DE102022209752A1 - Connectors and connector assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector for plugging together with a mating plug connector (80) along an insertion direction (E), the plug connector (1) having:
-- a contact element (2);
-- a holding element (4);
wherein the contact element (2) has a front end (5) which faces the mating connector (80) and a contact area (6),
wherein the contact element (2) in the contact area (6) has two opposing contact element walls (7, 8), which are spaced apart from one another and form a contact gap (9),
wherein the holding element (4) is arranged at the front end (5) of the contact element (2),
wherein the holding element (4) has two holding element structures (10, 11), between which the two contact element walls (7, 8) are arranged,
wherein the holding element structures (10, 11) are set up to allow the contact element walls (7, 8) to move away from one another along a spreading direction (S) parallel to the surface normal (N) of the contact element walls (7, 8). to prevent or limit,
wherein the contact gap (9) is freely accessible from the front end (5) to behind the contact area (6) over a continuous angular range (W) of at least 85° relative to an axis of rotation (A) which is parallel to the surface normal (N) the contact element walls (7, 8).

Description

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. It is important that the plug connection is or remains established without interruption in all common operating situations, e.g. even in the event of vibrations or high temperature changes. Plug connectors are often used for this purpose, which have a contact element with two opposite and usually parallel contact element walls between which a contact gap is formed. A mating contact element of the mating connector, designed for example as a contact knife, is then inserted into this contact gap. As a result, with this type of connector, the electrical contacting of the mating contact element can be made from two sides.

Such a connector is known from DE 39 06 625 C1 . The connector is made in one piece from a semi-finished product and the contact gap is created, for example, by drilling, turning or milling.

Another connector for high-current applications with more than 100A is known from US 2003/0194919 A1. This connector has a contact element which has a contact area in a U-shape at the front end, the open end of the U-shape being directed in a direction transverse to a longitudinal extent of the contact element. The U-shape forms a contact gap into which the counter-contact element can be inserted.

From the DE 10 2004 015 345 A1 and from the DE 10 2017 220 778 A1 Other connectors for high-current applications are known. The contact element has two contact element walls facing one another, which are spaced apart from one another and run essentially parallel to one another. In order to prevent the contact element walls from spreading or bending open or to prevent the distance between the contact element walls from increasing, these connectors have tabs on the first of the two contact element walls at the front end of the contact element and behind the contact area provided, which are bent towards the second contact element wall and are connected to it. This secures the two contact element walls against spreading or bending open.

From the DE 10 2016 104 868 B3 Another connector for high-current applications with a contact element is known, with a contact gap being formed between two contact element walls into which a contact knife can be inserted. In this connector, the spreading or bending of the two contact element walls is prevented by two spring elements which are arranged on the top or bottom of the two contact element walls and connect them to each other.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention is based on the knowledge that producing a connector from a semi-finished product using turning, milling or drilling is time-consuming and cost-intensive and therefore often not economically viable. Furthermore, the invention is based on the knowledge that the use of stamped and bent parts to produce a U-shape of the contact element, in particular with thin material, can result in the contact element not having the required stability. For example, an undesirable increase in the distance between the contact element walls can occur, which can impair the service life of the plug connector. Furthermore, the invention is based on the knowledge that the provision of connecting tabs between the contact element walls or of spring elements that hold the two contact element walls together limits the usability of the plug connector. Depending on the installation situation or the customer's wishes, a cable is not always mounted on the mating contact element in the same direction - there may be situations in which the cable protrudes from the mating contact element along the insertion direction of the mating contact element. However, it can also be provided that the cable is mounted on the mating contact element twisted in relation to the insertion direction (e.g. at any angle between +90° and -90°, e.g. at +90° or at -90° or at +30° or at + 45° or around +60° or around -30° or around -45° or around -60°). In these cases, plugging together the plug connector and mating plug connector along the insertion direction is no longer easily possible (for example, only with the use of more installation space) if tabs or spring elements hold the contact element walls together. Because the ones from the Gegenkon Cables leaving the clock element would collide with the tabs and/or spring elements. The production of a connector with a contact element without webs or spring elements requires larger material thicknesses and/or materials with a high bending stiffness, which at the same time should also have a low electrical resistance, which makes production correspondingly more expensive.

There may therefore be a need to provide a plug connector that can be produced easily and inexpensively, in particular with the smallest possible wall thickness and which enables the mating contact element to be plugged together with the contact element along the insertion direction even if the line or Current busbar protrudes from the mating contact element in different directions in order to be able to connect different mating connectors or differently mounted mating contact elements with a single connector. Furthermore, there may be a need to connect the mating connector to the connector from different insertion directions.

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 contact element for connecting to an electrical line (for example in the form of a flexible line or a rigid line or an electrical busbar or the like) and a holding element. The contact element has a front end that faces the mating connector and a contact area for contacting a mating contact element of the mating connector. In the contact area, the contact element has two mutually opposite, in particular substantially parallel, contact element walls, a first contact element wall and a second contact element wall, which are spaced apart from one another and form a contact gap. The holding element is arranged at the front end of the contact element and has two holding element structures, a first holding element structure and a second holding element structure, between which the two contact element walls are arranged. The holding element structures are designed to prevent or limit a movement of the contact element walls away from one another along a spreading direction parallel to the surface normal of the contact element walls, such a movement or an increase in distance being particularly related to a force-free (initial ) Condition without inserted mating contact element. The contact gap is freely accessible from the front end to behind the contact area over a continuous angular range of at least 85° or at least 90° or at least 130° or at least 135° or at least 175° or at least 180° relative to an axis of rotation , which extends parallel to the surface normal of the contact element walls.

This advantageously provides a connector that can be produced easily, quickly and cost-effectively. Furthermore, the plug connector according to the invention advantageously enables an electrical connection to the mating contact element reliably and without interruption over a long service life and is also robust against aging effects, vibrations, strong temperature fluctuations (e.g. from -40 ° C to +80 ° C, in the contact area also, for example, up to +180°C or up to +200°C) and other adverse operating conditions. Further advantageously, due to the contact gap with the contiguous free angular range, it can be contacted with counter-contact elements along the insertion direction, in which the lines mounted on the counter-contact element protrude from the counter-contact element in different directions without collisions with elements of the plug connector or the contact element. This advantageously enables a particularly compact design. Furthermore, it is also advantageous to plug together with the mating connector or the mating contact element in different insertion directions (eg perpendicular to the usual or normal insertion direction), so that the plug connector is particularly versatile can be used for various mating connectors. This means that it can be advantageously produced in large quantities, which means that economies of scale can be achieved.

