Plug connection device comprising at least one plug connector

Abstract

A preferred embodiment of a plug connection device for connecting a cable includes at least one plug connector Each plug connector includes at least one plug body for connecting to an outer conductor of the cable, at least one inner conductor part for connecting to an inner conductor of the cable, a housing, a securing element and a contact element plugged into the housing such that a front region of the contact element electrically contacts the outer periphery of the plug body. A fastening means supports the plug connector and is electrically connected to the contact element to establish a ground connection to another component independently of the cable.

Claims

1. A plug connection device for connecting to a cable of the type having an outer conductor and at least one inner conductor and for establishing a ground connection with a component which is external to the connection device, said connection device comprising: (a) at least one plug connector, each plug connector including: (i) at least one plug body which is electrically and mechanically connectable to the outer conductor of the cable, the plug body having an external perimeter; (ii) at least one inner conductor part which is electrically and mechanically connectable to the inner conductor of the cable; (iii) a housing which has at least one receptacle which receives the at least one plug body and also has a cutout; (iv) a contact element having a front region, the contact element being plug-fittable into the housing in such a manner that the front region of the contact element electrically contacts the plug body (v) a securing element which has a portion incorporated within the cutout of the housing in such a manner that relative movement between the securing element and the housing is limited in at least one degree of freedom, the securing element being connected in a form-fitting manner to the contact element; said connection device further comprising, (b) fastening means for supporting the at least one plug connector and for establishing the ground connection between the contact element and the component external to the device, the fastening means being mechanically connectable to the housing of the at least one plug connector to support the at least one plug connector, the fastening means being electrically conductively connected to the contact element, the fastening means being electrically conductively connectable to the component external to the device, whereby the ground connection between the contact element and the component external to the device is established independently of the cable.

2. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plug body has an external perimeter and the front region of the contact element is connectable in a form-fitting manner to at least part of the external perimeter of the plug body.

3. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plug body and the receptacle establish a terminal position of the plug body in the receptacle.

4. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the external perimeter of the plug body has a diminution in which the contact element engages.

5. A plug connection device for connecting to a cable of the type having an outer conductor and at least one inner conductor and for establishing a ground connection with a component which is external to the connection device, said connection device comprising: (a) at least one plug connector, each plug connector including: (i) at least one plug body which is electrically and mechanically connectable to the outer conductor of the cable, the plug body having an external perimeter; (ii) at least one inner conductor part which is electrically and mechanically connectable to the inner conductor of the cable; (iii) a housing which has at least one receptacle which receives the at least one plug body and also has a cutout; (iv) a contact element having a front region, the contact element being plug-fittable into the housing in such a manner that the front region of the contact element electrically and mechanically connects the plug body; and (v) a securing element which includes a portion incorporated within the cutout of the housing in such a manner that relative movement between the securing element and the housing is limited in at least one degree of freedom, the securing element and having a passage through which the front region of the contact element is inserted to electrically and mechanically connect the front region of the contact element to the plug body which the; said connection device further comprising, (b) fastening means for supporting the at least one plug connector and for establishing the ground connection between the contact element and the component external to the device, the fastening means being mechanically connectable to the housing of the at least one plug connector to support the at least one plug connector, the fastening means being electrically conductively connected to the contact element, the fastening means being electrically conductively connectable to the component external to the device, whereby the ground connection between the contact element and the component external to the device is established independently of the cable.

6. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least part of the securing element is located in a displacement path of the plug body in the housing.

7. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fastening means has at least one snap-fit connection part for fastening the housing of the plug connector.

8. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the contact element by way of the securing element, is connected in an electrically conducting manner to the fastening means.

9. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastening means includes a clearance and the contact element is inserted in a form-fitting manner in the clearance of the fastening means.

10. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the securing element has a passage through which the contact element is inserted to connect the front region of the contact element with the plug body the plug body.

11. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front region of the contact element is a terminal clamp.

12. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the securing element includes a part which engages the diminution.

13. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastening means has at least one support fastened to the housing of the plug connector.

14. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the housing has an outer side which includes a groove and the at least one snap-fit connection part intrudes at least partially into the groove to connect the housing with the fastening means in an axial direction.

15. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastening means has at least one eyelet.

16. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastening means has a connection element the ground connection to the component external to the device is established by way of the connection element.

17. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 16, further comprising a ground connector cable and wherein the connection element comprises a crimp connection which electrically connects the ground connector cable to the fastening means.

18. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the fastening means has at least one snap-fit connection part for fastening the housing of the plug connector and wherein the fastening means, the at least one snap-fit connection part, the contact element, and the connection element are integrally configured.

19. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing has outer sides and wherein the fastening means does not project beyond the outer sides of the housing of the plug connector.

20. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastening means is a single fastening means which is mechanically connected to, and supports, a plurality of the plug connectors and wherein the contact element of each of the plurality of the plug connectors is electrically conductively connected in common to the single fastening means.

21. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact element is integral with the fastening means.

22. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastening means has at least one snap-fit connection part for fastening the housing of the plug connector.

23. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the housing has an outer side which includes a groove and the at least one snap-fit connection part intrudes at least partially into the groove to connect the housing with the fastening means in an axial direction.

24. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the contact element is integral with the fastening means.

25. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plug body has an external perimeter and the front region of the contact element is connectable in a foam-fitting manner to at least part of the external perimeter of the plug body.

26. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plug body and the receptacle establish a terminal position of the plug body in the receptacle.

27. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the external perimeter of the plug body has a diminution which the contact element engages.

28. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least part of the securing element is located in a displacement path of the plug body in the housing.

29. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the contact element, by way of the securing element, is connected in an electrically conducting manner to the fastening means.

30. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fastening means includes a clearance and the contact element is inserted in a form-fitting manner in the clearance of the fastening means.

31. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the front region of the contact element is a terminal clamp.

32. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the securing element engages the diminution.

33. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fastening means has at least one support member fastened to the housing of the plug connector.

34. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fastening means has at least one eyelet.

35. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the securing element is made of plastic material.

36. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the fastening means has a connection element and the ground connection to the component external to the device is established by way of the connection element.

37. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 36, further comprising a ground connector cable and wherein the connection element comprises a crimp connection which electrically connects the ground connector cable to the fastening means.

38. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 36, wherein the fastening means has at least one snap-fit connection part for fastening the housing of the plug connector and wherein the fastening means, the at least one snap-fit connection part, the contact element, and the connection element are integral with one another.

39. A plug connection device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the housing has outer sides and wherein the fastening means does not project beyond the outer sides of the housing of the plug connector.

40. A plug connection device as claimed in one of claim 5, wherein the fastening means is a single fastening means which is mechanically connected to, and supports, a plurality of the plug connectors and wherein the contact element of each of the plurality of the plug connectors is electrically conductively connected in common to the single fastening means.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective illustration of an embodiment of plug connection device according to the invention, having a vertically running longitudinal section through a housing of the plug connector, wherein a plug body is illustrated without being sectioned;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the plug connection device according to FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the plug connection device viewed from the direction of the arrow III of FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a horizontal longitudinal section through a plug connection device according to FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 shows a plan view from the front of a fastening means having a contact element and a securing element;

(7) FIG. 6 shows an illustration of FIG. 5 from the rear;

(8) FIG. 7 shows a plan view from the front of a fastening means having a contact element and a securing element, in a second embodiment;

(9) FIG. 8 shows an illustration of a potential assembly of a plug body and of a securing element in a housing of the plug connector;

(10) FIG. 9 shows a perspective illustration from the rear of a fastening means for fastening and electrically contacting a plurality of plug connectors;

(11) FIG. 10 shows a perspective illustration from the front of a fastening means according to FIG. 9;

(12) FIG. 11 shows an illustration from the rear of a fastening means for fastening and electrically contacting a plurality of plug connectors;

(13) FIG. 12 shows a particularly preferred embodiment of an integral fastening means;

(14) FIG. 13 shows a particularly preferred embodiment of a plug connector for use with the integral fastening means according to FIG. 12; and

(15) FIG. 14 shows the particularly preferred plug connector of FIG. 13 having an inserted fastening means according to FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(16) The plug connection device according to the invention in the exemplary embodiments is illustrated by means of a so-called FAKRA standardization scheme, wherein only those features that are essential to the invention are illustrated in more detail hereunder. Potential embodiments and variants are derived from DIN 72594.

(17) However, the present invention and also the exemplary embodiment illustrated are not to be understood as being limited to a FAKRA plug connector or to a FAKRA housing, respectively. The solution according to the invention is suitable for arbitrary plug connectors.

