CN112151995A

CN112151995A - Plug connector

Info

Publication number: CN112151995A
Application number: CN202010596505.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: T·克雷默; V·L·阮; W·帕德
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 2019-06-28
Filing date: 2020-06-28
Publication date: 2020-12-29
Also published as: DE102019209436A1; DE102019209436B4

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector for plugging together a mating plug connector in an insertion direction. The plug connector has a housing with at least one contact chamber. At least one contact chamber is arranged in the housing, wherein the at least one contact chamber is provided for accommodating a contact element. At least one contact chamber has, on its end facing the mating plug connector, a wall surrounding the plug-in direction, wherein a first opening is provided in the wall at a first position, viewed in the plug-in direction, and wherein at least one second opening is provided in the wall at a second position, viewed in the plug-in direction. A primary locking element can be inserted into the first opening. A secondary locking element can be inserted into the second opening. When the primary locking element is inserted into the first opening and when the secondary locking element is inserted into the second opening, the outer side of the wall is touch-proof in a circumferential direction around the insertion direction in order to prevent spark discharges from the interior of the contact chamber.

Description

Plug connector

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a plug connector.

Background

As is known from the prior art, for example for automotive applications, electrical or electronic components must be supplied with power for operation. Such components may be, for example, inverters, motors, batteries, controllers, sensors, charging devices, etc. At the interface from one module to the next or from a current-carrying line to another line or to a module, plug connectors are usually provided which can be plugged together with a corresponding mating plug connector or a mating plug connector in the form of a blade (messerleist).

A contact chamber, in which, for example, a contact element is arranged, can be provided in the plug connector. When the plug connector is assembled, the contact elements are inserted into the contact chambers in the axial direction. It can be initially held in its axial position by one or more primary locking catches (Prim ä rrastlanze) and is thus prevented from being pulled out of the contact chamber counter to the insertion direction. Furthermore, a secondary locking element can be provided which additionally holds the contact element in its axial position in the contact chamber.

The primary latching catches can be designed to be elastically reversibly deflectable and for this purpose can be cut free from the wall of the contact chamber. The wall of the contact chamber thus has a plurality of recesses or slits at least in sections.

Such a plug connector is known from DE 102018202960 a 1.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention is based on the recognition that plug connectors are to be increasingly smaller in size due to the narrow spatial relationships and the increased number of current-carrying and/or signal-carrying lines.

At the same time, for example, in motor vehicles operated with an electric motor or having a hybrid drive, it may be necessary to transmit high currents in the range of more than 10A, more than 50A or even more than 100A, which requires a corresponding line cross section.

It may also be necessary to use high voltages, for example greater than 40V, greater than 100V or even greater than 250V, in order to be able to operate the motor with corresponding power, for example.

In addition, it is in the automotive field that high demands are made on vibration resistance. This means, for example, in the case of narrow line guidance, that the contact elements in the plug connector are subjected to high disengagement forces. At the same time, the contact elements should not leave their desired position in the contact chamber, in order to thus ensure continuous uninterrupted current or signal transmission.

Furthermore, safety regulations should be observed which, for example, prevent the fitter from being injured by electric shock when maintaining the plug connection, or which should cause that no spark discharges can occur between the two current-carrying lines provided in the plug connector (elektrischer Ü berschlag).

Furthermore, it is desirable to produce and maintain the plug connector with as little effort as possible.

Finally, the plug connector should be as robust as possible in operation and have a long service life even under unfavorable operating conditions.

Therefore, there may be a need to provide a plug connector which is as small as possible, can be produced and maintained easily, is suitable for transmitting high currents at high voltages, is suitable for achieving an uninterrupted galvanic connection to a mating plug connector even in the case of strong vibrations, is resistant to high breakaway forces on the contact elements, is as sealed as possible against splashes of water, dirt, dust or other media, has a long service life and meets safety requirements with respect to spark discharges during assembly or disassembly, and is also robust with respect to spark discharges between adjacent lines. Furthermore, the plug connector should be simple to assemble, so that even in narrow spatial relationships an assembly person can recognize whether the contact elements inserted into the contact chambers are in the correct (e.g. axial and/or rotational) position.

This need may be met by the subject matter of the present invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, a plug connector for plugging together a mating plug connector in an insertion direction is proposed.

The plug connector has a housing with at least one contact chamber, wherein the at least one contact chamber is arranged in the housing. At least one contact cavity is provided for accommodating a contact element. The at least one contact chamber has a wall surrounding the insertion direction. Exactly one or at least one first opening is provided in the wall portion at a first position, viewed in the insertion direction. At least one second opening is provided in the wall portion at a second position, seen in the insertion direction. A main locking element for receiving the contact element in the contact chamber can be inserted into the first opening. A secondary locking element for receiving the contact element in the contact chamber can be inserted into the second opening. The outer side of the wall is touch-proof in a circumferential direction around the insertion direction when the primary locking element is inserted into the first opening and the secondary locking element is inserted into the second opening, in order to prevent spark discharges from the interior of the contact chamber. This touch safety can then be provided without additional insulating wall sections even with small wall thicknesses. Furthermore, pointed objects, for example "test fingers" with a small bending radius at the tip, do not penetrate very deeply into the first or second opening even when the primary and secondary locking elements are inserted. Thus, the breakdown strength is improved relative to such sharp objects. Additionally, material can be advantageously saved by a smaller wall thickness, which leads to less costs and less weight.

The wall of the contact chamber can be formed, for example, on the end of the contact chamber facing the mating plug connector. The contact chamber can have an insertion opening on the end facing the mating plug connector, which insertion opening is provided for inserting a mating contact element of the mating plug connector.

The opening can advantageously be closed by means of the first and second openings and the primary or secondary locking element fitted therein. This advantageously ensures that there is a sufficient creepage or free air distance (freefluftstrike) which prevents spark discharges when the outer wall or the outer side of the wall is touched.

In the prior art with primary latching catches and slots provided in the wall sections for this purpose, additional, radially more external, closed insulating wall sections are required to meet safety requirements. Since the wall portion may have too small a creepage or free air distance due to the recess or gap. For example, in operating conditions with increased air humidity and/or high voltage, spark discharges on the outside of the contact chamber can occur without additional insulating wall sections.

