Housing for an electrical connector, electrical connector, electrical connector system, and electrical connector assembly

Abstract

The present invention refers to a housing (12, 52) for an electrical connector (10, 50). The housing (12, 52) extends along a first direction (3) from a front end (14, 54) to a rear end (16, 56) and comprises an opening (18, 58) at the front end (14, 54). The housing (12, 52) further comprises two flaps (20, 60), wherein the two flaps (20, 60) are arranged at the front end (14, 54) at two opposing sides of the opening (18, 58) in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (3), are attached pivotably to the housing (12, 52) to be pivotable between a closed position and an open position, and are configured to close the opening (18, 58) in the closed position. The housing (12, 52) further comprises a biasing member (22, 62) configured to bias the two flaps (20, 60) into the closed position. The present invention further refers to an electrical connector (10, 50), an electrical connector system (1), an electrical connector assembly (100) and further related aspects. The housing (12, 52) further comprises a sealing (26, 66) arranged between the housing (12, 52) and the flaps (20, 60) when the flaps (20, 60) are in the closed position. The housing (12, 52) comprises a projection (28, 68) at the front end (14, 54). The sealing (26, 66) is arranged at the projection (28, 68) and is concealed by the projection (28, 68) when viewed from the first direction (3).

Description

[0001] Applicant: HARTING International Innovation AG

[0002] Title: Housing for an electrical connector, electrical connector, electrical connector system, and electrical connector assembly

[0003] Description

[0004] The present invention refers to a housing for an electrical connector. The present invention refers to an electrical connector. The present invention refers to an electrical connector system. The present invention refers to an electrical connector assembly. The present invention refers to a use of either of an electrical connector, an electrical connector system, or an electrical connector assembly alone or in any particular combination.

[0005] Prior Art

[0006] Electrical connectors for automatically connecting vehicles such as rail vehicles affect seamless and efficient operations. These connectors facilitate the transmission of power, data, and signals between rail vehicles, enabling automated coupling and decoupling.

[0007] These connectors are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including vibrations, temperature extremes, moisture, water ingress, and dust. Known connectors feature modular designs, allowing for easy maintenance and design flexibility.

[0008] Known connectors, however, focus on withstanding these environmental conditions in a connected state in which the connectors are properly connected. The electrical connectors can therefore be negatively impacted by the environmental conditions before or during automated vehicle coupling, thus reducing the reliability of the automated vehicle coupling.

[0009] Centring the electrical connectors for ensuring that the connectors are properly oriented before making contact during automated coupling of vehicles is an important aspect to ensure reliable connections and an efficient connection process. In known connectors the centring can involve several components and technologies such as guiding mechanisms such as mechanical guides or funnels, sensors such as proximity sensors and cameras, control systems, magnetic alignment, and flexible connectors. These technologies work together to ensure that the electrical connectors are accurately centred and securely connected, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of automated vehicle coupling.

[0010] The components and technologies for centring used by known connectors often lead to an increased centring distance which needs to be covered during the automated connection process, thus reducing efficiency of the automated vehicle coupling.

[0011] Object of the invention

[0012] It is an objective of the invention to enhance the reliability and efficiency of automated vehicle coupling.

[0013] This objective is achieved by a housing for an electrical connector having the features of claim 1 or 4. The objective is further achieved by an electrical connector having the features of claim 6. This objective is further achieved by an electrical connector system having the features of claim 8 or 9. This objective is further achieved by an electrical connector assembly having the features of claim 10 or 12. This objective is further achieved by a use of the electrical connector, the electrical connector system, or the electrical connector assembly. This object is also achieved by an electrical connector having the features of claim 17.

[0014] The housing for an electrical connector is disclosed in the present document. The housing extends along a first direction from a front end to a rear end and comprises an opening at the front end and two flaps. The two flaps are arranged at the front end at two opposing sides of the opening in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and are attached pivotably to the housing to be pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The two flaps are further configured to close the opening in the closed position. The housing further comprises a biasing member configured to bias the two flaps into the closed position. The housing further comprises a sealing arranged between the housing and the flaps when the flaps are in the closed position. The housing further comprises a projection at the front end. The sealing is arranged at the projection and the sealing is concealed by the projection when viewed from outside of the housing along the first direction.

[0015] The front end is located at a side of the housing from which a further electrical connector approaches the electrical connector for connecting the further electrical connector to the electrical connector. The rear end is located at a side of the housing opposite to the front end in the first direction. The two flaps allow the electrical connector comprising the housing to withstand harsh environmental conditions if the two flaps are in the closed position by preventing, e.g., water or dust from entering the housing.

[0016] The two flaps further allow a part of the further electrical connector such as a further housing or an insert to enter an inner space of the housing through the opening of the housing for connecting the electrical connector and the further electrical connector if the two flaps are in the open position. The two flaps therefore allow the electrical connector to withstand harsh environmental conditions even in an unconnected state, in which the electrical connector is not connected to the further electrical connector. The two flaps can, e.g., provide for a specific IP protection class such as IP54 in the unconnected state. Providing two flaps instead of one flap allows to reduce the dimensions of each of the two flaps and therefore reduces the space needed to accommodate the flaps within the housing if the two flaps are in the open position. This allows to reduce a length of the housing along the first direction and further allows to reduce a centring distance along the first direction which needs to covered by the further electrical connector while further moving into the housing. This allows for reducing the time needed to connect the electrical connector to the further electrical connector and therefore allows for increasing the efficiency of automated vehicle coupling.