The limitation of spreading of the contact element walls by the holding element structures, which serve in the manner of guardrails and which surround the contact element walls on their outer sides or are arranged on their outer sides, advantageously enables the use of thin materials for the contact element or . the contact element walls. The contact element can be produced inexpensively, for example, as a stamped and bent part. Alternatively or additionally, a particularly good electrically conductive and at the same time cost-effective material can be used, since the flexural rigidity of the contact element or the contact element walls does not have to be a priority. The externally supporting holding element structures leave the plane of the contact gap open over a large angular range, the angular range preferably being an angular range in the gap plane. The angle is determined around an angle root or axis of rotation, which extends parallel to the surface normal of at least one of the two contact element walls. A separation of functions can advantageously be brought about by the holding element: the holding element can be designed with suitable materials and/or geometric designs or the like on its supporting or stabilizing or

Holding function can be designed, while the contact element can be designed primarily for optimized electrical conductivity. The contact element can have a certain elasticity or an elastically reversible spring effect in order to apply a defined normal contact force to the counter-contact element. Due to the separation of functions, it can now advantageously be designed, for example, with a small wall thickness and/or a cost-effective material with a high electrical conductivity but low bending stiffness can be selected, although due to the holding element it still does not result in a ( undesirably large) spreading of the contact element walls or even a plastic deformation occurs.

The connector is particularly designed for high-current plug connections or for use in high-current plug connections with currents to be transmitted of more than 20A, preferably more than 50A, particularly preferably more than 100A and very particularly preferably more than 150A or even more than 400A. It can additionally or alternatively be designed for high voltages, for example voltages of at least 50V or at least 100V or at least 200V or at least 350V or at least 500V.

The contact element can be manufactured, for example, as a stamped and bent part. It can, for example, be made of an electrically conductive material or comprise a majority (more than 50%) of an electrically conductive material, for example a metal, for example copper or a copper alloy.

The holding element can, for example, be a part that is initially separate from the contact element.

The holding element (or the holding element structures) can, for example, be plugged or pushed onto the contact element (or its contact element walls). Alternatively or additionally, the contact element (or its contact element walls) can be inserted or pushed into the holding element (or the holding element structures), for example. It can be provided that the holding element (or the holding element structures) and the contact element (or its contact element walls) are plugged together or pushed together.

The holding element (or the holding element structures) can (or can) be viewed as a type of stabilizing element that prevents or limits movement of the contact element walls away from each other along a direction parallel to the surface normal of the contact element walls or the one Increasing the distance between the contact element walls is prevented or limited.

One or both holding element structure(s) of the holding element can, for example, be designed in the form of a wall (holding element wall). Such a holding element wall can, for example, be designed to be closed. For example, it can completely cover or overlap the (adjacent) contact element wall. In this way, particularly good protection against bending or spreading of the contact element walls can be provided. Furthermore, this can advantageously provide particularly good protection against unintentional contact with the contact element and/or a short circuit between adjacent contact elements.

However, it can also be provided, for example, that the holding element structure of the holding element is designed as at least one rib or at least one rod or at least one arm, which, for example, runs essentially parallel to the insertion direction. Alternatively, the holding element structure can be designed, for example, in the manner of a grid or mesh-like.

In other words: the holding element structure is designed in the manner of a support structure or guardrail in order to effect a guardrail function.

The contact element can, for example, be designed to be closed at the rear end (e.g. like a twisted “U”). It can be designed to be open at the front end facing the mating connector.

For example, it can be provided that the usual insertion direction (of the mating contact element into the contact element) runs along a longitudinal direction of the contact element. It may then still be possible to plug together the mating contact element or the mating connector from an insertion direction that deviates from the usual insertion direction (e.g. 90° or 60° or 45° or 30° twisted to the usual insertion direction).

It can be provided that the (usual) insertion direction is part of the contiguous angular range.

The connector can have exactly a single contact element. However, it can also have a plurality of contact elements, for example two or three or four or five or even more contact elements.

In a further development it is provided that the holding element is pushed or inserted over the contact element from the front end of the contact element. As a result, the assembly process of the connector can advantageously be carried out particularly simply, quickly, automatically and cost-effectively.

The holding element can, for example, cover the front end of the contact element. For example, the holding element structure can have a projection or a shoulder on its front side, which covers or covers the front end of the contact element. This advantageously ensures, on the one hand, that a stop is provided for mounting the holding element on the contact element, so that the holding element can be positioned precisely. Furthermore, the front end of the contact element can be advantageously protected from damage when plugged together with the mating connector. Finally, contact protection can advantageously be designed in this way, which, for example, protects a fitter from accidentally coming into contact with live parts.

In a further development it is provided that a contact lamella element with a plurality of contact lamellas is arranged in the contact area on at least one of the two contact element walls, the contact lamellas being in particular designed to contact the mating contact element mechanically and electrically.

A plurality of contact blades can, for example, represent two, three or even more contact blades.

This advantageously results in a particularly secure, redundant and reliable contacting of the mating contact element. Due to the plurality of contact lamellas, the number of (defined) contact points between the contact element and the mating contact element is increased compared to just a single contact lamella, which advantageously reduces the contact resistance. This reduces heating of the contact area at high current flow and increases the service life.

The contact lamella element is preferably arranged on an inside of the contact element wall facing the contact gap.

The contact lamella element can, for example, be designed as an element that is initially separate from the contact element and which is attached or is attached or arranged on the contact element wall after an assembly process. It can be attached or arranged on the contact element wall in a non-destructively detachable manner. However, it can also be permanently connected to the contact element wall, for example by a welding process. The contact lamella element can, for example, be made of a different material than the contact element. The contact lamella element can, for example, have a frame area from which the majority of the contact lamellas protrude. The individual contact blades can, for example, be self-supporting, i.e. they can, for example, have a free blade end. The contact lamellae can, for example, be arranged parallel to one another. For example, they can protrude from the frame area in a circle, for example towards the center of the frame. The contact blades can, for example, be designed to be elastically reversibly resilient.

In a further development it is provided that the holding element is made of an electrically insulating material. This advantageously ensures that a plurality of contact elements or their contact element walls can be supported or stabilized or held by a single holding element or a plurality of holding elements without there being an electrical short circuit between the individual contact elements. Furthermore, the holding element can be manufactured particularly cost-effectively and also in complex shapes. The separation of functions between Supporting or holding or stabilizing can be carried out particularly easily compared to the function of the contact element as an electrical interface.

