CN103125052B - Contact housing, electric plug connector or mating connector and the electric wire of assembling for electrical contact element - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a contact housing (1) for at least two electrical contact arrangements, in particular for electrical plug connectors or mating connectors in the automotive sector, having two contacts Housing modules (10, 20), the first electrical contact device can be installed in the first contact housing module (10), and the second electrical contact device can be installed in the second contact housing module (20) ), the contact housing modules (10, 20) are arranged to be movable towards each other and to be fixed to each other, in particular to be mutually latchable to each other. Further, the present invention relates to an electrical plug connector or an electrical mating connector, in particular, a female electrical connector, and an assembled electric wire, the electrical plug connector or an electrical mating connector, or an assembled electrical wire having a The contact housing (1) of the invention.

Description

Contact housing for electrical contact unit, electrical plug connector or mating connector and assembled wire

technical field

The invention relates to a contact housing for at least two electrical contact arrangements, in particular electrical plug connectors or mating connectors for the automotive sector. Further, the invention relates to electrical plug connectors or electrical mating connectors, in particular female electrical connectors or plug connectors, and assembled electrical wires.

Background technique

In the field of electronic components and electrical engineering, a number of electrical plug and socket connectors - hereinafter referred to as (electrical) plug connectors and mating connectors - are known for transmitting voltages, currents, Voltage, current and/or signal at frequency and data rate. In particular, in the automotive sector, plug connectors must in this case permanently ensure a very satisfactory transmission of signals and power in dirty, wet and/or chemically aggressive environments. Due to the wide range of applications of such plug connectors, a large number of specially configured plug connectors are known.

Such electrical plug connectors or mating connectors or their contact housings may be mounted on electrical wires or another electrical device such as a printed circuit board, or on/in a housing of an electrical or electronic device. If a plug connector or mating connector is on a wire or cable, we usually call it a plug or coupling; if it's on/in a power/electronic device, we usually call it an integrated socket or (integrated) bushing. Further, the mating connector is often also referred to as a plug receiver, especially when the mating connector has a support sleeve for ensuring a more stable connection between the plug connector and the mating connector.

If two different contact systems are used for an electrical plug-in connection, two contact housings are required on the plug side and likewise two contact housings are required on the corresponding mating connector side. Such a plug-in connection therefore consists of two separate plug-in connectors, the contact housings, for example for the plug-side of the plug-in connectors, having to be produced separately. When an injection molding process is used for their production, two injection molds are required for this. Accordingly, two other injection molds are required for the mating connector side.

Further, in the case of a plug connector having a plurality of planes in which the electrical contact arrangements for the plug connector are located, it is difficult to provide auxiliary contact locking for the respective contact arrangements of the respective planes. This applies in particular when the contact locks do not lie in one plane. Furthermore, in many cases where a plug-in connection is desired, it is difficult to make usable contact housings that are simple and quickly mate with components. That is to say, either the automatic and inexpensive mating is abandoned, or the corresponding interfaces, namely the plug connector and the mating connector, have to be redesigned.

Contents of the invention

The object of the invention is to design an improved contact housing for an electrical contact arrangement. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to devise an improved plug connector or mating connector, and an improved wire that can be assembled. The contact housing according to the invention should be capable of cooperating with two different electrical contact arrangements, which preferably belong to different contact systems; the contact housing should preferably be capable of cooperating in a single The injection molding process relies on a single injection mold for economical production. In this case, the contact arrangements should be arranged in two planes; the contact locking for different contact arrangements should be simple and quickly settable. Furthermore, the contact housing according to the invention should be able to be easily assembled with the contact arrangement, so that the plug connector or mating connector and the assembled wire should be cheap to produce.

