Coupling connector comprising a slider part

Abstract

A connector system with a primary connector and a coupling connector, and a method for connecting a coupling connector and a primary connector. The system provides an insertion aid for mating the connectors. The connector system has a primary connector with a connecting part and a coupling connector with a base unit and a connecting part. The coupling connector has a slider part that moves relative to the base unit to either a preliminary position or a final position. The connecting part of the coupling connector mates with the connecting part of the primary connector. The slider part and the primary connector each have at least one guiding component which both interact to enforce a predefined motion path of the slider part relative to the primary connector when the coupling connector is coupled with the primary connector and the slider part is moved from the preliminary position to the final position.

Claims

1. A connector system comprising a primary connector comprising a first connecting part, a coupling connector comprising a base unit with a second connecting part, the coupling connector further comprising a slider part configured for moving relative to the base unit in a sliding direction, wherein the slider part can be moved to a preliminary position and to a final position relative to the base unit, wherein the second connecting part of the coupling connector is configured to mate with the first connecting part of the primary connector in a mating direction, wherein the slider part comprises at least one first guiding component and the primary connector further comprises at least one second guiding component, wherein the at least one first guiding component and the at least one second guiding component are configured for interacting to enforce a predefined motion path of the slider part relative to the primary connector when the coupling connector is coupled with the primary connector and the slider part is moved from the preliminary position to the final position, wherein the slider part's motion along the predefined motion path comprises pressing the second connecting part against the first connecting part such that the first connecting part and the second connecting part are mated in the mating direction and wherein the slider part is a sleeve that at least partially encloses the base unit.

2. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the slider part comprises at least two first guiding components per lateral side on each of the two lateral sides of the slider part, wherein the at least two first guiding components per lateral side are spaced from one another in the sliding direction, wherein the primary connector further comprises second guiding components that correspond to the first guiding components, wherein the at least two first guiding components per lateral side of the slider part are configured for engaging with the corresponding second guiding components of the primary connector.

3. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the coupling connector comprises at least one cable port configured for introducing at least one cable to the coupling connector.

4. The connector system of claim 3, wherein the sliding direction of the slider part is oriented at an angle of at most 30 relative to a cable direction of the at least one cable entering the coupling connector.

5. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the base unit comprises at least one latching element, wherein the slider part further comprises at least one counter-latching element, wherein the at least one latching element is configured for latching with the at least one counter-latching element when the slider part reaches its final position relative to the base unit.

6. The connector system of claim 5, wherein the slider part or the base unit comprises a release button configured for releasing, upon actuation, an engagement between the at least one latching element and the at least one counter-latching element.

7. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the coupling connector comprises a locking member, wherein the locking member is configured for being moved either to a non-locking position or to a locking position when the slider part is in its final position, and wherein the slider part is locked when the locking member is in the locking position.

8. The connector system of claim 7, wherein the base unit further comprises at least one latching element and wherein the locking member is configured for blocking at least one of the base unit's latching elements in the locking member's locking position.

9. The connector system of claim 7, wherein a part of the locking member is configured for reaching under at least one of the base unit's latching elements in the locking member's locking position such that at least one of the latching elements is blocked.

10. The connector system of claim 7, wherein the coupling connector comprises a data code, the data code being disposed such that when the locking member is in its locking position, the data code is exposed, and when the locking member is in its non-locking position, the data code is not exposed.

11. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the connector system comprises a further locking mechanism configured for hindering the slider part from moving from the preliminary position to the final position as long as the coupling connector is not coupled with the primary connector.

12. The connector system of claim 1, wherein at least one supporting element is provided at a portion of the slider part that faces the primary connector, wherein the at least one supporting element is configured to engage with at least one corresponding counter piece of the primary connector when the slider part is moved to its final position.

13. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the connector system is configured for establishing an electrical connection between a traction battery and an electric component of a vehicle.

