EP3991252A1

EP3991252A1 - Plug connector

Info

Publication number: EP3991252A1
Application number: EP20733768.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rolf Wittmann
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 2019-06-26
Filing date: 2020-06-18
Publication date: 2022-05-04
Also published as: WO2020260117A1; KR102685667B1; US12074394B2; KR20220019057A; CN114258615A; JP2022538141A; US20220368065A1; JP7230246B2; DE102019209235A1

Abstract

The invention relates to plug connector (1) for connecting to a mating plug connector (60) in an insertion direction (E). The plug connector (1) has a housing (2) with an interior (3) and a contact element (20) arranged in the interior (3). The plug connector (1) also has a connector position assurance (CPA, 4). The housing (2) has a pressure equalisation element (5) for pressure equalisation of the interior (3) relative to an exterior (6) of the housing (2). The CPA (4) is arranged on the housing (2) and is movable between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) relative to the housing (2), wherein a sealing element (30) is provided on the CPA (4), wherein the pressure equalisation element (5) in the second position is sealed by the sealing element (30) with respect to the exterior (6).

Description

description

title

Connectors

Field of invention

The invention relates to a connector.

State of the art

It is known from the prior art that it can be beneficial for the function of an electrical plug connection made up of a plug connector and a mating plug connector that it is in a defined plug-in position after the plugging process or the plugging process. This defined plug-in position or plug-in position or connection position or connection position can be, for example, an end position. In the defined plug-in position, the plug connection can e.g. in a

Be locked in the final position.

In order to indicate to an operator (or a fitter) the existence of the defined plug-in position, additional actuating elements, so-called connector position assurances (CPAs) or

Control slide, inserted. These are clearly visible to the operator and can only be moved or displaced into an end position when the plug connection is in the defined plugged position.

A specific design of a CPA is known, for example, from DE 299 04 381 U1, in which the CPA is referred to as a control slide. A CPA and a connector arrangement with a CPA are known from DE 10 2014 206 431 A1.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention is based on the knowledge that the defined plug-in position of a plug-in connection should be reliably recognized by an operator or a fitter and that an interior of a plug-in connector arrangement consisting of a plug-in connector or plug and mating plug-in connector or mating plug should be designed to be media-tight from an outside space when plugged together . This is intended on the one hand to bring about a secure electrical connection and on the other hand to ensure the durability of the electrical connection in the interior. The longevity can be achieved by preventing or at least greatly preventing the entry of fluid media (e.g. liquids or gases) as well as dirt, particles and dirt. When plugging the connector and mating connector together, however, the (common) interior space enclosed by the connector and mating connector is reduced. As soon as the sealing effect begins when plugging together from a sealing position or a sealing position, the air in the interior volume can no longer easily escape during further plugging, whereby the

Insertion resistance or the insertion force is noticeably increased.

The provision of a sealing effect that begins very late (e.g. shortly before the defined plug-in position) can be due to technical requirements and / or

Customer requirements are prevented.

There may therefore be a need to provide a connector in which reaching the defined plug-in position is easy and reliable, e.g. can be recognized even under restricted visibility conditions and the interior of which is sealed off from the exterior or the exterior of the connector when it is plugged together with the mating connector. At the same time, the

Insertion force of the connector when mating with the mating connector should be as low as possible. An increase in the insertion force when plugging together due to a tightly enclosed volume of air in the interior should be avoided as far as possible. In the same way, when unplugging connectors and

Mating connector the necessary force should not be increased by working against a depression created by enlarging the tightly closed

Interior volume is created.

Advantages of the invention

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

According to a first aspect of the invention, a connector for

Suggested plugging together along an insertion direction with a mating connector. The connector has a housing with an interior space and a contact element arranged in the interior space. The connector also has a Connector Position Assurance (CPA). The housing has a

Pressure equalization element for equalizing the pressure of the interior with respect to one

Outside of the housing. The CPA is arranged or attached to the housing and is displaceable between a first position and a second position relative to the housing. A sealing element or a sealing means is provided on the CPA, the pressure compensation element being sealed against the outside space by the sealing element in the second position.

