PLUG-AND-SOCKET CONNECTION DEVICE

The invention relates to a plug-and-socket connection device for the automatic, e.g. multipolar electrical connection of a vehicle trailer, particularly of a semitrailer, to a towing vehicle, particularly to a prime mover. The plug-and-socket connection device comprises a socket and a plug, which can be mounted on the vehicle trailer (e.g. the plug) or on the towing vehicle (e.g. the socket, they can be aligned with one another when coupling the vehicle trailer to the towing vehicle, and can be displaced while being guided by a drive provided in the form of an, e.g. piston/cylinder assembly relative to one another between an (advanced) connecting position and a (retracted) inoperative position. Preferably, a cover of the socket can be opened by displacing, with the aid of the drive, the contact insert, which is accommodated in the socket and which supports the contact sleeves, in the direction of the connecting position, and can be closed once again when retracting the contact insert into the inoperative position. The invention is characterized in that the plug is mounted so that it laterally yields in an elastic manner against the action of at least one retaining spring that is fixed, on one side, to the plug and, on the other side, to a fastening flange that can be fastened to a vehicle (towing vehicle or vehicle trailer).