Sealed plug-in connection that runs through a dividing wall and corresponding mounting method

p0001The present invention relates to a plug connection for producing at least one electrical connection through an opening of a partition wall. The plug connection, which is also referred to as a through plug, has a first plug and a second plug, which can be plugged together and at least one of the plugs can be sealed against the partition via a seal enclosing the opening. In particular, the present invention relates to a plug-in connection in which at least one of the plugs has a clamping device which can be engaged with the other plug and with which the two plugs can be permanently tensioned in their assembly direction, The invention further relates to a mounting method for producing such an electrical plug-in connection.

p0002In a known connector according to the invention as described, for example, in the published international patent application <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="WO2004047234A1"><text>WO 2004/047234 A1</text></patcit> The tensioning of the two plugs relative to one another takes place with inclusion of the partition by means of a sliding device which is displaceable for tensioning the two plugs in a direction approximately transversely to the direction of passage through the partition wall. Guide rails convert the sliding force into a clamping force.

p0003However, in this known tensioning device, the problem arises that moisture can penetrate at the connecting points between the tensioning device and the plugs, which can lead to the failure of the plug-in connection.

p0004From the <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="EP1318570A"><text>EP 1 318 570 A</text></patcit> There is known a connector for an electrical connection through a partition in which both connector housings each have a sealing device for sealing against the partition wall and a pivotable tensioning device is provided in order to press the two parts of the plug-in connection sealed against the wall in the mounted state. A pivotable lever with a cam groove on the first connector cooperates with a cam follower on the second connector to press the two connectors together.

p0005The <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="DE29823075U1"><text>DE 298 23 075 U1</text></patcit> Refers to a connector housing coupling having a plug-in basic housing and a plug-in coupling housing which are connected to one another in each case through a wall. A detent device for locking the base housing in the opening of the partition is provided on the basic housing, and blocking devices are provided on the counter housing which, when the housing is in the assembled state, cooperate with this detent device such that the detent device is held in the locked position. Furthermore, a second latching device is provided with the aid of which the two housing parts are releasably locked together in the assembled state.

p0006From the <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="EP0556762A"><text>"EP 0556 762 A</text></patcit> An electrical connector assembly is known in which, for the complete plugging together of two plug parts, an operator actuates a pivotable lever which is provided with teeth which cooperate with associated tooth rods for moving the two plug connector parts towards one another. In this arrangement, a pivotal movement of the lever is translated into a linear movement for plugging the two connectors together.

p0007From the <patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="WO9708783A"><text>WO 97/08783 A</text></patcit> An arrangement with two plug halves for fixing in a wall is known which has two plug halves, one plug half having an actuating slide with a guide groove and the other plug half correspondingly having a pin. During the actuation of the actuating slide, the pins are moved through the guide slot for connecting the plug halves.

p0008SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is therefore based on the object of improving a connector according to the invention of the aforementioned type in such a way that the tightness against the environment and the reliability of the connection can be increased.

p0009According to the present invention, this object is achieved by a plug connection having the features of patent claim 1.

p0010Advantageous further developments of the present invention are the subject of several subclaims.

p0011The present invention is based on the basic idea that an undesired penetration of moisture into the interior of the plug connector can be avoided by sealing the connecting region between the clamping device and the at least one plug by means of a sealing device.

p0012According to an advantageous embodiment, the tensioning device has at least one actuating projection, which co-operates with a receptacle, which is arranged on one of the plugs, for tensioning the plugs. In this manner, a translation of the force applied during tensioning can be carried out in a very simple manner into a clamping force.

p0013In order to keep the area which such a sealing device has to seal as small as possible, the clamping device can have a locking lever which can be pivoted about an axis of rotation which extends approximately transversely to the direction of passage through the partition wall. With such an arrangement, it is sufficient to seal the area in which the locking lever is rotatably mounted.

p0014In order to achieve a particularly effective force transmission of a pivoting movement into a clamping force for tensioning the two plugs, at least one tooth with involute tooth flanks can be arranged at the bearing projections as the actuating projection.

p0015The clamping device can have a locking lever with a base region and two limb regions. At the leg regions, bearing projections are formed which are rotatably mounted in corresponding bearing recesses of the one plug. In this way, it can be realized in a particularly simple manner that the locking lever can be pivoted for tensioning the plugs about an axis of rotation, which extends approximately transversely to the direction of passage through the partition wall. The sealing device can then be arranged at the bearing projections, for example in the form of an O-ring, or alternatively is sprayed directly onto the bearing projections.

