Electrical Plug-in Connection and Clamping Device for an Electrical Plug-in Connection

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping device (5) for an electrical plug-in connection (1), which has a n electrical plug-in connector (2), an electrical mating plug-in connector (3) that can be electrically and mechanically connected to the plug-in connector (2), and a primary latching arrangement (4) for latching the connection between the plug-in connector (2) and the mating plug-in connector (3). Provision is made for the clamping device (5) to be designed to brace the plug-in connector (2) and the mating plug-in connector (3) relative to one another in a connected state in addition to the latching by way of the primary latching arrangement (4).

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. (canceled)

3. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 18 and wherein, the clamping device has plural clamping elements, and wherein each of the plural clamping elements is designed to interact with the mating electrical plug-in connector in a form-fitting manner to brace the electrical plug-in connector relative to the mating electrical plug-in connector.

4. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 18 and wherein the clamping device has a clamping leg which forms a first clamping element at a first end, and a second clamping leg forms a second clamping element at a first end.

5. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 4 and wherein the clamping legs are each formed as separate components.

6. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 20 and wherein the first clamping leg and the second clamping leg are arranged opposite one another along the common connecting yoke, in order to engage around the electrical plug-in connector and/or around the mating electrical plug-in connector in a manner of tongs.

7. The electrical plug-in connection a claimed in claim 19 and further comprising: the third clamping leg arranged in relation to the first and second clamping legs so that the clamping elements of the clamping legs are positioned at points of a common triangle (D) in a top view, so as to engage around the electrical plug-in connector and/or around the mating electrical plug-in connector on three side surfaces.

8. (canceled)

9. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 18 and wherein the clamping device braces the electrical plug-in connection in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner in plural degrees of freedom.

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 18 and further comprising: a clamping leg of the clamping device, and the clamping leg is at least partially elastic, in such a way that the clamping leg is able to be spread apart counter to an elastic restoring force when the clamping leg engages the electrical plug-in connector and/or the mating electrical plug-in connector.

14. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 18 and wherein the clamping device, at least starting from a pre-mounting position, in which the clamping device is preferably captively connected to the electrical plug-in connector, is displaceable into a bracing position, in which the clamping device braces the electrical plug-in connector and the mating electrical plug-in connector relative to one another.

15. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 18 and further comprising: a locking element on the electrical plug-in connector; and a corresponding receptacle integral with the mating electrical plug-in connector for the locking element to provide an additional form fit for the electrical plug-in connection when the electrical plug-in connector is connected to the mating electrical plug-in connector.

16. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 18 and further comprising a securing element that is integral with the clamping device; and wherein the securing element secures the primary latching arrangement in a state latching the electrical plug-in connection.

17. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 18 and further comprising: a locking yoke on the primary latching arrangement and the locking yoke has two side arms connected via an actuating yoke, and wherein the two side arms of the locking yoke are connected to two opposite side surfaces of the electrical plug-in connector so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (A) and form a slotted guide control arrangement with the mating electrical plug-in connector in order to reposition the electrical plug-in connection, starting from a pre-latching position, in which the electrical plug-in connector is not fully connected to the mating electrical plug-in connector, into a locking position, in which the electrical plug-in connector is connected to the mating electrical plug-in connector.

18. An electrical plug-in connection comprising: an electrical plug-in connector; an electrical mating plug-in connector that can be electrically and mechanically connected to the electrical plug-in connector; a primary latching arrangement for latching a connection between the electrical plug-in connector and the mating electrical plug-in connector; and a clamping device to brace the electrical plug-in connector and the mating electrical plug-in connector relative to one another in their connected state in addition to the latching by the primary latching arrangement; and wherein the clamping device has a clamping element, designed to interact with the mating electrical plug-in connector in a form-fitting manner to brace the electrical plug-in connector relative to the mating electrical plug-in connector; and wherein the mating electrical plug-in connector has a latching element, which enters into the form fit with the clamping element of the clamping device to brace the electrical plug-in connector relative to the mating electrical plug-in connector; and wherein the electrical plug-in connector has a supporting element to absorb a bracing force introduced by the clamping element to brace the electrical plug-in connector relative to the mating electrical plug-in connector; and wherein the clamping element that introduces the bracing force is between the latching element and the supporting element.

19. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 4 and further comprising: a third clamping leg which forms a third clamping element at a first end.

20. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 4 and further comprising: a common connecting yoke that interconnects seconds ends of the plural clamping legs.

21. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 18 and wherein the clamping device braces the electrical plug-in connection in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner in three degrees of rotational freedom, and in two degrees of translational freedom.

22. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 18 and further comprising: a first clamping leg and a second clamping leg of the clamping device; and the first and second clamping legs are each at least partially elastic, in such a way that the first and second clamping legs are able to be spread counter to an elastic restoring force when the first and second clamping legs engage around the electrical plug-in connector and/or around the mating electrical plug-in connector.

23. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 18 and further comprising: a bayonet catch on the primary latching arrangement in order to reposition the electrical plug-in connection, starting from a pre-latching position, in which the electrical plug-in connector is not fully connected to the mating electrical plug-in connector, into a locking position, in which the electrical plug-in connector is connected to the mating electrical plug-in connector.

24. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 18 and further comprising: a screw connection on the primary latching arrangement in order to reposition the electrical plug-in connection, starting from a pre-latching position, in which the electrical plug-in connector is not fully connected to the mating electrical plug-in connector, into a locking position, in which the electrical plug-in connector is connected to the mating electrical plug-in connector.

25. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 18 and further comprising: a latching rocker on the primary latching arrangement in order to reposition the electrical plug-in connection, starting from a pre-latching position, in which the electrical plug-in connector is not fully connected to the mating electrical plug-in connector, into a locking position, in which the electrical plug-in connector is connected to the mating electrical plug-in connector.

26. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 18 and further comprising: a latching connection on the primary latching arrangement in order to reposition the electrical plug-in connection, starting from a pre-latching position, in which the electrical plug-in connector is not fully connected to the mating electrical plug-in connector, into a locking position, in which the electrical plug-in connector is connected to the mating electrical plug-in connector.

27. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 19 and further comprising: a common connecting yoke that interconnects seconds ends of the plural clamping legs.

Description

[0114] The figures each show preferred exemplary embodiments, in which individual features of the present invention are illustrated in combination with one another. Features of one exemplary embodiment can also be implemented separately from the other features of the same exemplary embodiment and, accordingly, can be readily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further expedient combinations and sub-combinations comprising features from other exemplary embodiments.

[0115] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same designations.

[0116] In the figures, schematically

[0117] FIG. 1 shows a perspective illustration of an electrical plug-in connection having a plug-in connector, a mating plug-in connector and a primary latching arrangement according to the prior art;

[0118] FIG. 2 shows a perspective illustration of an electrical plug-in connection according to the invention having a plug-in connector, a mating plug-in connector, a primary latching arrangement and a clamping device;

[0119] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the plug-in connection from FIG. 2;

[0120] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the plug-in connection from FIG. 2;

[0121] FIG. 5 shows a perspective individual illustration of the mating plug-in connector of the plug-in connection from FIG. 2;

[0122] FIG. 6 shows a further perspective individual illustration of the mating plug-in connector of the plug-in connection from FIG. 2;

[0123] FIG. 7 shows a perspective individual illustration of the plug-in connector of the plug-in connection from FIG. 2;

[0124] FIG. 8 shows a further perspective individual illustration of the plug-in connector of the plug-in connection from FIG. 2;

[0125] FIG. 9 shows a perspective individual illustration of the primary latching arrangement of the plug-in connection from FIG. 2;

[0126] FIG. 10 shows a perspective individual illustration of the clamping device according to the invention of the plug-in connection from FIG. 2;

[0127] FIG. 11 shows a further perspective individual illustration of the clamping device according to the invention of the plug-in connection from FIG. 2;

[0128] FIG. 12 shows a detailed view of the portion XII of FIG. 3 to illustrate the bracing position of the clamping device, in which the clamping elements of the first clamping leg and of the second clamping leg are connected in a form-fitting manner to the first latching element and to the second latching element of the mating plug-in connector;

[0129] FIG. 13 shows an illustration corresponding to the detailed illustration of FIG. 12 with the clamping device in its pre-mounting position;

[0130] FIG. 14 shows a sectional illustration along the section line XIV of FIG. 3 to illustrate a locking element of the plug-in connector and a corresponding receptacle of the mating plug-in connector for an additional form fit;

[0131] FIG. 15 shows a partially sectioned illustration along the section line XV of the FIG. 4 to illustrate the clamping position of the clamping device, in which the clamping element of the third clamping leg is connected in a form-fitting manner to the third latching element of the mating plug-in connector;

[0132] FIG. 16 shows a detail of the latching element of the plug-in connector and the clamping element of the third clamping leg with the clamping device in the pre-mounting position;