The object of the invention is achieved by a contact housing for at least two electrical contact arrangements according to claim 1, in particular for electrical plug connectors or electrical mating connectors in the automotive sector; and by An electrical plug connector or an electrical mating connector, in particular a female connector, and an assembled electrical wire according to claim 10 are realized. Advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

A contact housing according to the invention has at least two contact housing modules in which a first electrical contact arrangement can be arranged and a second electrical contact arrangement can be arranged in a second contact housing module body module. The contact housing module will be referred to simply as "module" below. According to the invention, the modules are arranged movable towards each other and can be fixed to each other. In this case, preferably, the two modules can be locked together. The modules in this case are preferably kept at a certain mutual distance, in particular a constant mutual distance, in the open position of the contact housing. Further, the modules can be moved towards each other into the closed position of the contact housing, by doing so mutually fastened to each other in at least one spatial direction.

According to the invention, the contact housings are divided in one plane for preferably different contact arrangements, wherein the different contact arrangements can in particular belong to different contact systems, for example the MCP system (MCP multi-contact point ) and/or the MQS system (Mirco-Quadlock system). The two parts of the contact housing correspond to modules that are movable towards each other and fastened in the closed position, optionally once a web arranged between the modules has been broken or once a corresponding spacer has been removed to each other. The assembly of the contact housing with the contact arrangement takes place in its open position, ie with the modules spaced apart.

In one embodiment of the invention, the module or the contact housing is provided in one piece, in particular formed in one piece depending on its material. In this case the modules can be connected together by means of preferably flexible connecting elements, said modules being movable towards each other in a rotational and/or translational movement. Preferably, the connecting element is designed such that it substantially defines a limit to the mutual mobility of the modules; i.e., thanks to the connecting element, one module can be moved towards the other module substantially on a given path, whereby the contact housing is moved from Its open position changes to its closed position.

According to the invention, a two-part but one-piece contact housing is available which can be fitted with two different electrical contact arrangements which can in particular belong to different contact head system. In this case, the contact housing or two coupled modules of the contact housing can be produced in a single molding process in a single molding tool. In this case the contact arrangements are preferably arranged in two planes, the contact locking for different contact arrangements is simple and quick to set. To this end, only the corresponding contact arrangement must be inserted into the respective contact cavity with the correct polarity, which can be done automatically or manually.

Thereby, the two modules are moved towards each other, and a second contact lock for the contact elements can be installed; see also the description below on this point. Further, the contact housings are easier to handle than two separate contact housings, since the modules are already in a correctly oriented relative position, outside of which they only still have to be moved towards each other. Due to the economical production process for the contact housing according to the invention and its simple assembly, the plug connector or mating connector according to the invention and the assembled wire are inexpensive to produce.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting element between the modules is a connecting strap, preferably connected to the respective modules via at least one or two integral hinges, or fastened to each other. Preferably, the connecting strap is formed as an integral hinge. In this case, preferably, one module is material-formed or integrally held together via a first integral hinge to the connecting strap, and thus to the second module via a second integral hinge. In one embodiment, the connecting strip extends from the outside, preferably the outer edge, of one module to the outside, preferably the outer edge, of the other module. In another embodiment, the connecting strip extends within the contact housing from the outside of one module, preferably from its lateral surface, to the outside of the other module, also preferably to its lateral surface.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one module has a contact locking device, by means of which the first or the second contact arrangement can be locked in the contact cavity of the other module. Preferably, however, both modules have contact locking means such that the first and second contact arrangements can be locked in respective contact cavities of the respective other module by means of the respective contact locking means. In this case, in the closed position of the contact housing, the contact locking means of each module protrudes into the contact cavity of each other module. In the case of contact housing and component assembly, the free longitudinal end portion of the contact locking device is then positioned in a locking manner on the relevant contact device by means of a fixing surface formed thereon in each case. in the contact cavity.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact locking means of a module are rib-shaped. The width of the contact locking device is in particular at least approximately equal to the distance between two outer contact cavities of the other module. This again can preferably be applied to both contact locking devices. Preferably, the width of the associated contact locking means of one module corresponds to the width of the other module. In this case, the contact locking arrangement may have separate means for securing the contact arrangement in another module.

