Connection system for a cable

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection system (1) comprising: - a component (20) for connection with an electrical cable (2), wherein the component (20) comprises several contact means (28) for contacting conductors (4) of the cable (2), wherein the contact means (28) are electrically conductive, - the electrical cable (2) in which the conductors (4) are accessible for contacting the contact means (28), wherein the conductors (4) are electrically conductive, and wherein the conductors (4) each have an exposed conductor cross-section (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection system according to the type defined in the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a cable and a method. State of the art

[0002] It is known from the state of the art that electrical cables are used pre-assembled during the installation of an electrical system or that they are only cut to the desired length in the field. However, the use of pre-assembled cables is inflexible and may be limited by the availability of the appropriate cables. Field assembly, on the other hand, is more flexible but often a complex process.

[0003] To assemble the cable, the cable can first be stripped and crimped, then connected to a connector. A crimping tool, for example, is used to securely connect the connector to the cable conductors through pressure and deformation. A stripping tool may also be used to cut off the outer insulation of the cables without damaging the underlying conductors.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known from the state of the art that current Ethernet technology is often too complex and over-dimensioned for applications in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). In particular, conventional connectors and cables are often less than optimal for use at the field level. This complicates the integration of sensors and other components, particularly due to the cabling requirements and limited cable lengths. A simplified Ethernet standard, Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), already offers a solution here through the combination of long cable lengths, compact design, and robust cabling.

[0005] However, conventional solutions are still very complex when it comes to always providing the correct cable length in the field.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially remedy the disadvantages described above. In particular, the present invention further simplifies installation technology and provides the correct cable layout for an application in an improved manner. In particular, the aim is to provide an improved, more flexible, and / or simpler connection technology that can be used in the field. Disclosure of the invention

[0007] The invention relates to a connection system having the features of claim 1, a cable having the features of claim 14, and a method having the features of claim 16. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the connection system according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the cable according to the invention and the method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is always made to each other.

[0008] The invention particularly relates to a connection system, preferably for a cable and specifically for establishing a connection between the cable and a component. Accordingly, the connection system can comprise the component and the cable and optionally further elements such as a guide device. The cable can be designed as an electrical cable, and the component as an electrical component. Alternatively or additionally, the cable and component can also be designed to conduct other media such as liquids or air.

[0009] The component can be intended for connection to the cable. For example, the component is a connector, an actuator, a sensor, or a module such as a fieldbus module. The component can comprise one or more contact means, each for making contact with an associated conductor of the cable. In other words, if the cable has multiple conductors, these can each be assigned to one of the contact means in order to connect each of the conductors to one of the contact means. The assignment or affiliation can, for example, be determined according to a predefined (electrical) assignment. If the component is designed as an electrical component, the contact means are electrically conductive. If the cable is designed as an electrical cable, the conductors can correspondingly be electrically conductive.

[0010] The cable can be designed such that the respective conductor of the cable is accessible for contacting with the associated contact means. This means, in particular, that the respective conductor is accessible from the outside (i.e., outside the cable), in particular that it can be electrically contacted from the outside without further measures such as stripping. This is made possible, in particular, by the fact that each conductor (for contacting) has an exposed conductor cross-section. If the cable has multiple conductors, several exposed conductor cross-sections of these conductors can thus be accessible at one contact surface of the cable.

[0011] The connection system can further be designed to contact the respective contact means with the associated conductor in the axial direction of the cable or conductor. In other words, the connection system can in particular be designed such that contact is possible by a relative movement of the respective contact means and the associated conductor to one another parallel to the axial direction of the cable or conductor. Furthermore, in this way, the respective contact means can be electrically connected directly to the exposed conductor cross-section of the associated conductor, e.g., by being pierced through this conductor cross-section. This has the advantage that the connection can be made more easily and with less effort. Furthermore, this achieves the advantage that the cable can simply be cut to the desired length and connected, thus eliminating the need for more complex cable assembly.

[0012] It is conceivable that the respective contact element is electrically connected to a conductor to be contacted (i.e., the associated conductor) by piercing the contact element through the exposed conductor cross-section of the conductor to be contacted. This "piercing" makes it possible to establish an electrical connection quickly and reliably.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the respective contact means may have a point and / or be needle-shaped. This allows the conductor(s) to be contacted by piercing the contact means against and / or through the exposed conductor cross-section of the conductor, or by piercing the contact means against and / or through the exposed conductor cross-sections in the axial direction.

[0014] Within the scope of the invention, it can preferably be provided that the conductor(s) are each formed as a stranded wire. The respective stranded wire can comprise flexible individual wires to electrically surround the contact means inserted through the respective conductor cross-section. Each conductor can thus comprise several individual wires, whereby the respective contact means can be surrounded by the individual wires of the conductor into which it has been inserted. This can significantly facilitate the insertion process, since the conductor is easier to penetrate due to the flexible individual wires. Furthermore, the electrical connection can be made much more reliable.

[0015] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the respective contact means is designed to be introduced, preferably pierced, into the conductor at and / or through the exposed conductor cross-section of the contacting (associated) conductor. In other words, each of the contact means can be introduced into a conductor cross-section provided for this purpose. Furthermore, the respective conductor with its (respective) exposed conductor cross-section and the contact means (respective) introduced, preferably pierced, therein can be at least partially surrounded by an insulating sheath. Thus, no stripping - i.e. removal of the insulating sheath - of the conductor is necessary to make the connection. This simplifies and speeds up cable installation.

