Plug connector assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector assembly (1) having a plug connector (100) with a plug connector housing (110) which has a cable outlet section (112), and having a mating plug connector (200) which has a mating plug connector housing (210). The plug connector (100) can be connected to the mating plug connector (200) in a plug-in direction (S) and can be separated from the mating plug connector (200) opposite to the plug-in direction (S). The plug connector assembly (1) also has a connection mechanism (10) designed to connect and / or lock the plug connector (100) and the mating plug connector (200), wherein the connection mechanism (10) has a connection structure (120), which is in particular separate from the mating plug connector housing (210), and a connection mating structure (220), wherein the connection structure (120) and the connection mating structure (220) can be coupled to each other, in particular in a form-fitting manner. When the connection structure (120) and the connection mating structure (220) are coupled to each other, the plug connector (100) and the mating plug connector (200) are connected to each other and there are exactly three defined pressing regions (300, 400) between the plug connector housing (110) and the mating plug connector housing (210).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Connector arrangement

[0004] The present invention relates to a connector arrangement comprising a connector and a mating connector.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] Connector assemblies with a connector and a mating connector for high-voltage applications (e.g., at least 40 V, 100 V, or 400 V) and / or high-current applications (e.g., at least 5 A, 10 A, 50 A, or 100 A), for example, for (battery) electric vehicles, are known from the prior art. The mating connector (often in the form of a terminal block) is, for example, arranged or attached to a component, such as an inverter, a battery, an electric motor, an e-axle (electric axle), etc. The connector is plugged into the mating connector along a common insertion direction. The cables connected to the connector and / or the mating connector often have large cross-sections, e.g., at least 10 mm². 2 or even at least 50 mm 2. Often, a movable operating element is provided on the connector or on the mating connector, which can reduce the operating force required when plugging them together.

[0007] A connector arrangement with an operating element is known from DE 102012 218 034 A1.

[0008] From DE 102019 122 598 A1, a further connector arrangement is known in which the tightness and vibration resistance of a connector once made is to be reliably ensured by means of a housing locking mechanism having a pivotable locking lever.

[0009] Disclosure of the invention

[0010] According to the invention, a connector arrangement comprising a connector and a mating connector with the features of claim 1 is proposed. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0011] The invention is based on the understanding that large conductor cross-sections result in high weight and that such conductors are often no longer particularly flexible and can therefore transmit vibrations almost undamped. If vibrations occur during operation and are transmitted to such a cable, the large mass of the cable can cause this mechanical impact to be transmitted from the cable, via the connector housing, to the actual connection between a contact element of the connector and a mating contact element of the mating connector, thus impairing the connection to an undesirable degree. The invention further assumes that, particularly with angled connectors where the cable exit is rotated between 60° and 120° relative to the insertion direction, a large leverage force acts on the connector, which, in combination with the aforementioned...Vibrations lead to a significant strain on both the electrical and mechanical connections when the components are plugged together.

[0012] The invention provides a connector arrangement that reduces or minimizes the transmission of vibrations and / or oscillations from elements connected to the connector and / or mating connector, particularly cables, in a simple, cost-effective, reliable, and manufacturably safe manner (in particular, it prevents or minimizes permanent relative movement of the contact points of the contact element and mating contact element). Furthermore, the connector and mating connector can be connected and disconnected easily and quickly, especially with one hand. Due to its high vibration resistance and low contact resistance, the invention is particularly advantageous for high-current connector arrangements, especially in hybrid and electric vehicles, for example, for connecting high-voltage batteries, power converters or inverters, electric machines, etc.

[0013] The connector assembly comprises a connector with a connector housing having a cable exit section, and a mating connector having a mating connector housing. The connector can be mated (i.e., plugged together) with the mating connector in one direction and disconnected from the mating connector in the opposite direction.

[0014] The connector assembly further comprises a connection mechanism designed for connecting and / or locking the connector and mating connector, wherein the connection mechanism has a connection structure and a connection counter-structure, which is distinct from or separate from the mating connector housing. The connection structure and connection counter-structure are commutable, in particular by positive locking. The connection structure is preferably part of the connector but a separate element from the connector housing. The connection structure can, for example, be coupled to the connector housing, e.g., mounted or arranged on it. The connection structure can, for example, be coupled to the connector housing in such a way that a force, in particular acting parallel to the insertion direction, can be transmitted from the connection structure to the connector housing.Conversely, a force, particularly one acting parallel to the insertion direction, can be transmitted from the connector housing to the connection structure. The connection structure is, for example, part of the mating connector and can also be part of the mating connector housing. The connection structure can also be arranged, for example, on a component housing to which the mating connector is mounted. When the connection structure and the connection structure are coupled together, particularly in an end position of the connection structure, the connector and the mating connector are mated together or connected, and exactly three defined contact areas are formed between the connector housing and the mating connector housing.

[0015] By forming the contact areas directly between the housings involved, the tolerance chain is minimized and the vibration resistance is increased.