This additional insulating wall can be saved by the proposed plug connector. Rather, the outside of the wall portion may be directly gripped by an assembler or operator. It is thereby also advantageously achieved that the plug connector is of smaller design and is simpler to produce and is more robust, since only a single wall part is required, and no two wall parts, which are, for example, only closely spaced from one another, are required. For example, an injection mold for the housing may be constructed more simply, and demolding of the housing from the injection mold may be simpler and have a higher yield.

If the primary latching catches or the primary latching catches are omitted in the contact chambers or in the wall sections, the production of the plug connector is advantageously significantly simpler or the tools used for its production (for example injection molding tools) are significantly less complex.

The geometry or design of the primary locking element and/or of the secondary locking element can therefore advantageously also be designed particularly simply in comparison with a primary locking catch. These two elements can be produced in separate tools, whereby the complexity is reduced in relation to plug connectors from the prior art having primary latching catches, which also applies in the case when primary latching catches are to be provided on the contact elements, which primary latching catches engage in undercuts (Hinterschnitt) or openings, for example, in the wall of the contact chamber.

Furthermore, the assembly of the contact element in the plug connector is advantageously simplified and, in particular, the removal of the contact element from the contact chamber of the plug connector, for example for maintenance purposes, is simplified. Since in the prior art, during assembly, care must first be taken to ensure correct latching with the primary latching catch. In order to remove the contact element from the contact chamber, the primary latching catch must be moved out of its latching position by means of a special unlatching tool, which must be introduced into the plug connector, for example, in the axial direction, before the contact element can be removed from the contact chamber. In the proposed plug connector, the removal of the primary and secondary locking elements can be carried out laterally on the outside, for example in the radial direction, in a simple manner, which is significantly less complicated than the handling with special unlocking tools.

If the primary locking catch is damaged when the contact elements of the prior art are removed, the entire plug connector may become unusable. If the primary or secondary locking element is damaged in the proposed plug connector, it can advantageously be replaced simply by a new, cost-effective replacement element.

Overall, the proposed plug connector advantageously saves costs during production and maintenance.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the plug connector with the installed primary and secondary locking elements is particularly well sealed against the lateral or radial penetration of dirt, dust, moisture, spray water through the wall or the outside of the contact chamber. This advantageously results in an improved service life.

By providing a primary locking means and a secondary locking means, the resistance against high disengagement forces is advantageously increased. Since the primary locking element is significantly more stable or secure by means of the locking catch than the primary latching device.

Furthermore, if one of the locking elements ages over time, redundancy is advantageously provided by both locking elements. Since in this way two locking elements are provided which are independent of each other. Thus, during the service life, a redundant safety system is provided which overcomes the interruption of the current due to an undesired axial displacement of the contact element.

Provision can be made for exactly one first opening to be provided in at least one contact chamber for the primary locking element. However, it is also possible to provide a plurality of first openings for the primary locking elements in the wall of the contact chamber. The plurality of first openings can be arranged, for example, substantially at the same position or at the same height along an axial direction, which can be given, for example, by the insertion direction of the contact elements into the contact chambers, and are arranged offset from one another only in the circumferential direction.

In the same way exactly one second opening can be provided in the wall portion. However, it is also possible to provide a plurality of second openings for the secondary locking elements. The second openings can be arranged, for example, substantially at the same position or at the same height along an axial direction, which can be given, for example, by the insertion direction of the contact elements into the contact chambers, and are arranged offset from one another only in the circumferential direction.

The primary locking element can be arranged such that it interacts with the contact element inserted into the contact chamber, which prevents an axial and/or radial or circumferential (tangential) or rotational displacement of the contact element in the contact chamber, or limits, preferably tightly limits, the extent of such a displacement. Preferably, this limitation is such that in the state in which the plug connector and the mating plug connector are plugged together, a subsequent possible displacement of the contact element does not lead to a break of the contact between the contact element and the mating contact element. The primary locking element can preferably be fitted into one or more first openings in the wall part in a releasable manner, i.e. in a manner that can be released in a non-destructive manner. It can be inserted, for example, in a substantially radial or precisely radial direction, i.e. transversely or perpendicularly to the insertion direction or to the longitudinal axis of the contact element, into a wall of the contact chamber and engages as a latching latch into a recess or undercut or corresponding opening of the contact element.

In the same way as the primary locking element, the secondary locking element can be functionally arranged. It can therefore cooperate with the contact element fitted into the contact chamber, which prevents an axial and/or radial or circumferential (tangential) or rotational displacement of the contact element in the contact chamber, or limits the extent of such a displacement, preferably closely limits the extent of such a displacement. Preferably, this limitation is such that in the state in which the plug connector and the mating plug connector are plugged together, a subsequent possible displacement of the contact element does not lead to a break of the contact between the contact element and the mating contact element. The secondary locking elements can be fitted, preferably releasably, i.e. in a non-destructive manner, releasably into one or more second openings in the wall. It can be inserted, for example, in a substantially radial or precisely radial direction, i.e. transversely or perpendicularly to the insertion direction or to the longitudinal axis of the contact element, into a wall of the contact chamber and engages as a latching latch into a recess or undercut or corresponding opening of the contact element.

The at least one first opening and the at least one second opening are designed, for example, such that the primary or secondary locking element fitted therein has only a small clearance in the axial and/or radial or tangential or circumferential direction. In this way, the primary or secondary locking element fitted into the opening can fulfill its locking function: i.e. displacement of the contact element in its, for example, axial position relative to the wall or the contact chamber is prevented or only achieved to a small extent. For example, the opening can be designed as a hole with a circumferential edge, for example as a hole with a rectangular or polygonal border or an oval border or with a triangular border or with a circular border.

The plug connector can have exactly one contact chamber. However, it can also be provided that two, three or more contact chambers are provided in the plug connector. At least one contact element can be inserted into each contact chamber. It can be provided that each contact element can be secured or positioned in a loss-proof manner in the associated contact chamber by means of the primary and/or secondary locking element.

The housing can be designed to be electrically insulated, for example. It may for example be made of or comprise plastic. For example, it may be manufactured as a one-piece element by means of an injection molding process. In this case, the plug connector finally has the following components which are separate from one another and can be assembled together: a housing, and primary and secondary locking elements. At least one contact element can be inserted into the housing.

The at least one contact chamber may be arranged, for example, in the interior of the housing.

The plug connector can be designed or provided for transmitting high currents, for example currents of more than 10A, preferably more than 50A, particularly preferably more than 100A, and very particularly preferably more than 400A.

For this purpose, the at least one contact element may have, for example, at least 4mm²Or at least 8mm²Or at least 50mm²Or at least 150mm²Or even at least 400mm²The line cross section of (1).

