Plug connector and plug connector arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector (1) which is designed for being plugged together with a mating plug connector (70) in a plug-in direction (Z), the plug connector (1) comprising: -- a housing (2), and -- an operating element (3), which is movable from a first position (P1) into a second position (P2), for reducing operating force, wherein: the operating element (3) has a blocking element (8) which is adjustable or movable between a blocking position (S1) and an unblocking position (S2); the plug connector (1) is designed to block a movement of the operating element (3) from the first position (P1) into the second position (P2) when the blocking element (8) is in the blocking position (S1), and to not block a movement of the operating element (3) from the first position (P1) into the second position (P2) when the blocking element (8) is in the unblocking position (S2); the blocking element (8) has a blocking portion (9); and the blocking portion (9) engages with an opening (10) in the housing (2) when the operating element (3) is in the first position (P1) and the blocking element (8) is in the blocking position (S2).

Description

[0001] R.412024

[0002] Description

[0003] title

[0004] Connectors and

[0005] The present invention relates to a connector. The invention also relates to a connector arrangement comprising a connector and a mating connector.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] Connectors are commonly used in the automotive industry, for example, to connect a control unit to a cable. A connector can contain a large number of individual electrical contacts or contact elements. The more contacts a connector has, the greater the force typically required to connect it to its mating connector. Therefore, systems exist to simplify the connection process, such as those using operating elements that, for example, enable force transmission, so that a relatively small operating force is sufficient to overcome the insertion forces.

[0008] Connectors with such operating elements are known from the documents DE 10 2004 018 152 A1, DE 199 33 933 A1 and DE 195 35 628 A1.

[0009] From DE 10 2023 205 878 B3, a connector with an operating element is known that does not have a locking element to prevent the operating element from moving from a first position to a second position. The embodiments of the present invention described in the figure description are—merely by way of example—similar in design, with respect to the type of operating element or a force-reducing connection device, to R.412024 shown in DE 10 2023 205 878 B3.

[0010] - 2 -

[0011] Connectors. Regarding the functioning of the connection device, reference is made to the relationships set out in DE 10 2023 205 878 B3, whereby the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of DE 10 2023 205 878 B3.

[0012] Disclosure of the invention

[0013] It has been shown that it is disadvantageous if the operating elements are operated before the connector is correctly positioned relative to its mating connector, as this prevents the connector from being properly fused or functioning correctly. Furthermore, it has been shown that even the inclusion of a rigid protrusion in the operating path of a lever, intended to prevent accidental displacement of the operating element during vigorous movements (e.g., during the transport of a connector) or due to incorrect operation by a technician, can be relatively easily overcome with sufficient force. Moreover, even when operated correctly, such a solution requires additional force from the technician to overcome the lock, which can be perceived as inconvenient.

[0014] Therefore, there may be a need to provide a connector where the actuation of the operating element can be securely and robustly blocked against incorrect operation using simple means as long as the two connection partners (e.g., male and female plug or connector and mating connector) are not correctly positioned relative to each other, whereby the connector should simultaneously be inexpensive to manufacture and easy to operate, and where preferably a blockage is released automatically – and particularly advantageously without increased operating force – when the plug is correctly coupled with the mating connector in a starting position for the mating process.

[0015] Disclosure of the invention

[0016] This need can be met by the subject matter of the present invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the following description. R.412024

[0017] - 3 -

[0018] According to a first aspect of the invention, a connector designed for mating with a mating connector along a mating direction is proposed. The mating connector can, for example, have a mating connector housing. The mating connector housing can, by way of example, have a mating collar.

[0019] The mating connector can be designed, for example, as a so-called "knife connector" or a so-called "pin header". It can be located, for example, on a component, such as a control unit. The connector can be designed, for example, as a wiring harness connector.

[0020] The insertion direction, or connection direction, can, for example, run parallel to a Z-axis or Z-direction. The insertion direction, or connection direction, can, for example, represent a direction in a Cartesian coordinate system that has an X-direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, or connection direction, and a Y-direction perpendicular to both the insertion direction and the X-direction. A radial direction can, for example, run perpendicular to the insertion direction, or connection direction.

[0021] The connector has a housing. It also has an operating element that can be moved from a first position to a second position to reduce operating force. The operating element has a locking element that is adjustable or movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The connector is designed to prevent the operating element from moving from the first position to the second position when the locking element is in the locked position, and not to prevent the operating element from moving from the first position to the second position when the locking element is in the unlocked position. The locking element has a locking section, wherein the locking section engages in a recess in the housing, in particular latching in the recess, when the operating element is in the first position and the locking element is in the locked position.

[0022] This results in a particularly easy-to-manufacture, cost-effective, robust or durable and especially safe blocking of the operating element against an R.412024

[0023] - 4 - Unintentional displacement from the first position towards the second position is prevented. The design of the locking element on the operating element advantageously allows for a simple, cost-effective, and resource-saving (and therefore sustainable) replacement of the locking element if it is damaged or becomes damaged. Only the operating element needs to be replaced. Furthermore, the locking element can be advantageously checked for damage at a low value-added stage (during the manufacture of the operating element or during its assembly on the connector or a part of the connector, e.g., its housing), and it is not necessary to replace the entire connector or the housing (equipped with contact elements) in the event of a fault. Furthermore, the housing can advantageously have a particularly small footprint.The outer contour should be short and / or particularly smooth, especially without (additional) protruding elements for a locking mechanism for the operating element: the locking element engages in the recess in the housing to block the operating element. It requires no protruding or protruding elements from the housing. This smooth outer contour and the small footprint are a significant advantage in confined installation situations, and also prevent housings from snagging during connector assembly (where, for example, the housing can be supplied as bulk material). Furthermore, this design provides particularly good protection against deliberate tampering or accidental release of the locking element.

[0024] For example, the locking section can be designed to engage the recess in the housing from an outer surface. The locking section can also engage from the outside towards the interior of the housing. It can, for example, engage radially inwards into the recess, perpendicular to the insertion direction, e.g., parallel to the X-direction described above. This advantageously results in a particularly robust and damage-resistant design of the locking element. Furthermore, it provides a particularly high level of security against unintentional release of the locking element and effectively counteracts tampering with it.

[0025] The outside is specifically the side facing away from the interior of the housing. It particularly refers to the external environment of the connector. R.412024

[0026] - 5 -

[0027] As described above, the invention advantageously provides a simple way to prevent adjustment of the control element and thus connection of the connector to the mating connector by means of a locking element on the housing, as long as the locking element is engaged with the recess of the housing. This advantageously prevents the control element from being unintentionally moved when, for example, the connector is handled (e.g., during transport) or is already connected to a cable harness and the cable harness together with the connector is installed in a device or transported to its destination.

[0028] The locking section can be designed, for example, as a projection, a hook, or a lug that engages with or enters the recess in the housing when the operating element is in the first position and the locking element is in the locked position. The locked position can, in particular, be a rest position. Through the interaction, engagement, or coupling of the locking section and the recess, moving the operating element from the first to the second position can be easily and reliably prevented. The engagement can, for example, be in the form of a positive locking mechanism. Such an engagement is very easy to manufacture and disengage. Preferably, the locking section of the locking element does not engage with the recess when the locking element is in the unlocked position.In this unlocked position, which can in particular be a deflected position, the locking section can be moved relative to the recess or the housing.

[0029] Advantageously, the adjustment of the operating element from the first position to the second position is not prevented. The design of the housing recess, particularly on the outside or in an outer wall of the housing, advantageously allows for a gain in space inside the housing and also in the mating connector housing or inside the housing collar. Such a gain in space can be advantageously used, for example, for additional contact elements. Furthermore, this makes the locking arrangement (consisting of the locking element and the recess) particularly easy to design, and it is also advantageously easy to visually inspect (e.g., for damage, correct locking, etc.). The arrangement of the locking element on the R.412024 is also advantageous.

[0030] - 6 -

[0031] The operating element and the exemplary coupling of the locking element with the outside of the housing provide an immediate or direct locking of the operating element against unintentional displacement. This advantageously provides a particularly simple, uncomplicated, cost-effective and robust blockage against unintentional adjustment of the operating element before the connector is correctly placed on or relative to the mating connector.

[0032] The connector can, for example, have at least one contact element, in particular for contacting a mating contact element of the mating connector, wherein the at least one contact element can, for example, be arranged in an interior space of the housing. Preferably, the connector can, for example, have a plurality of contact elements, which are, for example, arranged in the housing or the interior space of the housing.

[0033] The mating connector can, for example, have at least one mating contact element for contacting a contact element. The mating connector can preferably have a plurality of mating contact elements.

[0034] The housing can be designed, for example, to accommodate the mating connector's collar or housing. In this case, the connector is specifically designed as an external connector. The housing can, for example, have a recess, particularly a circumferential one, such as a pocket, into which the collar can be received. This advantageously allows for a particularly simple connector design that protects the mating connector from mechanical stress or tampering. Furthermore, it is advantageous that a particularly large number of mating contacts can be arranged in the mating connector, in the mating connector housing, or within a mating connector interior enclosed by the collar (compared to an internal connector, where the collar receives or encloses the connector housing).Furthermore, the inclusion of the plug collar in the housing makes it particularly easy to provide a sealed connector or a connector for a sealed connector assembly. For this purpose, a seal, e.g., a circumferential radial seal, can be arranged on the inside of the housing, as described in R.412024.