In other words: The connector is intended to be equipped with a

To connect sealing element. As a result, by moving the CPA to its end position (second position), which indicates the correct plug-in position, the

Sealed pressure compensation element for the interior. The sealing element does not have to have a valve function for this. When disassembling or opening the

The connector must first remove the CPA from the second position (e.g. into the

Starting position) are shifted back, whereby the sealing of the

Pressure compensation elements can be released again.

The CPA can be attached to the housing in a captive and relocatable manner. You can e.g. be performed in a setting.

This has the advantageous effect that by means of the CPA, the correct plugging together of the plug connector and mating plug connector can be recognized simply, safely and reliably. At the same time, the insertion force or opening force are not increased by an air volume trapped or enclosed in the interior, since the air volume can communicate or can be exchanged by means of the pressure compensation element with the outside space or an outside environment of the connector. As a result, when plugging together, there is advantageously no overpressure in the interior, which would increase the insertion force. In the same way, the formation of a negative pressure in the interior when the plug connection is opened is advantageously counteracted, which would increase the opening force. Finally, it is advantageously ensured that the plug connector enables a tight plug connection to be provided. Because in the process of

Plugging together with the mating connector enables pressure equalization and thus the exchange of fluid flows, but at the same time it is ensured that the interior is sealed against the exterior after the plugging process has been completed and the CPA has been actuated.

In this way, the CPA advantageously fulfills a multiple function:

■ it enables the verification of the correct plug-in position or plug-in position;

■ continues to work together with the when plugged together

Sealing means the (media) tight sealing of the interior from the exterior by sealing the pressure compensation element;

Finally, in interaction with the pressure compensation element during the plugging process or during the opening process, it enables the forces required for this not to be unnecessarily increased - because during the plugging or opening process the CPA is not in the second position, but e.g. in the first position, and the pressure compensation element does not seal off by the sealant.

It goes without saying that exactly one contact element is arranged in the interior, e.g.

plugged in, but that several contact elements can be arranged in the interior, e.g. two or more than two contact elements.

A contact chamber, which is designed to accommodate the contact element, can be arranged in the interior of the connector. It goes without saying that several contact chambers can also be arranged in the interior. There can be several

Contact elements can be arranged in a contact chamber. A single contact element can also be arranged in each contact chamber.

The contact element can, for example, be latched in the contact chamber. For this purpose, a latching lance (elastically reversibly deflectable), for example, and an undercut in the contact chamber can be provided on the contact element. Also the provision of a locking lance on a wall of the contact chamber may be possible, which then engages in an undercut of the contact element.

The contact element can e.g. have one or more contact lamellas, which bring about reliable electrical contact with an inserted or adjacently arranged mating contact element.

The contact element (or the contact elements) can be used to contact a

Be set up mating contact element of the mating connector. The contact element can e.g. be designed as a stamped and bent part from sheet metal and have a contact box into which the mating contact element can be inserted. The

Contact element can be electrically connected to a line or a cable.

The mating contact element can e.g. be designed as a pin, a contact knife or the like.

It goes without saying that the mating contact element can also be designed in the form of a female contact and the contact element in the form of a male contact.

In the second position, the CPA, together with the sealant, seals the

Pressure compensation element against an external environment of the housing.

It is also understood that further to seal the plug connection

Sealing elements can be provided on the connector or on the mating connector. These further sealing elements can e.g. be arranged in the area of cable passages through the housing. A radial seal can also be provided, which is arranged between the housing walls of the plug connector and mating plug connector when they are plugged together. Alternatively, a seal can also be effected by an external sealing element.

In the context of this application, a radial direction is to be understood as a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and a circumferential direction is a direction that extends circumferentially around the insertion direction, unless otherwise stated in the text.

In that the CPA is set up in such a way that it can only be displaced into the second position when the connector and the mating connector are in a defined position Plugged together is advantageous has the effect that a fitter or an operator can always reliably recognize that the plug connection is off

Connector and mating connector are correctly plugged together. Correct plugging together, e.g. an end position, an end latching position, etc. (thus the defined plug-in position) can be reliably recognized even under poor visibility or under cramped installation conditions, since the CPA can only be moved when the defined plug-in position has been reached. The CPA can e.g. are initially in the first position before the connector is mated with the mating connector.