The at least one contact element may be configured, for example, as a pin, a knife or as a spring-loaded contact piece or foil cage. It is preferably constructed to be well electrically conductive. The contact element comprises, for example, a metal, such as copper or silver or a copper alloy. It is designed to electrically contact a mating contact element of a mating plug connector with the free end or in the contact section. The free end can face the mating plug connector. The contact element may also mechanically contact the counter-contact element. The contact elements are arranged, for example, at least in sections in the interior of the housing. It is arranged, for example, at least in sections, inside the contact chamber.

The plug connector can be provided for transmitting direct current or can be provided for transmitting alternating current. Likewise, the plug connector can be provided for alternately transmitting a direct current and/or an alternating current. Likewise, the plug connector can be provided for mixed transmission of direct current and/or alternating current.

The plug connector can have a screen which prevents an undesired input of electromagnetic radiation, as a result of which the EMV capability (EMV = electromagnetic compatibility) can be improved. Such a shield can be coupled with a mating shield conductor of a mating plug connector in a state in which the plug connector and the mating plug connector are plugged together. The plug connector and/or such a shield can also be designed to be grounded, i.e.: the plug connector can be brought to a defined potential, for example to ground ("GND", 0V), by means of at least one component.

By designing the plug connector for high voltage applications, it advantageously results that it can be used for transmitting high powers. By virtue of the design with the first and second openings, which only have to have a small diameter for the locking element that can be inserted therein, it is ensured that the necessary creepage distance is maintained on the outside of the wall in the region of the first and second openings, despite the compact design. Furthermore, the breakdown strength can be advantageously increased, so that spark discharge is prevented. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve a very high level of safety with respect to the operator, without the need to provide additional insulating wall sections.

For example, the plug connector may be arranged to apply a voltage of more than 40V, for example between 100V and 1500V, or between 250V and 1200V.

A high puncture resistance can be achieved, for example, by providing a sufficiently large wall thickness without the primary or secondary locking element being inserted. However, it can also be structurally ensured, for example, that when the primary or secondary locking element is inserted, there is no line-of-sight connection (Sichtverbindung) between the interior of the contact chamber and the outside of the wall (in the region of the first or second opening).

Overall, it is therefore advantageous to provide the contact element with a primary locking device that is resistant to high voltages and to provide the contact element with a secondary locking device that is resistant to high voltages, since the creepage distances for the primary and secondary locking devices are sufficiently configured. In other words, a small-sized plug connector, for example, of one-piece, high voltage resistance, can be provided.

The creepage distance is advantageously further increased by the wall being closed in the circumferential direction when the primary locking element is inserted into the first opening and when the secondary locking element is inserted into the second opening. The breakdown strength against spark discharges from the interior of the contact chamber to the outside of the wall is thereby further increased, or the voltage which can be applied to the contact element can be increased while the breakdown strength remains unchanged.

Furthermore, advantageously, the penetration of moisture, dirt, particles or similar foreign bodies or media into the interior of the contact chamber is effectively reduced or even completely prevented in this way.

The term "closed" is understood here to mean, for example, that there is no direct or linear path, i.e. extending along a straight line, from the outside of the wall to the contact element arranged in the interior of the contact chamber.

This can be achieved, for example, by the primary locking element covering or covering the first opening in the form of a cover. Here, the cover may be placed on the first opening. Provision may also be made for the wall, viewed in the radial direction, to have a step, for example arranged such that the part of the first opening facing the interior of the contact chamber has a smaller diameter than the part of the opening facing the outside of the wall. The primary locking element can be designed, for example, such that it completely covers the part of the opening with the smaller diameter and is at least partially embedded with a cap-like element in the part with the larger diameter. Alternatively or additionally, the primary locking element may also have a step, viewed in the radial direction. Furthermore, the primary locking element can have an interference with respect to the first opening, so that it is arranged in the first opening in the inserted state in a press-fit manner. In this way, a line-of-sight connection or gap between the edge of the first opening and the primary locking element is avoided.

The above exemplary embodiments of the primary locking element and of the first opening, respectively, are similarly applicable for the secondary locking element and the second opening.

By providing the wall with a thickness of at most 3mm, the plug connector can be constructed particularly compactly and at the same time stably, and still have a sufficient high voltage resistance or breakdown strength and/or a sufficiently large creepage distance.

In other embodiments, however, it can be provided that the wall has a thickness of at most 3.5 mm. Preferably, the wall portion has a thickness of at most 2mm, particularly preferably at most 1mm and very particularly preferably at most 0.5 mm. In addition to the wall thickness or thickness of the wall portion, the breakdown strength can be improved by inserting the primary locking element into the first opening and the secondary locking element into the second opening.

The thickness can be determined, for example, in the radial direction, preferably in the region of the first or second opening.

A particularly good compromise, on the one hand, in terms of material consumption and thus weight and, on the other hand, in terms of the breakdown strength can be made, for example, for a wall thickness or thickness of the wall in the range from 1.2mm to 2.2 mm.

The contact element that can be accommodated in the contact chamber is arranged on the inner side of the wall in the accommodated state in the contact chamber, which advantageously results in a particularly good vibration resistance of the contact element. Since in this case it has only a small radial clearance. For example, the contact elements can be in direct mechanical contact with the inner side of the wall, at least in spots or sections.

By arranging a mating plug connector which can be plugged together with the plug connector directly adjacent to the outside of the wall in the plugged-together state of the plug connector, a particularly compact and small interface is achieved.

The mating plug connector or its mating plug connector housing can be in direct mechanical contact with the outside of the wall, for example, at least in sections.

For example, the mating plug connector may be directly adjacent to the outer side of the wall portion along the largest portion of the outer side. In other words: the outer side of the wall is not or only to a small extent surrounded by further elements, for example shielding elements or shielding plates.

By spacing the first position and the second position from each other in the insertion direction, a particularly stable wall portion and a particularly secure locking are achieved. Since the wall of the contact chamber or the wall of the contact element or the contact element housing therefore does not have too much weakening by the opening at the same axial position. Furthermore, since the elements in the interior of the contact chamber cannot interfere with one another, this makes the installation of the primary and secondary locking elements easier. Furthermore, the first and second openings can be easily confused in this way.

For example, it can be provided that the first and second positions have a distance from one another in the axial direction which corresponds at least to the diameter of the first opening in the insertion direction.