p0016A particularly cost-effective and simple realization of the sealing device according to the invention is provided when the sealing device is formed by a resilient O-ring.

p0017The gasket against the partition wall must be arranged circumferentially around the opening in the partition wall. According to an advantageous embodiment, the seal can be injected onto the outer periphery of the plug so that the seal is captively attached to the plug housing. Moreover, the connection between the seal and the plug to which it is injected is always completely tight. However, this seal can also be a separate part, which can be brought into contact with the plug as well as with the partition.

p0018To prevent unintentional loosening of the tensioning device, a separate securing device, also referred to as a connector position assurance (CPA), can be provided for locking the tensioning device in a final assembled state.

p0019The securing device is detachable in a particularly space-saving manner when it is displaceable in a direction transverse to the direction of passage through the partition wall.

p0020A latching lug, which is provided for latching the clamping device on the securing device, represents a particularly effective and easily realizable possibility of the locking.

p0021As an alternative to the pivotable locking lever, according to the present invention, a correspondingly sealed sliding tensioning device can be used, which is, for example, expedient if the space available does not permit pivoting of the locking lever during assembly. In this case, the clamping device can be a sliding device with at least one override or reduction arrangement. This makes it possible to convert an applied sliding force or movement into a larger or smaller clamping force or movement.

p0022Particularly advantageously, the clamping device can be a sliding device which can be displaced in a direction approximately transversely to the direction of passage through the partition wall for tensioning the connectors. As a result, a particularly simple clamping device is possible on the plug-in connection, the clamping can be carried out very quickly and simply, and the required installation space can be kept low.

p0023In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the clamping device can have at least one guide rail, which extends partly in a plane along the joining direction and approximately transversely to the assembly direction. Thus, a sliding force or movement can be converted into a clamping force or movement.

p0024If a sealing device is provided at an opening of a first plug housing through which an engagement element of the tensioning device passes, a tensioning device designed as a pushing device can be particularly effectively sealed against the penetration of moisture. A seal of this type can, for example, be injection-molded and also have more complicated cross-sections, for example those with at least one sealing lip, for improving the tightness.

p0025A particularly secure seal which can be realized with little force expenditure can be achieved if at least one sealing projection is formed on a second plug housing which co-operates with the sealing device for sealing the plug connection.

p0026Furthermore, since a locking device is provided which is movable between a locked position, in which the second plug is fixed to the partition wall and an unlatched position, a particularly secure fixing of the second plug to the partition can be achieved. Such a locking device, which can also be referred to as a further connector position assurance (CPA), can be designed in such a way that unlocking is also possible and, in the event of repair, the second connector can be easily removed from the partition wall. On the other hand, if greater forces must be applied when the first plug is plugged in, it can be ensured that the second plug is not unintentionally detached from the partition wall. In particular, if this second plug is held in a body panel, the rear side of which is no longer readily accessible at the time of plugging together, as is the case, for example, with an autotun, the solution according to the invention can be avoided in such a way that the second plug no longer duly Can be contacted.

p0027Since the locking device is mechanically fixed in the unlocked position, a defined position of the locking device can be ensured in the preassembled state.

p0028Furthermore, at least one latching device can be arranged on the locking device in order to secure the locking device in cooperation with an associated locking opening in the locked position. This is particularly important in applications in the motor vehicle sector, since strong mechanical and thermal stresses occur during operation.

p0029In order that the locking device can not unintentionally move out of the unlocked position, the at least one latching device can interact with a further associated latching opening in the unlatched position in order to fix the locking device in this position as well. This latching connection is expediently accessible from the outside (at least for a suitable tool), so that it can be released in the event of a desired removal.

p0030In the simplest case, the locking device can be displaceable with respect to the second plug in the mating direction of the two plugs. However, this solution has the disadvantage that it can not be ensured that the two plugs can only be plugged in when the locking device is properly in its locked position. In order to ensure in a particularly simple manner that the two plugs can only be plugged in when the second plug is in its end position in the opening of the partition and the locking device is properly locked, the locking device can be mounted on the second plug housing by means of a hinged connection And between the locked and the unlocked position by a pivotal movement about an axis which extends approximately transversely to the direction of passage through the partition wall.

p0031In such an embodiment, for example, an edge region lying opposite the rotational axis can be arranged in the second plug housing in the unlatched state such that the two plugs can not be plugged together.

