The invention relates to a housing for an electrical

connector element, having at least one module shaft which has an introduction opening through which at least one contact module which is configured to receive electrical contact elements can be introduced into the module shaft in an introduction direction, and having at least one catch element for securing the contact module against being pulled out of the module shaft counter to the introduction direction.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a contact module for an electrical connector element, having at least one contact element receiving member for receiving an electrical contact element, the contact module being constructed so as to be able to be introduced with a rear end at the front in an introduction direction into a module shaft of a housing of the connector element, and having at least one counter-catch element in order to secure the contact module against being pulled out of the module shaft counter to the introduction direction .

Finally, the invention relates to an electrical connector element .

Connector elements having housings and contact modules of the above-mentioned type are known from the prior art. They are used, for example, in plug type connectors which are

constructed in a modular manner. There, they receive pin or socket contacts with the plug type contact receiving members thereof. These plug type contacts are in most cases combined in functional groups. The groups of plug type contacts each transmit electrical signals or currents which are used to control or supply electrical power to specific functional units of an item of equipment which is connected to the plug type connector. The plug type connector can thus be used, for example, in a motor vehicle, in which a large number of electrical functions can be implemented in a variable manner.

Such plug type connectors are described, for example, in the patent specification DE 10 2007 037 176 B3 and the patent application DE 10 2007 037 177 Al from the Applicant. In these plug type connectors, catch elements for the engagement of the contact module in the module shaft are fitted

laterally to the housing. Accordingly, counter-catch elements are arranged on the side walls of the contact modules.

The known plug type connectors of the above-mentioned type involve the problem that the catch elements thereof can be unintentionally actuated and the contact module can

consequently be inadvertently released from the engagement. The catch elements can also become damaged when the plug type connector is handled, which impairs the engagement of the contact module. Furthermore, in the plug type connectors which are mostly produced with an in ection-moulding method, the catch elements which are known from the prior art are complex to produce.

Taking into account the above-mentioned problems, an object of the invention is to provide a connector element for a modular plug type connector, in which contact modules can be engaged on the housing in the most reliable manner possible and which can be produced in the most simple manner possible.

This object is achieved according to the invention in the housing mentioned in the introduction in that the at least one catch element is arranged at a rear end of the module shaft facing away from the introduction opening.

In the contact module mentioned in the introduction, the object is achieved according to the invention in that the at least one counter-catch element is arranged at the rear end.

In the electrical connector element mentioned in the

introduction, the object is achieved by a housing according to the invention and/or by at least one contact module according to the invention.

These solutions have the advantage that the catch element can be better protected from damage and unintentional actuation than in the prior art. For example, the at least one catch element may be at least partially surrounded by a wall of the housing and consequently be arranged so as to be protected by it. In addition, during the production, lateral movement directions involved in removal from the mould or lateral displacements can be reduced and the tool costs and

ultimately production costs can thereby be reduced with respect to the prior art.

The solutions according to the invention can be freely combined and can be further improved with the following additional embodiments which are advantageous per se.

The at least one catch element can thus be even better protected against damage in that it protrudes into the at least one module shaft. The catch element may be constructed so as to be able to be redirected substantially transversely relative to the introduction direction or in a transverse direction of the connector element. The protection of the catch element can be further improved by the at least one catch element being arranged inside an inner space of the housing. For example, the catch element may be arranged in the module shaft. The catch element may protrude at least partially into the inner space of the housing and/or the module shaft.

An actuation or unlocking action of the catch element can be simplified by means of an access opening, through which the at least one catch element is accessible from outside the housing. For example, the catch element can then be unlocked from the outer side of the housing by means of an unlocking tool .

A formation of the catch element can be further simplified and the function and protection thereof improved by the at least one catch element being arranged substantially

centrally on and/or in the module shaft when viewed

transversely relative to the introduction direction. For example, the catch element may be arranged opposite an insertion opening of the connector element. The at least one catch element may, for example, be constructed as a catch flap having a resilient portion and a catch portion, the catch portion being able to extend parallel and/or at a substantially acute angle relative to the introduction direction .

The at least one catch element may be connected to the housing by means of a root or a transition portion and extend from the transition portion substantially counter to the introduction direction. The catch element may thus be directed counter to the introduction direction and be reliably brought into engagement with the contact module when the contact module is introduced into the module shaft.