By spacing the first position and the second position from one another in the circumferential direction, a rotational fixing of the contact element relative to the contact chamber can advantageously also be achieved more easily in addition to an axial fixing of the contact element. In addition, the assembly of the primary and secondary locking elements can also be designed in such a way as to be tamper-proof for the assembler.

For example, the first opening is arranged offset by at least 30 ° with respect to the second opening, viewed in the circumferential direction. In the case of a plurality of first and/or second openings, it can be provided that at least one pair of openings, which is formed by a first opening and an (adjacent) second opening, is arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction.

In a further development, it can be provided that the primary locking element can be inserted into the first opening transversely to the insertion direction in a first insertion direction, wherein the secondary locking element can be inserted into the second opening transversely to the insertion direction in a second insertion direction, wherein the first insertion direction and the second insertion direction have an angle of at least 30 °, preferably at least 45 °, and very particularly preferably at least 60 °, relative to one another.

In this way, advantageously, in addition to the axial fixing of the contact element, the rotational fixing of the contact element relative to the contact chamber is also simplified. Thus, the assembly process can also be designed in an confusing manner.

In a further development, it is provided that a contact element is arranged in at least one contact chamber, wherein the contact element is inserted into the contact chamber, in particular in the axial direction. The plug connector can thus advantageously be brought into direct electrical contact with the mating plug connector.

In a further development, it is provided that the contact element has at least one undercut on its outer side such that the primary locking element can be inserted into the contact chamber through the first opening only when the contact element is in a defined axial position. The defined axial position allows an axial play of the contact element of maximally 5mm, preferably maximally 3mm and particularly preferably maximally 1 mm.

The mounting person can thus advantageously determine, by means of the haptic signal, whether the contact element is correctly positioned in the axial direction when mounting the plug connector, i.e. when mounting the contact element in the contact chamber, even if the viewing situation is impaired.

Such undercuts may be obtained, for example, by openings in the wall of the contact element.

By designing the primary and/or secondary locking elements with a different color or surface structure than the walls of the contact chamber, it can advantageously be determined visually or tactually, at the time of or after assembly, in a simple manner, whether the primary and/or secondary locking elements have been correctly inserted into the respective openings.

For high-voltage plug connectors, for example, according to legal or standard regulations, the housing of the plug connector or the accessible part of the plug connector has a signal color. Thus, the operator can be warned of special attention with respect to the spark discharge.

The correct final position of the primary or secondary locking element can contribute to an increase in the safety-relevant creepage distance or to a safety-relevant breakdown strength with respect to the outside of the touching wall, for example in high-voltage plug connectors. If the primary and/or secondary locking elements are now designed with a different color (for example with a color of significant contrast) than the wall, or if they have a completely different topography (for example with grooves, protrusions, etc.), the fitter can clearly more easily determine when fitting these locking elements whether these elements are correctly fitted, and can thus, for example, in the energized state of the plug connector, touch the outside of the wall without danger. For example, the signal color may be orange or red. In this case, it may be advantageous if the primary and/or secondary locking elements are designed, for example, as one or more of green, purple, blue, yellow or brown.

In a refinement, it can be provided that the wall has two or more first openings spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction at the first position. The main locking element may comprise a base element, wherein a number of suspended arms protrude from the base element, the number of suspended arms corresponding to the number of first openings. The wall of the contact chamber is designed such that, in the fully installed state of the main locking element, the base element ends flush or substantially flush with the wall.

By providing a plurality of arms, the axial fixation of the contact element in the contact chamber is advantageously improved. On the one hand, the release force can be distributed over a plurality of positions counter to the insertion direction of the contact element into the contact chamber, for example by a pulling force on a line attached to the contact element, thereby reducing the surface pressure. At the same time, tilting or canting of the contact element in the contact chamber can thereby also be avoided or reduced when using the disengagement force.

By terminating the base element flush with the wall, a particularly smooth, stepless surface is advantageously achieved. This makes it possible to realize a particularly simple plug with a mating plug connector. Furthermore, such smooth wall portions are less prone to deposit dirt or grime.

The term "flush" or "smooth" in this context does not exclude that smaller structures are provided in or at the base element, which structures can be used as removal elements, so that the main locking element can be removed again from the first opening or first openings. Such a removal element may be, for example, an opening, a handle-like structure for mounting a pull-out tool or a projection. However, these structures are limited to a small portion of the surface of the base element.

The secondary locking element can also be designed in the same way: it may have a further base element and a plurality of further suspended arms arranged on said further base element and projecting therefrom. These additional cantilevered arms may be fitted into a corresponding number of second openings. The other base element can likewise end flush with the wall in its fully installed state.

Drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, which, however, should not be construed as limiting the invention. In which is shown:

fig. 1 shows a schematic cross section through a plug connector and a mating plug connector that can be plugged together with the plug connector;

fig. 2a shows a perspective view of a plug connector of the prior art;

fig. 2b shows a cross section of the plug connector in fig. 2 a;

fig. 3a shows a perspective view of another plug connector;

fig. 3b shows a detail view of the plug connector from fig. 3a in a cutaway view;

fig. 3c shows a further detail view of the plug connector from fig. 3a in a cutaway view.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross section of a plug connector 1 for plugging together a mating plug connector 60 in an insertion direction E and of a mating plug connector 60 which can be plugged together with the plug connector 1. For better orientation, an xyz-coordinate system is drawn, wherein the x-direction corresponds to the longitudinal or axial direction and the z-direction corresponds to the height or radial direction, and the y-direction corresponds to the width direction, which points in the drawing plane.

