WO2024056770A1

WO2024056770A1 - Electrical connector and electrical connector assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2024056770A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/075209
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henrique Stela FERRARI; Thorsten Kremer; Martin Wellhaeusser
Original assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date: 2022-09-16
Filing date: 2023-09-14
Publication date: 2024-03-21
Also published as: DE102022209754A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical connector for plugging together with a mating electrical connector (80) along an insertion direction (E), the electrical connector (1) comprising: -- a housing (2), -- a first inner housing (3), -- a contact element (5) having a contacting portion (6) for contacting a mating contact element (82) of the mating electrical connector (80), wherein: the first inner housing (3) is disposed in a housing interior (7) of the housing (2); the first inner housing (3) has a first interior (8) and an insertion opening (9) which faces the mating electrical connector (80); the first inner housing (3) has a first receiving element (10) and a second receiving element (11), which are are rotated relative to each other by an angle (W) in the range of 75° to 105°, in particular by 90°; viewed along the insertion direction (E), one of the two receiving elements (10, 11) is disposed on the side of the first inner housing (3) that is remote from the insertion opening (9); the contacting portion (6) of the contact element (5) can be inserted through the first receiving element (10) or through the second receiving element (11) into the first interior (8) so that the contacting portion (6) can be contacted through the insertion opening (9).

Description

title

Connectors and connector assembly

Field of invention

The invention relates to a plug connector and a plug connector arrangement with such a plug connector.

State of the art

Plug connectors for high-current plug connections or high-voltage plug connections, for example for use in electrically powered vehicles, are known from the prior art. Such connectors should be able to transmit currents of more than 10A, preferably more than 50A and particularly preferably more than 100A and / or voltages of more than 40V, preferably more than 200V and particularly preferably more than 350V to a mating connector transmitted.

From DE 10 2019 209 436 A1 and from DE 10 2018 202 960 A1 such plug connectors are known for plugging together with a mating plug connector along an insertion direction, the plug connectors each having a housing in which two contact elements are accommodated, the contact elements being on lines are attached, which extend along the insertion direction and whereby the contact elements can only be inserted into the respective housing in a direction parallel to the insertion direction.

From EP 3 073 577 A1 another such plug connector for plugging together with a mating plug connector along an insertion direction is known, the plug connector having a housing in which two contact elements are accommodated, the contact elements being attached to lines which extend along the insertion direction and wherein the contact elements can only be inserted into the housing in a direction parallel to the insertion direction. From DE 10 2016 120304 A1 another such connector for plugging together with a mating connector along an insertion direction is known, the connector having a housing in which two contact elements are accommodated, the contact elements being attached to lines which are at 90 ° to the Insertion direction extend twisted and the contact elements can only be inserted into the housing in a direction parallel to the insertion direction.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention is based on the knowledge that, depending on the installation situation or customer requirements, there may be situations in which the contact element cannot be inserted into the housing along the insertion direction, but must be inserted into the housing at an angle that deviates from the insertion direction. Furthermore, it is necessary to enable good insulation of live parts and to keep costs as low as possible, even in different installation situations. Providing different parts depending on the mounting direction of the contact element can increase costs and effort.

There may therefore be a need to provide a plug connector for mating with a mating plug connector along an insertion direction, which can be produced easily and inexpensively and in which the contact element can be mounted from different directions relative to the insertion direction.

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 plug connector is proposed for plugging together with a mating plug connector along an insertion direction. The connector is particularly suitable for high-current applications (e.g. more than 20A or more than 50A or more than 100A or more than 150A or even more than 400A) and/or for high-voltage applications (e.g. more than 40V or more than 100V or more than 200V or more than 250V or more than 350V, e.g. 500V or 600V or 700V or 800V or 900V or 1000V) intended or set up for such applications. It can be, for example, a connector for power components in electrically powered vehicles. Such a connector can be provided, for example, for lines or cables which have a cable cross-section of, for example, at least 10mm ² or at least 35mm ² or at least 50mm ² or at least 70mm ² or at least 95mm ² or at least 120 mm ² .

The connector has a housing with a housing interior, a first inner housing and a contact element with a contacting section for contacting a mating contact element of the mating connector or includes these elements. The first inner housing is arranged in the housing interior of the housing. The first inner housing has a first interior and an insertion opening facing the mating connector. The first inner housing has a first receiving element and a second receiving element, which are rotated relative to one another by an angle in the range of 70° to 110°, in particular in the range of 75° to 105°, one of the two receiving elements viewed along the insertion direction, is arranged on the side of the first inner housing facing away from the insertion opening. The contacting section of the contact element can be inserted into the first interior through the first receiving element or through the second receiving element.

It is understood that, in particular in the fully assembled or assembled state of the plug connector, the contact element can be inserted or is inserted into the first interior through the first receiving element or through the second receiving element, so that the contacting section is inserted through the insertion Opening can be contacted.

This advantageously ensures that a particularly good, stable, robust and reliable storage and possibly also insulation of the contact element is provided, since the contact element is not only arranged in the (outer) housing, but is arranged in the first interior of the first inner housing. Further advantageously, a special geometry can be provided by the first inner housing with the aid of its insertion opening, which can only be coupled mechanically and therefore ultimately electrically with a complementary mating connector. By choosing different first inner housings using the same (outer) housing, the connector can advantageously be adapted to different mating connectors in a simple and cost-effective manner (for example through different inner geometries of the first inner housing). Furthermore, a separation of functions can be effected advantageously by providing the housing and the first inner housing: for example, the housing can be designed to be very stable (for example, in order to achieve an actuating element such as a lever or slide to reduce the operating force when plugging together with the mating connector) or a special one Have coloring (e.g. a signal color to indicate high voltages), while the first inner housing can be designed, for example, to insulate the contact element against unintentional touching of the contact element or, for example, can be designed to electrically isolate the individual contact elements from one another in the case of multi-pole plug connectors, by, for example, spatially separate chambers being formed. The first inner housing can advantageously also be designed to arrange a seal (eg arranged circumferentially), so that the plug connector can be designed to be particularly tight against fluid media, dirt, dirt or the like. Particularly advantageously, the first receiving element and the second receiving element arranged twisted thereto ensure that the same first inner housing can always be used regardless of the mounting direction of the contact element. In this way, it is advantageously possible to dispense with the provision of two different first inner housings depending on the mounting direction of the contact element in the first inner housing. This means that costs can be advantageously saved through economies of scale and the risk of incorrect assembly is also reduced when assembling the connector, since fewer component variants have to be taken into account.

It goes without saying that the connector can have exactly a single contact element. However, it can also have a plurality of contact elements (eg two, three, four, five or even more contact elements). The first and second receiving elements are to be understood as predestined or predefined (eg visually and/or haptically recognizable) areas or sections or surfaces or locations on or in the first inner housing, through which the contact element passes without any larger Can be mounted or inserted into the first interior with effort or without any major force. Mounting the contact element through the first or through the second receiving element into the first interior is possible, for example, without destroying essential functions or functionally relevant elements of the first inner housing.

