Connector

The present invention relates to a connector for mating with a complementary connector, in particular for Use in a motor vehicle.

Connectors are used in a simple manner with lines another line or a circuit board with an electrical Circuit electrically and mechanically connected. Connectors therefore find particular application in motor vehicle construction. In this area of ​​application need those connectors to a be very inexpensive to produce and on the other, even under unfavorable Operating conditions, in particular in case of vibrations and / or shocks, allow a stable connection.

are for transmitting control signals in motor vehicles or Data alongside analog increasingly digital data links used. Order interferences in the data transmission by other electrical or electronic devices, in particular by these to reduce emitted electromagnetic radiation, it is desirable for data transmission shielded electrical connections use also in the automotive sector.

A connector having the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known from US-A-4,900,262.

The present invention is therefore the object of a simple provide connector by means of which simple low-noise Connections to a circuit board or shielded cables can be produced.

The object is achieved by a connector having the features of claim 1.

The connector according to the invention for plugging together with a complementary connector in a mating direction, in particular for Use in a motor vehicle, has a contact element receiver for receiving a contact element, preferably at least two Contact elements, a contact element receiving at least partially surrounding shield and the contact element receiver and the Shielding at least partially receiving housing.

A contact element receiver for receiving contact elements is provided. The contact element receiver, preferably as a plastic injection molded part is formed, may to corresponding receiving channels exhibit. The contact elements can in the contact element receiver be pushed, pressed or injected.

Preferably, the contact element receiver is for receiving at least two, particularly preferably formed of more than two contact elements. Such a connector is then in particular for connecting of lines of a bus system in a motor vehicle, often have multiple cores.

Basically, any contact elements, such as pins, -zungen or knife or contact sockets, are used. The Contact elements are connectable to ladder, under which in the context of Invention not only veins of cables to be understood, but also Traces on circuit boards.

The of an electrically conductive material, preferably a metal Shield made is for shielding of contact elements in the contact element receiver against electrical and electromagnetic Fields. You can this particular having a contacting, to which a conductor to a reference potential, for example ground, is connected. The shield preferably accepts the contact element receiver on.

Furthermore, the shields of the connector and the complementary can its connector appropriately constructed so that the Connecting the plugs, electrical contact between the shields is made.

The contact element receiver and this at least partially surrounding Shielding at least partially surrounded by the housing, the protecting it from external influences and in particular to mechanical connection to a complementary connector or the housing may be formed. In particular, the housing of the connector and / or the complementary connector have guides, by means of which the connector during mating are on or inside each other out.

To reduce the risk that a connector produced for example accidentally comes by vibrations and / or shocks, to reduce, has the Shielding at least one securing element, preferably a Latching or locking element, on the plugging together of the plug connector with a corresponding complementary connector relative to a complementary securing element of the complementary Connector, preferably a complementary snap or Latching element, into a securing position relative to the complementary Fuse element is movable and by means of which in the securing position by cooperation with the complementary securing element a relative movement of the connectors from the assembled Location out can be limited. The complementary connector can especially designed as a suitable inventive connector, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 8, with a corresponding be formed complementary securing element. One of the Fuse elements is at least partially, preferably in one of the Connecting direction deviating direction, movable. The connector and the complementary connector are therefore at least in a predetermined Range of documents in an assembled state, in the more the contact elements and the complementary contact elements are in contact with each other can be secured, that is, only by overcoming of certain elements by securing forces moved apart. The security elements may in particular designed so be that a relative movement of the connector assembled from the Location is blocked. The security elements may continue in the securing position a contact between the shields of the mated deploy connector when the complementary also securing element at a screening of the complementary is formed connector. The use of snap or Latching elements has the advantage that it upon reaching the securing position automatically form a snap or latch connection each other can snap or -rasten, so that the backup automatically can take place.

The invention further provides a connector system a first connector according to the invention and one according to the invention, matable with the first connector to this complementary second connector. The complementary second Connectors can this particular in an appropriately designed Contact element receiver arranged, corresponding to the Contact elements of the first connector complementary second Contact elements and a housing having a mating with the Housing of the first connector allows comprise.

The connector according to the invention allow an easy connection a shielded cable with a different, in particular also shielded line or a circuit carrier, wherein the contact- at least partially shielded and so little interference is.

Further developments and preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the specification, the claims and the drawings.

The housing can be constructed basically arbitrary, but is a Embodiment is preferred in which the housing consists of at least two Housing parts assembled, in particular plugged together and / or -geschoben is. The, preferably as plastic injection moldings trained, housing parts may have to fasteners, through which they are linked may incur mobile. Particularly in a training for mating and / or -Slide is a particularly simple mechanical connection of the housing parts possible. The connector is then by joining the Contact element receiver, the shield and the housing easily producible. In particular, a molding of the housing at a Line are avoided when the plugged together Housing parts can be enclosed. The housing parts can for this purpose preferably in border areas corresponding indentations after the joining together of the housing parts an opening for receiving form of management. The indentations can preferably comprise portions of a sleeve, which after joining together the housing surrounds a line. The line can then at the assembly the housing parts are incorporating into the housing. This then may be particularly advantageous when the contact elements with the line will be connected before assembling the connector intended to allow for easy handling during assembly. The manufacture of such a connector as well as its Communication with a conduit is particularly inexpensive.