[0016] Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that a contacting surface is provided on the cable, at which the conductor(s) are accessible for contacting with the contact means. The contacting surface can lie in a cutting plane of the cable. In other words, the contacting surface can lie at the plane at which the cable was cut. At the contacting surface or cutting plane, the conductor(s) can border on the outside from an interior of the cable or protrude and be visible from outside the cable. Furthermore, the conductor(s) preferably protrude relative to the contacting surface or are located in a recessed position in the cable. It is also conceivable that the respective exposed conductor cross-section also lies in the cutting plane. This provides an easy-to-connect structure, through which the cable can inherently be designed as a plug or socket.

[0017] A further advantage within the scope of the invention can be achieved if the respective conductor forms a line with a surrounding insulating sheath, wherein the resulting line(s) can protrude from the contacting surface. Furthermore, the respective protruding line can be only partially surrounded by a cable sheath of the cable or can be at least partially freed from the cable sheath of the cable. It is also possible for the respective protruding conductor and / or the respective exposed conductor cross-section to be completely or partially surrounded by the insulating sheath. The contacting surface can be formed by a cut surface of the cable sheath of the cable. Since only part of the cable sheath is removed, but not every individual insulating sheath of the lines, the effort can be significantly reduced.

[0018] The connection between the component and the cable can be made directly at a contacting surface and, in particular, a cutting surface of the cable. The contacting surface can designate a surface and, in particular, a cross-section through the cable, at which the respective conductor of the cable is or can be accessible from the outside for contacting the contact means of the component. The surface can be arranged orthogonally to the axial direction of the cable. The respective conductor of the cable can, at the contacting surface, directly border an outer region of the cable and can thus be connected to the contact means of the component without severing the sheath and / or insulation of the cable. The respective conductor can also be severed at the contacting surface flush with the contacting surface. The cable can be designed to provide such a contacting surface after the cable has been cut to size.

[0019] The cable can be designed in such a way, preferably after the cable has been cut to size, that the respective conductor of the cable is or becomes accessible for contacting with an associated contact means. This is to be understood in particular that the respective conductor is or becomes accessible from the outside (i.e. outside the cable), in particular that it can be electrically contacted from the outside without further measures such as stripping. This is made possible in particular by the fact that the respective conductor (for contacting) has an exposed conductor cross-section, in particular once the cable has been cut to size. Alternatively or additionally, the cable can also have the contacting surface and / or the accessible conductor in its original state (e.g. in the delivered state without cutting).

[0020] It is possible for the cut cable to have a plug-in structure, in particular provided by the coding and / or connection structure. In other words, the cable can be designed to have a plug-in structure on the cut surface even after cutting. This has the advantage that the cable can be connected directly to the component after it has been cut to a desired length. This is made possible in particular by the plug-in structure being provided continuously or repeatedly in the axial direction along the cable. The cut cable can therefore, as such and thus also immediately after cutting, already have the necessary structure on its cut surface to enable direct connection to the component.

[0021] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that the cable is provided with (at least) one contact surface at which the respective conductor is accessible for contacting the associated contact means, and at which the coding is preferably provided. The contact surface can be located in the cutting plane of the cable. In other words, the contact surface can be located at the plane at which the cable was cut.

[0022] The cable can be designed such that, after cutting, it has a contact surface, preferably with the coding, at the cut surface. At the contact surface or cut plane, the conductor(s) can be adjacent to the outside of the cable or protrude from the interior and be visible from the outside of the cable. Furthermore, the respective conductor preferably protrudes relative to the contact surface or is located in a recessed position within the cable. It is also conceivable for a respective exposed conductor cross-section to also lie in the cut plane. This provides an easy-to-connect structure, allowing the cable to be inherently configured as a plug or socket.

[0023] A further advantage can be achieved within the scope of the invention if a geometric profile, in particular a spatial shape and / or contour, extends in the axial direction of the cable. The profile can define a guide cavity for a guide means and preferably for a guide pin of the component in order to mechanically guide the contact in the axial direction of the cable. This can serve to guide the introduction of the contact means(s) into the conductor(s) in the axial direction of the cable or conductors and thus further simplify the production of the contact and avoid errors during contact. Furthermore, the guide cavity can particularly preferably be designed to transmit a fluid, in particular to transmit a medium such as air or a liquid.

[0024] Preferably, it can be provided that the connection system has a guide device. The guide device can be designed separately from the cable and the component. In this case, the guide device can optionally be movably connected to the cable and / or the component, e.g. via a band or a loop. Alternatively, the guide device can also be designed as a (e.g. integral) part of the cable or the component. In general, the guide device can be designed to mechanically guide the contact in the axial direction of the cable or the respective conductor, and preferably to guide the conductors, in particular the lines, and / or the contact means for making contact in the axial direction of the cable. The guide device is thus a tool for simplifying contacting without, for example, stripping and / or crimping.

[0025] For example, it can be provided that the guide device has a guide housing with a guide structure, preferably in the form of openings in the guide housing, in order to provide the mechanical guidance for the respective conductors, in particular lines, and / or contact means. In this case, the guide structure for receiving the conductors, in particular lines, can be designed on one (first) side of the guide housing. On another (second) side of the guide housing, preferably opposite and / or facing away from the guide device in the axial direction (the first side), the guide structure for receiving the contact means can be designed. This can serve to provide contact in an interior space of the guide housing of the guide device and / or to mechanically guide the introduction of the contact means into the conductors in the axial direction of the cable or conductors for the purpose of making contact.This makes the connection simpler and more secure. If the contact is located inside the guide device, mechanical protection and / or sealing can also be provided.

[0026] It may optionally be possible for the (multiple) conductors to each form a line with a surrounding insulating sheath, wherein the lines are color-coded, in particular by a different color of the insulating sheath. A corresponding counter-coding can be provided on the guide device to color-code a guide structure and preferably openings of the guide housing to the corresponding lines, e.g., by applying the same colors to indicate the openings associated with the lines. This allows for more secure and reliable wiring of the conductors on the component.