The first receiving element and the second receiving element can, for example, be at an angle of 70° or 75° or 80° or 85° or 90° or 95° or 100° or 105° or 110 ° be twisted against each other. For example, the angle can be measured with respect to an axis that extends transversely or perpendicular to the insertion direction (the angle then results from rotation about this axis). The respective mounting direction of the contact element in the first interior space can serve as a limitation of the angle, or the maximum possible mounting directions of the contact element that are twisted relative to one another can serve.

It is understood that the contact element can be mounted or inserted or pushed in or pressed into the first interior from an external environment of the first inner housing both by the first receiving element and by the second receiving element. The external space or external environment and the first internal space can advantageously be delimited or separated from one another by a wall of the first inner housing or a first inner housing wall. The wall or the first inner housing wall can, for example, be designed to be closed (e.g. with the exception of the insertion opening and the receiving elements).

In addition to the contacting section or contacting area for contacting the counter-contact element, the contact element can also have a connection section or connection area. The connection section or connection area can be set up for connection to an electrical line (this can only be designed, for example, as a stranded cable or as a busbar or as a busbar or the like). The contacting area or the contacting section can be arranged, for example, at the front or in a front section or front area of the contact element, i.e. facing the mating connector. It can be arranged at a first end of the contact element. The connection area or connection section can be arranged, for example, at a second end of the contact element, with the second end being opposite the first end, for example when viewed along a longitudinal direction of the contact element. The connection area can be arranged, for example, on a rear area or rear section of the contact element.

The two receiving elements can, for example, be designed so that the contacting section of the contact element can be inserted through them, if necessary using an insertion force that can be, for example, a few Newtons (e.g. less than ION, preferably less than 5N).

The first inner housing can have a body which, when mounted in the housing, faces the mating connector with the insertion opening. The body can, for example, have a wall or first inner housing wall surrounding the insertion direction. It can, for example, be designed like a cup.

For example, in the case of a multi-pole plug connector, the first inner housing can provide a separate chamber for each contact element, which is partially or completely separated from the adjacent chamber, with each chamber ultimately forming its own first interior space. First inner housings or first interior spaces designed in this way can, for example, be connected to one another in one piece by a base element which forms the common insertion opening.

In other cases, with multi-pole plug connectors, each contact element can have its own first inner housing, with the inner housings then being arranged together in the (outer) housing, for example. In such a case, for example, each first inner housing can have its own insertion opening.

The first inner housing can, for example, be mounted in the interior of the housing through a front or first housing opening of the housing facing the mating connector, for example, be plugged in or pushed in or pressed in, etc. The contact element can, for example, be mounted into the housing interior together with the first inner housing through a rear or second housing opening of the housing, for example inserted or pushed in or pressed in, etc. However, it can also be provided that the contact element is installed together with the first inner housing is mounted into the housing interior through a lower housing opening or an upper housing opening, the lower or upper housing opening being arranged on the housing rotated by an angle to the insertion direction, for example by an angle in the range of 70 ° to 110°.

In the context of this application, the term “comprise” is used synonymously with the term “have” unless otherwise stated.

In a further development it is provided that the first receiving element is designed as a first receiving opening or as a first breakthrough surface for producing a first receiving opening.

By designing the first receiving element as a first receiving opening, a particularly simple and quick installation of the contact element into the first interior space is advantageously made possible. The contact element simply needs to be inserted into the first interior space through the first receiving opening.

The design of the first receiving element as a first breakthrough surface advantageously ensures that the first inner housing (particularly in its rear part) remains essentially or completely closed in the event that no contact element is mounted by the first receiving element. This can be the case, for example, before the connector is assembled or if no contact element is fitted into the first interior (e.g. in the case of multi-pole plug connectors in which not all existing chambers are to be fitted) or if the contact element passes through the second receiving element the first interior is assembled. The tightness and/or the stability of the first inner housing can thus be advantageously improved. Further advantageously, electrical insulation of the first interior space relative to the external environment or the exterior space of the first interior housing can be improved if the first breakthrough surface remains closed and the contact element is mounted in the first interior space (eg through the second receiving element). For example, it can be provided that the first inner housing has a smaller wall thickness at the location or in the area or at the location of the first breakthrough surface than the neighboring areas. Alternatively or additionally, for example, a notch or a notch or a perforation or another predefined weakening of the material can be provided on at least one edge section of the first breakthrough surface (for example by, in particular previous, irradiation, for example with light or other electromagnetic waves or with a gas stream or with a fluid flow or through local temperature effects, etc.). This advantageously enables a particularly simple and low-force assembly of the contact element through the first breakthrough surface. For example, the first breakthrough surface can be removed before mounting the contact element (e.g. broken out or dissolved or melted, etc.) and then the contact element can be inserted or mounted into the first interior through the first receiving opening created in this way. In other cases, it may be possible, for example, for the contact element to be pushed through the first breakthrough surface, thereby creating a first receiving opening. For example, when the contact element is pushed through the first breakthrough surface, the first breakthrough surface is at least partially removed or converted into a first receiving opening.

Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the second receiving element is designed as a second receiving opening or as a second breakthrough surface for producing a second receiving opening.

By designing the second receiving element as a second receiving opening, a particularly simple and quick installation of the contact element into the first interior space is advantageously made possible. The contact element simply needs to be inserted into the first interior space through the second receiving opening.

The design of the second receiving element as a second breakthrough surface advantageously ensures that the first inner housing (particularly in its rear part) remains essentially or completely closed in the event that no contact element is mounted by the second receiving element. This can be the case, for example, before the connector is assembled or if no contact element is installed in the first interior (e.g. at multi-pole connectors in which not all existing chambers should be populated) or if the contact element is mounted through the first receiving element into the first interior. The tightness and/or the stability of the first inner housing can thus be advantageously improved. Further advantageously, electrical insulation of the first interior space relative to the external environment or the exterior space of the first inner housing can be improved if the second breakthrough surface remains closed and the contact element is mounted in the first interior space (eg through the first receiving element).

For example, it can be provided that the first inner housing has a smaller wall thickness at the location or in the area or at the location of the second breakthrough surface than the neighboring areas. Alternatively or additionally, for example, a notch or a notch or a perforation or another predefined material weakening can be provided on at least one edge section of the second breakthrough surface (e.g. by, in particular previous, irradiation, for example with light or other electromagnetic waves or with a gas stream or with a fluid flow or through local temperature effects, etc.). This advantageously enables a particularly simple and low-force assembly of the contact element through the second breakthrough surface. For example, the second breakthrough surface can be removed before mounting the contact element (e.g. broken out or dissolved or melted, etc.) and then the contact element can be inserted or mounted into the first interior through the second receiving opening created in this way. In other cases, it may be possible, for example, for the contact element to be pushed through the second opening surface, thereby creating a second receiving opening. For example, when the contact element is pushed through the second breakthrough surface, the second breakthrough surface is at least partially removed or converted into a second receiving opening.