(18) The features of FIGS. 1 to 14 illustrated hereunder can be combined with one another in an arbitrary manner in as far as this is not technically excluded.

(19) The invention is implementable in different variants. Two variants are illustrated in an exemplary manner in the exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 1 to 11 herein show a first variant in which the fastening means 2 and the contact element 13 are configured so as to be mutually separate and capable of being plugged into one another. The fastening means 2 in these Figures is furthermore configured in such a manner that the fastening means can be mechanically secured on a further construction element/component. FIGS. 12 to 14 show a particularly preferred variant of the invention, according to which the fastening means 2 is configured so as to be integral to the contact element 13. No means for mechanically securing the fastening means 2 on a further (arbitrary) construction element are configured on the fastening means 2 in FIGS. 12 to 14. This is, however, also possible in principle. Although an integral configuration of the fastening means 2 and the contact element 13 is shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, this is not mandatory. The fastening means 2 and the contact element 13 can also be configured as independent elements and only electrically and preferably also mechanically connected to one another.

(20) FIG. 1 shows a vertical longitudinal section through the plug connection device according to the invention, having a plug connector 1 and a fastening means 2.

(21) The plug connector 1 has a housing 3 which is also illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 2 to 4, and 8 to 11. This, herein, can be a so-called FAKRA housing of a plug connector 1.

(22) FIGS. 13 and 14 show a variant of the housing 3 which deviates somewhat therefrom, but which is preferably likewise configured so as to be compatible with the FAKRA standardization scheme.

(23) The housing 3 is preferably configured from plastics.

(24) The plug connector 1 furthermore has a plug body 4 which is connected to an outer conductor 5 of a cable 6 that in FIG. 1 is illustrated in only a schematic manner. Connecting the plug body 4 to the outer conductor 5 can be performed by way of known measures, for example by soldering/brazing, adhesive bonding, clamping, or crimping. In the exemplary embodiment it is provided (not shown in more detail in the drawing), that the plug body 4 is crimp-fitted to the outer conductor 5. To this end, the plug body 4 can optionally also be configured in multiple parts; at least one part of the plug body 4 is preferably configured so as to be crimp-fitted to the outer conductor 5. This can be preferably performed in that a cable jacket 7 of the cable 6 is stripped so far that the outer conductor 5, which can preferably be a braided shield, is exposed. The plug body 4 can then be crimp-fitted to this braided shield. To this end, it can optionally be provided that a support sleeve (not illustrated) is first crimp-fitted to the outer conductor 5, in particular to the braided shield, and the braided shield is subsequently folded back over the support sleeve, and part of the plug body 4, or a connection piece for connecting to the plug body 4, or the plug body 4 in an integral manner, is only then crimp-fitted to the folded-back outer conductor 5, or is connected to the latter by other means.

(25) The plug connector 1 furthermore has at least one inner conductor part 8 (cf. FIG. 4) which is provided for connecting to an inner conductor 9 of the cable 6. Connecting herein can be performed, for example, by soldering/brazing, adhesive bonding, clamping, or crimping. It is provided in the exemplary embodiment that the inner conductor part 8 is crimp-fitted to the inner conductor 9 of the cable 6. The inner conductor part 8 is connected to the inner conductor 9 of the cable 6 preferably once the outer conductor 5 of the cable 6 has been exposed and preferably folded back, and before the plug body 4 is crimp-fitted to the outer conductor 5. In order for the inner conductor part 8 to be fastened on the inner conductor 9, the latter can first be stripped, which can be performed by way of known measures.

(26) FIG. 4, in a sectional and exemplary manner, shows the profile and the arrangement of the inner conductor part 8 within the plug body 4. When viewed together with FIG. 1, it is illustrated herein how the plug connector 1 provides a connector for attaching another complementary plug connector (not illustrated) and for electrically connecting the latter to the inner conductor part 8 and to the plug body 4.

(27) In the case of the plug connector 1 illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the connection to the outer conductor 5 of the cable 6 (not shown therein) and the connection of the inner conductor 9 of the cable 6 to the inner conductor part 8 can in principle be provided in a similar or identical manner.

(28) It is illustrated in the exemplary embodiment that the plug body 4 receives a single inner conductor part 8. Of course, the plug body 4 can also receive a plurality of inner conductor parts 8 which are connected to a corresponding number of inner conductors 9.

