GB2337375A

GB2337375A - Electrical separable connector

Info

Publication number: GB2337375A
Application number: GB9910070A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bernd Taubitz; Ewald Spiess
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 1998-05-12
Filing date: 1999-05-04
Publication date: 1999-11-17
Also published as: IT246706Y1; ITMI990281V0; DE29808526U1; GB9910070D0; FR2778793A3; ITMI990281U1

Abstract

An electrical separable coupling comprises connector (1) which is fixed on a housing in the direction of its longitudinal axis (34), a counterpart plug which can be coupled to the plug-in part (1) and a device (24, 36, 31) which is disposed on the connector (1) and prevents the connector (1) from rotating about the longitudinal axis (34), wherein the device (24, 26, 31) which prevents rotational movement allows the plug-in part to be displaced with respect to the housing perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (34). The device may be in the form of a disc (23) with an elongate protrusion 24 fitting with play in a slot (22) in a body part (12) of the connector and with an elongate slot (26) receiving with play a protrusion (31) of the connector. Teeth (45) prevent movement between the body of the connector and a mounting sleeve (36).

Description

1

DESCRIPTION ELECTRICAL SEPARABLE CONNECTOR

2337375 The invention relates to an electrical separable connector having a plug- in part which is fixed in a module housing in the direction of its longitudinal axis, a counter plug piece which can be coupled to the plugin part and a device which is disposed on the plug-in part to prevent rotational movement and which prevents the plug-in part from rotating about the longitudinal axis.

Electrical separable connectors are known which have a device which is disposed on the plug-in part to prevent rotational movement and which engages a housing wall, e.g., a transmission wall. It is primarily necessary to provide a separate device to prevent rotational movement if, for example, the circular cross-section of the plug-in part installed in a module housing allows said part to rotate with respect to the module housing in a plug-in part assembly hole about its longitudinal axis. lle additional device to prevent rotational movement defines the rotational movement about the longitudinal axis and as a consequence prevents any pulling or pushing forces or turning moments produced as a result of the rotational movement of the plug-in part from being transmitted to a wiring arrangement or solder or weld sites disposed at the rearside of the plug-in part.

In the case of the known electrical separable connector there is the flindamental problem that the individual elements of the electric separable connector are encumbered with manufacturing tolerances, wherein the position of the plug-in part with respect to the transmission housing can only be inadequately adjusted to requirements owing to the device which prevents the rotational movement, so that the process of assembling the electrical separable connector to the housing is costly and cumbersome.

An object of the invention is to provide an electrical separable connector of the said type, which can be adapted in its position without any problem as far as the component tolerances or an installation hole are concerned during the process of assembling the plug-in part in a housing or on a sleeve fixed to the housing.

w 2 In accordance with the present invention, the device to prevent rotational movement comprises a play-compensating means which allows the plug-in part to be displaced perpendicular to the longitudinal axis with respect to the transmission housing.

It was recognized in accordance with the invention that decisive advantages are achieved if during the installation the plug-in part is displaced with respect to the housing perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plug-in part and thus also perpendicular to the direction in which the separable connector is assembled. As a consequence, any jamming or tilting of the plug-in part during the iristallation can be avoided. Stamped screens are preferred for the electrical contacts especially where the plug-in part is installed in a position where fluid is involved, for example, in a transmission housing which is filled with oil. Owing to the fact that the stamped screens with their two-dimensional strips can only be moved to a certain extent, the soldering or welding of the contacts is facilitated or damaging forces at the connection site can also be prevented by virtue of the fact that the plug-in part can be displaced perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the separable connector.

A further advantage of the invention resides in the fact that component tolerances can be compensated by displacing the plug-in part with respect to the housing to a certain extent. A further advantage resides in the fact that, when using a sleeve with sealing elements into which the separable connector can be inserted, the process of inserting the plug-in part is improved.

In accordance with the invention it is possible when manufacturing the housing to fix the device which prevents rotational movement in its position with respect to the housing and also to fix the hole for the installation of the plug-in part in the housing. The installation of a sleeve with sealing elements often produces small deviations with respect to the optimum installation position for the plug-in part perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plug-in part. These deviations are compensated in a particularly advantageous manner by virtue of the playcompensating means according to the invention, which means can be a component of the device which prevents rotational movement.

