Contact device for a connector, connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a contact device (800) for a connector (900), in particular an input / output connector, comprising a plurality of contact elements (10), each of which extends from a first connection side (11) to a second connection side (12), wherein, at the first connection side (11), first end portions (21) of a first subset (100) of the contact elements (10) are configured to contact an external element in a first plane (810), first end portions (21) of a second subset (200) of the contact elements (10) are configured to contact an external element in a second plane (820) which is parallel to the first plane (810) and spaced apart from the first plane (810) along a height direction (H), and wherein, in a compensation region (15), intermediate portions (25) of at least some of the contact elements (15) lie in a single common plane (880). The invention also relates to a connector (900) comprising such a contact device (800).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a contact arrangement for a connector and to a connector. BACKGROUND

[0002] Contact arrangements of connectors are known. One problem associated with prior art connectors is that with them it is not possible to carry out data transmission at high transmission rates. SUMMARY

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution which allows higher transmission rates.

[0004] This object is achieved by a contact arrangement for a connector, in particular an input / output connector, comprising a plurality of contact elements, each contact element extending from a first connection side to a second connection side, wherein at the first connection side, first end portions of a first subset of the contact elements are configured to contact an external element in a first plane, and first end portions of a second subset of the contact elements are configured to contact the external element in a second plane, the second plane being parallel to the first plane and spaced apart from the first plane along a height direction, and wherein at a compensation region, intermediate portions of at least some of the contact elements lie in a single common plane.

[0005] A connector according to the invention comprises such a contact arrangement.

[0006] The solution according to the invention can be further improved by the following further developments and advantageous embodiments, which are independent of one another and can be combined arbitrarily as desired.

[0007] The first and second subsets can contain all contact elements. In this case, no other contact elements can be present in the connector.

[0008] In an alternative configuration, the connector can comprise further contact elements, for example for signals which do not require high transmission rates, or for other purposes such as power supply or ground. The first and second subsets can contain all contact elements for high transmission signals. The further contact elements do not necessarily have to be configured in accordance with the idea of the invention.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment, the intermediate portions of a majority of both subsets can lie in a single common plane. This already allows an improvement in transmission performance. In order to increase the performance, the intermediate portions can lie in two planes. For example, the intermediate portions can lie alternately in the two planes.

[0010] Depending on the requirements of the further contact elements which can be present, the intermediate portions of all contact elements and / or of both subsets can lie in a single common plane.

[0011] For one or more contact elements of the first and second subset, the intermediate portion can be arranged between two steps in the contact element to allow for easy manufacturing. The steps can be cross sections in which the contact element changes from one plane to another plane. The steps can comprise two bends which can in particular turn in opposite ways, for example left and right or clockwise and counter-clockwise.

[0012] If steps are present on both sides of the intermediate portion, the steps on both sides can extend in opposite directions in the height direction away from the intermediate portion. For example, one step can extend towards the first plane, while the other step can extend away from the first plane.

[0013] For good results, the intermediate portion can extend along at least a tenth of the total length of the contact element. Preferably, the intermediate portion extends along at least 20% of the total length of the contact element, more preferably along at least 30% of the total length of the contact element. Thus, the length of one intermediate portion can be 10%, 20% or 30% of the total length of the contact element. The total length can be measured along the curved or bent extent of the contact element.

[0014] For good decoupling results, the distance between the first end portion and the intermediate portion can be less than a third of the total length of the contact element. Preferably, the distance is less than 20% of the total length, more preferably less than 10%.

[0015] The contact element can comprise a contact surface for contacting an external element. The contact surface can comprise a contact point. The contact surface can be curved, for example cylindrical and / or convex. The contact point can for example be the outermost point of the contact surface in the height direction. A plurality of contact points on different contact elements can define a first plane and / or a second plane. A plurality of contact points on different contact elements can lie within the first plane and / or the second plane.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one contact element comprises a first contact surface on the first connection side and a second contact surface on the second connection side, wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface face in the same direction. A torque acting on the contact element can thus be reduced.

[0017] The first contact surface can be arranged on the first end portion. The second contact surface can be arranged on the second end portion.

[0018] The term "face in" can mean that a vector perpendicular to a surface points in a certain direction away from the direction of the surface. The vector can in particular be defined in the contact point.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment, the at least one contact element comprises a first contact surface on the first connection side and a second contact surface on the second connection side, wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface face in opposite directions.

[0020] For example, the first and second contact surfaces can face each other at 180°.

[0021] To allow contacting, for example, on one side of the PCB, the second end portion of the contact elements on the second connection side can be configured to contact the external element in a single plane.