[0017] The sealing provides for an enhanced capability of the electrical connector to withstand the harsh environmental conditions.

[0018] Concealing the sealing allows to prevent contact of the part of the further electrical connector with the sealing while the part passes the opening of the housing and / or the sealing. The sealing can thus be prevented from being damaged while connecting or disconnecting the further electrical connector to the electrical connector.

[0019] According to a first embodiment, the projection is in the form of a collar surrounding the opening.

[0020] The collar allows for concealing the sealing completely, if the sealing completely surrounds the opening. The sealing is thus advantageously prevented from being damaged while connecting or disconnecting the further electrical connector to the electrical connector.

[0021] According to a second embodiment, the housing further comprises an additional sealing arranged between the flaps. The additional sealing is in contact with both of the two flaps when the two flaps are in the closed position.

[0022] The additional sealing prevents, e.g., water or dust from entering the housing when the two flaps are in the closed position and therefore enhances the capability of the electrical connector to withstand the harsh environmental conditions.

[0023] A first housing for a first electrical connector is further disclosed in the present document. The first housing extends along a first direction from a first front end to a first rear end and comprises a first opening at the first front end. At least one outer surface of the first housing is tapered to effect a movement of the first electrical connector and a second electrical connector in relation to each other in a direction perpendicular to the first direction in response to the first electrical connector entering a second opening of the second electrical connector along the first direction. The housing further comprises a first collar and a first outer sealing arranged at the first collar.

[0024] The outer surface of the first housing being tapered means that a dimension of the first housing in the direction perpendicular to the first direction increases along the first direction from the first front end to the first rear end. If the outer surface is in contact with the second electrical connector while being moved in the first direction in relation to the second electrical connector, the tapered design of the outer surface pushes at least one of the first electrical connector or the second electrical connector in the direction perpendicular to the first direction. This movement of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector in relation to each other in the direction perpendicular to the first direction allows to increasingly centre the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector in relation to each other the farther the first electrical connector enters the second electrical connector. According to an embodiment, at least two outer surfaces of the first housing are tapered to effect a movement of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector in relation to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction in response to the first electrical connector entering a second opening of the second electrical connector along the first direction.

[0025] Providing two tapered outer surfaces allows to centre the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector in relation to each other in the second direction and in the third direction.

[0026] The electrical connector is further disclosed in the present document. The electrical connector comprises a housing as described above, and an insert arranged within the housing closer to the rear end than to the flaps.

[0027] The insert can be, for example, pins or other types of electrical contacts for connecting high or low voltage cables or data or communication cables. Other types of inserts, such as fluid connectors or fibre optic connectors, may also be arranged within the housing.

[0028] According to a first embodiment, the electrical connector comprises more than one inserts arranged within the housing.

[0029] Arranging more than one inserts within the housing allows to enhance flexibility and modularity when designing the first electrical connector and to adapt the first electrical connector to specific requirements for an intended purpose. The electrical connector system is further disclosed in the present document. The electrical connector system comprises a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector comprises a first housing as described above, and a first insert arranged within the first housing closer to the first rear end than the first flaps. The second electrical connector comprises a second housing as described above, and a second insert arranged within the second housing closer to the second rear end than the second flaps. The first electrical connector is configured to be moved along the first direction towards the second electrical connector to come into contact with the second flaps and move or push the second flaps into the open position to enter the second opening. The second insert is configured to come into contact with the first flaps when the first electrical connector is further moved along the first direction into the second electrical connector and move the first flaps into the open position to enter the first opening. The first insert and the second insert are configured to come into contact when the first electrical connector is further moved along the first direction into the second electrical connector.

[0030] The electrical connector system allows to prevent, e.g., water or dust from entering the first housing and the second housing in a state in which the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are not yet connected to each other and therefore allows to provide a specific IP protection class. The electrical connector system further allows for centring of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector in relation to each other and reducing a centring distance while connecting.

[0031] The electrical connector assembly is further disclosed in the present document. The electrical connector assembly comprises a first electrical connector comprising a first housing as described above and a first insert arranged within the first housing closer to the first rear end than the first flaps. At least one outer surface of the first housing of the first electrical connector is tapered to effect a movement of the first electrical connector and a second electrical connector in relation to each other in a direction perpendicular to the first direction in response to the first electrical connector entering a second opening of the second electrical connector along the first direction. The electrical connector assembly further comprises a first frame movably supporting the first electrical connector.

[0032] The electrical connector assembly allows to attach the electrical connector assembly to a component such as a part of a vehicle. The first electrical connector is attached to the component using the first frame. The first frame provides a floating support of the first electrical connector in relation to the component. The floating support can prevent movement of the first electrical connector in relation to the component along the first direction for allowing connection of the first electrical connector. The floating support can further allow a defined movement of the first electrical connector in relation to the component along one or both of a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction and a third direction which is perpendicular to the first direction and to the second direction. The floating support thus allows the first electrical connector to move to enable centring of the first electrical connector in relation to a second electrical connector.

