Connector Arrangement

Abstract

A connector arrangement comprises at least at least two cables, each comprising one cable sheath, and respectively one shielding arranged within the cable sheath. The shielding is exposed from the cable sheath at one cable end. The connector arrangement additionally comprises a connector housing made of an electrically conductive material, in which there is realized a respective a leadthrough for each cable. The exposed shielding of each cable is located in the respective leadthrough, and is frictionally connected to the connector housing. The connector arrangement also comprises a crimp barrel. The crimp barrel encloses the connector housing and each leadthrough, and is frictionally connected to the connector housing.

Claims

1. A connector arrangement comprising: at least two cables, each of the at least two cables having a cable sheath, and shielding arranged within the cable sheath, and the shielding arranged within the cable sheath of each of the at least two cables is exposed from the cable sheath at a cable end of each of the at least two cables; a connector housing made of an electrically conductive material, and the connector housing defines a leadthrough for each of the at least two cables, and the exposed shielding of each of the at least two cables is positioned within the respective leadthrough, and is frictionally connected to the connector housing, and a crimp barrel being frictionally connected to the connector housing at least partially enclosing the connector housing about the leadthrough defined in the connector housing for each of the at least two cables.

2. The connector arrangement of claim 1 and further comprising: a first connector housing element of the connector housing, and the first connector housing element defines the leadthrough.

3. The connector arrangement of claim 2 and further comprising: a second connector housing element, which has a shell-type design, and the second connector housing element is arranged between the crimp barrel and the first connector housing element.

4. The connector arrangement of claim 3 and wherein the first connector housing element has a lateral boundary which defines a fixing region for axially and/or rotationally fixing the first connector housing element to the second connector housing element.

5. (canceled)

6. The connector arrangement of claim 2 and further comprising: plural first connector housing elements, and each first connector housing element defines a first recess, and each of the plural first connector housing elements that define the first recess are arranged in relation to one another in such a manner that the first recesses define the leadthrough.

7. The connector arrangement of claim 6 and further comprising: a second recess defined in each of the plural first connector housing elements; and the second recess defined in each of the plural first connector housing elements define a first-rib shaped region which forms a radial boundary of the leadthrough; a second rib-shaped region which forms a lateral boundary of each of the plural first connector housing element; and a third rib-shaped region which connects the first rib-shaped region and the second rib-shaped region in each of the plural first connector housing elements.

8. The connector arrangement of claim 6 and further comprising: plural second recesses defined in each first connector housing element; and a plurality of fourth rib-shaped regions, and each of the plurality of fourth rib-shaped regions are arranged parallel to one another and axially spaced apart from one another; and at least one fifth rib-shaped region, which connects at least two of the plurality of the fourth rib-shaped regions.

9. The connector arrangement of claim 2 and further comprising: a plurality of first connector housing elements, and each of the plurality of first connector housing elements has a guide region and; the plurality of first connector housing elements are joined by the guide regions.

10. The connector arrangement of claim 1 and further comprising: at least one slot defined in the connector housing adjacent each leadthrough.

11. The connector arrangement of claim 1 and further comprising: at least one radial extension positioned within the leadthrough and directed radially into the leadthrough.

12. The connector arrangement of claim 1 and wherein the crimp barrel defines at least one fold shaped portion.

13. The connector arrangement of claim 1 and further comprising: a support sleeve extending about the cable sheath, and the exposed shielding of the cable sheath is folded back around the support sleeve; and the support sleeve defines a plurality of elevations and/or depressions.

14. (canceled)

15. A method for producing a connector arrangement, comprising the method steps: providing at least two cables, each of the at least two cables having a sheath and shielding within the sheath, and the shielding within the cable sheath is exposed from the cable sheath at an end of each of the at least two cables; inserting each of the at least two cables into the associated leadthrough defined by the connector housing; and frictionally connecting the connector housing to the cable and to the shielding with the crimp barrel.