[0016] The fact that exactly three contact areas are formed creates a defined mechanical connection between the connector housing and the mating connector housing, or between the connector and the mating connector, which absorbs the acting vibrations or...

[0017] It can withstand vibrations, even in combination with large leverage forces, with exceptional robustness and reliability. Thanks to the three precise contact points, even if the plastic yields, for example due to gradual deformation ("creep"), it will not wobble, ensuring the mechanical connection remains stable and wobble-free at all times. This results in a defined, wobble-free contact at the three exposed contact points.

[0018] A contact area can be located, for example, on a housing collar, in a housing channel, a housing flange, or a housing pin. In this context, a housing collar is defined as a housing wall extending, in particular, parallel to the insertion direction, which is not connected to a cover but has a free edge at its free end. A housing channel, in this context, is understood to be a structure into which a housing collar extends parallel to the insertion direction. A housing flange, in this context, is defined as a flat area extending, in particular, perpendicular to the insertion direction, and a housing pin is defined as a housing pin extending, in particular, parallel to the insertion direction.In one embodiment of the invention, the three contact areas are arranged at three corners of a triangular shape in a projection onto a projection plane extending perpendicular to the insertion direction. When the connection structure and the mating connection structure are coupled, a connecting force is generated acting along a principal force axis, which connects the connector and the mating connector. An intersection of the principal force axis with the projection plane lies within the triangular shape. This arrangement of the three contact areas around the principal force axis allows for insertion and removal with minimal force and without jamming. The connecting force presses the connector housing and the mating connector housing against each other at the three contact areas.

[0019] For example, the triangle can be of any shape, provided that no (interior) angle of the triangle is less than 20°, preferably no (interior) angle of the triangle is less than 25°. This advantageously ensures that the triangle has a sufficiently large height and thus improves its vibration resistance.

[0020] It may be provided, for example, that the minimum distance between two adjacent contact areas is 10 mm, preferably 20 mm and particularly preferably 30 mm.

[0021] In one embodiment, the connector is an isosceles or equilateral triangular shape, or more generally, an axially symmetrical shape, or a substantially or as axially symmetrical shape as possible, whereby, in particular, the intersection of the principal force axis with the projection plane lies on the axis of symmetry. This allows the force transmission to be distributed as symmetrically as possible within the connector arrangement, which further improves the ease of connecting and disconnecting the connectors without requiring excessive force or jamming.

[0022] In one embodiment, when the connection structure and the mating connection structure are coupled, a force is transmitted in the insertion direction from the connector housing to the mating connector housing in the three contact areas. In other words, a force acting on the connector in the direction of the mating connector housing is supported by the mating connector housing. This force is caused in particular by the connection force resulting from the coupling of the connection structure and the mating connection structure. This increases the cohesion and thus the resistance of the connector assembly to vibrations. The force can, for example, preferably be transmitted directly from the connector housing to the mating connector housing in the respective contact area.

[0023] In one embodiment, when the connection structure and the mating connection structure are coupled, a force is transmitted from the connector housing to the mating connector housing, at least indirectly (e.g., via the connection structure mounted on the connector housing), against the insertion direction, or a force can be transmitted against the insertion direction. In other words, a force acting away from the mating connector housing towards the connector (or a releasing or separating force) is supported on the mating connector housing, particularly without play. Such a force is caused, for example, by conductors oscillating in or against the insertion direction. This further increases the cohesion of the connector assembly and thus its resistance to vibrations. This can be achieved, for example, by...The connecting structure mounted on the connector housing couples to the mating connector housing in one of the contact areas, in particular by means of a coupling section that is spaced apart from and / or distinct from a guide element or a bearing element (e.g., a shaft or bearing opening for a shaft). Such a coupling can be achieved, for example, by the coupling element, e.g., a lever stop, supporting an undercut or hook of the mating connector housing against the insertion direction. It is also conceivable that the force transmission against the insertion direction occurs through a direct coupling between the connector housing and the mating connector housing, particularly in one of the contact areas.In particular, when the connection structure and the mating connection structure are coupled together, in a combined embodiment, a force is transmitted from the connector housing to the mating connector housing, at least indirectly (e.g., via the connection structure mounted on the connector housing), in at least one of the three contact areas, both in and against the insertion direction. The connector is therefore supported in both directions on the connector housing at this at least one contact area, for example, by an interference fit. This ensures that the connector assembly is securely fixed.

[0024] This advantageously ensures that if a force acts on the connector against the insertion direction (e.g., from vibrations), this force is directly absorbed by the contact area, acting like a stop. It is therefore advantageously unnecessary to increase the contact force of the connector against the mating connector to such an extent that it exceeds any conceivable external force. Rather, the contact area, acting like a stop, prevents a force acting on the connector away from the mating connector from mechanically moving the connector relative to it. The connector can, for example, be wedged or clamped against the mating connector in at least one contact area.