[0133] FIG. 17 shows the plug-in connection from FIG. 2 with an electrical connector leading further, an electrical cable and an electrical assembly;

[0134] FIG. 18 shows a perspective individual illustration of a clamping device according to the invention having clamping legs which are each formed as separate components;

[0135] FIG. 19 shows a perspective individual illustration of a further clamping device according to the invention having two clamping legs connected via a common connecting yoke in the manner of a clamp and having a further, separate clamping leg;

[0136] FIG. 20 shows a perspective individual illustration of a further clamping device according to the invention having one clamping leg and two separate clamping elements;

[0137] FIG. 21 shows a further clamping device according to the invention having one clamping leg, which has a clamping element at each of its two ends, in a pre-mounting position; and

[0138] FIG. 22 shows the clamping device from FIG. 21 in the bracing position.

[0139] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary electrical plug-in connection 100 according to the prior art. The plug-in connection 100 has an electrical plug-in connector 101 and an electrical mating plug-in connector 102 that can be electrically and mechanically connected to the plug-in connector 101. The plug-in connection 100 additionally has a primary latching arrangement 103 for latching the connection between the plug-in connector 101 and the mating plug-in connector 102.

[0140] The primary latching arrangement 103 is designed by way of example as a locking yoke, in order to move the plug-in connection 100, starting from a pre-latching position, in which the plug-in connector 101 is not connected or at least not fully connected to the mating plug-in connector 102, into a locking position, in which the plug-in connector 101 is connected to the mating plug-in connector 102. FIG. 1 shows the locked state of the plug-in connection 100.

[0141] During the use of the plug-in connection 100, from time to time mechanical loadings, in particular vibrations, can occur, which are transferred via the components connected to the plug-in connector 101 or to the mating plug-in connector 102, for example cables or electrical assemblies, to the plug-in connector 101 and the mating plug-in connector 102. As a result, abrasion of the contacts of the plug-in connector 101 and the mating contacts of the mating plug-in connector 102 can ultimately occur, which can have a detrimental effect on the transfer impedance and on the service life of the plug-in connection 100.

[0142] Although the primary latching arrangement 103 connects the plug-in connector 101 and the mating plug-in connector 102 securely and also firmly to one another as a rule, normally no plug-in connection 100 adequately stabilized against vibrations can be provided solely via the primary latching arrangement 103, in particular since the smooth action of the primary latching arrangement 103 must remain ensured for convenient operation of the plug-in connection 100.

[0143] FIGS. 2 to 17 show an electrical plug-in connection 1 according to the invention according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The plug-in connection 1 has an electrical plug-in connector 2 and an electrical mating plug-in connector 3 that can be electrically and mechanically connected to the plug-in connector 2 and also a primary latching arrangement 4 for latching the connection between the plug-in connector 2 and the mating plug-in connector 3. In FIGS. 2 to 17, the internal components (for example the contacts and the mating contacts, etc.) of the plug-in connector 2 and of the mating plug-in connector 3 have been blanked out for simpler illustration; thus, in principle only the plug-in connector housing and the mating plug-in connector housing of the plug-in connector 2 and mating plug-in connector 3 are illustrated.

[0144] In addition, the plug-in connection 1 according to the invention has a clamping device 5, which is designed to brace the plug-in connector 2 and the mating plug-in connector 3 in their connected state in addition to the latching by the primary latching arrangement 4. The clamping device 5 is a component that is independent of the primary latching arrangement 4.

[0145] By using the clamping device 5, the vibration resistance of the plug-in connection 1 can be increased, which means that the abrasion on the contacts and mating contacts of the plug-in connector 2 and of the mating plug-in connector 3 can be adequately avoided.

[0146] The electrical plug-in connection 1 illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 19 is preferably designed to transfer high currents at high voltages or as a high-voltage plug-in connection and is in particular advantageously suitable for use in vehicles, for example in electric vehicles. In principle, however, the plug-in connection 1 according to the invention may be suitable for any desired applications and the clamping device 5 according to the invention may be suitable for use with any desired plug-in connection 1. The plug-in connector types illustrated are to be understood as merely exemplary.

[0147] FIGS. 3 to 11 show the plug-in connection 1 in various views and individual illustrations.