It goes without saying that both receiving elements can be designed as receiving openings before assembly of the contact element. Or that both receiving elements can initially be designed as breakthrough surfaces (i.e. essentially closed) before the contact element is installed. However, it can also be provided that one of the two receiving elements is provided as a receiving opening and the other receiving element is provided as a breakthrough surface before assembly of the contact element. In the case of multi-pole connectors, it can also be provided that: Different chambers or first inner housings have different versions of the receiving elements (e.g. a first inner housing or a chamber of a first inner housing has two opening surfaces, while another first inner housing, which is arranged in the same housing, has two receiving openings or while another chamber of the first inner housing has two receiving openings or a receiving opening and a breakthrough area, etc.).

Finally, it goes without saying that, for example, more than two receiving elements can be provided on the first inner housing. For example, three receiving elements can be provided, each of which is rotated by 90° (or by an angle in the range between 70° and 110°) to the adjacent receiving element. In this way, for example, the contact element could be mounted relative to the insertion direction, for example from the directions -90°, 0° and +90°.

In a further development it is provided that the first breakthrough surface is connected to the first inner housing at a first edge after the first receiving opening has been produced.

This advantageously ensures that after the first breakthrough surface has been loosened or broken out, it does not end up in the first interior space loosely or as an independent, separate element and has to be removed from it. This advantageously saves at least one work step when assembling the plug connector and increases the safety of the plug connector, since no loose parts remain in the first interior space.

For example, it can further advantageously be provided that the first breakthrough surface in the first interior is or is displaced in the direction of the second receiving element, e.g. is or is tilted or pivoted, and the second receiving element is covered at least in sections.

This advantageously has the effect that, for example, the tightness and/or electrical insulation of the first interior against an external environment of the first inner housing in the area of the second receiving element is improved. If, for example, the second receiving element is designed as a second receiving opening, the first breakthrough surface can cover the second receiving opening and thereby advantageously prevent or at least limit the penetration of dirt, dirt or fluid media into the first interior space. Also an electric one Flashover, for example from a shield element or another electrical conductor, through the second receiving opening is advantageously prevented or minimized by the cover using the first breakthrough surface. If the second receiving element is designed as a second breakthrough surface, electrical insulation in the area of the second breakthrough surface is also improved.

Furthermore, in the area of the still existing connection of the first breakthrough surface to the first inner housing, the electrical insulation and sealing against the ingress of dirt, grime or fluid media is improved.

The first breakthrough surface can, for example, be connected to the first inner housing at the first edge by means of a film hinge. This can be designed specifically and in a simple manner during the production of the first inner housing, so that when the first breakthrough surface is pierced or opened, the first breakthrough surface remains connected to the first inner housing on the film hinge.

Alternatively or additionally, in a further development it can be provided that the second breakthrough surface is connected to the first inner housing at a second edge after the second receiving opening has been produced.

For example, it can further advantageously be provided that the second breakthrough surface in the first interior is or is displaced in the direction of the first receiving element, e.g. is or is tilted or pivoted, and at least partially covers the first receiving element.

This advantageously has the effect that, for example, the tightness and/or electrical insulation of the first interior against an external environment of the first inner housing in the area of the first receiving element is improved. If, for example, the first receiving element is designed as a first receiving opening, then it can first breakthrough surface cover the first receiving opening and thereby advantageously prevent or at least limit the penetration of dirt, dirt or fluid media into the first interior. An electrical flashover, for example from a shielding element or another electrical conductor, through the first receiving opening is also advantageously prevented or minimized by the cover using the second breakthrough surface. If the first receiving element is designed as a first breakthrough surface, electrical insulation in the area of the first breakthrough surface is also improved. Furthermore, in the area of the existing connection of the second breakthrough surface to the first inner housing, the electrical insulation and sealing against the ingress of dirt, grime or fluid media is improved.

The second breakthrough surface can, for example, be connected to the first inner housing at the first edge by means of a film hinge. This can be designed specifically and in a simple manner during the production of the first inner housing, so that when the second breakthrough surface is pierced or opened, the second breakthrough surface remains connected to the first inner housing on the film hinge.

In a further development it is provided that the housing is made of an electrically insulating material. This advantageously ensures that the housing is particularly safe to handle, for example when plugging it together with the mating connector.

The housing can, for example, be made of or comprise an insulating plastic, for example for the majority (more than 50%). For example, the housing can have polyamide (PA) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as a material, whereby the plastic can be filled with glass fiber (e.g. GF30, which means: 30% glass fiber content, or GF25 or GF20 or other filling levels). The housing can be manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process and is therefore particularly simple and inexpensive. It can therefore be designed, for example, as an injection molded part.

Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the first inner housing is made of an electrically insulating material. This advantageously ensures that the contact element is particularly well insulated and particularly secure Handling of the connector is possible, for example when plugging it together with the mating connector.

The first inner housing can, for example, be made of or comprise an insulating plastic, for example for the most part (more than 50%). For example, the first inner housing can have polyamide (PA) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as a material, whereby the plastic can be filled with glass fiber, for example (e.g. GF30 or GF25 or GF20 or other filling levels). The first inner housing can be manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process and is therefore particularly simple and inexpensive. It can therefore be designed, for example, as an injection molded part.

In a further development it is provided that the first receiving element and the second receiving element are separated from one another, in particular by a web or the like. In other words: the first receiving element and the second receiving element do not merge into one another, at least a continuous movement with the contact element from the first receiving element into the second receiving element is not possible.

This advantageously results in a particularly high level of stability and dimensional rigidity of the first inner housing. A compression of the first inner housing in the area of the two receiving openings (e.g. transverse to the insertion direction) is advantageously avoided or made more difficult. This also prevents or reduces distortion of the first inner housing after exemplary production in the injection molding process.

Alternatively, it is provided that the first receiving element and the second receiving element are designed to be continuous. In other words: the first recording element and the second recording element merge into one another. Due to the significantly different mounting directions for the contact element and/or due to minor structural modifications between the two mounting areas (eg a slight narrowing or widening between the two receiving elements), two receiving elements can still be distinguished from one another. This advantageously enables particularly simple production. Furthermore, the assembly of the contact element can be carried out more easily, since the positioning tolerances during assembly are larger.

It may happen that the connector has several contact elements. This can mean, for example, that the first inner housing has a plurality of first and second receiving elements. In this case, for example, for a contact element, the first receiving element can be separated from the second receiving element (e.g. by a web), while the first receiving element and the second receiving element for another contact element can, for example, be designed to be continuous.

In a further development it is provided that the plug connector has a second inner housing, wherein the second inner housing is arranged in the housing interior of the housing, wherein the contact element is arranged in the second inner housing, for example arranged in a second interior of the second inner housing. This advantageously ensures that the contact element can be pre-assembled on or in the second inner housing. The contact element can, for example, be arranged together with the connection area or connection section and together with the line attached to the contact element in or on the second inner housing, whereby a particularly compact and easy-to-handle element is provided for assembly in the housing of the plug connector. This can be particularly advantageous for multi-pole plug connectors, since in this way the distances between the contact elements can already be predetermined by the second inner housing. Sealing of the contact element against fluid media, dirt, dirt or the like can also be achieved particularly easily by the second inner housing.

For example, it can be provided that the second inner housing is arranged completely in the housing interior of the housing. This advantageously provides a particularly compact connector. The plug connector can be sealed in a fluid-tight manner behind the second inner housing, for example by an end cap and/or a sealing element through which and/or that the line of the contact element is passed into the outside space.