[0022] In another embodiment, on the second connection side, the second end portion of a third subset of the contact elements is configured to contact the external element in a third plane, and the second end portion of a fourth subset of the contact elements is configured to contact the external element in a fourth plane, which is parallel to the third plane and which is spaced apart from the third plane along said or another height direction.

[0023] The third subset can be the first subset (i.e. comprising the same contact elements as the first subset), and / or the fourth subset can be the second subset. This can make manufacturing simple.

[0024] The contact elements of the first and second subsets can in particular be pairwise overlapping and / or opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the first and / or second plane. The contact elements of the third and fourth subsets can in particular be pairwise overlapping and / or opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the third and fourth plane.

[0025] In another embodiment, the third subset comprises a subset of the first subset and a subset of the second subset, and / or the fourth subset comprises a subset of the first subset and a subset of the second subset.

[0026] In one embodiment, at least one, preferably exactly one, contact element of the first subset and at least one, preferably exactly one, contact element of the second subset can be exchanged in position on the second connection side with respect to a direction perpendicular to the first and / or second plane. In such an embodiment, each of the two exchanged contact elements crosses an intermediate plane extending between and parallel to the first and second plane an odd number of times. Preferably, the two exchanged contact elements are positioned opposite each other at at least one of the first and second ends with respect to, for example, the intermediate plane.

[0027] Preferably, the common plane of the intermediate portions is different from the first, second, third and / or fourth plane. This can result in a good decoupling effect. For example, the plane of the intermediate portions can be centrally positioned between the first, second, third and / or fourth plane. In particular, the plane of the intermediate portions can be positioned between the first and second plane and / or between the third and fourth plane. Preferably, the plane of the intermediate portions can be positioned in the middle of the first and second plane and / or in the middle of the third and fourth plane. In other embodiments, the plane of the intermediate portions can be positioned between the first and second plane and / or between the third and fourth plane, but offset from the exact middle plane between the two respective planes.

[0028] The contact elements can be elongated elements. For example, the contact elements can be strip-shaped. They can be made of a metal sheet, for example by cutting and / or stamping. The first end portions, the second end portions and the intermediate portions can be substantially planar or straight.

[0029] The contact elements can extend along a longitudinal direction. The contact elements can at least partially extend longitudinally parallel.

[0030] For ease of manufacture, the intermediate portions can be parallel to each other.

[0031] Similarly, the first end portions can be parallel to each other and / or the second end portions can be parallel to each other. The first end portions of one subset, for example the first subset or the second subset, can be substantially located in a common plane parallel to the first and / or second plane.

[0032] Furthermore, at least one of the plurality of first end portions, second end portions and intermediate portions can be parallel to at least one of the other plurality. This can further improve the assembly process.

[0033] In other embodiments, the plurality of first end portions, second end portions and intermediate portions can be inclined with respect to at least one of the other plurality. For example, the intermediate portions can be inclined with respect to at least one of the first end portions and the second end portions, or with respect to at least one of the first, second, third and fourth plane.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, in at least one contact element, the connecting portion connecting the first end portion to the intermediate portion extends perpendicular to the plane of the intermediate portion. This can improve the transmission performance.

[0035] Similarly, in another advantageous embodiment, in at least one contact element, the connecting portion connecting the second end portion to the intermediate portion extends perpendicular to the plane of the intermediate portion.

[0036] Preferably, all connecting portions extend perpendicular to the plane of the intermediate portions.

[0037] The common plane of the intermediate portion can be parallel to the first, second, third and / or fourth plane.

[0038] In other embodiments, the common plane of the intermediate portion can be inclined or angled with respect to the first, second, third and / or fourth plane. Furthermore, the first and second plane can be inclined or angled with respect to the third and / or fourth plane. In order to improve signal performance, each contact element comprises only a first end portion, a first connecting portion, an intermediate portion, a second connecting portion and a second end portion. Preferably, each contact element is a unitary element comprising only a single element.

[0039] In further embodiments, the third plane and / or the fourth plane can be perpendicular to the first plane and / or the second position. The second end portion can extend away from the first plane and / or the second plane. However, the second end portion of the third subset and the fourth subset can extend away from each other by 180 degrees.

[0040] The intermediate portion of at least one subset can be incorporated into the first end portion and / or the second end portion and can not be separated from the first end portion and / or the second end portion, for example by a step.

[0041] In the connector, the contact elements can advantageously be embedded in a plastic material, for example in injection-molded plastic. This can result in a lightweight connector.

[0042] The contact device can comprise a fifth subset of contact elements, preferably mechanically coupled to each other, and a sixth subset of contact elements, preferably mechanically coupled to each other. This can allow for a simple handling of the contact elements of the fifth and sixth subset.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment, the fifth subset is supported in a first support and the sixth subset is supported in a second support. This can make the assembly process easy.