Alternatively, the catch element may also extend counter to the introduction direction.

In a contact module which is constructed according to the invention, the above-mentioned solution can be improved, for example, in that the at least one counter-catch element is arranged at least partially in a pocket which is formed on the contact module. This pocket may be formed, for example, on the contact module as a type of indentation, in which the at least one catch element may be located and consequently may be surrounded by wall portions of the contact module. For example, the at least one counter-catch element may be arranged between two rows of contact receiving members, which may extend substantially parallel with the introduction direction. It is also possible for side walls of the contact module extending substantially parallel with the introduction direction to at least partially flank the counter-catch element and/or for the counter-catch element to be formed on these side walls.

The counter-catch element may further be protected against damage, in particular during the introduction of the contact module into the module shaft, by the at least one counter- catch element being covered in a projection in the

introduction direction by an outer contour of the contact module. That is to say, the at least one counter-catch element may be located in the shadow of the outer contour of the contact module, at least when viewed in the introduction direction . The invention is described below in greater detail by way of example with reference to possible embodiments and with reference to the appended drawings. The feature combinations set out in these embodiments are merely intended for purposes of illustration. Individual features may also be omitted in accordance with the advantages thereof described above if the advantage of the respective feature is not significant for specific applications.

In the description of the embodiments, for reasons of

simplicity, features and elements which are the same have been given the same reference numerals. Features and elements having the same or at least similar functionality generally have the same reference numeral or the same reference letter, which is provided with one or more apostrophes in order to indicate another embodiment.

In the drawings :

Figure 1 is a schematic, exploded view of a first embodiment of a connector element according to the invention, in a preassembly state;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-section of the connector element shown in Figure 1 with a contact module according to the invention, in a preassembly position;

Figure 3 shows a detail XI from Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a schematic, perspective view of the contact module illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 in an end catch

position;

Figure 5 shows a detail XII from Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a schematic, perspective view of a second

embodiment of a connector element according to the invention; Figure 7 is a schematic, perspective view of a contact module according to the invention of the connector element

illustrated in Figure 6 ;

Figure 8 is a schematic cross-section of the connector element illustrated in Figure 7 with the contact module in the pre-assembly position;

Figure 9 is a schematic cross-section of the connector element illustrated in Figure 6 with the contact module in the end catch position;

Figure 10 is a schematic cross-section of another embodiment of a connector element according to the invention;

Figure 11 shows a detail XIII from Figure 10;

Figure 12 is another schematic, perspective view of a detail XIII from Figure 11; and

Figure 13 is a schematic, perspective view of the connector element illustrated in Figure 10 with the contact module in the end catch position.

Figure 1 is a schematic exploded view of a first embodiment of a connector element 1 according to the invention for a plug type connector according to the invention. The connector element 1 comprises a housing member 2 and a contact module 3 The housing member 2 has a wall 20, which surrounds an inner space 21 of the housing 2. There is formed in the wall 20 an introduction opening 22 via which the contact module 3 can be introduced in an introduction direction into a module shaft 23 which is at least partially arranged in the inner space 21 The module shaft 23 is delimited by two lateral inner walls 20a, 20b of the wall 20. There are formed on the inner walls 20a, 20b guiding elements 24a, 24b which extend substantially parallel with the introduction direction E and which are in the form of profile-members which guide the contact module 3 in the introduction direction E and which support it

transversely relative to the introduction direction E.

There is further formed on the housing 2 an insertion opening 25 through which the housing 2 is opened in an insertion direction S which extends transversely relative to the introduction direction E so that counter-contact elements (not shown) can be brought into contact in an electrically conductive manner with contact elements (not shown) received in the contact module 3. Furthermore, the connector element 1 has a locking means 26 which is fitted to the housing 2 and by means of which the connector element can be joined

together with a mating connector element (not shown) in the insertion direction S and can be locked in an end insertion position .

The contact module 3 has two rows 30a, 30b of contact element receiving members 31. The rows 30a, 30b extend substantially parallel with the introduction direction E and consequently parallel with a longitudinal direction X of the connector element 1. The rows 30a, 30b are arranged beside each other in a transverse direction Y of the connector element 1 extending substantially perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal direction X. The contact receiving members 31 extend substantially parallel with a vertical direction Z of the connector element 1. The longitudinal direction X extends substantially counter to the introduction direction E. The vertical direction Z extends substantially counter to the insertion direction S.

