Connection device

A connection device for the automatic multi-pole electrical connection of a vehicle trailer to a towing vehicle, with a socket (D) and a plug (S) which can be arranged on the vehicle trailer or the towing vehicle, wherein the plug (S) against the action of a retaining spring ( 213) elastically laterally evasive stored and the retaining spring (213) for the plug (S) as a a plug housing (29) surrounding the spring coil are formed, characterized in that the can (D) and the plug (S) when coupling the vehicle trailer to the towing vehicle are performed mutually aligned and means of a drive (10) relative to each other between an advanced connection position and a retracted rest position moved that a lid (5) of the box (D) of the recorded by shifting in her contact sleeves (11, 12) bearing contact insert (1) by means of a drive (10) openable and upon retraction of the contact insert (1) in the rest position is closed again towards the connection position, and that the plug housing (29) back on a ball bearing (26) on a retaining plate ( 27) is supported.