16. A device for producing a connector arrangement, comprising: a fixed contact defining a cavity surface configured for receiving a first portion of a connector housing; a crimper defining a cavity surface configured for receiving a second portion of the connector housing, and the crimper is movable relative to the fixed contact; and a cavity is defined when the fixed contact and the crimper are moved to a position where the crimper is immediately adjacent the fixed contact, and the cavity defined thereby has a cross-sectional profile that corresponds to a cross-sectional profile of the connector housing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0110] The present invention is explained in greater detail in the following on the basis of the exemplary embodiments given in the schematic figures of the included drawings.

[0111] FIG. 1A is an isometric view representation of a first embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention, in an intermediate step of production.

[0112] FIG. 1B is an isometric view representation of a first embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention, at the end of production.

[0113] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view representation of a first embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention.

[0114] FIG. 2A is an exploded view representation of a first sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention, in a first intermediate step of production.

[0115] FIG. 2B is an exploded view representation of a first sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention, in a second intermediate step of production.

[0116] FIG. 2C is an isometric view representation of a first sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention, at the end of production,

[0117] FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view representation of a first sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention.

[0118] FIG. 3A is an exploded view representation of a second sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention, with three cables, in a first intermediate step of production.

[0119] FIG. 3B is an exploded view representation of a second sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention, with three cables, in a second intermediate step of production.

[0120] FIG. 3C is an isometric view representation of a second sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention, with three cables, at the end of production.

[0121] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view representation of a second sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention, with three cables.

[0122] FIG. 4A is an exploded view representation of a second sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention, with two cables, in a first intermediate step of production.

[0123] FIG. 4B is an exploded view representation of a second sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention, with two cables, in a second intermediate step of production.

[0124] FIG. 4C is an isometric view representation of a second sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention, with two cables, at the end of production.

[0125] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view representation of a second sub-variant of a second embodiment of a connector arrangement according to the invention, with two cables.

[0126] FIG. 5 is an orthographic view representation of a device for producing a connector arrangement according to the invention.

[0127] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for producing a connector arrangement according to the invention.

DETAILED WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0128] The appended figures of the drawing are intended to provide further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in combination with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments, and many of the advantages mentioned, are given by the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily true to scale.

[0129] In the figures of the drawing, elements, features and components that are the same, that have the same function and have the same effect, are in each caseunless otherwise specifieddenoted by the same references.

[0130] In the following, the figures are described in a coherent and comprehensive manner.

[0131] In a first embodiment of the connector arrangement according to the invention, which is described in the following on the basis of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, the connector housing is realized as one piece.

[0132] In the connector arrangement 1 according to FIG. 1A, two cables 3 are fed to a connector 2 of the connector arrangement 1. The connector 2 comprises, besides other components, a connector housing 4. For the purpose shielding the connector 2, the connector housing 4 is made of an electrically conductive material, in particular a metal.

[0133] In order to connect the two cables 3 to the connector 2, the connector housing 4 has two associated leadthroughs 5, through which the two cables 3 are passed from the outside into the interior of the connector housing 4. Formed in the connector housing 4, in the region of the leadthroughs 5, there is a respective slot 6, in order, in the crimping process, to reduce the diameter of the leadthrough 5 for the purpose of fixing the cable 3 in the leadthrough. The diameter of the leadthrough 5 when the connector arrangement is in the non-compressed state is realized so as to be slightly greater than the greatest diameter of the cable 3, in order to allow easy insertion of the cable 3 into the connector housing 4. The two leadthroughs 5 are realized adjacently in the connector housing 4, in order to connect the two cables 3 frictionally to the connector housing 4 in a single crimping operation by means of a common crimp barrel.