p0032Of course, the locking device proposed in connection with the present clamping device can also be used for other plug connections.

p0033BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the appended drawings. Similar or corresponding details of the plug connection according to the invention are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures. Show it:<dl id="dl0001"><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>A perspective, partially opened view of a connector mounted in an opening of a partition;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>One opposite the representation <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> Turned perspective view of the plug connection;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>4 shows a perspective view of the plug connection <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref>In which one of the two plugs is held in the opening of the partition wall and the other plug is positioned in the ready-to-assemble state before plugging;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>7 shows a perspective, partial exploded view of the first plug according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref>;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>7 shows a perspective, partial exploded view of the second plug according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref>;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>6 shows a perspective view of the second plug, which is held in the partition wall, according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref>;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>A perspective, partially exploded view of a first connector according to the present invention;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>A perspective, partial exploded view of a second connector according to the present invention;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>A perspective view of the first plug <figref idrefs="f0006">FIG</figref> In ready-to-assemble state;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>4 is a perspective view of the second plug retained in the partition according to the present invention; </dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>3 is a perspective, partially opened view of the connector mounted in the opening of a partition according to the present invention;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>A partial sectional view of the second plug according to a further advantageous embodiment during assembly in the partition;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>2 a partial sectional view of the second plug according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0010">FIG</figref> After assembly in the partition;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>A perspective view of the second connector <figref idrefs="f0010">FIG</figref>;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>6 shows a perspective detail view of the second plug according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0010">FIG</figref>, The locking device being shown in the preassembled state;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>7 shows a perspective, partially opened detail view of the second plug according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0010">FIG</figref>, The locking device being in the locked state;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>4 shows a perspective illustration of a plug-in connector mounted in the opening of a partition according to a further advantageous embodiment;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>A perspective view of the second connector <figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref>;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>A perspective view of the connector <figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> Before plugging in the first and second plug;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>A perspective, partial exploded view of the first plug <figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref>;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>A perspective view of the first plug <figref idrefs="f0014">FIG</figref> In ready-to-assemble state; </dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>4 shows a perspective view of a one-part embodiment of the seals <figref idrefs="f0016">FIG</figref>;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>6 shows a perspective view of the second plug, which is held in the partition wall, according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0014">FIG</figref> With seals;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>3 shows a perspective, partially opened view of the second plug according to FIG <figref idrefs="f0014">FIG</figref> With unlocked locking device;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>A detail D from <figref idrefs="f0017">FIG</figref>;</dd><dt><b>FIG</b></dt><dd>A perspective, partially exploded view of the second connector <figref idrefs="f0014">FIG</figref>.</dd></dl>

p0034A plug connector 100 is shown with reference to FIG <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> A first plug 1 and a second plug 17. The second plug 17 is mounted in a partition 37. According to<figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> The second connector 17 is a pin connector and the first connector 1 is the corresponding connector, but this is not essential to the present invention since the arrangement of pins and sockets could also be reversed.

p0035As in <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> , The first plug 1 is sealed with the aid of a circumferential seal 28 opposite the partition wall 37. As later on with reference to the<figref idrefs="f0002">FIGS</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0003">4</figref> The plug connector 100 has a tensioning device 160 which is shown in FIG <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> The two plugs are braced against one another with the inclusion of the partition wall 37. A locking lever 160 serves as a tensioning device. The first plug 1 has a first plug housing 2, a connecting piece 7 to which a grommet can be attached, a first pin receptacle 5, and a second pin receptacle 6. The grommet which is not shown here as well as the connecting piece 7 are part of a channel , Through which a cable (not shown) can be inserted into the interior of the first plug housing 2.

p0036In order to prevent moisture from entering the connector at the connection point between the first connector housing 2 and the locking lever 160, the first connector 1 has a sealing device 162. This sealing device is realized in the arrangement shown by a simple O-ring. However, other possibilities for producing the sealing device, such as, for example, injection-molded seals or more complicated shaped seals, which have, for example, sealing lips, can also be used.

p0037As with reference to <figref idrefs="f0002">FIG</figref> The seal is arranged on a bearing projection 164 which holds the locking lever 160 pivotally in the direction 166 in a bearing receptacle 168 of the first connector housing 2. As a result of the special design of the sealing device 162 as an O-ring, the sealing can be ensured in a particularly simple manner despite the mobility of the locking lever 160.