[0044] The fifth subset can be the first and / or third subset. The sixth subset can be the second and / or fourth subset.

[0045] In order to make production simple, the contact elements in the fifth subset and the sixth subset can have the same shape, but are arranged rotated by 180° with respect to the other subset, in particular in the assembled state. Similarly, the contact elements in the first and second subset can have the same shape and are rotated by 180° with respect to each other in the assembled state.

[0046] In another embodiment, at least one of the fifth and sixth subset comprises two contact elements, the first contact surface and / or the second contact surface of which are oriented differently.

[0047] In order to make the assembly easier, the first support and / or the second support can comprise positioning elements for positioning the two pieces relative to each other.

[0048] Furthermore, the connector can comprise a housing for holding the two supports together. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0049] In the following, the application will be described in more detail and by way of example with reference to the advantageous embodiments and to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are merely possible configurations, in which individual features as described above can be provided independently of each other or can be omitted.

[0050] In the drawings:

[0051] Figure 1 a schematic perspective exploded view of a connector is shown;

[0052] Figure 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector is shown;

[0053] Figure 3 a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector is shown;

[0054] Figure 4 a schematic perspective view of partially unfinished pieces of a connector is shown;

[0055] Figure 5 a schematic perspective view of pieces for a connector is shown;

[0056] Figure 6 a schematic perspective view of pieces in an assembled state of Figure 5 a connector is shown;

[0057] Figure 7 a schematic perspective view of a connection device of the embodiment of Figure 5 and 6 is shown;

[0058] Figure 8 another schematic perspective view of a connection device of Figure 7 is shown;

[0059] Figure 9 a schematic side view of a connection device of Figure 7 mounted to a PCB is shown;

[0060] Figure 10 a schematic top view of a connection device of Figure 7 mounted to a PCB is shown;

[0061] Figure 11 another schematic top view of a connection device of Figure 7 without a PCB is shown;

[0062] Figure 12 a schematic front view of the connection device of Figure 11 ;

[0063] Figure 13 a schematic view showing the line configuration in the connection device of Figure 7 and the respective variations therein;

[0064] Figure 14 a schematic front view of the connector;

[0065] Figure 15 a schematic side cross-sectional view through the connector of Figure 14 ;

[0066] Figure 16A , 16B , 16C show a schematic cross-sectional view through the connector of Figure 15 along the plane indicated; Figure 14

[0067] Figure 17 show a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector embodiment along the first plane;

[0068] Figure 18 show a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 17 along the second plane;

[0069] Figure 19 and 20 show a schematic side view of different embodiments of the contact element;

[0070] Figure 21 show a schematic side view of a first group of different embodiments of the contact device;

[0071] Figure 22 show a schematic perspective view of parts of a first embodiment belonging to the first group of embodiments of Figure 21 ;

[0072] Figure 23 show a schematic perspective view of parts of a second embodiment belonging to the first group of embodiments of Figure 21 ;

[0073] Figure 24 show a schematic side view of a second group of different embodiments of the contact device;

[0074] Figure 25 show a schematic perspective view of parts of a first embodiment belonging to the second group of embodiments of Figure 24 ;

[0075] Figure 26 show a schematic perspective view of parts of a second embodiment belonging to the second group of embodiments of​Figure 24 schematic perspective view of a portion of a second embodiment of a second set of embodiments of the contact device of

[0076] Figure 27 a schematic perspective view of a portion of a second embodiment of a second set of embodiments of the contact device of Figure 22

[0077] Figure 28 a schematic perspective view of a portion of a second embodiment of a second set of embodiments of the contact device of Figure 22

[0078] Figure 29 a schematic perspective view of a portion of a second embodiment of a second set of embodiments of the contact device of Figure 22

[0079] Figure 30 a schematic perspective view of a portion of a second embodiment of a second set of embodiments of the contact device of Figure 22

[0080] Figure 31 a schematic perspective view of a portion of a second embodiment of a second set of embodiments of the contact device of Figure 23

[0081] Figure 32 a schematic perspective view of a portion of a second embodiment of a second set of embodiments of the contact device of Figure 23

[0082] Figure 33 a schematic perspective view of a portion of a second embodiment of a second set of embodiments of the contact device of Figure 23

[0083] Figure 34 a schematic perspective view of a portion of a second embodiment of a second set of embodiments of the contact device of Figure 23

[0084] Figure 35 a schematic perspective view of a portion of a second embodiment of a second set of embodiments of the contact device of Figure 25

[0085] Figure 36 a schematic perspective view of a portion of a second embodiment of a second set of embodiments of the contact device of Figure 25

[0086] Figure 37 a schematic perspective view of a portion of a second embodiment of a second set of embodiments of the contact device of Figure 25