[0025] It is particularly advantageous if, in at least one of the three contact areas, a force is applied both towards and away from the mating connector. In this case, a type of clamping or wedging of the connector to the mating connector (or vice versa) can be advantageously achieved in two opposing directions (especially essentially parallel to the insertion direction). Thus, instead of a purely frictional inhibition of vibration transmission, a form-fit inhibition of vibration transmission can be achieved. This can advantageously allow for a smaller dimensioning of at least one further element of the connector assembly (e.g., an operating element) with the same or better inhibition of external forces. Support in both directions is achieved, for example, by...preferably in the contact area closest to the cable exit section. Vibrations or oscillations of the cable(s), for example, are transmitted into the connector via the cable exit section.

[0026] For example, the force in the insertion direction can be transmitted through direct coupling or direct mechanical contact between the connector housing and the mating connector housing, or the support can be provided by this direct coupling. Against the insertion direction, the force transmission can be achieved indirectly, as described above, for example, through the connection structure mounted on the connector housing. This can be done, for example, using the coupling section described above.

[0027] In principle, it is also conceivable that the force transmission against the insertion direction occurs through a direct coupling between the connector housing and the mating connector housing, particularly in one of the contact areas.

[0028] In one embodiment, the connector housing and / or the mating connector housing has a raised feature (e.g., in the form of a rib, a ridge, a protrusion, a tooth, a hook, etc.) in at least one of the three contact areas, pointing towards the other housing. This is a structurally simple yet effective and easy-to-manufacture solution.

[0029] Connector housings and / or mating connector housings can be made of plastic or metal, for example, predominantly. They can be manufactured, for example, as castings, injection moldings, stampings, or using a 3D printing process. These features allow for the simple and mass-producible manufacture of stable and robust connector housings and / or mating connector housings. For example, polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polypropylene (PP), e.g., glass fiber-filled or unfilled, can be used as materials. In one embodiment, the connector assembly includes an operating element to reduce the operating force, whereby the connection structure and the mating structure are coupled together by operating the operating element. The operating element can advantageously simplify the mating of the connector and mating connector.This can be achieved, for example, by reducing the operating forces required when connecting a plug connector and mating connector (e.g., by using leverage and / or gear ratios or transmissions). For example, the operating element could be a slider and / or a lever. In this context, a slider is understood to be, for example, a linearly displaceable element, in particular an element that is exclusively linearly displaceable (e.g., displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction). In this context, a lever is understood to be, for example, an element that is rotatable (about an axis of rotation, preferably with a path essentially perpendicular to the insertion direction), in particular an element that is exclusively rotatable. The operating element can, for example, be displaceable between a first position, which is, for example, a starting position, and a second position, which is, for example, an end position.In the first position, connectors and mating connectors can be detached from each other or loosely plugged into each other. In the second position, the connection structure and mating structure are coupled, so that the connector and mating connector are connected to each other, in particular firmly connected. It may be provided, for example, that in the second position the three defined contact areas are formed between the connector housing and the mating connector housing. In this second position, the connector and mating connector are electrically and mechanically connected to each other, and the connector and mating connector are mechanically clamped together, in particular by means of the three contact areas.

[0030] It is particularly preferred that the relocation of the operating element to the second position couples the connection structure and mating connection structure in such a way that the three defined contact areas between the connector housing and the mating connector housing are formed. The operating element thus does not merely serve as a type of primary locking mechanism, where subsequent actuation or the placement of a clamping element improves the clamping force between the connector and mating connector. Rather, the operating element here provides both a reduction in operating force and a secure and permanent clamping or crimping of the connector and mating connector.

[0031] In other words, the operating element has a dual function. It reduces the operating force required when connecting the plug and mating connector. Simultaneously, it ensures that the (exactly) three defined contact points between the plug and mating connector are formed, at the latest in the second or final position. Therefore, it is advantageous to dispense with the provision and actuation of a further element, such as a clamping device or a clamping element, particularly one separate from the operating element.

[0032] This enables a particularly simple and cost-effective design of the connector assembly. Furthermore, it allows for particularly easy and quick connection and disconnection of the connector and mating connector. The need for a complicated and time-consuming pre-assembly of a separate clamping element is also advantageously eliminated.

[0033] The operating element can, for example, be designed as a separate component. It can, for example, be mounted on the connector housing, and in particular, be mounted in a captive manner. It can, for example, be mounted or clipped onto the connector housing. If it is designed as a lever with a shaft projecting from the lever (in particular along the axis of rotation), it can, for example, be inserted or clipped into a recess in the connector housing (in particular pointing or oriented in the direction of the axis of rotation) as a shaft bearing. If it is designed as a lever with a hollow shaft, it can, for example, be mounted or clipped onto a pin-like bearing or bearing journal (which projects from the connector housing, in particular parallel to the axis of rotation).

[0034] According to one embodiment, the connecting structure is designed as a cam guide and the connecting counter-structure as a cam block that is positively guided in the cam guide, or vice versa. This allows for the simple creation of a desired transmission or leverage effect to generate a desired connecting force. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting structure is designed as a gear element and the connecting counter-structure as a rack element.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the connecting structure is designed as a screw and the connecting counter-structure as a thread, or vice versa. This allows for a high connection force to be achieved in a simple manner. The screw axis of such a screw can, for example, run essentially parallel to the insertion direction.