[0027] A further advantage can be achieved within the scope of the invention if at least one coding is spatially formed on the cable and / or on the guide device in order to predetermine a specific arrangement and assignment of the contact means of the component with the electrical conductors of the cable. For example, it can be provided that the conductors have specific functions and therefore a correct assignment to the contact means must be made. The assignment can be provided, for example, by color coding, or alternatively or additionally by mechanical coding. The coding is formed, for example, on the cable itself, e.g. by a specially shaped cavity. It is also conceivable for the guide device to have the coding. For this purpose, the guide device is designed, for example, as a grommet that can be subsequently attached to the cable.

[0028] The at least one coding can comprise a mechanical and / or geometric coding of the cable and / or the guide device, in which a geometric profile, in particular a spatial shape and / or contour, extends in the axial direction of the cable and / or the guide device. The profile can preferably define a guide cavity for a guide means and preferably for a guide pin of the component, so that a specific orientation of the component is predetermined for the connection. This can further enable the connection of the component to be blocked in the event of a deviation from the specific orientation, e.g., by the housing of the guide device or by a part of the cable.

[0029] Furthermore, the at least one coding can comprise a geometric and / or extruded profile of the cable and / or the guide device, in particular in the form of a grommet, and / or a hose, wherein the at least one coding additionally comprises an electrical coding and / or color coding, in which a systematic arrangement of the electrical conductors of the cable is provided, so that a specific assignment of the electrical contact means of the component for the connection is predetermined.

[0030] Particularly preferably, the guide cavity can be designed to transmit a fluid, in particular to transmit a medium such as air or a liquid.

[0031] Furthermore, it can be provided that the conductors of the cable are each designed as a strand in order to form a receptacle for introducing the contact means of the component, preferably for piercing the contact means in the form of a contacting tip into the strands in the axial direction of the cable.

[0032] The guide device can be provided between the cable and the component to guide the insertion and preferably piercing with a predetermined arrangement and assignment of the contact means of the component to the conductors of the cable, in particular to guide them linearly. In this case, a complementary counter-coding of the component can be provided for the coding on the cable and / or the guide device to specify the guidance and preferably the orientation of the cable relative to the component.

[0033] It is also advantageous if the component and / or a guide device, in the connected state, rests directly against the contact surface, wherein the contact means of the component contact the conductors of the cable and are preferably inserted, preferably pierced, therein. A part of the component and / or the guide device, in the connected state, can seal the contact surface and / or mechanically lock it and / or provide anti-twist protection. For this purpose, for example, a protruding housing part or a sealing means or the like is provided on the component or guide device.

[0034] A guidance device, as described above in further detail, is also protected.

[0035] The invention also relates to a cable for connection to a component, wherein the cable has one or more electrical conductors, wherein the conductors each have an exposed conductor cross-section in order to contact them with contact means of the component. Furthermore, the cable can be designed to provide the contacting with a (relative) movement of the conductors and the contact means to one another parallel to an axial direction of the cable in order to electrically connect the contact means directly at the exposed conductor cross-sections. The cable according to the invention thus brings with it the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to a connection system according to the invention. Furthermore, the cable can be designed according to a connection system according to the invention.

[0036] The invention also relates to a method for establishing a connection between a cable and a component. According to one method step, a connection system comprising a cable and a component can be provided. The cable can have one or more electrical conductors. A respective conductor cross-section of the conductors can be exposed and accessible from the outside. The component can further comprise one or more contact means for contacting the conductors of the cable. According to a further method step, the contact means can be introduced into the conductors in the axial direction of the cable through the exposed conductor cross-sections in order to establish contact between the contact means and the conductors. The method according to the invention thus brings about the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to a connection system according to the invention.A connection system according to the invention can also be used in the method according to the invention. Furthermore, it is optionally provided that the conductors each form a line with a surrounding insulating sheath, wherein the cable is prepared by cutting it to a desired length without stripping the lines, and wherein the insertion of the contact means is carried out without prior stripping of the lines.

[0037] Furthermore, it is possible for the cable to be designed as a power, data, or hybrid cable. As a hybrid cable, the individual cable can, for example, serve for both power and data transmission. For this purpose, one or more data lines and one or more power lines are provided. The respective data and / or power line can have an electrical conductor which is surrounded by a sheath, in particular an insulating sheath or shield. The shield can be made of an electrically conductive material, for example to shield against electromagnetic interference. Materials such as copper or aluminum can be used for this purpose. In contrast, the insulating sheath can be made of an electrically insulating material. Materials such as ceramic, glass, or plastics can be used for this purpose.The respective data line can be designed as an electrical or optical data line and preferably as a fieldbus and / or Ethernet line.

[0038] Furthermore, a recurring marking can be provided that indicates the penetration depth of the electrical contact means, preferably in the form of piercing means. The marking can be provided, for example, on the outside of a cable sheath, e.g., printed on it. The marking can be repeated at fixed intervals along the length of the cable in order to provide an indication, starting from the cut surface, of the depth to which the contact means have been correctly inserted after the cable has been severed. This allows the connection to be made even more simplified and reliable. The marking can also assist in orienting the cable for the connection.

[0039] The connection system according to the invention can have strain relief, which ensures that the connection between the cable and the component is not accidentally released, in particular that the component is not accidentally pulled out of the cable. The strain relief can be provided by a mechanical locking mechanism that, when establishing the connection, cuts into the cable sheath and / or creates a frictional clamp with the cable sheath and / or the conductors of the cable. This holds the cable firmly to the component and prevents accidental separation of the connection. Accordingly, the strain relief can be provided as a function or device of the connection system, which serves to fix and protect the cable to the component and to prevent the cable connection from being damaged by tensile loads.