The modules may be fixed to each other by contact locking means on one module and correspondingly formed fastening means on/in the other module. In this case, the contact locking device is additionally formed as a fastening device, which preferably has a latch device, in particular a latch projection. Correspondingly, the fastening means of the other module, likewise preferably the latch means, are also in particular latch recesses. In the closed position of the contact housing, the contact locking means may preferably engage in the fastening means such that the contact locking means are positioned on the latch surface of the fastening means by a latch surface formed thereon.

Preferably, both modules have contact locking means in each case and fastening means corresponding thereto in each case. In the closed position of the contact housing, one contact locking device of one module then engages in the corresponding fastening device of the other module, and the other contact locking device of the other module engages in the corresponding fastening device of one module. device. This mounts two latching arrangements between the two modules, which hold the two modules securely and securely against each other in preferably at least two spatial directions.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the modules have locking means corresponding to each other. In this case the locking means of one module can be a locking recess and the locking means of the other module can be a locking protrusion. The locking means can be disengaged or partially engaged in the open position of the contact housings, but engage each other at least in the closed position of the contact housings. Further, the locking device may be formed as a latch device, a clamping device or the like. However, screwed, riveted or glued connections of the modules can also be used instead of the locking device; in this case, the locking function of the corresponding contact locking device can also be dispensed with.

Preferably, the locking means are formed and/or arranged such that in the closed position of the contact housing the locking means cooperate with the contact locking means and corresponding fastening means such that apart from some play of the modules relative to each other , mutual movement of the modules is prevented. The same applies to defective connecting elements, so that the contact housing can still fully fulfill its function as a contact housing for a plug connector or the like through its interlocking modules. The detachment and re-latching of the modules can likewise be applied here.

In an embodiment of the invention, the modules are held at a distance in the open position of the contact housing by at least one but preferably two or more webs. For the closed position of the contact housing, the web preferably has to be severed. This can be achieved eg such that the webs have such dimensions that they break automatically due to a certain forward force exerted on the module from the open position in the direction of the closed position. In this case, care should be taken that the remaining web material does not unduly obstruct the closing movement of the modules. The webs are preferably located remote from or integrally formed with the connecting strips between the modules.

Description of drawings

The invention is explained in more detail below using examples of embodiment with reference to the enclosed detailed drawings. In the attached picture:

Figure 1 is a lateral perspective view of a first embodiment of a contact housing according to the invention, with two contact housing modules in an open position;

Figure 2 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a slightly modified embodiment in the area of two contact cavities for a different contact system compared to the contact housing of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a lateral perspective view of the same contact housing of Figure 1, but with two contact housing modules in a closed position;

Fig. 4 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the transverse section of the contact housing of Fig. 1 in its closed position;

Figure 5 is a lateral perspective view of a second embodiment of a contact housing according to the invention, with two contact housing modules in an open position;

Figure 6 is a lateral perspective view of the same contact housing of Figure 5, but with the two contact housing modules in a closed position;

FIG. 7 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional schematic view of the contact housing of FIG. 5 viewed obliquely from above in its closed position; and

Figure 8 is a perspective view obliquely from below of the contact housing of Figure 5 in its open position.

detailed description

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a number of embodiments of (plug-in) contact housings for the automotive sector. However, the invention is not limited to this field, but can be applied to all electrical and electronic contact housings for plug-in connections. This also applies in particular, for example, to contact housings in the field of computer and (entertainment) electronics. In this case, the contact housing is the housing for a plug connector or a mating connector, a contact or a coupling. However, the invention can also be used with integrated sockets, (integrated) bushings, plug receivers and the like. The electrical contact arrangements that can be fastened in the contact housing are preferably socket contact arrangements and/or pin contact arrangements.