Alternatively, it is preferred that the housing is integrally formed, and comprises a sleeve-shaped section into which the screen with the contact element receiver is pushed. The shield with the Contact element receiver is through a relative movement between the housing and the shield to the contact element receiver in inserted the sleeve-shaped section, so that the housing can be pushed over the shielding. Such a housing is particularly simple design and stable. Furthermore, it is easy to Plastic injection molding prepared. Particularly preferably, the housing then a flap to at least partially close an opening through which the shield to the contact element receiver in the Housing can be inserted. The flap may optionally in a Edge region having a recess through which a line out is.

For particularly simple manufacture of the shield, it is preferred that it is formed from one or more punching and bending parts. The Shield is particularly simple and also fully or extensively producible.

In order to obtain a good shielding, it is preferred that shielding the contact element receiver as completely as possible, in particular substantially up to the front sides of the contact element receiver, on or in which parts are disposed of contact elements, same surrounds. Essentially, in particular, means that small to seams or corners production-related gaps or holes may occur, but preferably not in space. particular preference surrounds the shield on the mating side of the contact element receiver from this outstanding member of the contact element receiver contact elements arranged.

In one embodiment it is preferred that the shield at least two cross-slide to the connecting direction shielding parts which are preferably constructed as a stamped and bent parts. Especially preferably the shield case has only two screen parts on. Preferably, the shielding parts on the contact element receiver are pushed. The shielding parts can still have complementary fastening elements, by means of which they together connectable. In this way, a shield can be very are simply provided for contact element receivers that a simply sliding a shield in not connecting direction or only allow additional operations.

It is particularly preferred that the contact element receiver and the shield transverse to the plug direction extending cooperating comprise locking elements, the relative movement between the Contact element receiver and the screen in and / or against the block insertion direction. These locking elements may be in particular a groove and a corresponding strip or against each other act thrusting projections. In this way, with simple manufacturability the shield to secure a relative movement between the Shield and the contact element receiver even in the presence greater insertion forces on the contact elements and thus the contact element receiver be prevented.

Alternatively, it is preferable that the shield integrally as a stamped and bent part is trained. Such shields not only distinguished by a particularly simple and economical production, but also allow a simple manufacturing of the connector, since only a part to be handled.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the shield has a relative to the having connecting direction bent, bent wings, the least partly an insertion port closes in the shield, through which the contact element receiver can be pushed into the shield is. This is for a good shielding and such achieved insertion opening. On the other hand, a relative movement between Contact element receiver and shielding against the plug direction prevented because this is blocked by the bent wings becomes. The contact element receiver can so not by insertion forces when Mating with another connector again from the Shielding be pushed. Such shields are preferably used with contact element recordings of the Recording Contact elements are formed, the conductor ends against the plug-in direction are angled. For example, these, as formed, the contact element receiver is substantially L-shaped be. The bent wings can then in particular at an angle be from about 90 ° to the connecting direction angled. Such Shield can against a bending of the wing of a preferably parallel to the insertion direction aligned position just on the contact element receiver postponed or the contact element receiver in the shield are inserted, whereupon the wings on the Contact element receiver is bent. In this way, gives to himself very easy to produce a good screening even when bent Contact elements. A wing is accordingly to contact element receivers used to record the linear contact elements and may in particular an opening or an indentation preferably having in its periphery, through the cable to contact elements in the are contact element receiver feasible. Basically, can also a plurality of vanes are used for closing the insertion opening.

It is particularly preferred that at the vane tether elements preferably extend in the bent state in the insertion direction, and formed in the housing corresponding complementary retaining elements are, by means of which the bent wings in a direction to the plug- is inclined direction securable relative to the housing. expedient the retaining elements and the complementary retaining elements are formed, that the shield with the bent wing in the housing on or the housing on the shield with the bent Wings are pushed. As retaining elements may in particular parallel to plug direction extending grooves or slots in connection with corresponding projections, strips or springs. On Thus, the wings are simply inserted into the housing, at the same time a subsequent bending of the vane is blocked. Of the bent wings can then in particular on the contact element receiver record exerted on the wing insertion forces and on the Housing transfer.

Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the connector as a device receiving is formed, preferably on opposite Sides of the shield contacts for connection to a circuit carrier are formed. The contacts of the shield serve preferably for mechanical connection to the circuit carrier and simultaneously for electrical connection to circuit traces on the Circuit carrier. Furthermore, the housing may conveniently additional Fasteners, such as pins having means of which it is connectable to the circuit carrier so as to, for example, plugging together with a complementary connector occurring forces may well be transferred to the circuit board. The Contact element receiver as well as the contact elements can preferably L-shaped, so that the plug-in direction parallel may extend to a circuit carrier, on which the recording devices is then held.