[0087] Figure 38 a schematic perspective view of a portion of a second embodiment of a second set of embodiments of the contact device of Figure 25

[0088] Figure 39 a schematic perspective view of a portion of a second embodiment of a second set of embodiments of the contact device of​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0089] Figure 40 schematic representation of a side view of another embodiment of a contacting device;

[0090] Figure 41 schematic representation of a side view of another embodiment of a contacting device;

[0091] Figure 42 schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a contacting device;

[0092] Figure 43 schematic representation of a front view of another embodiment of a contacting device;

[0093] Figure 44 schematic representation of a front view of another embodiment of a contacting device; Figure 43

[0094] schematic representation of a top view of another embodiment of a contacting device; Figure 45 Figure 43 schematic representation of a perspective view of another embodiment of a contacting device;

[0095] Figure 46 Figure 43 schematic representation of a perspective view of another embodiment of a contacting device;

[0096] Figure 47 schematic representation of a perspective view of another embodiment of a contacting device; Figure 43

[0097] schematic representation of a front view of another embodiment of a contacting device; Figure 48

[0098] schematic representation of a side view of another embodiment of a contacting device; Figure 49 Figure 48 schematic representation of a top view of another embodiment of a contacting device;

[0099] Figure 50 Figure 48 schematic representation of a perspective view of another embodiment of a contacting device;

[0100] Figure 51 schematic representation of a perspective view of another embodiment of a contacting device; Figure 48

[0101] schematic representation of a perspective view of another embodiment of a contacting device; Figure 52 Figure 48 schematic representation of a front view of another embodiment of a contacting device;

[0102] Figure 53 schematic representation of a side view of another embodiment of a contacting device;

[0103] Figure 54 Figure 53 schematic representation of a side view of another embodiment of a contacting device;​​​​​​

[0104] Figure 55 a schematic top view of another embodiment of the Figure 53

[0105] Figure 56 a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the Figure 53

[0106] Figure 57 a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the Figure 53 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0107] Figure 1 The general layout of the connector 900 is shown. The connector 900 comprises several contact elements 10 made from a metal sheet by cutting and / or stamping. Each contact element 10 extends from a first connection side 11 to a second connection side 12 in order to contact different external elements. For example, the connector 900 can be an input / output connector like an RJ45 connector.

[0108] A fifth subset 500 of contact elements 10 is held in the first support 910 and a sixth subset 600 of contact elements 10 is held in the second support 920, which can be combined with the first support 910. In each of the subsets 500, 600, the contact elements are mechanically coupled to each other by the supports 910, 920.

[0109] Together with the contact elements 10, the first and second supports 910, 920 constitute a first piece 930 and a second piece 940 of the connector 900 which can be joined along the height direction H and held together by a housing 980. The resulting assembly can then be inserted into a shield 990.

[0110] The first support 910, the second support 920 and the housing 980 can be made of a plastic material, for example by injection molding.

[0111] Each contact element 10 extends along a longitudinal or length direction L perpendicular to the height direction H. In each subset 500, 600, at least the first end portion 21 of the contact elements 10 are arranged one behind the other along a transversal direction T perpendicular to the height direction H and transversal to the length direction L

[0112] As shown in Figure 2 and 3 the shape of the contact elements 10 allows them to be held in the first and second supports 910 and 920 by a form fit without the need for additional holding elements like latches.

[0113] Figure 4 ​​​Two pieces 930, 940 are shown in a semi-finished state. The frame 960 of the molding process is still present. It can also be seen that the contact elements 10 are embedded in the first and second support 910, 920.

[0114] In Figure 5 , the supports 910, 920 are detached from the frame 960. Furthermore, it can be seen that the first end portions 21 of a first subset 100 of contact elements 10 are configured to contact an external element in a first plane 810 and that the first end portions 21 of a second subset 200 of contact elements 10 are configured to contact an external element in a second plane 820. The first subset 100 is also Figure 1 the fifth subset 500 mentioned in Figure 1 the sixth subset 600 mentioned in

[0115] In order to allow easy positioning of the first piece 930 relative to the second piece 940, positioning elements 950 are present on the first and second pieces 930, 940.

[0116] In Figure 6 , the two pieces 930, 940 are connected together. An external element can be inserted between the first end portions 21 of the contact elements 10, which then contact the external element on two opposite sides.

[0117] In Figures 7 to 12 , the contact elements 10 are shown without the supports 910, 920. It can be seen that, at the first connection side 11, the first end portions 21 of the contact elements 10 are grouped into a first subset 100 and a second subset 200. At the second connection side 12, the second end portions 22 of the subsets of the first subset 100 and of the subsets of the second subset 200 are configured to contact an external element in a third plane 830. The remaining contact elements 10 of the first subset 100 and of the second subset 200 are configured to contact an external element in a fourth plane 840. The planes 810, 820, 830, 840 can here be defined by the contact points 52 located on a contact surface 51. The contact surface 51 can be curved, for example convex, arcuate, cylindrical or similar.

