (e.g. stiffen it), so that it can better absorb the high plugging or operating forces without twisting or bending. The frame element therefore enables several functions to be performed simultaneously.

[0037] The locking element, frame element, and operating element can be made of plastic or metal, for example, especially predominantly. They can be manufactured, for example, as a cast, injection-molded, or stamped part, or using a 3D printing process. With these features, a stable and robust locking element, frame element, and operating element can be manufactured very easily and suitable for mass production. For example, the materials used can be polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polypropylene (PP), e.g., with or without glass fiber filling.

[0038] In one embodiment, the connector housing, in particular the base body and / or the cover, has a ramp, wherein the locking section is guided over the latching section by means of the ramp when the operating element is moved from the second position to the first position. In this way, a very simple possibility is created of guiding the locking element over the latching section when opening a closed connector arrangement (unplugging process) or when moving the operating element back from the second to the first position (e.g. after mounting the operating element on the connector housing) - in particular automatically, without manual intervention - by the locking element being elastically and reversibly deflected or spread open by the ramp. The connector is therefore immediately ready for a new plugging process.Guiding the locking section using the ramp also allows for haptic and / or acoustic feedback ("click") when the locking section snaps back after passing the ramp (radially inward) and, in particular, engages with the locking section. Such haptic and / or acoustic feedback can be a great help for an installer, for example, in poor visibility conditions, and can significantly facilitate the execution and verification of correct installation.

[0039] In one embodiment, the ramp and the locking section are arranged on different components of the connector. Arranging them on different components advantageously allows for simpler shaping and reduces warping, since, for example, the ramp and locking section have different wall thicknesses, which can be adapted, for example, to the likewise different wall thicknesses of the components. Furthermore, the ramp and locking section can advantageously be constructed from different materials, allowing them to be optimized with regard to their respective functions.

[0040] For example, the ramp can be located on the cover and the locking section on the base body or another part of the connector housing. Alternatively, the ramp can be located on the base body and the locking section on the cover.

[0041] In another embodiment, the ramp and the locking section can be arranged on the same component of the connector. Arranging them on the same component is advantageously simple in terms of manufacturing technology and results in low tolerances. Furthermore, this advantageously enables a deeper mating of the connector and mating connector.

[0042] For example, the ramp and the locking section can be provided or formed on the cover, in particular on the outside of the cover. Alternatively, they can be arranged on the base body, in particular on its outside.

[0043] In one embodiment, the locking element has a deflection section, e.g. in the form of a projection, a cam or a nose, which is designed to come into operative connection with a counter-deflection element, in particular an end face of the housing collar, of the mating connector when the plug connector is plugged together with the mating connector, wherein the locking element is designed such that it is adjusted from the rest position into the deflected position when the deflection section is in operative connection with the counter-deflection element of the mating connector.

[0044] This advantageously means that the operating element can be unlocked automatically when the connector and mating connector are plugged together. Separate manual intervention by the operator is advantageously not required to trigger the locking element (into the unlocked position or the deflected position). Another advantage is that the locking element and also the mating connector can be manufactured particularly easily. Only mechanical, non-movable elements (deflection section and counter-deflection element) are required to trigger the locking element. It is also advantageous to dispense with elements protruding laterally or radially (outwards and / or inwards), e.g. in the X direction and / or Y direction, from the mating connector housing or the housing collar for displacing the locking element.This advantageously enables easier production of the mating connector and provides more space for the arrangement of contact elements or mating contact elements.

[0045] It is particularly advantageous if the deflection of the locking element into the unlocked position only occurs briefly, namely essentially only when the deflection section is in operative connection with the counter-deflection element (or when the deflection section slips or slides, for example, over the ramp described above). This can be the case, for example, during the plugging process along a short section of the plugging path, e.g. a few millimeters. This prevents permanent deflection of the locking element and possible plastic deformation. This also advantageously reduces the risk of damage to a part of the locking element protruding from a wall and of damage to other parts caused by such a protruding element.

[0046] The deflection section preferably points at least partially in a direction transverse to the insertion direction, preferably in the X direction. It can, for example, be designed obliquely, e.g. at an angle in the range of 25° to 65° relative to the insertion direction or Z direction (e.g. pointing obliquely downwards in the X direction). The counter-deflection section can, for example, point parallel to the insertion direction or the Z direction. It can, if necessary, have a run-up slope that ensures gentle contact with the deflection section (alternatively or additionally, the deflection section can also have a run-up slope). This advantageously enables a particularly space-saving and damage-resistant design.

[0047] In one embodiment, the deflection section is arranged at the same end of the locking element as the locking section. This advantageously provides a particularly compact and easily manufactured locking element. The locking section can advantageously represent an extension of the deflection section on its side facing away from the locking section. This advantageously allows the contact surface for the counter-deflection section to be lengthened, whereby a larger locking or unlocking path (displacement distance from the rest position to the deflected position) can be achieved using simple means.