(29) It is furthermore illustrated in the exemplary embodiment that the plug connector 1 receives one plug body 4. It can in principle also be provided that the plug connector 1 receives a plurality of plug bodies 4. The exemplary embodiment is to be understood in an analogous manner.

(30) As can be seen from the Figures, in particular from FIGS. 1, 4, 8, and 13, the housing 3 has a receptacle 10 for inserting the plug body 4. The receptacle 10 in the exemplary embodiment is configured as a bore which extends axially through the housing 3. It is furthermore provided in the exemplary embodiment that the plug body 4 is plugged into the housing 3 or the receptacle 10 of the housing 3, respectively, by a movement along the longitudinal axis of said plug body 4, or in the axial direction A, respectively, (cf. FIG. 13). The plug body 4 and the receptacle 10 herein are designed in such a manner that a terminal position of the plug body 4 in the receptacle 10 is established. In order for the terminal position to be established it is preferably provided that the plug body 4 in the terminal position thereof latches into the receptacle 10 in a perceivable manner. To this end, it is provided in the exemplary embodiment that the housing 3 has at least one latching element 11 (cf. FIG. 4) which when pushing in the plug body yields laterally or radially, respectively, and admits the plug body 4 but, when reaching the terminal position of the plug body 4, returns, preferably springs back, to the previous or non-deflected position, respectively, of said latching element 11 preferably in such a manner that the latching element 11 blocks the path of the plug body 4 when the latter is pulled back counter to the push-in direction. The latching element 11 can preferably be designed in such a manner that the latter is operable and thus can optionally be deflected, for example by pushing in a screwdriver, so as to enable a retrieval of the plug body 4 from the housing 3, or from the receptacle 10, again when required.

(31) The plug body 4 preferably has a diminution 12 into which the latching element 11 intrudes when the plug body 4 has reached the terminal position thereof in the receptacle 10. This, herein, can also be an arbitrary recess, depression, or the like. However, the configuration of a preferably annularly encircling diminution 12 has proven to be particularly suitable. The diminution 12 can also be produced, for example, in that the plug body 4 has a construction in two or multiple parts, wherein the diminution 12 is preferably configured in the connection region between two parts of the plug body 4.

(32) It can be provided in the exemplary embodiment that the receptacle 10 and the plug body 4 have mechanical coding features such that the plug-fitting of a plug body 4 that is not intended for the housing 3 is mechanically prevented.

(33) According to the invention, a contact element 13 which is plug-fittable in the housing 3 in such a manner that a front region 13a of the contact element 13 electrically contacts the plug body 4, inserted into the housing 3, on the external perimeter of said plug body 4 is provided. The contact element 13 herein is connected in an electrically conducting manner to the fastening means 2. On account thereof, a ground connection to a further component 24 (cf. FIG. 14), for example to a conductive body part of a vehicle, can be established independently of the cable 6. The front region 13a of the contact element 13, the former comprising the external perimeter of the plug body 4, is particularly well illustrated in FIGS. 1, 7, and in FIG. 12. FIG. 4 in the horizontal longitudinal section illustrated, shows only a short portion of the front region 13a of the contact element 13, the latter otherwise being obscured by the plug body 4 illustrated in the section.

(34) FIGS. 5, 7, 9, 10, and 12 show the contact element 13, in particular the front region 13a of the contact element 13, without the plugged-in plug body 4.

(35) A connection of the contact element 13 to the fastening means 2 can be derived in particular from FIGS. 2, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11.

(36) In the variant of FIGS. 12 to 14, however, the contact element 13 is preferably configured so as to be integral to the fastening means 2, as has already been mentioned.

(37) The front region 13a of the contact element 13 in the exemplary embodiment is connected in a form-fitting manner to at least part of the external perimeter of the plug body 4. The front region 13a of the contact element 13 herein is configured as a terminal clamp 13a. The terminal clamp 13a herein has two terminal clamp arms which are preferably configured so as to be sprung and, for connecting to the external perimeter of the plug body 4, are deflected from the de-stressed position of said terminal clamp arms, and upon connecting to the external perimeter of the plug body 4 spring back again as far as possible, and thus therebetween receive or comprise, respectively, the plug body 4.