In the case of a first embodiment of the invention, the device which prevents rotational 3 movement comprises positive-locking elements. Positive-locking elements in accordance with the present invention are any detachable connection devices which by means of a positivelocking arrangement which is effective in one direction or a rotational direction prevent the plugin part from rotating with respect to the housing parts. It is preferable to provide on the rearside of the plug-in part, i.e. on the connection side opposite to the plug-in contacts, a spigot which engages in a cut-out or groove of a housing. The spigot can be a multi-edged or two-edged element which can be removed in the longitudinal direction of the plug-in part out of the cut-out or groove and on the other hand prevents the rotational movement about the longitudinal axis of the plug-in part.

In preference, the device which prevents rotational movement comprises a guide disc which can be fixed on one side in a positive-locking manner on the plug-in part and on the other side in a positive-locking manner on the module housing. In accordance with the invention the guide disc is used to bridge the distance between the rearside of the plug-in part and a module housing wall. The guide disc can preferably be detached in the longitudinal direction of the plug-in part, wherein the positive-locking arrangement, for example, between a spigot, which has a rectangular crosssection, and a rectangular groove prevents a rotational movement of the guide disc with respect to the plug-in part and prevents a rotational movement of the guide disc with respect to a module housing wall. In this manner the plug-in part is fixed at a housing wall, wherein the spigot on the rearside, for example, a two-edged or multi-edged element, prevents a rotational movement with respect to a region of the housing wall, for example, a second housing wall disposed behind the plug-in part.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention the device which prevents rotational movement comprises a spigot which engages in a rectangular groove on one side of the guide disc and a further spigot on the opposite side of the guide disc engages in a groove or cut-out in the housing. In this manner, the positive-locking connection in the longitudinal direction of the plug-in part can be assembled easily and released and is held together between the housing walls when assembling the module housing parts. The positive-locking connection can, however, also be perforTned in a different manner. For example, a groove can be provided on the rearside of the plug-in part, into which groove engages a spigot of the housing wall or guide disc. On the 4 other hand, the device which prevents rotational movement can also be disposed to the side on the plug-in part, in which cue a spigot also engages into a groove.

In the case of a further advantageous embodiment the positive-locking connection element comprises a certain amount of play at least in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plug-in part and there is a free space, along which the spigot can be displaced with the plug-in part in one direction, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plug-in part at least on one side of the spigot. For this purpose, the cut-out or groove in the displacement direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plug-in part has a larger cross-section than the spigot. As a consequence, the groove or cutout forms at the side a free space in which the spigot connected in particular to the plug-in part is displaced along the guide edges of the groove. For example, the groove can comprise two free spaces on two opposing sides of the spigot and these free spaces enable the spigot to be displaced in each case by a millimetre in one direction and by a millimetre in the oppositive direction out of the normal position.

The play-compensating means is preferably formed by the spigot which can be displaced in a groove, in particular by a two-edged device which forms the positive-locking element for the device which prevents rotational movement. As a consequence, the provision of free spaces for the displacement of the spigot provides the device which prevents rotational movement in a convenient manner with the play-compensating means in accordance with the invention.

In a further embodiment of the invention the play-compensating means comprises two positivelocking connection elements with play-compensating directions, i.e. displacement directions, which are mutually perpendicular. Especially in connection with a guide disc which, as described above, comprises two positive-locking connection elements, a spigot can be displaced in a reciprocating manner on one side of the guide disc in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and on the other side of the guide disc a spigot disposed on the plug-in part can be displaced in the groove in a different direction which is in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plug-in part and perpendicular to the first direction of displacement of the first spigot on the one side of the guide disc. The perpendicular arrangement of the two playcompensating directions renders it possible for the plug-in part finally to be displaced in any 1 direction with respect to the device which prevents rotational movement and thus with respect to the rear housing wall.