A mechanical lock can be provided which prevents the CPA from being shifted into the second position as long as the defined plug-in position has not yet been reached. The relocation can e.g. by moving or twisting the CPA relative to the

Connectors are effected, e.g. along a management structure, e.g. one

Leadership backdrop. After reaching the defined plug-in position, e.g. a mechanical lock for the CPA can be overcome so that the CPA can then be shifted into the second position.

Because the pressure compensation element is formed through an opening in the housing, a pressure compensation element or connector housing can be provided that is particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

It goes without saying that there can be exactly one opening. However, there can also be several openings, e.g. lie close together. In the case of several openings, which then form the pressure compensation element, in the second position of the CPA, all openings from the sealing element or sealing means of the CPA against the

Sealed outside space.

The opening or the through opening can e.g. be an opening in a wall of the housing. This opening connects e.g. the interior of the housing with the exterior, so that air located in the interior can communicate with or can be exchanged with air from the exterior. The opening can preferably be an opening that is not the opening for inserting the

Mating connector is. The opening is located, for example, in the sealed part of the interior, that is to say beyond a radial seal that is present, for example. The fact that the opening is covered by a membrane, the membrane being designed to be waterproof but gas-permeable, has the advantageous effect that the risk of liquids or dirt, dirt or dust entering the interior is minimized as long as the CPA is not yet is shifted to the second position. This is advantageous in the interior, for example when transporting the connector or when

Handling of the connector protected. In addition, this advantageously prevents dirt, dirt, particles or even liquid from getting through the opening from the outside into the interior after the CPA has been moved from the second position to the first position when the plug connection is opened. This is e.g. Relevant in the automotive sector when the connector in the engine compartment is opened, as the area around the connector and the connector itself are in the

The engine compartment can become dirty over time and can also be exposed to moisture.

A further development provides that the sealing element is designed as a plug, with the sealing element being inserted into the opening in the second position of the CPA. This advantageously has the effect that the opening is simply, safely and reliably sealed off over the long term. A sealing element designed in this way is advantageously particularly robust even in the face of challenging operating conditions, e.g. huge

Temperature fluctuations, vibrations, etc. The plug can e.g. like a cork in a bottle are inserted into the opening.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that in the second position of the CPA the sealing element (preferably elastic) is pressed onto the opening over the entire surface. Here the sealing element is e.g. in particular pressed onto the edge of the opening or onto an area surrounding the edge and at the same time it covers the entire area of the opening. The sealing element advantageously has a flat or planar surface in the area of contact with the edge in order to avoid leaks. This advantageously enables a particularly simple seal. This also advantageously protects the edge of the opening from contamination. Finally, such a sealing element can be manufactured particularly inexpensively, since the seal is ensured regardless of the size tolerance of the sealing means as long as the edge of the opening is securely covered. In the event of an overpressure suddenly occurring in the interior, a sealing means designed in this way can also advantageously act in the manner of an overpressure valve.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the sealing element is designed in the manner of a sleeve, wherein in the second position of the CPA the sealing element over the Opening is turned over. In other words: The sealing element is slipped over the edge of the opening and completely covers the opening, like a crown cap for example the pouring opening of a bottle, the sealing function here additionally being effected, for example, by the inner wall of the sleeve resting against the outer wall of the opening can. As a result, a particularly simple sealant is provided which produces a reliable seal even with tolerances in the distance between the sealant and the opening. The wall of the sleeve, which wall can also be referred to as a collar, can also ensure a seal with a spacing tolerance which corresponds to the height of the collar.

Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element can be designed as an O-ring, with the sealing element resting on the housing in the second position of the CPA and completely surrounding the edge of the opening. This provides a particularly simple and inexpensive sealant. O-rings are available in a wide variety of materials,

Cord sizes and diameters available, so that even if the

The size of the opening or the diameter of the opening can be selected easily and inexpensively for various plug-in connectors and a correspondingly suitable O-ring can be selected in this way and the seal is always ensured. A suitable O-ring can also be selected and used cost-effectively for different materials of the housing or different operating conditions.