[0118] At the compensation area 15 between the first connection side 11 and the second connection side 12, all intermediate portions 25 of the contact elements 10 are configured or adapted to lie in a plane 880 in the assembled state. In particular, all intermediate portions 25 of the contact elements 10 lie in this plane 880 in the assembled state. This results in good signal performance, since crosstalk between the contact elements 10 is minimized. The transmission rate can therefore be high.

[0119] The first plane 810 is spaced 751 from the second plane 820 along the height direction H. The third plane 830 is spaced 752 from the fourth plane 840 along the height direction H. The plane 880 is located approximately at the center between the first plane 810 and the second plane 820, and approximately at the center between the third plane 830 and the fourth plane 840.

[0120] The middle portions 25 of the contact elements are all parallel to each other and are arranged one after another in the transverse direction T.

[0121] To improve signal performance, each contact element 10 includes only a first end portion 21, a first connecting portion 31, an intermediate portion 15, a second connecting portion 32, and a second end portion 22. Each contact element 10 is a monolithic element consisting of only a single component, i.e., a metal strip.

[0122] exist Figure 13 In the comparison between the left-hand side configuration and the middle configuration, the changes in lines 1 to 8 due to contact arrangement 800 can be seen. It can be observed that the positions of lines 1 and 2, as well as lines 5 and 6, have been swapped. Further steps, for example, can be performed on PCB 700, and it can be seen from the comparison between the middle configuration and the right-hand side configuration that further swapping of positions is possible.

[0123] exist Figure 14 , 15 Another connector can be seen in 16A, 16B and 16C. Figure 16A , 16B And 16C specifically shows along Figure 15 Planes A, B, and C pass through the cross-section of the connector. In the cross-section across C, the cross-section of contact element 10 lies in two planes 810 and 820; in the cross-section along plane B, they lie in a single common plane 880. In the cross-section along plane A, the cross-section of contact element 10 again lies in two different planes 830 and 840.

[0124] exist Figure 17 and 18 The structure of two specific contact elements 10 is shown in the diagram. Figure 17 In this configuration, the contact element 10 travels from the second plane 820 to the common plane 880, and then to the third plane 830. Figure 18 In this configuration, the routes of the different contact elements 10 extend from the first plane 810 to the common plane 880, and then to the fourth plane 840. Both are located in the compensation region 15 between the first connecting side 11 and the second connecting side 12, at least in the region of the middle portion 25 of the common single plane 880.

[0125] exist Figure 19 and20 The image depicts two contact elements 10 with different responsive behaviors to an external contact force 18. Although in Figure 19 In the middle, the two contact surfaces 51, 51A, and 51B at the first end portion 21 and the second end portion 22 are all facing along the height direction H, but in Figure 20 In this embodiment, the contact surfaces 51, 51A, and 51B face opposite directions. The contact surfaces 51 and 51A at the first end portion 21 face the height direction H, while the contact surfaces 51 and 51B at the second end portion 22 face away from the height direction H. Figure 19 The advantage of the structure is that the contact force 80 acts in the same direction, thus minimizing the torque acting on the contact element 10.

[0126] exist Figure 19 and 20 In the embodiment shown, each intermediate portion 25 is located between two steps 60. The steps 60 extend from one plane to another and include two bends 61. Each bend 61 in the illustrated embodiment is a 90-degree bend. Therefore, the connecting portion 31 located between the first end portion 21 and the intermediate portion 25, and the contact portion 32 located between the intermediate portion 25 and the second end portion 22, are both perpendicular to the intermediate portion 25 and the first and second end portions 21, 22. This can result in improved signal performance.

[0127] Figure 20 The two steps shown advance in different directions relative to the middle section 25. When one step 60 goes up, the other goes down.

[0128] exist Figures 21 to 23 The first set of contact devices 800 is depicted. A common feature of this set is that, at the second end portion 22, the PCB 70 is contacted on two opposite sides. Figure 22 In the first embodiment shown, the contact elements 10 are arranged in an alternating manner. Figure 23 In the structure shown, two adjacent contact elements 10 are paired and contact the same side of the PCB 70.

[0129] exist Figure 24 The second set of contact devices 800 is shown in the diagram. What this set has in common is that at the second end portion 22, only one side of the PCB 70 is contacted. Figure 25 and 26 The difference between the embodiments shown is that the contact elements 10 are spaced further apart on the PCB 70 at the second connection side 12 in order to reduce crosstalk.