[0148] The primary latching arrangement 4 of the plug-in connection 1, illustrated merely by way of example, is designed as a locking yoke having two side arms 7 connected via an actuating yoke 6 (cf. in particular the individual illustration in FIG. 9). By means of the locking yoke or the primary latching arrangement 4, the plug-in connection 1 can be moved, starting from a pre-latching position, not shown in the figures, in which the plug-in connector 2 is not or at least not fully connected to the mating plug-in connector 3, into a locking position and optionally latched there.

[0149] The side arms 7 are connected to two opposite side surfaces of the plug-in connector 2 so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation A. The axis of rotation A is formed by two pins 8 projecting laterally out of the plug-in connector housing of the plug-in connector 2 (cf. in particular FIGS. 2 and 7), which are accommodated in a corresponding hole 9 in the respective side arm 7. The side arms 7 of the locking yoke additionally form a slotted guide control arrangement 10 with the mating plug-in connector 3 (cf. in particular FIG. 3). The slotted guide is formed in the side arms 7 by a corresponding longitudinal slot 11, in which a guide block 12 of the mating plug-in connector 3 is forcibly guided (cf. in particular FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0150] In principle, the primary latching arrangement 4 can also be designed in a manner deviating from the exemplary embodiment and, for example, have a bayonet catch, a screw connection, a latching rocker and/or a latching connection. The locking yoke is merely a particularly preferred embodiment of the primary latching arrangement 4, which may be highly suitable in particular for high-voltage plug-in connections.

[0151] FIGS. 10 and 11 show a clamping device 5 according to the invention in two perspective individual illustrations. The clamping device 5 has a first clamping leg 13, a second clamping leg 14 and a third clamping leg 15. In principle, in a simplified embodiment of the invention, the first clamping leg 13 and the second clamping leg 14 may also already be sufficient. Optionally, still further clamping legs can also be provided.

[0152] The clamping legs 13, 14, 15 are connected to one another by their respective second ends via a common connecting yoke 16. The connecting yoke 16 is T-shaped in a top view, wherein the first clamping leg 13 and the second clamping leg 14 are arranged on the opposite ends of the T-shaped connecting yoke 16, and the third clamping leg 15 is arranged on the lower, third end of the T-shaped connecting yoke 16.

[0153] At their first ends, the clamping legs 13, 14, 15 each have a clamping element 17, 17′, which is designed to interact in a form-fitting manner with the plug-in connector 2 and with the mating plug-in connector 3 to brace the plug-in connector 2 with the mating plug-in connector 3. The clamping elements 17 of the first two clamping legs 13, 14 are formed by way of example as clamping heads and the clamping element 17′ of the third clamping leg 15 is formed by way of example as a clamping hook.

[0154] The first clamping leg 13 and the second clamping leg 14 are arranged opposite one another along the connecting yoke 16, in order to engage around the plug-in connector 2 and the mating plug-in connector 3 in the manner of tongs (cf. in particular FIG. 2). The third clamping leg 15 is arranged in relation to the two clamping legs 13, 14 that are opposite to one another in such a way that the clamping elements 17, 17′ of all the clamping legs 13, 14, 15 are positioned at the points of a common triangle D in a top view (illustrated dashed in FIG. 10), in order to engage around the plug-in connector 2 and the mating plug-in connector 3 on three side surfaces, which can likewise be seen easily in FIG. 2.

[0155] Finally, the clamping device 5 is capable of bracing the plug-in connection 1 in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner in several degrees of freedom. Bracing in three degrees of rotational freedom and two degrees of translational freedom is already possible on account of the three clamping legs 13, 14, 15 having the respective clamping elements 17, 17′.

[0156] To brace the plug-in connection 1, the mating plug-in connector 3 has a first latching element 18 and a second latching element 19 (cf. in particular FIGS. 2, 5, 6), which correspondingly interact in a form-fitting manner with the clamping element 17 of the first clamping leg 13 and with the clamping element 17 of the second clamping leg 14, by the latching elements 18, 19 engaging behind the respective clamping head and the respective clamping element 17. By way of example, FIG. 3 and the enlarged detail in FIG. 12 show the form-fitting connection of the clamping element 17 of the first clamping leg 13, which is formed as a clamping head, with the first latching element 18 of the mating plug-in connector 3. The first clamping leg 13 (and also the second clamping leg 14) has, by way of example, a recess or a cutout behind the clamping head 17, into which a corresponding projection of the corresponding latching element 18, 19 is able to latch.

[0157] According to a first variant of the invention, provision can be made for the clamping device 5 to brace the plug-in connector 2 relative to the mating plug-in connector 3 in combination with the connecting yoke 16. For this purpose, the connecting yoke 16 can rest with a contact surface on the upper side of the plug-in connector 2.