It goes without saying that not only a single sealant can be arranged on the CPA. It is also possible to provide two or more sealants. This can e.g. be the case when several openings form the pressure compensation element. However, provision can also be made for the sealing to be made particularly secure by staggering several seals. So - just as an example - that

The sealing element can be a plug that is surrounded by an O-ring. Of course, all other 2-fold or even 3-fold combinations of sealants are also possible, e.g. the sealant as a stopper, surrounded by a sleeve, which in turn is surrounded by an O-ring.

It goes without saying that the sealing means can for example be made of an elastic material. It can e.g. Include rubber, silicone, etc.

In a further development it is provided that a tubular connecting piece is provided on the opening, a further opening being provided on a communication end of the connecting piece facing away from the opening, the CPA having a first end which faces the communication end of the connecting piece at least in the second position, the sealing element at the first end of the CPA

is arranged. This has the advantageous effect that the risk is reduced that the opening is undesirably covered or closed in the state not closed by the CPA or the sealing means and the pressure equalization between the interior and exterior is prevented in an undesirable manner. In addition, this advantageously extends the distance from the outside to the inside, so that any dirt or moisture that may penetrate can initially be deposited on the inside wall of the connecting piece and not even reach the inside. Finally, the direction of the air outlet or air inlet can thereby advantageously be changed or rotated with respect to the opening, so that a simpler seal is possible through the CPA and its predefined direction of displacement.

The tubular neck can e.g. represents a kind of channel through which air escapes

Interior can communicate with the exterior. The nozzle can e.g. also have a curvature so that the further opening points in a different direction than the opening in the housing. This can further advantageously reduce the penetration of dirt or moisture into the interior. The connecting piece can, however, also be made straight, so that the further opening points in the same direction as the opening in the housing.

Advantageously, the connecting piece can thus cause e.g. a distance to the sealant disposed on the CPA is reduced. It can also advantageously be effected that the further opening is aligned in such a way that the sealing means can reliably seal off the interior from the exterior when the CPA is moved into the second position. Depending on the construction of the connector, i.e. the arrangement of the CPA on the housing, the direction of displacement of the CPA and the position of the opening in the housing, the nozzle can facilitate the function of the sealing concept or even enable it at all without having to make extensive redesigns of the connector. In this way, the concept can also be beneficial in existing ones

Connectors can be implemented with little effort.

The fact that the sealing element is arranged on a first end face of the CPA advantageously enables particularly simple manufacture of the CPA. In addition, a possibly defective sealing element can advantageously be replaced particularly easily in this way. The first face can e.g. point in the direction indicated by the

Movement of the CPA from the first position to the second position is defined. This advantageously ensures that the sealant in the second position in the opening or another opening is inserted or pressed (eg as a stopper) and / or is pressed onto the edge of the opening or the further opening and covers the opening or further opening (eg as a planar or flat sealing element in the area of the opening edge, for example ) and / or is slipped over the edge of the opening or the further opening (eg as a sleeve).

Provision can be made for the sealing element to be designed as a plug, the sealing element being inserted into the further opening of the connecting piece in the second position of the CPA. A particularly secure, reliable and robust seal is thereby advantageously effected. The advantages presented above for the design as a stopper apply analogously here.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that in the second position of the CPA the sealing element is pressed over the entire surface onto the further opening of the connecting piece.

This results in a cost-effective production of the sealing element, since larger tolerances e.g. in the diameter of the wider opening or the area of the

Sealing element are possible. The sealing element advantageously has a flat or planar surface in the area of contact with the edge in order to avoid leaks. The advantages for full-surface pressing shown above apply analogously here,

especially the possible function as a pressure relief valve.

Alternatively or additionally, the sealing element can be designed in the manner of a sleeve, the sealing element being slipped over the communication end of the connecting piece in the second position of the CPA. As a result, a particularly simple sealant is provided which produces a secure seal even with tolerances in the distance between the sealant and the further opening. The wall of the sleeve, which wall can also be referred to as a collar, can also ensure a seal with a spacing tolerance that corresponds to the height of the collar. In the case of the socket, a sealing means or sealing element designed in the manner of a sleeve can e.g. can also be designed as an O-ring, which in the second position of the CPA surrounds and seals the edge of the nozzle in the area of the further opening.