[0048] The deflection section and the locking section can be arranged or formed, for example, at a free or cantilevered end of the locking element.

[0049] For example, it can be provided that the blocking section and the deflection section point in opposite directions or hemispheres. In this way, for example, a portion of the deflection section's length can overlap with a portion of the deflection section, and the contact surface for the counter-deflection section can thus be advantageously enlarged without additional elements. For example, the blocking section can point substantially opposite the Z direction, and the deflection section can point in the Z direction, or its surface normal can have a component in the positive Z direction.In one embodiment, the plug connector has an engagement element which is arranged, in particular rotatably, on the plug connector housing, in particular on the base body or on the cover, wherein the engagement element is adjustable between a first position and a second position, wherein the engagement element is designed to couple to a counter-engagement element of the mating plug connector, in particular to engage therein, in order to displace the plug connector towards the mating plug connector when the engagement element is adjusted from the first position to the second position, in particular parallel to the insertion direction, wherein the operating element is operatively connected to the engagement element in such a way that a displacement of the operating element from the first position to the second position causes an adjustment, in particular a rotation, of the engagement element from the first position to the second position.

[0050] The interaction of the engagement element and the counter-engagement element advantageously simplifies the mating of the connector and mating connector. This can be achieved, for example, by reducing the operating forces when mating the connector and mating connector (e.g., by using leverage and / or transmission). A locking process can also be facilitated, for example, a locking process at the end of the mating path. In particular, the interaction of the engagement element and the counter-engagement element enables a smooth connection process with less operating force but with a longer path.

[0051] By shifting the connector toward the mating connector, the connector and mating connector can be easily and forcefully mated and (with the reverse movement of the control element) disassembled. In particular, connectors with a large number of contacts can be mated, disassembled, or unmated with little force.

[0052] This allows the mating process to be very effectively supported or initiated by operating the operating element. To connect the connector and mating connector, it is therefore advantageous to operate only the operating element manually, for example, by a technician, which leads to simplified and reliable handling of the connector. Another advantage is that, depending on the design of the transmission ratios or, for example, the length of an arm of the operating element, the operating force can be further reduced.

[0053] The engagement element can be designed, for example, as a type of gear or gear element, and the counter-engagement element as a type of rack. Alternatively or additionally, the engagement element can be designed, for example, as a slotted structure and the counter-engagement element as a projection, pin, bolt, or the like (or the counter-engagement element as a slotted structure and the engagement element as a projection, pin, bolt, or the like).

[0054] In one embodiment, a third position of the operating element is provided between the first position and the second position, wherein in the third position the engagement element is coupled to the counter-engagement element such that the connector is captively or permanently coupled to the mating connector, wherein the operating element is automatically displaced into the third position, in particular driven by a restoring force of the locking element in the direction of the rest position when the connector is brought into the second configuration of the connector. In other words, it can be provided that bringing the connector into the second configuration of the connector (in particular starting from the first position of the operating element), i.e. unlocking the locking element, simultaneously releases an automatic displacement of the operating element from the first position to the third position.This can be achieved in particular by prestressing and / or designing the elements involved.

[0055] The captive coupling between the connector and the mating connector can be achieved, for example, by a positive connection between the engagement element and the counter-engagement element, which no longer allows the connector to be removed from the mating connector, in particular in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. Only when the operating element is moved back towards the first position or into the first position does the coupling between the engagement element and the counter-engagement element release again. In this case, it can be made possible that, upon reaching the second configuration, further insertion initially takes place almost force-free and / or almost automatically, if no or only low insertion forces based on friction between the contact elements and the mating contact elements have to be overcome, i.e., if no electrical contact has yet been established. If the locking section now encounters a ramp (as described above) or exceeds the locking section, for example,Elastic forces of the deflected locking element cause it to push toward the rest position (e.g., inward or radially inward), thereby pulling the control element from the first position to the third position. This can occur, for example (driven by elastic restoring forces of the locking element), by the locking element sliding along the ramp.

[0056] The third position is a captive position, preventing the connector from falling out, for example, during overhead installation. One-handed operation is also possible, as the connector does not need to be held while the control element is operated. The automatic shift of the control element from the first position to the third position also allows for haptic and / or acoustic feedback ("click"), so that the operator can tell when the connector is correctly seated on the mating connector, even with a restricted field of vision.