To ensure a particularly stable securing of the plug connection between the Connector and a suitable complementary connector To enable, it is preferable that the shield two, preferably formed on opposite sides of the shield, having securing elements. These may each be the same or different be formed. Particularly in assembly at opposite Sides of the shield can be better distributed forces occurring will. Furthermore, an additional security by the results scored redundancy.

In one embodiment of the connector according to the invention it is preferred that the securing element has a resilient snap or having latching hooks, preferably in one of the shield formed collar is formed. The resilient latching or locking hook may be affected by a spring arm with a free at the be formed end arranged snap or latch projection. The shield is then preferably made of a correspondingly elastic Sheet manufactured. If the snap or latch hook in a through Shield formed formed collar, the collar preferably surrounds from the contact element receiver outstanding contact elements, so that these mechanically protected before and during mating and are shielded electromagnetically well after mating.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the securing element has a securing projection having, behind in the safety position a snap or A latch hook assembled with the connector complementary Connector engages. The complementary connector can According to the invention and in particular in accordance with the preceding in the Paragraph embodiment described and / or claim 10 formed be. Such a fuse element or latching or locking element therefore trained to as latching or locking hooks securing element complementary. The securing projection may in particular by a shoulder of a recess or depression in the Shield of the connector can be formed.

In particular, in the use of snap-in or latching elements than Security elements, it is not completely ruled out that at according to strong shock or vibration, the fuse elements relative to each other to move out of the safety position and so in the Follow a loosening of the connector is not blocked. It is therefore preferable that an intermediate relative to the contact element receiver an unlocking position and a locking position movable locking element is provided, wherein in the released position of the locking element the securing elements of the plug connector and the complementary connector in the securing position and / or from this can be moved out and the locking element in the locking position the fuse elements one of its securing position against a Movement locked from the backup location. The complementary connector can according to the invention and in particular in accordance with one or more of the previously described embodiments and / or be any one of claims 1 to 11 formed.

In order to enable a particularly compact plug-in connection, it is preferred that the locking element is parallel to the insertion direction is displaceable relative to the shield and the shield preferably at least partially sleeve-like surrounds. Training as Sleeve is particularly advantageous if two on opposite provided sides of the shield formed securing elements have since then with only one locking element both securing elements can be locked or unlocked simultaneously.

In principle, it is sufficient that the locking element in the manually is movable locking position. However, it is preferred that a resilient Element is provided, which by movement of the locking element is relatively clamped to the connector in the unlocked position and by its rear driving force the locking element into the is movable locking position. In this manner, an automatic be achieved lock and in particular largely prevents can that a lock is not held by a mounting error. Moreover, the production of the plug connection is simplified.

It is particularly preferred that the resilient member by a arranged in the plug spring is formed. This may in particular between a projection or abutment of the locking element and a support element on the housing, the contact element receiver or preferably the shield can be arranged. In at assembly the shield of the connector according to the invention particularly easy to produce when the housing is mounted last.

If as a complementary connector, in particular according to the invention, Connectors with a snap or latch hook as a securing element used, the shield of the plug connector a have recess or depression, in which the snap or latch hook the complementary connector by plugging the is connector so snapped or latched, that the locking element at least partially over the latching or locking hook is movable. It is then preferred that, during mating with a complementary connector, the locking element by the housing, the shield or, preferably, the snap or Latching hooks of the complementary connector in the unlocked position is movable. In this way, there is not just an automatic Locking, but it is also plugging together a automatic unlocking possible so that the security elements without additional mounting grips can reach their backup location. The Connector system according to the invention may, in particular an appropriately trained first connector and an inventive complementary second connector include its housing, Shield or preferably snap or latch hook accordingly is trained.

Frequently connectors must also be detachable again. Therefore it is preferred that the through an opening movement of an actuating part Housing from a connection position in which the connector with a complementary connector is plugged together, in an open position relative to the contact element receiving the locking element from the locked position to the unlocked position is movable. In the opening position of the actuator therefore takes the locking element, at least partially during the opening movement is coupled with the actuating element, the unlocking position a. The Housing can to have guides, by means of which the actuating member relative to the housing between the connection and the open position is feasible, the movement for example by appropriate Attacks can be limited to the housing. Preferably, the Registered as a shield at least partially surrounding actuating member formed sleeve, whereby, especially in education as the shield surrounding the locking element, of the Actuating member at least partially surrounding the sleeve, a particularly compact connector results.