[0033] According to a first embodiment, the electrical connector assembly further comprises a further first electrical connector, wherein the first frame further supports the further first electrical connector.

[0034] Supporting more than electrical connectors by one common frame allows to enhance flexibility and modularity when designing the electrical connector assembly and to adapt the electrical connector assembly to specific requirements for an intended purpose. The electrical connector assembly is further disclosed in the present document. The electrical connector assembly comprises an electrical connector system as described above, wherein at least one outer surface of the first housing of the first electrical connector is tapered to effect a movement of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector in relation to each other in a direction perpendicular to the first direction in response to the first electrical connector entering the second opening of the second electrical connector along the first direction. The electrical connector assembly further comprises a first frame supporting the first electrical connector and a second frame supporting the second electrical connector. At least one of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are movably supported by the respective frame.

[0035] According to a first embodiment, the electrical connector assembly further comprises a further electrical connector system as described above. One of the first frame and the second frame further supports one of the electrical connectors of the further electrical connector system.

[0036] Arranging more than electrical connector systems within the electrical connector assembly allows to enhance flexibility and modularity when designing the electrical connector assembly and to adapt the electrical connector assembly to specific requirements for an intended purpose.

[0037] According to a second embodiment, the electrical connector is supported by the frame to be movable in the second direction and the first direction.

[0038] The use of the electrical connector as described above and / or the electrical connector system as described above and / or the electrical connector assembly as described above for electrically and / or communicatively connecting vehicles is further described in the present document.

[0039] Vehicles can be any kind of device designed for transporting people or goods. A vehicle can be, e.g., road vehicles like cars, trucks, buses, and trailers as well as rail vehicles such as locomotives and wagons.

[0040] The electrical connector as described above and / or the electrical connector system as described above and / or the electrical connector assembly as described above can further be used in a variety of outdoor applications in which automated plugging of connectors is required and in which manual removal of any kind of means for providing IP-protection in an unconnected state is to be avoided.

[0041] According to a first embodiment, connecting the vehicles is conducted automatically.

[0042] The electrical connector is further disclosed in the present document. The electrical connector comprises a housing as described above, and an insert arranged within the housing closer to the rear end than to the flaps, the insert comprising a data, signal, fluid, or optical connector element for arranging a corresponding connection.

[0043] Embodiments

[0044] Example embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail below.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first electrical connector according to the invention.

[0046] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a second electrical connector according to the invention. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an electrical connector system according to the invention.

[0047] Fig. 4 shows a further perspective view of the first electrical connector according to the invention.

[0048] Fig. 5 shows a further perspective view of the electrical connector system according to the invention.

[0049] Fig. 6 shows a further perspective view of the electrical connector system according to the invention.

[0050] Fig. 7 shows a further perspective view of the electrical connector system according to the invention.

[0051] Fig. 8 shows a further perspective view of the second electrical connector according to the invention.

[0052] Fig. 9 shows a further perspective view of the second electrical connector according to the invention.

[0053] Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector system according to the invention.

[0054] Fig. 1 1 shows a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly according to the invention.

[0055] Fig. 12 shows a further perspective view of the electrical connector assembly according to the invention.

[0056] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of another electrical connector assembly according to the invention.

[0057] Some of the figures contain simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference signs are used for the same, but possibly not identical, elements. Different views of the same elements might be scaled differently. Directions such as "left", "right", "up" and "down" are to be understood in relation to the respective figure and may vary in the individual representations compared to the object depicted.

[0058] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first electrical connector 10 according to the invention. The first electrical connector 10 comprises a first housing 12. The first housing 12 comprises a first base body 15 with a first opening 18. The first base body 15 can comprise several parts which are attached to each other or can be one integral component. The first base body 15 extends along a first direction 3 and comprises an inner space 21 which is accessible from the outside of the first base body 15 through the first opening 18.

[0059] A first section of the first base body 15 has a hollow square cross-section in a plane including a second direction 4 which is perpendicular to the first direction 3 and a third direction 5 which is perpendicular to the first direction 3 and the second direction 4. The first section of the first base body 15 can have any other cross-section such as a rectangular, elliptical or circular cross-section. A second section of the first base body 15 has a square cross-section in the plane including the second direction 4 and the third direction 5, wherein the cross-section has a hollow circle. The first section of the first base body 15 and the second section of the first base body 15 are two separate parts which are assembled to form the first base body 15. The first base body 15 can alternatively be manufactured as one single integral component. The first base body 15 further comprises a first collar 17 which is formed as a circumferential projection.

[0060] The first housing 12 has a first front end 14 which is located at one end of the first housing 12 as viewed along the first direction 3. The first housing 12 further has a first rear end 16 located at an end of the first housing 12 which is opposite to the first front end 14 as viewed along the first direction 3. The first opening 18 is located at the first front end 14. The first section of the first base body 15 extends from the first front end 14 along the first direction 3. The second section of the first base body 15 extends from the first rear end 16 along the first direction 3.