Preferably, the device to prevent rotational movement having a playcompensating means comprises two positive-locking connection elements which have two spigots, disposed in a perpendicular manner "ith respect to each other and formed in particular as a two-edged device, which can be displaced along two cut-outs which comprise free spaces in which the spigots can be displaced The plug-in part can comprise electrical contacts, in particular plug-in pins, which can be contacted electrically on the opposite connection side, especially by a stamped screen. However, the plug-in part can also comprise small bushings or clamping elements to receive appropriate plug- in pins of the counter plug piece. Moreover, the connections which can be contacted by the stamped screen or corresponding cables can be disposed on one side or peripheral surface of the plug-in parl In preference, the plug-in part comprises on the connection side a cover means which at least partially covers the connection side and/or the wiring arrangement, for example the stamped screen. 'The cover means covers at least regions of the plug-in part rearside and/or the connection side as well as the contact sites between the plug-in pins and the stamped screen or also covers parts of the stamped screen itself. On the one hand, the covering can provide protection for the weld or solder sites on the connection side of the plug-in part and on the other hand the mechanical stability of the connection between the stamped screen and the plug-in part is increased. Finally, the cover means can act as an insulation for the connection contacts and the stamped screen, primarily also in connection with other housing parts or insulating elements.

The cover means preferably comprises one of the positive-locking elements of the device which prevents rotational movement, in particular a groove or a two-edged device. In this manner, the forces occurring on the device which prevents rotational movement influence on the one hand the plug-in part and on the other hand also the wiring arrangement, for example the stamped screen of the separable connector. As a consequence, pulling and pushing forces which occur 6 at the contact sites of the plug-in contacts are reduced.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the cover means is injection moulded onto the connection side of the plug-in part. In so doing, the stamped screen and the plug-in contacts are injection moulded with synthetic material in a non-positive manner in the connection region. During this procedure a two-edged device is formed simultaneously at the free end side either in the horizontal or perpendicular installation position with respect to the housing. It is then possible to dispose on this two-edged device the guide disc with a groove which encompasses the two-edged device.

In preference, the separable connector comprises a sleeve which is connected to the plug-in part and the counter plug piece, more particularly with sealing means which provide a sealing arrangement with respect to the housing. It is naturally also possible to provide sealing means between the plug-in part and the sleeve or between the sleeve and the counter plug piece. In particular, when installing the separable connector in accordance with the invention in nission housings which contain transmission oil, the sealing arrangement between parts of the housing, the sleeve and the plug-in part is required.

The sleeve can comprise a device which prevents rotational movement, in particular by means of a toothing arrangement or a spigot, with respect to the plug-in part or the housing. AS a consequence, in the installation position, in particular in the case of separable connectors which have a rotationally symmetrical or circular cross-section, the sleeve is prevented from rotating with respect to the plug-in part.

In addition, the sleeve can be secured by way of a retaining means, in particular a resilient ring or a resilient clamp, to prevent being displaced in a parallel manner with respect to the longitudinal axis of the plug-in part.

The sleeve which is prevented from performing a rotational movement can comprise a coupling means, in particular a screw or bayonet closure device to prevent the separable connector from being uncoupled unintentionally.

1 11 7 The invention is described further hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- shows an exploded illustration of a first embodiment of the electrical separable connector in accordance with the present invention, Figure 2 shows an illustration of the assembled electrical separable connector according to the first embodiment and Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an electrical separable connector according to a second embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

The electrical separable connector according to the first embodiment comprises a plug-in part 1 which comprises plug-in pins 2 and which is connected via a plug-in cap 3 to a housing 4 in which control electronics 10 are installed, for example, for the purpose of controlling the transmission of a vehicle. The housing 4 is installed directly in the transmission of the vehicle, so that the housing 4 can be flushed with transmission oil. Electrical connections 5, 6 are provided on the housing 4 to control the pilot valves. Alternatively, the pilot valves can also be integrated immediately into the module. Sensors for the rotational speed indicator, distance travelled indicator, pressure gauge and temperature gauge can be provided in addition to the associated control electronics 10. Moreover, a stamped screen 7 with individual conductive strips 8 can be provided inside the housing 4 to produce an electrical contact between the control electronics 6 and the plug-in pins 2 of the plug-in part 1.