[0040] If the connection needs to be released again, this can be done using a - preferably tool-free - release mechanism. The connection technology required for this on the component side can, for example, be integrated directly on a circuit board of the component or into a connector of the component. It is also possible for the tool-free release mechanism to be activated by a simple hand movement, which further simplifies operation of the component. For this purpose, the tool-free release mechanism can, for example, have a release tab or a release button formed on the housing of the component to enable easy release without tools. The locking mechanism can be implemented by a latching device that is activated by turning or pressing on a specific area of ​​the component.The locking device can have one or more locking lugs that engage in corresponding recesses or cutouts. The release mechanism can then be implemented by a release button or a release lever, which, with a simple actuation, releases the locking device and releases the connection. Alternatively, the release mechanism can be implemented by a strain relief, which is released by a simple twist or pressure on a specific point on the cable or component. This releases the connection, allowing the cable to be removed.

[0041] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. They show: Fig. 1 Variants of cables and components according to embodiments of the invention, each in a sectional view. Fig. 2 parts of components according to embodiments of the invention, each in a sectional view. Fig. 3 different conductors of cables according to embodiments of the invention, each in a perspective view. Fig. 4 a perspective view of a contacting or cutting surface of cables according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 5 a perspective view of a contacting side of components according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 6 a component according to embodiments of the invention in a perspective view. Fig. 7 a component according to embodiments of the invention in a perspective view. Fig. 8 a cable and a component connected thereto according to embodiments of the invention in a sectional view. Fig. 9 a perspective view of a contacting or cutting surface of a cable according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 10 a plan view of a cable according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 11 a method according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 12 a perspective view of a guide device according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 13 A perspective view of a cable according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 14 Another perspective view of a cable according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 15 A schematic representation of an insertion mechanism according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 16 A further schematic representation of parts of an insertion mechanism according to embodiments of the invention.

[0042] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even in different embodiments.

[0043] In Fig. 1 to 10 schematically illustrate embodiments of the invention. Specifically, variants of an electrical cable 2 are shown, which serves for connection to an electrical component 20. For this purpose, the cable 2 can have at least one electrical conductor 4. Furthermore, a connection system 1 according to embodiments of the invention is illustrated, which can have the cable 2 and the component 20. The sectional planes AA and GG are marked in the various views.

[0044] In Fig. 1, the cable 2 is shown in a state in which it is fully electrically and mechanically connected to the component 20. It can be seen that in this state the contact means 28 are introduced into the cable 20 and in particular into the electrical conductors 4 of the cable 20 in order to establish a secure mechanical and electrical contact. Clearly visible, the contact means 28 have a tip 30 for being inserted into the conductors 4. The component 20 is designed here, for example, as a plug connector, optionally with a threaded screw connection arranged in the region 24, in order to be attached to a connection of a device such as a fieldbus module, actuator or sensor. As a result, the cable 2 can be connected to the device for transmitting electrical energy and / or data via the plug connector.

[0045] In contrast to conventional solutions, the design of the cable 2 can significantly simplify the connection between component 20 and cable 2. For this purpose, structural additions to the cable 2 can be made, such as at least one coding 50 spatially formed on the cable 2. In Fig. 1 it can be seen that the cable 2 has at least one cavity 6 which is used to form the Fig. 9 further illustrated at least one coding 50 on the cable 2 is used (cf. e.g. Fig. 9). Such a coding 50 can also be provided on the component 20 and then be referred to in particular as counter-coding 27 if it is designed to be complementary to the coding 50 on the cable 2. The coding of the cavity 6 results in a correspondingly counter-coded pin 26, preferably guide pin 26, being able to be introduced into the cavity 6 as a guide means 26 only if the alignment of the component 20 relative to the cable 2 is correct (i.e., according to a key-lock principle). Otherwise, the introduction of the pin 26 into the cavity 6 may be prevented by other parts of the cable 2. This may then also block the establishment of the connection between the cable 2 and the component 20. The coding 50 on the cable 2 can thus specify a specific arrangement and assignment of electrical contact means 28 of the component 20 to the electrical conductors 4 of the cable 2.

[0046] The at least one coding 50 may comprise a mechanical and / or geometric coding 50 of the cable 2, in which a geometric profile 7 extends in the axial direction A of the cable 2. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 9, the profile 7 can be provided by a T-shaped opening of the cavity 6 on the cable 2, and a corresponding T-shaped counter-coding 27 can be provided on the component 20. The cavity 6 can also be designed for the transmission of a fluid, preferably for the transmission of a medium such as air or a liquid. In addition to a T-shaped coding, an L- or Y-coding or other shapes are also conceivable.

[0047] In Fig. 2 shows a variant of the component 20 in the form of a plug connector, in which a protruding wall 40 is provided for plug mounting 40 (see also Fig. 6 and Fig. 7). The wall 40 can, for example, be attached to a circuit board 42 of the component 20 to enable locking and / or anti-twist protection and / or sealing 44 on the cable 2. This wall 40 can optionally have a locking mechanism 22 to enable secure attachment to the cable 2.