p0038To illustrate the construction of the locking lever 160, the plug connection 100 is shown in FIG <figref idrefs="f0001">FIG</figref> In a rotated perspective view. In this view, it can be seen that the locking lever 160 is protected against unintended unlocking in the direction 166 by a securing device 170. The securing device 170 has a latching lug 172 for latching with the latching opening 174 of the locking lever 160. Thus, on the one hand, this arrangement prevents the locking lever 160 from being pivoted unintentionally, and thus the sealing tension between the two plugs 1 and 17 is inadvertently released, but on the other hand the detent 172 is easily accessible from the outside, (At least with a suitable tool).

p0039In <figref idrefs="f0002">FIG</figref> The plug-in connection is shown in the unassembled state. The second plug 17 is already mounted in the partition 37. A resilient spring arm 152 with a latching lug 131, which is formed on the housing 25, secures the second plug 17 in the opening of the partition wall 37. During assembly, additional space can be saved because the second plug 17 is not yet in this "parking position" Must bear firmly against the partition 37, but, if necessary, is still displaceably mounted. Only when the contact is closed with the first connector 1 and when the contact is clamped by means of the locking lever 160, the second connector 17 is attracted to the partition 37 and pressed. In this case, the receptacle 176 permits engagement of an actuating projection 178, which is formed on the locking lever, for tensioning the two plugs against the partition wall 37 (see FIG<figref idrefs="f0003">FIG</figref>). To the operating principle, the engagement member 176 is formed as a reduced rack with the actuating element 178, which is formed as part of a gear wheel, cooperating t.

p0040In order to prevent the second plug 17 from falling out of the partition during mechanical loading during assembly, a locking device 102 is also provided whose function is to block the deflection of the latching arm 152 inwards in the locked state, so that the plug 17 can no longer fall out of the opening. In the embodiment shown, the spring-elastic latching arm 152 is integrally formed on the plastic housing of the second plug.

p0041As with reference to <figref idrefs="f0004">FIG</figref> The latching device 102 has a latching lug 110, which locks in a latching opening 124 or 126 in the locked as well as the unlatched state, so that the latching device 102 is captively secured in both positions. The locking device 102 is movable between the locked and unlocked positions in the direction 150, that is, in the mating direction of the two plugs 1 and 17. This is advantageous, in particular, because the locking device is thus particularly easily accessible from the outside and can be simply locked and also released again by an operator. Two elongated cutouts 154 also permit flexible movability of the latching lug 110. An actuating projection 156 facilitates the operation of the latching device 102 by a user. The surfaces 158 (see FIG<figref idrefs="f0004">FIG</figref>) Ensure the blocking of the detent hooks 131 in the locked state.

p0042A drip cap 26 covers the second plug 17 and thus protects against the penetration of dripping water.

p0043The first plug 1 is illustrated here with the locking lever 160 pivoted upwards. The securing device 170, which is displaceably mounted on the housing 2, is located in the illustrated illustration in a position in which, when the locking lever 160 is pivoted later, engagement with the latching lug 172 is made possible. After pivoting the locking lever 160 about the axis of rotation 180 shown, the securing device 170 can be pushed in the direction 182, whereby the locking lug 172 engages the projection 184 on the locking lever 160 and holds it securely in its locked position. An actuating projection 186 facilitates the displacement of the securing device 170. In order to ensure reliable guidance, the securing device is furthermore held displaceably in corresponding grooves on the housing 2. Finally, a securing tab is formed on the securing device 170, which prevents a displacement of the securing device in the direction 182 until it is pressed against the housing 2 by the folded-down locking lever 160 and allows the securing tab 188 to slide into the groove 190.

p0044<figref idrefs="f0003">FIG</figref> Shows the first connector 1 in an exploded view. How<figref idrefs="f0003">FIG</figref> The first and second pin receptacles 5, 6 are designed complementary to each other in sections, so that the first pin receptacle 5 can be inserted into the second pin receptacle 6 in sections in the direction of the arrow 8. In the assembled state, the first and second pin receptacles 5, 6 can be inserted in the direction of the arrow 9 into the interior of the first plug housing 2. A latching device 192 provides for a secure hold in the first connector housing 2. According to the invention, the first connector housing has approximately circular bearing recesses 168, through which the bearing projections 164 emerge and permit rotatability about the axis 180 indicated by dashed lines.