Furthermore, the electrical separable connector comprises a plug cap rear wall 12 with a stamped screen guide part 13. The plug cap rear wall 12 is designed as a synthetic material part which is disposed in an upright perpendicular position with respect to the plane of the stamped screen guide part 13. The plug cap rear wall 12 comprises a base plate 14 having a semi-circular cover region 15 with frame parts 16 which are angled with respect to the base plate 14.

The base plate 14 comprises internal stamped screen guide elements 18 which ensure that the 8 conductive strips 8 of the stamped screen 7 are arranged in a spaced disposition. The stamped screen guide elements enable the stamped screen 7 to be displaced, in particular towards the innerside of the house 4.

The stamped screen guide part 13 is fixedly connected to the plug cap rear wall 12 and is tailored to suit the shape or the profile of stamped screen 7 and is provided with additional stamped screen guide elements 19 to allow the stamped screen 7 to be displaced in a precisely defined manner in a predetermined direction of movement, for example horizontally or vertically, wherein the individual conductive strips 8 and spaced apart and insulated with respect to each other.

In preference, the stamped screen 7 comprises in its profile one or a plurality of bend sites 20 to lengthen or shorten the conductive strips 8 in order to be able to adapt the stamped screen 7 to suit the position of the plug-in pins 2 as they contact. The plug cap rear wall 12 comprises in the base plate 14, preferably within the semi-circular connection region 15, a cutout 22 or groove which in the example extends in the vertical direction. A guide disc 23 having a two-edged spigot 24 can be used in the elongated cut-out 22.

Both the cut-out 22 and also the two-edged spigot 24 comprise an elongated shape and the cutout 22 extends further longitudinally than the two-edged spigot 24. If the longitudinal extension of the cut-out 22 is approx. 2 nun greater than that of two-edged-spigot 24, then the guide disc 23 can be displaced in the longitudinal, more particularly vertically disposed, direction starting from a central neutral position approximately 1 mm in each longitudinal direction, i.e. 1 mm upwards and 1 mm downwards.

The guide disc 23 comprises on a side 25 lying opposite the two-edged spigot 24 a longitudinally extending groove 26 which extends longitudinally in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the two-edged spigot 24. The groove 26 extends longitudinally to a greater extent than a corresponding two-edged spigot 3 1. The longitudinal extension of the groove 26 in the example is 2 mm greater than that of the two-edged spigot 3 1. The guide disc 23 is formed as a circular disc with two flat sides, the two-edged spigot 24 being disposed on one flat side and 9 the cut-out 26 being disposed on the opposite lying flat side 25.

The plug-in part 1 is substantially cylindrical in shape, is rotationally symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal axis and therefore without the locking device which prevents rotational movement 22, 24, 26, 31 can rotate in the plug-in part receiving device 27 formed on the plug cap 3. The plug-in part 1 comprises on its periphery a circumferential rib or peripheral step 28 which secures the plug-in part 1 in the installed position in its longitudinal direction.

In principle, it is now provided that a two-edged spigot 31 is disposed on the plug-in part rear side and engages in the groove 26 of the guide disc, so that the plug-in part 1 is fixed in position in a positive- locking manner in the groove 26 of the guide disc 23 and can simultaneously be displaced in a reciprocating manner in the longitudinal direction of the groove 26. For this purpose the groove 26 extends to a greater extent longitudinally than the spigot which is nonrotatably connected to the receiving side 29 of the plug-in part 1.

In the case of the present embodiment, the plug-in pins 2 are connected in each case to a conductive strip 8 of the stamped screen 7 in the connection region 21 by welding, soldering or rivets. The stamped screen and also the plug-in part 1 are both connected in the connection region 21 in a non-positive manner, for example, injection moulded with synthetic material. When designing the cover means 30, a two-edged spigot 31 is formed on the free side of the cover means 30 facing the guide disc 23 in such a manner that it fits the groove 26 of the guide disc 23. In so doing, the two-edged spigot 31 and the groove 26 are designed in such a manner that they have a clearance of approx. 1 mm in the displacement direction and have an extremely small amount of play transversely with respect to the groove.