The contact housing 1 according to the invention (see all figures) comprises substantially two separate units, so-called contact housing modules 10, 20, which when connected together, in particular fit together The entire contact housing 1 is then formed ready for use. In the following, the two contact housing modules 10, 20 are also referred to only as modules 10, 20; furthermore, the electrical contact device 40 (shown only in dashed lines in FIG. 2 ) that can be housed in the first module 10 is preferably are referred to as first contact means 40, regardless of whether they are of the same type (see below) or of different types (not explained in more detail). A similar situation applies to the electrical contact arrangement 50 (second contact arrangement 50 ) of the second module 20 (likewise only shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2 ). The invention is not limited in this case to two modules 10 , 20 , but a plurality of modules of the contact housing 1 can also be coupled to each other. Thus, according to the invention two or more additional modules can be provided on the long side of the module; furthermore, for example a plurality of modules can be arranged one behind the other.

Preferably, two different forms or types of contact arrangements 40 , 50 , in particular two different contact systems, are used in the contact housing 1 . Preferably, they are so-called Quadlock systems (MQS), which have a square contact cross-section in the electrical contact area, and systems called Multi-Contact Point (MCP), which generally have flat electrical contacts. A head device, such as a flat cable plug, to which a corresponding bushing can be connected. In this case, preferably, the relatively large module 10 can receive at least one single first contact arrangement 40, preferably formed as an MCP contact arrangement 40, while the smaller module 20 can receive At least one separate second contact arrangement 50 is preferably formed as an MQS contact arrangement 50 . Of course other contact systems can be used.

The two contact housing modules 10 , 20 are preferably mechanically coupled together by means of a connecting element 30 which ensures a certain movability of one module 10 , 20 relative to the other module 20 , 10 . Preferably, the connecting element 30 limits the mutual displacement capability of the two modules 10, 20 to a translational and/or rotational movement, in particular a pivotal movement, so that for example the relative outer edges of the modules 10, 20 are at the same distance between the two modules 10, 20. 20 are positioned substantially parallel to each other as they move toward each other. The connecting element 30 thus provides a limit to the mutual mobility of the two modules 10 , 20 and guides one module 10 , 20 onto the other 20 , 10 so that they can be quickly and simply fastened to each other.

In this situation, the contact housing 1 is moved from an open position O, in which the two modules 10, 20 are kept at a given distance from each other, to a closed position G, in which the two modules 10, 20 are moved towards each other . The mutual distance of the modules 10 , 20 is preferably ensured by at least one connecting element formed as a web 310 which is arranged between the modules 10 , 20 . In the open position O of the contact housing 1 , ie the modules 10 , 20 are away from each other, the contact locking for the first contact arrangement 40 and/or the second contact arrangement 50 is preferably not yet installed, whereas in the closed Position G, contact locking installation (see below). Further, in the closed position G, the modules 10, 20 are fixed, in particular locked, to each other.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the mutual fastening of the modules 10, 20 takes place by means of latch means which also form the first contact means 40 or the second contact means in the associated module 10, 20 The contacts of device 50 are locked. The contact locking is in this case preferably a secondary locking. The primary locking of the respective contact arrangement 40, 50 is preferably formed by a locking tab provided in each case thereon (see locking tab 46 labeled first contact arrangement 40 in FIG. 2 ), said The locking tabs may act on respective latch means on/in the associated contact cavity 110, 210 for the individual first or second contact means 40, 50 (see latch shoulder 116 in FIG. 2) . Of course, the mutual fastening of the two modules 10 , 20 can also be provided independently of or in addition to the respective contact locking (not shown in the figures). Further, for example, in addition to the illustrated contact locking or other latching means, another contact locking, optionally with a latching function (also not shown in the figures), may be used.

According to the invention, each module 10 , 20 or its module housing 100 , 200 has a contact locking device 120 , 220 for assisting the second or first contact device 50 , 40 of each other module 20 , 10 respectively. locking. Further, each module 10 , 20 or module housing 100 , 200 has fastening means 130 , 230 formed to correspond to the associated contact locking means 220 , 120 . In the following, only one subject matter and one function of the contact locking device 220 of the second module 20 will be explained in more detail in conjunction with the fastening device 130 of the first module 10 .