For example, it can be provided that the second inner housing has an outer contour that is designed like an inner contour of the housing interior (e.g with a slightly smaller diameter, so that the second inner housing can be inserted into the housing like parts of a matryoshka doll) or a shape of the second inner housing can be adapted to the (outer) shape or inner contour of the housing interior (e.g. complementary be trained to do so). This advantageously ensures that the inner housing can be inserted into the (outer) housing very precisely and in a defined location or position (even if, for example, a line to which the contact element is attached is flexible and/or flexible). As a result, the contact element can advantageously be inserted particularly easily and precisely through the corresponding receiving element of the first inner housing and placed in the first interior space, because it is only necessary to correctly insert the second inner housing into the housing. Furthermore, it is advantageous in this way that only a small gap remains open between the second inner housing and the outer housing, so that the sealing of the housing interior is improved. It is understood that the inner contour of the housing can have at least one coding structure or cannot be designed to be rotationally symmetrical (in particular around the insertion direction, in particular in the area in which the second inner housing is arranged). In this way, the second inner housing can advantageously only be arranged in a single orientation in the housing interior or can only be mounted in a single orientation in the housing interior, for example pushed in or plugged in or pressed in or the like.

For example, it can be provided that the contact element is arranged captively in the second inner housing. This advantageously ensures that the contact element and the second inner housing can be handled together as a type of module or independent element, which makes handling easier when assembling the plug connector. For example, overhead installation can easily be made possible without the contact element becoming detached from the second inner housing. Or transport, for example under the influence of vibrations, is possible without the (pre-assembled) contact element slipping or becoming detached from the second inner housing.

The security against loss can be achieved, for example, by a type of primary locking. For example, the contact element can have a type of (eg elastically reversibly displaceable or rigid) lance, for example a projection, which has an undercut after the contact element has been mounted in the second inner housing engages behind or which acts as an undercut for an elastically reversible part (eg a housing wall) of the second inner housing. It is then no longer possible to pull the contact element out of the second inner housing without consciously releasing the primary locking or primary locking mechanism.

The second inner housing can be made, for example, from an electrically insulating material. This advantageously ensures that the contact element is particularly well insulated, for example also in the connection area, and that the plug connector can be handled particularly safely, for example when plugged together with the mating plug connector.

The second inner housing can, for example, be made of or comprise an insulating plastic, for example for the most part (more than 50%). For example, the second inner housing can have polyamide (PA) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as the material, whereby the plastic can also be filled with glass fiber (e.g. GF30 or GF25 or GF20 or other filling levels). The second inner housing can be manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process and is therefore particularly simple and inexpensive. It can therefore be designed, for example, as an injection molded part.

In a further development it is provided that the second inner housing has a projection in a front section facing the first inner housing, the contacting section of the contact element being surrounded by the projection of the second inner housing on its end face and on at least one long side, viewed along the insertion direction. This advantageously provides particularly simple and cost-effective contact protection. The provision of dedicated contact protection in the (outer) housing and/or in the first inner housing can thereby advantageously be omitted. The contact element can be inserted into the projection so that, viewed from the insertion direction, direct contact with the end face of the contacting element is prevented or (for example, with the contact element or first inner housing mounted at 90 ° to the insertion direction) direct contact with that long side of the contact element is prevented , which faces the mating connector. With this configuration, the contact element can also advantageously be pre-assembled in the second inner housing before assembly in the (outer) housing takes place. The correct positioning of the contact element in the second inner housing can be made easier, for example, by making it very easy to check whether the contact element with its contacting section is, for example, correctly mounted relative to the projection. It can also be advantageous to check the contact protection before installation in the (outer) housing. Finally, in this way, the contact element is also protected from mechanical influences on its outer edges, so that secure and reliable contact with the mating contact element is always ensured in the fully assembled connector.

For example, it can be provided that a side surface of the contacting section is freely accessible. In other words: at least one side surface of the contacting section is not covered by the projection. The mating contact element can be contacted, for example, via the free side surface.

The projection can, for example, be designed like a bow. For example, it can surround the contacting section in a U-shape or a C-shape.

In a further development it is provided that the second inner housing with the front section is arranged together with the contacting section in the first interior of the first inner housing, for example can be plugged in or is plugged in, for example. This advantageously enables a particularly simple and secure positioning of the contact element in the first interior of the first inner housing and also in the (outer) housing. The second inner housing and contact element can thereby advantageously be pre-assembled and then assembled together in the first interior and also in the (outer) housing. In this way, a complex and complicated “threading” of the contact element from outside the first interior into the first interior of the first inner housing is unnecessary, so that the connector can be assembled more easily, reliably and cost-effectively.

In a further development it is provided that the plug connector further has a shielding element, with the shielding element surrounding the second inner housing at least in sections, with the shielding element covering the first receiving element and/or the second receiving element and/or electromagnetically against an environment of the plug connector shields. This advantageously ensures that electrical or electronic components or lines for signal transport in the area around the connector are not negatively influenced by electromagnetic radiation that is released in the first interior and/or in the second interior. It is particularly advantageous to prevent electromagnetic radiation from escaping from the first interior into the surroundings of the plug connector through one or both receiving elements.

In a further development it is provided that the contact element further has a connection section for connecting to an electrical line, the connection section being arranged in a second interior of the second inner housing, the contacting section protruding from the second interior into an external environment of the second inner housing.

This advantageously ensures that the connection section is particularly well protected mechanically and is electrically insulated. Furthermore, this can advantageously make it possible to seal the electrical line during pre-assembly, for example, by sealing the electrical line in the second inner housing against an external space. After inserting the second inner housing into the housing, the seal is essentially already in place and does not have to be produced in a complex manner. Because the contacting section projects into the external environment of the second inner housing, it can advantageously be mounted particularly easily in the first inner housing and contacted there.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a connector arrangement is provided. The connector arrangement can be designed, for example, for high currents and/or for high voltages, for example for more than 20A or more than 50A or more than 100A or more than 150A or even more than 400A and/or for more than 40V or more than 100V or more than 200V or more than 250V or more than 350V, e.g. 500V or 600V or 700V or 800V or 900V or 1000V.