[0035] - 7 - in the assembled state, interacts with the mating connector and the plug collar, or rests against it, thus creating a seal.

[0036] The housing can, for example, have a base body. It can, for example, have a contact carrier (which can be designed as a single piece or in multiple parts). The contact carrier can, for example, be arranged in an interior space of the housing or the base body. It can, for example, be attached to the base body, either detachably or permanently. The contact carrier can, for example, have at least one contact chamber in which a contact element is mounted. The base body can, for example, be designed to receive the plug-in collar (in particular, radially outside the contact carrier). The recess or pocket for receiving the plug-in collar described above can, for example, be formed in the base body. The recess for the locking element can, for example, be arranged in a wall of the base body.

[0037] The connector can, for example, have a cover that can be attached to the housing (particularly in a non-destructive manner). The cover can also be attached to the base body, for example. The cover can, for example, have a side opening for cable exit. It can be positioned on the housing in different orientations to allow for different cable exit directions, for example, rotatable by 180°.

[0038] The operating element can be designed, for example, as a lever, particularly a rotatable one, and / or as a (movable) slider, whereby the slider can be designed to be linearly movable. A combination of lever and slider is also conceivable.

[0039] In this context, a slider is understood to be, for example, a linearly movable element, in particular an element that is exclusively linearly movable (e.g., movable in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction). A lever, in this context, is understood to be, for example, a rotatable element, in particular an element that is exclusively rotatable.

[0040] The control element can, for example, have at least one leg with a first leg end, a second leg end, and a leg length extending between the two leg ends. It can, for example, be provided that R.412024

[0041] - 8 - the operating element has two legs. The two legs, each with a first (leg) end, a second (leg) end, and a longitudinal extension between the two (particularly distal) (leg) ends, can be arranged – by way of example only – on opposite sides of the housing. It can be provided, for example, that the legs are connected to each other by a crossbar. It can be provided, for example, that the crossbar is formed at the second (leg) end of the two legs. This can result in particularly simple operation. The provision of two legs can advantageously result in a particularly uniform force being applied to the connector during the insertion process. The risk of tilting or jamming can be reduced.

[0042] It may be provided, for example, that the locking element is arranged on at least one leg. If several legs are provided, the locking element may be arranged on exactly one leg. It may also be provided that a locking element is provided, designed, or arranged on several or all legs.

[0043] It may be intended, for example, that a connection process of the connector with the mating connector begins in the first position (e.g. a start position) and is completed in the second position (e.g. an end position).

[0044] In one embodiment, the connector has three different configurations. In a first configuration, the operating element is in the first position and the locking element is in the locked or rest position. The first configuration is, for example, the configuration in which the connector is completely mechanically (and electrically) separated from the mating connector, or in which the connector is just making mechanical contact with the mating connector. Electrical separation means, in particular, that the (electrical) contact elements of the connector and the corresponding (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 include optical contact elements and mating contact elements.These are also shown as examples, not coupled together in the first configuration. R.412024.

[0045] - 9 - 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 unlocked or deflected position. In this configuration, moving the operating element from the first position to the second position is therefore permitted, since the locking element is in the unlocked or deflected position. The deflection is caused in particular by an interaction with the mating connector, as will be explained in detail below. In this configuration, there is therefore also mechanical contact with the mating connector. An electrical or optical contact is not yet formed or manufactured, or not yet formed or manufactured in its final state. The operating element can, for example,through the release of the locking element and through interaction between the locking element and the locking collar, it may be slightly displaced from the first position towards the second position (e.g. through an elastic preload that releases).

[0046] In a third connector configuration, the operating element is in the second position and the locking element is in the locked or rest position. In this configuration, the connector is mechanically and electrically (and / or optically in the case of optical contact elements) connected to the mating connector. Because the locking element is (again) in the locked position, particularly in the rest position, plastic deformation or creep of the locking element material and the associated loss of function are advantageously prevented.

[0047] For example, a further recess may be provided in which the locking element engages in the third configuration, thus holding it in the locked or rest position, or returning it to this locked position. It is understood that in this further recess, the locking element in the locked position does not necessarily have to prevent movement back from the second position to the first position. For example, the further recess may have a slanted edge or chamfer, and / or the locking element or locking section may have a chamfer. This may, for example, allow the locking element to be moved into the unlocked position or into the deflected position without significant resistance when the operating element is moved from the second position towards the first position. R.412024

[0048] - 10 - can, so to speak, slide out of the further recess. The further recess can be formed, for example, on the housing and / or on a cover of the connector. The cover can be arranged or attached to the housing, in particular detachably.

[0049] It is understood that, alternatively or in addition to a further recess, the housing and / or the cover may also have a smaller cross-section or a recess in a particularly larger area (especially towards the interior), so that the locking element is not deflected into the unlocked position in the second position of the operating element. This area is advantageously located at the point where the locking element or the locking section comes to be positioned relative to the housing or the cover in the second position of the operating element.

[0050] The term "aufweisen" is used synonymously with the term "umfassen" unless otherwise stated.

[0051] In a further training, it is stipulated that the recess is a through-opening, in particular a channel-like or slot-like, opening through a wall of the housing.

[0052] This advantageously ensures that the locking element engages particularly securely and deeply with the housing (especially in an inward or interior radial direction), reducing the risk of unintentional movement into the unlocked position. Furthermore, the through-hole allows for particularly easy quality control of the housing; for example, the opening is easily visible. Additionally, this design allows for easy movement of the locking element from the locked to the unlocked position from the inside of the wall, for example, through the mating connector's locking collar or an element located on the locking collar, such as a projection, cam, rib, etc.

[0053] A channel-like opening can be understood as an opening that is closed all around (with respect to the direction of passage) or has a continuous, closed edge. A slot-like opening is defined as R.412024.

[0054] - 11 -

[0055] A through-opening can be understood as an opening that is not closed on at least one side, but is open, for example, to the end of the wall. For instance, the opening of the slot can point in a direction parallel to the Y-direction.

[0056] In a further development, the locking element is pivotably mounted between the locked or rest position and the unlocked position (e.g., a deflected position), particularly parallel to an X-direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, and especially elastically reversibly. The locking element can, for example, be pivotably mounted on the operating element. Pivoting is advantageously very simple mechanically, without complex guides. Furthermore, pivoting or shifting in the X-direction perpendicular to the insertion direction advantageously avoids or at least minimizes compression or axial loading (parallel to the insertion direction) of the locking element, allowing the locking element to be designed with relatively delicate wall thicknesses and / or dimensions (e.g., a width / depth of less than 3 mm). The high insertion forces could be affected by an axial displacement direction (i.e.,(along the insertion direction) can lead to an uncontrollable load on the locking element. Furthermore, it is advantageous that a deflection, particularly along or parallel to the X-direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, allows the locking element to be designed in a particularly space-saving manner. It is especially advantageous that the locking element can be deflected or pivoted from the locked or rest position to the unlocked or deflected position outwards or radially outwards (away from the connector housing). This enables a particularly compact connector design, or provides more space for contact elements with the same external dimensions.

[0057] This configuration also advantageously offers high resistance to mishandling or incorrect operation while simultaneously providing low deflection force during intended use.

[0058] The X-direction can, for example, be defined with respect to the control element or with respect to a displacement direction of the control element, where the X-direction is, for example, perpendicular to the displacement direction of the R.412024

[0059] - 12 -

[0060] The X-direction can run essentially perpendicular to a plane (YZ-plane) in which the displacement of the operating element takes place. For a rotatable lever as the operating element, the X-direction accordingly runs essentially parallel to the axis of rotation. For a slider as the operating element, the X-direction accordingly runs, for example, essentially perpendicular to the sliding direction and perpendicular to the Z-direction (insertion direction). The displacement of the locking element, or the part of the locking element that interacts with the detent section or the recess of the housing, can—as already described above—advantageously (e.g., parallel to the X-direction) occur away from a wall of the housing to the outside, particularly radially outward.

[0061] In a further development process, the locking element is monolithic, integral, or manufactured in the same production step as the operating element, with the locking element being connected to the operating element via a bent section. This advantageously provides a particularly simple and cost-effective to manufacture, as well as robust, locking element.

[0062] For example, the locking element can be pre-tensioned into the locked or rest position by the bending section, particularly if it has been deflected, pivoted, or displaced from this position. This allows the locking element to easily pivot back into the locked or rest position (especially radially inwards) after deflection, eliminating the need for additional springs or similar mechanisms. Furthermore, the locking element is immediately ready for operation in this way and does not need to be moved separately (e.g., manually) into the locked or rest position. This also ensures that the locking element is held particularly reliably in the locked or rest position and is returned to it by external mechanical forces, thus reliably preventing unintentional operation of the control element.If the operating element is moved back to the first position (e.g. when disconnecting the plug connector and mating plug connector), the locking element can automatically or autonomously move back into the locked or rest position due to the preload and the operating element against R.412024.

