FIG. 3C shows a state into which the plug connector part 2 is transferred if, starting from the position according to FIG. 3B, the sliding sleeve 22 is moved further away from the mating plug connector 3 so that the locking element 24 is lifted until the locking of the locking element 24 with the mating locking element 32 is released by lifting the projection out of the recess. As a result of the spring force of the pretensioned elastic elements 23, the contact carrier 21 moves away from the mating contact element 3 and in the direction of the end of the housing 20 of the plug connector part 2 facing away from the mating plug connector part 3 (in the pulling direction). A displacement of the sliding sleeve 22 in relation to the contact carrier 21 thus first brings about a tensioning of the elastic elements 23 and subsequently an actuation of the locking element 24. The use of elastic elements 23 makes it possible to achieve particularly high separation speeds and to ensure reliable and complete separation of the contacts. The movement of the contact carrier 21 in relation to the housing 20 is compensated by compression of the flexible electrical conductors 25.

The plug connector part 2 can then be removed from the mating plug connector part 3.