(38) The contact element 13 can contact the plug body 4 in principle at any arbitrary position. In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the contact element 13, or the terminal clamp 13a thereof, engages in the diminution 12 of the plug body 4. The latching element 11 in the exemplary embodiment also engages in the same diminution 12, but this is not mandatory. These here can also be different diminutions, depressions, recesses, or the like. However, the use of a common diminution 12 can be advantageous in terms of construction and thus in terms of economy.

(39) It is provided in the exemplary embodiment that the contact element 13 is positioned in the housing 3 in such a manner that the contact element 13 engages in the diminution 12 when the plug body 4 has reached the terminal position thereof, on account of which a connecting dimension of the plug body 4 is also ensured.

(40) As can be furthermore seen from FIGS. 1 to 11, the plug connector 1 in this variant has a securing element 14 which is capable of being incorporated in a clearance 15 (cf. FIG. 4 and FIG. 8) of the housing 3 in such a manner that a movement of the housing 3 in relation to the securing element 14 is limited in at least one degree of freedom. The limitation of the movement of the housing 3 in relation to the securing element 14 in at least one degree of freedom, preferably at least in the movement direction for pushing the plug body 4 in and out, is particularly advantageous when the securing element 14 is secured on the fastening means 2 directly and/or by way of the contact element 13. In this case, a movement of the housing 3 in relation to the fastening means 2 is already limited by the securing element 14, preferably at least in the mentioned movement direction, or the longitudinal direction, or the axial direction A of the housing 3, respectively.

(41) The securing element 14 and the clearance 15 of the housing 3 are preferably designed in such a manner that the housing 3 in relation to the securing element 14 in terms of the movement of said housing 3 is also limited in further degrees of freedom. It can furthermore be provided that the securing element 14, when the latter is fully pushed into the clearance 15, latches in the provided terminal position in the housing 3. To this end, a latching hook can be provided. The latching hook can preferably be releasable so as to retrieve the securing element 14 from the clearance 15, or from the housing 3, respectively, again.

(42) By receiving the securing element 14 in a substantially form-fitting manner in the clearance 15 and the latching hooks, it can be provided that the securing element 14 and the housing 3 are interconnected so as to be substantially immovable.

(43) As can be derived in particular from the illustration of FIG. 4, at least part 14a of the securing element 14 protrudes into a displacement path of the plug body 4 incorporated in the housing 3. In the exemplary embodiment herein, part 14a of the securing element 14 protrudes into the diminution 12 such that pulling the plug body 4 out of the housing 3, or out of the receptacle 10, respectively, again is blocked by the part 14a.

(44) It is illustrated in the exemplary embodiment that both the contact element 13 and the securing element 14 are connected to the plug body 4 by way of an orthogonal movement.

(45) The contact element 13 and also the securing element 14 thus extend orthogonally in the direction toward the plug body 4 when the latter is inserted in the terminal position in the housing 3.

(46) The part 14a of the securing element 14, as also the terminal clamp 13a and the latching element 11, protrudes into the same diminution 12; this is, however, optional.

(47) As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 2, 6, 9, and 10, the contact element 13 in the variant of FIGS. 1 to 11 is inserted in a form-fitting manner in a clearance 17 of the fastening means 2. Alternatively, the contact element 13 can also be connected to the fastening means 2 in any arbitrary manner, for example by soldering/brazing, adhesive bonding, or riveting. The contact element 13 can also be configured conjointly with the fastening means 2 as one part or so as to be integral to the latter, respectively. An integral configuration is shown in the variant of FIGS. 12 to 14.

(48) A good mechanical and electrically conducting connection between the contact element 13 and the fastening means 2 is established by the form-fitting connection illustrated in the exemplary embodiment.

(49) The fastening means 2 and also the contact element 13 in all exemplary embodiments are preferably configured so as to be at least in part electrically conducting; the fastening means 2 and also the contact element 13 are preferably at least in part formed from an electrically conducting metal. The fastening means 2 and/or the contact element 13 are/is preferably formed substantially entirely, particularly preferably entirely, from metal.

(50) The form-fitting connection of the contact element 13 to the clearance 17 of the fastening means 2 can be particularly advantageously established in that the contact element 13 is configured so as to be sprung and has a diminution 18 in which the periphery of the clearance 17 engages, so as to fix the contact element 13 in the clearance 17. The contact element 13, as is illustrated in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 11, preferably has a design embodiment having two terminal clamp arms which run in a mutually mirror-symmetrical manner and in each case have one diminution 18 in which the periphery of the clearance 17 engages, such as can be seen in FIG. 2.