[0057] Conversely, the connector can only be removed from the mating connector once the operating element has been moved to the first position, which, as described above, is also signaled by haptic and / or acoustic feedback ("click") when the locking section has engaged with the latching section. This makes it very easy for an operator to recognize when the removal of the connector from the mating connector is no longer blocked by the interaction of the engagement element with the counter-engagement element. In conventional cases, especially without such haptic and / or acoustic feedback, an operator may attempt to remove the connector with considerable force and jerking, but fail to realize (e.g., due to poor visibility) that the connector and mating connector are still connected to each other by means of the engagement element and counter-engagement element.

[0058] In one embodiment, the mating connector, in particular the mating connector housing, has a housing collar or plug-in collar, wherein the housing collar is designed as a counter-deflection element. The housing collar can, for example, be a wall of the mating connector housing. In this advantageous embodiment, no additional elements need to be provided on the mating connector; instead, the housing collar which is already present serves as the counter-deflection element. This is particularly simple in terms of manufacturing technology and, in particular, allows the decision as to whether or not a locking element is provided on a connector arrangement to be made dependent solely on the connector. This reduces the variety of components. Such a connector according to the invention can, in particular, also interact with conventional mating connectors in the manner according to the invention. In other words, existing interfaces orMating connectors with existing plug-in collars or housing collars can be easily converted or retrofitted to an improved connector arrangement by simply using a connector as described above. No redesign is necessary. This provides a simple way to save significant costs if, for example, a customer suddenly requests a locking function for the control element. Only a new connector needs to be designed; the housing collar of the mating connector can remain unchanged.

[0059] In one embodiment, an end face of the housing collar facing the connector forms the counter-deflection element, which is particularly designed to operatively connect with the deflection section of the locking element of the connector. This is also particularly simple to manufacture. Furthermore, it is not necessary to thicken or slim the wall of the housing collar at one point or to attach or provide elements thereto that protrude laterally (e.g. parallel to the X direction or the Y direction) from the wall of the housing collar in order to serve as a counter-deflection element. The housing collar is therefore advantageously particularly easy to manufacture, for example by means of an injection molding process, especially if the mating connector housing is made of plastic.

[0060] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0061] The invention is illustrated schematically in the drawing using an embodiment and is described below with reference to the drawing.

[0062] Short description of the drawings

[0063] The figures show

[0064] Figure 1 is a perspective and partially sectioned view of two

[0065] Connector arrangements in the unmated state of two connectors and two mating connectors;

[0066] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the two

[0067] Connector arrangements from Fig. 1 in the mated state of the connectors and mating connectors;

[0068] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the control element with the

[0069] locking element;

[0070] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a section of the connector with the locking section;

[0071] Figure 5 shows a connector in cross section;

[0072] Figure 6 shows a connector assembly with the connector and a housing collar of a mating connector during mating in cross-section in different configurations; Figure 7 shows the connector assembly with the connector and the housing collar during mating at a different time; and

[0073] Figure 8 shows the connector from Figure 5 in a sectioned perspective view.

[0074] Embodiment(s) of the invention

[0075] Figure 1 shows a perspective and partially sectioned view of two connector assemblies 200 in the unmated state of two connectors 1 and two mating connectors 50.

[0076] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the two connector assemblies 200 from Fig. 1 in the mated state of the connector 1 and mating connector 50.

[0077] Figures 1 and 2 are described together below.

[0078] Figure 1 shows two separate connectors 1 in the upper part. Two mating connectors 50 are shown in the lower part of Figure 1, with the two mating connectors 50 being connected to one another in one piece, as an example.

[0079] The two connectors 1 and the two mating connectors 50 can be regarded as two connector assemblies 200 when they are connectable to one another (see Fig. 1) or connected to one another (see Fig. 2), wherein each connector assembly 200 comprises a connector 1 and a mating connector 50. The connector 1 can be connected to the mating connector 50 in an insertion direction Z.

[0080] The connector 1 has a connector housing 70, which can be composed of one or more components, wherein here, for example, a base body 71 (which can also be referred to as the second or outer contact carrier), a first contact carrier 76, and a cover 72 can be provided as components. The first contact carrier 76 can, for example, be connected to the base body 71 or second contact carrier. In principle, only the base body 71 can be provided (without the first contact carrier 76 accommodated therein), optionally with a cover 72. The cover 72 can, for example, be detachably attached to the base body 71 and optionally mounted in two different directions, here rotatable by 180°. The cover 72 protects cables 34 of contact elements protruding from contact chambers and can allow them to emerge bundled as a cable harness by means of the opening, which here, for example, points to the left. Depending on the installation situation, the two covers 72 of Fig.1 and 2 point in the same direction (both to the left or both to the right) or in different directions (e.g. the left cover open to the left, the right cover open to the right - i.e. both pointing outwards; in other embodiments both can point towards each other with their openings for the cables 34).

[0081] Both connectors 1 each have an operating element 39, here each exemplary in the form of a U-shaped lever 40, which is mounted on shafts 37 arranged on both sides as an operating element guide structure 69.