The connector arrangement has a connector as described above. It also has a mating connector, wherein the mating connector has a mating contact element, which is in particular connected to a further electrical line. This advantageously provides a plug connector arrangement which has a particularly good, stable, robust and reliable mounting and possibly also insulation of the contact element, which can be contacted particularly easily and reliably by the mating contact element of the mating plug connector. This is because the contact element is not only arranged in the (outer) housing of the plug connector, but in the first interior of the first inner housing. Further advantageously, a special geometry can be provided by the first inner housing with the aid of its insertion opening, which can only be coupled mechanically and therefore ultimately electrically with the (complementary) mating connector. By choosing different first inner housings using the same (outer) housing, the connector can advantageously be adapted to different mating connectors in a simple and cost-effective manner. Furthermore, a separation of functions can be effected advantageously by providing the housing and the first inner housing: for example, the housing can be designed to be very stable (for example, in order to achieve an actuating element such as a lever or slide to reduce the operating force when plugging together with the mating connector) or a special one Have coloring (e.g. a signal color to indicate high voltages), while the first inner housing can be designed, for example, to insulate the contact element against unintentional touching of the contact element or, for example, can be designed to electrically isolate the individual contact elements from one another in the case of multi-pole plug connectors, by, for example, spatially separate chambers being formed. The first inner housing can advantageously also be designed to arrange a seal (eg arranged circumferentially), so that the plug connector and thus the plug connector arrangement can be designed to be particularly tight against fluid media, dirt, dirt or the like. Particularly advantageously, the first receiving element and the second receiving element arranged twisted thereto ensure that the same first inner housing can always be used regardless of the mounting direction of the contact element. In this way, it is advantageously possible to dispense with the provision of two different first inner housings depending on the mounting direction of the contact element in the first inner housing. This means that costs can be advantageously saved through economies of scale and the risk of incorrect assembly is also reduced when assembling the connector, since fewer component variants have to be taken into account. drawings

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

Show it

Fig. 1: a schematic perspective view of a

connector assembly;

Figs. 2a, 2b: schematic perspective views of two

Plug connector with a different mounting direction of the contact element with respect to an insertion direction of a mating plug connector;

Fig. 3: a schematic perspective

Exploded view of a connector;

Figs. 4a, 4b: a schematic perspective view (Fig. 4a) and a side view (Fig. 4b) of a first inner housing and a second inner housing in a state before assembly (Fig. 4a) and after assembly (Fig. 4b) parallel to one another to the insertion direction;

Figs. 4c, 4d: a schematic perspective view (Fig. 4c) and a side view (Fig. 4d) of a first inner housing and a second inner housing in a state before assembly (Fig. 4c) and after assembly (Fig. 4d) transversely to one another to the insertion direction;

Fig. 5: a schematic perspective view of one

Details of a further embodiment of a connector; Fig. 6: a schematic perspective view of the

Connector from Fig. 5 from a different perspective;

Fig. 7: a schematic perspective cross section of the

Connector from Fig. 5.

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a connector arrangement 100. The connector arrangement 100 can be set up to transmit high currents (e.g. more than 100A) and/or high voltages (e.g. more than 100V or more than 200V). The connector assembly 100 is surrounded by an environment 50.

The plug connector 100 comprises or has: a plug connector 1 for plugging together with a mating plug connector 80 along an insertion direction E. The plug connector 1 is shown in a side rear view and is connected to a line 19. The line 19 is surrounded by insulation 24 and, together with the insulation 24, forms a cable 23. The plug connector arrangement 100 also has a mating plug connector 80, wherein the mating plug connector 80 has a mating contact element 82, which is connected in particular to a further electrical line 86. The mating connector 80 is shown here in a side front view. The counter contact element 82 can, for example, be shaped like a fork, so that it is able to enclose a contact element 5 (see FIG. 3) shaped, for example, as a contact knife, on both sides. In order to prevent or at least limit the spreading of the counter-contact element 82, for example when plugging it together or during operation, a holding element, for example, can be pushed over the mating-contact element 82, which limits a movement of the contacting surfaces of the mating-contact element transversely to the insertion direction in the manner of guardrails.

The further electrical line 86 can be designed, for example, as a stranded cable or, as here, as a busbar or busbar. The mating connector 80 can only be arranged, for example, on an electrical or electronic component (not shown here) or on a housing wall of such a component. Such a component can be, for example It can be an inverter of a vehicle, an electric machine, a battery, a control unit or the like.

The connector arrangement 100 is shown here in a state that has not yet been finally plugged together.

The connector 1 has a housing 2, which can also be referred to as an outer housing. A control element 22, here for example in the form of a lever element, is arranged on the housing 2. The actuating element or control element 22 can be brought together here with a link structure on a counter-structure (here: a bolt) of the counter-contact element 80. When operating the control element 22 (here: a rotation), the operating force when plugging together the connector 1 and mating connector 80 can be reduced.

Two cables 23 can be seen at the lower end of the connector 1 in FIG. The electrical line 19 of the cable 23 can, for example, have a cross section of more than 5mm ² or more than 10mm ² or more than 50mm ² in order to be able to conduct high currents (eg more than 100A). It can, for example, be formed from a material that conducts electricity well. It can, for example, have aluminum or copper or a copper alloy.

The electrical lines 19 are each attached to a contact element 5 that cannot be seen in FIG. 1 (see, for example, FIG. 3). As can be clearly seen in FIG. 1, the contact elements 5 are mounted in the housing 2 together with the electrical lines 19 transversely to the insertion direction E (here: from below).

2a shows a schematic perspective view of a further plug connector 1, viewed along the insertion direction E. The plug connector 1 from FIG. 2a is constructed very similarly to the plug connector 1 from FIG. 1.

However, the contact elements 5 are mounted here together with the two cables 23 along the insertion direction E into the housing 2.

In Fig. 2a, a part of a first inner housing 3 and a first interior 8 of the first inner housing 3 can also be seen through an insertion opening 9 of the housing 2. Furthermore, a projection 29 of a second inner housing 4 (see FIG. 3) can be seen as well as an end face 14 of a contacting section 6 (see FIG. 3) of the contact element 5. Finally, a seal 25 can be seen, which is arranged between the housing 2 and an outer wall of the first inner housing 3. The first inner housing 3 can be mounted, for example, inserted or pushed in or pressed into the housing 2 through the insertion opening 9.

2b shows a schematic perspective view (a side front view) of a plug connector 1, which is similar to that from FIG. 1, viewed along the insertion direction E. The contact elements 5 and the electrical lines 19 attached to them are mounted, for example inserted, into the housing 2 transversely to the insertion direction E (e.g. rotated by 90° to the insertion direction E).

It should be noted that here, by way of example, the first inner housing 3 in both embodiments of FIGS. 2a and 2b are each of the same design and oriented in the same way. In the same way, the insertion opening 9 and the mechanical interface of the housing 2 of the two plug connectors 1 are each designed to be the same here, for example.

The housing 2 can, for example, be made of an electrically insulating material. The housing 2 can, for example, be made of an insulating plastic or comprise one, for example for the most part (more than 50%).

For example, the housing 2 can have polyamide (PA) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as the material, whereby the plastic can be filled with glass fiber (e.g. GF30, which means: 30% glass fiber content, or GF25 or GF20 or other filling levels). The housing 2 can be manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process and is therefore particularly simple and inexpensive. It can therefore be designed, for example, as an injection molded part.

The first inner housing 3 can be made, for example, from an electrically insulating material. The first inner housing 3 can, for example, be made of an insulating plastic or comprise such, for example the majority (more than 50%). For example, the first inner housing 3 can have polyamide (PA) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as the material, whereby the plastic can be filled with glass fiber (eg GF30 or GF25 or GF20 or other filling levels). The first inner housing 3 can be produced, for example, using an injection molding process and is therefore particularly simple and inexpensive. It can therefore be designed, for example, as an injection molded part. Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective exploded view of a part of a plug connector 1, as shown, for example, in Figure 2a. It should be noted that here the first inner housing 3 is shown adjacent to a second inner housing 4. It can be provided that the first inner housing 3 is mounted into the housing 2 through the (front) insertion opening 9 and the second inner housing 4 is mounted through a rear opening of the housing 2.