Basically, the actuating member may be rigid with the locking element be coupled. However, it is preferred that the locking element comprising a driving stop, at least during a Part of the opening movement of the actuating part to a complementary Stop of the operating part abuts. Preferably, this limited Stop the movement of the locking member in the insertion direction and thus determines the locking position of the locking element. On Thus, the lock member plugging together simply without an opening movement of the actuator, for example, by means of latching or locking hook of a complementary Connector can be moved from its locking position. Especially can use the actuator for mating will. On the other hand, can simply be unplugged connector. In particular, when the locking element by a spring in its locking position is maintained, can by appropriate design the spring, the force necessary for movement of the locking element just out of the locking position into the unlocked position, but be effectively determined.

It is further preferred that the movable securing element is designed as a snap hook relative to the movement by complementary snap element, that is, a locking projection, opposite to the insertion direction of the safety position, is moved when corresponding forces. In particular, this can be a slant to the Plug-in direction extending hook surface which, on moving apart of the mated connectors parallel to the insertion direction on the securing projection abgleitend by appropriate Constraining forces is moved transversely to the direction of insertion.

In a connector system according to the invention, it is preferred that the first connector one formed by the shield comprising collar, in which at least partially several male contact elements are arranged, and in that the contact element receiver of the second connector arranged several female contact elements are, with the contact element receiver of the second connector with the shield into the collar of the first connector can be inserted. In this way, a large-area contact between the two achieved shields.

The connector system according to the invention are preferably the first connector as a device recording the invention or as formed plug coupling according to the invention and the complementary second connector as a connector with locking element.

To establish a secure connection as possible between cables and contact elements in the connector to allow, it is preferred that in the contact element receiver at cable anschlagbare or ailing Contact elements are arranged. The termination of contact elements of cable is also often referred to as producing a so-called crimp connection designated.

The invention will now be exemplified further with reference to the drawings explained. Show it:<dl tsize="7"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>a schematic perspective view of a connector system According to a preferred embodiment formed to the invention with a first, when recording devices Connectors on a circuit carrier and a second, to the first complementary connector by respective preferred embodiments the invention,</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>a perspective exploded representation of the first Connector in Fig. 1, wherein a first screening of the first connector shown in an assembled state is,</dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>a perspective view of the first screen in Fig. 2 in the plug with an inserted in this first Contact element receiver with first contact elements,</dd><dt>Fig. 4</dt><dd>the first screen with the inserted first Contact element receiver in FIG. 2 by bending a Wing of the first shield,</dd><dt>Fig. 5</dt><dd>a perspective view of a first housing of the the first connector in FIG. 1 and the first shield with the held therein first contact element receiver in Fig. 4 prior to mating,</dd><dt>Fig. 6</dt><dd>the first connector in FIG. 5 in the assembled Condition over a portion of the circuit carrier in Fig. 1</dd><dt>Fig. 7</dt><dd>shows a schematic exploded representation of the second connector, </dd><dt>Fig. 8</dt><dd>a schematic, partially exploded view of the second connector in Fig. 7, in which two shield parts a second shield of the second connector a second contact element receiver around are mated,</dd><dt>Fig. 9</dt><dd>the second connector in FIG. 7 in a one up to Plugging an operating member assembled state,</dd><dt>Fig. 10</dt><dd>is a partially sectioned schematic view of the first and the second connector during mating in a first stage,</dd><dt>Fig. 11</dt><dd>the view in FIG. 10 in a later second stage the fitting together,</dd><dt>Fig. 12</dt><dd>the view in FIG. 11, in a third stage of fitting together,</dd><dt>Fig. 13</dt><dd>the view in FIG. 10 with completely plugged together first and second connectors,</dd><dt>Fig. 14</dt><dd>the view in FIG. 13 upon release of the plug connection in a first stage, and</dd><dt>Fig. 15</dt><dd>the view in FIG. 14 in a later second stage.</dd></dl>

In Fig. 1, a first device designed as a receptacle connector 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention on a only partial shown in the example configured as a circuit carrier board 12 and designed as a plug connector 14, the also a connector to the corresponding preferred embodiment the invention embodies shown. These form a connector system for a motor vehicle according to a preferred embodiment the invention. The second connector 14 is connected to a line 16 connected. It is complementary to the first connector 10 designed connectors and so with this plugged together to the cable 16 with the circuit substrate 12 and in particular to to connect conductor tracks arranged.

The first connector and the device support 10 are shown in Figs. 2 to 6 shown in greater detail. The first connector 10 is composed of three prefabricated, into each other pluggable components, namely a first Contact element receiver 18 with the form of contact pins 20 Contact elements, as a one-piece punched and bent part made of sheet metal made first shield 22 and a first housing 24th

Trained as a plastic injection molded part first contact element receiver 18 has an L-shape with a in a plugging direction S₁ extending first leg 26 with an asymmetrical cross-section and a relative to this angled at an angle of 90 ° second leg 26 '. A first end face 28 of the first leg 26 is orthogonal for the plug-in direction S₁ and a second end face 28 'of the second Leg 26 'orthogonal to the first end face 28th

The contact element receiver 18 includes in appropriate channels and Grooves pressed more, six in the example, also L-shaped parallel arranged mutually contact pins 20, whose chiefs sided contacting ends 30 opposite the plug-in direction S₁ in an angle of about 90 ° offset from the second end face 28 'of the second leg 26' and their plug ends 32 parallel to the plugging direction S₁ Gradient from the the first end face 28 of the first leg 26 protrude.