The contact locking device 120 of the first module 10 cooperating with the fastening device 230 of the second module 20 is formed similarly in subject and function, said device forming a difference in the contact housing 1 between the modules 10 , 20 . s position. Preferably, they are arranged displaced relative to the longitudinal direction L of the contact housing 1 parallel to the above. Corresponding reference signs and their representative designations are given once in parentheses after the corresponding designations of the representative design of the contact locking device 220 or the fastening device 130 .

1-4 show a first embodiment of the invention, the first module 10 has fastening means 130 (fastening means 230 ), the first module is positioned opposite to the second module 20. On the outer side 23 of the second module 20 located in the interior of the contact housing 1 , likewise preferably on the long side 13 , positioned opposite thereto, said second module has a contact locking device 220 (contact locking device 120).

In this case, the second module 20 is placed slightly above the first module 10 by an amount x, see FIG. 2 . This is preferred because the second module 20 performs a circular movement with a relatively large radius relative to the first module 10 when moving towards each other, and therefore the second module 20 is biased downwards relative to the first module 10, cf. figure 2. In this case, the connection face 2 of the contact housing 1 then has a substantially planar form, apart from the coding 150 , 250 and the introduction openings 114 , 214 for the electrical contact arrangement of the mating connector. If desired or necessary, the connecting surface can also be realized with steps.

The contact locking means 220 of the second module 20 are preferably arranged as rectilinear rib-shaped protrusions on the inner outer side 23 thereof, preferably extending substantially parallel to the connection face 2 of the second module 20 . Non-straight and/or angled routes are of course also possible. In this case, the protrusion is formed as a rib-shaped latch hook 224 (latch hook 124 ); that is, the cross-section of the rib extending laterally along the outer side 23 of the second module 20 has a hook form. The fastening means 130 of the first module 10 have a form corresponding to the latch hooks 224; that is, at least the cross-sections in the peripheral portion are substantially formed in a positive manner relative to each other. The fastening device 130 is in this case formed as a latch device 130 , preferably a latch recess 130 .

In the closed position G ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ), the elongate laterally extending latch hook 224 engages in the elongate latch recess 130 , the latch surface 225 of the latch hook 224 (latch surface 125 ) thereby resting against The latch surface 135 of the latch recess 130 (the latch surface 235 ). The latch surface 135 of the latch recess 130 is in this case preferably arranged on the latch hook 134 (the latch hook 234 ), which in the cross-section of the latch recess 130 into it. The latch recesses 130 extend so far into the first module 10 that they merge into one, more or all of the contact cavities 110 of the first module 10; that is, in all cases are in fluid connection therewith. In the longitudinal direction L of the contact cavity 110, the latch recess 130 is arranged at a level at which the latch means 42 of the contact arrangement 40, preferably the latch shoulder 42, can also be placed (similarly Suitable for contact arrangement 50 in the second module).

In the closed position G of the contact housing 1, the contact locking means 220 protrudes into the fastening means 130 or into the contact cavity 110 so far that when the interlocking latches are installed the contact locking means 220 or the contacts lock. The fixing surface 222 of the device 220 (fixing surface 122 ) locks the contact device 40 in the contact cavity 110 . Preferably, in this case, the fixing surface 222 abuts against a latch shoulder 42 (not shown in the figures) of the contact arrangement 40 . In this case, the contact locking means 220 extend along the second module 20 and optionally extend beyond the second module 20 (see FIGS. 5 and 6 ) so that a desired number of contact means 40 can be secured. The preferred length of the contact locking means 220 corresponds in this case approximately to the appropriate width of the oppositely positioned module 10 .