[0158] However, the bracing can also be carried out independently of (or in addition to) the bracing by the connecting yoke 16. For the bracing, for example according to a preferred, second variant of the invention shown in the exemplary embodiments, provision can be made for the plug-in connector 2 to have supporting elements 20, 21, 22, which are designed to absorb a bracing force introduced by the clamping elements 17, 17′ to brace the plug-in connector 2 relative to the mating plug-in connector 3. To introduce the bracing force, the clamping element 17 of the first clamping leg 13 is arranged between the first latching element 16 and a first supporting element 20 (cf. in particular FIG. 2) and, to introduce the bracing force, the clamping element 17 of the second clamping leg 14 is arranged between the second latching element 19 and a second supporting element 21. The first supporting element 20 and the second supporting element 21 are each formed approximately in an L-shape. The two supporting elements 20, 21 form a contact surface for the clamping elements 17 or for the clamping heads. The clamping elements 17 can advantageously press against the associated supporting elements 20, 21 as a result. To brace the plug-in connector 2 relative to the mating plug-in connector 3, the damping elements 17 and the clamping heads are each arranged in a form-fitting manner between the latching element 18, 19 of the mating plug-in connector 3 that is assigned to them, and a supporting element 20, 21 of the plug-in connector 2 that is assigned to them. By means of suitable dimensioning of the distances and geometries, the clamping element 17 or the clamping head ultimately attempts to drive the associated latching element 18, 19 and the supporting element 20, 21 further apart, which results in bracing of the plug-in connection 1.

[0159] In order to improve the bracing still further, the mating plug-in connector 3 additionally has a third latching element 23 (cf. FIG. 5), which is designed to interact in a form-fitting manner with the clamping element 17′ of the third clamping leg 15. The latching of the third latching element 23 with the clamping element 17′ of the third clamping leg 15 is illustrated particularly well in the partial section of FIG. 15, which extends along the section line XV of FIG. 4. The clamping element 17′ of the third clamping leg 15 is formed as a clamping hook by way of example. To introduce the bracing force, the clamping element 17′ of the third clamping leg 15 is arranged between the third latching element 23 and a third supporting element 22 (cf. in particular FIG. 15). The third supporting element 22 forms a contact surface for the damping element 17′. As a result, the clamping element 17′ can advantageously press against the third supporting element 22, which results in the bracing of the plug-in connector 2 relative to the mating plug-in connector.

[0160] Optionally, provision can be made for at least the first clamping leg 13 and the second clamping leg 14 of the clamping device 5 to be partly or completely elastic, in such a way that the clamping legs 13, 14 are spread apart counter to an elastic restoring force F (cf. FIGS. 2 and 10) when the clamping legs 13, 14 engage around the plug-in connector 2 and the mating plug-in connector 3.

[0161] For an additional form fit for the plug-in connection 1, provision can additionally be made for the plug-in connector 2 to have a locking element 24 (cf. FIGS. 8 and 14) and for the mating plug-in connector 3 to have a corresponding receptacle 25 for the locking element 24 (cf. FIGS. 6 and 14). The connection of the locking element 24 to the receptacle 25 is illustrated particularly well by using the section along the section line XIV of FIG. 3 in FIG. 14.

[0162] Provision is preferably made for the clamping device 5, at least starting from a pre-mounting position (illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 16), to be displaceable and/or pivotable into a bracing position (cf. for example FIGS. 12 and 15), in which the clamping device 5 braces the plug-in connector 2 and the mating plug-in connector 3 relative to one another. An example of a movement sequence for moving the clamping device 5, starting from the pre-mounting position, into the bracing position is indicated by appropriate arrows in FIGS. 13 and 16. In the pre-mounting position, the clamping device 5 is preferably captively connected to the plug-in connector 2.

[0163] Optionally, the plug-in connection 1 can additionally have a securing element 26 (also known as “housing locking” or “connector position assurance, CPA”), which is designed to secure the primary latching arrangement 4 mechanically in its state locking the plug-in connection 1. Particularly preferably, the clamping device 5 is formed in one piece with the securing element 26 or at least mechanically and/or functionally connected to the securing element 26. Preferably, the clamping device 5 is therefore able to perform the function of the securing element 26 and also the bracing of the plug-in connection 1 equally well. A corresponding securing element 26 is indicated dashed in FIG. 2 in an exemplary, schematic manner.