p0045An O-ring 162 is pushed over the bearing projections 164 as a sealing device. This O-ring prevents moisture from penetrating through the bearing opening 168 into the interior of the plug housing 2. Opposite the partition, the plug housing is sealed in the assembled state via the seal 28. This seal can either be injected or produced as a prefabricated part, for example of silicone rubber, and can be mounted on the plug housing 2. The locking lever 160 has a substantially U-shaped shape with two legs on which the bearing projections 164 are formed, and a base that engages with the securing device 170. Because the locking lever 160 partially surrounds the housing 2, a space-saving arrangement can be realized.

p0046A part of a toothed wheel, which engages with corresponding engagement elements 176 on the second plug housing 25, is formed as the actuating element 178 on the bearing projection 164. The actuating element 178 is formed as part of an involute gearing and the tooth flank 194, which must hold the entire force in the finally assembled state, is formed onto the solid material of the bearing projection 164 in order to enable better force absorption and long-term stability.

p0047The second connector 17 of the connector is shown in FIG <figref idrefs="f0004">FIG</figref> Partially exploded. The second plug 17 has a second plug housing 25, a drip cap 26 and a locking device 102.

p0048The drip protection cap 26 can be pushed onto the second plug housing 25 in the direction of the arrow 29. In this case, an outer periphery 30 of the second connector housing 25 and an encircling edge 31 of the drip protection cap 26 engage one another.

p0049In the assembled state, the drip protection cap is secured to the plug housing 25 by means of a catch 196.

p0050As can be seen from the illustration of the <figref idrefs="f0004">FIG</figref> The locking device 102 has an actuating projection 156 which facilitates the operation of the locking device by the user. The surfaces 158 provide for the locking of the detent hooks 131 in the locked state.

p0051The <figref idrefs="f0005">FIG</figref> Finally shows the second plug 17 again in the plug-ready position held in the partition 37.

p0052In the following, the assembly of the <figref idrefs="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005">Figures 1 to 6</figref> Illustrated.

p0053First, the first plug 1 is preassembled. Referring to<figref idrefs="f0003">FIG</figref> The first pin receptacle 5 in the direction of the arrow 8 is introduced into the second pin receptacle 6 in sections. In this state, the first and second pin receptacles 6, 5 are inserted in the direction of the arrow 9 into the interior of the first plug housing 2. A sleeve (not shown here) can then be slipped over the neck 7 in sections. For mounting the first plug 1, furthermore, the mounting of pins in the first and second pin receptacles as well as the laying of a feed cable through the interior of the spout into the interior of the first plug housing 2 as well as the connection of wires of the connecting cable to corresponding pins.

p0054Irrespective of this, the second plug 17 is mounted. The drip protection cap 26 is pushed onto the second plug housing 25 in the direction of the arrow 29. Pins are also inserted into the second connector 17 and one or more supply lines are laid.

p0055A connection can then be made through the opening 39 of the partition 37 with the aid of the plug connection according to the invention. The connection in this embodiment is an electrical connection.

p0056Regarding <figref idrefs="f0004">FIG</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0005">6</figref> The second plug 17 is guided in the direction of the arrow 38 through the opening 39 of the partition 37. The passage is carried out until the detent projections 131 are secured to the partition wall. Subsequently, the locking device 102 is inserted into the housing 25 in the direction 103 and is pushed downwards until a latching takes place in the latching opening 124 and, therefore, is secured against bending inwards over the surfaces 158 of the latching arm 152 so that the second plug 17 Is now captively secured in the partition wall.

p0057The second plug 17 is now secured in its position relative to the partition wall 37. This can be a pre-assembly state in automobile construction.

p0058The plugging together of the first and second plug 1, 17 can now take place. Outgoing from the<figref idrefs="f0002">FIG</figref> , The first plug 1 is brought to the second plug 17 in the direction of the arrow 150 and is plugged together with the second plug 17.

p0059A force is then applied to the actuating surface 11 of the locking lever 116 so that the locking lever 116 is pivoted about the axis 180 and the applied force is translated into a clamping movement by means of the toothed rack / rack arrangement 178, 176. As a result, tension is increasingly built up until the actuating element 178 has assumed its end position in the engagement element 176. Furthermore, the latching hook 172 engages with the latching opening 174. In the next step, the securing device 170 is displaced in the direction 182 (see FIG<figref idrefs="f0002">FIG</figref>), Whereby the detent hook 172 is secured to the projection 184, and the tensioning device is held against unintended movement from the end position now assumed. As a result of the mechanical stress, the seal 28 is pressed against the partition wall 37 so that, in this position, together with the seal of the locking lever 160, the first plug 1 is reliably protected against penetrating moisture.