[0036] In one embodiment, the operating element comprises a lever rotatably mounted about a pivot axis (in particular, a pivot axis perpendicular to the insertion direction) and coupled to a cam guide as a connecting structure, in particular in a rotationally fixed manner, or comprising a cam guide as a connecting structure in which a pin, which is part of the connecting counter-structure, is positively guided as a cam follower. The cam guide has a slot, web, or groove for guiding the cam follower. For example, the lever can incorporate the cam guide and, in particular, be manufactured integrally with it. Such an operating element is easy to manufacture, for example, using an injection molding process, and allows for a targeted reduction in operating force through a specific shape and arrangement of the cam guide.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the operating element is provided to have a lever rotatably mounted about a pivot axis and coupled to a gear element as a connecting structure, or to a gear element as a connecting structure, wherein the gear element is coupled to a rack element that is part of the connecting structure and, in particular, meshes with it. Such a gear element can be manufactured particularly easily, and in conjunction with the rack element, a favorable transmission ratio can be achieved. A constant transmission ratio or a transmission ratio that varies over the operating path can be provided. The gear element can, for example, have at least one tooth. The rack element can, for example, have at least one tooth. It can, for example, be provided that the gear element meshes directly with the rack element.It is provided that the gear element is operatively coupled to the rack element by means of an intermediate element, whereby such an intermediate element can be another gear element or another rack element (e.g., linearly displaceable). The lever can, for example, be formed integrally with the gear element, in particular be manufactured integrally with the gear element or be integrally connected to it. The lever can, for example, be manufactured using an injection molding process or a 3D printing process, etc.

[0038] It is particularly preferred that the lever's movement into the second position couples the connection structure and mating connection structure in such a way that the three defined contact areas between the connector housing and the mating connector housing are formed. The lever thus does not merely serve as a primary locking mechanism, where subsequent actuation or the placement of a clamping element improves the clamping force between the connector and mating connector. Rather, the lever here provides both a reduction in operating force and a secure and permanent clamping or crimping of the connector and mating connector.

[0039] In other words, the lever has a dual function. It reduces the operating force required when connecting the plug and mating connector. Simultaneously, it ensures that the (exactly) three defined contact points between the plug and mating connector are formed, at the latest in the second or final position. Therefore, it is advantageous to dispense with the provision and actuation of an additional element, such as a clamping device or a clamping element, particularly one separate from the lever.

[0040] No tools are required for assembly. The lever mechanism allows a plug connection to be locked and unlocked with an operating force of, for example, only approximately 50 N or more, even if the direct insertion force (i.e., the force required to overcome resistance, especially friction, during insertion or removal) can be in the three-digit range, for example, 200 N or more. A lever offers significant advantages over, for example, a screw, as it can be both locked and unlocked without tools. Furthermore, when unlocking, the cam mechanism or the interaction of the gear and rack elements simultaneously separates the plug connector and mating connector. While a screw connection allows for very high tightening forces, resulting in very high vibration resistance, the removal force must be applied manually or with a removal tool.Furthermore, reliably monitoring the required tightening torque during repeated assembly in the field is not possible. Another advantage is that the lever can be easily and securely (pre-)mounted to the connector housing. This allows a technician to connect the connector directly to the mating connector without needing to attach any additional components (e.g., a screw) to the connector housing.

[0041] In one embodiment, the operating element has a lever, the lever having a lever stop which, when the connection structure and the connection counterpart are coupled, engages with a mating connector housing stop. In this way, the transmission of force against the insertion direction, as described above, can be easily implemented in the coupled state.

[0042] In one embodiment, the mating connector housing stop is formed on a hook, wherein the hook – particularly along the insertion direction – is fixed between the lever stop and a connector stop of the connector housing, especially by an interference fit, when the connection structure and the mating connection structure are coupled. The connector stop is part of one of the three contact areas. In this way, the force transmission in and against the insertion direction, as described above, can be easily achieved in the coupled state.

[0043] This design makes clamping or clamping the connector and mating connector particularly easy. It eliminates the need to rely solely on excessive clamping force to prevent the transmission of external forces. The press fit allows, for example, the absorption of forces from two opposite directions (e.g., parallel to the insertion direction) through a positive locking mechanism that is forced to a stop in both directions. The hook of the mating connector is thus clamped on both sides, acting as a stabilizing anchor for the connector.

[0044] In one embodiment, the cable exit section has at least two, in particular exactly two, cable channels or exactly three cable channels, in particular for receiving one cable each, and the operating element and / or one of the three contact areas and / or the main force axis is arranged between two adjacent of the at least two cable channels. This allows the force to be distributed as effectively as possible.

[0045] In one embodiment, the cable exit section has exactly one or exactly three cable channels, in particular for receiving one cable each, and the operating element and / or one of the three pressure areas is arranged next to the one cable channel, or between two of the three cable channels.