[0164] To connect the plug-in connector 2 to the mating plug-in connector 3, provision can be made for the plug-in connector 2 with the pre-mounted clamping device 5 to be plugged together with the mating plug-in connector 3, after which the primary latching arrangement 4 is then latched. Finally, the optional securing element 26 can be moved into its securing position to secure the primary latching arrangement 4 and/or the clamping device 5 can be moved into its bracing position.

[0165] The plug-in connection 1 can preferably have a sealing element (not specifically illustrated in the figures), in order to seal off the connection between the plug-in connector 2 and the mating plug-in connector 3. The clamping device 5 according to the invention can be particularly advantageously suitable for use with a plug-in connection 1 having a sealing element, since such a plug-in connection 1 can generally be particularly susceptible to mechanical loading.

[0166] FIG. 17 shows, by way of example, an advantageous use of the plug-in connection 1 according to the invention. The plug-in connection 1 is shown in its closed and secured and braced state.

[0167] The plug-in connector 2 is connected to an electrical cable 27 or a wiring harness. The mating plug-in connector 3 is connected to an electrical connector 28 leading onward and, for this purpose, by way of example is screwed to the connector 28 leading onward. Appropriate screws 29 are indicated in FIG. 17. Between the mating plug-in connector 3 and the connector 28 leading onward, a frame part or an outer housing 30 of an electrical assembly 31 is provided. The connector 28 leading onward is thus arranged on the inner wall of the outer housing 30 of the electrical assembly 31. The electrical assembly 31 can be, for example, a unit, an electric motor, a control device, a current or voltage converter, a vehicle battery or another electrical assembly. Starting from the connector 28 leading onward, appropriate lines 32 can run to the electrical components of the electrical assembly 31.

[0168] In principle, the mating plug-in connector 3 can, however, also be connected directly to an electrical cable 27 or another electrical component. For example, the plug-in connector 2 can also be connected to a connector 28 leading onward.

[0169] The application illustrated in FIG. 17 is to be understood as merely exemplary.

[0170] In addition, a perspective individual illustration of a clamping device 5 according to the invention having three clamping legs 13, 14, 15, which are each formed as separate components, is shown in FIG. 18. Bracing of the plug-in connection 1 according to the invention can thus advantageously also be implemented by the use of mutually independent clamping legs 13, 14, 15, in particular when the damping elements 17, 17′ for introducing the bracing force are each introduced between one of the latching elements 18, 19, 23 and one of the supporting elements 20, 21, 22.

[0171] In principle, for example, some of the clamping legs can also be connected to one another or formed in one piece with one another, while other clamping legs are formed as independent components. FIG. 19 shows, by way of example, a perspective individual illustration of a further clamping device 5 according to the invention, having two clamping legs 13, 14 connected via a common connecting yoke 16 in the manner of a clamp, and having a further, separate clamping leg 15.

[0172] As already mentioned, within the context of the invention provision can also be made for individual or all the clamping elements 17, 17′ to be used independently of a clamping leg 13, 14, 15. This is shown in the perspective individual illustration in FIG. 20 by way of example for the two clamping elements 17. The clamping elements 17 for introducing the bracing force can each be introduced between one of the latching elements 18, 19 and one of the supporting elements 20, 21. In principle, the clamping element 17′ can also be used without a clamping leg 15; FIG. 20 is merely intended to illustrate a further variant of the invention by way of example.

[0173] Finally, FIGS. 21 and 22 show a further exemplary embodiment of a clamping device 5 according to the invention. The functional principle is shown in a detail, merely by using the illustration of an individual clamping leg 13, 14 together with part of the plug-in connector 2 and the mating plug-in connector 3. FIG. 21 shows the clamping device 5 or the clamping leg 13, 14 in its pre-mounting position and FIG. 22 in its bracing position.

[0174] The clamping leg 13, 14 according to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 21 and 22 has a corresponding clamping element 17 on each of its two ends. The clamping element 17 is able to interact in a form-fitting manner with the latching element 18, 19 of the mating plug-in connector 3 in the bracing position. Furthermore, the plug-in connector 2 also has corresponding latching elements 18, 19.

[0175] The clamping leg 13, 14 can be rotatable along the axis of rotation marked in FIGS. 21 and 22, starting from the pre-mounting position into the bracing position. The clamping leg 13, 14 can be mounted so as to be rotatable along the axis of rotation on the plug-in connector 2 or on the mating plug-in connector 3; however this is not absolutely necessary.