The one-piece, die-cut from a resilient metal sheet first Shield 22 is in FIG. 2 in an already partially bent state shown, and comprises a sleeve portion 34 which in its form the corresponding portion of the first contact element receiver 18 corresponds. This is followed by a substantially U-shaped base portion includes 36 with arranged on opposite sides of the fork-shaped feet 38 in that together with the sleeve portion 34 a is orthogonal to Plug-in direction S₁ oriented insertion opening 40 U-shape surrounds. Through the insertion opening 40, the contact element receiver 18 is in the first shield 22 can be inserted (see. FIG. 3).

Further, at the sleeve portion 34 at the edge of the insertion opening 40 a wing 42 in FIG. 2 already bent shown side parts 44 is formed which, except for the side parts 44, in Fig. 2 in an assembled state, is oriented parallel to the insertion direction.

The sleeve portion 34 and particularly the interior have transversely to the connecting direction has a cross section corresponding to the cross section of the contact element receiver transversely to the insertion direction S₁ corresponds, so that the Contact element receiver 18 closely to the inner wall of the sleeve portion 34 fitting is inserted in this.

In the sleeve portion 34 are further two resilient snap hooks 46 designed as safety elements, the one by a spring arm it generated by bending the hook-shaped section are formed. The hooked portions are V-shaped with to the plugging direction S₁ramped legs bent. These security elements are to opposite sides of the sleeve portion 34 symmetrical to each other , wherein the hook-shaped protruding portions each have in the interior of the sleeve portion 34th The securing elements 46 simultaneously serve for contacting a second shield the second connector 14th

The foot section 36 corresponds in shape also the form of the corresponding Portion of the first contact element receiver 18, ie the second leg 26 ', wherein the forked feet 38 for mounting on the circuit substrate 12 are formed in corresponding holes 48th

The wing 42 is dimensioned so that by bending the wing 42 along a bending line perpendicular to the plug-in direction S₁ the insertion opening 40 essentially by the wing 42 can be covered or closed is (see. Fig. 4). The wings 42 and the side panels 44 thereto are adapted so that in the folded condition the lower edge approximately with the lower edge of the foot portion 36 and the leg 26 'is aligned. On the side parts 44 are further bent guide rails 50 formed which in the bent state in FIG. 4, parallel to the insertion direction S₁ extend.

The first housing 24 is in one piece as an injection molded part of a dimensionally stable Plastic sleeve-like with an asymmetrical, the cross-sectional the first shield 18 corresponding cross-section transverse to the Plug-in direction S₁ educated. It has for fastening on the circuit carrier 12, two support pins 52 and a substantially U-shaped Wall portion 54 which is so formed to the base portion 36 of the shield is substantially form-fitting receives, and when attached to the circuit substrate 12 in this with its lower edges seated.

In the first housing 24, a circumferential groove is 56 to Receiving a housing collar of the second connector 14. Further, parallel to the insertion direction Si, parallel to the Walls of the sleeve-like portion of the housing 24 extends, retaining 58 for receiving the guide strips 50 on the side parts 44 of the Wing 42 of the first shield 22 is formed.

During assembly of the first connector 10 is by stamping and Bending the first shield 22 to the shape shown in Fig. 2 and by Manufacture of the first contact element receiver 18 with the injected Contact pins 20, as shown in Fig. 3, the first contact element receiver 18 inserted in the first shielding 22nd Here, the wing 42 is in the mounting state parallel to the plugging direction S₁ oriented. The part of the sleeve portion 34, which protrudes beyond the end face 28 forms, Now a the end plugs 32 encircles the collar 59, whose edge in Plug-in direction S₁ protrudes over the plug ends 32nd

Thereafter, the wings 42 on the first contact element receiver 18 is to bent until it at an angle of about 90 ° with respect to the insertion direction S₁ bent at the edge of the foot part 36 abuts (see. Fig. 4). The first contact element receiver 18 is now parallel to the movements Plugging direction S 1 through the bent wings 42 on the one hand and the the wing 42 opposite wall portion of the foot 36 on the other hand secured. Furthermore, the first contact element receiver 18 including the end plugs 32 to the end faces of the legs 26 and 26 'substantially entirely of the first shield 22 enclosed.