[0063] - 13 - Prevents unintentional movement. The connector is then reliably and advantageously prepared for the next mating operation, even if it is transported in the meantime.

[0064] In one embodiment, the bending section is formed at a first, particularly distal, end of the locking element, wherein the locking element is cantilevered at a second, particularly distal, end opposite the first end. This advantageously results in a particularly simple manufacture of the locking section and a particularly large pivoting range with low acting forces.

[0065] For example, the locking section can be designed to be located at the second end. This advantageously results in only minimal stress on the bending section when the locking element pivots from the locked or rest position to the unlocked or deflected position (e.g., compared to a central locking section – because in that case, the same displacement of the locking section in, for example, the X-direction, would require a larger angular pivot of the locking element). This advantageously reduces the risk of plastic deformation of the bending section and ensures a long service life for the locking element.

[0066] Overall, this advantageously provides a locking element that is particularly easy and cost-effective to manufacture, durable, robust and operable with low forces.

[0067] In a further development, it is provided that the leg of the operating element has a coupling section at the first leg end, wherein the leg is coupled in the coupling section to the housing or a cover, which may, for example, be arranged on the housing, wherein the locking element is arranged closer to the first leg end than to the second leg end, in particular wherein the locking element is arranged at most 35% of the leg length from the first leg end. R.412024

[0068] - 14 -

[0069] For example, the locking element can be located on the leg, or the leg can have the locking element.

[0070] This advantageously results in the coupling section and locking element being arranged close to each other. The leg within the coupling section can be designed to be particularly robust, for example, through wall reinforcement or increased width. The locking element can benefit from this increased stability and thus be designed to be particularly robust. The leg can also benefit if the locking element is located in such a reinforced area within the coupling section, as it is then unnecessary to provide a further reinforced area in the section where the locking element is located (e.g., if the locking element were located at the second end).Furthermore, it is advantageous, especially in the case of a rotating control element, to keep the distance along which the locking element moves relative to the housing short when the control element is moved from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position.

[0071] It may be provided, for example, that the leg, particularly in the coupling section, is rotatably mounted on the housing or the cover and / or that the leg, particularly in the coupling section, is slidably mounted on the housing or the cover.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the leg of the control element has a coupling section at the first leg end, wherein the leg is coupled in the coupling section to the housing or a cover, which may be arranged on the housing, for example, wherein the leg is rotatably mounted on the housing or on the cover, and wherein the locking element is arranged on the leg at a distance of at most 15% of the leg length from the center of rotation of the leg.

[0073] In particular, the locking element can be arranged on the leg, or the leg can have the locking element. R.412024

[0074] - 15 -

[0075] This results in the advantages described above. A particularly advantageous feature is that the travel distance of the locking element relative to the housing is minimal when the leg is rotated, due to its arrangement close to the center of rotation. This reduces the risk of damage to the locking element if the operating element is moved.

[0076] In a further development, it is provided that the locking section is designed as a locking projection on the locking element, wherein the locking projection has a first section with a locking surface, wherein in the first position of the operating element the locking surface runs substantially perpendicular to a wall of the housing, in particular at a locking surface angle (W1) of 75° to 90° to the wall (12) in which the recess is arranged, wherein the locking projection has a second section with a ramp surface, wherein the ramp surface runs obliquely to the wall of the housing in which the recess is arranged, in particular at a ramp surface angle of at least 100°, preferably at least 110°.

[0077] The first section of the locking projection advantageously creates a particularly secure, especially positive-locking, coupling, particularly a latching, of the locking section with the housing. Due to the locking surface being perpendicular or at an acute angle to the wall, the risk of the locking section "slipping out" of the recess (and thus transitioning from the locked to the unlocked position) is advantageously reduced, even under a somewhat greater force acting on the operating element (e.g., during transport, etc.). If the angle of the locking surface is less than 90°, then when an attempt is made to move the operating element from the first position towards the second position, the locking element or locking section is advantageously drawn into the recess more readily, in a self-locking manner, than slipping out of the recess.

[0078] The second section, with its sloping ramp, further facilitates this kind of "sliding out" of the locking section from the recess. If the locking element is moved from the locked position towards the unlocked position, for example from the inside of the wall or by manual operation from the outside, the tip or free end of the locking section may still be in the recess or in R.412024.

[0079] - 16 - this engages. At the same time, however, a relocation of the operating element may now be desired. The ramp surface allows the locking section to slide out of the recess (obliquely) with minimal force by actuating the operating element, thus enabling the operating element to be moved from the first position to the second position. Similarly, when the operating element is moved back from the second position to the first position, the locking section is allowed to slide smoothly into the recess, thereby protecting the housing and locking element from sudden mechanical (snap) loads.

[0080] The locking projection can, for example, be designed as a locking projection pointing radially inwards towards the housing, perpendicular to the insertion direction. The locking projection can, for example, be self-supporting.

[0081] The second section can, for example, project further from the locking element than the first section. The second section can, for example, be formed at the free end of the locking projection. The first section can, for example, be formed at a root of the locking projection (a root can be understood, for example, as the area where the locking projection protrudes from or is connected to the locking element or an arm of the locking element).

[0082] In a further training course, it is stipulated that when the operating element is in the first position and the locking element is in the rest position, the first section couples with an edge of the recess.

[0083] This advantageously results in a particularly secure protection against displacement of the operating element.

[0084] It may be provided, for example, that the coupling or locking of the first section with the edge of the recess blocks the movement of the control element into the second position.

[0085] The edge of the recess can represent a kind of undercut, against or behind which the first section snaps into place. R.412024

[0086] - 17 -

[0087] The edge of the recess can, for example, be essentially perpendicular to the housing wall, particularly without a chamfer or leading edge. This enables a particularly secure engagement or locking mechanism with the locking section in the locked position.

[0088] It is understood that in other embodiments the edge, in particular on a side facing the outside of the wall, has a chamfer to facilitate the sliding out of the locking element in the unlocked position.

[0089] In a further development, the operating element has a frame element which is in particular monolithic with the operating element, wherein the locking element is framed or limited 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.

[0090] The frame element thus advantageously protects the locking element from mechanical impacts during its operation (it can, for example, act as a guide for the locking element) and also from external damage. The risk of damage to the locking element can therefore be advantageously reduced, for example, during transport of the operating element (before mounting it on the connector); during transport of the connector; when handling the connector during assembly or disassembly; when the connector and mating connector are connected (vibrations can occur during operation – the frame element can prevent the locking element from swinging freely or limit its deflection); etc.

[0091] Furthermore, the frame element can also structurally reinforce (e.g., stiffen) the operating element, enabling it to better withstand high insertion or operating forces without twisting or bending. Thus, the frame element allows for multiple functions to be performed simultaneously. R.412024

[0092] - 18 -

[0093] Locking elements, frame elements, and operating elements can be made of plastic or metal, particularly 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 locking elements, frame elements, and operating elements. For example, materials such as polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polypropylene (PP) can be used, either with or without glass fiber reinforcement.

[0094] In a further training, it is stipulated that the locking element is arranged on the leg and lies at least partially in the same plane as the leg.

[0095] This allows for the advantageous use of a particularly narrow connector. The locking element requires little to no additional space and does not widen the operating element, or only minimally. Furthermore, this design provides the locking element with particularly good protection against damage, especially before it is mounted on the connector, its housing, or a cover. If the operating element is intended for assembly as a bulk component, for example, the risk of locking elements becoming entangled with other operating elements or locking elements is reduced.

[0096] The locking element can, for example, be arranged in a leg recess. It can, for example, be positioned, attached, or fastened to the leg or the operating element at an edge of this leg recess.

[0097] Alternatively, it is provided that the locking element is arranged on a side of the control element facing the housing, with the locking element being covered by the control element.

[0098] This ensures particularly good protection of the locking element against mechanical damage during operation or when assembling the connector on the mating connector. Furthermore, this allows for a particularly stable and robust operating element. No R.412024 is present on the operating element or on at least one leg of the operating element.

[0099] - 19 -

[0100] No breakthrough or material thinning is necessary to arrange the locking element, for example, in a plane with the operating element or the leg.

[0101] The locking element can, for example, be located on the side of the leg facing the housing. It can, for example, be covered by the leg. It can, for example, preferably be completely covered by the operating element or by the leg. In this case, the locking element is particularly well protected against tampering or external mechanical damage.

[0102] In other words, viewed from the outside, e.g. parallel to an X-direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, the locking element is arranged between the control element or leg on the one hand and the housing on the other, in particular between the control element and that wall of the housing in which the recess is arranged into which the locking section engages in the first position of the control element.

[0103] In a further development, it is provided that the locking element has a deflection section, e.g. in the form of a projection, a cam or a nose, wherein the deflection section is designed to come into operative contact with a counter-deflection element, in particular an end face of the housing collar or plug-in collar, of the mating connector when the connector is plugged together with the mating connector, wherein the locking element is designed such that it can be disengaged from the locked position or

[0104] The rest position is changed to the unlocked position or deflected position when the deflection section is in operative connection with the counter-deflection element of the mating connector.