In a first embodiment of the invention, the two modules 10 , 20 are connected by means of a connecting element 300 formed as a connecting strip 300 , said element being arranged approximately in the longitudinal direction L between the two modules 10 , 20 . Each module 10 , 20 , which is preferably formed in one piece according to the material, is in each case formed in one piece with a connection strap 300 which is preferably formed in one piece according to the material, for example by a plug-in connection, but In particular it is formed in one piece depending on the material; that is, the contact housing 1 is formed in one piece depending on the material, or in one piece. In this case the connection strap 300 may be connected to the first module 10 via an integral hinge 302 and to the second module 20 via an integral hinge 304 . Preferably, an integral hinge 302 is attached to the outer outer sides 11 , 14 , preferably the outer edge 12 between the end face 11 and the long side 14 , and an integral hinge 304 is attached in this case to the adjoining joint of the second module 20 . The corresponding outer edge 22 of .

At least one web 312 is formed between the two modules 10 , 20 so that the modules 10 , 20 cannot be accidentally moved relative to each other and are spaced a given distance from each other for assembly and are not damaged during transport or can be handled securely. . In the present case, in particular, two webs 312 are used, which are arranged between the edges of the respective contact locking means 120, 220 and the respective fastening means 130, 230 and which when the two modules 10, 20 are moved towards each other fracture. Further, the contact housing 1 preferably has one or more codes 150 , 250 formed eg as transverse protrusions 150 , 250 . The codes 150 , 250 can be arranged on the first module 10 (see FIG. 1 ) and/or on the second module 20 and preferably extend slightly away from the connection face 2 in the longitudinal direction L along the respective module 10 , 20 .

Furthermore, each module 10 , 20 has a respective locking device 140 or 240 which prevents a mutual lateral movement of the two modules 10 , 20 in the closed position G of the contact housing 1 . That is, the locking means 140 , 240 , at least in the closed position G, prevent the movement of the first module 10 relative to the second module 20 into it (or vice versa) despite the contact locking means 120 , 220 and the fastening means 130 , 230 installed interlocking latches but each module 10, 20 can move in the direction. In this case, the locking means 140 are preferably locking recesses 140 and the locking means 240 are preferably locking protrusions 240 which in particular extend at least partially in the longitudinal direction L of the contact housing 1 . This can of course also be achieved in other ways. At least in the closed position G of the contact housing 1 , the locking projection 240 then engages in the locking recess 140 .

In the present embodiment of the contact housing according to the invention 1, the first module 10 has two contact cavities 110 and the second module 20 has three contact cavities 210, the longitudinal axis L of the contact cavities 110, 120 across a plane, arranged in each case parallel to each other. FIG. 2 further shows, irrespective of the different coding 150 , 250 of the two modules 10 , 20 in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the modification of the contact housing according to the invention 1 relative to the other figures. The embodiment of FIG. 2 has no spacers formed as webs 310 . Further, FIG. 2 shows at least two contact cavities 110 , 210 whose longitudinal axes L lie in a plane perpendicular to the plane spanned by the contact cavities 110 , 210 of the respective modules 10 , 20 . In other embodiments, the corresponding planar arrangements are offset.

In the second embodiment of the invention, only the differences from the first embodiment will be discussed, ie the features described with respect to the first embodiment can be similarly transferred to the second embodiment. This relates in particular to the contact locking device 120 , 220 and the fastening device 130 , 230 . As with the first embodiment, the two modules 10, 20 are arranged pivotable relative to each other. If the pivot axis of the first embodiment is then positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the contact housing 1, in the second embodiment said axis is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis. The respective pivot ranges can in this case be rather small; therefore, only 15° to 30° are sufficient to ensure the function according to the invention of the contact housing 1 or to ensure mutual latching by contact locking. Of course other angles can also be used.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the two modules 10, 20 are connected by means of at least one connecting element 300 formed as a connecting strip 301, said element being arranged between the two modules 10, 20 substantially in parallel with the longitudinal direction L phase landscape. Preferably, however, two connection straps 301 are arranged extending from the inner outer side 13 of the first module 10 to the inner outer side 23 of the second module 20 . In this case, the respective connection strip 301 preferably extends from the central area of the lateral surface of the inner outer side 13 of the first module 10 to the edge area of the inner outer side 23 of the second module 20, which thus stems, Because of this, the first module 10 is wider than the second module 20 . The connecting strap 301 is likewise integrally connected to the respective inner outer side 13 , 23 in this case preferably via an integral hinge 320 , 304 . The lateral offset between the two modules 10, 20 is set similarly to the vertical offset x of the first embodiment (not shown in the figures).