[0082] For mounting on the shaft 37, each operating element 39 has a shaft receiving opening 42 which is arranged in a disk 59 which is approximately circular in this example, and on each disk 59 an arm of the lever 40 is arranged (the two arms of the lever 40 are connected to one another by a cross member or handle). On each disk 59, a lever tooth 43a projecting radially outward with respect to the shaft 37 is arranged as an engagement element 43. The shaft receiving opening 42 is provided approximately centrally in the disk 59. The disk 59 is placed or plugged onto the shaft 37 from the outside by means of the shaft receiving opening 42. The lever 40 can be rotated or displaced around the shaft 37 between a first position P1 (e.g. starting position) and a second position P2 (e.g. end position) relative to the connector housing 70 or the base body 71.

[0083] To clarify the two lever positions, the

[0084] Lever 40 of the right connector 1 in Fig. 1 (approximately horizontal) is shown in the first position P1 and the lever 40 of the left connector 1 (approximately vertical) is shown in the second position P2.

[0085] The plane in which the displacement of the operating element 39, here: the lever 40, takes place is, for example, the YZ plane, i.e. the Y direction Y runs, for example, along the long side of the connector housing 70. The X direction X runs accordingly parallel to the axis of rotation of the operating element 39 and, for example, along the short side of the connector housing 70. The Y direction Y and the X direction X run perpendicular to one another and both perpendicular to the insertion direction Z, thus forming a Cartesian coordinate system. A radial direction can, for example, be a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction Z, and the radial direction can, for example, lie in the XY plane. Radially inward can refer to a direction from the outside towards the interior of the housing or a direction from an external environment of the connector 1 towards a wall of the connector housing 70.Radially outward can be defined as a direction away from the connector housing 70 or away from an interior space towards the outside environment.

[0086] Both mating connectors 50 have a mating connector housing 80. The mating connector housing 80 of each mating connector 50 has a housing collar 58 that protrudes in the direction of the connector 1 (here: opposite the insertion direction Z). Mating contact elements, here, for example, in the form of male mating contact elements, are arranged in a mating connector interior 74 surrounded by the housing collar 58. The housing collar 58 forms a kind of cup shape.

[0087] Furthermore, the housing collar 58 has two toothed racks 51a on each of its two inner sides - here, for example, long ones - as counter-engaging elements 51, with which the lever tooth 43a of the operating element 39 can couple (for example, a disc 59 with a lever tooth 43a is arranged on each of the two arms of the lever 40). The two toothed racks 51a on each side are designed symmetrically to one another, so that the operating element 39 functions in both assembly directions - here, for example, rotated relative to one another by half a turn around the vertical axis or insertion direction Z - and the lever tooth 43a can couple or interact with one or the other toothed rack 51a in both assembly directions.

[0088] Instead of lever tooth 43a and rack 51a, for example, a link guide and a bolt or a projection can also be provided as engagement element 43 and counter-engagement element 51.

[0089] The lever tooth 43a is adjustable (here rotatable) between a first position K1 (Fig. 1, right) and a second position K2 (Fig. 1, left) and is designed to couple to a rack 51a, in the present example to engage therein, in order to displace the plug connector 1 towards the mating plug connector 50, in particular parallel to the insertion direction Z, during an adjustment from the first position K1 to the second position K2.

[0090] The lever 40 is operatively connected to the lever tooth 43a in such a way that a displacement of the lever 40 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 causes an adjustment, in this case a rotation, of the lever tooth 43a from the first position K1 to the second position K2.

[0091] The toothed racks 51a, viewed from top to bottom, initially have a first projection 52, then a rack recess 53, and then a second projection 54. The first projection 52 and the second projection 53 lie in one plane here, for example. When the plug-in connector 1 and the mating connector 50 are plugged together, the lever 40 is initially in the first position P1. When the plug-in connector 1 and the mating connector 50 are plugged together, the shaft 37 is inserted into a channel 75 or a gap between the two facing toothed racks 51a or is received by the channel 75. When the plug-in connector 1 and the mating connector 50 are plugged together, the lever tooth 43a slides into the gap or channel 75 between the two toothed racks 51a. If the lever 40 is then moved from the first position P1 towards the second position P2, it engages under orthe lever tooth 43a engages around the first projection 52 (in particular engaging in the rack recess 53) of one or the other rack 51a, is supported on its underside and pulls the connector 1 towards the mating connector 50. In this way, the (high) insertion forces (e.g. in the case of a multi-pin connector or connector 1) can be overcome by means of the leverage with less operating force from an installer.