[0105] The counter-deflection element can be designed, for example, as: a collar projection, cam, rib, section of a rack or toothed element arranged on the outer surface of the collar. Alternatively or additionally, the counter-deflection element can be designed as an end face of the collar, or the end face of the collar can act as the counter-deflection element.

[0106] This advantageously makes the unlocking of the control element automatically possible when the connector and R.412024 are plugged together.

[0107] - 20 -

[0108] Mating connector. A separate manual intervention by the operator is advantageously not required to release the locking element (into the unlocked position or the deflected position). Furthermore, this allows for particularly simple manufacturing of both the locking element and the mating connector. Only mechanical, non-moving elements (deflection section and counter-deflection element) are required to release the locking element.

[0109] If the counter-deflection element is formed by the end face of the plug collar, it is advantageous to omit elements projecting 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 or plug collar for displacing the locking element. This advantageously simplifies the manufacture of the mating connector and provides more space for the arrangement of contact elements or mating contact elements.

[0110] It is particularly advantageous if the deflection of the locking element into the unlocked position occurs only briefly, essentially only when the deflection section is in operative contact with the counter-deflection element (or when the deflection section is deflected out of the recess or (largely) displaced from engagement with the recess, especially radially outwards). This can occur, for example, during the insertion process along a short section of the insertion path, such as a few millimeters. This prevents permanent deflection of the locking element and potential plastic deformation. It also advantageously reduces the risk of damage to a protruding part of the locking element from a wall, or damage to other parts by such a protruding element.

[0111] The deflection section preferably points at least partially in a direction transverse to the insertion direction, preferably parallel to the X-direction. It can, for example, be inclined, e.g., running at an angle in the range of 25° to 65° relative to the insertion direction or Z-direction (e.g., pointing obliquely downwards with respect to the X-direction). The counter-deflection section can, for example, point parallel to the insertion direction or to the Z-direction. It can optionally have a ramp R.412024.

[0112] - 21 - feature, which makes contact with the deflection section gentle (alternatively or additionally, the deflection section can also have a ramp). This advantageously enables a particularly space-saving and damage-resistant design.

[0113] In one embodiment, the deflection section is arranged at the same end of the locking element as the locking section itself. This advantageously allows for a particularly compact and easy-to-manufacture locking element.

[0114] The deflection section and the locking section can, for example, be arranged or formed at a free or cantilevered end of the locking element.

[0115] For example, the locking section and the deflection section can be designed to point in opposite directions or hemispheres. In this way, for instance, part of the locking section can overlap with part of the deflection section, and the run-up area for the counter-deflection section can thus be advantageously increased without additional elements. For example, the locking section can point essentially against 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.

[0116] In a further development, it is provided that the connector has an engagement element which is arranged, in particular rotatably, on the 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 with a counter-engagement element of the mating connector, in particular to engage with it or to grip around it or to grip underneath it.to engage with this in order to move the connector towards the mating connector when the engagement element is moved from the first position to the second position, in particular parallel to the insertion direction, wherein the operating element is in operative contact with the engagement element in such a way that moving 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. R.412024.

[0117] - 22 -

[0118] The interaction of the engagement and mating elements advantageously simplifies the mating of connectors and their mating counterparts. This can be achieved, for example, by reducing the operating forces required when mating (or unmating) the connectors and their mating counterparts (e.g., through the use of leverage and / or leverage). A locking process can also be facilitated, for example, a locking action at the end of the mating path. In particular, the interaction of the engagement and mating elements enables a smooth connection (or disconnection) process with low operating force, but with a longer travel distance.

[0119] The resulting shift of the connector towards its mating connector allows for easy and effortless connection and (by reversing the movement of the operating element) disconnection. In particular, connectors with a large number of contacts can be connected, disconnected, or unconnected with minimal effort.

[0120] This allows the mating process to be very effectively supported or even initiated by operating the control element. For mating connectors and mating connectors, it is therefore advantageous that only the control element needs to be operated manually, for example by a technician, resulting in simplified and reliable handling of the connector. Furthermore, depending on the design of the transmission ratios or, for example, the length of the control element's arm, the operating force can be further reduced.

[0121] The engagement element can be designed, for example, as a type of gear or gear element, and the mating engagement element as a type of rack. Alternatively or additionally, the engagement element can be designed, for example, as a cam structure and the mating engagement element as a projection, pin, bolt, or the like (or the mating engagement element as a cam structure and the engagement element as a projection, pin, bolt, or the like). R.412024

[0122] - 23 -

[0123] According to a second aspect of the invention, a connector arrangement is proposed which has 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 configured to move the locking element of the control element from the locked position or from the rest position to the unlocked position or to the deflected position.

[0124] This advantageously provides a connector assembly in which the locking or blocking of the operating element is essentially automatically released when the connector is positioned correctly relative to the mating connector, e.g., without any further action required by the installer (i.e., without the installer having to actuate an additional element). This advantageously simplifies the assembly of the connector assembly.

[0125] For example, the counter-deflection element may be designed to move the locking element from the locked or rest position to the unlocked or deflected position, particularly when the connector and mating connector are in mechanical contact, or when the connector is properly placed onto the mating connector, or at the beginning of the mating process. Preferably, the locking element should then be deflected at this point to enable mating (and actuation of the operating element). In other words, the counter-deflection element may be designed to move the locking element from the locked or rest position to the unlocked or deflected position depending on the mating position between the connector and mating connector and / or depending on the relative position (tilt, angle, insertion depth, etc.).) between connector and mating connector.

[0126] In a further development, it is provided that the mating connector, in particular the mating connector housing, has a housing collar or plug-in collar, wherein the counter-deflection element is formed or arranged on the plug-in collar, or wherein the plug-in collar or R.412024

[0127] - 24 -

[0128] The housing collar is designed as a counter-deflection element or incorporates a counter-deflection element. The plug-in collar can, for example, be a wall of the mating connector housing. In this advantageous embodiment, no additional (e.g., movable) elements need to be provided on the connector or the mating connector for moving the locking element into the unlocked position; instead, the existing plug-in collar or elements arranged or formed on the plug-in collar serve as the counter-deflection element. This is particularly simple from a manufacturing perspective.

[0129] In particular, if an element already provided on the connector collar is used as a counter-deflection element (e.g., the end face of the connector collar or a rack or toothed element (e.g., serving as a counter-engagement element)), it is advantageously possible to make the decision as to whether or not a locking element is provided on a connector assembly (or on the connector) dependent solely on the connector itself. This reduces the number of components required. Such a connector according to the invention can also interact with conventional mating connectors in the manner described. In other words, existing interfaces or mating connectors with existing connector collars or housing collars (which are designed to interact with

[0130] Connectors without a locking element can be easily converted or retrofitted to an improved connector arrangement simply by using a connector as described above. No redesign is necessary. This allows for significant cost savings if, for example, a customer suddenly requires 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.

[0131] In a further development, it is provided that an end face of the plug collar or housing collar facing the connector forms the counter-deflection element, which is specifically designed to engage with the deflection section of the locking element of the connector. This is also particularly simple from a manufacturing perspective. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to modify the wall of the housing collar at any point according to R.412024.

[0132] - 25 - thicken or thin, or attach or provide elements to it that project laterally (e.g., parallel to the X-direction or the Y-direction) or radially outwards or inwards from the wall of the plug-in collar or housing collar to serve as a counter-deflection element. The plug-in collar or housing collar is thus advantageously particularly easy to manufacture, for example, by means of an injection molding process, especially if the mating connector housing is made of plastic.

[0133] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the counter-deflection element, which is designed in particular to come into operative contact with the deflection section of the locking element of the connector, is arranged on an outer side of the plug collar and projects from the outer side of the plug collar.

[0134] This advantageously enables simple manufacturing and eliminates the need to use space inside the mating connector – allowing for more mating contact elements to be arranged inside the connector collar. Furthermore, an element protruding from the outside of the connector collar can advantageously prevent the insertion of an incompatible connector (poka-yoke).

[0135] It may be provided, for example, that the counter-deflection element is designed as an element chosen from the group: a plug-in collar projection, a cam, a rib, a section of a rack or a section of a tooth element.

[0136] In particular, if an element already provided on the plug-in collar is used as a counter-deflection element (e.g., the end face of the plug-in collar or a rack or toothed element (e.g., serving as a counter-engagement element)), the plug-in collar can optionally be used with a conventional plug connector (without a locking element) or with a plug connector with a locking element as proposed here. This advantageously allows the continued use of the conventional plug-in collar geometry. R.412024

[0137] - 26 -

[0138] The housing collar can be manufactured using an injection molding process, for example, especially if the mating connector housing is made of plastic.