The holding element can, for example, be made of an insulating plastic or comprise one, for example for the most part (more than 50%). For example, the holding element 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 holding element can be manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process. It can therefore be designed, for example, as an injection molded part.

In a further development it is provided that the holding element structures have at least twice or at least three times the bending stiffness as the contact element walls (e.g. in comparison of a contact element wall with the adjacent holding element structure, preferably viewed with respect to the spreading direction). This advantageously results in a particularly reliable support or stabilization of the contact element walls against an increase in the width of the contact gap or against a spreading of the contact element walls.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the holding element structures have at least 1.5 times or at least twice the wall thickness as the contact element walls. This advantageously results in a particularly reliable support or stabilization of the contact element walls against an increase in the width of the contact gap or against a spreading of the contact element walls.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the at least one holding element structure is connected to an adjacent auxiliary structure spaced from the holding element structure by at least one rib structure. This advantageously enables increased stability or flexural rigidity (particularly along the expansion direction) of the holding element structure with little use of material (e.g. in the manner of a double-T beam). The holding element structure can be designed with a relatively small wall thickness and can then be supported on the auxiliary structure. This can have advantages, for example, in injection molding production, since, for example, the wall thicknesses of the injection molded part can all be made approximately the same thickness in this way.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that at least one holding element structure is connected to an adjacent holding element structure of another holding element by at least one rib structure. As a result, increased stability or bending rigidity can advantageously be achieved even with a low wall thickness of the holding element structure. Injection molding production can also be advantageously simplified.

In a further development it is provided that the holding element structures limit an increase in the distance between the contact element walls to a maximum of 1000um (micrometers) or to a maximum of 500um or to a maximum of 300um or to a maximum of 200um or to a maximum of 100um. This advantageously ensures that, for example, manufacturing tolerances in the manufacture of the contact element and/or the counter-contact element or slight transverse forces during insertion can still be compensated for by spreading slightly, so that the insertion forces are kept within an acceptable range. At the same time, this advantageously ensures that the insertion of an incorrect (excessive) mating contact element is prevented and that high transverse forces in relation to the insertion direction do not lead to damage and/or plastic deformation and/or to a reduced normal force of the contact element when inserting.

For example, the force-free state without an inserted mating contact element can serve as a reference distance between the contact element walls.

In a further development it is provided that at least one holding element structure has a guide structure, with the adjacent contact element wall being guided in the guide structure. This advantageously allows the contact element wall to be placed particularly reliably and precisely. In this way, the contact gap is also designed to be particularly reliable and precise.

The guide structure can, for example, prevent or limit a movement of the guided contact element wall in the direction of the adjacent contact element wall, preferably to a distance of at most 250um. As a result, the width of the contact gap is particularly advantageously well defined and incorrect insertion of the mating contact element or damage to the contact element wall by the mating contact element is reliably prevented.

The (at least one) guide structure can be designed, for example, as a link structure and/or as a groove and/or a slot or as a channel. It can be formed, for example, on a bottom and/or a top side of the holding element structure.

In a further development it is provided that the plug connector has a base element, with the holding element being formed in one piece with the base element.

This advantageously enables a particularly simple production of the plug connector, in which only a few parts have to be assembled. Furthermore, the holding element can be designed to be particularly stable in this way, since it is designed in one piece with the base element. A one-piece design or training is understood to mean that the holding element cannot be separated from the base element in a non-destructive manner. The holding element can, for example, be produced together with the base element in an injection molding process.

The holding element structures can, for example, protrude from the base element (e.g. along the (normal) insertion direction. The holding element structures can, for example, protrude from the base element in a self-supporting manner.

The base element can only be set up, for example, to be attached to a component, e.g. in order to attach or fix or fix the connector on the component in this way. For example, it can be designed for attachment to a housing of a component such as an inverter, a battery, an electrical machine, a control device or the like. The base element can, for example, be fastened or fastened to the component or its housing by means of a screw connection or a rivet connection or a clip connection or a bayonet connection or an adhesive connection or the like. In principle, form-fitting, frictional, non-positive or cohesive fastenings are conceivable. This advantageously allows the connector to be attached to the component particularly easily, securely and stably.

Alternatively, the holding element is designed as a separate individual part before assembly on the connector. This advantageously enables a particularly simple and individual production of the holding element for various purposes. For example, different holding elements can be provided for one and the same connector geometry depending on the intended application. Or it is possible to use the same holding element for different connector geometries or different connector housings. For example, a holding element that is initially intended for a 1-pole plug connector can also be used in a simple manner for a 2-pole or 3-pole plug connector or a plug connector with even more poles. Furthermore, the holding element can be designed to be detachable from the plug connector in a non-destructive manner in this way, so that repair is possible.

The holding element can, for example, be attached, for example clipped, to a chamber for the contact element or to a base element of the plug connector, such a base element being able to be set up, for example, for attachment to a component as described above.

In a further development it is provided that the holding element has a base section, with the holding element structures protruding from the base section. This advantageously ensures that the holding element structures are arranged in a well-defined manner relative to one another. In other words: for example, the distance between the holding element structures can advantageously be designed or set in a well-defined manner. The base section also advantageously stabilizes the holding element. Particularly advantageously, the holding element can also be designed as an easy-to-handle and assemble individual part through the base section.

The holding element structures can, for example, project self-supporting from the base element. The holding element structures can, for example, be connected to one another at least in sections and/or protrude from the base element in a stiffened manner at least in sections by one or more rib structures.

In a further development it is provided that the base section is arranged behind the contact area when viewed from the front end of the contact element along the insertion direction. This advantageously ensures that the contact gap in the contact area of the contact element is freely accessible. The base element can, for example, provide the mechanical strength to enable the contact element walls to be potentially supported (e.g. in the event of transverse forces) by the holding element structures. At the same time, the root of this support function can be relocated by means of the base element to a section of the contact element that lies behind the contact area (viewed from the front end of the contact element).

In a further development it is provided that the base section is designed to be closed in a ring shape and surrounds the contact element. This results in a particularly high level of stability, for example against forces from all conceivable directions transverse to the insertion direction. The holding element or its base element can also be advantageous when plugged together in this way The mating connector forms a particularly tight, e.g. media-tight, connection.

In a further development it is provided that the holding element and/or the base element has a further guide structure which is set up to interact with a counter-guide structure of the mating connector. This can advantageously achieve a reduction in insertion force or operating force when plugging together the plug connector and the mating plug connector. Further advantageously, various functionalities are brought together in or on the holding element and/or on the base element, which reduces the complexity or the parts requirement of the plug connector and thus simplifies its production.