The plug connector 1 has a housing 2 with at least one contact chamber 3. The housing 2 is cup-shaped in this case. At least one contact chamber 3 is arranged in the housing 2. The contact chamber 3 is substantially completely enclosed by the housing 2. At least one contact chamber 3 is provided for accommodating a contact element 20. In the at least one contact chamber 3, in this case along the insertion direction E, a contact element 20 is arranged or inserted, which has a contact element outer side 21 or an outer side 21 of the contact element 20. The at least one contact chamber 3 has a wall 5 surrounding the insertion direction E. The wall 5 is formed here on the end 4 of the contact chamber 3 facing the mating plug connector 60 and extends as far as the bottom 32 of the cup-shaped housing 2. A first opening 6 is provided in the wall portion 5 at a first position P1, viewed in the insertion direction E, which insertion direction coincides here with the axial direction x. At least one second opening 7 is provided in the wall portion 5 at a second position P2, seen in the insertion direction E. The primary locking element 8 for the contact element 20 which can be accommodated or is accommodated here in the contact chamber 3 can be inserted into the first opening 6. In fig. 1, a primary locking element 8 of this type is releasably inserted or inserted, i.e. can be removed again in a non-destructive manner. Into the second opening 7 a secondary locking element 9 can be fitted for the contact element 20 which can be received or is received in the contact chamber 3. In fig. 1, such a secondary locking element 9 is releasably inserted or inserted, i.e. can be removed again in a non-destructive manner. The outer side 10 of the wall 5 is protected against contact, in particular along the circumferential direction U around the insertion direction E, when the primary locking element 8 is inserted into the first opening 6 and the secondary locking element 9 is inserted into the second opening 7 (i.e. as shown in fig. 1), in order to prevent spark discharges, so-called flashovers, from the interior 12 of the contact chamber 3. It goes without saying that the breakdown safety can also be brought about by a correspondingly large wall thickness d or thickness d of the wall 5. However, by fitting the main locking element 8 into the first opening 6 and the sub-locking element 9 into the second opening 7, breakdown can be avoided even in the case where the thickness d of the wall portion 5 is small (e.g., 0.7mm to 1.3 mm).

The plug connector 1 can be set up for operation at high currents in the range from 10A to 1200A. Preferably, the plug connector is designed for a current of at least 50A or at least 100A. For this purpose, for example, at least 4mm of at least one contact element 20 can be provided²Or at least 10mm²Or at least 50mm²Cross-section of (a). Or up to 200mm²Or may be up to 400mm²In order to have sufficient carrying capacity for such high currents. The contact element 20 may be made of a metal, for example copper.

The plug connector 1 can also be provided for operation at high voltages, for example at least 40V, preferably at least 100V, particularly preferably at least 200V or at least 400V and very particularly preferably at least 500V. It can be provided that a voltage of up to 1000V can be applied to the plug connector 1 or the contact element 20 in an operationally reliable manner. By means of the interaction of the first opening 6 with the primary locking element 8 and the interaction of the second opening 7 with the secondary locking element 9, the outer side 10 is operationally safe against spark discharges from the interior 12 of the contact chamber 3 even in such high-voltage operation. In other words: the creepage or air distance between the interior 12 of the contact chamber 3 or the inner side 11 of the wall 5 and the outer side 10 of the wall 5 is thus large enough to prevent spark discharges and thus to touch the outer side 10 of the wall 5 without danger. No additional insulating wall section is required.

As shown in fig. 1, the wall 5 is closed in the circumferential direction U by the primary locking element 8 when it is inserted into the first opening 6 or by the secondary locking element 9 when it is inserted into the second opening 7. This is advantageous in order to prevent the inner part 12 of the contact chamber 3 from spark-discharging onto the outer side 10 of the wall part 5. The two

locking elements

8, 9 thus act in the manner of a plug or cap. It can also be provided that the first and/or the

second opening

6, 7 in the wall 5 has at least one or exactly one step in the radial direction R. In other words: the

openings

6, 7 may have two or more different diameters along the radial direction R. The primary locking element 8 and/or the secondary locking element 9 can then be at least partially inserted or partially sunk into the first opening 6 or the second opening 7 by their outwardly facing ends. The line-of-sight connection from the interior 12 of the contact chamber 3 to the outer side 12 of the wall 5 is then interrupted by a step. Thereby, the breakdown strength can be improved. Furthermore, such a step advantageously also increases the creepage distance.

The step can be formed, for example, in such a way that it lies, for example, in the range of 25% to 75% of the thickness d of the wall 5, as viewed in the radial direction R, and at this point the diameter of the opening changes. Thus, for example, if the thickness d is 2mm, the step can be arranged in a depth of 0.5mm to 1.5 mm of the wall portion 5, viewed from the outside inwards in the radial direction R. At this depth, the diameter of the first or

second opening

6, 7 therefore changes at least in sections.

The diameter of the first opening 6 or of the second opening 7 can be varied circumferentially by a step, or the diameter can be varied circumferentially only in sections, for example up to 270 °. The diameter can vary here, for example, between 10% and 70%, preferably between 15% and 50%. The change in diameter may be based on the radially more outer diameter, for example. The diameter may increase or decrease.

The wall 5 can have a thickness d of at most 4mm, preferably at most 3mm, particularly preferably at most 2mm or at most 1mm and very particularly preferably at most 0.5 mm. For example, for a thickness d of the wall portion 5 in the range of 1.2mm to 2.2 mm, a particularly good compromise between material consumption and breakdown strength may be provided.

The contact element 20 which can be accommodated in the contact chamber 3 is arranged on the inner side 11 of the wall section 5 in the state accommodated in the contact chamber 3, as can be seen in fig. 1.

The mating plug connector 60 which can be plugged together with the plug connector 1 can be arranged, for example, in the plugged-together state with the plug connector 1 (not shown here) directly adjacent to the outer side 10 of the wall 5. Here, for example, the shielding portion surrounding the wall portion 5 may be omitted by a wider portion of the wall portion 5.

The first position P1 and the second position P2 are spaced apart from each other along the insertion direction E or along the axial direction x. The spacing is at least the diameter D of the first opening 6 in the insertion direction E.

The first position P1 and the second position P2 are spaced apart from each other along the looping direction U. The first opening 6 can be arranged, for example, offset by at least 30 ° relative to the second opening 7, as viewed in the circumferential direction U. In the illustration according to fig. 1, the offset is 180 °, that is to say the two

openings

6, 8 are arranged on the opposite side of the wall 5.

The primary locking element 8 can be inserted into the first opening 6 transversely to the insertion direction E in the first plug direction R1, or into the first opening 6 in fig. 1, or arranged in the first opening 6. The primary locking element projects through the first opening 6 into the interior 12 of the contact chamber 3. The primary locking element can pass at least partially (completely in fig. 1) through the interior 12. In fig. 1, the free end of the main locking element 8 engages in a recess 33 of the wall 5 opposite the first opening 6, which recess is configured blind here, where the main locking element is secured against displacement in the axial direction x. It is understood that through openings may be provided instead of the blind-hole-shaped recesses 33.