p0060An advantageous embodiment of the plug connection according to the invention is now described with reference to FIGS <figref idrefs="f0006 f0007 f0008 f0009 f0010 f0011 f0012">Figures 7 to 16</figref> Can be explained.

p0061How <figref idrefs="f0006">FIG</figref> The first plug 1 according to the present invention has a pushing device 704 for tensioning the two plugs relative to one another instead of the clamping device configured as a locking lever. The sliding device 704 is slidably accommodated in the arrow direction 10 in the first plug housing 2. The pushing device 704 has an actuating surface 11 on which a sliding force can be applied for displacing the pushing device.

p0062The pushing device 704 has side elements 12, 13. As in<figref idrefs="f0006">FIG</figref> , Upper guide rails 14 and lower guide rails 15 are provided in the side members 12, 13, respectively. The guide rails 14, 15 are guide recesses in this exemplary embodiment of the invention.

p0063In the <figref idrefs="f0006">FIG</figref> An indicated insertion direction of the first plug 2 with the second plug 17 is indicated by an arrow 16. The direction 10, in which the sliding device 704 is displaceable in the first plug housing 2, runs approximately transversely with respect to the plug-in direction 16 of the first plug 1 with the second plug 17. The guide rails 14, 15 have reduction sections 18, 19 which extend in one direction Approximately transversely to the joining direction 16 and approximately transversely to the slide seal 10. In addition, the guide rails 14, 15 have end sections 20, 21, which extend parallel to the slide seal 10.

p0064As with reference to <figref idrefs="f0007">FIG</figref> The guide rails 14, 15 interact with associated pin-like projections 33, 34 for clamping the two connectors against each other and to the partition wall.

p0065According to the invention, openings 72, 73, through which the pin-like projections 33, 34 penetrate the pin-like projections 33, interact with the sliding device 704, are provided with surrounding seals 163 in order to seal this connecting region against moisture penetration into the interior of the plug.

p0066A seal 28 is also attached circumferentially to the first plug housing 2. In the<figref idrefs="f0006">FIG</figref> The seal 28 is injected onto the housing 2. The seal 28 is therefore captively secured to the first connector housing 2, and the connection between the seal 28 and the first connector housing 2 is always tight. However, the seal 28 can also be a part separate from the first plug housing 2.

p0067The above also applies to the seals 163, which are also injection-molded on the first plug housing.

p0068In <figref idrefs="f0007">FIG</figref> The second plug 17 according to the present invention is shown in partial exploded view. Those elements which correspond to those according to the first embodiment will not be mentioned again separately in the following.

p0069According to the invention, the second plug 17 has pin-like projections 33, 34 which are integrally formed on the plug housing 25. The pin-like projections 33, 34 are designed such that they can be brought into engagement with the guide rails 14, 15 of the pushing device 704 of the first plug and thus form engagement means for the sliding device 704 serving as a clamping device.

p0070In order to seal the openings 72, 73 with the aid of the seals 163, sealing projections 198, which can form a sealing connection with the seals 163, are formed on the second plug housing 25.

p0071A resilient spring arm 152 with a holding device 131, as with reference to FIG <figref idrefs="f0008">FIG</figref> Still remains clear, an attachment of the second plug 17 in the opening of the partition wall 37. A locking device 102 allows a blocking of this elastic spring arm 152 for locking the second plug 17 in the partition wall by an inward bending of the spring arm 152 in the locked state is prevented.

p0072The locking device 102 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG <figref idrefs="f0012">FIGS. 15 and 16</figref> The bearing projections 206 which are retained in corresponding bearing recesses 208 on the second plug housing 25. As a result, the locking device 102 can be moved about a rotational axis 202 between a locked and an unlocked position. In the unlatched position, the locking device 102 is secured in the locking recess 210, in the locked position in the locking recess 212.

p0073<figref idrefs="f0008">FIG</figref> Shows the plug-ready first plug 1 in a perspective view.

p0074In <figref idrefs="f0008">FIG</figref> The plug-in second plug 17 is shown, with the locking device 102 being in the locked position, so that the second plug 17 is held securely in the partition wall 37. In this position, the edge 204 of the locking device 102 is also in contact with the plug housing 25 in such a way that the pin receptacle is released and thus the two plugs can be plugged together.