[0046] It is also advisable to aim for a central placement of the control element and / or one of the three contact areas, as far as possible.

[0047] By arranging the control element next to or between cable ducts, the available space between cable ducts, already provided by air and creepage distance requirements, is used effectively, and the overall space requirement of the connector arrangement is reduced.

[0048] The control element can be designed as a single-legged or double-legged lever. In the double-legged version, the two legs are connected by a connecting element, such as a crossbar. In the double-legged version, one or more cable channels can be arranged between the legs. In a double-legged version, either one leg or both legs can be coupled with a connecting structure. In the latter case, a central arrangement of the main force axis can still be achieved, but there are still only three contact areas in total; that is, one of the two legs may not belong to or be assigned to any contact area.

[0049] In one embodiment, a main extension direction of the cable exit section reaches at an angle of at least 30° to the insertion direction, in particular at an angle of at least 60°, and further, in particular, at an angle of 90° or substantially 90°. As explained above, the invention offers particular advantages, especially with such angled connectors.

[0050] In one embodiment, the connector housing has a circumferential connector housing collar that encloses a connector contact area, wherein the connection structure is arranged outside the connector contact area perpendicular to the insertion direction when projected onto a projection plane. Within the connector contact area are one or more contact elements which, together with the corresponding mating contact elements of the mating connector, form the electrical contacts of the connector assembly.

[0051] In one embodiment, the mating connector housing has a circumferential collar that encloses a mating connector contact area, with the connection counter-structure being arranged outside the mating connector contact area in a projection onto a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction. Within the mating connector contact area are one or more mating contact elements which, together with the associated contact elements of the connector, form the electrical contacts of the connector assembly.

[0052] By arranging the connection structure or connection counter-structure outside of contact areas, the contact area can be used only for the contact elements and, if necessary, further electrical connections, and can be kept as small as possible, thus reducing the required installation space.

[0053] Advantageously, a sealing element is arranged between the connector housing collar and the mating connector housing collar to seal the connector contact area and the mating connector contact area against the environment. In particular, this prevents the ingress of moisture and dirt. If the connection structure and mating connection structure are located outside the aforementioned contact areas, the sealing is not negatively affected, and no additional openings or joints of the connection mechanism need to be sealed.

[0054] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawing.

[0055] The invention is schematically illustrated in the drawing using an exemplary embodiment and is described below with reference to the drawing.

[0056] Brief description of the drawings

[0057] The figures show

[0058] Figure 1 shows a side view of a connector of an embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention;

[0059] Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the connector from Figure 1;

[0060] Figure 3 shows a perspective view obliquely from above of a mating connector of an embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention, which is mounted on a component housing.

[0061] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the mating connector from Figure 3;

[0062] Figure 5 shows a side view of the mating connector from Figure 3;

[0063] Figure 6 shows a top view of an embodiment of a connector arrangement with a connector according to Figures 1 and 2 and a mating connector according to Figures 3 to 5;

[0064] Figure 7 shows a longitudinal sectional view with a section plane between the two cable ducts of the connector arrangement according to Figure 6; Figure 8 shows an enlarged section of another longitudinal sectional view of the connector arrangement according to Figure 7;

[0065] Figure 9 shows an enlarged section of yet another longitudinal sectional view according to Figures 7 and 8, which shows a pressure area.

[0066] embodiment(s) of the invention

[0067] Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a connector 100, which may be part of a preferred embodiment of a connector arrangement 1 according to the invention, in different views.

[0068] Figures 3 to 5 show an embodiment of a mating connector 200, which can also be part of the connector arrangement 1, in various views. The mating connector can be mounted on a component housing 3, for example, an inverter housing.

[0069] Finally, Figures 6 to 9 show the connector arrangement 1 with the connector 100 and the mating connector 200 from different views.

[0070] Figures 1 to 9 are described below in a coherent and comprehensive manner, with identical elements being provided with the same reference symbols.

[0071] Connector 100 has a connector housing 110, and mating connector 200 has a mating connector housing 210, wherein connector 100 can be connected to mating connector 200 in one direction S and disconnected from it in the opposite direction S. Connector 100 and mating connector 200 together form a connector assembly 1.

[0072] The figures depict a Cartesian coordinate system with an X-direction X, a Y-direction Y, and a Z-direction Z. The insertion direction S is shown here as an example running parallel to the Z-direction Z. The connector housing 110 has a contact section 111 and a cable exit section 112. Contact elements 114a, 114b (see Fig. 2) are arranged in the contact section 111, which serve to form (or connect) an electrical contact with mating contact elements 214a, 214b (see Fig. 4) of the mating connector 200.

[0073] In particular, the contact elements 114a, 114b and mating contact elements 214a, 214b are designed to carry high currents or voltages, or constitute a connector arrangement 1 for high-current or high-voltage connector systems, such as those found in electric or hybrid vehicles, to establish contacts in a so-called high-current or high-voltage range. For example, such a connector arrangement on an inverter can serve to connect inverter-side DC voltage connections to a high-voltage network, which is supplied, for example, by a high-voltage battery.