As a consequence, the plug-in part 1 can be displaced with respect to the guide disc 23 in a horizontal direction in the example and the plug-in part 1 can be moved together with the guide disc 23 in a longitudinal direction, a vertical direction in the example, with respect to the cutout 22 in the plug cap rear wall 12. In this manner, the plug-in part 1 can be displaced during the subsequent assembly process, for example in the housing wall or with respect to a sleeve, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by approx. 1 mm in any direction, in order to compensate any tolerances without rotating the plug-in part with the associated conductive strips 8.

Figure 2 illustrates the electrical separable connector assembled according to the first embodiment and as a consequence formed as a component of the module housing 4. The separable connector can be disposed between two synthetic material housing parts 3 and 12 in such a manner as to be able to move. When introducing the counter plug piece [not illustrated] into the plug-in part 1, the plug-in part can be displaced in its position perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis by virtue of the device which prevents rotational movement in accordance with the invention and which compensates the play, wherein the process of assembling the electrical separable connector is facilitated. For example, component tolerances caused by seals 40, 41, 42 and separable connector parts can be compensated and as a consequence even large installation tolerances between the module housing 4 and the transmission housing 47 can be compensated. The counter plug piece is usually connected to a vehicle wiring harness. The plug cap 3 is mechanically reinforced by a support 32 which is disposed in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the plug-in part.

Figure 3 illustrates an electrical separable connector in a sectional view along the longitudinal axis 34 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Components which correspond to those in the first embodiment are provided with like designations. The plug-in part 1 is rotationally symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal axis 34 and can be inserted into a hole 35 by means of a sleeve 36. The plug-in part 1 comprises at its connection side 29 a circumferential step 33 for anchoring the cover means 30 and at its side directly adjacent to the housing 4 comprises a radially protruding sleeve receiving region 37. A circumferential groove 38 is formed between the sleeve receiving region 37 and the peripheral step 33. The peripheral step 33 and the peripheral groove 38 form the contact site for the cover means 30 which is attached either in a positive or non-positive locking manner at the connection side 29 on the plugin part 1, for example by virtue of injection moulding with synthetic materials.

The cover means 30 engages the connection side parts of the plug-in pins 2, the connection sites and a part of the stamped screen 7. The cover means 30 has on the one hand an insulating function and on the other hand forces which act upon the stamped screen 7 are to be prevented 11 from reaching the connection sites by virtue of the play and tolerance movement of the electrical separable connector and are diverted directly from the plug-in part 1 to the stamped screen 7.

The plug-in part 1 lies with its end opposite the connection side 29, i.e. with a part of the sleeve receiving region 37 directly on the innerside of the housing 47. An annular groove 39 is provided in the sleeve receiving region 37 on the front side of the plug-in part 1 in order to displace the plug-in part 1 from one side to the sleeve 36 fixed in the hole 35.

The sleeve 36 comprises two sealing rings 40 and 41 which provide a sealing arrangement with respect to the housing 47 and a sealing ring 42 which provides a sealing arrangement with respect to the plug-in part 1. 71e sleeve 36 comprises a peripheral step 43 which is disposed outside the housing 47 and lies against the outside thereof and which prevents the sleeve from displacing in a parallel manner with the longitudinal direction in the inner part of housing. In addition, a resilient clamp 44 prevents the sleeve 36 from drawing out of the hole 35 in the housing 47. The resilient clamp 44 can in addition also prevent the sleeve 36 from displacing in a parallel manner with respect to longitudinal axis 34 in the annular groove 39 of the plug-in part 1.

A device 45 which prevents rotational movement, for example, a toothed arrangement or a spigot engaging m a groove, is provided on the innerside of the annular groove 39 to prevent the sleeve 3 6 from rotating about the longitudinal axis 3 4 with respect to the plug-in part I which is secured in such a manner as to prevent rotation. At the side disposed outside the housing 47 the sleeve 36 is provided with parts of a bayonet closure device 46 for fixing the position of the counter plug piece on the sleeve 36 and thus also on the plug-in part 1. The sleeve 36 facilitates on the one hand the sealing arrangement with respect to the housing 47 and comprises an additional guide for the counter plug piece upon insertion into the plug-in part 1.