(51) Alternatively, the contact element 13 can also have a protrusion, and the clearance 17 can be configured in a correspondingly complementary manner in order for a form-fitting connection to be established.

(52) As can be derived in particular from FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the securing element 14 can have a passage 19 for inserting the contact element 13 and for connecting the front region of the latter, that is to say the terminal clamp 13a, to the plug body 4. This has the advantage that the housing 3 does not have to have any additional clearance for admitting the contact element 13, but the passage 19 can be configured in a simple manner in the securing element 14 which is anyway already located in a clearance 15 of the housing 3. The contact element 13 is thus plugged into the housing 3 in the context of the invention on account of the presence of the passage 19 in the securing element 14.

(53) The passage 19 in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 11 is configured in two parts, such that one passage is achieved for each terminal clamping arm of the contact element 13.

(54) The securing element 14 in this embodiment is preferably configured from plastics. The securing element 14 in this embodiment is preferably not electrically conducting.

(55) FIG. 7 shows an alternative design embodiment of the securing element 14. A relatively flat configuration of the securing element 14 is illustrated in FIG. 7, but this is presently not the primary focus. The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7 differs from the previously described exemplary embodiment substantially in that the contact element 13 is inserted in a clearance 20 of the securing element 14. The contact element 13 herein can be designed in the manner as has been described already in the exemplary embodiment, wherein in this case a periphery of the clearance 20 of the securing element 14 engages in the diminution 18 of the contact element 13, or in the terminal clamp arms of the latter that run in a mirror-symmetrical manner, respectively, so as to receive in a form-fitting manner the contact element 13 in the clearance 20.

(56) No direct connection between the contact element 13 and the fastening means 2 is provided in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7. The electrical connection between the contact element 13 and the fastening means 2 in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7 is performed by way of the securing element 14. The securing element 14 to this end is configured so as to be at least in part electrically conducting, preferably at least in part from metal, particularly preferably substantially or entirely from metal. The contact element 13 can be loosely positioned in a clearance 17 of the fastening means 2. It can be provided that the securing element 14 is connected to the fastening means 2, for example, by a snap-fit connection. However, the connection can also be performed in another manner. In principle, a fixed connection between the securing element 14 and the fastening means 2 can also be completely dispensed with. This is possible in particular when the housing 3 is connected to the fastening means 2 in such a manner that the securing element 14 is jammed between the housing 3 and the fastening means 2 and, on account thereof, is fixed accordingly.

(57) In principle, the securing element 14 in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7 can also be inserted in a clearance 15 of the housing 3 in such a manner that a movement of the housing 3 in relation to the securing element 14 is limited in at least one degree of freedom. The securing element 14 in the embodiment according to FIG. 7 herein can also be designed in such a manner that said securing element 14 has a part 14a which intrudes into a displacement path of the plug body 4 incorporated in the housing 3, when the securing element 14 is positioned accordingly.

(58) As can be seen from FIGS. 1 to 11, the fastening means 2 can have a support 21 and/or at least one snap-fit connection part 22 for fastening the housing 3 of a plug connector 1. In the exemplary embodiments of the variant of FIGS. 1 to 11, both a support 21 on which a lower side of the housing 3 can be supported, and a snap-fit connection part 22 which in the exemplary embodiment is configured as a snap-fit hook, are provided. The support 21 herein can have a securing edge so as to in particular additionally delimit a horizontal movement of the housing 3.

(59) The fastening means 2 can furthermore have at least one eyelet 23 or else a plurality of eyelets 23 which can be provided for electrically and mechanically connecting the fastening means 2 to a ground part, or to the further component 24, for example a vehicle ground or the like.

(60) FIGS. 9 to 11 show a design embodiment of the fastening means 2 for receiving and fastening and for electrically contacting a plurality of plug connectors 1. Three plug connectors 1 are illustrated in the exemplary embodiment; however, the invention is not limited to the specific number of plug connectors 1 which a fastening means 2 can receive. In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 9 to 11, the fastening means 2 has two eyelets 23. Alternatively, only one or a plurality of eyelets 23 can also be provided. Furthermore, the design of the eyelets 23, or the presence of the latter, is optional in the case of all fastening means 2. The eyelets 23 can optionally be entirely omitted; however, it is advantageous for the fastening means 2 to have connection elements in order for the fastening means 2 to be attached in a simple manner to a ground part, or to the further component 24, respectively.