The connector 1 is in an (outside) environment 50 arranged. The plug connector 1 has a housing 2 (outer housing) with a housing interior 7, as well as a first inner housing 3 and, in this exemplary embodiment, two contact elements 5, each of which has a contacting section 6 for contacting a mating contact element 82 of the mating plug connector 80 (two-pole plug connector 1). The first inner housing 3 is arranged (in the fully assembled state of the plug connector 1) in the housing interior 7 of the housing 2, the first inner housing 3 having a first interior space 8 and an insertion opening 9 facing the mating connector 80. The first inner housing 3 has a first receiving element 10 and a second receiving element 11 (here, for example, a pair of first receiving element 10 and second receiving element 11 for each contact element 5, with more receiving elements also being provided in principle could be), which are twisted relative to one another by an angle W in the range of 70° to 110°, in particular in the range of 75° to 105°. In this exemplary embodiment, the angle W is 90°. One of the two receiving elements 10, 11 (for each contact element 5) is arranged along the insertion direction E on the side of the first inner housing 3 facing away from the insertion opening 9 (here: the first receiving element 10 in each case). In this exemplary embodiment, the contacting section 6 of the contact element 5 can be inserted through the first receiving element 10 into the first interior 8 (or in the fully assembled state of the plug connector 1: inserted into the first interior 8 or arranged or mounted therein) , so that the contacting section 6 can be contacted through the insertion opening 9, see e.g. Figs. 2a and 2b.

In an embodiment of the plug connector 1 as in FIG. 1 or in FIG fully assembled state of connector 1: in the first Interior 8 inserted), so that the contacting section 6 can be contacted through the insertion opening 9 (in Fig. 3 this would correspond to assembly from above, in which case the housing 2 would then have to protrude upwards with its rear side).

In principle, a third receiving element can also be provided on the first inner housing 3 for each contact element 5, for example, which would enable assembly from below, for example in FIG. This third receiving element could in turn be rotated by an angle in the range between -70° and -110°, for example -90°, relative to the insertion direction E.

For example, the angle W can be measured with respect to an axis A that extends transversely or perpendicular to the insertion direction E (the angle W then results from rotation about this axis A). The possible mounting directions of the contact element 5 in the first interior space 3 can serve as a limitation of the angle. The axis A can, for example, run parallel to a surface normal of the large side surfaces 16 of the contacting section 6 shown in FIG.

It goes without saying that the plug connector 1 can in principle also be designed to be single-pole, i.e. can only have a single contact element 5. However, the connector 1 can also be designed with three poles, four poles, five poles or even have more than five poles (i.e. contact elements 5).

In this exemplary embodiment, the connector 1 has a second inner housing 4. The second inner housing 4 is arranged in the housing interior 7 of the housing 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the second inner housing 4 is, for example, completely arranged in the housing interior 7 (in the fully assembled state of the plug connector 1). The contact element 5 is arranged in the second inner housing 4. It can, for example, be arranged or held captively there. The second inner housing 4 can be made, for example, from an electrically insulating material.

It should be noted that the second inner housing 4 does not represent an essential feature of the connector. In principle, the contact elements 5 can also be mounted in the first interior 8 without the second inner housing 4. The second inner housing 4 simplifies assembly. 3, the contact element 5 has a connection section 18 for connecting to the electrical line 19, the connection section 18 being arranged in the second interior 20 of the second inner housing 4, with the contacting section 6 coming from the second interior 20 into one External environment 21 (see Figs. 4a and 4c) of the second inner housing 4 protrudes.

The second inner housing 4 has a projection 29 in a front section 13 facing the first inner housing 3 (a projection 29 is provided here, for example, for each contact element 5). The contacting section 6 of the respective contact element 5 is here, for example, viewed along the insertion direction E on its end face 14 and here also for example on at least one long side 15 is surrounded by the associated projection 29 of the second inner housing 4, here by way of example both side surfaces 16 of the contacting section 6 are freely accessible (it is also conceivable that, for example, only one side surface 16 is freely accessible). The projection 29 here is bow-shaped or in the shape of a “U” or a “C” with an approximately rectangular shape, the shape here following the shape of the contacting section 6, for example. As a result, the second inner housing 4 provides frontal contact protection and damage protection for the contact element 5 or its end face 14 through the projection 29. This also provides lateral contact protection or damage protection.

The second inner housing 4 can be arranged with the front section 13 or the projection 29 together with the contacting section 6 in the first interior 8 of the first inner housing 8, for example insertable (or arranged in the assembled state, for example inserted or pushed in or the like). As a result, the assembly of the contact elements 5 in the plug connector 1 can be considerably simplified. Because first the contact element 5 can be mounted in the second inner housing 4. A check of the correct positioning of the contact element 5 in the second inner housing 4 can then be carried out and also a check of the positioning of the individual contact elements 5 relative to one another. The assembly of the cable 23 or the electrical line 19 can also be carried out in a controlled manner. Sealing against fluid media can also be carried out and controlled. After this control option, the second inner housing 4 together with the mounted contact elements 5 can then be easily and correctly inserted into the housing 2 (or the housing interior 7) as a unit Connector 1 must be mounted. The shape of the second inner housing 4 makes it easy to guide the contact elements 5 through the receiving elements 10, 11 of the first inner housing 3 and place them in the first interior 8. For this purpose, an outer contour 51 of the second inner housing 4 can be designed, for example, like an inner contour 52 of the housing interior 7 (e.g. with a slightly smaller diameter, so that the second inner housing 4 can be inserted into the housing 2 like parts of a matryoshka doll) or For this purpose, the shape of the second inner housing 4 can be adapted to the (outer) shape of the housing interior 7 (eg designed to be complementary thereto).

This assembly is particularly easy and reliable thanks to the second inner housing 4.

In Fig. 3, the two first receiving elements 10 are designed as a first receiving opening 30. This means: both first receiving elements 10 are from the beginning, i.e. directly during the production of the first inner housing 3, as the first receiving Openings 30 are formed, i.e. as openings in the first inner housing wall 53 of the first inner housing 3. It is understood that the two first receiving elements 10 at the beginning (before assembly of the respective contact element 5) in an alternative embodiment as first breakthrough surfaces 31 can be designed to produce first receiving openings 30. After inserting the two contact elements 5 together with the projection 29 of the second inner housing 4, the first breakthrough surfaces 31 are then opened and converted into first receiving openings 30. Alternatively, it is also possible that one of the two first receiving elements 10 is initially designed as a receiving opening 30 and the other first receiving element 30 is initially designed as a first breakthrough surface 31.