In a next step (see. FIG. 5), the unit thus formed in the first housing is inserted 24, wherein the guide strips 50 to the introduced side parts 44 in the retaining grooves 58 in the first housing 24 will. These are formed so that at least for assembly purposes Unit first contact element receiver 18 and first shield 22 is connected to the housing 24 by press fit. A bending the vane 42 into a position parallel to the insertion direction S₁ now through held in the holding grooves 58 guide strips blocked 50 so that the first contact element receiver 18 securely in the first shield is held 22nd Furthermore, surrounding the first housing 24 the sleeve portion 34 of the first shield 18, so that these mechanical good is protected.

The unit thus formed can now be mounted on the circuit substrate 12 are, with the feet 38 in the holes 48, the retaining pins 52 into corresponding Mounting holes 60 and the contacting ends 30 in be introduced vias 62nd Support pins 52 sit thereby serve in a force fit in the mounting holes 60. The feet 38 both as a mechanical support for the first shield 22 and for making contact with conductor tracks on the circuit substrate 12. The so very easy to produce first connector 10 in the form of a recording device is then very strong even with very large insertion forces on the Circuit carrier 12 held.

The second connector 14 is shown in Fig. 7 in more detail. It has a second contact element receiver 64, a second shield 66 with two Shielding parts 68 and 70, a locking member 72 with two resilient elements 74 and a housing 76 with a housing cap 78 and an operating part 80.

The second contact element receiver 64 is also as a plastic injection molded part executed and has a flat rectangular basic shape. In the second contact element holder 64 parallel to a connecting direction S₂ the second connector plurality, six in the example in a series of mutually parallel, channels for accommodating Contact elements 82 are formed. The contact elements 82 have on the Mating side contact bushes and on a printed page means for Termination of cables 84 of the line 16 or for producing a Crimp connection with the cables 84th At the direction of insertion S₂front side are formed as locking elements locking projections 86th

The second shield 66 consists of the two as a punched-bent parts executed shielding parts 68 and 70, in a direction transverse to the insertion direction S₂ can be plugged together. The two shield parts 68 and 70 are U-shaped so designed essentially to enclose the second contact element receiver 64 after mating and at this rest.

The first shield member 68 has to connect to the second Shielding part 70, two pairs of first tongues 88 and second tongues 90, each of which is lowered relative to the outer surfaces.

The second shield member 70 has a L-shaped outer portion 92 opposed, planar recessed areas 94 which protrude parallel to its surface on the L-shaped portion 92nd In the recessed portions 94 are further respectively breakthroughs 96 punched, corresponds approximately to the shape of the first tongues 88 correspond in their shape. On the opposite to the insertion direction S₂ hand side of breakthroughs 96 are each supporting elements 98 approximately perpendicular to the plane the recessed portions 94 are bent. Furthermore, on the contrary to the Plug-in direction S₂ lying end face a zusammenbiegbare clamp 100 for contacting a shield, not shown in the figures of the Line 16 is formed.

To the recessed regions 94 adjacent shoulders of the L-shaped Section 92 orthogonal to the insertion direction S₂ make securing projections as to the snap hooks 46 complementary security elements.

Like the first shielding member 68 and the second shield member 70 to the clamp 100 symmetrical about a parallel to the recessed Section 94 extending plane formed.

The recessed areas 94 are compared to the L-shaped portion 92 so lowered until the locking projections 86 of the second contact element receiver 64 in the frontal portion of the L-shaped portion 92 are durable.

The housing cap 78 is in two parts and comprises an upper part 102 and a Lower part assembled 104 and has a from corresponding Cuff formed cuff portions of the upper and lower parts 106 for receiving the line 16.

The housing cap 78 is essentially this pot-shaped, the pot walls are shaped so that they mated the can absorb shield 66 partially and form-fitting (see. FIG. 9).

At opposite flat sides are two fasteners 108 is formed, by means of which the actuating member 80 slidably mounted on the Housing cap 78 is preserved. The length of the shift is here by the length of slots 110 in the fasteners 108 certainly.

Further, at the upper part 102 and lower part 104 Gehäuseabstützelemente 112 is formed, which in its form the support elements 98 corresponding to the second shielding member 70 and those in the assembled State of the second connector support.

The locking element 72 is likewise sleeve-shaped as a plastic injection molded part performed and corresponds in its shape substantially the shape of the sleeve-shaped portion of the housing cap 78. On opposite Flat sides of the locking element 72 are stop elements 114 formed on the one hand serve the resilient, in to keep the form of coil springs formed elements 74 and other to act as a driving stop.

At opposite inner sides of the locking member 72 are in the in the insertion direction S₂ lying edge portion two optional sliding plates 116 fixed metal.

The actuating part 80 is also an injection-molded part made of plastic educated. It has the form of a sleeve on which the locking element 72 and the housing cap 78 at least partially tightly receives. A in the insertion direction S₂ front housing collar 118 has smooth walls and a cross-section in that it positively in the first housing 24 and in particular its groove 56 insertable is. In an in the insertion direction S₂ Seen rear grip portion 120 are symmetrically parallel to the at opposite flat sides Plug-in direction S₂ extending, end face opposite to the insertion direction S₂open guide channels 122 are formed in which the support elements 98, the Gehäuseabstützelemente 112 and the stop elements 114 feasible are.