[0092] When plugging connector 1 and mating connector 50 apart, lever tooth 43a can, for example, be supported on the lower second projection 54 (on its upper side). When lever 40 moves (e.g., from the second position P2) toward the first position P1, this support allows connector 1 to be detached from mating connector 50, particularly in a simplified or easier manner.

[0093] Due to the symmetrical design of the two toothed racks 51 a (on the inner wall of the housing collar 58), the lever 40 can be mounted in both mounting directions (as shown in Fig. 1 or rotated by 180° around the insertion direction Z) on the connector housing 70, here for example on the base body 71 or on the second contact carrier, and can fulfill its function in both mounting directions.

[0094] Preferably, a pair of racks 51a is arranged on each of the opposite sides (here: inner sides) of the housing collar 58 of the mating connector 50. This allows the forces of the lever 40 to act particularly evenly. The connector 1 is designed here, for example, as an internal connector. It is completely accommodated in the mating connector interior 74 with its base body 71 or second contact carrier and the first contact carrier 76, here, for example, in the mating connector 50 state.

[0095] It is understood that the racks 51a can alternatively be arranged on an outer side of the housing collar 58 (e.g., in the case of an external connector). It is further understood that, instead of the rack-and-lever tooth structures, other coupling structures are also conceivable (e.g., projections guided in guides, and the like).

[0096] Furthermore, the operating element 39 has a locking element 90 which is adjustable or displaceable between a rest position R1 and a deflected position R2 (see Fig. 6) and which serves to secure the operating element 39 in the first position P1 or to block a displacement of the operating element 39 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 when the plug connector 1 is separated from the mating plug connector 50 or is not correctly placed thereon. For this purpose, the locking element 90 has a locking section 93 (see Figs. 3 and 5 to 7) which engages with a latching section 100 on an outer side of the plug connector housing 70 when the operating element 39 is in the first position P1 and the locking element 90 is in a rest position R1 (cf. Figs. 5, 6 left). In particular, it can be provided by way of example that the plug connector 1 orthe locking element 90 can be configured not to block a displacement of the operating element 39 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 when the locking element 90 is in the deflected position R2.

[0097] Figure 2 shows the two connector assemblies 200 in the mated state (the two connectors 1 are mated with the two mating connectors 50, contact elements and mating contact elements are electrically connected to one another). Both operating elements 39 are located in the second position P2. It is clearly visible that the connectors 1 are designed as internal plugs here. Both connectors 1, including their operating elements 39, are arranged within the collar or plug-in collar or housing collar 58 in the mating connector interior 74. This results in a particularly compact external shape of the connector assembly 200, and the movable elements (operating elements 39, disk 59, etc.) are particularly well protected against external influences.

[0098] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the operating element 39 with the locking element 90.

[0099] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a section of the connector 1, showing the locking section 100 and the ramp 101.

[0100] Figure 5 shows one of the connectors 1 in cross section.

[0101] Figure 6 shows one of the connector assemblies 200 with the connector 1 and the housing collar 58 of one of the mating connectors 50 when plugged together in cross section in two different configurations, with the first configuration C1 of the connector 1 being shown on the left and the second configuration C2 of the connector 1 being shown on the right.

[0102] Figure 7 shows the connector assembly 200 from Fig. 6 with the operating element 39 in a third position P3.

[0103] Figures 3 to 7 are described together below in order to illustrate the functioning of the locking element 90 in more detail.

[0104] As can be seen in Figure 3, the locking element 90 is formed monolithically or integrally with the operating element 39, wherein the locking element 90 is connected to the operating element 39 via a bending section 92. The bending section 92 preloads the locking element 90 into the rest position R1 shown in Figure 3, particularly when it is deflected from the rest position R1 (see Figure 6, right). The locking element 90 can be elastically and reversibly displaced from the rest position R1 into the deflected position R2, particularly radially outward (parallel to the X-direction X).

[0105] In the examples shown, the locking element 90 has the shape of a bending beam, which has the bending section 92 at a first, distal end of the locking element 90, and which is cantilevered at a second, distal end, opposite the first end, and has the locking section 93 and a deflection section 94. The locking section 93 is in the form of a locking lug (pointing radially inward, in particular towards the connector housing 70), and the deflection section 94 is in the form of a projection which projects or protrudes laterally outwards, in particular obliquely laterally downwards, in the region of the free end of the locking element 90. The deflection section has a substantially flat or smooth surface or run-up surface on its side facing the mating connector.

[0106] Locking section 93 and deflection section 94 are arranged, for example, at the same end of the locking element 90. Here, they point in opposite directions or hemispheres. The locking section 93 points upward with its locking surface (essentially opposite to the insertion direction Z). The deflection section 94 points essentially (obliquely) downward, thus its surface normal has a strong component along the insertion direction Z.