The advantages presented above for the design as a sleeve and the design as an O-ring apply analogously here.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a connector arrangement is proposed. The connector assembly comprises a connector as above described. The connector arrangement furthermore comprises a mating connector with a mating connector housing, a mating contact element for contacting the contact element being provided in the mating connector housing.

When the connector and mating connector are plugged together, a plug connection is formed.

With the connector arrangement it can advantageously be determined safely and reliably by means of the CPA whether the defined plug-in position (e.g. an end position, a

Final locking position, an end position, etc.) has been reached. Furthermore, the

Pressure compensation element ensures a low plug-in force during plugging together or a low opening force during plugging apart or during loosening or during opening of the plug connection. Finally, it is advantageously ensured that in the plugged-together state, when the CPA is moved into the second position, no fluid media, in particular no liquid, and also no dirt or grime from the outside into the interior of the connector or the plug connection or can reach the common interior of the connector and mating connector.

In that in a state in which the connector and the

Mating connectors are plugged together in the defined plug-in position and in which the CPA is shifted to the second position, the interior of the housing is sealed against the exterior of the housing is advantageously a safe, reliable electrical connection between the contact element and the service life

Mating contact element created. The risk of corrosion of the contact element and / or mating contact element is reduced, as is the risk of short circuits, e.g. due to moisture in the interior, provided that more than one contact element-counter-contact element pair is provided in the connector arrangement.

drawings

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

Show it Fig. La: a schematic cross section of a connector and a

Mating connector (connector arrangement) in an unmated plug-in position with a CPA in a first position;

Fig. Lb: the connector arrangement from Fig. La after the establishment of the

Plug connection in the defined plug-in position in which the CPA is still in the first position;

FIG. 1c: the plug connection from FIG. 1b, in which the CPA is displaced into a second position;

2a shows a schematic cross section of a further plug connector and a further mating plug connector (further plug connector arrangement) in an unmated plug-in position with a CPA in a first position;

FIG. 2b: the connector arrangement from FIG. 2a after the establishment of the

FIG. 2c: the plug connection from FIG. 2b, in which the CPA has been moved into a second position.

FIG. 1 a shows a schematic cross section of a connector arrangement 100 which has a connector 1 and a mating connector 60.

The connector 1 is set up for plugging together along a

Insertion direction E with the mating connector 60. The connector 1 has a housing 2 with an interior 3 and an interior 3 arranged

Contact element 20, wherein a plurality of contact elements 20 can also be provided, of which only one can be seen in the cross section shown. The

Connector 1 has a Connector Position Assurance (CPA, 4). The housing 2 has a pressure equalization element 5 for equalizing the pressure of the interior 3 with respect to an exterior 6 of the housing 2. The CPA 4 is arranged on the housing 2 and can be displaced relative to the housing 2 between a first position PI and a second position P2. A sealing element 30 is provided on the CPA 4, for example indirectly or immediately secured or attached in a captive manner. In order to enable plug-in connector 1 and mating plug-in connector 60 to be plugged together without increased plug-in force, in order to continue to recognize that a defined plug-in position has been reached and at the same time to prevent moisture, dirt or dirt from entering the interior 3 when plugged together, it is provided that in the second position P2, the pressure compensation element 5 is sealed against the outer space 6 by the sealing element 30 (see also FIG. 1c).

The radial direction R runs perpendicular to the insertion direction E and the direction of rotation U runs around the insertion direction E.

The connector 1 is connected to or has a first cable 50. The first cable 50, viewed from the inside out, has a first conductor 52 and a first insulation 51 which surrounds the first conductor 52. In principle, a shielding conductor can also be provided as well as external insulation, which then

Shielding conductor surrounds. The first cable 50 can also have a plurality of first conductors 52. For example, each contact element 20 can be connected to a respective first conductor 52. It is also possible to electrically connect a plurality of contact elements 20 to a first conductor 52. The first conductor 52 can be designed for the transmission of signals, for example. However, it can also be designed to transmit high currents (eg more than 10A or even more than 50A) and / or to apply high voltages (eg more than 40V or even more than 100 V or even more than 400V). For the transmission of high currents, the first conductor 52 can, for example, have a cross section of more than 1 mm ² or more than 4 mm ² .