p0075<figref idrefs="f0009">FIG</figref> Shows a perspective, partially sectional view of the plug-in connection according to the invention in the finally assembled and assembled state. According to the invention, the sealing devices 28 and 163 provide for a complete sealing of the internal electrical connections against the penetration of moisture. The two plugs 1 and 17 are firmly clamped with the partition wall 37.

p0076With reference to the <figref idrefs="f0010">12 and 13</figref> The assembly of the second plug 17 in the partition 37 will be explained in more detail below. In this case, a seal 27, which is analogous to the seal 28, is provided on the second plug 17 for sealing against the partition wall 37. However, it is clear to the person skilled in the art that, for the principles according to the invention, a seal is provided on which side of the partition wall 37 is provided.

p0077It is located, as in the partly open representation of the <figref idrefs="f0010">FIG</figref> The locking device 102 can be seen in the unlocked position. For assembly, the second plug 17 is suspended obliquely into the opening of the partition wall 37, the provided free distance 134 ensuring that the necessary tilting is possible by the angle α.

p0078The second plug 17 is pivoted around the lower edge in the direction 112, so that the projection 131 also holds the second plug 17 in the partition 37. Now, the locking device 102 can be tilted in the direction 113, so that, on the one hand, an inward pressing of the latching hook 131 is prevented, and, on the other hand,<figref idrefs="f0012">FIGS. 15 and 16</figref> Even more clearly recognizable projections 214, 216 cooperate with the partition wall 37 to hold the second plug 17 in the opening of the partition wall 37.

p0079In the embodiment shown, the plug 17 is also shown in FIG <figref idrefs="f0010">FIG</figref> Is still displaceable by the distance 137 transversely to the assembly direction. The pin 128 is shown in FIG<figref idrefs="f0010">FIG</figref> Is released so that a plugging together can now take place.

p0080In a perspective view, the assembly step in FIG <figref idrefs="f0010">FIG</figref> Is shown in FIG <figref idrefs="f0011">FIG</figref> Respectively. In this case, it is clear that the locking device 102, which in this drawing is locked in the unlocked position, blocks the pin 128 with its edge 204. It can be ensured in this way that the second plug 17 can only be plugged together with the first plug 1 in the completely locked state. In this way, assembly errors can be detected and corrected in time.

p0081Two detail views of the second connector for a more detailed explanation of the operation of the locking device 102 are shown in FIGS <figref idrefs="f0012">FIGS. 15 and 16</figref> shown. <figref idrefs="f0012">FIG</figref> Shows the unlocked state, in which the locking device 102 is locked in the catch recess 210 in such a way that the pin 128 is blocked for a plugging together of the two connectors. As in the grouping with the<figref idrefs="f0007">FIG</figref> The locking device is held in the bearing recesses 208 by means of the bearing projections 206 so that it can be pivoted in the direction 113. In the<figref idrefs="f0012">FIG</figref> , The movement of the detent hook 131 is blocked, and in addition the projections 214, 216 penetrating through the second plug housing directly secure the second plug 17 in the partition wall 37. The plug 17, on the opposite end face of the plug connector, Housing 25 in the partition wall 37.

p0082<figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> Shows a perspective view of a further advantageous embodiment of the plug connection according to the invention. Similar to the first embodiment, a sliding device 704 is also provided for clamping the two plugs 1, 2 against one another. In order to be able to release the sliding device 704 without any problems, a recess 218 is provided on the first plug housing 2 on either side, which allows a safe gripping of the sliding device 704 for an operator. Snap-in recesses 220 and 224 secure via corresponding snap hooks 226 (see also FIG<figref idrefs="f0015">FIG</figref>) The pushing device 704 on the first plug housing 2. In particular, the detent hook 226 engages in the detent recess 220 in the end-mounted state and is secured in the preassembled state by the detent recess 224.

p0083In addition to the peripheral locking projection 228 shown in connection with the first embodiment, the connecting piece 7 has a resilient latching arm 230 in the embodiment shown here. Both the circumferential projection 228 as well as the latching arm 230 allow the mechanical fixing of a grommet (not shown).