The secondary locking element 9 can be inserted into the second opening 7 transversely to the insertion direction E in the second plug direction R2, or into the second opening 7 in fig. 1, or arranged in the second opening 7. The secondary locking element projects through the second opening 7 into the interior 12 of the contact chamber 3. The secondary locking element can pass at least in sections (completely in fig. 1) through the interior 12. The secondary locking element 9 engages with its free end in fig. 1 into a further recess 34 of the wall 5 opposite the second opening 7, which recess is configured blind here, where it is secured against displacement in the axial direction x. It will be appreciated that instead of a blind-hole-like recess 34, a through opening may also be provided.

The first plug direction R1 and the second plug direction R2 can have an angle of at least 30 °, preferably at least 45 ° and particularly preferably at least 60 ° with respect to one another. This angle is 180 ° in fig. 1.

The contact element 20 has at least one undercut 24 on its contact element outer side 21, which engages behind (hingerefinen) the main locking element 8 and thus prevents an axial displacement opposite the insertion direction E. Furthermore, the contact element 20 has at least one further undercut 25 on its contact element outer side 21, which engages the secondary locking element 9 from behind. In this way, a further redundant fixing is achieved to prevent axial displacement opposite the insertion direction E. In this case, the undercut 24 and the further undercut 25 can be designed in such a way that, in addition to the axial displacement, a rotation in the circumferential direction U is also prevented when the primary locking element 8 and the secondary locking element 9 are inserted.

The undercut 24 can be designed in such a way that the primary locking element 8 can be inserted into the contact chamber 3 through the first opening 6 only when the contact element 20 is in a defined axial position. The defined axial position may, for example, allow an axial play of at most 5mm, preferably at most 3mm and particularly preferably at most 1mm of the contact element 20. This can be brought about, for example, by a recess in the contact element outer side 21, which defines an edge (beranden) on both sides in the axial direction x.

In the same way, the further undercut 25 can be configured such that the secondary locking element 25 can only be inserted into the contact chamber 3 through the second opening 7 when the contact element 20 is in a defined axial position.

The primary locking element 8 has a base element 14, wherein a number of suspended arms 15 protrude from the base element 14, which number may for example correspond to the number of first openings 6 (in the sectional view of fig. 1, only one arm 15 and one first opening 6 are shown). The wall 5 of the contact chamber 3 can be designed such that the base element 14 ends flush with the wall 5 in the fully installed state of the primary locking element 8. To this end, the wall section 5 can have a recess or step on the outer side 10, into which the base element 14 can be inserted such that it ends flush or at least almost flush with the wall section 5. The small step (e.g. 0.05mm to 0.2mm or, preferably, up to 20%, preferably up to 10% of the thickness d of the wall portion 5) radially inwards or radially outwards may be considered "almost flush" or "substantially flush". Likewise, the first opening 6 or exactly one first opening 6 can be designed with a step. In fig. 1, the base element 15 is shown protruding beyond the outer side 10 of the wall 5 for better visualization.

Likewise, the secondary locking element 9 may also have another base element 16 and one or more suspended arms 17. Here, a step or a recess can also be provided in the wall 5 in the region of the second opening 7.

In principle, it is also possible to configure the two

locking elements

8, 9 in the manner of only one latch.

At the end of the plug connector 1 facing away from the mating plug connector 60, the contact element 20 is electrically connected to the first line 70, for example, by means of a press-fit connection. Here, the first line 70 has a first inner conductor 71 surrounded by a first inner insulating portion 72, as viewed from the inside to the outside. The first inner insulation 72 is surrounded by a first shielding conductor 73, which is configured, for example, as an electrically conductive shielding braid. The first shield conductor 73 is completely surrounded on the outside by an outer insulation 74.

The plug connector 1 of fig. 1 also has a shielding plate 13 near the bottom 32 of the cup-shaped housing 2, which shielding plate is guided here, for example, on the inside of the housing 2 and thus surrounds the wall 5 annularly at a distance from the outside 10 of the wall. However, the shielding plate 13 has only a small extension in the axial direction x, for example an extension of at most 5mm or at most 3mm or at most 1 mm.

The shield plate 13 is electrically connected to the first shield conductor 73 of the first line 70. The shield plate 13 is provided for connection to a counterpart shield plate 63 of the counterpart plug connector 60.

The mating plug connector 60 has a mating plug connector housing 61 in which a mating contact element 62 is arranged. In the state in which the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 60 are plugged together, the mating plug connector can be brought into contact with the contact elements 20 of the plug connector 1. The mating plug connector housing 61 can be made of or comprise plastic, for example. The mating plug connector housing 61 is cup-shaped at its end facing the plug connector 1 and is designed such that it can receive the wall 5 of the contact chamber 3 of the plug connector 1 into its interior. At the end facing away from the plug connector 1, the mating contact element 62 is electrically connected to the second line 80, for example, by a press-fit connection. Here, the second line 80 has a second inner conductor 81 surrounded by a second inner insulating portion 82, as viewed from the inside to the outside. The second inner insulation 82 is surrounded by a second shielding conductor 83, which is configured, for example, as an electrically conductive shielding braid. The second shield conductor 83 is completely surrounded on the outside by a second outer insulation 84.

The second shield conductor 83 of fig. 1 is electrically connected to the counterpart shield plate 63. The mating shielding plate 63 is here arranged, for example, on the outside of the cup-shaped mating plug connector housing 61, so that it electrically contacts its shielding plate 13 in the plugged-together state with the plug connector 1.

In this way, it is ensured that the entire electrical path from the first line 70 or the first connecting cable or the first cable harness via the plug connector/mating plug connector interface to the second line 80 has a continuous shielding and therefore the input of electromagnetic radiation and/or the output of electromagnetic radiation is kept as small as possible. In principle, however, systems without shielding

conductors

73, 83 or without shielding plate 13 or counter-shielding plate 63 are also conceivable.

Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of a plug connector 1 according to the prior art. The housing 2 has a lever 30: by means of the lever, the force which the fitter has to apply when plugging the plug connector 1 together with the mating plug connector 60 can be reduced.

Two contact chambers 3 are arranged in the housing 2. In the interior 12 of the contact chamber 3, contact elements 20 are arranged in each case. Each contact chamber 3 has a wall 5, on the inner side 11 of which wall 5 a contact element 20 is arranged. Two recesses 41, which are opposite one another and are in the form of slits here, are introduced into the wall 5 of each contact chamber 3, and are necessary in order to free-cut (freeschneiden) the resiliently and reversibly deflectable primary latching catches 42 shown in fig. 2 b. Due to these two recesses 41 or gaps, the breakdown strength of the (high) voltage applied to the contact element 20 from the inner side 11 of the wall 5 to the outer side 10 of the wall 5 cannot be reliably ensured. However, in order to be able to ensure touch safety of the contact chamber 3 or the housing 2, the wall 5 is surrounded by an insulating wall 46 which is located radially outside and circumferentially closed. Which in turn is surrounded circumferentially along almost its entire axial length by a shield plate 13.