14. A method for connecting a coupling connector and a primary connector, the primary connector comprising a first connecting part, the coupling connector comprising a base unit with a second connecting part and further comprising a slider part configured for moving relative to the base unit in a sliding direction, wherein the slider part can be moved to a preliminary position and to a final position relative to the base unit, wherein the slider part is implemented as a sleeve that at least partially encloses the base unit, and wherein the slider part comprises at least one first guiding component and the primary connector comprises at least one second guiding component, the method comprising: coupling the coupling connector with the primary connector; and moving the slider part from the preliminary position to the final position, wherein the at least one first guiding component and the at least one second guiding component interact to enforce a predefined motion path of the slider part relative to the primary connector, wherein the slider part's motion along the predefined motion path comprises pressing the second connecting part against the first connecting part such that the first connecting part and the second connecting part are mated in the mating direction.

15. A connector system comprising: a primary connector comprising a first connecting part, and a coupling connector comprising a base unit with a second connecting part, the coupling connector further comprising a slider part configured for moving relative to the base unit in a sliding direction, wherein the slider part can be moved to a preliminary position and to a final position relative to the base unit, wherein the second connecting part of the coupling connector is configured to mate with the first connecting part of the primary connector in a mating direction when the slider part is moved from the preliminary position to the final position, wherein the coupling connector further comprises a latching mechanism, wherein when the slider part reaches the final position, at least one latching element of the base unit engages with at least one counter-latching element of the slider part, and the slider part or the base unit comprises a release button configured for releasing, upon actuation, the engagement between the at least one latching element and the at least one counter-latching element.

16. A connector system comprising: a primary connector comprising a first connecting part, and a coupling connector comprising a base unit with a second connecting part, the coupling connector further comprising a slider part configured for moving relative to the base unit in a sliding direction, wherein the slider part can be moved to a preliminary position and to a final position relative to the base unit, wherein the second connecting part of the coupling connector is configured to mate with the first connecting part of the primary connector in a mating direction when the slider part is moved from the preliminary position to the final position, wherein the coupling connector comprises a locking member, wherein the locking member is configured for being moved either to a non-locking position or to a locking position in case the slider part is in its final position, wherein in the locking member's locking position, the slider part is locked by means of the locking member blocking at least one of the base unit's latching elements or blocking a release button, the release button being configured for releasing, upon actuation, the engagement between the at least one latching element and the at least one counter-latching element.

17. A connector system comprising: a primary connector comprising a first connecting part, a coupling connector comprising a base unit with a second connecting part, the coupling connector further comprising a slider part configured for moving relative to the base unit in a sliding direction, wherein the slider part can be moved to a preliminary position and to a final position relative to the base unit, wherein the second connecting part of the coupling connector is configured to mate with the first connecting part of the primary connector in a mating direction when the slider part is moved from the preliminary position to the final position, and a locking mechanism configured for hindering the slider part from moving from the preliminary position to the final position as long as the coupling connector is not coupled with the primary connector, wherein the coupling connector and the primary connector are shaped and configured such that the locking mechanism is unlocked when the coupling connector and the primary connector are coupled.

18. A connector system comprising: a primary connector comprising a first connecting part, a coupling connector comprising a base unit with a second connecting part, the coupling connector further comprising a slider part configured for moving relative to the base unit in a sliding direction, wherein the slider part can be moved to a preliminary position and to a final position relative to the base unit, wherein the second connecting part of the coupling connector is configured to mate with the first connecting part of the primary connector in a mating direction when the slider part is moved from the preliminary position to the final position; wherein the slider part comprises at least one first guiding component and the primary connector further comprises at least one second guiding component, wherein the at least one first guiding component and the at least one second guiding component are configured for interacting to enforce a predefined motion path of the slider part relative to the primary connector when the coupling connector is coupled with the primary connector and the slider part is moved from the preliminary position to the final position; and wherein at least one supporting element is positioned at a portion of the slider part that faces the primary connector, wherein the at least one supporting element is configured for engaging with at least one corresponding counter piece of the primary connector when the slider part is moved to its final position thereby providing at least one additional point of support for stabilising the coupling connector relative to the primary connector.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the following, further preferred embodiments of invention are illustrated by means of examples. The invention is not limited to these examples, however.