The mating connector 60 has a mating connector housing 61, a mating contact element 62 for contacting the contact element 20 being provided in the mating connector housing 61. The mating contact element 62 can e.g. be designed as a pin or contact blade (male contact). Basically it can

Counter contact element 62 e.g. can also be designed as a female contact, or it can be provided that the contact element 20 and the mating contact element 62 are designed in the form of tabs which are pressed against one another in the contacted state. It is also possible that several mating contact elements 62 in or on

Mating connectors 60 are provided.

The mating connector 60 is connected to or has a second cable 70. The second cable 70 has a second conductor 72 viewed from the inside out and a second insulation 71 surrounding the second conductor 72. In principle, a shielding conductor can also be provided, as well as external insulation which then surrounds the shielding conductor. The second cable 70 can also have a plurality of second conductors 72. For example, each mating contact element 62 can each be connected to a second conductor 52. Also the electrical connection of several

Counter-contact elements 62 with a second conductor 72 are possible. The second conductor 72 can be designed for the transmission of signals, for example. However, it can also be designed to transmit high currents (eg more than 10A or even more than 50A) and / or to apply high voltages (eg more than 40V or even more than 100V or even more than 400V). For the transmission of high currents, the second conductor 72 can for example have a cross section of more than 1 mm ² or more than 4 mm ² .

A contact chamber 11 for receiving a contact element 20 is arranged in the interior 3 of the plug connector 1. A plurality of contact chambers 11 can also be arranged in the interior 3. In each contact chamber 11 can be exactly one

Contact element 20 are located, but several contact elements 20 can also be used in each contact chamber 11, e.g. be plugged in. Only one contact chamber 11 can be seen in the cross section of FIG.

The contact element 20 has a contact box 23 into which the mating contact element 62 of the mating connector 60 can be inserted through an insertion opening 26 arranged on the front side, ie facing the mating connector 60. In the interior of the contact box 23, for example, a contact lamella 24 can be arranged (two contact lamellae 24 are visible here) which, when plugged together (FIG. 1c), establish or secure or improve the electrical contact with the mating contact element 62. At the rear end of the contact element 20 are here - merely by way of example - a line crimp 22 for fastening the first conductor 52 and a

Insulation crimp 21 is provided for fastening the first insulation 51. The

Contact box 23 further comprises a e.g. elastically reversibly displaceable locking lance 25, by means of which the contact element 20 can be locked on an undercut 12 of the contact chamber 11 in the contact chamber 23.

In the illustrated embodiment, at the front end of the housing 2 is a

Radial seal 13 is provided or arranged or attached. In the assembled state, this seals the interior 3 with the mating connector 60 the outer space 6 and thus prevents moisture, liquids, dirt and grime from penetrating into the inner space 3.

The CPA 4 is set up in such a way that it can only be displaced into the second position P2 when the connector 1 and the mating connector 60 are plugged together in a defined plug-in position. If this defined plug-in position is not reached, e.g. it can be provided that a displacement or rotation of the CPA 4 from the first position PI into the second position P2 is mechanically blocked. At the same time it can be provided that a loosening of the plug connection, i. plugging the connector 1 and the mating connector 60 apart is only possible if the CPA 4 is moved beforehand in such a way that it is no longer in the second position P2. This can e.g. are effected by shifting or rotating the CPA 4 in the direction of the first position PI or even as far as the first position PI. This displacement also removes the seal between the pressure compensation element 5 and the outer space 6.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure compensation element 5 is formed through an opening 7 in the housing 2, other types of pressure compensation elements 5 also being conceivable, e.g. multi-part housing 2, the housing parts e.g.

are mutually displaceable. This opening 7 is located in the exemplary embodiment in a side wall 14 of the housing. However, it is also possible that the opening 7 is located on a bottom 15 of the housing 2, in the vicinity of the first cable 50. The opening 7 can e.g. be arranged behind the radial seal with respect to the radial seal 13 provided by way of example in this exemplary embodiment, that is to say further in the interior 3.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 a to 1 c, a tube-like connection piece is at the opening 7