[0139] Drawings

[0140] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to the person skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which, however, are not to be interpreted as limiting the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0141] They show

[0142] Figs. 1a, 1b schematic side views of a connector arrangement in a first position of an operating element (Fig. 1a) and in a second position of the operating element (Fig. 1b);

[0143] Fig. 2: a schematic side view of a housing assembly of the connector from Figs. 1a and 1b;

[0144] Fig. 3a: a schematic view of an inside of a

[0145] Wall of the housing of the connector from Fig. 1 a with the control element in the first position;

[0146] Fig. 3b: a schematic view of an inside of a

[0147] Wall of the housing of the connector from Fig. 1b with the control element in the second position;

[0148] Figs. 4a, 4b: two perspective views of a control element;

[0149] Figs. 4c, 4d: schematic cross-sections through two different

[0150] Locking elements; R.412024

[0151] - 27 -

[0152] Figs. 5a to 5c: three schematic cross-sections through a connector arrangement in three different states or configurations when plugged together;

[0153] Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of a housing assembly of a connector;

[0154] Fig. 7: a schematic side view of a

[0155] Connector arrangement in a first position of the control element;

[0156] Figs. 8a to 8c: different views of a control element (Figs. 8a and

[0157] 8c) or a locking element (Fig. 8b);

[0158] Fig. 9: a bottom view of a connector housing;

[0159] Figs. 10a, 10b: two schematic cross-sections through a

[0160] Connector arrangement in two different states or configurations when plugged together.

[0161] Figures 1 to 10b are described together below.

[0162] Figures 1a and 1b show schematic side views of a connector assembly 100. The connector assembly 100 comprises a connector 1 and a mating connector 70 with a mating connector housing 71. The connector 1 can, by way of example, be configured as a cable harness connector. It can, for example, have at least one contact element 50, preferably a plurality of contact elements 50 (e.g., at least two contact elements 50, preferably at least ten contact elements 50, and particularly preferably at least 30 contact elements 50; however, 100 contact elements 50 or more are also conceivable).

[0163] The mating connector 70 has a mating connector interior 83 in which, for example, at least one mating contact element 82 described below can be arranged, e.g., in the form of a male contact element or pins. The mating connector 70 can, for example, be a knife-edge connector or an R.412024

[0164] - 28 -

[0165] It must be a connector interface. It can, for example, be located, mounted, or attached to a component. Such a component could be, for example, a control unit or the like.

[0166] The mating connector 70, in particular the mating connector housing 71, has here by way of example a plug-in collar 72.

[0167] The connector 1 is designed for mating with the mating connector 70, which here by way of example has the mating connector housing 71 with the mating collar 72, along a mating direction Z.

[0168] The insertion direction Z can define a Cartesian coordinate system with an X-direction X (here: pointing into the image plane) and a Y-direction Y (here pointing from right to left). A radial direction R runs perpendicular to the insertion direction Z. A circumferential direction U revolves around the insertion direction Z. A direction designation "inwards" refers, for example, to a direction that points from an external environment 32 of the connector 1 towards an interior of the housing 2 described below (housing interior 30) or towards an interior of a base body (base body interior 31) of the housing 2.

[0169] The connector 1 has a housing 2, which is shown here as an example to accommodate the mating collar 72 (see also Figs. 1b, 5a, 5b, 5c, 9, 10a, 10b). The connector 1 is thus shown here as an example of an external connector. It is understood that it is also conceivable that the connector 1 could be designed as an internal connector, in which case the housing 2 is received in the mating connector's interior space 83 or surrounded by the mating collar 72.

[0170] The housing 2, for example, has a base body 40, which here is designed essentially (mirror-)symmetrical about an XZ plane and / or a YZ plane. The housing 2 or the base body 40 can, for example, have a recess 48 (see Figs. 4c, 4d, 5a, 5b, 5c, 9, 10a, 10b), for example in the form of a pocket, into which the plug-in collar 72 can be received. R.412024

[0171] - 29 -

[0172] The housing 2 can optionally have at least one contact carrier 41 (see, for example, Figs. 1a, 7, 10a, 10b) which is designed to receive at least one contact element 50. The contact carrier 41 can be arranged, for example, in the interior of the housing 30 or in the interior of the base body 31. The contact carrier 41 projects in the Figs.

[0173] Figures 1a, 7, 10, and 10b are shown to extend slightly downwards from the base body 40, which can be, for example, a single piece or made of multiple parts. The housing 2 can also optionally include a mat seal 52 (see Figures 10a, 10b) and, optionally, a retaining plate 53 (see Figures 10a, 10b) for fixing the mat seal 52 in or on the housing 2 or on the base body 40. For example, an optional radial seal 44 (see Figures 10a, 10b) can be provided, which can make the connector assembly 100 sealed against fluid media, dust, dirt, and grime, especially when assembled. The radial seal 44 can, for example, be arranged in the recess 48 on a wall facing the recess 48, in particular of the housing 2 or the base body 40 (as shown in Figs. 10a, 10b). Furthermore, a cover 42 can optionally be provided, which, for example, opens in (at least) two different directions.The housing 2 can be mounted in different orientations (left-side cable exit or right-side cable exit), and in particular, can be detachably mounted. The cover 42 can have an opening (shown by way of example to the left in Figs. 1a, 1b) through which a cable 51 attached to or arranged on the contact element 50 can be led from the connector interior 30 into the external environment 32. The housing 2 and the cover 42 can be referred to as the housing assembly 45. For the sake of clarity, the elements described above are not shown in all figures.

[0174] The connector 1 further comprises an operating element 3, which can be moved from a first position P1 (see Figs. 1a, 3a, 4c, 4d, 5a, 5b, 7, 9, 10a, 10b) to a second position P2 (see Figs. 1b, 3b, 5c) to reduce the operating force; here, for example, a rotatable lever 4. In other embodiments, the operating element can, for example, alternatively or additionally be designed as a slider, in particular one that can be moved linearly.

[0175] The control element 3, here: the lever 4, has at least one leg 5 (here: two opposing legs 5) with a first leg end 6, a second leg end 7, and a leg length L extending between the two leg ends 6, 7. The two legs 5 are shown by way of example in R.412024.

[0176] - 30 - opposite sides of the housing 2 (viewed in the X-direction X). They are connected to each other, for example at their second leg end 7, by means of a crossbar or crossbeam 47. The crossbeam 47 can, for example, be designed as or serve as an operating handle. The two legs 5 each have a shaft pointing radially inwards towards the housing 2 (projecting from the legs 5), which penetrates a wall 12 of the housing 2. Thus, the two legs 5 are each supported in the wall 12 of the housing 2. The operating element 3 can be mounted on the housing in (at least) two orientations (here, for example, in two orientations rotated by 180°). Here, it is designed symmetrically with respect to the YZ plane.

[0177] A connection process of connector 1 with mating connector 70 can, for example, begin in the first position P1 (start position) and end in the second position P2 (end position).

[0178] The control element 3 has a locking element 8 which is adjustable or displaceable between a locked position S1 (see Figs. 1a, 1b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 5a, 5c, 7, 8a, 8b, 8c, 9, 10a) and an unlocked position S2 (see Figs. 5b, 10b), wherein the connector 1 is configured to prevent the control element 3 from moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2 when the locking element 8 is in the locked position S1, and not to prevent the control element 3 from moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2 when the locking element 8 is in the unlocked position S2. The locking element 8 has a locking section 9. The locking section 9 engages in a recess 10 of the housing 2, in particular from an outer side 11 of the housing 2, in particular transversely to the insertion direction Z radially inwards, when the operating element 3 is in the first position P1 and the locking element 8 is in the locking position S1.

[0179] The connector 1 has three different configurations C1, C, C3: In a first configuration C1 (see Figs. 1 a, 3a, 4c, 4d, 5a, 7, 9, 10a) of the connector 1, the operating element 3 is in the first position P1 and the locking element 8 is in the locked position S1 or rest position.

[0180] In a second configuration C2 (see Figs. 5b, 10b) of connector 1, the control element 3 is in the first position P1 and the R.412024

[0181] - 31 -

[0182] Locking element 8 is in the unlocked position S2 or deflected position.

[0183] In a third configuration C3 (see Figs. 1b, 3b, 5c) of the connector 1, the operating element 3 is in the second position P2 and the locking element 8 is in the locked position S1 or rest position.

[0184] The outer surface 11 is, in particular, a side facing away from the interior 30, 31 of the housing. It specifically assigns an external environment 32 to the connector 1.

[0185] As described above, the invention advantageously provides a simple way to prevent adjustment of the control element 3 and thus the connection of the connector 1 to the mating connector 70 by means of a locking element 8 on the housing 2, as long as the locking element 8 engages with the recess 10 of the housing 2. This advantageously prevents the control element 3 from being unintentionally moved, for example, when the connector 1 is handled (e.g., during transport) or is already connected to a cable harness and the cable harness, together with the connector 1, is installed in a device or component or transported to its destination.

[0186] The locking section 9 can, for example, be designed as a projection, a hook, or a lug that engages with or enters the recess 10 of the housing 2 when the operating element 3 is in the first position P1 and the locking element 8 is in the locked position S1. The locked position S1 can, in particular, be a rest position. The interaction, engagement, or coupling of the locking section 9 and the recess 10 easily and reliably prevents the operating element 3 from moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The engagement can, for example, be in the form of a positive locking mechanism. Such an engagement is very easy to manufacture and release. Preferably, the locking section 9 of the locking element 8 is not engaged with the recess 10, or is only engaged in a very easily releasable manner, when the locking element 8 is in the unlocked position S2.In this unlocking position S2, which in particular a deflected R.412024.