In this case, two preferably parallel connection strips 310 are attached to the longitudinal end portions of the second module 20 which have fitting openings 212 for the second contact arrangement 50 . In this case, the connecting strip 301 in the closed position G of the contact housing 1 preferably extends via its narrow long side as far as the end face 21 of the second module 20 . In the longitudinal direction L, further down (cf. FIGS. 5-8 ), the fastening means 130 adjoin the first module 10 and the contact locking means 220 adjoin the second module 20 . Below this, there is then a second connecting strip 301 which then abuts downwards the contact locking means 120 on the module 10 and the fastening means 130 on the second module 20 . In the longitudinal direction L, further down, the locking means 140 , 240 of the contact housing 1 are provided.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, preferably, two locking devices 140 and two locking devices 240 are provided. The locking by the two locking means 140, 240 in each case takes place in different directions, preferably in directions perpendicular to each other. Initially, similarly to the first embodiment, two locking means 140 , 240 are provided, corresponding to each other, preferably centrally between the two modules 10 , 20 . Further, the locking device 240 preferably formed as a protrusion is laterally positioned on the second module 20, and on the first module 10, there is a corresponding locking device 240, which is preferably formed as a depression formed by the first Two tabs protrude from the outer side 13 of the interior of the module 10 . The same applies to the first embodiment of the invention.

Lead-in ramps for the contact locking means 120 , 220 may be provided on the associated contact locking means 120 , 220 and/or on the associated fastening means 130 , 230 . In the present case, the upper (refer to the accompanying drawings) contact locking device 220 and the lower fastening device 230 have lead-in ramps, that is, lead-in ramps are provided on the second module 20, which preferably When moving together with the contact housing 1 it moves towards the first module 10 . Once the contact housing 1 has been mated with the components, preferably the first module 1 is fixed and the second module 20 is moved towards it. The same applies to the first embodiment of the invention.

Further, in both embodiments of the invention, instead of the respective connecting straps 300, 301 connecting webs (not shown in the figures) can be used, which optionally move the two modules 10 together, 20 o'clock, optionally at the predetermined break point, break. Further, additionally or instead of this, one or two transverse integral hinges may be formed between the two modules 10, 20; the same applies to the two embodiments of the invention explained at the outset. In this case the associated integral hinge extends transversely from one module 10 to the other 20, the integral hinge is preferably positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the contact housing 1 or the longitudinal axes of the modules 10, 20 and bridges the two modules The gap between 10 and 20. In this case, preferably an integral hinge is attached to each module 10, 20 near the gap.

Claims (27)