The further guide structure can be set up, for example, to reduce operating force when plugging the plug connector together with the mating plug connector. It can be, for example, bolts protruding from the holding element, which engage in a counter-guide structure designed as a link. The counter-guide structure can be arranged, for example, on a slide or on a lever element. In principle, the further guide structure can also be designed as a link or groove or the like and the counter-guide structure as a bolt or pin or the like.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a connector arrangement is proposed. The connector arrangement is intended in particular for high-current applications and/or high-voltage applications or is set up for such applications. It can be, for example, a connector for power components in electrically powered vehicles.

The connector arrangement has a connector as described above and a mating connector. The mating connector has a mating contact element, which is connected in particular to an electrical line, with the mating contact element being arranged in the contact gap when the plug connector and mating connector are plugged together.

This advantageously provides a connector arrangement that can be produced easily, quickly and cost-effectively. Furthermore, the connector arrangement according to the invention advantageously enables an electrical connection between the contact element and mating contact element reliably and without interruption over a long service life and is also robust against aging effects, vibrations, strong temperature fluctuations (e.g. from -40 ° C to 140 ° C, in the contact area, e.g. even up to 180°C or up to 200°C) and other adverse operating conditions.

Furthermore, it can advantageously be plugged together with counter-contact elements along the insertion direction, in which the longitudinal axis of the counter-contact element is not parallel to the insertion direction and/or in which the lines mounted on the counter-contact element protrude from the counter-contact element in different directions. Furthermore, it is also advantageous to plug the connector and mating connector or the mating contact element together in different insertion directions (e.g. perpendicular to the usual or normal insertion direction), so that the connector arrangement can be used in a particularly versatile manner for different mating connectors. As a result, the plug connector or the plug connector arrangement can advantageously be manufactured in large quantities, whereby economies of scale can be advantageously achieved.

In a further development, it is provided that when the plug connector and mating plug connector are plugged together, the electrical line of the mating contact element projects from the mating contact element in the plane of the contact gap in a direction that runs at an angle between 0° and +90° to the insertion direction or at an angle runs between 0° and -90° to the insertion direction. As a result, the connector arrangement can advantageously be designed to be particularly flexible and in this way can be used, for example, in different installation space situations.

In a further development it is provided that the mating connector has a support structure, wherein the support structure is arranged adjacent to a holding element structure and is set up to prevent or limit a movement of the holding element structure in the direction of the support structure.

In other words: when the connector and mating connector are plugged together, the support structure is inserted or arranged in a recess or pocket or the like of the connector and is thus located, viewed transversely to the insertion direction, next to the holding element structure (e.g. next to the first holding element structure and/or or next to the second holding element structure - it can be arranged between two different holding elements and in this way support two holding element structures of different holding elements). For example, it can be spaced slightly (eg 10um to 300um, preferably 20um to 150um) from the holding element structure However, the holding element structure can also touch - at least in sections.

In this way, the holding element structure can advantageously be made particularly thin and still provides good, stable support for the adjacent contact element wall against bending or spreading along the spreading direction.

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.

• 1a, 1b: schematische perspektivische Abbildungen einer Steckverbinderanordnung;
• 2a-2c: schematische perspektivische Ansichten eines Kontaktelements eines Steckverbinders, teilweise mit einem Gegenkontaktelement und mit einem Halteelement;
• 3: eine schematische Darstellung eines Kontaktelements und verschiedener Gegenkontaktelemente mit daran in unterschiedlichen Richtungen angebrachten Leitungen;
• 4a, 4b: verschiedene schematische perspektivische Ansichten zweier Kontaktelemente und eines Basiselements eines Steckverbinders in einem nicht miteinander montierten Zustand;
• 5a, 5b: eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht zweier Kontaktelemente und eines Basiselements eines Steckverbinders im miteinander montierten Zustand (5a), sowie eine Aufsicht darauf (5b);
• 6: einen schematischen Querschnitt durch einen Steckverbinder;
• 7a, 7b: eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht (7a) und ein schematischer Querschnitt (7b) einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Steckverbinders;
• 8a, 8b: schematische perspektivische Detailansichten des Steckverbinders aus den 7a und 7b.

Show it

• 1a , 1b : schematic perspective images of a connector arrangement;
• 2a-2c : schematic perspective views of a contact element of a plug connector, partly with a mating contact element and with a holding element;
• 3 : a schematic representation of a contact element and various mating contact elements with lines attached thereto in different directions;
• 4a , 4b : various schematic perspective views of two contact elements and a base element of a connector in a state that is not assembled together;
• 5a , 5b : a schematic perspective view of two contact elements and a base element of a connector in the assembled state ( 5a) , as well as supervision of it ( 5b) ;
• 6 : a schematic cross section through a connector;
• 7a , 7b : a schematic perspective view ( 7a) and a schematic cross section ( 7b) a further embodiment of a connector;
• 8a , 8b : schematic perspective detailed views of the connector from the 7a and 7b .

The 1a and 1b show two different schematic perspective images of a connector arrangement 100 in the not yet assembled state and are described together below.

The connector arrangement 100 has a connector 1. The plug connector 1 is suitable or set up for plugging together with a mating plug connector 80 along an insertion direction E (the insertion direction E shown here can be referred to as the “normal insertion direction” in order to be distinguished from other possible insertion directions; here it extends, for example, along the Longitudinal axis of a contact element 2), described in more detail below. The connector assembly 100 is preferably designed for use in high-current applications. It can, for example, transmit currents of more than 10A, preferably of more than 50A and particularly preferably of more than 100A or more than 200A or more than 400A, e.g. 500A.

The plug connector 1 has a contact element 2 for connecting to an electrical line (here only exemplified as an electrical busbar 3) and a holding element 4. The busbar 3 can also be referred to as a busbar. The electrical line (here: the busbar 3) can, for example, have a line cross-section of at least 4mm ² or at least 10mm ² or at least 40mm ² or at least 90mm ² , for example 95mm ² (for example for a copper line) or for example 120mm ² (for example for an aluminum cable).

The plug connector 1 here also has a base element 15, for example. This base element 15 is designed here, for example, to be connected to or attached to a component (not shown, e.g. an inverter, a battery, a control unit, an electric machine, etc.). For this purpose, for example, fastening openings 17 are provided in or on the base element 15. The base element 15 and thus the plug connector 1 can then be attached to the component using fastening means 18 (e.g. screws). In the embodiment shown here, the holding element 4 is formed in one piece (cannot be detached in a non-destructive manner) with the base element 15. For example, the base element 15 is manufactured together with the two holding elements 4 here as an injection-molded part.