40 is provided, at a communication end facing away from the opening 7

41 of the connector 40 a further opening 42 is provided. The connector 40 here has a curved shape, so that the further opening 42 points in a direction opposite to the insertion direction E, while the opening 7 points in the radial direction R from the interior 3 to the exterior 6. The connecting piece 40 thus rotates the direction by 90 °. As a result, moisture or dirt penetrating into the further opening 42 can initially be deposited on the inner wall of the connecting piece 40. This reduces the risk of dirt and moisture getting into the interior 3. The CPA 4 here has a first end 9 which faces the communication end 41 of the connector 40 at least in the second position P2. The sealing element 30 is arranged here on the first end 9 of the CPA 4. In this exemplary embodiment, the sealing element 30 is designed as a stopper 31, which is designed with a plurality of notches merely by way of example. The stopper 31 is preferably oversized in relation to the further opening 42, so that when it is inserted or inserted or pressed into the further opening 42, it seals the further opening 42. The stopper 31 can, for example, have an elastic material (for example rubber or a plastic or cork), so that the sealing function is maintained, for example, even with temperature fluctuations.

In the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 a to 1 c, the sealing element 30 is arranged on a first end face 10 of the CPA 4. The first end face 10 here points into that

Direction defined by the movement of the CPA 4 from the first position PI to the second position P2. In the illustrated embodiment, the CPA 4 can be shifted from the first position PI into the second position P2 by moving it from top to bottom, that is, along the insertion direction E.

FIG. 1b shows the connector arrangement 100 from FIG. 1a after the plug connection has been established in the defined plug-in position in which the CPA 4 is still in the first position PI. The operator or fitter has thus already established the plug connection in the correct plug-in position or plug-in position. However, the CPA 4 has not yet been moved, so that the further opening 42 on the connector 40 is still open and a media exchange or fluid communication from the interior 3 to the

Outside space 6 is still possible.

FIG. 1c shows the plug connector arrangement 100 from FIG. 1b, in which the CPA 4 is displaced into the second position P2 (along the direction of the arrow which is shown in the CPA 4). The sealing element 30 in the form of the plug 31 is now inserted into the further opening 42 and thus seals the interior 3 from the exterior 6.

In principle, it is also possible for a membrane (see FIGS. 2a to 2c) to be arranged or attached to the opening 7 and / or to the further opening 42 or in the connector 40, which membrane is gas-permeable but impermeable to liquids. This can also prevent the ingress of dirt, grime and liquids.

FIGS. 2a to 2c show a further connector arrangement 100. FIG. 2a shows a schematic cross section of a further plug connector 1 and a further mating plug connector 60 in an unmated one

Plug-in position with a CPA 4 in a first position PI.

The plug connector 1 from FIG. 2a differs from that from FIG. 1 a, inter alia, in that a membrane 8 is arranged in the connector 1 from FIG. 2a on the side of the opening 7 facing the interior 3. This membrane 8 is e.g.

gas permeable, but liquid impermeable. Thus, when plugging connector 1 and mating connector 60, air can escape from interior 3

escape, the penetration of (liquid) water and dirt and grime is prevented or at least greatly reduced.

Furthermore, in the plug connector 1 shown here, no connection piece 40 is arranged on the pressure compensation element 5 designed as an opening 7.

The sealing element 30 is arranged on a surface 18 of the CPA 4, the surface 18 facing the housing 2. The sealing element 30 is here e.g. as an O-ring 32

educated. However, it can also be designed as a sleeve or in some other form.

In the first position PI of the CPA 4, the opening 7 is free, so that there is a fluid-conducting connection between the interior 3 and the exterior 6.

FIG. 2b shows the connector arrangement 100 from FIG. 2a after the plug connection has been established in the defined plug-in position. However, the CPA 4 is still in the first position PI, so that the opening 7 is still free.