[0074] Particularly in the above-mentioned high-current or high-voltage applications, electrical shielding of the contact by a plug-side shielding element, of which only contact lamellae 115 are shown in Fig. 5, can also interact with a mating-side shielding element 215a, 215b.

[0075] The example shown is a two-pole connector arrangement, for example for a positive and a negative pole of a high-current connection, wherein the cable exit section 112 has two cable channels 112a, 112b (see Fig. 2.6). Each of the cable channels 112a, 112b is designed to accommodate a cable 2, which is secured to or within the connector housing 110 by means of cable fastening means 116, such as, in particular, a strain relief. The cables 2 can also be secured to the component housing 3 by means of a cable clamp 4 (see Fig. 3) to achieve further strain relief and vibration decoupling. Here, cables 2 and, for example, cable channels 112a and 112b run essentially perpendicular to the insertion direction S, or, for example, parallel to the Y direction Y. It is understood that cables 2 and / or cable channels 112a and 112b can also run at a different angle to the insertion direction S.They can even run parallel to the insertion direction.

[0076] It can be seen (see Fig. 1) that a main extension direction K of the cable exit section 112 runs at a right angle to the insertion direction S, meaning that the connector 100 is designed as an angled connector. This can lead to a high mechanical load on the connector assembly 1 due to the high weight of the cables 2.

[0077] The connector arrangement 1 has a connection mechanism 10 designed for connecting and / or locking connector 100 and mating connector 200 and has a connection structure 120 on connector 100 and a connection counter structure 220 on mating connector 200.

[0078] The connection structure 120 and the mating connection structure 220 can be coupled together, particularly in a fluidized bed, wherein the connector 100 and the mating connector 200 are plugged together or connected to each other when the connection structure 120 and the mating connection structure 220 are coupled together. In this case, the connector arrangement 1 has exactly three defined contact areas 300, 400 between the connector housing 110 and the mating connector housing 210. Because the contact areas are formed directly between the housings involved, the tolerance chain is minimized.

[0079] The connector 100 has an operating element 121, here in the form of a lever 121a. The lever 121a is rotatably mounted about a pivot axis 122a formed by a connector housing web 122 (indicated by a curved arrow P in Fig. 7). It can be moved between a first position (not shown here), which can also be called the initial or starting position, and a second position (shown, for example, in Figs. 1, 6, and 7), which can also be called the end position. The lever 121a is shown here, by way of example, coupled to a cam guide 124, whereby in the example shown the cam guide 124 is part of the lever 121a, or where the lever 121, by way of example, has the cam guide 124 as a connecting structure 120. The axis of rotation 122a of the lever 121a runs here, by way of example, perpendicular to the insertion direction S and thus also perpendicular to the Z direction Z.Here, by way of example, it runs essentially perpendicular to the cables 2. Here, by way of example, it runs parallel to the X-direction X. Here, by way of example, it runs perpendicular to the direction of the cables 2 or the cable ducts 112a, 112b. It should be particularly noted that the side view of the lever 121a shown in Fig. 7 can be identical on both sides, i.e., the lever 121a can have a cam guide 124 on both sides. Accordingly, the connecting counter-structure 220 can have a pin 224 for each side of the lever 121a, which is positively guided in the cam guide 124 as a cam block 224a. The pin 224 or the cam block 224a is, by way of example, part of the mating connector housing 210. Here, it is only by way of example formed in one piece or integrally with the mating connector housing 210.

[0080] It is understood that in an embodiment not shown here, the operating element 121 may have a lever 121a which, alternatively or additionally to the cam guide 124, is coupled to a gear element (in particular having at least one lever tooth) as a connecting structure 120 (not shown here), or which has a gear element as a connecting structure 120. The gear element is coupled to a rack element (in particular having at least one coupling tooth) which is part of the connecting counter-structure 220 (not shown here), in particular the gear element meshes directly with the rack element. This rack element may be provided alternatively or additionally to the pin 224 or cam block 224a, in particular on the mating connector housing 210.

[0081] Fig. 7 shows the coupled position of the connecting structure 120 and the mating connecting structure 220 in a sectional view from the side onto the y / z plane. The lever 121a is in a closed position, or the second position, in which it is shown here only as an example, essentially lying down or parallel to the cable channels 112a, 112b. To release the connector assembly 1, the lever 121a in Fig. 7 is pivoted clockwise (direction P) about the axis of rotation 122a (in the direction of the first position), whereby the cam block 224a is positively guided in the cam guide 124 towards an opening 124a. This increases the distance between the axis of rotation 122a and the cam block 224a, thereby releasing the connector 100 from the mating connector 200.

[0082] In the open state (especially in the first position), the lever 121a is, by way of example, essentially vertically aligned or perpendicular to the cable channels 112a, 112b and the opening 124a of the cam guide 124 points downwards or towards the pin 224, but can also have an angular position of up to -45° or +45° to the vertical direction.