[0048] In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 further illustrates that the cable may comprise the plurality of conductors 4 in the form of strands, also referred to as stranded conductors. Each of these stranded conductors may comprise a plurality of fine, twisted wires 12, which may be connected by a Fig. 4 are surrounded by a recognizable insulating layer (insulation). This insulation is made, for example, from materials such as polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride. It can serve to insulate the conductors 4 both from each other and from the external environment. In addition, the insulation can often be color-coded to facilitate identification and wiring. To minimize electromagnetic interference, a shield made of a metal braid or metal foil can be applied around the insulated conductors 4 as filler material 10. Furthermore, an additional inner sheath can be placed around the shield to increase the mechanical stability of the cable 2. Furthermore, the entire cable 2 can have a robust outer sheath 8, which is preferably made of materials such as PVC, PE or thermoplastic elastomer and can have special properties such as flame retardancy or oil resistance.This multi-layer construction enables high flexibility and robustness of the cable 2, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

[0049] In further optional designs of cable 2, the conductors can be highly flexible and provided with a 360° full shield. This full shield serves to effectively shield against electromagnetic interference (EMC), thus ensuring the integrity of data transmission. Further optional versions include overmolded versions of cable 2 with highly resistant PUR overmolding, which are specifically designed for use in harsh environments. The cables can be designed for self-assembly, i.e., they can be assembled in the field (on-site at the system). This means, in particular, that the cables themselves have the structural adaptations that allow them to be quickly and easily connected and disconnected and adjusted to the desired length. This way, the cables can be quickly adapted or replaced as needed, without the need for special tools or specialist knowledge.

[0050] The electrical conductor 4 can be made of copper or aluminum, for example. Other materials such as gold, silver, carbon fiber, and conductive polymers can also be used as components of the conductor 4, depending on the application. Furthermore, composite materials made from various of these elements can also be used in specialized applications to optimize specific properties such as conductivity, weight, and corrosion resistance.

[0051] Furthermore, the at least one coding 50 can comprise a geometric and / or extruded profile 7 of the cable 2 and / or a hose (not explicitly shown) and / or a grommet. The at least one coding 50 can further comprise an electrical coding 50 of the cable 2, in which a systematic arrangement of the electrical conductors 4 of the cable 2 is provided, so that a specific assignment of the electrical contact means 28 of the component 20 is predetermined for the connection. Fig. 5 illustrates a corresponding coding 50 in which the contact means 28 of the component 20 are arranged in a corresponding manner with different lateral distances.

[0052] In Fig. 1, 2 and 5-8, a component 20 for connecting to an electrical cable 2 is schematically shown. The component can have at least one electrical contact means 28 in order to make electrical contact with at least one electrical conductor 4 of the cable 2 in the axial direction A of the cable 2 or conductor 4. The axial direction A, or also referred to as the longitudinal direction of the cable 2, is in Fig. 1 by a vertical arrow. Furthermore, the at least one electrical contact means 28 can be designed to make electrical contact in the electrical cable 2—that is, in particular, within the sheath 8.

[0053] In Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 further illustrates that a further structure, such as a locking and / or orientation structure 60, may be provided to further simplify, for example, the correct alignment of component 20 relative to cable 2 during connection. Structure 60 is formed, for example, as a groove or material recess on component 20 and / or on cable 2.

[0054] In Fig. 8 shows that the cavity 6 of the cable 2 can also be interrupted by a connecting part 14. This connecting part 14 can repeatedly interrupt the cavity 6 in the axial direction A of the cable 2. It serves, in particular, to seal off condensate. This has the advantage of preventing moisture from penetrating the cable 2, thus ensuring its functionality. Accordingly, the connecting part 14 can also serve as a sealing element.

[0055] Furthermore, in Fig. 8 shows a locking pin 45, which can be provided on the contact means 28 to fix the position on the cable 2 after the connection has been established. More generally, a locking device 45 can be provided on the component 20 or on the cable 2 to fix the established connection.

[0056] Further in Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 illustrates that the coding 50 may comprise a first coding 51, which is provided by the shape of the cavity 6. This refers in particular to the shape of the Fig. 9 visible opening of the cavity 6 with the profile 7. Alternatively or additionally, a second coding 52 can be provided, which is provided by the arrangement and / or design of the conductors 4. In particular, the coding can be provided here by the design of the stranded wire 4 to the tip 30 of the contact means 28 or, conversely, the counter-coding can be provided by the design of the tip 30 of the contact means 28 to the stranded wire 4. Due to the tip 30, the contact means 28 can accordingly be designed as a needle, which then penetrates a conductor cross-section 5 of the conductor 4 to make contact during the connection (cf. Fig. 13). Different lengths of the contact means 28 can also be provided for anticipating, for example, a safety contact means 29.

[0057] In Fig. 8 further shows that the component 20 can comprise the at least one contact means 28 in the form of a piercing means, which is designed to be pierced into an electrical conductor 4 of the cable 2 in the form of an electrical strand 4 in the axial direction A of the cable 2 or of the conductor 4. Fig. 8 illustrates the bending apart of the individual wires of the strand 4 at the pin tip 30.

[0058] In Fig. 1, it is further illustrated by a dashed line that at least one of the contact means 28 can be designed as a safety contact means 29, which is designed to lead at least one or all of the other contact means 28. Thus, when establishing the connection, ie, during a contacting movement, the safety contact means 29 can contact one of the electrical conductors 4 of the cable 2 before at least one or the other of the contact means 28.

[0059] In Fig. Figure 10 shows that a recurring marking 62 can be provided on the cable 2 (e.g., every 5 mm), indicating a penetration depth of the electrical contact means 28, preferably in the form of piercing means. This marking 62 can be printed, for example. The marking 62 can be provided, for example, in the form of a line or dot. The marking 62 can also be a mechanical marking, which interacts, for example, with an insertion mechanism 80.