The contact module 3 has a retention portion 3a and a

connector portion 3b. The retention portion 3a is arranged upstream of the connector portion 3b in the insertion direction S. In the retention portion 3a, the contact

elements and connection locations are arranged with

electrical or optical conductors (not shown) which are

secured to the contact elements. The connector portion 3b is configured to be joined to a counter-connection portion of the mating connector element (not shown) and comprises

contact securing means in the form of openings which extend substantially parallel with the transverse direction Y into the contact receiving members 31 and in which engagement means of the contact elements can be secured.

Furthermore, there are formed laterally on the contact module guides 34a which extend substantially parallel with the introduction direction E and which are in the form of grooves, which extend in or counter to the transverse direction Y as far as a location in the contact receiving members 31 and consequently can act as second contact securing means by receiving the guiding elements 24a, 24b of the housing 2 that extend into the contact receiving members 31. The contact module 3 can thus be introduced in a state guided by the inner walls 20a, 20b and the guiding elements 24a, 24b with a rear end 35 of the contact module 3 at the front through the introduction opening 22 in the introduction direction E into the module shaft 23. During the introduction, it is possible to ensure and verify by means of the guiding elements 24a, 24b which slide through the guides 34a, 34b a correct

arrangement of the contact elements in the respective

receiving members 31 thereof.

Figure 2 is a perspective cross-section of the connector element 1 in a plane of section which is defined

substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction X and transverse direction Y and which extends in a vertical direction Z at the height of a central region of the

retention portion 3a, the contact module 3 being introduced into the module shaft 23 as far as a preassembly position A. In the preassembly position A, a catch element 28 of the housing 2 that is arranged at a rear end 27 of the module shaft 23 abuts a counter-catch element 38 of the contact module 3 that is arranged upstream of the catch element 28 in the introduction direction E.

Figure 3 shows a detail from Figure 2. Here, it can be seen that the catch element 27 extends counter to the introduction direction E as a resilient catch flap which is constructed so as to extend substantially at an acute angle relative to the introduction direction. The catch means 28 comprises a catch portion 28a in the form of a catch projection which extends substantially in the transverse direction Y away from a resilient portion 28b of the catch element. The resilient portion 28b is connected to the rear end 27 of the module shaft 23 by means of a root 28c of the catch element 28. The counter-catch element 38 which is constructed as a catch projection which extends counter to the transverse direction Y away from the inner side wall 36a of the contact module has an inclined ramp member 38a and a retention face 38b. In the preassembly position A, the catch portion 28a abuts the inclined ramp member 38a and consequently produces a

noticeable resistance when the contact module is introduced into the module shaft 23.

Furthermore, the inner side wall 36a and another inner side wall 36b and an end face 36c of the contact module 3 surround a pocket 39 which is formed on the contact module 3 and in which the counter-catch element 38 and consequently an engagement formed by the catch element 28 and counter-catch element 38 are arranged so as to be protected against

influences from the outer side of the module shaft 23.

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-section of the connector element 1 in accordance with Figure 2, with, in contrast to Figure 2, the contact module 3 being moved into an end catch position B in which catch elements 28 and counter-catch elements 38 engage one inside the other and secure the contact module 3 against being pulled out of the module shaft 23 counter to the introduction direction E.

Figure 5 shows a detail XII from Figure 4. Here, it can be seen that the catch portion 28 is arranged in the end catch position B upstream of the retention face 38b in the

introduction direction or is in abutment therewith. That is to say: the catch elements 28 and the counter-catch elements 38 overlap each other in a projection in the introduction direction E. The contact module 3 is consequently engaged in the housing 2. An access opening 29 formed in the housing 2 forms a passage through the rear end 27 of the module shaft 23. Via the access opening 29, an unlocking tool can be brought into contact with the catch element 28 in order to move it counter to the transverse direction Y and

consequently to release it from the counter-catch element 38 so that the contact module 3 can be removed from the module shaft 23 counter to the introduction direction E.