The rearside two-edged spigot 24 prevents the entire electrical separable connector including the counter plug piece, which is prevented from rotating by means of the bayonet closure device, from rotating with respect to a housing rear wall 12. The play compensating means in accordance with the invention is formed by virtue of the positive-locking connection elements 22, 24 or 26, 31 of the guide disc 23 which can be displaced in two vertical directions with 12 respect to each other.

Owing to the device 22, 23, 31, 45 which prevents rotational movement in accordance with the invention and comprises a play-compensating means the plug-in part 1 is installed between the plug cap rear wall 12 and the transmission housing 47 in such a manner that the plug-in part 1 can hardly move or is unable to move in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis, however, a displacement movement in a radial direction with respect to the plug-in part 1 is possible, i.e. in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 34. Movement in a radial direction is limited on the one hand by the plug-in part receiving device 27 and on the other hand by the plug cap rear wall 12 against which the plug-in part 1 abuts with its periphery. The axial movement is limited by the peripheral step 28 abutting the plug-in cap rear wall 12 and by the front side of the plug-in part 1 abutting the transmission housing 47.

f 7 q -1,2 5 -- 13

Claims

Electrical separable connector having a plug-in part which is fixed on a housing in the direction of its longitudinal axis, a counter plug piece which can be coupled to the plug-in part and a device which is disposed on the plug-in part to prevent rotational movement and which prevents the plug-in part from rotating about the longitudinal axis, wherein the device to prevent rotational movement comprises a play compensating means which allows the plug-in part to displace vAth respect to the housing in a manner perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Separable connector according to claim 1, wherein the device which prevents rotational movement comprises positive-locking elements, preferably a spigot which engages in a cut-out or a groove.

3. Separable connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device which prevents rotational movement comprises a guide disc which can be fixed in position on one side in a positive-locking manner on the plug-in part and on the other side in a positivelocking manner on the housing.

4. Separable connector according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device which prevents rotational movement comprises a two-edged device which engages in a rectangular groove on one side of the guide disc and a second two- edged device engages on the opposite side of the guide disc into a groove or cut-out in the housing.

Separable connector according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the positivelocking connection elements comprise a degree of play in at least one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plug-in part.

6. Separable connector according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the play compensating means is formed by a spigot, preferably a two-edged device, which is displaceable in a groove.

14 Separable connector according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the play compensating means comprises two positive-locking connection elements with a play compensating direction which is disposed perpendicular with respect to each other 8.

Separable connector according to any of the preceding claims, wherein that the device which prevents rotational movernent and has the play compensating means comprises two positive-locking connection elements with two spigots which are disposed perpendicular to each other and are preferably formed as a two-edged device, which spigots can be displaced along two cut-outs.

9. Separable connector according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plug-in part comprises electrical contacts, in particular plug-in pins which can be contacted electrically at the opposite lying connection region, in particular by a stamped screen.

10. Separable connector according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plug-in part comprises in the connection region a cover means which at least partially covers the connection side and/or the wiring arrangement, for example, the stamped screen.

11. Separable connector according to claim 10, wherein the cover means comprises a positive-locking element, preferably a groove or a two-edged device.

12. Separable connector according to any of claims 10 or 11, wherein the cover means is injection moulded at the connection side to the plug-in part.

13. Separable connector according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the separable connector comprises a sleeve which is connected to the plug-in part and the counter plug piece and comprises sealing means, in particular for providing a sealing arrangement with respect to the housing.

14. Separable connector according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve comprises a device which prevents rotational movement, in particular by virtue of a toothed arrangement, and which prevents a rotational movement with respect to the plug- in part or the housing.

15. Separable connector according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve is secured by way of a retaining rneans, in particular a resilient ring or a resilient clamp to prevent displacement in a parallel manner with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pIug-in part.

16. Separable connector according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve comprises a coupling means, p-Teferably a screw or bayonet closure device to prevent the separable connector from being uncoupled unintentionally.

17. Electrical separable connector substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accornpanying drawings.