[0107] The deflection section 94 is designed to come into operative connection with a counter-deflection element 57, here in particular an end face of the housing collar 58, of the mating connector 50 when the connector 1 is plugged together with the mating connector 50. The locking element 90 is designed such that it is adjusted from the rest position R1 to the deflected position R2, in particular only when the deflection section 94 is in operative connection with the counter-deflection element 57 of the mating connector 50. This prevents unintentional release and adjustment of the operating element 39. This can be clearly seen in Fig. 6: on the left side of the connector 1 from Fig. 6, the housing collar 58 has just come into contact with the deflection element 94, but the locking element 90 is still in the rest position R1. On the right side of the connector from Fig. 6 (e.g.after further plugging together) the housing collar 58 displaces the deflection section 94 radially outwards and thereby pivots the locking element 90 outwards into its deflected position R2.

[0108] Because the counter-deflection element 57 is formed by the end face of the housing collar 58, the housing collar 58 can be formed smoothly and without additional elements such as ramp structures, lateral or radially inwardly and / or outwardly projecting projections.

[0109] The locking element 90 is elastically reversibly adjustable or displaceable between the rest position R1 and a deflected position R2, wherein the plug connector 1 is designed to block a displacement of the operating element 39 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 when the locking element 90 is in the rest position R1, and to not block a displacement of the operating element 39 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 when the locking element 90 is in the deflected position R2. The locking element 90 can, for example, be pivotably mounted, in particular mounted on the operating element 39. Furthermore, the operating element 39 has a frame element 41, which is in particular monolithic in design with the operating element 39. In the present example, the locking element 90 is framed or delimited by the frame element 41 on three sides (left, right and bottom). The locking element 90 is also adjustable or delimited relative to the frame element 41.designed to be displaceable, in particular such that the locking element 90 is adjustable or displaceable from a frame plane of the frame element 41. The frame plane is essentially formed by the YZ plane in the figures, wherein the locking element 90 is adjustable in the X direction (or the locking element 90 on the opposite side of the operating element is adjustable in the -X direction).

[0110] In the present example, the locking element 90 is elastically reversibly bendable or adjustable about a bending axis running along the bending section 92 (here, for example, essentially parallel to the Y-axis) between the rest position R1 and the deflected position R2, particularly relative to the frame element 41. This allows for automatic return to the rest position R1.

[0111] Fig. 4 shows that the locking section 100 and the ramp 101 are arranged on different components of the plug connector 1. Here, by way of example, it is provided that the locking section 100 is arranged on the base body 71 or is formed with the base body 71, while the ramp 101 is arranged on the cover 72 or is formed together with the cover wall. This allows, in particular, a shape that would not be so easily possible from a manufacturing perspective if arranged on the same component, in particular a very small gap between the ramp 101 and the locking section 100. Furthermore, it can advantageously be sufficient to provide a single ramp 101 per side, here on the side of the cover 72 facing away from the cable outlet opening. Since the cover 72 is designed to be rotatable relative to the base body 71, the ramp 101 rotates with it when the orientation is changed.If the ramp 101 were arranged on the base body, a ramp 101 would be provided at each end (here viewed in the Y direction). The locking section 100, in turn, can simultaneously form a support surface for the cover 72 (particularly with its upper side facing the cover 72), so that a maximum axial position (downward, along the insertion direction Z) of the cover is defined. Thus, an arrangement of the locking section 100 on the base body 71 is particularly advantageous here, for example.

[0112] In other embodiments, it may be provided that ramp 101 and locking section 100 are arranged on the same component (e.g. on the cover 72 or on the base body 71, etc.).

[0113] The locking section 100 is designed here as a web that protrudes from a housing component of the base body 71 and serves to lock with the locking section 93 of the locking element 90 (the locking section 93 can, for example, lock here on an underside of the locking section 100 facing the mating connector 80) and thus to fix the operating element 39 in the first position P1. In particular, the locking section 93 engages behind the locking section 100 and is locked or positively connected to it when the connector 1 is in a first configuration C1, in which the operating element 39 is in the first position P1 and the locking element 90 is in the rest position R1. The first configuration C1 is shown here as an example on the right in Fig. 1, in which the connector 1 is, for example, completely mechanically (and electrically) separated from the mating connector 50.

[0114] Furthermore, the connector 1 has a second configuration O2, in which the operating element 39 is in the first position P1 and the locking element 90 is in the deflected position R2 (see Fig. 6, right).

[0115] In addition, the connector 1 has a third configuration C3 in which the operating element 39 is in the second position P2 and the locking element 90 is in the rest position R1 (see Fig. 2).