The contact element 2 is set up here, for example, for (electrically) contacting a mating contact element 82 of the mating plug connector 80. The contact element 2 has a front end 5, which faces the mating plug connector 80, and a contact area 6 for contacting the mating contact element 82 of the mating plug connector 80. This Contact element 2 has in the contact area 6 two contact element walls 7, 8 that are opposite one another, here for example parallel to one another, a first contact element wall 7 and a second contact element wall. Wall 8 (see also 2a to 2c ), which are spaced apart from each other (transverse to the insertion direction E) and which form a contact gap 9.

Next is in the 1a and 1b It can be seen that in the contact area 6 on at least one of the two contact element walls 7, 8 there is arranged a contact lamella element 12 with a plurality of contact lamellas 13, in particular facing the contact gap 9, the contact lamellae 13 being designed in particular to form the counter-contact element 82 to contact mechanically and electrically. In this exemplary embodiment, a contact lamella element 12 is arranged on both the first contact element wall 7 and on the second contact element wall 8 (see also, for example 4a and 4b) . The contact blades 13 are designed, for example, as elastically reversible spring elements. Here, for example, they are arranged parallel to one another and each, for example, has a self-supporting end.

A distance d1 (see e.g 2a) between the contact element walls 7, 8 (and thus a width of the contact gap 9) can be in a range here, for example, from approximately a width B (viewed transversely to the insertion direction) of the mating contact element 82 to approximately twice the width B of the mating contact element 82. The distance d1 between the contact element walls 7, 8 can, for example, be in a range between 0.5mm and 10mm, preferably between 2mm and 8mm and particularly preferably between 3.5mm and 6.5mm.

The counter contact element 82 can, for example, have a width B in the range of 0.5mm to 7mm, preferably in the range of 1.5mm to 5mm, for example 3mm.

The contacting of the mating contact element 82 with the width B, which here can be smaller than the first distance d1, for example, can be done, for example, by the at least one contact lamella element 12 shown here as an example, which protrudes into the contact gap 9 with its contact lamellas 13.

The contact element 2 can, for example, be designed to be resilient (at least in sections). In other words: the two contact element walls 7, 8 can be designed to be elastically reversible in such a way that in the force-free state (e.g. without an inserted mating contact element 82) they are in a first position into which they return in an elastically reversible manner, for example if they are caused by a The force has been moved away from each other (e.g. into a second position) and the force is then eliminated. The counter-contact element 82 can be inserted into the contact gap 9 for contacting and is or is then contacted on both sides (viewed from the left and from the right in the insertion direction E). In the embodiment shown here as an example, two contact elements 2 of similar or identical design are provided. It goes without saying that in other embodiments only a single contact element 2 can be provided. In principle, however, more than two contact elements 2 can also be provided.

In another embodiment, the contact element 2 can be designed to be essentially rigid, with at least one contact blade element 12 being provided with a plurality of contact blades 13, which are designed to be resilient (elastically reversible).

Each contact element wall 7, 8 is here, for example, flat or designed as a substantially flat surface and has a surface normal N. In this exemplary embodiment, only a single surface normal N is shown, since the contact element walls 7, 8 are arranged parallel to one another. Here, for example, the surface normal N runs perpendicularly or transversely to the insertion direction E. Here, for example, it is also the surface normal of a plane that defines the contact gap 9. It goes without saying that the first contact element wall 7 and/or the second contact element wall 8 can also be designed as a rib or rod or contact knife or the like, in general: as a contact element structure.

The holding element 4 is arranged at the front end 5 of the contact element 2. It is - here together with the base element 15 - pushed or inserted from the front end 5 over the contact element 2. The holding element 4 covers the contact element 2 at the front end 5. The holding element 4 has two holding element structures 10, 11, a first holding element structure 10 and a second holding element structure 11. The first holding element structure 10 and the second holding element Structure 11 are designed here as a closed holding element wall only as an example. However, many other options are conceivable, for example designing it as a rib or rod or grid or the like. The holding element structures 10, 11 can, for example, run parallel to one another as shown here (viewed along the insertion direction E). The contact element walls 7, 8 (or generally: the contact element structures) are arranged between the two holding element structures 10, 11. The holding element structures 10, 11 are set up or are designed in such a way as to allow the contact element walls 7, 8 (or contact element structures) to move away from one another along a spreading direction S parallel to the surface normal N of the contact element walls 7 , 8 to prevent or limit, especially related to a force-free state (first position) without an inserted mating contact element 82.

The contact gap 9 is freely accessible from the front end 5 to behind the contact area 6 over a continuous angular range W of at least 85° or at least 90° or at least 130° or at least 135° or at least 170° or at least 175° or of at least 180 ° based on an axis of rotation A, which extends parallel to the surface normal N of the contact element walls 7, 8. Here, for example, the (normal) insertion direction E is part of the contiguous angular range W. In this embodiment, the contiguous angular range W is only 180°, for example, and includes the (normal) insertion direction E.

The holding element structures 10, 11 can, for example, limit an increase in the distance d1 between the contact element walls, 7, 8, in particular in relation to the force-free state without an inserted mating contact element 82, to a maximum of 1000um or a maximum of 500um or a maximum of 300um or a maximum 200um. This enables a certain, preferably elastically reversible, expansion of the contact element walls 7, 8 without any plastic deformation occurring and without the electrical contact between the contact element 2 and the mating contact element 82 being lost.

In this exemplary embodiment, the outermost holding element structures 10, 11 (in 1a : the leftmost first holding element structure 10 and the rightmost holding element structure 11) each have an auxiliary structure 24 provided. The two auxiliary structures 24 are here, for example, designed as walls which protrude from the base element 15 parallel to the holding element structures 10, 11. Recesses 26, here designed similarly to the contact gap 9, are arranged between the auxiliary structures 24 and the holding element structures 10, 11. The two outermost holding element structures 10, 11 are here, for example, each connected to the adjacent and spaced auxiliary structure 24 by a rib structure 25. Auxiliary structure 24 and the respective associated holding element structure 10, 11 thereby stabilize each other. The rib structure 25 bridges the respective recess 26.

Furthermore, there are also between the two inner holding element structures (in 1a : the second holding element structure 11 located on the left side and the first holding element structure 10 located on the right side) recesses 26 are provided, which are designed similarly to the contact gap 9.