p0084A perspective view of the second connector 17 shown in FIG <figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> is in the <figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> shown. In this case, the second plug 17 is positioned in the partition wall 37, but has not yet been permanently fixed. The locking device 102 is still in the pre-locked position. According to the present embodiment, the locking in the partition 37 here takes place exclusively via the elastic spring arm 152 and the holding structure 131 formed thereon, as well as via the opposing support structure 132. The locking device 102, as can be seen from the following description,<figref idrefs="f0014">FIG</figref> In the fully latched state, the spring arm 152 is in the locked position.

p0085In <figref idrefs="f0014">FIG</figref> The plug connection 100 is off <figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> Before the first and second connectors 1, 17 are plugged together. In this phase, the second plug 17 is firmly held in the partition wall 37, and the locking device 102 holds the spring arm 152 in the position shown. The first plug 1 is in a plug-ready position, in which the pushing device 704 is locked in a preassembled position by means of the latching openings 224.

p0086<figref idrefs="f0015">FIG</figref> Shows the first plug 1 according to the embodiment shown in FIG <figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> Shown in FIG <figref idrefs="f0006">FIG</figref> Analogous representation. In essence, the explanations given with respect to the second embodiment also apply correspondingly to the embodiments shown in FIG<figref idrefs="f0015">FIG</figref> Shown. In particular, the openings 72 and 73 provided with circumferential seals 163 and the functionality of the sliding device 704 correspond to those of the first embodiment. As already mentioned, according to the present embodiment, the pushing device 704 has detent hooks 226 to be securely held in the first plug housing 2 both in a preload position and in the end-mounted position. The first pin receptacle 5 and the second pin receptacle 6 have a somewhat modified form. However, this embodiment is only to be understood as exemplary, since the principles according to the invention can be advantageously used with any desired plug shapes. Due to the recesses 218, the actuating surface 11 of the sliding device 704 can be linear in this embodiment, which reduces the required installation space.

p0087<figref idrefs="f0016">FIG</figref> Shows in a perspective view the plug-ready first plug 1 according to the embodiment shown in FIG <figref idrefs="f0015">FIG</figref> Shown.

p0088In <figref idrefs="f0016">FIG</figref> The circumferential seal 28 for sealing against the partition 37 and the sealing devices 163 are shown detached from the plug-in connection. According to the present advantageous embodiment, the four sealing devices 163 are produced in one piece with the seal 28 by being connected to the seal 28 via webs 199. This embodiment offers the advantage of a simplified manufacturability in one operation as well as a separately inserted seal arrangement as well as a seal injected onto the plug 1. In the latter case, no interfering injection points need to be provided on the fine structures of the sealing devices 163. In addition, this embodiment permits a secure seal in the region of the projections 33, 34.

p0089<figref idrefs="f0016">FIG</figref> Shows the plug-in second plug 17 according to the embodiment <figref idrefs="f0014">FIG</figref>, The second plug 17 being mounted in the partition wall 37, and the seals 28 and <figref idrefs="f0016">FIG</figref> For explaining their position. In this embodiment, the seal 28 and the sealing devices 163 are once again made in one piece by connecting the webs 199.

p0090With reference to the <figref idrefs="f0017">Figures 24 and 25</figref> The embodiment of the locking device 102 according to the embodiment shown in FIG <figref idrefs="f0013">FIG</figref> And in the unlocked position shown in detail. In this case, the functionality of the locking device 102 essentially corresponds to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS<figref idrefs="f0012">FIGS. 15 and 16</figref> Explained.

p0091<figref idrefs="f0018">FIG</figref> Shows the second plug 17 <figref idrefs="f0014">FIG</figref> In a partial exploded representation. Compared to the analogous embodiment shown in FIG<figref idrefs="f0007">FIG</figref> , The simplest embodiment of the pivotable locking device 102 is of significance in this embodiment. The locking device 102 is designed here without the projections 214, 216 penetrating through the second connector housing. Apart from this, however, all the functional mechanisms set forth with reference to the preceding embodiments can also be applied to the present embodiment.

p0092With the aid of the plug-in connection according to the invention it can be achieved that on the one hand the tightness is not influenced by the cable pull and on the other hand an optimum sealing function to a partition, for example a body sheet, is guaranteed due to the axial seal on the socket connector. The pin is protected against dripping water and the assembly as well as the dismantling are easy and clear. In addition to the electrical contacting, the closing of the coupling also results in a defined tightness pressure between the plug and the partition. Finally, the Kojiri safety can be ensured by a deep tub as well as a high protection bar.