[0060] In Fig. 12 shows, according to further embodiments of the invention, a connection system 1 with a component 20 and a cable 2. The component 20 can be provided for connection to an electrical cable 2. For this purpose, the component 20 can comprise a plurality of contact means 28 for contacting conductors 4 of the cable 2. In the electrical cable 2 shown, the conductors 4 can be accessible from the outside for contacting the contact means 28. In Fig. 12, the conductors 4 are surrounded by an insulating sheath 11 and are thus part of cables 13, specifically stranded cables 13 (see Fig. 13). Both the contact means 28 and the conductors 4 are electrically conductive. Furthermore, the conductors 4 can each have an exposed conductor cross-section 5 for contacting (see Fig. 13 and Fig. 14).

[0061] The connection system 1 can be designed to contact the contact means 28 with the conductors 4 in the axial direction A of the cable 2 or conductor 4 in order to electrically connect the contact means 28 directly to the exposed conductor cross-sections 5. For this purpose, as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 13, the contact means 28 each have a tip 30 and / or are needle-shaped. In other words, the conductors 4 can be contacted by the contact means 28 being pierced through the exposed conductor cross-sections 5 in the axial direction A.

[0062] Among other things in the Fig. 12 to 14, a contacting surface 9 is provided on the cable 2, at which the conductors 4 are accessible for contacting with the contact means 28. Specifically, the contacting surface 9 can be located in a cutting plane of the cable 2, which has been created, for example, by cutting the cable 2 at this point. It can be seen that the conductors 4 extend from the interior of the cable 2 to the outside (see Fig. 13 and Fig. 14) or protrude (see Fig. 12) and are therefore visible and accessible from outside the cable 2. In Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the respective exposed conductor cross-section 5 is also in the cutting plane.

[0063] According to Fig. 13, the conductors 4 can each form a line 13 with a surrounding insulating sheath 11, wherein the lines 13 protrude from the contacting surface 9 (see Fig. 12) or flush with it ( Fig. 13 and Fig. 14). Furthermore, the solution according to embodiments of the invention can avoid stripping, so that the protruding conductors 4 and / or the exposed conductor cross-sections 5 continue to be completely or partially surrounded by the insulating sheath 11. However, the protruding conductors 13 can be at least partially or completely freed from a cable sheath 8 of the cable 2 over their entire circumference (see Fig. 12).

[0064] The connection system 1 can be Fig. 12, which is formed separately from the cable 2 and the component 20 and / or is movably or detachably connected to the cable 2 and / or the component 20. The guide device 70 can be designed to mechanically guide the contact in the axial direction A of the cable 2, and preferably to guide the conductors 4, in particular the lines 13, and / or the contact means 28 for contact in the axial direction A of the cable 2. In other words, the guide device 70 can provide a linear guide for the cable 2 and / or the component 20. If the component 20 and the cable 2 move relative to one another in a linearly guided manner for contacting, this can also be referred to as a contacting movement.

[0065] The guide device 70 may comprise a guide housing 72 with a guide structure 71. The guide structure 71 is in Fig. 12 are provided in the form of openings in the guide housing 72 to provide the mechanical guidance for the respective conductors 4, in particular lines 13, and / or contact means 28. The guide structure 71 can be designed as shown in Fig. 12 shown for receiving the conductors 4, in particular lines 13, on a first side 76 of the guide housing 72 and on another, opposite (and facing away from the first side 76) second side 77 of the guide housing 72 for receiving the contact means 28.

[0066] The lines 13 in Fig. 12 can have different colors and thus be color-coded. Corresponding colors can also be provided in the area of ​​the openings 71 to facilitate identification.

[0067] Furthermore, at least one coding 50 or counter-coding 27 with the properties as described above can also be provided on the guide device 70, e.g. in the form of a guide sleeve.

[0068] A part 44 of the component 20 and / or the guide device 70 in Fig. 12 can seal the contact surface 9 in the connected state and / or mechanically lock it and / or provide anti-twist protection. For example, an O-ring or a sealing lip on the guide device 70 is conceivable as a sealing element. A locking lug or a locking hook (not explicitly shown) can serve as a locking element. A projection or a groove can serve as anti-twist protection.

[0069] In Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 shows an example of an insertion mechanism 80 which can be arranged on the guide structure 71 for controlling the contacting movement in order to insert the at least one or more electrical contact means 28, each with a predetermined penetration depth 90, into the associated electrical conductor 4 in an axial direction A of the conductor 4 and / or the cable 2.

[0070] The insertion mechanism 80 can be designed to insert, in particular to pierce, the respective contact means 28 in a linear manner by the contacting movement into the associated electrical conductor 4 with the predetermined penetration depth 90, in particular puncture depth 90, wherein the predetermined penetration depth 90 is preferably in the range from 0.5 mm to 10 mm, preferably 1 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm.

[0071] The insertion mechanism 80 can further comprise a pressure element 81 and a transmission arrangement 82. The transmission arrangement 82 can be connected to the pressure element 81 in a force-transmitting manner in order to set the pressure element 81 in motion when force is applied manually or mechanically to the transmission arrangement 82. Thus, the pressure element 81 can insert, preferably pierce, the respective electrical contact means 28 into the associated electrical conductor 4 via the contacting movement. A travel path 93 for the pressure element 81 between a starting position 91 and an end position 92 can be determined by the predetermined penetration depth 90 and / or be structurally predetermined.Furthermore, an adjustment mechanism 84 can be provided in order to adjust the predetermined penetration depth 90 and preferably the travel path 93 in the insertion mechanism 80, preferably depending on a cable type of the cable 2 and / or continuously and / or in several predefined steps.