[0187] - 32 -

[0188] Since the position can be adjusted, the locking section 9 can be moved relative to the recess 10 or to the housing 2, particularly with minimal effort. Advantageously, this does not prevent the operating element 3 from moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The design of the recess 10 in the housing 2, particularly on the outer surface 11 or in an outer wall of the housing 2, advantageously allows for a gain in space within the interior 30, 31 of the housing 2 and also of the mating connector housing 71 or within the interior of the plug collar 72. This gain in space can be advantageously used, for example, for additional contact elements 50 or mating contact elements 82. Furthermore, this makes the locking arrangement (consisting of the locking element 8 and the recess 10) particularly easy to design and also allows for simple visual inspection (e.g., for damage, correct locking, etc.).Furthermore, the arrangement of the locking element 8 on the operating element 3 and the coupling of the locking element 8 to the outer surface 11 of the housing 2 advantageously result in an immediate or direct locking of the operating element 3 against unintentional displacement (which cannot be released even with increased force, and in particular not without damage). This advantageously provides a particularly simple, uncomplicated, cost-effective, safe, and robust blockage against unintentional adjustment of the operating element 3 before the connector 1 is correctly positioned on or relative to the mating connector 70.

[0189] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5c, the housing 2 or the base body 40 has a further recess 46 (here shown by way of example as a through-opening through the wall 12) into which the locking element 8 or the locking section 9 engages or with which it is engaged when the operating element 3 is in the second position P2 (see Figures 1b and 5c). The further recess 46 allows the locking element 8 to be easily moved back into the locked position S1 or the rest position. This prevents fatigue of the locking element 8 from being permanently set in the unlocked position S2 or deflected position. To allow the operating element 3 to be moved back from the second position P2 to the first position P1 with minimal force, for example, an edge of the further recess can be inclined or chamfered. This allows the R.412024

[0190] - 33 -

[0191] Locking section 9 can easily and with minimal force slide out of the further recess 46 when a force is applied to the operating element 3 in the direction of the first position P1. This can be the case, in particular, if the locking of the operating element 3 in the second position P2 is effected by a locking element separate from the locking element 8 (e.g., on the upper wall of the cover 42). A deflection section 22 on locking section 9, as described below, or on a locking projection 15, also described below, can enable or support easy, minimal-force sliding out of the further recess 46 (movement into the unlocked position S2) of the locking section 9 (alternatively or additionally to a chamfer or bevel on the further recess 46).

[0192] In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 10b, a further recess 46 (here shown by way of example as a through-opening) is provided in the cover 42, acting analogously. The arrangement of this further recess 46 in the cover 42 is due to the fact that the locking element 8 is positioned further away from the center of rotation of the control element 3. As a result, the locking element 8 is positioned higher relative to the insertion direction Z in the second position P2 than in the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 5c. It is understood that in other embodiments, instead of a further recess 46, a recess in the housing 2 or the cover 42 is also conceivable to allow the locking element 8 to be moved into the locked position S1 or rest position in the second position P2 of the control element 3.

[0193] The connector 1 has an engagement element 23, which is arranged, in particular rotatably, on the housing 2, wherein the engagement element 23 is adjustable between a first position E1 (see Figs. 1a, 3a, 5a, 5b, 7, 9, 10a, 10b) and a second position E2 (see Figs. 1b, 3b, 5c), wherein the engagement element 23 is designed to couple with a counter-engagement element 81 of the mating connector 70, in particular to engage with it, to engage under it, to grip around it, or to enter into operative contact with it, in order to move the connector 1 towards the mating connector 70 when the engagement element 23 is moved from the first position E1 to the second position E2, in particular parallel to the insertion direction Z. The operating element 3 is thus aligned with the engagement element 23 in R.412024

[0194] - 34 -

[0195] The functional connection is such that moving the control element 3 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 causes an adjustment, in particular a rotation, of the engagement element 23 from the first position E1 to the second position E2.

[0196] As an example, connector 1 here features a connecting device 28 (see, for example, Figs. 1b, 3a, 3b, 7, 9) that enables a particularly smooth and tilt-proof mating process (plugging in and unplugging), even with a housing 2 or connector 1 that is very long in its longitudinal direction (here: Y-direction Y). The connecting device 28 comprises: the engagement element 23, an intermediate element 27, and a further engagement element 26, which can interact or couple with another opposing engagement element (here also a rack on the plug collar 72). The intermediate element 27 is, by way of example, designed as a linearly displaceable, double-toothed rack, which is operatively connected on one side to the engagement element 23 and on the other side to the further engagement element 26.When the engagement element 23 rotates, the intermediate element 27 is displaced (here by way of example, parallel to the insertion direction Z), and this causes a displacement (rotation) of the further engagement element 26 (in the opposite direction to the first engagement element 23). It is understood that the intermediate element 27 can also be designed differently or that several intermediate elements 27 can be provided.

[0197] The mating connector 70 has a counter-deflection element 73 which is designed to move the locking element 8 of the operating element 3 from the locked position S1 or rest position or rest position to the unlocked position S2 or to the deflected position or deflected position.

[0198] The counter-deflection element 73 is shown here as an example on the plug-in collar 72 (see Figs. 1a to 5c). In Figs. 6 to 10b, the plug-in collar 72 (as such or itself) is designed as a counter-deflection element 73. Hybrid forms are also possible: for example, for a locking element 8, the counter-deflection element 73 is arranged on the plug-in collar 73, and for another locking element 8 (e.g., on a different leg), the plug-in collar 72 is designed as a counter-deflection element. R.412024

[0199] - 35 -

[0200] The counter-deflection element 73 is designed, by way of example, to enter into operative contact with the deflection section 22 of the locking element 8 of the connector 1.

[0201] In the connector arrangement 100 of Figs. 1a to 5c, the counter-deflection element 73 is arranged by way of example on a plug collar outer side 74 of the plug collar 72 and projects from the plug collar outer side 74 (in the direction of the outer environment 32).

[0202] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1a to 5c, the counter-deflection element 73 is designed as a section of a rack 78 or a section of a toothed element 79. This rack or toothed element serves here by way of example as a counter-engagement element 81 for the connecting device 28 or the engagement element 23, which is arranged on the operating element 3 (see left side of Fig. 1a).

[0203] On the right side of Fig. 1a, only examples of other embodiments of the counter-deflection element 73 are shown on the plug collar 72 of the second mating connector 70, which are also conceivable (for illustrative purposes, various exemplary possibilities are shown all together on this one plug collar 72, whereby the individual elements can also be arranged in isolation on the plug collar).

[0204] Examples of counter-deflection elements 73 in the form of at least one plug-in collar projection 75, at least one cam 76, at least one rib 77, at least one section of a rack 78 or at least one section of a tooth element 79 are shown.

[0205] In various embodiments, the locking element 8, when attached to the plug-in collar 72, e.g., with the deflection section 22, runs onto the counter-deflection element 73 or mechanically couples with it. The locking section 9 is thereby disengaged from the recess 10 or deflected out of the recess 10 to such an extent that the remaining engagement can be released with a small displacement force on the operating element 3 (the locking section slides out of the recess 10), thus enabling displacement towards the second position P2. R.412024

[0206] - 36 -

[0207] In the connector arrangement 100 of Figures 6 to 10b, an end face 80 of the mating collar 72 facing the connector 1 forms, for example, the counter-deflection element 73. In other words, when connector 1 and mating connector 70 are mated, the end face 80 of the mating collar 72 runs onto the locking element 8 or couples mechanically with it, here for example, onto the deflection section 22 of the locking element 8. This deflects the locking element 8, for example, radially outwards (away from the interior 30, 31) and disengages, at least partially, from the recess, in particular such that the movement of the operating element 3 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 is no longer blocked. The operating element 3 can be moved towards the second position P2 with minimal operating force. The part of the locking element 8 that is still in the recess 10 slides out of the recess 10.This low-force sliding out can be facilitated, for example, by the chamfer (without reference numeral) shown in Figs. 10a and 10b between edge 20 and outer wall 11, whereby it is fundamentally possible that no chamfer is provided on edge 20 and that the locking effect in the locking position S1 is thereby further improved (see, for example, Figs. 5a to 5c).

[0208] In the illustrated embodiments, the recesses 10 are each designed as a through-opening through a wall 12 of the housing 2. They thus extend completely through the wall 12 of the housing 2 or, in this case, of the base body 42.

[0209] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 5c, the recess is slot-shaped, here exemplified as a slot-shaped through-opening. The slot is open towards the outer environment 32 (the slot on the right side is shown here as opening to the right, and the slot of the left recess 10, which couples with the locking element 8 when the operating element 3 is mounted rotated by 180°, is shown here as opening to the left). The locking element 8, or the locking section 9, couples to an edge 20 of the recess to block movement into the second position P2; here, it couples to the upper edge 20 of the recess 10 shown in Figures 1a to 5c. R.412024

[0210] - 37 - In the embodiment of Figs. 6 to 10b, a channel-like recess, in particular a channel-like passage opening (with a circumferentially closed edge 20), is provided.