[0134] The cable 3 is typically constructed as follows, as shown in particular by FIG. 1C: A bundle of individual litz wires, stranded together, which form the inner conductor 7 inside the cable 3, is enclosed by an insulation 8. A shielding 9, made of a braid of interwoven metal wires, in turn encloses the insulation 8. Finally, an electrically insulating cable sheath 10 surrounds the shielding 9 of cable 3. At the cable end 11, the litz wire bundles of the inner conductor 7 are exposed from the insulation 8. The inner conductor 7 exposed from the insulation 8 is connected to a contact element 12, preferably by means of a welded joint. Alternatively, a crimped or soldered connection is also possible. Finally, it is also possible to compact the individual strands of the inner conductor 7 at the cable end 11 in a compacting process, and weld them together to form a contact element. At the cable end 11, the shielding 9 is also exposed from the cable sheath 10 over a certain longitudinal portion of the cable 3. The end of the cable sheath 10 encloses a metal support sleeve 13. The shielding 9 of the cable 3, which is exposed from the cable sheath 10, is folded back around the support sleeve 13.

[0135] As shown by FIG. 1B, the two cables 3 are inserted into the associated leadthrough 5 of the connector housing 4 until the shielding 9, which in each case is folded back around the support sleeve 13, is positioned in the region of the associated leadthrough 5. In this way, as shown in FIG. 1B, it is possible to realize a frictional connection between the shielding 9 of each cable 3, which is folded back around the support sleeve 13, and the connector housing 4, within the associated leadthrough 5, by means of a crimping operation. Thus, an optimum shield transition is realized between the shielding 9 of each cable 3 and the shielding of the connector 2, which is realized by the metallic connector housing 4.

[0136] To realize the frictional connection between the shielding 9 of each cable 3 and the connector housing 4, a crimp barrel 14 is passed around the connector housing 4 in the region of the two leadthroughs 6 respectively realized in the connector housing 4. The crimp barrel 14 thus encloses the connector housing 4 and all leadthroughs 5 respectively realized in the connector housing 4, preferably over the entire circumference. The crimp barrel 14 thus also encloses the cables 3 respectively passed through the leadthroughs 5 in the region of the shielding 9 that is in each case folded back around and about the respective support sleeve 13. In order that the crimp barrel 14 can enclose the connector housing 4 and the leadthroughs 5 realized therein, the connector housing 4 has a sleeve-shaped bearing surface 15 for the crimp barrel 14. The axial width of this sleeve-shaped bearing surface 15 corresponds at least to the axial width of the crimp barrel 14. Preferably, it corresponds to the axial width of the crimp barrel 14.

[0137] The cross-sectional profile of this sleeve-shaped bearing surface 15 is realized in such a manner that the region of the connector housing 4 located between the sleeve-shaped bearing surface 15 encloses all leadthroughs 6 with a closest possible spacing. The region of the connector housing 4 located between this sleeve-shaped bearing surface 15 and the leadthroughs 6 must therefore be realized in such a manner that a deformation of this region of the connector housing 4 that is sufficient for the crimping process is possible. While the crimp barrel 14 must be deformed only plastically, the connector housing 4 may be deformed either plastically or only elastically. For the feeding of two cables 3 as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, an oval lateral cross-sectional profile of the sleeve-shaped supporting surface 15 proves to be advantageous. For a different number of cables 3 to be fed, and thus for other possible arrangements of the associated leadthroughs 5, an elliptical, round or polygonal, in particular a rounded polygonal, cross-sectional profile is conceivable, besides an oval cross-sectional profile.

[0138] In a crimping process by means of a suitably designed crimping tool, which will be described later, the crimping force exerted by the crimping tool upon the crimp barrel 14 causes the crimp barrel 14 to be frictionally connected to the connector housing 4. The crimping force of the crimping tool causes the region of the connector housing 4 that is located between the crimp barrel 14 to be deformed plastically, or purely elastically. In particular in this case, the lateral cross section of the individual leadthrough 5 is reduced, such that the shielding 9 of each cable 3 is frictionally connected to the corresponding inner wall of the connector housing 4 within the leadthrough 5. As a result of the reduction of the lateral cross-section of the individual leadthrough 5, in particular the slot 6 realized in each case in the connector housing 4, in the region of the leadthrough 5, is reduced, preferably closed. Due to the frictional connection, the crimp barrel 14 tightly encloses the connector housing 4 without inclusion of air.