Furthermore, the actuating part 80, not shown in the figures, to the fasteners on 108 complementary fasteners, so that the actuating member 80 slidably mounted on the housing cap 78 is held and guided.

To assemble the second connector, first the Cable 84 to the contact elements 82 struck by crimping. The Contact elements 82 are then produced in the injection molded second contact element receiver 64 inserted and there in a known Way latched.

In a following step, the two shield parts 68 and 70 transverse to the insertion direction S2 via the second contact element receiver 64 is pushed, the second tabs 90 under the L-shaped portion 92 and edge portions of the recessed portions 94 in the first Shielding part 68 engage. The first tongues 88 snap into the apertures 96 and seal it. The contact element receiver 64 is now fully up to their front sides of the shield 66 enclosed, since the openings 96 through the first tongues are hidden 88th Furthermore, the contact element receiver 64 is opposite the shield 66 no longer be moved, since the locking projections 86 to intervene in the blocking element acting as a L-shaped portion 92nd

Furthermore, the clamp 100 around the exposed cable shield 16 bent and with this contact (see. Fig. 8).

The exposed recessed portions 94 form now on opposite Sites depressions 124. At its in the insertion direction S₂ lying End faces form the depressions 124 each limiting shoulders a securing projection 126 as the security elements or Snap hooks 46 complementary security elements.

In a next step, the upper part 102 and lower part 104 are of the housing cap 78 mated with the conduit 16 of the Sleeve sections is embraced, forming the cuff 106th Injecting the line 16 is not necessary.

The Unit Second contact element receiver 64 and second shield 66 is now pushed into the housing cap 78th furthermore the locking element 72 is pushed onto the shield 66, so that held by one end to the stop elements 114 resilient Elements 74 with their other ends to the supporting elements to be 98 to come (see. Fig. 9).

In a following step, the actuating part 80 is formed on the unit pushed and latched with the housing cap 78, so that the one shown in FIG. 1, second connector 14 is formed.

The processes involved in making and releasing a plug connection between the first and second connectors 10 and 14 are now based of Fig. 10 to 15 described. First, the second connector is with the operating part 80 is inserted into the first housing 24, wherein by the non-symmetrical shape of the internal cross section of the housing 24 and the corresponding outer cross-section of the actuating part 80 or the housing collar 118 ruled accidental twisting is.

The housing collar 118 is designed so that it in the groove 56 in the housing 24 substantially form-fitting receivable is.

As shown in Fig. 10, the plug ends 32 of the contact pins 20 are in the contact elements 82 inserted into the second contact element receiver 64, at the same time, benefiting from each other bent Edges at the front side of the second shield 66, which in the Fig. 10 to 15 snap fit shown only partially and schematically 46 bent from the second shield 66 resiliently apart and thus are tensioned. They encounter on the front side of the locking element 72 and push the locking element 72, which shield the 66 surrounds and into the guide channel 118 with the stop element 114 is guided, from a locking position in which it recesses the 124 and the securing projections 126 covers, counter to the insertion direction S₁ on the housing cap 78 to. The resilient elements 84 based itself on the support elements 98 of the second shield 66 from.

In a further pushing the locking element is 72 the Securing projections 126 and the recess 124 is at least partially free, so that the snap hooks 46 behind the securing projections 126 can snap into a safety position in the recesses 124 (See. Fig. 11). The locking element 72 has then the unlocking reached.

As shown in FIG. 12, block the snap hook 46 to snap in the recesses 124, the locking element 72 is no longer so that this by the resilient elements 74 which by movement of the Locking element 72 tensioned relative to the second shield 66 were, on the snap hooks 46 away into its locking position is moved, in the now-well 124 with the securing projections 126 and the snap hooks 46 are covered. Thus, a Movement of the snap hook 46 in a direction orthogonal to the Plug-in direction S₁ or S₂, That is also about securing projections 126 away, no longer possible. The first and second connectors 10 and 14 are now secured in the assembled position, as the Snap hooks 46 engage behind the securing projections 126 and thus moving apart the two connectors in parallel to the insertion direction prevent.

In the completely mated state (see FIG. FIG. 13) of the housing collar 118 as far as possible into the receiving groove 56 in the first Housing 24 is inserted, the handle portion 120 in its connection position on the end face of the abutting first housing 24 and thus further movement prevented in mating direction. furthermore is the area in which the contact elements are plugged together, completely surrounded by the mated housings and thus protected.

In the assembled state in Fig. 13 will continue through the Contact between the first and second shields 22 and 66, and in particular the concerns of the snap or latch hook 46 at the second Shield 66 in the recesses 124 a very good contact reached between the shields. Furthermore, the entire range the contact elements to the line 16 is completely shielded.