[0061] The first section of the first base body 15 further comprises four outer surfaces 13. The outer surfaces 13 are tapered which means that a width of the first section of the first base body 15 in the second direction 4 and a height of the first section of the first base body 15 in the third direction 5 are increasing along the first direction 3 from the first front end 14 in direction towards the first rear end 16.

[0062] The first housing 12 further comprises two first flaps 20. The first flaps 20 are attached to the first base body 15 to allow a pivotal movement of the first flaps 20 around axes parallel to the second direction 4. The first flaps 20 can be pivoted between a closed position in which the first flaps 20 are positioned to be parallel to the second direction 4 and the third direction 5 and an open position in which the flaps are positioned to be parallel to the first direction 3 and the second direction 4. The first flaps 20 have a rectangular shape and completely close the first opening 18 when the first flaps 20 are positioned in the closed position.

[0063] The first base body 15 further comprises a first projection 28 which is located at the first front end 14 and which is in the form of a collar in the form of a circumferential projection extending towards the inner space 21 of the first base body 15. The first projection 28 can alternatively be only formed at a part of the first front end 14 of the first base body 15. The first flaps 20 abut the first projection 28 when the first flaps 20 are in the closed position. The first housing 12 further comprises a first sealing 26. The first sealing 26 is attached to the first base body 15 at the first front end 14 and is located behind the first projection 28 when viewed from the outside of the first housing 12 and along the first direction 3. The first projection 28 protrudes further into the inner space 21 than the first sealing 26. The first sealing 26 is arranged as a circumferential sealing along the whole first projection 28. The first sealing 26 can alternatively be arranged only at parts of the first projection 28. The first flaps 20 are in contact with the first sealing 26 when the first flaps 20 are in the closed position. The first housing 12 further comprises a first additional sealing 30. The first additional sealing 30 is arranged at an end edge of one of the first flaps 20 to be arranged between the two of the first flaps 20 and being in contact with both of the first flaps 20 when the first flaps 20 are in the closed position.

[0064] The first housing 12 further comprises a biasing member 22 attached to the first base body 15 and to the first flaps 20. The first biasing member 22 comprises two leg springs. One of the two leg springs is attached to one of the two first flaps 20 and the other one of the two leg springs is attached to the other one of the first flaps 20. The leg springs 22 bias the first flaps 20 into the closed position.

[0065] The first electrical connector 10 further comprises a first insert 24 arranged withing the inner space 21 .

[0066] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a second electrical connector 50 according to the invention. The second electrical connector 50 comprises a second housing 52. The second housing 52 comprises a second base body 55 with a second opening 58. The second base body 55 can comprise several parts which are attached to each other or can be one integral component. The second base body 55 extends along the first direction 3 and comprises an inner space 61 which is accessible from the outside of the second base body 55 through the second opening 58.

[0067] A first section of the second base body 55 has a hollow square crosssection in a plane including a second direction 4 which is perpendicular to the first direction 3 and a third direction 5 which is perpendicular to the first direction 3 and the second direction 4. The first section of the second base body 55 can have any other cross-section such as a rectangular, elliptical or circular cross-section. A second section of the second base body 55 has a square cross-section in the plane including the second direction 4 and the third direction 5, wherein the cross-section has a hollow circle. The first section of the second base body 55 and the second section of the second base body 55 are two separate parts which are assembled to form the second base body 55. The second base body 55 can alternatively be manufactured as one single integral component. The second base body 55 further comprises a second collar 57 which is formed as a two line projections arranged at two opposing sides of the second base body 55 as viewed in the third direction 5.

[0068] The second housing 52 has a second front end 54 which is located at one end of the second housing 52 as viewed along the first direction 3. The second housing 52 further has a second rear end 56 located at an end of the second housing 52 which is opposite to the second front end 54 as viewed along the first direction 3. The second opening 58 is located at the second front end 54. The first section of the second base body 55 extends from the second front end 54 along the first direction 3. The second section of the second base body 55 extends from the second rear end 56 along the first direction 3.

[0069] The second housing 52 further comprises two second flaps 60. The second flaps 60 are attached to the second base body 55 to allow a pivotal movement of the second flaps 60 around axes parallel to the second direction 4. The second flaps 60 can be pivoted between a closed position in which the second flaps 60 are positioned to be parallel to the second direction 4 and the third direction 5 and an open position in which the flaps are positioned to be parallel to the first direction 3 and the second direction 4. The second flaps 60 have a rectangular shape and completely close the second opening 58 when the second flaps 60 are positioned in the closed position.

[0070] The second base body 55 further comprises a second projection 68 which is located at the second front end 54 and which is in the form of a collar in the form of a circumferential projection extending towards the inner space 61 of the second base body 55. The second projection 68 can alternatively be only formed at a part of the second front end 54 of the second base body 55. The second flaps 60 abut the second projection 68 when the second flaps 60 are in the closed position. The second housing 52 further comprises a second sealing 66. The second sealing 66 is attached to the second base body 55 at the second front end 54 and is located behind the second projection 68 when viewed from the outside of the second housing 52 and along the first direction 3. The second projection 68 protrudes further into the inner space 61 than the second sealing 66. The second sealing 66 is arranged as a circumferential sealing along the whole second projection 68. The second sealing 66 can alternatively be arranged only at parts of the second projection 68. The second flaps 60 are in contact with the second sealing 66 when the second flaps 60 are in the closed position.