(61) As can be derived from the exemplary embodiments relating to the variant of FIGS. 1 to 11, securing the plug body 4 can be performed by a corresponding design of the housing 3, in particular by the latching element 11, as long as the securing element 14 and the contact element 13 have not yet been offered up to the plug body 4. This is referred to as a primary securing feature.

(62) After the securing element 14 and/or the contact element 13 have been pushed into the terminal positions thereof, the plug body 4 that has previously been positioned in the housing 3 can be secured by said securing element 14 and/or said contact element 13. This is referred to as a secondary securing feature, wherein an interaction of the contact element 13 and of the securing element 14 is particularly expedient to this end. The contact element 13 and the securing element 14 herein can also be responsible for the positionally accurate seat of the plug body 4 in the housing 3, and can thus also ensure the connecting dimensions for connecting to a complementary plug connector (not illustrated in more detail).

(63) FIG. 8 shows the securing element 14 in a so-called pre-latching position. The securing element 14 is preferably preassembled in the housing 3. In order for the plug body 4 to be assembled, it is provided herein that the plug body 4 is first plugged into the housing 3 and subsequently, when the plug body 4 has reached the terminal position thereof in the housing 3, the secondary securing feature 14 is pushed in up to the terminal latching position of the latter.

(64) As is illustrated in an exemplary manner in FIGS. 9 and 10, the plug connector 1 can subsequently be clip-fitted onto the contact element 13 which is already connected to the fastening means 2.

(65) A securing element 14 can be dispensed with in the variant shown in FIGS. 12 to 14.

(66) FIG. 12 shows a particular variant of the fastening means 2, said variant being preferred in principle. FIG. 13 shows a housing 3 suitable for this variant, and FIG. 14 illustrates the fastening means 2 and the housing 3 in an assembled position. All features described above can herein of course be combined with the features of this variant, in as far as this is not technically excluded.

(67) The fastening means 2 of this variant likewise has a contact element 13 which now, however, is preferably configured so as to be integral to the fastening means 2. Two snap-fit connection parts 22 for fastening the housing 3 of the plug connector 1 are furthermore provided, said snap-fit connection parts 22 to this end encompassing the housing 3 on the outer side thereof. The housing in the outer side thereof has a groove 25 into which the snap-fit connection parts 22 can intrude so as to configure a form-fitting connection in the axial direction A between the housing 3 and the fastening means 2. The snap-fit connection parts 22 are also preferably configured so as to be integral to the fastening means 2. It can also be provided that the snap-fit connection parts 22 are configured as arbitrary connection elements and in particular in such a manner that said snap-fit connection parts 22 intrude into the housing 3 and, on account thereof, establish a mechanical, in particular form-fitting and/or force-fitting, connection between the fastening means 2 and the housing 3.

(68) The fastening means 2 finally has connection elements 26 so as to configure the ground connection to the further component 24. The connection elements are presently configured as a crimp connection 26 and are likewise preferably integral to the fastening means 2.

(69) A ground connector cable 27 for configuring the ground connection to the further component 24 (cf. FIG. 14) can preferably be crimp-fitted to the fastening means 2 by way of the crimp connection 26. To this end, the ground connector cable 27, at that end that is not crimp-fitted to the fastening means 2, can preferably have a cable shoe 28 (or the like) for the electrical and mechanical fastening to the further component 24.

(70) The fastening means 2, in particular according to the variant of FIGS. 12 to 14, can preferably be configured as a thin metal sheet. The fastening means 2 can be configured as a punched and bent part.

(71) The housing 3 of the plug connector 1 and the fastening means 2 are preferably configured in such a manner that the fastening means 2 does not project beyond the outer sides of the housing 3 of the plug connector 1, preferably being recessed, when said fastening means is inserted in the housing 3 of the plug connector 1. The housing 3 to this end can have suitable depressions and/or recesses, as can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 14.

(72) While the invention has been described with reference to various preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt to a particular situation or application of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed but rather, that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the Doctrine of Equivalents.