Figure 2c shows the plug connection of Figure 2b in which the CPA 4, e.g. has been moved into the second position P2 by an operator or fitter. The sealing element 30 or sealing means embodied as an O-ring 32 rests on the housing 2 and completely encloses the edge of the opening 7. As a result, no more air can escape from the interior 3 or penetrate into it, because on the

The side facing the mating connector 60, the interior space 3 is sealed by the radial seal 13 and the mating connector housing 61. On the side opposite the opening 7, the surface 18 or the CPA 4 prevents one

Fluid communication or fluid line between the interior 3 and the exterior 6. Finally, it should be noted that the connector 1 or the

Connector arrangement 100 is intended or suitable or set up for application or use in motor vehicles. However, the connector 1 is not limited to such applications or uses.

Claims

Expectations:

1. Connector for plugging together along an insertion direction (E) with

a mating connector (60), the connector (1) having:

- A housing (2) with an interior (3) and a contact element (20) arranged in the interior (3);

- a Connector Position Assurance (CPA, 4);

wherein the housing (2) has a pressure compensation element (5) for pressure compensation of the interior (3) with respect to an exterior (6) of the housing (2), the CPA (4) being arranged on the housing (2) and between a first position ( PI) and a second position (P2) is displaceable relative to the housing (2),

a sealing element (30) being provided on the CPA (4),

wherein in the second position (P2) the pressure compensation element (5) by the

Sealing element (30) is sealed against the outer space (6).

2. Connector according to claim 1,

wherein the CPA (4) is set up in such a way that it can only be displaced into the second position (P2) when the connector (1) and the mating connector (60) are plugged together in a defined plug-in position.

3. Connector according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the pressure compensation element (5) is formed through an opening (7) in the housing (2).

4. Connector according to the preceding claim,

wherein the opening (7) is covered by a membrane (8),

wherein the membrane (8) is designed to be waterproof but gas-permeable.

5. Connector according to one of the two preceding claims,

wherein the sealing element (30) is designed as a plug (31),

wherein in the second position (P2) of the CPA (4) the sealing element (30) is inserted into the opening (7), or

wherein in the second position (P2) of the CPA (4) the sealing element (30) is pressed onto the opening (7) over the entire surface,

or

wherein the sealing element (30) is designed in the manner of a sleeve,

wherein in the second position (P2) of the CPA (4) the sealing element (30) over the

Opening (7) is turned over

or

wherein the sealing element (30) is designed as an O-ring (32),

wherein in the second position (P2) of the CPA (4) the sealing element (20) on the housing

(2) rests and completely surrounds the edge of the opening (7).

6. Connector according to one of claims 3 or 4,

a tubular connecting piece (40) being provided at the opening (7),

wherein at a communication end (41) facing away from the opening (7) of the

Nozzle (40) a further opening (42) is provided,

wherein the CPA (4) has a first end (9) which faces the communication end (41) of the connecting piece (40) at least in the second position (P2), the sealing element (30) at the first end (9 ) the CPA (4) is arranged.

7. Connector according to the preceding claim,

wherein the sealing element (30) is arranged on a first end face (10) of the CPA (4),

wherein the first end face (10) points in particular in the direction which is defined by the movement of the CPA (4) from the first position (PI) to the second position (P2).

8. Connector according to one of the two preceding claims,

wherein the sealing element (30) is designed as a plug (31),

wherein in the second position (P2) of the CPA (4) the sealing element (30) in the other

Opening (42) of the nozzle (40) is inserted,

or

wherein in the second position (P2) of the CPA (4) the sealing element (30) is pressed over the entire surface onto the further opening (42) of the connecting piece (40),

or

wherein the sealing element (30) is designed in the manner of a sleeve, wherein in the second position (P2) of the CPA (4) the sealing element (30) is slipped over the communication end (41) of the connecting piece (40).

9. Connector arrangement, comprising:

- A connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims;

- A mating connector (60) with a mating connector housing (61), a mating contact element (62) for contacting the contact element (20) being provided in the mating connector housing (61).

10. Connector arrangement according to the preceding claim and claim

2,

wherein in a state in which the connector (1) and the

Mating connectors (60) are plugged together in the defined plug-in position and in which the CPA (4) is shifted into the second position (P2), the interior (3) of the housing (2) is sealed against the exterior (6) of the housing (2) is.