Guide device to support the establishment of an electrical connection

Abstract

The invention relates to a guide device (70) for supporting the production of an electrical connection between a component (20) and a cable (2), comprising: - a guide housing (72), and - a guide structure (71) formed on the guide housing (72) to guide a contacting movement in order to contact at least one or more electrical contact means (28) of the component (20) with each associated electrical conductor (4) of the cable (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a guide device according to the type defined in the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a connection system 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 is a guide device having the features of claim 1, a connection system having the features of claim 14, and a method having the features of claim 19. 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 guide device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the connection system 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 subject matter of the invention is, in particular, a guide device for supporting the establishment of an electrical connection between a component and a cable. This can be understood in particular as meaning that a contacting movement, in particular a linear one, is guided in order to contact a respective conductor of the cable and the contact means of the component assigned to this conductor. This can occur, for example, through a relative movement of the conductor and the contact means to one another. The relative movement refers in particular to the relative movement of the conductor and the contact means to one another, during which at least one of the two components is moved. This contacting movement can result in the respective contact means touching the assigned conductor and therefore an electrical connection being established.The electrical connection can be further improved and / or secured by moving and guiding the respective contact element further into the associated conductor. This further movement can also be part of the contacting movement and can be guided accordingly by the guide device.

[0009] The guide device can have a guide housing, which is preferably at least partially electrically insulating. Furthermore, the guide device can have a guide structure formed on the guide housing for guiding a contacting movement in order to contact at least one or more electrical contact means of the component with a respective associated (i.e., assigned) electrical conductor of the cable. For example, the guide structure can have at least one opening and / or at least one channel and / or the like, through which linear guidance of the respective conductor and contact means is enabled.

[0010] Furthermore, the guide device can be designed to predetermine the specific arrangement and assignment of the plurality of electrical contact means to the plurality of electrical conductors during contacting. This means in particular that the “correct” contact means are connected to the “correct” associated conductors. For this purpose, the guide device can, for example, have a spatially designed coding. Coding can preferably be understood as a systematic shaping and / or a systematic arrangement of contacts and / or mechanical elements in order to ensure a specific connection configuration during contacting. The arrangement can designate the orientation of the component relative to the cable. The assignment can relate to an assignment of the respective contact means to an assigned (i.e. associated) conductor, in particular according to a predetermined assignment of the conductors or contact means.The assignment of the contact means to the conductors implies in particular a mutual assignment, i.e. also an assignment of the conductors to the contact means.

[0011] Furthermore, an insertion mechanism can be provided which is arranged on the guide structure for controlling the contacting movement in order to insert the at least one or more electrical contact means, each with a predetermined penetration depth, into the associated electrical conductor in an axial direction of the conductor and / or the cable. For this purpose, a mechanism can be provided which enables assisted or automated insertion, in particular piercing, of the contact means into the conductor. This can have the advantage of facilitating the handling of the guide device and thus achieving greater precision in the connection of the cable to the component. In this case, mechanical control of the contacting movement can be carried out, but alternatively or additionally, electronic control, e.g. sensor-supported, can also be used.

[0012] Preferably, the insertion mechanism can be designed to insert, in particular pierce, the respective contact means into the associated electrical conductor with a linear guide by the contacting movement, with the predetermined penetration depth, in particular penetration depth, wherein the predetermined penetration depth is preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, preferably 1 mm to 6 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm. This ensures that the insertion or piercing is carried out properly.

[0013] For example, the insertion mechanism may further comprise a pressure element and a transmission arrangement. The transmission arrangement may be connected to the pressure element in a force-transmitting manner, in order to set the pressure element in motion when force is applied to the transmission arrangement manually or mechanically. This enables the pressure element to insert, preferably pierce, the respective electrical contact means into the associated electrical conductor via the contacting movement. Furthermore, a travel path for the pressure element between a starting position and an end position may be determined by the predetermined penetration depth and / or be structurally predetermined.Structurally predetermined is understood in particular to mean that the arrangement, shape and / or composition of the guide device is defined in such a way that the penetration depth is achieved and / or the insertion is limited to the penetration depth.

[0014] Furthermore, it is optionally provided that an adjustment mechanism is provided for setting the predetermined penetration depth and preferably the travel path of the insertion mechanism, preferably depending on a cable type and / or continuously and / or in several predefined stages. This can have the advantage that the insertion mechanism can be adapted to different cable types in order to ensure an optimal penetration depth and travel path. This enables reliable and efficient cable installation. It is also possible for the adjustment mechanism to be operated automatically or manually and to provide an indexing device for monitoring the settings. This allows the operator of the insertion mechanism to quickly and easily adjust the settings to ensure precise and reliable cable installation.