[0139] The lateral circumference of the crimp barrel 14 is enlarged, compared to the lateral circumference of the connector housing 4 in the region of the leadthroughs 5, i.e. compared to the lateral cross-section of the sleeve-shaped bearing surface 14, when the connector housing 4 is in the non-compressed state, in order to allow the connector housing 4 to be easily enclosed by the crimp barrel 14 during assembly. The lateral circumference of the crimp barrel 14, which is necessary for the frictional enclosure of the plastically, or elastically, deformed connector housing 4, is consequently in comparison with the original lateral circumference. Following the crimping process, the crimp barrel 14 consequently has an excess length that is not required for the frictional connection to the connector housing 4. This excess length of the crimp barrel 14 is transformed by the crimping tool into at least one fold-shaped portion 16 of the crimp barrel 14, preferably into two fold-shaped portions 16 of the crimp barrel 14, as represented in FIG. 1C. The individual fold-shaped portion 16 of the crimp barrel 14 in this case projects from the connector housing 4.

[0140] In a second embodiment of the connector arrangement 1 according to the invention, which is described in the figures, the connector housing 4 is realized as a plurality of parts. The connector housing 4 has at least one first connector housing element 17, in which the leadthroughs 5 are realized. This at least one first connector housing element 17 is in each case plastically or elastically deformed in the crimping process by the surrounding crimp barrel 14. The plastic, or elastic, deformation of the at least one first connector housing element 17 results in a reduction of the lateral cross-section of the leadthroughs 5 realized therein, and thus in a frictional connection between the shielding 9 of the individual cable 3 and the connector housing 4.

[0141] The connector housing 4 additionally comprises at least one second connector housing element 18.sub.1 and 18.sub.2. The at least one second connector housing element 18.sub.1 and 18.sub.2 serves primarily to provide large-surface housing of the connector components integrated in connector 2, for example the contact elements 12, and is therefore in each case preferably shaped in the form of a shell. The shell-type design of the second connector housing elements 18.sub.1 and 18.sub.2 reduces the weight of the connector 2 and enables simple production, for example by means of a casting process. As shown by FIG. 2C, the at least one second connector housing element 18.sub.1 and 18.sub.2 is arranged between the crimp barrel 14 and the at least one first connector housing element 17.

[0142] On the outer surface of the at least one second connector housing element 18.sub.1 and 18.sub.2, a bearing surface 15 for the crimp barrel 14 is provided, as in the first embodiment of the connector arrangement 1 according to the invention. For the purpose of axially fixing the crimp barrel 14 on the bearing surface 15 of the connector housing 4, boundary regions 34, which are each oriented radially, are realized on the outer surface of the second connector housing element 18.sub.1 and 18.sub.2. The crimping process causes the second connector housing element 18.sub.1 and 18.sub.2 to be frictionally connected to the crimp barrel 14, and simultaneously to the first connector housing element 17.

[0143] In a first sub-variant of the second embodiment of connector arrangement 1 according to the invention described in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D, each leadthrough 5 is in each case realized in a single first connector housing element 17. In the special case of a first sub-variant of the second embodiment of the second embodiment of the connector arrangement 1 according to the invention respectively represented in FIGS. 2A to 2D, all leadthroughs 5 are realized in a single first connector housing element 17.

[0144] This special case is characterized by a minimum number of slots 6, formed in the first connector housing element 17. In the first connector housing element 17 respectively represented in FIGS. 2A to 2D, in each case a slot 6 is realized in the first connector housing element 17, between the individual leadthrough 5 and the lateral boundary of the first connector housing element 17, for each leadthrough 5. In an alternative to the one-piece first connector housing element 17 respectively represented in FIGS. 2A to 2D, a single slot 6 is realized between the two leadthroughs 5. Minimizing the number of slots in the first connector housing element 17 reduces the degrees of freedom of movement of the cables 3 in the individual leadthroughs 5 during the crimping operation, thus preventing unwanted deformation of, or damage to, the preassembled cable 3 and the associated support sleeve 13.