(2) The drawings schematically show:

(3) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a primary connector.

(4) FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a coupling connector.

(5) FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of a coupling connector.

(6) FIGS. 4a to 4d show the steps in the process of connecting the coupling connector and the primary connector.

(7) FIG. 5a illustrates a further locking mechanism for locking the slider part in its preliminary position.

(8) FIG. 5b shows a detail of FIG. 5a.

(9) FIG. 6a shows the locking member in its non-locking position.

(10) FIG. 6b shows the locking member in its locking position.

(11) FIG. 7 shows a plurality of supporting elements configured for stabilizing the coupling connector.

(12) FIG. 8 illustrates how the coupling connector is disconnected from the primary connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(13) In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, identical reference numerals denote identical or comparable components.

(14) The connector system comprises a primary connector and a coupling connector that can be mated with the primary connector. In FIG. 1, a perspective view of a primary connector 1 is shown. The primary connector 1 comprises a first connecting part 2 with two contact pins 3 and two signal contact elements 4, wherein the first connecting part 2 is configured for being mated with a second connecting part in a mating direction 5. The primary connector 1 further comprises a plurality of pins 6 disposed at the lateral sides of the primary connector 1, with the pins 6 extending in an outward direction. The pins 6 are part of guide mechanisms that define the relative motion between the coupling connector and the primary connector 1 when the connectors are mated. Furthermore, a chamfered pin element 7 is provided at the lateral side of the primary connector 1. The primary connector 1 can be attached to a respective component with a plurality of screws 8. In particular, the primary connector 1 may be mounted on a traction battery of a vehicle. The connector system may be configured for establishing an electric connection between the traction battery and an electric component of the vehicle.

(15) FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a coupling connector 9, and in FIG. 3, an exploded view of the coupling connector 9 is depicted. The coupling connector 9 comprises a base unit 10 with a second connecting part 11, wherein the second connecting part 11 is configured for being mated with the first connecting part 2 of the primary connector 1 in the mating direction 12. The base unit 10 further comprises two cable ports 13 adapted for accommodating power cables 14, the power cables 14 being electrically connected with respective sockets 33 (shown in FIG. 5a) of the second connecting part 11. The coupling connector 9 further comprises a slider part 15, the slider part 15 being movable relative to the base unit 10. The slider part 15 at least partially encloses the outer surface of the base unit 10. The slider part 15 is configured for sliding along the outer surface of the base unit 10 in a sliding direction. The slider part 15 is attached to the base unit 10 by means of a sliding mechanism. As shown in FIG. 3, the sliding mechanism comprises two ribs 16 that extend along the outer surface of the base unit 10 in the sliding direction 17. The sliding mechanism further comprises two grooves 18, with the grooves 18 extending along the inner surface of the slider part 15 in the sliding direction 17. The ribs 16 are configured for engaging with the grooves 18 to form a sliding mechanism that allows for moving the slider part 15 relative to the base unit 10. Preferably, the sliding direction 17 deviates by at most 30 from the cable direction. The cable direction is the direction of the power cables 14 at the point where the power cables 14 enter the coupling connector 9. Preferably, the sliding direction 17 of the slider part 15 is approximately equal to the cable direction. Relative to the axial direction of the cable ports 13, the sliding direction 17 of the slider part 15 is preferably oriented at an angle of at most 30. Further preferably, the sliding direction 17 of the slider part 15 is approximately equal to the orientation of the cable ports 13. A portion of the slider part 15 that is oriented towards the at least one power cable 14 may for example surround the at least one cable port 13 and may slide along the at least one cable port 13. Preferably, the sliding direction 17 of the slider part 15 is oriented at an angle between 70 and 110 relative to the mating direction 12 of the second connecting part 11. Further preferably, the sliding direction 17 is approximately perpendicular to the mating direction 12 of the second connecting part 11.