Fig. 2b shows a cross section of the plug connector from fig. 2 a. Inside the insulating wall part, two main latching catches 42 or main latching catches or latching catches can be seen, which are diametrically opposite each other, and which are free-cut from the wall part 5. The insulating wall 46 and the wall 5 converge in a common root 47, viewed in a direction opposite to the insertion direction E. The primary latching catches 42 or primary latching catches or latching catches engage the undercuts 24 on the outer side of the contact element 20 approximately at the level of the contact locations of a mating contact element (not shown here) configured as a foil cage 22 for the insertion into the contact element 20 from behind.

The primary latching element or primary latching catch 42 or primary locking catch or latching catch secures the contact element 20 during assembly in such a way that an axial displacement opposite the insertion direction E is prevented. At its front end, the contact element 20 is prevented from sliding out of the contact chamber 3 in the axial direction x by an (axial) stop 43 formed in the wall 5.

Furthermore, the housing 2 has a housing outer wall 18 which surrounds the contact chamber 3 in a cup-like manner and which also extends outside the insulating wall 46 and the shielding plate 13. In the region of the base 32 of the housing 2, a radial seal 31 is arranged, which surrounds a root 47 formed by an insulating wall 46 and a wall 5. The radial seal 31 is intended to prevent, for example, moisture, dust and dirt from penetrating into the interior of the plug connector 1 in the plugged-together state of the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 60.

Fig. 3a shows a perspective view of a further plug connector 1. The housing 2 has two contact chambers 3 each with a wall 5. In each of the two wall parts 5, two first openings 6 are introduced at a first position P1 (see also fig. 3 b) and one second opening 7 is introduced at a second position P2, respectively, wherein the second position P2 is closer to the bottom 32 of the housing 2 than the first position P1. The first opening 6 and the second opening 7 are rotated about 30 ° to 45 ° relative to each other in the encircling direction U. The primary locking element 8 is inserted into the first opening 6 in the first plug-in direction R1. The secondary locking element 9 is inserted into the second opening 7 along a second plug direction R2, wherein the two plug directions R1, R2 are rotated relative to each other by an angle of approximately 30 ° to 45 °. The second opening 7 is diametrically opposed to a further opening 48 in the wall, so that the secondary locking element 9 can engage into this further opening 48 and thus prevent displacement along the axial direction x or tilting. The further opening 48 has here a significantly smaller area in the wall 5 than the second opening 7.

All

openings

6, 7, 48 are configured in fig. 2a as holes surrounded by wall 5. The outer side 10 of the wall 5 forms a substantially smooth, continuous surface together with the inserted primary locking element 8 and the inserted secondary locking element 9. Since the two

locking elements

8, 9 terminate essentially flush with the outer side 10 of the wall 5, except for a small removal opening in the base element 14 for removing the primary locking element 8.

In the region of the bottom 32 of the housing 2, a shielding plate 13 annularly surrounds each of the two contact chambers 3 or the wall 5 thereof. However, the axial extension of the shielding plate 13 is very small, for example less than 15mm, preferably less than 10mm and very particularly preferably less than 5 mm.

By making the wall portion 5 substantially completely closed in the direction of circulation U, the creepage or free air distance is dimensioned sufficiently large. Therefore, even when a (high) voltage is applied across the contact elements 20 respectively arranged in the contact chambers 3, no spark discharges occur from the inner side 11 of the wall section 5 to its outer side 10. An additional insulating wall surrounding the wall 5 can thus be dispensed with (as in fig. 2a, 2b, for example). The production of the plug connector 1 is thereby significantly simplified. Furthermore, the dimensions of the housing 2, for example in the y-direction and in the z-direction, can be significantly reduced.

Fig. 3b shows a detail view at the level of the first position P1, cut through one of the two contact chambers 3 of the plug connector 1 from fig. 3 a. The main locking element 8 has a base element 14 which is already shown in fig. 3 a. The base element is curved, for example, in the shape of a circular arc, so that it can end flush or substantially flush with the outer side 10 of the wall section 5. The wall part 5 in the first position is slightly inwardly tapered or has a step or indentation to provide a location for the base element 14. Here, two cantilevered arms 15 project from the base element 14, which cantilevered arms 15 engage the undercut 24 of the contact element 20 from behind in the interior 12 of the contact chamber 3 and thus prevent displacement in a direction opposite the axial direction x or in a direction opposite the insertion direction E. The arms 15 are plugged through the first openings 6, respectively. The two first openings 6 are each filled approximately completely by the arms 14. They are completely covered by the base element 14, viewed in the radial direction, so that there is no direct or linear path from the outer side 10 of the wall 5 to the inner side 11 of the wall 5.

On the inner side 11 of the wall 5, a blind-hole-like recess 33 or a depression is arranged opposite the first opening 6. The arms 15 can engage with their free ends into these recesses or depressions. In this way the arms 15 are fixed against axial displacement or tilting.

The two undercuts 24 can be embodied, for example, in the form of holes in the contact element outer side 21, so that the primary locking element 8 can only be completely inserted into the wall 5 when these undercut openings are aligned with the first opening 6, as viewed in the first plug direction R1. In this way, a correct axial positioning of the contact element 20 in a defined axial position can be ensured.

The wall portion 5 has a signal color, in the embodiment shown orange, in order to thus indicate to the operator a possible danger due to the (high) voltage. In order to be able to reliably detect whether the main locking element 8 is correctly inserted and thus also ensure touch safety, the main locking element 8 has a color that differs from the color of the wall 5. The primary locking element 8 may be, for example, green, blue, yellow, red, brown or magenta or have another color which has as great a contrast as possible with the color of the wall section 5. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the main locking element 8 has another structure or topography, for example grooves or protrusions, for example on its outwardly directed face, for example on the base element 14. Thus, it can be tactually recognized whether the main locking element 8 is correctly installed.