[0071] The second housing 52 further comprises a second additional sealing 70. The second additional sealing 70 is arranged at an end edge of one of the second flaps 60 to be arranged between the two of the second flaps 60 and being in contact with both of the second flaps 60 when the second flaps 60 are in the closed position.

[0072] The second housing 52 further comprises a biasing member 62 attached to the second base body 55 and to the second flaps 60. The second biasing member 62 comprises two leg springs. One of the two leg springs is attached to one of the two second flaps 60 and the other one of the two leg springs is attached to the other one of the second flaps 60. The leg springs 62 bias the second flaps 60 into the closed position.

[0073] The second electrical connector 50 further comprises a second insert 64 arranged withing the inner space 61 . Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an electrical connector system 1 according to the invention. The electrical connector system 1 comprises a first electrical connector 10 as described above and a second electrical connector 50 as described above.

[0074] The first section of the first base body 15 of the first electrical connector 10 is designed to fit into the inner space 61 of the second electrical connector 50. The second front end 54 of the second electrical connector 50 abuts the first collar 17 of the first electrical connector 10 when the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 50 are connected to each other to avoid too high loads being applied to the first insert 24 and the second insert 64 when connecting the first electrical connector 10 with the second electrical connector 50.

[0075] The second front end 54 of the second electrical connector 50 further contacts a first outer sealing 27 of the first housing 12 of the first electrical connector 10 which is arranged at the first collar 17 of the first electrical connector 10 when the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 50 are connected to each other. The electrical connector system 1 can thus withstand harsh environmental conditions and provide an IP protection class such as IP67 also in a state in which the first electrical connector 10 is connected to the second electrical connector 50.

[0076] The second electrical connector 50 further comprises a second additional opening 59 located at the second rear end 56. The second additional opening 59 has a tubular shape. The second inner space 61 can also be accessed from the outside of the second housing 52 through the second additional opening 59. The second insert 64 can be accessed from outside of the second housing 52 through the second additional opening 59. A cable can be connected to the second insert 64 through the second additional opening 59. Alternatively, the second insert 64 can extend to the outside of the second housing 52 through the second additional opening 59. A cable can be easily connected to the second insert 64 in this case.

[0077] The first housing 12 and the second housing 52 can further comprise fixing means for fixing the first housing 12 and the second housing 52 to one another in the connected state to lock the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 50 to one another to prevent the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 50 from becoming disconnected. The fixing means can, e.g., comprise a first fixing part and a second fixing part, wherein the first housing 12 comprises the first fixing part and the second housing 52 comprises the second fixing part. The first fixing part and the second fixing part can be configured to interlock each other if the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 50 are in the connected state. The first fixing part and the second fixing part can, e.g., interlock each other using a form-fit mechanism or magnetism.

[0078] Fig. 4 shows a further perspective view of the first electrical connector 10 according to the invention. The first electrical connector 10 further comprises a first additional opening 19 located at the first rear end 26. The first additional opening 19 has a tubular shape. The first inner space 21 can also be accessed from the outside of the first housing 12 through the first additional opening 19. The first insert 24 can be accessed from outside of the first housing 12 through the first additional opening 19. A cable can be connected to the first insert 24 through the first additional opening 19. Alternatively the first insert 24 can extend to the outside of the first housing 12 through the first additional opening 19. A cable can be easily connected to the first insert 24 in this case.

[0079] Fig. 5 shows a further perspective view of the electrical connector system 1 according to the invention. The first flaps 20 of the first electrical connector 10 are shown in the closed position. The inner space 21 of the first electrical connector 10 is shielded from the outside of the first electrical connector 10 by the first sealing 26 and the first additional sealing 30. IP-protection is therefore provided by the first electrical connector 10 in the state in which the first electrical connector 10 is not connected to the second electrical connector 50.

[0080] Fig. 6 shows a further perspective view of the electrical connector system 1 according to the invention. The first flaps 20 of the first electrical connector 10 are shown in the open position. It is to be noted that the first flaps 20 are actually only in the open position during the process of connecting the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 50 and / or in a state in which the first electrical connector 10 is connected to the second electrical connector 50. This illustration is only used to show the open position of the first flaps 20.

[0081] Fig. 7 shows a further perspective view of the electrical connector system 1 according to the invention. The first electrical connector 10 is connected to the second electrical connector 50. The second projection 68 of the second electrical connector 50 is in contact with the first outer sealing 27 arranged at the first collar 17 of the first electrical connector 10 therefore providing IP-protection in the connected state.

[0082] Fig. 8 shows a further perspective view of the second electrical connector 50 according to the invention. The second flaps 60 of the second electrical connector 50 are shown in the open position. It is to be noted that the second flaps 60 are actually only in the open position during the process of connecting the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 50 and / or in a state in which the first electrical connector 10 is connected to the second electrical connector 50. This illustration is only used to show the open position of the second flaps 60. Fig. 9 shows a further perspective view of the second electrical connector 50 according to the invention. The second flaps 60 of the second electrical connector 50 are shown in the closed position. The inner space 61 of the second electrical connector 50 is shielded from the outside of the second electrical connector 50 by the second sealing 66 and the second additional sealing 70. IP-protection is therefore provided by the second electrical connector 50 in the state in which the first electrical connector 10 is not connected to the second electrical connector 50.