(16) The slider part 15 can be moved to a preliminary position and to a final position relative to the base unit 10. At least a part of the outer surface of the slider part 15 may for example be configured as a gripping surface. A user may grip the gripping surface in order to move the slider part 15 in the sliding direction 17. In FIG. 2, the slider part 15 is shown in its preliminary position. In this position, the coupling connector 9 is coupled with the primary connector 1. The second connecting part 11 is located at a position opposite to the first connecting part 2. Two inclined grooves 19 are disposed on each of the two lateral sides of the slider part 15 when viewed in the sliding direction 17. The pins 6 of the primary connector 1 engage with the inclined grooves 19 when the coupling connector 9 is coupled with the primary connector 1, with the slider part 15 being in its preliminary position. The inclined grooves 19 are configured for accepting the pins 6 of the primary connector 1. The inclined grooves 19 define the relative motion path of the slider part 15 relative to the primary connector 1 when the slider part 15 is moved from the preliminary position to the final position in the direction indicated by arrow 20. During the movement from the preliminary position to the final position, the relative motion path of the slider part 15 relative to the primary connector 1 is defined by the interaction between the pins 6 and the inclined grooves 19, which form respective guiding components of the slider part 15 and the primary connector 1, respectively. The inclined grooves 19 may for example be inclined by an angle of more than 10 relative to the sliding direction 17. Furthermore, the inclined grooves 19 may for example be inclined by an angle of less than 20 relative to the sliding direction 17.

(17) The base unit 10 further comprises a latching element 21. As soon as the slider part 15 arrives at its final position, the latching element 21 latches a corresponding counter-latching element 45 (shown in FIG. 8), for example with a recess or a cutout of the slider part 15. The slider part 15 further comprises a release button 22. When the release button 22 is actuated, the latching element 21 disengages from the corresponding counter-latching element 45 and the slider part 15 can be moved back to its preliminary position.

(18) The coupling connector 9 further comprises a locking member 23, also referred to as a connector position assurance or CPA. The locking member 23 can be moved along the guide rails 24 of the base unit 10 in a traverse direction 25. A pin 26 of the locking member 23 is engaged with an L-shaped groove or slot 27. In FIG. 2, the locking member 23 is shown in its non-locking position. As soon as the slider part 15 has arrived at its final position, the locking member 23 may be moved to the locking position. The locking member 23 further comprises a catch 28. When the locking member 23 is moved to the locking position, the catch 28 of the locking member 23 engages with a corresponding tongue 29 of the slider part 15. In the locking position of the locking member 23, the pin 26 is moved into the end portion of the L-shaped groove or slot 27, thereby locking the slider part 15 in its final position.

(19) Preferably, the coupling connector has a length of more than 5 cm, further preferably of more than 8 cm, further preferably of more than 10 cm. Preferably, the coupling connector has a length of less than 25 cm, further preferably of less than 18 cm, further preferably of less than 14 cm. Preferably, the coupling connector has a width of more than 4 cm, further preferably of more than 6 cm, further preferably of more than 8 cm. Preferably, the coupling connector has a width of less than 15 cm, further preferably of less than 12 cm, further preferably of less than 10 cm. Preferably, the coupling connector has a height of more than 2 cm, further preferably of more than 4 cm. Preferably, the coupling connector has a height of less than 12 cm, further preferably of less than 8 cm, further preferably of less than 6 cm.

(20) Preferably, the primary connector 1, the base unit 10, the slider part 15 and the locking member 23 are made of plastic material. Preferably, these components are formed by injection molding.

(21) In FIGS. 4a to 4d, the process of connecting the coupling connector 9 and the primary connector 1 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 4a, the coupling connector 9 is coupled with the primary connector 1, with the slider part 15 being in its preliminary position. The first connecting part 2 of the primary connector 1 is aligned with the second connecting part 11 of the coupling connector 9 and the coupling connector 9 is moved towards the primary connector 1 as indicated by arrow 30. The pins 6 of the primary connector 1 engage with the two inclined grooves 19 disposed at each lateral side of the slider part 15 when viewed in the sliding direction 17.