[0211] The locking element 8 is pivotably mounted between the locking position S1 and the unlocking position S2 parallel to an X-direction X, in particular elastically reversibly, and especially on the operating element 3. As described above, the X-direction X runs perpendicular to the insertion direction Z and it runs in particular perpendicular to a displacement direction of the operating element 3. The operating element 3 is designed here to be rotatably displaceable in the YZ plane.

[0212] In other words, here the locking element 8 can be displaced parallel to the axis around which the lever 4 rotates.

[0213] In both embodiments, the locking element 8 is – by way of example only – monolithic, integral, or formed in one piece with the operating element 3. The locking element 8 is connected to the operating element 3, for example, via a bent section 13. Preferably, the locking element 8 is pre-tensioned into the locking position S1 by the bent section 13, particularly when it is deflected from the locking position S1.

[0214] This allows the locking element 8, for example, to be manufactured particularly easily and cost-effectively. A preload in the locking position S1, or rest position, advantageously enables the locking element 8 to automatically return to the further recess 46 when moved to the second position P2. Furthermore, when the connector is opened (movement from the second position P2 to the first position P1), the locking element 8 is automatically moved into the recess 10 in the first position P1, or engages with it again. The connector 1 is then ready for further use in the correct and secured position (first position P1) of the operating element 3.

[0215] The bending section 13 is shown here as an example at a first, in particular distal, locking element end 24 of the locking element 8, wherein the locking element 8 is cantilevered at a second, in particular distal, locking element end 25, which is opposite the first locking element end 24 R.412024

[0216] - 38 - is formed (see e.g. Figs. 4c, 4d, 8a and 8b). By way of example, the locking section 9 is formed in the area of ​​the second locking element end 25.

[0217] In both embodiments, the leg 5 of the control element 3 has, by way of example, a coupling section 14 at its first leg end 6, wherein the leg 5 is coupled to the housing 2 in the coupling section 14 (here: by way of example, to the base body 42). It is only rotatably mounted on the housing 2 here by way of example. In other embodiments, it can alternatively or additionally be coupled to or mounted on the cover 42 in the coupling section 14.

[0218] It is evident that the locking element 8 is arranged closer to the first leg end 6 than to the second leg end 7. At least in the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 5c, the locking element 8 is located at most 35% of the leg length L from the first leg end 6. In the second embodiment (Figures 6 to 10b), it is located somewhat further from the first end, but is still closer to the first leg end 6 than to the second leg end 7, particularly with respect to the locking section 9.

[0219] In Figures 2 and 6, a sliding area 49 is clearly visible. When the control element 3 is moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the locking element 8 or its locking section 9 (the direction of movement is indicated by the curved arrows) slides over the sliding area 49 on the housing 2 or on the base body 40 and / or on the cover 42. The further recess 46 is shown here at the end of the sliding area 49 only as an example. This sliding area 49 is preferably smooth and unstructured, so that little resistance is encountered when the control element 3 is moved by the locking element 8 and that the risk of damage to the locking element 8 or the locking section 9 is also reduced as much as possible.

[0220] The leg 5, or both legs 5, are rotatably mounted on the housing 2. In the first embodiment (Figs. 1a to 5c), the locking element 8 is arranged on the leg 5 at a distance of at most 15% of the leg length L from the center of rotation of the leg 5. This enables a particularly compact design with only a short sliding range 49. The robustness of the locking element R.412024

[0221] - 39 -

[0222] 8 is improved and the construction of the housing 2 or the base body is simplified.

[0223] Figures 4c and 4d show schematic cross-sections of exemplary embodiments of the locking element 8 in the locked position S1 and the rest position, respectively. The locking element 8 engages with its locking section 9 in the recess 10 of the wall 12 of the housing 2 and the base body 40. The first configuration C1 with the operating element 3 in the first position P1 is shown in each case. The recess 48 or pocket in the housing 2 and base body 40, into which the plug collar 72 of the mating connector 70 already projects a short distance, is clearly visible. The end face 80 of the plug collar 72 forms the counter-deflection element 73.

[0224] In the two embodiments shown here by way of example, the locking section 9 is designed as a locking projection 15 on the locking element 8. It is designed, by way of example, as a locking projection 15 pointing radially inwards to the insertion direction Z or radially inwards towards the housing 2 in the direction R. The locking projection 15 is designed here by way of example to be cantilevered. It projects, by way of example, from an arm 54 of the locking element 8 that runs substantially parallel to the leg 5.

[0225] The locking projection 15 here exemplarily has a first section 16 with a locking surface 17. In the first position P1 of the operating element 3, the locking surface 17 runs essentially perpendicular to a wall 12 of the housing 2 in which the recess 10 is arranged. In Fig. 4c, a locking surface angle W1 between the locking surface 17 and the wall 12 of the recess 10 is formed as a right angle, i.e., it is 90°. The edge 20 of the recess 10 and the locking surface 17 run parallel to each other by way of example. A positive fit exists.

[0226] In Fig. 4d, the locking surface angle W1 between the wall 12 and the locking surface 17 is formed as an acute angle (i.e., an angle less than 90°). The locking surface angle W1 can, for example, be in the range of 75° to 90°, preferably between 82° and 90°. This acute angle particularly effectively prevents, in the event of a force being applied to the operating element 3 in R.412024

[0227] - 40 -

[0228] The locking projection 15 does not slide out of the recess 10 in the direction of the second position P2. Rather, due to this acute angle, the locking projection 15 is displaced or pressed further into the recess 10 under such a force, thus creating a kind of self-locking effect.

[0229] The locking projection 15 here exemplarily has a second section 18 with a ramp surface 19, wherein the ramp surface 19 runs obliquely to the wall 12 of the housing 2 in which the recess 10 is arranged. It can be provided that the ramp surface angle W2 is at least 100°, preferably at least 110°. In other words, the second section 18 is, by way of example, angled relative to the first section 16. When the locking collar 72 has pressed the locking projection 15 radially outwards, then, in the illustrated embodiments, in the unlocked position S2 or the deflected position, the locking projection 15 is not yet completely disengaged from the recess 10: the tip of the locking projection 15 (with the second section 19) still protrudes into the recess 10. However, the operating element 3 can still be easily moved towards the second position P2.The second section 18 facilitates the effortless sliding out of the locking projection 15 from the recess 10 by means of the ramp surface 19 which acts as a run-out slope (see e.g. Fig. 5b).

[0230] It is understood that other embodiments are possible (e.g., a recess that is slot-like and parallel to the insertion direction Z in the direction of the mating connector 70, so that the counter-deflection element 73 (e.g., a rib 77, a plug-in collar projection 75, or a cam 76) can engage in this slot and completely displace the locking section 9 from the recess into the unlocked position S2). In such embodiments, the second section 18 can, for example, be particularly well dispensed with. In the case of a chamfer running along the edge 20 towards the outer wall 11, the second section 18 can also be dispensed with (Oe according to geometric design).

[0231] The barrier angle W1 here includes an extension of the wall 12 coming from above (the restraint takes place at the upper edge 20 of the recess 10 as an example) and an extension of the barrier surface 17 R.412024

[0232] - 41 - one. The ramp angle W2 includes the extension of the wall 12 and the extension of the ramp 19.

[0233] It is easy to see that, for example, the second section 18 is further away from the locking element 8 than the first section 16. The first and second sections 18, 19 are, for example, different sections from each other.

[0234] For example, in figures 3a, 4c, 4d, 5a, 9, 10a it can be seen that the first section 16 couples with an edge 20 of the recess 10 and in particular blocks a displacement of the control element 3 into the second position P2 when the control element 3 is in the first position P1 and the locking element 8 is in the rest position or locking position S1.

[0235] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 5c, the operating element 3 has a frame element 21, which is shown here as a monolithic unit with the operating element 3 for illustrative purposes only. The locking element 8 is framed or bounded by the frame element 21 on at least two sides, particularly on opposite sides. Figure 1a clearly shows that the frame element 21 frames or bounds the locking element 8 on three sides, or—if the bending area 13 is included as the connection area—on all four sides. The locking element 8 is adjustable or displaceable relative to the frame element 21. Displaceability is achieved by allowing the locking element 8 to be adjusted or moved out of a frame plane of the frame element 21. In other words, the locking element 8 can be moved, adjusted, or pivoted parallel to the X-direction X out of the frame plane, which, for illustrative purposes, essentially runs in the YZ-plane.

[0236] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 5c, the locking element 8 is arranged on the leg 5 and lies at least partially in the same plane as the leg 5. Here, the first end 24 of the locking element lies in the same plane as the leg 5. In the unlocked position S2 or the deflected position, an even larger section extending from the first end 24 of the locking element lies in the plane of the leg 5. R.412024

[0237] - 42 - In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 10b, the locking element 8 is arranged on a side of the operating element 3, in particular the leg 5, facing the housing 2. It initially projects approximately radially inwards from the leg 5 in a connection section 55 or a root. Subsequently, the arm 54 is bent at approximately 90° relative to the connection section 55 at the first end 24 of the locking element. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 10b, it is further provided that the locking element 8 is covered by the operating element 3, in particular by the leg 5. This provides particularly good protection for the locking element 8 against mechanical influences from the external environment 32.