To release the plug connection, the actuating part 80 is a Opening movement counter to the insertion direction S₂ on the housing cap 78 to move into an open position, wherein in the guide channels 122 out stop elements 114 acting as a driving stops 128 of in the insertion direction S₂ lying end walls 130 of the guide channels 122 be taken as complementary stops. hereby is the locking member 72 from the locked position to the unlocked position emotional. For this purpose, one is through the resilient elements 74 and whose spring constant predetermined force necessary so that accidental Movement of the actuating member 80 by specifying appropriate Forces and spring constants of the resilient elements 74 largely can be excluded.

By this movement of the locking member 72 from the locked position in the unlocking position are partially the recess 124 and in particular the securing projections 126 and the snap hooks 46 released so that these in a direction transverse to the insertion direction are movable. The length or locking position of the locking element 72 is selected such that the operation member 80 via a first predetermined Route, in the example about 6 mm, has to be moved until the Unlocking is achieved. This precludes the one hand, that, for a short, random movement of the operating part 80 already can take place unlocking. Secondly, in conjunction with the spring constant of preferably identically constructed springy Elements 74, the minimum force for release be easily adjusted, which is necessary to effect unlocking.

Upon further train on the actuating member 80 is resilient Members 74 or a corresponding stop for example at the Shield 66 or the housing cap 78, the housing cap 78 with the second shield 66 and received therein second contact element receiver 64 of the first connector 10 and the receiving device moved out. The snap hook 46 of the first Shield 22 by applying an appropriate force on the Securing projections drawn 126 and spread apart, including the appropriate hook-shaped portions are substantially V-shaped are bent so that the locking protrusions 126 corresponding to the Legs of the hook-shaped sections are performed. The Snap hook 46 now not impede the further pulling apart more so that the connector can be completely separated.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

<dl tsize="7" compact="compact"><dt>10</dt><dd>first connector</dd><dt>12</dt><dd>circuit carrier</dd><dt>14</dt><dd>second connector</dd><dt>16</dt><dd>management</dd><dt>18</dt><dd>first contact element receiver</dd><dt>20</dt><dd>contact pins</dd><dt>22</dt><dd>first shield</dd><dt>24</dt><dd>first housing</dd><dt>26, 26 '</dt><dd>leg</dd><dt>28, 28 '</dt><dd>faces</dd><dt>30</dt><dd>Head side contacting ends</dd><dt>32</dt><dd>plug ends</dd><dt>34</dt><dd>sleeve portion</dd><dt>36</dt><dd>footboard</dd><dt>38</dt><dd>feet</dd><dt>40</dt><dd>insertion opening</dd><dt>42</dt><dd>wing</dd><dt>44</dt><dd>sides</dd><dt>46</dt><dd>Snap or latch hook</dd><dt>48</dt><dd>holes</dd><dt>50</dt><dd>guide strips</dd><dt>52</dt><dd>retaining pin</dd><dt>54</dt><dd>wall section</dd><dt>56</dt><dd>receiving</dd><dt>58</dt><dd>retaining</dd><dt>59</dt><dd>collar</dd><dt>60</dt><dd>mounting holes</dd><dt>62</dt><dd>vias</dd><dt>64</dt><dd>second contact element receiver </dd><dt>66</dt><dd>second shield</dd><dt>68</dt><dd>first shield member</dd><dt>70</dt><dd>second shield member</dd><dt>72</dt><dd>locking element</dd><dt>74</dt><dd>resilient elements</dd><dt>76</dt><dd>housing</dd><dt>78</dt><dd>housing cap</dd><dt>80</dt><dd>actuating member</dd><dt>82</dt><dd>contact elements</dd><dt>84</dt><dd>lines</dd><dt>86</dt><dd>locking projections</dd><dt>88</dt><dd>first tongues</dd><dt>90</dt><dd>second tongues</dd><dt>92</dt><dd>L-shaped section</dd><dt>94</dt><dd>recessed areas</dd><dt>96</dt><dd>breakthroughs</dd><dt>98</dt><dd>supporting elements</dd><dt>100</dt><dd>clamp</dd><dt>102</dt><dd>top</dd><dt>104</dt><dd>lower part</dd><dt>106</dt><dd>cuff</dd><dt>108</dt><dd>fasteners</dd><dt>110</dt><dd>slots</dd><dt>112</dt><dd>Gehäuseabstützelemente</dd><dt>114</dt><dd>stop elements</dd><dt>116</dt><dd>sliding plates</dd><dt>118</dt><dd>casing collar</dd><dt>120</dt><dd>Griffabschnitt</dd><dt>122</dt><dd>guide channels</dd><dt>124</dt><dd>wells</dd><dt>126</dt><dd>securing projections </dd><dt>128</dt><dd>entrainment attacks</dd><dt>130</dt><dd>end wall</dd></dl><dl tsize="2" compact="compact"><dt>S₁</dt><dd>first plug-in direction</dd><dt>S₂</dt><dd>second connecting direction</dd></dl>