By way of example, each holding element 4 has a base section 23, with the holding element structures 10, 11 protruding from the base section 23, here: for example, protruding in a self-supporting manner. The base section 23 is arranged behind the contact area 6 as viewed from the front end 5 of the contact element 2 along the (normal) insertion direction E. Here, for example, the base section 23 is designed to be closed in a ring shape and surrounds the contact element 2. It is fundamentally conceivable that the base section 23 is not designed to be completely closed.

In this exemplary embodiment, the contact elements 2 are designed, for example, as stamped and bent parts, for example made of a metal sheet that has, for example, copper or a copper alloy or aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Here, for example, they are designed in one piece and are connected to one another, for example, in a rear section (behind the contact area 6). The contact element walls 7, 8 initially run parallel to one another, then diverge behind the contact area 6 and are finally at a rear end 19 of the contact element 2 by a type of bridge element 21 to which the line or busbar or busbar 3 can be attached. connected with each other. The contact elements 2 are arranged, for example, in a chamber 20 in the section behind the contact area 6. This chamber 20 can, for example, be made of an electrically insulating material. It can, for example, have guide grooves or slots in which the thin walls of the respective contact element 2 are inserted or guided. The chamber 20 can have a fastening option in the rear area (e.g. an opening for screwing in a screw), so that a simple, reliable and secure fixation and electrical contacting of the contact elements 2 on or with the line or busbar or busbar 3 (busbar) is made possible.

The mating connector 80 has a mating contact element 82, which here is connected, for example, to an electrical line 86 (see 2 B) is connected, with the mating contact element 82 being arranged in the contact gap 9 when the plug connector 1 and mating plug connector 80 are plugged together. The mating connector 80 here, for example, also has a mating connector housing 90 in which (or in its interior) the mating contact element 82 is arranged. A control element 92, here for example in the form of a lever element, is arranged on the mating connector housing 90, which serves in a known manner to reduce the operating force when plugging together the plug connector 1 and the mating connector 80. The electrical line 86 is here, for example, part of a cable 94, the electrical Line is surrounded by insulation 96 at least outside of the mating connector housing 90. Furthermore, the mating connector 80 here has, for example, a plurality of support structures 87, which are arranged adjacent to a respective holding element structure 10, 11 when the plug connector 1 and mating connector 80 are plugged together (see 6 ) and which are set up to prevent or limit a movement of the respective adjacent holding element structure 10, 11 (in particular transverse to the (normal) insertion direction E), for example to a value in the range from 10um to 300um, preferably from 20um to 100um. However, the support structure 87 can also touch the holding element structure 10, 11 (at least in sections). The support structures 87 are here, for example, inserted or pushed into the recesses 26 when the plug connector 1 and mating plug connector 80 are plugged together (see 6 ).

When the connector 1 and mating connector 80 are plugged together, the electrical line 86 of the mating contact element 4 protrudes from the mating contact element 80 in the plane of the contact gap 9 in a direction that runs at an angle between 0° and +90° to the insertion direction E or in a Angle between 0° and -90° to the insertion direction E. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the electrical line 86 of the counter-contact element 82 protrudes by +90° (clockwise rotation by +90° about the axis of rotation A, which here runs parallel to the surface normal N and runs in the direction of the spreading direction S as shown).

In other words: the holding element structures 10, 11 are each arranged on an outside of the contact element walls 7, 8, so that when viewed along the spreading direction S, an exemplary sequence of, in particular overlapping, surfaces results: first holding element structure 10 , first contact element wall 7, contact gap 9, second contact element wall 8, second holding element structure 11. The holding element structures 10, 11 act in the manner of guard rails on the outer sides of the contact element walls 7, 8 and prevent or limit a spreading or bending of the contact element walls 7, 8, e.g. when transverse forces occur during the assembly of the counter-contact element 82 or when there are vibrations, thermal expansions, etc. during operation. The holding element 4 and the contact element 2 or the contact element walls 7, 8 are designed without webs or tabs or other elements, at least as seen from the front end 5 to behind the contact area 6, so that the contact gap 9 is freely accessible over the angular area W is.

For example, it can be provided that the holding element structures 10, 11 have at least twice or at least three times the bending stiffness as the contact element walls 7, 8. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the holding element structures 10, 11 have at least the 1 .5 times or at least twice the wall thickness as the contact element walls 7, 8 (see e.g 2c ). A thickness d3 of the holding element wall 10, 11 can therefore be at least 1.5 times as thick or at least twice as thick as a thickness d2 of the contact element wall 7, 8, in particular in the contact area 6. The contact element walls 7, 8 can, for example, have a thickness d2 in the range between 100um and 3000um, preferably in the range between 500um and 2000um.

In this way, the contact element can be manufactured particularly easily and cost-effectively, at the same time a high current-carrying capacity, high contact reliability and/or a high contact normal force is guaranteed even under adverse operating conditions and finally a direction for a line outlet from the mating contact element 82 can be selected very flexibly or A different insertion direction can also be selected than the normal insertion direction E, which is shown here.

In the embodiment shown here, the two holding element structures 10, 11 each have a guide structure 14, which is designed here as a link structure. The respective adjacent contact element wall 7, 8 is guided in the guide structure 14 - so here as an example: the first contact element wall 7 is guided in the guide structure 14 of the first holding element structure 10 and the second contact element wall 8 is in the guide structure 14 the second holding element structure 11 guided. The guide structure 14 prevents movement of the guided contact element wall 7, 8 in the direction of the adjacent contact element wall 8, 7 or limits such a movement, preferably to a (movement) distance of at most 250um. As a result, the contact gap 9 is always kept open.

The base element 15 here has, for example, a further guide structure 16, which is set up to interact with a counter-guide structure 84 of the mating connector 80, in particular in order to reduce an operating force when plugging the connector 1 together with the mating connector 80. The further guide structure 16 is designed here, for example, as a type of bolt or pin. The counter-guide structure 84 is designed here as a kind of link or groove, which is shown here as an example the control element 92 (here: for example a lever element) is arranged.

The holding element 4 is here, for example, made at least in sections from an electrically insulating material. In particular, the holding element structures 10, 11 can be made of an electrically insulating material. This prevents a short circuit between the contact elements 2 or from the contact element 2 to a component housing, not shown here, to which the holding element 4 can be attached, for example.

Here, for example, the holding element structures 10, 11 protrude from the base element 15, in particular in a self-supporting manner. This makes it particularly easy to keep the contact gap 9 free.