[0072] In addition, Fig. 15 schematically illustrates that the insertion mechanism 80 can be designed as a lever mechanism 80, in which a transmission arrangement 82 comprises a lever arm 82. This can serve to transfer a manual or mechanical force exerted on the transmission arrangement 82 into the controlled contacting movement, in which the control is carried out in such a way that the contacting movement is guided linearly and / or the penetration depth 90 is predetermined and / or controlled and / or limited and / or the predetermined and / or a current penetration depth 90 is indicated to a user.

[0073] Furthermore, a Fig. 15 may be provided to visually, haptically or acoustically indicate a current penetration depth 90 during the contacting movement.

[0074] In Fig. 16 shows that the insertion mechanism 80 can further comprise a nut 85, preferably a union nut 85, which is designed to establish a mechanical connection between the component 20 and the cable 2 and, for this purpose, is screwed onto a thread 86. Furthermore, a transmission arrangement 82 can be provided, which is designed to transmit a movement, in particular a rotational movement, of the nut 85 on the thread 86 to a pressure element 81. Furthermore, the pressure element 81 can be arranged and guided in the region of a guide space 87 in order to move through the guide space 87 of the guide structure 71 through the transmitted movement along a longitudinal axis of the thread 86 in order to thereby exert a force for inserting the electrical contact means 28, wherein the guide space 87 is designed to receive a part of the component 20 and / or the at least one electrical contact means 28.

[0075] Furthermore, according to Fig. 16, a holding element 88 may be provided which is firmly connected to the pressure element 81 in order to limit the contacting movement when the holding element 88 strikes a counter-holding element 89.

[0076] In Fig.11 schematically illustrates a method 100 for establishing a connection between a cable 2 and a component 20. In a first method step 101, a connection system 1 comprising a cable 2 and a component 20 can be provided, the cable 2 having a plurality of electrical conductors 4. A respective conductor cross-section 5 of the conductors 4 can be exposed and accessible from the outside. Furthermore, the component 20 can comprise a plurality of contact means 28 for contacting the conductors 4 of the cable 2. In a second method step 102, the contact means 28 can be inserted in the axial direction A of the cable 2 through the exposed conductor cross-sections 5 into the conductors 4 in order to establish contact between the contact means 28 and the conductors 4.

[0077] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention. List of reference symbols 1 system 2 cables 4 core, stranded wire, conductor 6 cavity 7 Profile 8 Sheath, cable sheath 10 Filling material 12 single wires 14 Sealing for condensate 20 components 22 Locking, unlocking 24 threaded screw connection 26 Leadership, leadership tools 27 Counter coding 28 contact means, pin 29 Safety contact agents 30 pin tip 40 Connector assembly 42 circuit board 44 Locking, anti-twist protection, sealing 45 locking pin 50 coding 51 first coding 52 second coding 60 Structure 62 depth markers 70 Guide device 71 Management structure 72 guide housing 76 first page 77 second page 80 Introduction mechanism 81 Pressure element 82 Transfer arrangement 83 Indexing device 84 Adjustment mechanism 85 mother 86 threads 87 Command Room 88 Holding element 89 Counterholding element 90 penetration depth 91 Starting position 92 final position 93 travel path 100 procedures 101 first procedural step 102 second procedural step A axial direction