[0130] Figure 22 The embodiments in Figures 27 to 30are identical. However, each contact element 10 is rotated by 180° around the longitudinal or length direction L with respect to the adjacent contact element 10, such that the first subset 100 of contact elements 10 associated with the first plane 810 comprises the same contact elements as the third subset of contact elements 10 associated with the third plane 830. Similarly, the second subset 200 associated with the second plane 870 comprises the same contact elements 10 as the fourth subset 400 associated with the fourth plane 840. However, all intermediate portions 25 of the contact elements 10 are located in a common plane 880 in the compensation area 15.

[0131] The intermediate portion 15 of each contact element can preferably extend along a length 725 which is at least 10%, preferably 20%, more preferably 30% of the total length 710 of the contact element 10. The total length 710 can be measured along the curved path of the contact element 10 and can in particular comprise the length 721 of the first end portion 21, the length 722 of the second end portion 22, the length 725 of the intermediate portion 25 and the lengths 731, 732 of the two connecting portions 31, 32.

[0132] The distance between the first end portion 21 and the intermediate portion 25 and / or the distance between the second end portion 22 and the intermediate portion 22, in this case substantially corresponding to the lengths 731, 732 of the two connecting portions 31, 32, is preferably less than one third of the total length 710, more preferably less than 20%, in particular less than 10%. This distance can in particular be defined as the distance between the ends of the two straight portions.

[0133] In Figures 31 to 34 In the illustrated embodiment, the subset 300 associated with the third plane 830 comprises contact elements 10 from the first subset 100 and the second subset 200. Similarly, the subset 400 associated with the fourth plane 840 comprises contact elements 10 from the first subset 100 and the second subset 200. As previously mentioned, the combination of the first subset 100 and the second subset 200 and the combination of the subset 300 and the subset 400 comprise all contact elements 10 of the contact arrangement 800. However, in other embodiments, there can be further contact elements 10, for example if the advantages related to the inventive idea are not essential. Such further contact elements 10 can for example be used for power supply or for low transmission rates.

[0134] In Figures 35 to 38 In this example, the second end portion 22 of the contact elements 10 is configured to contact a single plane 830. Thus, the third subset 300 comprises all contact elements 10 from the first subset 100 and the second subset 200. In Figures 39 to 42In a further embodiment, other possible embodiments are schematically shown.

[0135] In a further embodiment, the common plane 880 of the intermediate portions 25 is again inclined or angled 895 with respect to the first plane 810, the second plane 820 and the intermediate plane 890. However, the common plane 880 is parallel to the third plane 830 and the fourth plane 840. The plurality of first end portions is inclined or angled with respect to the plurality of second end portions 22 and the intermediate portions 25. Figure 39 In a further embodiment, the common plane 880 of the intermediate portions 25 is again inclined or angled 895 with respect to the first plane 810, the second plane 820 and the intermediate plane 890. However, the common plane 880 is parallel to the third plane 830 and the fourth plane 840. The plurality of first end portions is inclined or angled with respect to the plurality of second end portions 22 and the intermediate portions 25.

[0136] Figure 40 In a further embodiment, the common plane 880 of the intermediate portions 25 is again inclined or angled 895 with respect to the first plane 810, the second plane 820 and the intermediate plane 890. However, the common plane 880 is parallel to the third plane 830 and the fourth plane 840. The plurality of first end portions is inclined or angled with respect to the plurality of second end portions 22 and the intermediate portions 25.

[0137] In a further embodiment, the common plane 880 of the intermediate portions 25 is again inclined or angled 895 with respect to the first plane 810, the second plane 820 and the intermediate plane 890. However, the common plane 880 is parallel to the third plane 830 and the fourth plane 840. The plurality of first end portions is inclined or angled with respect to the plurality of second end portions 22 and the intermediate portions 25. Figure 41 In a further embodiment, the common plane 880 of the intermediate portions 25 is again inclined or angled 895 with respect to the first plane 810, the second plane 820 and the intermediate plane 890. However, the common plane 880 is parallel to the third plane 830 and the fourth plane 840. The plurality of first end portions is inclined or angled with respect to the plurality of second end portions 22 and the intermediate portions 25.

[0138] Figure 42 In a further embodiment, the common plane 880 of the intermediate portions 25 is again inclined or angled 895 with respect to the first plane 810, the second plane 820 and the intermediate plane 890. However, the common plane 880 is parallel to the third plane 830 and the fourth plane 840. The plurality of first end portions is inclined or angled with respect to the plurality of second end portions 22 and the intermediate portions 25.