(22) Next, as shown in FIG. 4b, the slider part 15 is moved in the direction indicated by arrow 20. Accordingly, the slider part 15 slides along the ribs 16 of the base unit 10 in the sliding direction 17. The motion path of the slider part 15 relative to the primary connector 1 is defined by the inclined grooves 19. The inclined grooves 19 extend at an angle of more than 10 and less than 20 relative to the sliding direction 17. For this reason, when the slider part 15 moves in the direction of arrow 20, the slider part 15 continually gets closer to the primary connector 1 and presses the base unit 10 and the second connecting part 11 towards the first connecting part 2.

(23) As shown in FIG. 4c, the first connecting part 2 is mated with the second connecting part 11. The contact pins 3 of the first connecting part 2 are inserted into the sockets 33 (shown in FIG. 5a) of the second connecting part 11, with electrical contacts being established between the contact pins 3 and the sockets 33. Because of the inclined orientation of the inclined grooves 19, the sliding movement of the slider part 15 is converted into an insertion force acting in the mating direction 12. Thus, an insertion force of sufficient magnitude, for example of more than 75 N, can be generated.

(24) In FIG. 4d, the slider part 15 has arrived at its final position and the pins 6 have reached the end of the inclined grooves 19. In the final position, the latching element 21 of the base unit 10 latches the counter-latching element 45 (shown in FIG. 8) of the slider part 15. In order to lock the coupling connector 9 in its final position, the locking member 23 is moved from the non-locking position to the locking position in the direction indicated by arrow 31. The pin 26 of the locking member 23 enters the end portion of the L-shaped groove 27 and accordingly, the slider part 15 is positively locked. Furthermore, when the locking member 23 is moved to its locking position, a QR code 32 on top of the base unit 10 is exposed. This QR code 32 can be captured and identified with an image processing system, in order to verify that the coupling connector 9 has been properly connected with the primary connector 1.

(25) In the coupling connector 9, the sliding direction 17 of the slider part 15 corresponds to the axial direction of the cable ports 13 and to the direction of the power cables 14 entering the coupling connector 9. For example, the sliding direction 17 of the slider part 15 does not deviate more than 30 from the axial direction of the cable ports 13. Accordingly, when moving the slider part 15 from the preliminary position to the final position, the slider part 15 is moved in the direction of the power cables 14, which minimizes installation space.

(26) In the connector system, the primary connector 1 preferably comprises at least two pins 6 on each lateral side and the slider part 15 comprises at least two corresponding inclined grooves 19 configured for accommodating the pins 6. Accordingly, at least two guiding components are provided on each lateral side of the slider part 15 and at least two corresponding guiding components are provided on the primary connector 1. The guiding components stabilize the orientation of the coupling connector 9 and support the coupling connector 9 when the coupling connector 9 is mated with the primary connector 1. The at least two guiding components per lateral side of the connector system provide a stable seating for the coupling connector 9. In particular, by providing two or more guiding components per lateral side, tilting of the coupling connector 9 relative to the primary connector 1 is prevented during the process of mating the two connectors.

(27) FIGS. 5a and 5b show a further locking mechanism configured for locking the slider part 15 in its preliminary position relative to the base unit 10 as long as the coupling connector 9 is not coupled with the primary connector 1. FIG. 5a shows a bottom view of the coupling connector 9 with the connector face of the second connecting part 11. The second connecting part 11 comprises two sockets 33. Furthermore, the second connecting part 11 comprises a contact bridge 34 with two contact pins that are electrically connected. For example, the contact bridge 34 may comprise a U-shaped contact pin. The contact bridge 34 is configured for shortcutting the two signal contact elements 4 shown in FIG. 1 when the primary connector 1 and the coupling connector 9 are mated. A control circuit or control software may be configured for monitoring whether or not the two signal contact elements 4 are shortcut. As long as no shortcut is detected, the current cannot be switched on. Only in case a shortcut is detected, the current can be switched on. Thus, it is made sure that the primary connector 1 and the coupling connector 9 are mated before the current is switched on. In case the connection between the primary connector 1 and the coupling connector 9 is interrupted, the current will be switched off immediately.