3, the two second receiving elements 11 are designed as second breakthrough surfaces 41 for producing second receiving openings 40. For this purpose, the two second breakthrough surfaces 41 can, for example, have a smaller material thickness than the first inner housing wall 53 surrounding them exhibit. Alternatively or additionally, the second breakthrough surfaces 41 can have a targeted material weakening, for example on their edges and/or on the second breakthrough surface 41 itself, for example a perforation on the breakthrough surface and/or on its edge, a notch of the edge, e.g. in sections or all around, a notch on the edge, etc. Material weakenings are also conceivable, which are achieved by irradiation with light or other radiation and/or by a (locally limited) action of fluid media and/or by (locally limited) exposure to temperature, etc. As a result, the second breakthrough surface 41 can be broken out or removed or pierced or detached from the first inner housing wall 53 in a targeted and locally limited manner, at least in sections, in particular without the remaining or adjacent first inner housing wall 53 to damage.

The considerations made here for the second breakthrough surfaces 41 also apply analogously to the case that only a single second breakthrough surface 41 is provided or to the case that more than two second breakthrough surfaces 41 are provided. They also apply analogously to one or more first breakthrough surfaces 31 if the first receiving element 10 is designed as a first breakthrough surface 31. The considerations also apply in the event that further recording elements (e.g. third or fourth or fifth, etc. recording elements are provided that are considered third, fourth, fifth, etc.

breakthrough surface are formed).

It goes without saying that the second receiving elements 11 are already designed as second receiving openings 40 from the start or only one of the two receiving elements 11.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the first receiving element 10 and the second receiving element 11 are separated from one another by a web 12. In other words: it is not possible to go directly from the first receiving element 10 (particularly if it were designed as a first receiving opening 30) to the second receiving element 11 (particularly if it were designed as a second receiving opening 40). . The web 12 can, for example, in particular have a different wall thickness than the receiving elements 10, 11 separated by it. The web 12 improves the dimensional stability of the first inner housing 3 in the area of the receiving elements 10, 11, in particular against compression or force transverse to the insertion direction E. In an alternative embodiment not shown here, it can be provided, for example, that the first receiving element 10 and the second receiving element 11 are designed to be continuous.

The plug connector 1 can also have a shielding element 17 - which is not provided in the embodiment of FIG. Element 11 covers and/or electromagnetically shields against an environment 50 of the connector 1, see e.g. Figs. 5 to 7.

Such a shielding element 17 can be made, for example, from an electrically conductive material, for example a sheet of metal.

Figure 4a shows a schematic perspective view of a first inner housing 3 and a second inner housing 4 in a state before assembly. In this exemplary embodiment, the contact element 5 is mounted together with the projection 29 of the second inner housing 4 parallel to the insertion direction E in the first interior 8. The assembly is therefore carried out through the first receiving elements 10.

A situation is shown here in which the two second receiving elements 11 are designed as second breakthrough surfaces 41. In addition, the first receiving element 10 shown on the left in FIG. This can be a first receiving opening 30 that has already been formed from the beginning or a first receiving opening 30 that was created after a first breakthrough surface 31 initially provided at this point was broken out. The notches on the edge of the first and second breakthrough surfaces 31, 41 can be clearly seen. The first and second breakthrough surfaces 31, 41 effect a seal and/or mechanical and/or electrical protection of the first interior 8 against the external environment 21 of the first inner housing 3. They also increase - as long as they are not opened, e.g. broken out - the Stability of the first inner housing 3.

Figure 4b shows a side view of the first inner housing 3 and the second inner housing 4 from Fig. 4a in a state after assembly, i.e. in one State in which the contacting sections 6 of the contact elements 5 are inserted or inserted or mounted into the first interior 8 (or into the two chambers of the first interior 8).

Figure 4c shows a schematic perspective view of a first inner housing 3 and a second inner housing 4 in a state before assembly. In this exemplary embodiment, the contact element 5 is mounted together with the projection 29 of the second inner housing 4 transversely or perpendicularly to the insertion direction E in the first interior 8. The assembly is therefore carried out through the second receiving elements 11.

Here, for example, the two receiving elements 10, 11 on the left in FIG. 4c are designed as breakthrough surfaces 31, 41, while the right receiving elements 10, 11 are designed as receiving openings 30, 40. However, the two right-hand receiving elements 10, 11 can, for example, also have been designed as breakthrough surfaces 31, 41 in the initial state and have now already been opened. Alternatively, at least one of the two right-hand receiving elements 10, 11 may have already been designed as a receiving opening 30, 40 during the production of the first inner housing 3.

Figure 4d shows a side view of the first inner housing 3 and the second inner housing 4 from Fig. 4c in a state after assembly, i.e. in a state in which the contacting sections 6 of the contact elements 5 in the first interior 8 (or in the two chambers of the first interior 8) are plugged in or pushed in or mounted.

Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a detail of a further embodiment of a plug connector 1, which is designed here as an example of a two-pole plug connector 1. The (outer) housing 2 of the connector 1 has been omitted here for reasons of clarity. In this embodiment, each contact element 5 has its own second inner housing 4 (the second inner housings 4 are here, for example, designed separately from one another). In this embodiment too, the second inner housing 4 is not an essential element of the plug connector 1, but merely facilitates the assembly of the contact element in the first interior 8. The first inner housing 3 has a base element 54 and a separate chamber 55 for each contact element 5. Here, for example, the two chambers 55 are formed in one piece (ie: cannot be separated in a non-destructive manner) with the base element 54.

Both contact elements 5 are inserted here through the second receiving element 11 into the first interior 8 together with the projection 29 of the second inner housing 4. The second receiving elements 11 are therefore designed as second receiving openings 40 in the assembled state of the contact elements 5 . This involves mounting the contact elements 5 in a direction transverse to the insertion direction E into the first interior 8.

On the rear side or back of the first inner housing 3 facing the viewer, the first receiving element 10 is visible to the lower chamber 55. It is designed here as the first breakthrough surface 31.

The upper second inner housing 4 is surrounded by a shielding element 17, which extends over the upper chamber 55 of the first inner housing 3. The shielding element 17 can be designed, for example, as a metal sheet. It covers or surrounds both the first receiving element 10 and the second receiving element 11 of the associated contact element 5. It is understood that the shielding element 17 could in principle also extend around both second inner housings 4. In principle, it can also be omitted (as for the contact element 5 shown below in FIG. 5).

Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the connector 1 from Figure 5 from a different perspective. Here the view is directed through the insertion opening 9 into the first interior 8 of the first inner housing 3. It can be seen how the projection 29 of the second inner housing 4 surrounds the contacting section 6 of the contact element 5 in the manner of a bracket and the like Protection against contact and protection against damage. Only the side surfaces 16 of the contact elements 5 are left free for contact with the mating contact element 82. The two chambers 55 for the two contact elements 5 are separated from one another, so that a short circuit between the contact elements 2 is avoided. 7 shows a schematic perspective cross section of the plug connector from FIG. For this purpose, a primary latching element 26 is arranged or formed on the contact element 5, here for example in the form of an embossed projection which protrudes from the contact element 5 transversely to the direction of extension of the contacting section 6. When the contact element 5 is inserted into the second inner housing 4, this primary locking element 26 pushes its wall slightly outwards in the transition area to the projection 29. The wall is preferably designed to be elastically reversible. As soon as the primary latching element 26 has passed the wall, the wall shifts into its original position and thus engages behind the primary latching element 26 as an undercut 27. In this way, the contact element 5 is initially arranged captively in the second inner housing 4. A particularly secure locking against removal of the contact element 5 from the second inner housing 4 is also provided by a secondary locking element 28, which (viewed along the insertion direction E) can be inserted behind the connection section 18 into the second inner housing 4 or is inserted here and thereby Connecting section 18 engages behind.