[0083] Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical connector system 1 according to the invention. The first electrical connector 10 is connected to the second electrical connector 50. The first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 50 are therefore in a connected state. The second projection 68 is in contact with the first outer sealing 27 arranged at the first collar of the first electrical connector 10. The first flaps 20 are in the open position and rest against an inside surface of the first base body 15 of the first housing 12. The second flaps 60 are also in the open position and rest against an inside surface of the second base body 55 of the second housing 52. The first flaps 20 are forced into the open position by the second insert 64. The second flaps 60 are forced into the open position by the first main body 15. The first insert 24 engages the second insert 64 to provide electrical contact between the first insert 24 and the second insert 64.

[0084] Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly according 100 to the invention. The electrical connector assembly 100 comprises one electrical connector system 1 as described above. The electrical connector assembly 100 further comprises a first frame 80 and a second frame 90. The first frame 80 supports one first electrical connector 10 and the second frame 90 supports one second electrical connector 50. The first frame 80 comprises a first main frame 82 which can be attached to a first component. The second frame 90 comprises a second main frame 92 which can be attached to a second component. The first component and the second component can be connected to each other using the electrical connector assembly 100.

[0085] The first main frame 82 comprises one opening in which the first electrical connector 10 is inserted along the first direction 3 such that the first collar 17 of the first electrical connector 10 abut the first main frame 82 and position the electrical connector 10 in the first direction 3. The first frame 80 further comprises a first additional frame 84 comprising an opening. The first additional frame 84 is placed over the first electric connector 10 such that the first additional frame 84 abuts the first collar 17 from the other side than the first main frame 82. In other words, the first collar 17 is located between the first main frame 82 and the first additional frame 84 to position and fix the first electrical connectors 10 along the first direction 3. The first electrical connectors 10 can, however, still move to a certain extent along the second direction 4 and along the third direction 5. The first electrical connector 10 is thus supported in a floating manner by the first frame 80. The first additional frame 84 is attached to the first main frame 82 using a form fit element on one side and fasteners such as screws on another side of the first additional frame 84. The first electrical connector 10 is thus removably attached the first frame 80.

[0086] The second main frame 92 comprises an opening in which the first electrical connector 10 is inserted along the first direction 3 such that the second collar 57 of the second electrical connector 50 abuts the second main frame 92 and positions the second electrical connector 50 in the first direction 3. The second frame 90 further comprises a second additional frame 94 comprising an opening. The second additional frame 94 is placed over the second electric connector 50 such that the second additional frame 94 abuts the second collar 57 from the other side than the second main frame 92. In other words, the second collar 57 is located between the second main frame 92 and the second additional frame 94 to position and fix the second electrical connector 50 along the first direction 3. The second electrical connector 50 can, however, still move to a certain extent along the second direction 4 and along the third direction 5. The second electrical connector 50 is thus supported in a floating manner by the second frame 90. The second additional frame 94 is attached to the second main frame 92 using a form fit element on one side and fasteners such as screws on another side of the second additional frame 94. The second electrical connector 50 is thus removably attached the second frame 90.

[0087] Fig. 12 shows a further perspective view of the electrical connector assembly 100 according to the invention. The first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 50 are shown in the connected state.

[0088] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of an electrical connector assembly 100 according to the invention. The electrical connector assembly 100 comprises four electrical connector systems 1 as described above. The four electrical connector systems 1 are arranged in an alternating order. A first electrical connector 10 of a first one of the electrical connector systems 1 is arranged adjacent to a second electrical connector 50 of a second one of the electrical connector systems 1 , followed by a first electrical connector 10 of a third one of the electrical connector systems 1 and by a second electrical connector 50 of a fourth one of the electrical connector systems 1 .

[0089] The electrical connector assembly 100 further comprises a first frame 80 and a second frame 90. The first frame 80 supports two first electrical connectors 10 and two second electrical connectors 50. The second frame 90 supports two first electrical connectors 10 and two second electrical connectors 50. The first frame 80 comprises a first main frame 82 which can be attached to a first component. The second frame 90 comprises a second main frame 92 which can be attached to a second component. The first component and the second component can be connected to each other using the electrical connector assembly 100.

[0090] The first main frame 82 comprises four openings in which the two first electrical connectors 10 and the two second electrical connectors 50 are inserted along the first direction 3 such that the first collars 17 of the first electrical connectors 10 and the second collars 57 of the second electrical connectors 50 abut the first main frame 82 and position the electrical connectors 10, 50 in the first direction 3. The first frame 80 further comprises two first additional frames 84 each comprising an opening. The first additional frames 84 are placed over one first electric connector 10 and one second electric connector 50 such that the first additional frame 84 abuts the first collar 17 and the second collar 57 from the other side than the first main frame 82. In other words, the first collar 17 and the second collar 57 are located between the first main frame 82 and the first additional frame 84 to position and fix the electrical connectors 10, 50 along the first direction 3. The electrical connectors 10, 50 can, however, still move to a certain extent along the second direction 4 and along the third direction 5. The electrical connectors 10, 50 are thus supported in a floating manner by the first frame 80. The first additional frame 84 is attached to the first main frame 82 using a form fit element on one side and fasteners such as screws on another side of the first additional frame 84. The electrical connectors 10, 50 are thus removably attached the first frame 80.