The base element 15 is here, for example, arranged behind the contact area 6 when viewed from the front end 5 of the contact element 2 along the insertion direction E. In this way, improved stability can be achieved and the contact gap 9 can be kept free over a particularly large angular range W, here for example over an angular range of at least 180°.

Here, for example, the base element 15 is designed to be closed in a ring shape and surrounds the contact element 2. This results in particularly good stability and also simplifies sealing against the counter-contact element 80.

The holding element 4 has four fastening openings 17 here, for example. As a result, the holding element 4 can be attached, for example, to a housing wall of a component such as an inverter, a battery, a control device or an electric motor, etc.

The 2a to 2c show schematic perspective views of a contact element 2 (or two contact elements 2) of a plug connector 1, partly with a mating contact element 82 and with a holding element 4.

2a shows an exemplary contact element 2 as a stamped and bent part, such as in the plug connector 1 from the 1a and 1b is used. The two contact element walls 7, 8, which here, for example, run parallel to one another along the (normal) insertion direction E (here, for example, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the contact element 2), can be clearly seen. Furthermore, the contact lamella element 12 with the plurality of contact lamellas 13 can be clearly seen on the first contact element wall 7. The contact area 6 extends from the front end 5 to behind (preferably: to immediately behind) the contact lamella element 12. At the rear end 19, the bridge element 21 can be seen, via which the two arms of the contact element 2 with their contact element walls 7, 8 are connected to each other.

2 B shows two such contact elements 2, with a mating contact element 82 being arranged in the contact gap 9 of each contact element 2. The counter-contact elements 82 here have, for example, electrical lines 86 whose exit direction is rotated by 90° to one another. In this example, the mating contact elements 82 are both inserted into the respective associated contact gap 9 along the same (normal) insertion direction E. The connected angular range W is determined by the rotation about an axis of rotation A, which runs parallel to the surface normal N. The contiguous angular range W is limited by those directions of the line outlet of the mating contact element 82 which enable complete assembly (up to the desired end position in the contact area 6) of the mating contact element 82 along the insertion direction E. If, for example, a web or a tab were provided at the front end of the contact element 2, which prevents assembly with a twisted cable outlet, the angular range ends here in one direction.

In principle, it is also conceivable that one of the mating contact elements 82 (e.g. the rear one) is inserted along the (normal) insertion direction E and the other mating contact element 82 (the front one) is inserted, for example, from an insertion direction, which in this picture is, for example, from below runs at the top, i.e. it is rotated by 90° compared to the (normal) insertion direction E and thus spans a (contiguous) angular range W.

If different insertion directions are to be considered, the contiguous (uninterrupted!) angular range W can cover those insertion directions from which complete assembly of the mating contact element 82 in the contact element 2 is possible. The presence of a tab at the front end 5, which bridges the contact gap 9, can represent a limitation of the contiguous angular range W at one of its ends.

2c additionally shows the holding element 4 with the holding element structures 10, 11. It is shown together 2 B and 2c It is immediately apparent that the plugging together of connector 1 and mating connector 80 along the angular range W (which here is ultimately at least 180°, namely at least +/-90° around the (normal) insertion direction E) is independent of the direction of the cable outlet of the electrical cable 86 of the counter contact element 82 is possible. The level of the contact gap 9 is open on three sides and is not restricted by webs or tabs.

3 shows a schematic representation of a contact element 2 and various mating contact elements 82 with lines 86 attached to them in different directions. Basically, all of the mating contact elements 82 shown are plugged together with the contact element 2 in the same (normal) insertion direction E (here: from left to right) - this can be done e.g. through a connector geometry like in 1a and 1b be predetermined. In this example, the contiguous angular range W (in which the electrical lines 86 can be attached) is at least 180°.

It is also conceivable (e.g. with other connector geometries) that the mating contact elements 82 shown are plugged together with the contact element 2 from different insertion directions (this would be in 3 For example, insertion directions that are rotated with respect to the normal insertion direction E by +90° (from above), +45° (from diagonally above), -45° (from diagonally below) and -90° (from below) - these insertion directions are here denoted by E', as an alternative possible insertion direction E'). In the same way, the contiguous angular range W for such different or alternative insertion directions E` is also at least 180°.

The 4a and 4b show various schematic perspective views of two contact elements 2 and a base element 15 of a plug connector 1 in a state that is not assembled together. The contact lamella elements 12 can be clearly seen. In 4a The guide structure 14 can be clearly seen on the second holding element structure 11. In 4b It is clearly visible that the guide structure 14 is designed as a slot or link structure or groove on all holding element structures 10, 11. The further management structure 16 can also be clearly seen. Here, for example, two holding elements 4 are formed in one piece with the base element 15.

The 5a and 5b show a schematic perspective view ( 5a) or supervision ( 5b) two contact elements 2 and a base element 15 of a plug connector 1 in the assembled state. In the fastening openings 17, for example, screws or rivets are introduced as fastening means 18, with which the base element 15 can be fastened or fastened to a housing (not shown here) or a wall (not shown here), for example a component (not shown here). is. Here, for example, two holding elements 4 are formed in one piece with the base element 15.

6 shows a schematic cross section through a connector arrangement 100 in the assembled state of connector 1 and mating connector 80. It can be clearly seen how the holding element structures 10, 11 in the manner of guard rails prevent the contact element walls 7, 8 from spreading apart or at least tightly limit. At the front end of the contact element walls 7, 8, the respective associated holding element structure 10, 11 here, for example, each has a projection 22 pointing inwards (towards the contact gap 9). The holding element structure 10, 11 thus has a projection 22 facing the contact gap 9, in particular at its front end or at its cantilevered end. This advantageously provides, on the one hand, contact protection or contact protection, which prevents the front end 5 of the contact element 2 from being accidentally touched. Furthermore, this advantageously prevents the holding element 4 from being pushed onto the contact element 2 too far along the insertion direction. The at least one projection 22 of at least one holding element structure 10, 11 thus advantageously acts as a positioning aid along the insertion direction E.

The 7a and 7b show a schematic perspective view ( 7a) and a schematic cross section ( 7b) a further embodiment of a plug connector 1 and are described together below.

The two holding elements 4 are designed here as individual parts, for example. This means that here, for example, they are formed separately from the connector 1 before they are mounted on the connector 1 and also separately from the base element 15 and separately from the chamber 20. The holding elements 4 are here, for example, fastened or arranged on the chamber 20 (after assembly), here for example: clipped on (see also 8a) . In another embodiment, the holding elements 4 can also be attached to the base element 15, for example clipped on. The holding elements 4 are here, for example, surrounded by a shielding plate or shielding element 27. Such a shielding element 27 can in principle be provided on the connector 1, but is in the 1 to 6 not shown for reasons of clarity, but could, for example, surround both holding elements 4 and the auxiliary structure 24, for example as a collective shielding, or could also surround the contact elements 4 or the holding elements 4 individually.