In an embodiment not explicitly illustrated here, it can be provided that the first breakthrough surface 31 is connected to the first inner housing 3 at a first edge after the production of the first receiving opening 30, for example by means of a film hinge, which is specifically used during the production of the first inner housing 3 can be formed. This advantageously prevents the first breakthrough surface 31 from remaining loose in the first interior 8 or from having to be removed at great expense.

In a further alternative embodiment, the first breakthrough surface 31 can be displaced, for example in the first interior 8, in the direction of the second receiving element 11 (for example, twisted or pivoted or tilted, etc.). Looking at Fig. 4a, for example, the first breakthrough surface 31 could fold or tilt or pivot in the direction of the second receiving element 11, for example by means of a film hinge at its upper edge, the film hinge being arranged, for example, on the web 12, see Fig. 3 could be. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the first breakthrough surface 31, for example, advantageously covers the second receiving element 11 at least in sections or covers it from the first interior 8 or overlaps with the second receiving element 11, for example in the manner of a lid or a cap. Such a covering or overlap can preferably be at least 30% of the area of the second receiving element 11, particularly preferably at least 50% of the area of the second receiving element 11 and most preferably at least 75% of the area of the second receiving element 11. This can advantageously improve the sealing of the first interior 8 against penetrating dirt or grime or fluid media. Further advantageously, electrical insulation of the first interior 8 against the external environment 21 can be improved. Further advantageously, when removing the contact element 5 from the first receiving element 10, the first breakthrough surface 31 can be moved back into the first receiving opening 30 and then again offers protection against penetrating dirt, dirt or fluid media and / or improved in this way the electrical insulation. Furthermore, the mechanical stability in the area of the first receiving element 10 can also be improved.

Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment also not shown, it can be provided that the second breakthrough surface 41 is connected to the first inner housing 3 at a second edge after the second receiving opening 40 has been produced, for example by means of a film hinge, which is specifically designed during production of the first inner housing 3 can be formed. This advantageously prevents the second breakthrough surface 41 from remaining loose in the first interior 8 or from having to be removed at great expense.

In a further alternative embodiment, the second breakthrough surface 41 can, for example, be displaced in the first interior 8 in the direction of the first receiving element 10 (e.g. twisted or pivoted or tilted, etc.). 4a, for example, the second breakthrough surface 41 could fold or tilt or pivot in the direction of the first receiving element 10, for example by means of a film hinge at its rear edge, the film hinge being arranged, for example, on the web 12, see FIG. 3 could be.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the second breakthrough surface

41, for example, advantageously the first receiving element 10 at least in sections covered or covered by the first interior 8 or overlapped with the first receiving element 10, for example in the manner of a lid or a cap.

Such a covering or overlap can preferably amount to at least 30% of the area of the first receiving element 10, particularly preferably at least 50% of the area of the first receiving element 10 and most preferably at least 75% of the area of the first receiving element 10. This can advantageously improve the sealing of the first interior 8 against penetrating dirt or grime or fluid media. Further advantageously, electrical insulation of the first interior 8 against the external environment 21 can be improved. Further advantageously, when removing the contact element 5 from the second receiving element 11, the second breakthrough surface 41 can be moved back into the second receiving opening 40 and then again offers protection against penetrating dirt, dirt or fluid media and / or improved in this way the electrical insulation. Furthermore, the mechanical stability in the area of the second receiving element 11 can also be improved.

Claims

Plug connector for plugging together with a mating plug connector (80) along an insertion direction (E), the plug connector (1) having:

- a housing (2);

- a first inner housing (3);

- a contact element (5) with a contacting section (6) for contacting a mating contact element (82) of the mating connector (80); wherein the first inner housing (3) in a housing interior (7) of the housing

(2) is arranged, wherein the first inner housing (3) has a first interior (8) and an insertion opening (9) facing the mating connector (80); wherein the first inner housing (3) has a first receiving element (10) and a second receiving element (11), which are rotated relative to one another by an angle (W) in the range of 70° to 110°, in particular by 90°, wherein one of the two receiving elements (10, 11), viewed along the insertion direction (E), is arranged on the side of the first inner housing (3) facing away from the insertion opening (9), the contacting section (6) of the contact element (5 ) can be inserted into the first interior (8) through the first receiving element (10) or through the second receiving element (11), so that the contacting section (6) can be contacted through the insertion opening (9). Plug connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the first receiving element (10) is designed as a first receiving opening (30) or as a first breakthrough surface (31) for producing a first receiving opening and / or wherein the second receiving element ( 11) is designed as a second receiving opening (40) or as a second breakthrough surface (41) for producing a second receiving opening.

3. Connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the first breakthrough surface (31) is connected to the first inner housing (3) at a first edge after the production of the first receiving opening (30), in particular by means of a film hinge, in particular the first breakthrough surface (31) in the first interior (8) is displaced in the direction of the second receiving element (11) and the second receiving element (11) is at least partially covered and / or the second breakthrough surface (41) after the production of the second receiving element Opening (40) is connected at a second edge to the first inner housing (3), in particular by means of a film hinge, in particular the second breakthrough surface (31) in the first interior (8) being displaced in the direction of the first receiving element (10) and the first receiving element (10) is at least partially covered.

4. Connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the housing (2) is made of an electrically insulating material, and / or wherein the first inner housing (3) is made of an electrically insulating material.

5. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first receiving element (10) and the second receiving element (11) are separated from one another, in particular by a web (12), or wherein the first receiving element (10) and the second receiving element (11) is formed continuously.

6. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector has a second inner housing (4), the second inner housing (4), in particular completely, being arranged in the housing interior (7) of the housing (2), the contact element ( 5) is arranged in the second inner housing (4), in particular captively, wherein the second inner housing (4) is made in particular of an electrically insulating material. Plug connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the second inner housing (4) has a projection (29) in a front section (13) facing the first inner housing (3), the contacting section (6) of the contact element (5) along the insertion direction (E ) viewed on its end face (14) and on at least one longitudinal side (15) is surrounded by the projection (29), in particular a side surface (16) of the contacting section (6) being freely accessible. Plug connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the second inner housing (4) with the front section (13) is arranged together with the contacting section (6) in the first interior (8) of the first inner housing (3), in particular is inserted. Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug connector (1) further has a shielding element (17), the shielding element (17) surrounding the second inner housing (4) at least in sections, the shielding element (17) surrounding the first receiving element (10 ) and / or the second receiving element (11) covers and / or electromagnetically shields against an environment (50) of the connector (1). Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (5) further has a connection section (18) for connecting to an electrical line (19), the connection section (18) being arranged in a second interior (20) of the second inner housing (4). is, wherein the contacting section (6) protrudes from the second interior (20) into an external environment (21) of the second inner housing (4). Connector arrangement, the connector arrangement (100) comprising:

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

- a mating connector (80); wherein the mating connector (80) has a mating contact element (82), which is connected in particular to a further electrical line (86).