CLAIMS 1. A contact housing for at least two electrical contact arrangements, having: Two contact housing modules (10, 20), the first electrical contact device (40) can be installed in the first contact housing module (10), the second electrical contact device (50) can be installed In the second contact housing module (20), said contact housing modules (10, 20) are arranged to be movable towards each other and to be fixed on each other, Each of the contact housing modules (10, 20) has a contact locking device (120, 220), and the first and second electrical contact devices (40, 50) can A head locking device (120, 220) is locked in an associated contact cavity (110, 210) of each contact housing module (10, 20). 2. The contact housing according to claim 1, wherein the contact housing is a contact housing of an electrical plug connector or a mating connector used in the automotive field. 3. The contact housing of claim 1, said two contact housing modules being inter-latching to each other. 4. The contact housing according to claim 1, said contact housing modules (10, 20) maintaining a mutual distance in the open position (O) of said contact housing (1), and, For the closed position (G) of the contact housing (1), the contact housing modules (10, 20) can be moved towards each other and by doing so can be secured to each other in at least one spatial direction. 5. Contact housing according to claim 4, wherein the contact housing modules (10, 20) maintain a constant mutual distance in the open position (O) of the contact housing (1). 6. Contact housing according to one of the preceding claims, the contact housing modules (10, 20) being provided in one piece and attached to each other by connecting elements (30). 7. Contact housing according to claim 6, wherein the contact housing modules (10, 20) are formed in one piece with each other according to material. 8. The contact housing according to claim 6, said connection element (30) substantially determining a limit with respect to the mutual mobility of said contact housing modules (10, 20), said contact housing The modules (10, 20) can move towards each other in a rotational and/or translational manner, or one can move generally on a given path towards the other contact housing module (10, 20). 9. The contact housing according to any one of claims 1-5, a connecting strip (300) arranged as a connecting element (30) between the contact housing modules (10, 20). 10. The contact housing according to claim 9, the connection strip being connected or fastened to each contact housing module (10, 20) via at least one integral hinge (302, 304). 11. The contact housing according to claim 9, said connecting strip (300) extending from the outer side (11) of one contact housing module (10, 20) to the other contact housing module (10, 20) on the outside (21). 12. The contact housing according to claim 11, wherein the connecting strip extends from the outer edge (12) of one contact housing module (10, 20) to the other contact housing module (10, 20 ) on the outer edge (22). 13. The contact housing according to claim 9, wherein the connection strip (300) extends from the outer side (13) of a contact housing module (10, 20) in the contact housing (1) Extends to the outside (23) of the other contact housing module (20, 10). 14. The contact housing according to claim 13, wherein the connecting strip (300) extends from the lateral surface of the outer side of a contact housing module (10, 20) in the contact housing (1) , extending to the lateral surface of the outer side of the other contact housing module (20, 10). 15. The contact housing according to any one of claims 1-5, the contact locking means (120, 220) of a contact housing module (10, 20) being rib-shaped. 16. The contact housing according to claim 15, wherein the contact locking means (120, 220) has a width at least approximately two outer contact cavities of another contact housing module (20, 10) A distance between (110, 210). 17. The contact housing according to claim 15, wherein the width of the contact locking means (120, 220) of one contact housing module (10, 20) corresponds to the width of the other contact housing module (20, 10), said contact locking means (120, 220) may have separate means for securing electrical contact means (50, 40) in another contact housing module (20, 10). 18. The contact housing according to any one of claims 1-5, the contact housing module (10, 20) being lockable by contacts on the contact housing module (10, 20) The means (120, 220) and fastening means (230, 130) respectively formed on/in the other contact housing module (20, 10) are fixed to each other. 19. The contact housing according to claim 18, wherein the contact locking means (120, 220) is further formed as a second fastening means (120, 220) having A second latching device (120, 220), the fastening device (230, 130) has a latching device (230, 130). 20. The contact housing according to claim 19, wherein said second latch means (120, 220) is a latch protrusion (120, 220), said latch means (230, 130) is a latch Depression (230, 130). 21. The contact housing according to any one of claims 1-5, said contact housing modules (10, 20) further having locking means (140, 240) corresponding to each other, said locking means ( 140, 240) engage each other in the closed position (G) of the contact housing (1). 22. The contact housing according to claim 21, wherein the locking device (140, 240) of one contact housing module (10, 20) has a locking recess (140), the other contact housing module (20 , 10) the locking device (240, 140) is a locking protrusion (240). 23. The contact housing according to claim 21, said locking means (140, 240) being formed and/or arranged such that for the closed position (G) of said contact housing (1) said Mutual movement of the contact housing modules (10, 20) may be prevented by locking means (140, 240) cooperating with contact locking means (120, 220) and corresponding fastening means (130, 230). 24. An electrical plug connector having a contact housing (1) formed according to one of claims 1-23. 25. An electrical mating connector having a contact housing (1) formed according to one of claims 1-23. 26. The electrical mating connector of claim 25, wherein the electrical mating connector is a female electrical connector. 27. An assembled electrical wire having a contact housing (1) formed according to one of claims 1-23.