[0083] The insertion process is carried out in reverse order, whereby the positive guidance of the cam block 224a in the cam guide 124 simultaneously generates an insertion force from the operating force. When the connection structure 120 and the mating connection structure 220 are coupled together (positively locking) (see Fig. 7), a connecting force acting along a main force axis A is generated, which connects or holds together the connector 100 and the mating connector 200 and presses the connector housing 110 together with the mating connector housing 210 at the three contact areas 300, 400. Both the reduction in operating force and the formation of the three contact areas, and thus the mechanical clamping or clamping between connector 100 and mating connector 200, are effected solely by actuating the operating element 121, here the lever 121a. The assembly and / or actuation of a further element, e.g.A clamping device or an additional screw is advantageously unnecessary here. This allows the connector assembly 1 to be manufactured cost-effectively and easily, and the assembly process of connector 100 on mating connector 200 can be carried out particularly easily, reliably, without errors, and possibly even with one hand.

[0084] The main force axis A runs parallel to the insertion direction S or the Z-direction Z, although a direction angled to the insertion direction S is also conceivable, in particular with an angle of at most + / -25° to the insertion direction S. In the contact areas 300 (see Figs. 2, 8, 9), the connector housing 110 has a projection 117 pointing towards the mating connector housing 210, here for example in the form of a rib, which interacts with a mating connector housing collar 217 to form the contact area 300. The projections 117 are formed on a connector housing channel base surface 119a of a connector housing channel 119, into which the mating connector housing collar 217 dips during mating.

[0085] In the contact area 400 (see Fig. 7), the mating connector housing 210 has a projection 213 pointing towards the connector housing 110, here for example as the surface or top side of a slotted hook 213b, which interacts with a connector stop 113 to form the contact area 400. The hook 213b, and thus the projection 213, is arranged on or sits on a mating connector housing mandrel 213a.

[0086] In each of the three contact areas 300, 400, a force in the insertion direction S is transmitted from the connector housing 110 to the mating connector housing 210. In other words, a force acting on the connector 100 in the direction of the mating connector housing 210 is supported by the mating connector housing 210. This force is caused in particular by the connection force acting along the main force axis A, which results from the coupling of connection structure 120 and connection counter-structure 220. This increases the cohesion and thus the resistance of the connector assembly to vibrations.

[0087] Furthermore, the lever 121a has a lever stop 123, which is designed to interact with a mating connector housing stop 213c, here for example as the underside of the slotted hook 213b, to further form the contact area 400. In particular, the lever stop 123 engages with the mating connector housing stop 213c when the connection structure 120 and the mating connection structure 220 are coupled together. Therefore, the connector arrangement 1 is designed such that, to form the contact area 400, the slotted hook 213b is fixed between the lever stop 123 and the connector stop 113 – here by an interference fit – when the connection structure 120 and the mating connection structure 220 are coupled. In particular, the hook 213b is located between the lever stop 123 and the connector stop 113 along the mating direction S.

[0088] Therefore, in the contact area 400, a force is additionally transmitted from the connector housing 110 to the mating connector housing 210 in the opposite direction of insertion S (here, for example, indirectly via the lever 121a – in this example, the force is transmitted from the connector housing 110 via the lever 121a, which is (removably) mounted on the connector housing 110 and its lever stop 123, to the slotted hook 213b of the mating connector housing 210). In other words, a force acting away from the mating connector housing 210 on the connector 100 (or a releasing or separating force) is also supported on the mating connector housing 210. This further increases the cohesion of the connector assembly and thus its resistance to vibrations.

[0089] As can be seen in Fig. 6, the three defined contact areas 300, 400 are arranged at three corners of a triangular shape 500 in a projection onto a projection plane (x / y plane) extending perpendicular to the insertion direction S. In this example, the triangular shape 500 is an isosceles triangle, with the base formed by connecting the contact areas 300 and the apex by the contact area 400. An axis of symmetry of the isosceles triangle preferably runs through the contact area 400 in the x / y plane, and an intersection point of the connection force acting along the main force axis A with the projection plane lies within the triangular shape 500. This allows the force transmission to be distributed as symmetrically as possible in the connector arrangement 1, which further improves the insertion and removal of the connectors with minimal force and without jamming. In principle, the triangle can have any shape.Particularly preferred is no (internal) angle of the triangle less than 20°, preferably no angle less than 25°. Furthermore, both the lever 121a and the main force axis A and the contact area 400 are arranged between the two cable channels 112a, 112b, so that the force can be distributed as well as possible overall.

[0090] The connector housing 110 has a circumferential connector housing collar 118 that encloses or surrounds a contact area 111a. The contact elements 114a and 114b are arranged in the contact area 111a. Similarly, the mating connector housing 210 has a circumferential mating connector housing collar 217 that encloses or surrounds a mating contact area 211a. The mating contact elements 214a and 214b are arranged in the mating contact area 211a.