[0238] Figures 7 and 8c clearly show that, by way of example, the locking element 8 is even completely covered by the operating element 3 or by the leg 5 (in Fig. 7, the locking element 8 is shown with a dashed line due to the complete coverage and the viewing direction from the external environment 32 towards the interior 30, 31). It is thus particularly well protected against manipulation or mechanical impacts from the external environment 32.

[0239] For example, in Figures 4c, 4d, 8a, and 8b, it can be clearly seen that the locking element 8 has a deflection section 22, which is designed to engage with the counter-deflection element 73 of the mating connector 70, described above, when the connector 1 is plugged into the mating connector 70. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 5c, the counter-deflection element 73 is formed, for example, by a section of a rack 78 or a toothed element 79, which is arranged on the outer side 74 of the plug-in collar. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 10b, the counter-deflection element is formed by the end face 80 of the plug-in collar 72. On the right side of Figure 1a and in the middle of the left side of Figure 8, the locking element 8 is formed by the end face 80 of the plug-in collar 72.Figure 1a shows further examples of counter-deflection elements 73 (plug-in collar projection 75, cam 76, rib 77, each arranged here by way of example on the plug-in collar outer surface 74) - in particular on the left side of Figure 1a, the projection 75 or the cam 76 is shown only for illustrative purposes. The locking element 8 is designed such that it is separated from R.412024.

[0240] - 43 -

[0241] The locking position S1 is changed to the unlocking position S2 when the deflection section 22 is in operative contact with the counter-deflection element 73 of the mating connector 1. In the illustrated embodiments, it is provided by way of example that the

[0242] The deflection section 22 is arranged at the same end of the locking element 8 as the locking section 9 (see, for example, Figs. 4c, 4d, 8a, 8b). By way of example, it is provided here that the locking section 9 and the deflection section 22 point in opposite directions or hemispheres (the locking section 17 here, for example, upwards, the deflection section 22 downwards or obliquely downwards).

Claims

R.412024 Claims 1. Connector (1), designed for mating with a mating connector (70), in particular having a mating connector housing (71) with a mating collar (72), along a mating direction (Z), the connector (1) having: -- a housing (2) which is particularly designed to accommodate the plug-in collar (72), -- an operating element (3) that can be moved from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) for reducing the operating force, in particular a rotatable lever (4) and / or a slider, in particular wherein the operating element (3) has at least one leg (5) with a first leg end (6), a second leg end (7) and a leg length (L) that extends between the two leg ends (6, 7), wherein in particular a connection process of the connector (1) with the mating connector (70) begins in the first position (P1) and is completed in the second position (P2), wherein the operating element (3) has a locking element (8) that is adjustable or movable between a locked position (S1) and an unlocked position (S2), wherein the connector (1) is configured to prevent the operating element (3) from moving from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) when the locking element (8) is in is located in the locking position (S1),and to prevent the actuating element (3) from being moved from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) when the locking element (8) is in the unlocked position (S2), wherein the locking element (8) has a locking section (9) wherein the locking section (9) engages in a recess (10) of the housing (2), in particular from an outside (11) of the housing (2), in particular radially inwards transversely to the insertion direction (Z), when the actuating element (3) is in the first position (P1) and the locking element (8) is in the locked position (S1). R.412024 - 45 - 2. Connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the recess (10) is a, in particular channel-like or slot-like, through-opening through a wall (12) of the housing (2).

3. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (8) is pivotably mounted between the locking position (S1) and the unlocking position (S2) parallel to an X-direction (X), in particular elastically reversibly, in particular on the operating element (3), wherein in particular the X-direction (X) is perpendicular to the insertion direction (Z) and in particular perpendicular to a displacement direction of the operating element (3).

4. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (8) is formed monolithically with the operating element (3), wherein the locking element (8) is connected to the operating element (3) via a bending section (13), wherein in particular the locking element (8) is biased into the locking position (S1) by the bending section (13), especially when it is deflected from the locking position (S1).

5. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the leg (5) of the control element (3) has a coupling section (14) at the first leg end (6), wherein the leg (5) is coupled in the coupling section (14) to the housing (2) or a cover (42), in particular arranged on the housing (2), in particular rotatably mounted on the housing (2) or on the cover (42) and / or slidably mounted on the housing (2) or on the cover (42), - wherein the locking element (8) is arranged closer to the first leg end (6) than to the second leg end (7), in particular wherein the locking element (8) is arranged at most 35% of the leg length (L) away from the first leg end (6), and / or -- wherein the leg (5) is rotatably mounted on the housing (2) or on the cover (42). R.412024 - 46 - is, - wherein the locking element (8) is arranged on the leg (5) at a distance of at most 15% of the leg length (L) from the center of rotation of the leg (5).

6. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking section (9) is designed as a locking projection (15) on the locking element (8), in particular as a cantilevered locking projection (15) extending radially inwards to the housing (2) transversely to the insertion direction (Z), wherein the locking projection (15) has a first section (16) with a locking surface (17), wherein in the first position (P1) of the operating element (3) the locking surface (17) extends substantially perpendicularly to a wall (12) of the housing (2) in which the recess (10) is arranged, in particular at a locking surface angle (W1) of 75° to 90° to the wall (12), wherein the locking projection (15) has a second section (18) with a ramp surface (19), wherein the ramp surface (19) extends obliquely to the wall (12) of the housing (2) in which the recess (10) is arranged is, in particular at a run-up surface angle (W2) of at least 100°, preferably of at least 110°,in particular wherein the second section (18) is further away from the locking element (8) than the first section (16).

7. Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, when the operating element (3) is in the first position (P1) and the locking element (8) is in the locked position (S1), the first section (16) couples with an edge (20) of the recess (10) and in particular blocks a displacement of the operating element (3) into the second position (P2).

8. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating element (3) has a frame element (21) which is in particular monolithic with the operating element (3), wherein the locking element (8) is framed or limited by the frame element (21) at least on two, in particular opposite, sides, wherein the locking element (8) is adjustable or displaceable relative to the frame element (21), in particular such that the locking element (8) is made of R.412024 - 47 - is adjustable or displaceable from a frame plane of the frame element (21).

9. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (8) is arranged on the leg (5) and lies at least partially in a plane with the leg (5), or wherein the locking element (8) is arranged on a side of the operating element (3), in particular of the leg (5), facing the housing (2), wherein the locking element (8) is covered by the operating element (3), in particular by the leg (5), and in particular completely covered.

10. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (8) has a deflection section (22) configured to engage with a counter-deflection element (73) of the mating connector (70) when the connector (1) is plugged into the mating connector (70), in particular with a counter-deflection element (73) selected from the group consisting of: a plug collar projection (75), cam (76), rib (77), section of a rack (78) or tooth element (79) arranged on the outer side (74) of the plug collar; an end face (80) of the plug collar (72), wherein the locking element (8) is configured such that it is moved from the locked position (S1) to the unlocked position (S2) when the deflection section (22) is engaged with the counter-deflection element (73) of the mating connector (1).

11. Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the deflection section (22) is arranged at the same end of the locking element (8) as the locking section (9), in particular wherein the locking section (9) and the deflection section (22) point in opposite directions or hemispheres to each other.

12. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (1) has an engagement element (23) which is arranged, in particular rotatably, on the housing (2), R.412024 - 48 - wherein the engagement element (23) is adjustable between a first position (E1) and a second position (E2), wherein the engagement element (23) is designed to couple with a counter-engagement element (81) of the mating connector (70), in particular to engage with it, to engage under it, or to grip around it, in order to move the connector (1) towards the mating connector (70) when the engagement element (23) is moved from the first position (E1) to the second position (E2), in particular parallel to the insertion direction (Z), wherein the operating element (3) is operatively connected to the engagement element (23) in such a way that moving the operating element (3) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) causes the engagement element (23) to be moved, in particular rotated, from the first position (E1) to the second position (E2).

13. Connector arrangement (100), comprising the connector arrangement (100): - a connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, - a mating connector (70) comprising the mating connector (70) — - a mating connector housing (71), — - a counter-deflection element (73) designed to move the locking element (8) of the control element (3) from the locked position (S1) to the unlocked position (S2).

14. Connector arrangement (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the mating connector (70), in particular the mating connector housing (71), has a plug collar (72), wherein the counter-deflection element (73) is formed or arranged on the plug collar (72) or wherein the plug collar (72) is formed as a counter-deflection element (73).

15. Connector arrangement (100) according to the preceding claim, in particular wherein the counter-deflection element (73) is configured to engage with the deflection section (22) of the locking element (8) of the connector (1), R.412024 - 49 - - wherein an end face (80) of the plug collar (72) facing the plug connector (1) forms the counter-deflection element (73), or - wherein the counter-deflection element (73) is arranged on a plug-in collar outer surface (74) of the plug-in collar (72) and projects from the plug-in collar outer surface (74), -in particular wherein the counter-deflection element (73) is designed as an element selected from the group: a plug-in collar projection (75), a cam (76), a rib (77), a section of a rack (78) or a section of a tooth element (79).

Images