[0139] In a further embodiment, the common plane 880 of the intermediate portions 25 is again inclined or angled 895 with respect to the first plane 810, the second plane 820 and the intermediate plane 890. However, the common plane 880 is parallel to the third plane 830 and the fourth plane 840. The plurality of first end portions is inclined or angled with respect to the plurality of second end portions 22 and the intermediate portions 25. Figures 43 to 47 In a further embodiment, the common plane 880 of the intermediate portions 25 is again inclined or angled 895 with respect to the first plane 810, the second plane 820 and the intermediate plane 890. However, the common plane 880 is parallel to the third plane 830 and the fourth plane 840. The plurality of first end portions is inclined or angled with respect to the plurality of second end portions 22 and the intermediate portions 25.

[0140] ​The middle portions 25 of the first subset 100 lie in a first common plane 880, 881. The middle portions 25 of the second subset 200 lie in a second common plane 880, 882 which is spaced apart from the first common plane 880, 881 in the height direction H

[0141] In Figures 48 to 52 In this embodiment, the second end portions 22 of the third subset 300 of contact elements 10 are configured to contact the external element in a third plane 830, and the second end portions 22 of the fourth subset 400 of contact elements 10 are configured to contact the external element in a fourth plane 840 at the second connection side 12. The fourth plane 840 is identical to the third plane 830. The third plane 830 is perpendicular to the first plane 810 and the second plane 820. The second end portions 22 extend along the height direction h. However, the second end portions 22 of the third subset 300 and the fourth subset 400 extend 180 degrees away from each other, away from the first plane 810 and the second plane 820. In this embodiment, the first subset 100 is different from the third subset 300, and the second subset 200 is different from the fourth subset 400. Instead, one contact element 10 of the first subset 100 is not part of the third subset 300, but part of the fourth subset 400. Similarly, one contact element 10 of the second subset 200 is not part of the fourth subset 400, but part of the third subset 300.

[0142] The middle portions 25 of the first subset 100 lie in a first common plane 880, 881. The middle portions 25 of the second subset 200 lie in a second common plane 880, 882 which is spaced apart from the first common plane 880, 881 in the height direction H. In this embodiment, the middle portions 25 of the second subset are not separated from the first end portions 21 by a step.

[0143] In Figures 53 to 57 In this embodiment, the second end portions 22 of the third subset 300 of contact elements 10 are configured to contact the external element in a third plane 830, and the second end portions 22 of the fourth subset 400 of contact elements 10 are configured to contact the external element in a fourth plane 840 at the second connection side 12. The fourth plane 840 is identical to the third plane 830. The third plane is perpendicular to the first plane 810 and the second plane 820. The second end portions 22 extend along the height direction h. However, the second end portions 22 of the third subset 300 and the fourth subset 400 extend 180 degrees away from each other, away from the first plane 810 and the second plane 820. In this embodiment, the first subset 100 is again identical to the third subset 300, and the second subset 200 is identical to the fourth subset 400.

[0144] The middle portions 25 of the first subset 100 lie in a first common plane 880, 881. The middle portions 25 of the second subset 200 lie in a second common plane 880, 882, which is spaced apart from the first common plane 880, 881 in the height direction H. Similar to the previous embodiments, the middle portions 25 of the second subset are not separated from the first end portions 21 by a step.