[0091] The second main frame 92 comprises four openings in which the two first electrical connectors 10 and the two second electrical connectors 50 are inserted along the first direction 3 such that the first collars 17 of the first electrical connectors 10 and the second collars 57 of the second electrical connectors 50 abut the second main frame 92 and position the electrical connectors 10, 50 in the first direction 3. The second frame 90 further comprises two second additional frames 94 each comprising an opening. The second additional frames 94 are placed over one first electric connector 10 and one second electric connector 50 such that the second additional frame 94 abuts the first collar 17 and the second collar 57 from the other side than the second main frame 92. In other words, the first collar 17 and the second collar 57 are located between the second main frame 92 and the second additional frame 94 to position and fix the electrical connectors 10, 50 along the first direction 3. The electrical connectors 10, 50 can, however, still move to a certain extent along the second direction 4 and along the third direction 5. The electrical connectors 10, 50 are thus supported in a floating manner by the second frame 90. The second additional frame 94 is attached to the second main frame 92 using a form fit element on one side and fasteners such as screws on another side of the second additional frame 94. The electrical connectors 10, 50 are thus removably attached the second frame 90.

[0092] The first frame 80 can alternatively comprise four single first additional frames 84 or only one common first additional frame 84. The second frame 90 can alternatively comprise four single second additional frames 94 or only one common second additional frame 94.

[0093] The number and arrangement of the electrical connectors 10, 50 of the electrical connector assembly 100 can vary.

[0094] The definitions regarding features, structures, components and their respective functional links as well as regarding terms used to define and to describe one aspect or one embodiment may describe another aspect or embodiment as well. Therefore, respective links between features, structures, components may further specify alternative combinations of features, structures, components and their respective functional link described herein as long as the skilled person derives those combinations by applying technical sense and average skill. This applies to the respective advantages as they are described with respect to the aspects and / or the embodiments as well. Furthermore, features, structures, components and functional links of an aspect or an embodiment referring to one category - device, system, method, use - may describe and specify an aspect or embodiment of another category. Furthermore, any aspect, structure, component or tangible feature of a system and / or a device further discloses its use. Recasting of big portions of these descriptions and definitions is avoided for matters of readability and conciseness. It is referred to them as these descriptions apply with respect to the different aspects and embodiments, accordingly, particularly independent from the respective category.

[0095] Applicant: HARTING International Innovation AG

[0096] Title: Housing for an electrical connector, electrical connector, electrical connector system, and electrical connector assembly

[0097] Reference signs

[0098] 1 Electrical connector system

[0099] 3 First direction

[0100] 4 Second direction

[0101] 5 Third direction

[0102] 10 First electrical connector

[0103] 12 First housing

[0104] 13 Outer surface

[0105] 14 First front end

[0106] 15 First base body

[0107] 16 First rear end

[0108] 17 First collar

[0109] 18 First opening

[0110] 19 First additional opening

[0111] 20 First flaps

[0112] 21 First inner space

[0113] 22 First biasing member

[0114] 24 First insert

[0115] 26 First sealing

[0116] 27 First outer sealing

[0117] 28 First projection

[0118] 30 First additional sealing

[0119] 50 Second electrical connector

[0120] 52 Second housing

[0121] 54 Second front end

[0122] 55 Second base body Second rear end

[0123] Second collar

[0124] Second opening

[0125] Second additional opening

[0126] Second flaps

[0127] Second inner space

[0128] Second biasing member

[0129] Second insert

[0130] Second sealing

[0131] Second projection

[0132] Second additional sealing

[0133] First frame

[0134] First main frame

[0135] First additional frame

[0136] Second frame

[0137] Second main frame

[0138] Second additional frame

[0139] Electrical connector assembly

Claims

Applicant: HARTING International Innovation AGTitle: Housing for an electrical connector, electrical connector, electrical connector system, and electrical connector assemblyClaims1 . A housing (12, 52) for an electrical connector (10, 50), the housing (12, 52) extending along a first direction (3) from a front end (14, 54) to a rear end (16, 56) and comprising an opening (18, 58) at the front end (14, 54); two flaps (20, 60), wherein the two flaps (20, 60) are arranged at the front end (14, 54) at two opposing sides of the opening (18, 58) in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (3); attached pivotably to the housing (12, 52) to be pivotable between a closed position and an open position; and configured to close the opening (18, 58) in the closed position; and a biasing member (22, 62) configured to bias the two flaps (20, 60) into the closed position; wherein the housing (12, 52) further comprises a sealing (26, 66) arranged between the housing (12, 52) and the flaps (20, 60) when the flaps (20, 60) are in the closed position; the housing (12, 52) comprises a projection (28, 68) at the front end (14, 54); the sealing (26, 66) is arranged at the projection (28, 68); and the sealing (26, 66) is concealed by the projection (28, 68) when viewed from the first direction (3).