[0145] As can be seen in particular from the representation in FIG. 2D, a plurality of second recesses 19 are provided in the first connector housing element 17. The second recesses 19 are realized in those regions of the first connector housing element 17 in which no leadthroughs 5 are provided. The second recesses 19 are in each case realized between a parting plane, which is required for the casting process and is arranged centrally between the two axial end faces of the disk-shaped first connector housing element 17, and one of the two axial end faces in each case.

[0146] The realization of these second recesses 19 makes it possible, advantageously, to produce a connector housing element 17 optimized in respect of casting technology, from regions that each have a comparatively similar wall thickness.

[0147] The individual second recesses 19 in this case are realized in such a manner that first rib-shaped regions 20, second rib-shaped regions 21 and third rib-shaped regions 22 are realized in the first connector housing element 17. The first rib-shaped region 20 forms a portional boundary of a leadthrough 5. The second rib-shaped region 21 forms a portion of the lateral boundary of the first connector housing element 17. The third rib-shaped region 22 connects a first rib-shaped region 20 to a second rib-shaped region 21.

[0148] The third rib-shaped regions 22 of the connector housing element 17 each cause the crimping force, which is introduced into the first connector housing element 17 by the crimping tool either vertically or horizontally, i.e. perpendicularly in relation to the lateral boundary of the first connector housing element 17, to be deflected into a holding force that in each case is oriented radially with respect to the individual leadthrough 5. In this way, the inner wall of the first connector housing element 17 in the region of the individual leadthrough 5 is in each case radially compressed in a more uniform manner over the entire circumference, thus achieving a uniform frictional connection between the first connector housing element 17 and the shielding 9 of the individual cables 3.

[0149] In the first sub-variant of the second embodiment of the connector arrangement 1 according to the invention, the individual cable 3, with its shielding 9, which is in each case folded over around a support sleeve 13, is inserted axially into an associated leadthrough 5 of the first connector housing element 17. In order to fix the individual cable 3 axially in the first connector housing element 17, extensions 23 are preferably realized on the inner wall of the first connector housing element 17, at the end of the individual leadthrough 5 on the inside of the housing, which are in each case directed radially into the individual leadthrough 5, as shown by FIGS. 2A and 2B. The shielding 9 of the individual cable 3 is supported axially by these radially inwardly directed extensions 23 of the first connector housing element 17. Thus, in the first sub-variant of the second embodiment of the connector arrangement 1 according to the invention, the individual cable 3 is fixed in the connector housing 4 at least in an axial direction.

[0150] In a second sub-variant of the second embodiment of the connector arrangement 1 according to the invention, the individual leadthroughs 5 are each realized by the shaping and arrangement of a plurality of first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2.

[0151] In the connector arrangement 1 shown respectively in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D, three cables 3 are fed to one connector 2. The three cables 3 in this case are each inserted into an associated leadthrough 5 of the connector housing 4 that is realized by two first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2.

[0152] In the two first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2, a first recess 24 is in each case formed and arranged for each leadthrough 5 in such a manner that, when the two first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 are joined together, the individual first recesses 24 that are joined together realize a leadthrough 5.

[0153] For the purpose of jointly joining the two first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2, realized on each first connector housing element 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 is a respective guide region 25.sub.1 and 25.sub.2, which correspond to each other. The guide regions 25.sub.1 and 25.sub.2 may be, for example, a guide rib and a guide groove that corresponds to it, as shown in FIG. 3A. Other mutually corresponding guide regions 25.sub.1 and 25.sub.2 such as, for example, a guide pin and a matching guide bore, are also conceivable. The two guide regions 25.sub.1 and 25.sub.2 are realized, respectively, on mutually adjacent contact surfaces, or contact regions, of the two first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2.

[0154] In the case of three cables, in particular, besides the realization of two first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2, a three-part realization of first connector housing elements, arranged in relation to one another, is also conceivable.