Fig. 3c shows a further detail view cut through one of the two contact chambers 3 of the plug connector 1 from fig. 3a at the level of the second position P2. The secondary locking element 9 of the plug passing through the second opening 7 engages the other undercut 25 of the contact element 20 from behind. The further undercut 25 can also be formed in a hole-like manner, so that axial displacement in both directions along the x axis is prevented or can only be carried out to a limited extent when the secondary locking element 9 is inserted. The secondary locking element 9 has a further base element 16 and a single, suspended arm 17, which with its free end penetrates a further opening 48 on the opposite side of the wall section 5 and substantially completely or even completely closes it. The other arm 17 fills the second opening 7 almost completely. The further base element 16 covers the remaining gap between the second opening 7 and the further arm 17 in the manner of a cap or plug, so that there is no direct or linear path or line-of-sight connection from the outer side 10 to the inner side 11 of the wall section 5. The wall 5 is slightly offset inwardly in the region of the second opening 7, the wall having a step or a notch. The diameter of the second opening 7 is smaller at the radially inner side than at the radially outer side. In the fully installed state, the further base element 16 ends essentially flush with the outer side 10 of the wall 5, i.e. only a very small step results here, in this case less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, of the thickness d of the wall 5, into the interior of the wall 5.

The secondary locking element 9 can be released from the contact chamber 3, for example by pressure through the further opening 48 onto the free end of said further arm 17. The other opening 48 likewise has a step. In the same way, the free end of the other arm 17 also has a complementary step. In the further opening 48, the diameter in the radial direction on the inside is greater than the diameter in the radial direction on the outside. In this way, a direct or linear path or line-of-sight connection from the interior 12 of the contact chamber 3 to the outer side 12 of the wall section 5 is prevented, at least when the secondary locking element 9 is inserted.

In order to be able to reliably recognize whether the secondary locking element 9 is correctly inserted and thus also provide touch security, the secondary locking element 9 has a color that differs from the color of the wall 5. The secondary locking elements 9 may be, for example, green, blue, yellow, red, brown or magenta or have another color which has as great a contrast as possible with the color of the wall section 5. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the secondary locking element 9 has another structure or topography, for example grooves or protrusions, for example on its outwardly directed face, for example on the base element 16. Therefore, it can be tactually recognized whether the secondary locking element 9 is correctly installed.

In principle, the secondary locking element 9 can also have a plurality of further arms 17 on a common further base element 16, which are then inserted through the plurality of second openings 7. In the same way, the main locking element can in principle also have only one arm 15.

Finally, it should be noted that the plug connector 1 is considered or suitable or can be provided for applications or uses in motor vehicles or in inverters, motors, controllers, batteries, charging devices or generators. However, the plug connector 1 is not limited to such an application or use.

Claims

1. Plug connector for plugging together a mating plug connector (60) in an insertion direction (E), the plug connector (1) having:

-a housing (2) with at least one contact chamber (3);

wherein the at least one contact chamber (3) is arranged in the housing (2),

wherein the at least one contact chamber (3) is provided for accommodating a contact element (20),

wherein the at least one contact chamber (3) has a wall (5) surrounding the insertion direction (E),

wherein a first opening (6) is provided in the wall portion (5) at a first position (P1) as seen in the insertion direction (E),

wherein at least one second opening (7) is provided in the wall portion (5) at a second position (P2) as seen in the insertion direction (E),

wherein a primary locking element (8) for a contact element (20) that can be received in the contact chamber (3) can be inserted into the first opening (6),

wherein a secondary locking element (9) for a contact element (20) that can be received in the contact chamber (3) can be inserted into the second opening (7),

wherein, when the primary locking element (8) is inserted into the first opening (6) and when the secondary locking element (9) is inserted into the second opening (7), an outer side (10) of the wall section (5) is touch-proof in a surrounding direction (U) around the insertion direction (E) in order to prevent spark discharges from an interior (12) of the contact chamber (3).

2. The plug connector of claim 1,

wherein the plug connector (1) is provided for high voltage applications,

in particular for voltages between 100V and 1500V or for voltages between 250V and 1200V.

3. Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the wall section (5) is closed in a circumferential direction (U) when the primary locking element (8) is inserted into the first opening (6) and when the secondary locking element (9) is inserted into the second opening (7).

4. Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the wall section (5) has a thickness (d) of at most 3mm, preferably at most 2mm, particularly preferably at most 1mm and very particularly preferably at most 0.5 mm.

5. Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein a contact element (20) which can be accommodated in the contact chamber (3) is arranged on the inner side (11) of the wall section (5) in the state of being accommodated in the contact chamber (3).

6. Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein a mating plug connector (60) which can be plugged together with the plug connector (1) is arranged directly adjacent to the outer side (10) of the wall section (5) in the plugged-together state of the plug connector (1).

7. Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) are spaced apart from each other along the insertion direction (E),

in particular in the insertion direction (E) at least one diameter (D) of the first opening (6).

8. Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) are spaced apart from each other along the encircling direction (U),

wherein in particular the first opening (6) is arranged offset by at least 30 DEG, viewed in the direction of circulation (U), relative to the second opening (7).

9. Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the primary locking element (8) can be inserted into the first opening (6) transversely to the insertion direction (E) in a first plug direction (R1),

wherein the secondary locking element (9) can be inserted into the second opening (7) transversely to the insertion direction (E) in a second plug direction (R2),

wherein the first plug-in direction (R1) and the second plug-in direction (R2) have an angle of at least 30 °, preferably at least 45 °, and very particularly preferably at least 60 °, with one another.

10. Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein a contact element (20) is arranged in the at least one contact chamber (3),

wherein the contact element (20) is inserted into the contact chamber (3), in particular along an axial direction (x).

11. The plug connector according to the preceding claim,

wherein the contact element (20) has at least one undercut (24) on its contact element outer side (21) such that the primary locking element (8) can be inserted into the contact chamber (3) through the first opening (6) only when the contact element (20) is in a defined axial position,

wherein the defined axial position allows an axial play of the contact element (20) of maximally 5mm, preferably maximally 3mm and particularly preferably maximally 1 mm.

12. Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the primary locking element (8) and/or the secondary locking element (9) is designed with a different color or surface structure than the wall (5) of the contact chamber (3).

13. Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the wall section (5) has two or more first openings (6) spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction in a first position (P1),

wherein the primary locking element (8) has a base element (14),

wherein a plurality of suspended arms (15) protrude from the base element (14), the number of said suspended arms corresponding to the number of first openings (6),

wherein the wall (5) of the contact chamber (3) is designed in such a way that the base element (14) ends essentially flush with the wall (3) in the fully installed state of the primary locking element (8).