2. The housing (12, 52) according to claim 1 , wherein the projection (28, 68) is in the form of a collar surrounding the opening (18, 58).

3. The housing (12, 52) according to any one of the above claims, wherein the housing (12, 52) further comprises an additional sealing (30, 70) arranged between the flaps (20, 60) and being in contact with both flaps (20, 60) when the two flaps (20, 60) are in the closed position.

4. A first housing (12) for a first electrical connector (10), the first housing (12) extending along a first direction (3) from a first front end (14) to a first rear end (16) and comprising a first opening (18) at the first front end (14) and a first collar (17) and a first outer sealing (27) arranged at the first collar (17), wherein at least one outer surface (13) of the first housing (12) is tapered to effect a movement of the first electrical connector (10) and a second electrical connector (50) in relation to each other in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (3) in response to the first electrical connector (10) entering a second opening (58) of the second electrical connector (50) along the first direction (3).

5. The first housing (12) according to claim 4, wherein at least two outer surfaces (13) of the first housing (12) are tapered to effect a movement of the first electrical connector (10) and the second electrical connector (50) in relation to each other in a second direction (4) perpendicular to the first direction (3) and a third direction (5) perpendicular to the first direction (3) and the second direction (4) in response to the first electrical connector (10) entering a second opening (58) of the second electrical connector (50) along the first direction (3).

6. An electrical connector (10, 50) comprising a housing (12, 52) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and an insert (24, 64) arranged within the housing (12, 52) closer to the rear end (16, 56) than to the flaps (20, 60).

7. The electrical connector (10, 50) of claim 6 comprising more than one inserts (24, 64) arranged within the housing (12, 52).

8. An electrical connector system (1 ) comprising a first electrical connector (10) comprising a first housing (12) according to one of claims 1 to 3; and a first insert (24) arranged within the first housing (12) closer to the first rear end (16) than the first flaps (20); and a second electrical connector (50) comprising a second housing (52) according to one of claims 1 to 3; and a second insert (64) arranged within the second housing (52) closer to the second rear end (56) than the second flaps (60); wherein the first electrical connector (10) is configured to be moved along the first direction (3) towards the second electrical connector (50) to come into contact with the second flaps (60) and move the second flaps (60) into the open position to enter the second opening (58); the second insert (64) is configured to come into contact with the first flaps (20) when the first electrical connector (10) is further moved along the first direction (3) into the second electrical connector (50) and move the first flaps (20) into the open position to enter the first opening (18); and the first insert (24) and the second insert (64) are configured to come into contact when the first electrical connector (10) is further moved along the first direction (3) into the second electrical connector (50).

9. An electrical connector system (1 ) comprising a first electrical connector (10) and a second electrical connector (50), wherein at least one of the first electrical connector (10) and thesecond electrical connector (50) comprise a housing (12, 52) according to claim 4 or 5.

10. An electrical connector assembly (100) comprising a first electrical connector (10) comprising a first housing (12) according to one of claims 1 to 3; and a first insert (24) arranged within the first housing (12) closer to the first rear end (16) than the first flaps (20); wherein at least one outer surface (13) of the first housing (12) of the first electrical connector (10) is tapered to effect a movement of the first electrical connector (10) and a second electrical connector (50) in relation to each other in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (3) in response to the first electrical connector (10) entering a second opening (58) of the second electrical connector (50) along the first direction (3);and a first frame (80) movably supporting the first electrical connector (10).11 . The electrical connector assembly (100) according to claim 10 further comprising a further first electrical connector (10), wherein the first frame (80) further supports the further first electrical connector (10).

12. An electrical connector assembly (100) comprising an electrical connector system (1 ) according to claim 8, wherein at least one outer surface (13) of the first housing (12) of the first electrical connector (10) is tapered to effect a movement of the first electrical connector (10) and the second electrical connector (50) in relation to each other in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (3) in response to the first electrical connector (10) entering the second opening (58) of the second electrical connector (50) along the first direction (3); a first frame (80) supporting the first electrical connector (10);and a second frame (90) supporting the second electrical connector (50); wherein at least one of the first electrical connector (10) and the second electrical connector (50) are movably supported by the respective frame (80, 90).

13. The electrical connector assembly (100) according to claim 11 further comprising a further electrical connector system (1 ) according to claim 8, wherein one of the first frame (80) and the second frame (90) further supports one of the electrical connectors (10, 50) of the further electrical connector system (1 ).

14. The electrical connector assembly (100) according to any one of claims 10-13, wherein the electrical connector (10, 50) is supported by the frame (80, 90) to be movable in the second direction (4) and the third direction (5).

15. Use of the electrical connector (10, 50) according to claim 6 or 7 and / or the electrical connector system (1 ) according to claim 8 or 9 and / or the electrical connector assembly (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 14 for electrically and / or communicatively connecting vehicles.

16. The use according to claim 15, wherein connecting the vehicles is conducted automatically.

17. An electrical connector (10, 50) comprising a housing (12, 52) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and an insert (24, 64) arranged within the housing (12, 52) closer to the rear end (16, 56) than to the flaps (20, 60), the insert comprising a data, signal, fluid or optical connector element for arranging a corresponding connection.

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