Figure 6 is a schematic exploded view of another embodiment of a connector element 1' according to the invention. In contrast to the connector element 1, the connector element 1' has a housing 2' having a catch element 28' and a contact module 3' having a counter-catch element 38'. Figure 7 is a schematic, perspective view of the contact module 3', the counter-catch element 38' in particular being able to be seen. The counter-catch element 38' has a catch projection 38a' which extends substantially in an insertion direction S or counter to the vertical direction Z away from a resilient portion 38b' which in turn extends substantially parallel with the introduction direction E or longitudinal direction X. The resilient portion 38b' is fitted to the end face 36c by means of a root 38c' of the counter-catch element 38'. Consequently, the counter-catch element 38' is in the pocket 39 of the contact module 3' and is arranged so as to be protected inside an outer contour of the contact element 3 ' when viewed both in the insertion direction S and in the introduction direction E.

Figure 8 is a schematic, perspective cross-section of the engagement region of the connector element 1 ' , the contact module 3 ' being introduced into the module shaft 23 of the housing 2' as far as the preassembly position A. In the preassembly position A, in the connector element 1 ' the catch projection 38a' of the counter-catch element 38' is located in the introduction direction E upstream of an inclined ramp member 28a' of the catch element 28' or abuts it.

Figure 9 shows the connector element 1 ' in a similar

illustration to Figure 8, with, in contrast to Figure 8, the contact module 3 ' being moved in the introduction direction E as far as the end catch position B. In the end catch position B, the catch projection 38a' of the counter-catch element 38' is slid along the inclined ramp member 28a' of the catch element 28' and is now arranged in the introduction direction E downstream of a retention face 28b' of the catch element 28' or is in abutment therewith. The retention face 28b' is directed in the introduction direction E. Consequently, the contact module 3 ' is secured against being pulled out of the module receiving member 23 counter to the introduction direction E. In order to release the engagement of the contact module 3 ' , a corresponding tool can be introduced through the access opening 29 into the module shaft 23 in order to lift the catch projection 38a' at that location counter to the insertion direction S over the catch element 28' or the retention face 28b' thereof and then to be able to pull the contact module 3' counter to the introduction direction E from the module receiving member 23.

Figure 10 is a schematic cross-section of another embodiment of a connector element 1 ' ' according to the invention in a plane of section which extends substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction X and vertical direction Z. In contrast to the connector elements 1 and 1 ' , the connector element 1' ' has a housing 2' ', in the inner space 21 of which the engagement for a contact module 3 ' ' is arranged in the vertical direction Z above the module shaft 23.

Figure 11 shows a detail XIII from Figure 10, wherein in particular the engagement can be seen. For instance, the catch element 28' ' has a catch portion 28a' ' and a resilient portion 28b''. The resilient portion 28b'' is connected by means of a root 28c' ' to an inclined upper covering portion of the wall 20 of the housing 2' ' and extends substantially in an inclined manner counter to the longitudinal direction X and vertical direction Z and transversely relative to the transverse direction Y, an actuation member 28d'' of the catch element formed at the top on the catch element 28' ' protruding upwards out of the housing through an opening 29' of the wall 20 of the housing 2' ' and having a tool receiving member 28e' ' in the form of a recess which opens counter to the introduction direction E. The counter-catch element 38'' forms a shoulder 38a' ' and a retention face 38b' ', the shoulder extending substantially in the transverse direction Y and protruding in the longitudinal direction X from the retention face 38b'' which is directed substantially counter to the introduction direction E.

In the end catch position B shown in Figures 10 and 11, the contact module 3 ' ' is introduced in the introduction

direction E so far into the module receiving member 23 that the counter-catch element 38'' has passed the catch element 28' ' . The catch portion 28a' ' of the catch element 28' ' is now located in the introduction direction E upstream of the retention face 38b' ' and overlaps it so that the contact module 23 is secured against being pulled out of the module receiving member 23 counter to the introduction direction E.

Figure 12 shows the detail illustrated in Figure 11 of the connector element 2'' from a slightly different perspective. Here, it is clear that the actuation member 28d' ' of the catch element 28'' protrudes through the access opening 29'' in the wall 20 of the housing 2' ' so that a tool can be introduced counter to the introduction direction E into the tool receiving member 28e' ' and the catch portion 28e' ' can be lifted counter to the insertion direction S from the shoulder 38a' ' and over the retention face 38' ' in order to release the engagement .