Claims

[1] Connection system (1), comprising: - a component (20) for connection to an electrical cable (2), wherein the component (20) comprises a plurality of contact means (28) for contacting conductors (4) of the cable (2), wherein the contact means (28) are electrically conductive, - the electrical cable (2), in which the conductors (4) are accessible for contacting with the contact means (28), wherein the conductors (4) are electrically conductive, and wherein the conductors (4) each have an exposed conductor cross-section (5), characterized by that the connection system (1) is designed to contact the contact means (28) with the conductors (4) in the axial direction (A) of the cable (2) in order to electrically connect the contact means (28) directly to the exposed conductor cross-sections (5). [2] Connection system (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the contact means (28) each have a tip (30) and / or are needle-shaped in order to contact the conductors (4) by the contact means (28) being pierced on and / or through the exposed conductor cross-sections (5) in the axial direction (A). [3] Connection system (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that the conductors (4) are each designed as a stranded wire (4), each having flexible individual wires (12) in order to electrically conductively surround the contact means (28) pierced through the respective conductor cross-section (5). [4] Connection system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the contact means (28) are designed to be introduced, preferably pierced, into the conductors (4) on and / or through the exposed conductor cross-sections (5), wherein the respective conductor (4) with its exposed conductor cross-section (5) and the contact means (28) introduced, preferably pierced, therein are at least partially surrounded by an insulating sheath (11). [5] Connection system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the cable (2) has a contacting surface (9) at which the conductors (4) are accessible for contacting with the contact means (28), wherein the contacting surface (9) lies in a sectional plane of the cable (2) at which the conductors (4) adjoin or protrude from an interior of the cable (2) to the outside and are visible from outside the cable (2), wherein the conductors (4) preferably protrude relative to the contacting surface (9) or are located in a recessed position in the cable (2), or wherein the respective exposed conductor cross-section (5) also lies in the sectional plane. [6] Connection system (1) according to claim 5, characterized byin that the conductors (4) each form a line (13) with a surrounding insulating sheath (11), the lines (13) protruding from the contacting surface (9), the lines (13) being only partially surrounded by a cable sheath (8) of the cable (2), the protruding conductors (4) and / or the exposed conductor cross-sections (5) each being completely or partially surrounded by the insulating sheath (11), the contacting surface (9) being formed by a cut surface of the cable sheath (8) of the cable (2). [7] Connection system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that a geometric profile (7), in particular a spatial shape and / or contour, extends in the axial direction (A) of the cable (2), wherein the profile (7) defines a guide cavity (6) for a guide means (26) and preferably for a guide pin (26) of the component (20) in order to mechanically guide the contact in the axial direction (A) of the cable (2), preferably in order to guide the introduction of the contact means (28) into the conductors (4) in the axial direction (A) of the cable (2), wherein the guide cavity (6) is particularly preferably designed to transmit a fluid, in particular to transmit a medium such as air or a liquid. [8] Connection system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the connection system (1) has a guide device (70) which is designed separately from the cable (2) and the component (20) and / or is movably connected to the cable (2) and / or the component (20), and is designed to mechanically guide the contact in the axial direction (A) of the cable (2), and preferably to guide the conductors (4), in particular the lines (13), and / or the contact means (28) for contact in the axial direction (A) of the cable (2). [9] Connection system (1) according to claim 8, characterized byin that the guide device (70) has a guide housing (72) with a guide structure (71), preferably in the form of openings in the guide housing (72), in order to provide the mechanical guidance for the respective conductors (4), in particular lines (13), and / or contact means (28), wherein the guide structure (71) is designed to receive the conductors (4), in particular lines (13), on one side (76) of the guide housing (72), and is designed to receive the contact means (28) on another side (77) of the guide housing (72), preferably opposite the guide device (70) in the axial direction, in particular in order to provide contact in an interior of the guide housing (72) of the guide device (70) and / or in order to mechanically guide the introduction of the contact means (28) into the conductors (4) in the axial direction (A) of the cable (2) for the purpose of making contact. [10] Connection system (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized bythat the conductors (4) each form a line (13) with a surrounding insulating sheath (11), wherein the lines (13) are color-coded, in particular by a different color of the insulating sheaths (11), wherein a corresponding counter-coding is provided on the guide device (70) in order to color-assign a guide structure (71) and preferably openings (71) of the guide housing (72) to the corresponding lines (13). [11] Connection system (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized bythat at least one coding (50) on the cable (2) and / or on the guide device (70) is spatially formed to predetermine a specific arrangement and assignment of the contact means (28) of the component (20) with the electrical conductors (4) of the cable (2), wherein the at least one coding (50) comprises a mechanical and / or geometric coding (50) of the cable (2) and / or the guide device (70), in which a geometric profile (7), in particular a spatial shape and / or contour, extends in the axial direction (A) of the cable (2) and / or the guide device (70), wherein the profile (7) preferably defines a guide cavity (6) for a guide means (26) and preferably for a guide pin of the component (20), so that a specific orientation of the component (20) is predetermine for the connection in order to block the connection of the component (20) in the event of a deviation from the specific orientation,wherein the guide cavity (6) is particularly preferably designed for the transmission of a fluid, in particular for the transmission of a medium such as air or a liquid, wherein the at least one coding (50) comprises a geometric and / or extruded profile (7) of the cable (2) and / or the guide device (70), in particular in the form of a grommet, and / or a hose, wherein the at least one coding (50) additionally comprises an electrical coding (50) and / or color coding, in which a systematic arrangement of the electrical conductors (4) of the cable (2) is provided, so that a specific assignment of the electrical contact means (28) of the component (20) is predetermined for the connection. [12] Connection system (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized byin that the conductors (4) of the cable (2) are each designed as a stranded wire (4) in order to form a receptacle for introducing the contact means (28) of the component (20), preferably for piercing the contact means (28) in the form of a contacting tip (30) into the strands (4) in the axial direction (A) of the cable (2), wherein the guide device (70) is provided between the cable (2) and the component (20) in order to guide the introduction and preferably piercing with a predetermined arrangement and assignment of the contact means (28) of the component (20) to the conductors (4) of the cable (2), wherein a complementary counter-coding (27) of the component (20) is provided for the coding (50) on the cable (2) and / or the guide device (70) in order to specify the guidance and preferably an orientation of the cable (2) in relation to the component (20). [13] Connection system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the component (20) and / or a guide device (70) in the connected state lies directly against the contacting surface (9), wherein the contact means (28) of the component (20) contact the conductors (4) of the cable (2) and are preferably introduced therein, preferably pierced, wherein a part (44) of the component (20) and / or of the guide device (70) in the connected state seals the contacting surface (9) and / or mechanically locks it and / or provides protection against twisting. [14] Cable (2) for connection to a component (20), wherein the cable (2) has a plurality of electrical conductors (4), wherein the conductors (4) each have an exposed conductor cross-section (5) for electrical contact with contact means (28) of the component (20), characterized byin that the cable (2) is designed to provide the contacting with a movement of the conductors (4) and the contact means (28) relative to one another parallel to an axial direction (A) of the cable (2) in order to electrically connect the contact means (28) directly at the exposed conductor cross-section (5). [15] Cable (2) according to claim 14, characterized by that the cable (2) is designed according to a connection system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13. [16] Method (100) for establishing a connection between a cable (2) and a component (20), comprising the following steps: - Providing (101) a connection system (1) with a cable (2) and a component (20), wherein the cable (2) has a plurality of electrical conductors (4), wherein a respective conductor cross-section (5) of the conductors (4) is exposed and accessible from the outside, wherein the component (20) comprises a plurality of contact means (28) for contacting the conductors (4) of the cable (2), - Inserting (102) the contact means (28) in the axial direction (A) of the cable (2) through the exposed conductor cross-sections (5) into the conductors (4) in order to establish contact between the contact means (28) and the conductors (4). [17] Method according to claim 16, characterized by that the conductors (4) each form a line (13) with a surrounding insulating sheath (11), wherein the cable (2) is provided by cutting it to a desired length without stripping the lines (13), and wherein the introduction of the contact means (28) is carried out without prior stripping of the lines (13). [18] Method according to one of claims 16 or 17, characterized by that the connection system (1) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 13.

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