[0116] The ramp 101 serves, on the one hand, to guide the locking section 93 when the operating element 39 is moved from the second position P2 to the first position P1 via the locking section 100, wherein the locking element 90 is elastically and reversibly deflected along the ramp 101 from the rest position R1 (see Fig. 6, left) to the deflected position R2 (see Fig. 6, right) in order to be able to overcome the locking section 100. As soon as the locking section 100 is overcome, the locking element 90 automatically snaps back into the rest position R1. This can provide, for example, haptic (e.g., short pulse or short vibration) and / or acoustic (e.g., "click" sound) feedback to the operator.

[0117] On the other hand, the ramp 101 also serves to guide the locking section 93 from the deflected position R2 (cf. Fig. 6, right) back into the rest position R1 (cf. Fig. 6, left) during the countermovement when the operating element 39 is moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2. When the locking element 90 is deflected into the deflected position R2 (cf. Fig. 6, right), a restoring force acts into the rest position R1. If the locking section 93 is located on the ramp 101, this leads to an adjustment force (e.g., spring-driven) on the operating element 39, which pushes the operating element 39 automatically and / or without further action by an operator from the first position P1 (in the direction of the second position P2) into a third position P3, which lies between the first position P1 and the second position P2 (cf. Fig. 7).In this third position P3, the connector may have a fourth configuration C4 in which the operating element 39 is in the third position P3 and in which the locking element 90 is in the rest position R1.

[0118] In the third position P3, the engagement element 43 is coupled to the counter-engagement element 51 such that the connector 1 is captively or permanently coupled to the mating connector 50, wherein the operating element 39 is automatically displaced into the third position P3, in particular driven by the restoring force of the locking element 90 in the direction of the rest position R1, when the connector 1 is brought into a second configuration C2 of the connector 1. This makes overhead assembly and / or one-handed assembly considerably easier, for example, since after the locking element 90 is triggered (moved into the deflected position R2), the operating element 39 is automatically moved into the third position P3 (and thus into the fourth configuration C4) (cf. Fig.7) and now there is no longer any need to worry about the plug connector 1 becoming detached from the mating connector 50 again - changing hands or taking a break during the plugging process can now be done without any problems. In the second configuration C2 of the plug connector (cf. Fig. 6, right), the operating element 39 is in the first position P1 or in a position close to the first position and the locking element 90 is in the deflected position R2. In this configuration, a displacement of the operating element 39 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 is released because the locking element 90 is deflected and no longer couples or interacts with the locking section 100. The deflection is caused by an interaction with the mating connector 50, as explained below with reference to Fig. 6. The operating element 39 is released, for example, after the locking element 90 has been released, due to the interaction orthe force applied between the locking element 90 and the housing collar 58 is shifted from the first position P1 towards the second position P2 (cf. Fig. 6, right). As soon as the locking section 93 reaches the ramp 101, the operating element 39 is automatically shifted to the third position P3 (cf. Fig. 7) - of course, this shift to the third position P3 can also be assisted manually. Thus, bringing the plug connector 1 into the second configuration C2, i.e. unlocking the locking element 90, simultaneously releases an automatic shift of the operating element 39 from the first position P1 to the third position P3. Starting from the third position P3 (and / or the fourth configuration C4), the plug connector 1 can finally be plugged together with the mating connector 50. For this purpose, for example, the operating element 39 can be moved to the second position P2. The third configuration C3 is reached.

[0119] Figure 8 shows a perspective, sectional view of a connector 1 in the first configuration C1, analogous to the illustration in Fig. 5. The locking of the locking section 93 and the locking section 100 is very clearly visible. It is also clearly visible that the ramp 101 is part of the cover wall of the cover 72 and that its underside can rest, for example, on the top side of the locking section 100 or that a maximum displacement of the cover 72 in the direction of the base body can be limited or defined by the interaction of the cover wall and the locking section 100. It is also clearly visible (together with Figs. 1 and 2) how the operating element 39 can be stiffened or stabilized by the bow-shaped frame element 41 and, at the same time, the locking element 90 is protected against external (mechanical) influences.

Claims

Claims 1 . Connector (1), designed to be plugged together with a mating connector (50), in particular having a mating connector housing (80) with a housing collar (58), along a plug-in direction (Z), the connector (1) comprising: -- a connector housing (70) which is particularly designed to be received with its outer contour within the housing collar (58), -- an operating element (39) which can be moved from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) for reducing the operating force, in particular a lever (40) and / or a slider, wherein in particular a connection process of the plug connector (1) with the mating plug connector (50) begins in the first position (P1) and is ended in the second position (P2), wherein the operating element (39) has a locking element (90) which is adjustable or displaceable between a rest position (R1) and a deflected position (R2), wherein the plug connector (1) is designed to block a displacement of the operating element (39) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) when the locking element (90) is in the rest position (R1), and not to block a displacement of the operating element (39) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) when the locking element (90) is in the deflected Position (R2), wherein the locking element (90) has a locking section (93),which engages with a locking portion (100) on an outer side of the connector housing (70) when the operating element (39) is in the first position (P1) and the locking element (90) is in the rest position (R1).

2. Connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connector (1) has three different configurations (C1, C, C3), wherein in a first configuration (C1) of the connector (1) -- the operating element (39) is in the first position (P1), -- the locking element (90) is in the rest position (R1), wherein in a second configuration (C2) of the connector (1) -- the operating element (39) is in the first position (P1), -- the locking element (90) is in the deflected position (R2), and wherein in a third configuration (C3) of the connector (1) -- the operating element (39) is in the second position (P2), -- the locking element (90) is in the rest position (R1).

3. Plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (90) is pivotally mounted between the rest position (R1) and the deflected position (R2) parallel to an X-direction (X), in particular elastically reversibly, in particular on the operating element (39), wherein in particular the X-direction (X) runs perpendicular to the insertion direction (Z) and perpendicular to a displacement direction of the operating element (39).

4. Plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (90) is formed monolithically with the operating element (39) (39), wherein the locking element (90) is connected to the operating element (39) via a bending section (92), wherein in particular the locking element (90) is prestressed into the rest position (R1) by the bending section (92), in particular when it is deflected from the rest position (R1).

5. Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the bending section (92) is formed at a first, in particular distal, end of the locking element (90), wherein the locking element (90) is designed to be cantilevered at a second, in particular distal, end which is opposite the first end, wherein in particular the locking section (93) is formed in the region of the second end.

6. Plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (39) has a frame element (41) which is in particular formed monolithically with the operating element (39), wherein the locking element (90) is framed or delimited by the frame element (41) on at least two, in particular opposite, sides, wherein the locking element (90) is designed to be adjustable or displaceable relative to the frame element (41), in particular in such a way that the locking element (90) is adjustable or displaceable out of a frame plane of the frame element (41).

7. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector housing (70) has a ramp (101), wherein the locking portion (93) is guided over the locking portion (100) by means of the ramp (101) when the operating element (39) is displaced from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1).

8. Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the ramp (101) and the locking section (100) are arranged on different components of the connector (1) or wherein the ramp (101) and the locking section (100) are arranged on the same component of the connector (1).

9. Plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (90) has a deflection section (94) which is designed to come into operative connection with a counter-deflection element (57), in particular an end face of the housing collar (58), of the mating connector (50) when the plug connector (1) is plugged together with the mating connector (50), wherein the locking element (90) is designed such that it is adjusted from the rest position (R1) into the deflected position (R2) when the deflection section (94) is in operative connection with the counter-deflection element (57) of the mating connector (50).

10. Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the deflection section (94) is arranged at the same end of the locking element (90) as the locking section (93), in particular wherein the locking section (93) and the deflection section (94) point in mutually opposite directions or hemispheres.

11. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (1) has an engagement element (43) which is arranged, in particular rotatably, on the connector housing (70), wherein the engagement element (43) is adjustable between a first position (K1) and a second position (K2), wherein the engagement element (43) is designed to couple with a counter-engagement element (51) of the mating connector (50), in particular to engage therein, in order to displace the connector (1) towards the mating connector (50), in particular parallel to the insertion direction (Z), upon an adjustment of the engagement element (43) from the first position (K1) to the second position (K2), wherein the operating element (39) is operatively connected to the engagement element (43) such that a displacement of the operating element (39) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) causes an adjustment, in particular a rotation,of the engagement element (43) from the first position (K1) to the second position (K2)., 12. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims and according to claims 2 and 11, wherein a third position (P3) of the operating element (39) is provided between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2), wherein in the third position (P3) the engagement element (43) is coupled to the counter-engagement element (51) such that the connector (1) is captively coupled to the mating connector (50), wherein the operating element (39) is automatically displaced into the third position (P3), in particular driven by a restoring force of the locking element (90) in the direction of the rest position (R1) and / or a force exerted by the housing collar (58) on the locking element (90) when the connector (1) is brought into the second configuration (C2) of the connector (1).

13. Connector assembly (200), the connector assembly (200) comprising: -- a connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, -- a mating connector (50) comprising the mating connector (50) — - a mating connector housing (80), — - a counter-deflection element (57) which is designed to adjust the locking element (90) of the operating element (39) from the rest position (R1) into the deflected position (R2).

14. Connector arrangement (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein the mating connector (50), in particular the mating connector housing (80), has a housing collar (58), wherein the housing collar (58) is designed as a counter-deflection element (57).

15. Connector arrangement (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein an end face of the housing collar (58) facing the connector (1) forms the counter-deflection element (57), which is designed in particular to come into operative connection with the deflection section (94) of the locking element (90) of the connector (1).

Images