Figure 13 shows the connection element 2 ' ' with the contact module 3 ' ' in the end catch position B, the arrangement of the actuation member 28d' ' in the opening 29' ' being able to be seen. Here, it is clear that the catch element 28'' is arranged to the greatest extent inside the housing 2 ' ' or in the inner space 21 thereof. In particular, the catch portion 28a' ' of the catch element 28' ' is arranged inside the

housing so as to be protected from harmful influences.

In the context of the notion of the invention, modifications of the above-described embodiments are possible. A connector element 1, 1', 1' ' according to the invention may thus have any number of housings 2, 2', 2'' and contact modules 3, 3', 3 ' ' with retention portions 3a and connector portions 3b which may be constructed in accordance with the respective requirements in order to provide the connector element 1, 1', 1'' with contact elements (not shown) and join it to a mating connector element (not shown) .

The housing 2, 2', 2' ' may be constructed in accordance with the respective requirements so as to have a wall 20 which forms an inner space 21 which is formed in accordance with the respective requirements and which is delimited by inner walls 20a, 20b, and forms a module shaft 23 which is

accessible in an introduction opening 22. The module shaft 23 may be formed in accordance with the respective requirements and be provided with guiding elements 24a, 24b and with an insertion opening 25. Furthermore, a locking means 26 may be fitted to the housing 2, 2', 2' ' in accordance with the respective requirements. The catch element 28, 28', 28'' can be constructed in accordance with the respective requirements and preferably be arranged at the rear end 27 of the housing, it preferably being arranged in the inner space 21 and being accessible via the access opening 29, 29', 29''. A catch element 28, 28' 28'' according to the invention, in

accordance with the respective requirements, may be provided with catch portions 28a, 28a'', resilient portions 28b, 28b'', roots 28c, 28c'', inclined ramp members 28a, retention faces 28b', actuation members 28d'' and tool receiving members 28e ' ' .

A contact module 3, 3', 3' ' according to the invention, in accordance with the respective requirements, may be provided with rows 30a, 30b of contact receiving members 31, which may have contact securing members 32. The guides 34a, 34b may be constructed in accordance with the respective requirements so as to complement the guiding elements 24a, 24b in order to allow insertion of the contact module 3, 3', 3''

substantially parallel with the introduction direction E and a stable retention of the contact module 3, 3', 3' ' in the module shaft 23. A rear end 35, an inner side wall 36a, 36b, a counter-catch element 38, 38', 38' ' and an end face 36c may be constructed in accordance with the respective requirements and be arranged in a pocket 39. A counter-catch element 38, 38', 38'' according to the invention, in accordance with the respective requirements, may be constructed so as to have inclined ramp members 38a, retention faces 38b, catch

projections 38a', resilient portions 38b', roots 38c', shoulders 38a' ' and retention faces 38b' ' in order to engage the contact module 3, 3', 3'' on the housing 2, 2', 2''.

A contact module 3, 3', 3' ' according to the invention can preferably be moved via a preassembly position A into an end catch position B in which it is secured against being pulled out of the module shaft 23 counter to the introduction direction E. The introduction direction E and the insertion direction S do not necessarily have to extend perpendicularly relative to each other as shown here, but may also be

orientated with respect to each other in accordance with the respective requirements, which also applies to the orientation of the introduction direction E and insertion direction S relative to the longitudinal direction X, transverse direction Y and vertical direction Z.

Reference numerals

Connector element

Housing

Contact module

Retention portion

Connector portion

Wall

Inner wall

Inner space of the housing

Introduction opening

Module shaft

Guiding element

Insertion opening

Locking means

Rear end

Catch element

Catch portion

Inclined ramp member

Resilient portion

Retention face

Root /Transition portion

Actuation member

Tool receiving member

Access opening

Row of contact receiving members

Contact receiving member

Contact securing members

Guide

Rear end

Inner side wall

End face 38 38 ' , 38 ' ' Counter-catch element

38 :a Inclined ramp member

38la' Catch projection

38la' Shoulder

38ib Retention face

38lb' Resilient portion

38ib' Retention face

38 :c Root /Transition portion

39 Pocket

A Preassembly position B End catch position E Introduction direction S Insertion direction X Longitudinal direction Y Transverse direction Z Vertical direction