[0091] To seal the contact area 111a and the mating contact area 211a, in particular to prevent the ingress of moisture and / or dirt, a sealing element 150 is arranged between the connector housing collar 118 and the mating connector housing collar 217, which may consist of an elastomer such as rubber.

[0092] In the example shown, both the connection mechanism 10 and the three contact areas 300, 400 are arranged outside of both the contact area 111a and the mating contact area 211a in a projection onto a projection plane perpendicular to the insertion direction S. This ensures that the sealing is not negatively affected.

[0093] A further sealing element 151 is provided to seal the mating connector housing 210 against the component housing 3.

Claims

Claims 1. Connector arrangement (1) comprising: -- a connector (100) with a connector housing (110) having a cable exit section (112); -- a mating connector (200) comprising a mating connector housing (210); wherein the connector (100) can be connected to the mating connector (200) in one direction (S) and disconnected from the mating connector (200) in the opposite direction (S), -- a connection mechanism (10) designed for connecting and / or locking connectors (100) and mating connectors (200), wherein the connection mechanism (10) has a connection structure (120), in particular separate from the mating connector housing (210), and a connection counter-structure (220), wherein the connection structure (120) and the connection counter-structure (220) are coupling to each other, in particular in a form-fitting manner; wherein, when the connection structure (120) and the connection counter-structure (220) are coupled to each other, the connector (100) and the mating connector (200) are connected to each other and exactly three defined contact areas (300, 400) are formed between the connector housing (110) and the mating connector housing (210).

2. Connector arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the three contact areas (300, 400) are arranged in a projection onto a projection plane perpendicular to the insertion direction (S) at three corners of a triangular shape (500), wherein, when the connection structure (120) and the mating connection structure (220) are coupled together, a connection force acting along a principal force axis (A) is generated, which connects the connector (100) and the mating connector (200) together. connects, with an intersection point of the principal force axis (A) with the projection plane lying within the triangular shape (500).

3. Connector arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the connection structure (120) and the connection counter-structure (220) are coupled together, a force in the insertion direction (S) is transmitted from the connector housing (110) to the mating connector housing (210) in each of the three contact areas (300, 400).

4. Connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the connection structure (120) and the connection counter-structure (220) are coupled together, a force is transmitted from the connector housing (110) to the mating connector housing (210) in at least one (400) of the three contact areas (300, 400) against the insertion direction (S).

5. Connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector housing (110) and / or the mating connector housing (210) has in at least one of the three contact areas (300, 400) a protrusion (117, 213) pointing towards the other housing.

6. Connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an operating element (121) for reducing the operating force, in particular a lever (121a) and / or a slider, wherein the connection structure (120) and the connection counter-structure (220) are coupled together by operating the operating element (121).

7. Connector arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the operating element (121) has a lever (121a) rotatably mounted about a pivot axis (122a) and coupled to a cam guide (124) as a connecting structure (120) or which has a cam guide (124) as a connecting structure (120) in which a pin (224), which is part of the connecting counter-structure (220), is cam block (224a) is positively guided, or wherein the operating element (121) has a lever (121a) which is rotatably mounted about a pivot axis (122a) and which is coupled to a gear element as a connecting structure (120), or which has a gear element as a connecting structure (120), wherein the gear element is coupled to a rack element which is part of the connecting counter-structure (220) and in particular meshes.

8. Connector arrangement (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the operating element (121) has a lever (121a), wherein the lever (121a) has a lever stop (123) which, when the connection structure (120) and the connection counter-structure (220) are coupled together, engages with a mating connector housing stop (213c).

9. Connector arrangement (1) according to claim 8, wherein the mating connector housing stop (213c) is formed on a hook (213b), wherein the hook (213b) is fixed between the lever stop (123) and a connector stop (113) of the connector housing (110) when the connection structure (120) and the mating connection structure (220) are coupled, wherein the connector stop (113) is part of one of the three contact areas (300, 400).

10. Connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable exit section (112) has at least two cable channels (112a, 112b) and one of the three contact areas (300, 400) and / or, with reference to one of claims 6 to 9, the operating element (121) is arranged between two adjacent of the at least two cable channels (112a, 112b).

11. Connector arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cable exit section (112) has exactly one or exactly three cable channels and one of the three contact areas (400) and / or, with reference to one of claims 6 to 9, the operating element (121) next to one cable duct, or located between two of the three cable ducts.

12. Connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a main extension direction (K) of the cable exit section (112) extends at an angle of at least 30° to the plugging direction (S).

13. Connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector housing (110) has a circumferential connector housing collar (118) enclosing a connector contact area (111a), wherein the connection structure (120) is arranged in a projection onto a projection plane perpendicular to the insertion direction (S) outside the connector contact area (111a).

14. Connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mating connector housing (210) has a circumferential mating connector housing collar (217) which encloses a mating connector contact area (211a), wherein the connection counter-structure (220) is arranged in a projection onto a projection plane perpendicular to the plugging direction (S) outside the mating connector contact area (211a).

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