(28) The locking mechanism comprises first locking elements 35 resiliently mounted to the lateral sides of the slider part 15 and second locking elements 36 attached to the base unit 10. Because of the interaction between the first locking elements 35 and the second locking elements 36, the slider part 15 is locked in its preliminary position relative to the base unit 10. Thus, when the coupling connector 9 is placed on the primary connector 1, the slider part 15 will be in its preliminary position.

(29) In FIG. 5b, a more detailed view of the locking mechanism is given. FIG. 5b shows the first locking element 35, which is resiliently mounted on the slider part 15, and the second locking element 36, which is attached to the base unit 10. It can be seen from FIG. 5b that the second locking element 36 is locked by the first locking element 35. As a consequence, the slider part 15 is locked in its preliminary position. Hence, as long as the coupling connector 9 is not placed on the primary connector 1, the slider part 15 is locked and cannot move in the direction indicated by arrow 37.

(30) As shown in FIGS. 1, 4a and 4c, the primary connector 1 comprises chamfered pin elements 7 located at the lateral sides of the primary connector 1. The chamfered pin elements 7 are configured for interacting with the first locking elements 35 when the coupling connector 9 is mated with the primary connector 1. The chamfered pin elements 7 are inserted in the space behind the first locking elements 35 and push the first locking elements 35 in an outward direction, as indicated by arrow 38 in FIG. 5b. Accordingly, the first locking element 35 shown in FIG. 5b is resiliently deformed, with the outline of the deformed first locking element 35 being indicated with broken lines. Now, the second locking element 36 is no longer locked by the first locking element 35, and the slider part 15 can move in the direction indicated by arrow 37. Hence, as soon as the coupling connector 9 is placed on the primary connector 1, the slider part 15 is no longer locked in the preliminary position and can move to the final position as shown in FIGS. 4a to 4d.

(31) In FIGS. 6a and 6b, the operation of the locking member 23 is illustrated. The locking member 23 is configured for moving along the guide rails 24 in a traverse direction 25. The pin 26 of the locking member 23 is engaged with the L-shaped groove or slot 27. In FIG. 6a, the locking member 23 is shown in its non-locking position. When the locking member 23 is in its non-locking position, the slider part 15 can be moved from the preliminary position to the final position. When the slider part 15 arrives at its final position, the latching element 21 of the base unit 10 latches the counter-latching element 45 (shown in FIG. 8) of the slider part 15. The slider part 15 can be locked in its final position by moving the locking member 23 from the non-locking position to the locking position. In FIG. 6b, the locking member 23 is shown in the locking position, with arrow 39 indicating the movement from the non-locking position to the locking position. When the locking member 23 is moved to the locking position, the pin 26 of the locking member 23 moves into the end portion of the L-shaped groove or slot 27, as indicated by arrow 40, and the slider part 15 is positively locked. Furthermore, the catch 28 of the locking member 23 engages with the tongue 29 of the slider part 15. In FIG. 6b, it can be seen that the approach slope of the catch 28 for moving in the direction from the non-locking position to the locking position is about 30. In contrast, the approach slope of the catch 28 for moving in the opposite direction from the locking position to the non-locking position is about 60. Hence, the force required for locking the slider part 15 is considerably smaller than the force required for unlocking the slider part 15. Thus, the connection cannot be unlocked inadvertently. This is an important feature especially for power connectors.