The base section 23 of the holding elements 4 can be clearly seen here and serves to stabilize the holding element structures 10, 11. In this out In the exemplary embodiment, the holding element structures 10, 11 are connected to one another not only in the (rear) base section 23, but also in the (front) contacting area 6. The contiguous angular range W is here, for example, only approximately 90°, since the holding element 4 is at least in the contacting area 6 is closed on three sides. The between the two holding element structures 10, 11 on the in 7a The wall 28 raised on the rear side improves the shielding and reduces the risk of short circuits. The wall 28, like the holding element 4, can be made of an electrically insulating material or can comprise an electrically insulating material.

The 8a and 8b show schematic perspective detailed views of the connector 1 from the 7a and 7b .

In 8a It can be seen how the holding elements 4 are clipped to the chamber 20 by means of clip structures 29. One holding element (left) is shown as an example with a shielding element 27, the other holding element 4 (right) is shown as an example without a shielding element 27.

8b shows well how the holding elements 4 are arranged in chamber recesses of the chamber 20 and are thereby stabilized. In addition, the base section 23 can be seen particularly well.

It goes without saying that the holding elements 4 7a , 7b , 8a and 8b For example, leadership structures 14 can also have. The contact element wall 7, 8 adjacent to a holding element structure 10, 11 can be guided in the guide structure 14.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 3906625 C1 [0003]
• DE 102004015345 A1 [0005]
• DE 102017220778 A1 [0005]
• DE 102016104868 B3 [0006]

Claims (15)

Plug connector for plugging together with a mating plug connector (80) along an insertion direction (E), the plug connector (1) having: -- a contact element (2) for connecting to an electrical line; -- a holding element (4); wherein the contact element (2) has a front end (5) which faces the mating connector (80), and a contacting area (6) for contacting a mating contact element (82) of the mating connector (80), the contact element (2) in the contacting area (6) has two mutually opposite, in particular mutually parallel, contact element walls (7, 8), which are spaced apart from one another and form a contact gap (9), the holding element (4) being at the front end (5) of the contact element (2) is arranged, wherein the holding element (4) has two holding element structures (10, 11), between which the two contact element walls (7, 8) are arranged, the holding element structures (10, 11) being set up to allow movement of the contact element To prevent or limit walls (7, 8) away from each other along a spreading direction (S) parallel to the surface normal (N) of the contact element walls (7, 8), in particular in relation to a force-free state without an inserted mating contact element (82), wherein the contact gap (9) is freely accessible from the front end (5) to behind the contact area (6) over a continuous angular range (W) of at least 85° or at least 130° or at least 175° relative to an axis of rotation (A ), which extends parallel to the surface normal (N) of the contact element walls (7, 8), in particular the insertion direction (E) being part of the contiguous angular range (W). Connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the holding element (4) is pushed from the front end (5) of the contact element (2) over the contact element (2), wherein the holding element (4) covers in particular the front end (5) of the contact element (2). Connector according to the preceding claim, wherein in the contact area (6) on at least one of the two contact element walls (7, 8) a contact lamella element (12) with a plurality of contact lamellas (13) is arranged, in particular facing the contact gap (9), wherein the contact lamellae (13) are designed in particular to mechanically and electrically contact the counter-contact element (82). Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element (4) is made of an electrically insulating material. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element structures (10, 11) have at least twice the bending stiffness as the contact element walls (7, 8) and or wherein the holding element structures (10, 11) have at least 1.5 times the wall thickness as the contact element walls (7, 8) and or wherein at least one holding element structure (10, 11) is connected to an adjacent auxiliary structure (24) spaced from the holding element structure (10, 11) by at least one rib structure (25). and or wherein at least one holding element structure (10, 11) is connected to an adjacent holding element structure (10, 11) of another holding element (4) by at least one rib structure (25). Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element structures (10, 11) limit an increase in a distance (d1) between the contact element walls (7, 8), in particular in relation to the force-free state without an inserted mating contact element (82). to a maximum of 1000um or to a maximum of 500um or to a maximum of 300um or to a maximum of 200um. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one holding element structure (10, 11) has a guide structure (14), in particular a link structure, wherein the adjacent contact element wall (7, 8) is guided in the guide structure (14), wherein the guide structure (14) in particular prevents or limits a movement of the guided contact element wall (7, 8) in the direction of the adjacent contact element wall (8, 7), preferably to a distance of at most 250um. Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug connector (1) has a base element (15) which is designed in particular for attachment to a component, the holding element (4) being formed in one piece with the base element (15), the holding element Structures (10, 11) preferably protrude from the base element (15), in particular self-supporting or where the holding element (4) is designed as a separate individual part before assembly on the plug connector, wherein the holding element (4) is in particular attached, preferably clipped, to a chamber (20) for the contact element (2) or to a base element (15) of the plug connector (1), which is in particular designed for attachment to a component. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element (4) has a base section (23), wherein the holding element structures (10, 11) protrude from the base section (23), in particular in a self-supporting manner. Plug connector according to the preceding claim, wherein the base section (23) is arranged behind the contact area (6) when viewed from the front end (5) of the contact element (2) along the insertion direction (E). Plug connector according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the base section (23) is designed to be closed in a ring and surrounds the contact element (2). Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding element (4) and / or the base element (15) has a further guide structure (16) which is set up to cooperate with a counter-guide structure (84) of the mating plug connector (80), in particular to To reduce the operating force when connecting the connector (1) with the mating connector (80). 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 an electrical line (86), wherein when the plug connector (1) and mating plug connector (80) are plugged together, the mating contact element (82) is arranged in the contact gap (9). Plug connector arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein when the plug connector (1) and mating plug connector (80) are plugged together, the electrical line (86) of the mating contact element (82) projects from the mating contact element (80) in the plane of the contact gap (9) in one direction: which runs at an angle between 0° and +90° to the insertion direction (E) or which runs at an angle between 0° and -90° to the insertion direction (E). Connector arrangement according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the mating connector (80) has a support structure (87), the support structure (87) being arranged adjacent to a holding element structure (10, 11) and being set up to allow movement of the holding element structure (10, 11) in the direction of the support structure (87) to prevent or limit.

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