[0155] The cross-sectional representation of FIG. 3D shows the two first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 joined to each other, with the leadthroughs 5 realized therein, when the connector arrangement 1 is in the crimped, or compressed, state. The slots 6, which in the compressed state are closed, and which are located between the two first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 that are joined together, can also be seen. Finally, FIG. 3D also shows a closed slot 6 between a leadthrough 5 and a second recess 19.

[0156] Whereas, in FIGS. 1D and 2C, the compressed crimp barrel 14 is in each case realized as a tension belt crimp, in FIG. 3D the crimp barrel 14 is alternatively formed as a so-called polygonal crimp, in particular a twelve-edged crimp. In order to realize the crimp barrel 14 with a total of twelve edges through the crimping process, an appropriately shaped crimping tool is required. The compressed crimp barrel 14, having a total of twelve edges, represents a best possible approximation to the oval cross-sectional profile of the two first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 that are joined together. It thus enables a best possible homogeneous frictional connection between the crimp barrel 14 and the two joined first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 and the second connector housing elements 18.sub.1 and 18.sub.2 arranged between them over the entire circumference.

[0157] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D each show a further version of a second sub-variant of the second embodiment of connector arrangement 1. In this case, two cables 3 are inserted into associated leadthroughs 5. The two leadthroughs 5 are each formed by two first recesses 24, which in turn are each formed and arranged in two first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2. Due to the cylindrical cross-sectional profile of the two leadthroughs 5, the associated first recesses 24 in the two first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 are each semi-cylindrical.

[0158] Since the two first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 are joined laterally to each other, lateral insertion of the two cables 3 into the two first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 is also possible, as indicated in FIG. 4B. The lateral insertion of the individual cables 3 into the corresponding recesses 24 of the two first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 allows the individual cables 3 to be fixed axially in the connector housing 4 in both axial directions.

[0159] In the two first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2, for this purpose there is in each case at least one radial extension 23 realized on the inner walls of the first recesses 24, in two axially mutually spaced positions, directed radially inward into the respective leadthrough 5. This radial extension 23 may in each case be realized as one piece, as a web realized over the entire circumference of the inner wall, or as a plurality of pieces, from a plurality of webs distributed in each case on the circumference of the inner wall, as can be seen from FIG. 4A. The radial extensions 23 are preferably each realized at ends of the individual leadthrough 5 on the inside of the housing and on the outside of the housing, and typically correspond to the axial extent of the support sleeve 13.

[0160] If the first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 are of a multipart design, in the casting process the parting plane may be arranged, not only centrally and parallel to the two axial end faces of the first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2, but also, alternatively, in a plane perpendicular to them. This alternative arrangement of the parting plane allows second recesses 19 to be realized in the regions of the first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 in which no leadthroughs 5 are formed. These second recesses 19 of the first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 extend radially from the lateral boundary of the first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 in the direction of the interior of the first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2. Thus, regions of the first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 having a comparatively similar wall thickness can be realized, which are optimized in respect of casting technology.

[0161] In addition, a suitable shaping and arrangement of the second recesses 19 in the first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 makes it possible to realize in each case fourth rib-shaped regions 26, which extend parallel to the end-face surfaces of the first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2. Between the two fourth rib-shaped regions 26, fifth rib-shaped regions 28 are additionally realized by the second recesses 19.

[0162] At the lateral boundary 27 of the first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 a fixing region 29 is formed in each case. The fixing region 29 of the first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 acts in combination with a corresponding fixing region of the second connector housing elements 18.sub.1 and 18.sub.2 to fix the first connector housing elements 17.sub.1 and 17.sub.2 axially and rotationally in relation to the second connector housing elements 18.sub.1 and 18.sub.2. The fixing region 29 is typically shaped in the form of a plate, and engages with a correspondingly shaped recess of the second connector housing elements 18.sub.1 and 18.sub.2. Alternatively, a rod-shaped form for the fixing region 27 is also conceivable.