(32) Preferably, the approach slope of the catch 28 for moving in the direction from the non-locking position to the locking position is more than 20. Further preferably, this approach slope is less than 40. Preferably, the approach slope of the catch 28 for moving in the direction from the locking position to the non-locking position is more than 45, further preferably, this approach slope is less than 75.

(33) In addition, in the locking member's locking position shown in FIG. 6b, a part of the locking member 23 reaches under the latching element 21 in a way that the latching element 21 is blocked. In particular, in the locking member's locking position, a part of the locking member 23 is inserted into an interspace between the latching element 21 and the remaining part of the base unit 10 such that the latching element 21 is blocked. When the user tries to press the release button 22 in the locking member's locking position, the latching element 21 abuts against said part of the locking member 23 and accordingly, the latching element 21 is blocked. Thus, it is no longer possible to disengage the latching element 21 and the corresponding counter-latching element 45 (shown in FIG. 8) by actuating the release button 22. In the locking member's locking position, the engagement between the latching element 21 and the corresponding counter-latching element 45 cannot be released. Blocking the latching element 21 is a further mechanism for locking the slider part 15 in its final position.

(34) FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the connector system from the side where the cable ports 13 are located. Furthermore, the rib 16 and the groove 18 of the sliding mechanism are shown. When viewed along the sliding direction 17, two supporting elements 41 are located in the rear part of the coupling connector 9, i.e. in the part where the cable ports 13 are located. The supporting elements 41 are disposed on the side of the slider part 15 that faces the primary connector 1. When the slider part 15 is moved from its preliminary position to its final position, the supporting elements 41 are moved in the direction towards the counter pieces 42 located at the rear part of the primary connector 1 when viewed in the sliding direction 17. When the slider part 15 reaches its final position, the supporting elements 41 engage with the counter pieces 42. For example, the supporting elements 41 may have a shape that is complementary to the shape of the counter pieces 42. For example, each of the supporting elements 41 may have an undercut configured for engaging with a corresponding counter piece 42. When the supporting elements 41 are engaged with the counter pieces 42, they provide an additional support for the coupling connector 9 at several additional points of support. In particular, due to the presence of the supporting elements 41, the coupling connector 9 is stabilized and tilting of the coupling connector 9 relative to the primary connector 1 is prevented.

(35) FIG. 8 shows the process of disconnecting the coupling connector 9 from the primary connector 1. In a first step, the locking member 23 is moved in the direction of arrow 43 from the locking position to the non-locking position. The pin 26 is moved to the corner of the L-shaped groove or slot 27 and accordingly, the slider part 15 is no longer locked by the pin 26. Furthermore, by moving the locking member 23 to the non-locking position, the latching element 21 is not blocked any more. In the next step, the release button 22 is pressed in a downward direction as indicated by arrow 44. The release button 22 is pressed against the latching element 21 of the base unit 10 and disengages the latching element 21 from the counter-latching element 45 of the slider part 15. Now, the slider part 15 can be moved in the direction of arrow 46 from the final position to the preliminary position. The supporting element 41 is removed from its counter piece 42. Then, the coupling connector 9 can be disconnected from the primary connector 1.

(36) The features as described in the above description, claims and figures can be relevant individually or in any combination to realise the various embodiments of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(37) The following is a list of referenced numerals used in this application: 1 primary connector 2 first connecting part 3 contact pins 4 signal contact elements 5 mating direction 6 pin 7 chamfered pin element 8 screws 9 coupling connector 10 base unit 11 second connecting part 12 mating direction 13 cable ports 14 power cables 15 slider part 16 ribs 17 sliding direction 18 grooves 19 inclined grooves 20 arrow 21 latching element 22 release button 23 locking member 24 guide rails 25 traverse direction 26 pin 27 L-shaped groove or slot 28 catch 29 tongue 30 arrow 31 arrow 32 QR code 33 sockets 34 contact bridge 35 first locking element 36 second locking element 37 arrow 38 arrow 39 arrow 40 arrow 41 supporting elements 42 counter pieces 43 arrow 44 arrow 45 counter-latching element 46 arrow