[0145] Reference signs

[0146] 1 line

[0147] 2 line

[0148] 3 line

[0149] 4 line

[0150] 5 line

[0151] 6 line

[0152] 7 line

[0153] 8 line

[0154] 10 contact element

[0155] 11 first connection side

[0156] 12 second connection side

[0157] 15 compensation region

[0158] 21 first end portion

[0159] 22 second end portion

[0160] 25 middle portion

[0161] 31 connection portion

[0162] 32 connection portion

[0163] 51 contact surface

[0164] 52 contact point

[0165] 60 step

[0166] 61 bend

[0167] 70 PCB

[0168] 71 frame

[0169] 80 force

[0170] 100 first subset

[0171] 200 second subset

[0172] 300 third subset

[0173] 400 fourth subset

[0174] 500 fifth subset

[0175] 600 sixth subset

[0176] 710 overall length

[0177] 711 length in length direction

[0178] 721 length of first end portion

[0179] 722 length of second end portion

[0180] 725 length of intermediate portion

[0181] 731 length of connecting portion

[0182] 732 length of connecting portion

[0183] 751 distance

[0184] 752 distance

[0185] 800 contact device

[0186] 810 first plane

[0187] 820 second plane

[0188] 830 third plane

[0189] 840 fourth plane

[0190] 880 plane of intermediate portion

[0191] 881 first plane of intermediate portion

[0192] 882 second plane of intermediate portion 890 intermediate plane

[0193] 891 central plane

[0194] 895 angle

[0195] 900 connector

[0196] 910 first support

[0197] 920 second support

[0198] 930 first piece

[0199] 940 second piece

[0200] 950 positioning element

[0201] 960 frame

[0202] 980 housing

[0203] 990 shield

[0204] H height direction

[0205] L length direction

[0206] T transverse direction

Claims

1. A contact device (800) for a connector (900), the contact device comprising a plurality of contact elements (10), each of the contact elements (10) extending from a first connection side (11) to a second connection side (12), wherein, On the first connection side (11), the first end portion (21) of the first subset (100) of the contact element (10) is configured to contact an external element in a first plane (810), and the first end portion (21) of the second subset (200) of the contact element (10) is configured to contact an external element in a second plane (820), the second plane being parallel to the first plane (810) and spaced apart from the first plane (810) along the height direction (H). On the second connection side (12), the second end portion (22) of the third subset (300) of the contact element (10) is configured to contact an external element in a third plane (830), and the fourth end portion (21) of the contact element (10) is configured to contact an external element in a third plane (830). The second end portion (22) of the subset (400) is configured to contact an external element in a fourth plane (840) parallel to and spaced apart from the third plane (830) along the height direction (H), wherein the first plane (810), the second plane (820), the third plane (830) and the fourth plane (840) are defined by contact points (52) on curved contact surfaces (51) at the first end portion (21) and the second end portion (22), and wherein at the compensation region (15), at least some of the intermediate portions (25) of the contact elements (10) are located in a single common plane (880); The third subset (300) associated with the third plane (830) includes contact elements (10) from the first subset (100) and the second subset (200), while the fourth subset (400) associated with the fourth plane (840) includes contact elements (10) from the first subset (100) and the second subset (200).

2. The contact device (800) according to claim 1, wherein, The intermediate portion (25) extends at least one-tenth of the total length (710) of the contact element (10).

3. The contact device (800) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The distance (731) between the first end portion (21) and the middle portion (25) is less than one-third of the total length (710) of the contact element (10).

4. The contact device (800) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the contact elements (10) includes a first contact surface (51, 51A) on the first connection side (11) and a second contact surface (51, 51B) on the second connection side (12), wherein the first contact surface (51, 51A) and the second contact surface (51, 51B) face the same direction.

5. The contact device (800) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the contact elements (10) includes a first contact surface (51, 51A) on the first connection side (11) and a second contact surface (51, 51B) on the second connection side (12), wherein the first contact surface (51, 51A) and the second contact surface (51, 51B) face opposite directions.

6. The contact device (800) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In at least one of the contact elements (10), the connecting portion (31) that connects the first end portion (21) to the intermediate portion (25) extends perpendicularly to the plane (880) of the intermediate portion (25).

7. The contact device (800) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The middle sections (25) are parallel to each other.

8. A contact device (800) for a connector (900), the contact device comprising a plurality of contact elements (10), each of the contact elements (10) extending from a first connection side (11) to a second connection side (12), wherein, On the first connection side (11), the first end portion (21) of the first subset (100) of the contact elements (10) is configured to contact an external element in a first plane (810), and the first end portion (21) of the second subset (200) of the contact elements (10) is configured to contact an external element in a second plane (820), the second plane being parallel to the first plane (810) and spaced apart from the first plane (810) along the height direction (H). In the compensation region (15), at least some of the middle portions (25) of the contact elements (10) are located in a single common plane (880), wherein, on the second connection side (12), the second end portions (22) of all contact elements (10) from the first subset (100) and the second subset (200) are configured to contact an external element in a single plane (830).

9. The contact device (800) according to claim 8, wherein, The middle sections (25) are parallel to each other.

10. The contact device (800) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, In at least one of the contact elements (10), the connecting portion (31) that connects the first end portion (21) to the intermediate portion (25) extends perpendicularly to the plane (880) of the intermediate portion (25).

11. A connector (900) comprising a contact device (800) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The connector (900) according to claim 11, wherein, The contact element (10) is embedded in the plastic material.

13. The connector (900) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The contact device (800) includes a fifth subset (500) of contact elements (10) mechanically connected to each other and a sixth subset (600) of contact elements (10) mechanically connected to each other.

14. The connector (900) according to claim 13, wherein, The fifth subset (500) is supported in the first support (910), and the sixth subset (600) is supported in the second support (920).

15. The connector (900) according to claim 13, wherein, In the fifth subset (500) and the sixth subset (600), the contact elements (10) have the same shape, but are arranged 180° rotated relative to the other subset (600, 500).

16. The connector (900) according to claim 13, wherein, At least one of the fifth subset (500) and the sixth subset (600) includes two contact elements (10) with the first contact surface (51, 51A) and / or the second contact surface (51, 51B) of the two contact elements having different orientations.

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