[0163] FIG. 5 shows a device 30 according to the invention for producing a connector arrangement 1. This device 30 for producing a connector arrangement 1 according to the invention includes a fixed contact 31 and a crimper 32 as crimping tools. The crimper 32 can be moved relative to the fixed contact 31, as indicated by the double arrow in FIG. 5. Control of the movement of the crimper 32 relative to the fixed contact 31, which is positioned in a fixed manner, is effected by a controller 33. The controller 33 may also optionally adjust the crimping force with which the crimper 32 acts on the connector housing 4 of connector 2. A movement of the crimper 32 having an adjustable force-displacement curve is also conceivable by means of the controller 33.

[0164] The cross-sectional profile of a cavity enclosed by the fixed contact 31 and the crimper 32 when the crimping tool is in the closed state, i.e. when the fixed contact 31 and the crimper 32 are in the closed state, corresponds to a cross-sectional profile of the crimped or compressed connector housing 4. If, for example, the cross-sectional profile of the connector housing 4 is oval, as indicated in FIG. 5, then the cavity formed by the fixed contact 31 and the crimper 32 is also oval when the crimping tool is in the closed state. In the case of an elliptical or oval cross-sectional profile of the connector housing 4, the relative movement of the crimper 32 in relation to the fixed contact 31 and in relation to the connector housing 4 arranged in the fixed contact 31 may be effected along the shorter minor axis of the ellipse or oval, as represented in FIG. 5. Alternatively, the relative movement of the crimper 32 in relation to the fixed contact 31 and in relation to the connector housing 4 arranged in the fixed contact 31 may also be along the longer major axis of the ellipse or oval.

[0165] FIG. 6 shows the individual method steps of the method according to the invention for producing a connector arrangement 1:

[0166] In a first method step S10, a plurality of preassembled cables 3 are provided, which are to be fed to the connector 2 of the connector arrangement. A preassembled cable 3 in this case means at least one cable 3 at whose cable end 11 the litz wire bundle of the inner conductor 7 is exposed from the insulation 8 and is preferably connected to an associated contact element 12. In addition, in a preassembled cable 3, the shielding 9 is exposed from the cable sheath 10 at the cable end 11. Finally, in a preassembled cable 3, the end of the cable sheath 10 is enclosed by a support sleeve 13, around which the exposed shielding 9 is folded back.

[0167] In a further method step S20, a cable 3 preassembled and prepared in this manner is inserted into an associated leadthrough 5 realized in the connector housing 4 of connector 2.

[0168] Preferably, a crimp barrel 14 is already resting on a bearing surface 15 of the connector housing 4 and thereby encloses the then present connector housing 4 and the leadthroughs 5 realized in it.

[0169] In a final method step S30, a frictional connection between the crimp barrel 14 and the connector housing 4, and thus also a frictional connection between the connector housing 4 and the shielding 9 of the individual cables 3, is created in a compression or crimping process by means of a crimping tool.

[0170] Although the present invention has been described above entirely on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not limited to these, but may be modified in a multiplicity of ways.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0171] 1 connector arrangement [0172] 2 connector [0173] 3 cable [0174] 4 connector housing [0175] 5 leadthrough [0176] 6 slot [0177] 7 inner conductor [0178] 8 insulation [0179] 9 shielding [0180] 10 cable sheath [0181] 11 cable end [0182] 12 contact element [0183] 13 support sleeve [0184] 14 crimp barrel [0185] 15 bearing surface [0186] 16 fold-shaped region [0187] 17,17.sub.1,17.sub.2 first connector housing element [0188] 18.sub.1,18.sub.2 second connector housing element [0189] 19 second recess [0190] 20 first rib-shaped region [0191] 21 second rib-shaped region [0192] 22 third rib-shaped region [0193] 23 radial extension [0194] 24 first recess [0195] 25.sub.1,25.sub.2 guide region [0196] 26 fourth rib-shaped region [0197] 27 lateral boundary [0198] 28 fifth rib-shaped region [0199] 29 fixing region [0200] 30 device for producing a connector arrangement [0201] 31 fixed contact [0202] 32 crimper [0203] 33 controller [0204] 34 boundary region

[0205] In compliance with the statute, the present invention has been described in language more or less specific, as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the Doctrine of Equivalents.