[0015] Preferably, it can be provided that the insertion mechanism is designed as a lever mechanism in which a transmission arrangement comprises a lever arm in order to transmit a manual or mechanical force exerted on the transmission arrangement into the controlled contacting movement, in which the control preferably takes place in such a way that the contacting movement is guided linearly and / or the penetration depth is predetermined and / or controlled and / or limited and / or the predetermined and / or a current penetration depth is indicated for a user, e.g. by a display device.

[0016] It is also advantageous if an indexing device, preferably a display device, is provided to visually, haptically or acoustically indicate, in particular to display, a current penetration depth during the contacting movement, wherein the indexing device is preferably designed as one of the following: - a visual scale to indicate the current penetration depth, preferably by markings for different positions along a travel path of a pressure element of the insertion mechanism, e.g. by printing the scale on the guide housing, - a locking mechanism in which locking means are provided at the various positions to provide an operator of the guide device with haptic feedback when the pressure element reaches the various positions, - a click or snap mechanism to provide acoustic feedback when the pressure element reaches the different positions, - a device with mechanical resistance elements at the various positions, - a device with magnetic position markers at the various positions.

[0017] Furthermore, it is conceivable for the insertion mechanism to further comprise a nut, preferably a union nut, which is designed to establish a mechanical connection between the component and the cable and for this purpose is screwed onto a thread. Furthermore, a transmission arrangement can be provided which is designed to transmit a movement, in particular a rotational movement, of the nut on the thread to a pressure element. A pressure element can be arranged and guided in the region of a guide space of the guide device in order to move through the guide space of the guide structure as a result of the transmitted movement along a longitudinal axis of the thread in order to thereby exert a force for inserting the electrical contact means. The guide space can be designed to accommodate a part of the component and / or the at least one electrical contact means.The guide space can be adapted to the dimensions of the cable.

[0018] It may optionally be possible for the insertion mechanism to further comprise a pressure element to directly or indirectly transmit a force to the electrical contact means in order to insert said contact means into the associated electrical conductor via the contacting movement. Furthermore, a holding element can be provided which is firmly connected to the pressure element in order to limit the contacting movement when the holding element encounters a counter-holding element. In this case, the counter-holding element, and in particular also further counter-holding elements at regular intervals, can preferably be arranged on the cable along an axial direction of the cable for the visual and mechanical identification of the predetermined penetration depth. This can have the advantage that the penetration depth can be quickly and easily checked visually without the need for special measuring devices.Furthermore, the arrangement of the counter-holding elements at regular intervals can also help ensure that the cable is held evenly and securely in the specified position. This, in turn, can help prevent the cable from slipping or becoming damaged during operation.

[0019] It can further advantageously be provided that the guide device is designed to predetermine the specific arrangement and assignment of the plurality of electrical contact means to the electrical conductors during contacting, wherein the guide structure is designed to guide the contacting movement in the form of a linear relative movement of the electrical contact means and the electrical conductors to one another during contacting. For this purpose, the guide structure can, for example, have a spatial limitation for the conductors and the contact means, in which either the conductors and / or contact means are guided individually or together. The linear guidance can be achieved in that a respective conductor with the assigned contact means (and / or a respective contact means with the assigned conductor) is arranged in a straight line and is held and guided on this line by the spatial limitation.The conductors are assigned to the contact elements, for example, based on a predefined electrical assignment. In this context, especially in the context of connectors, an electrical assignment can be understood as meaning that each contact element fulfills a specific electrical function and is thus assigned to a specific conductor. The guide device can help prevent faulty conductor connections and ensure the proper functioning of the component, especially a connector.

[0020] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that the guide structure is designed on a first side of the guide housing for mechanically guiding the electrical conductors. For this purpose, the guide structure can comprise openings on the first side of the guide housing, for example. On a second side of the guide housing, the guide structure can be designed for mechanically guiding the electrical contact means. For this purpose, further openings can be provided on the second side of the guide housing in order to guide the electrical conductors and the electrical contact means towards one another starting from the different sides, so that the contact is preferably provided in a guided manner in an interior space of the guide housing. This can have the advantage that the contacting movement can be carried out easily and reliably inside the guide housing.For this purpose, the interior space can be designed with dimensions and a shape that are adapted to the shape and size and preferably the diameter of the cable.

[0021] Preferably, within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that at least one coding is spatially formed on the guide housing in order to predetermine the specific arrangement and assignment of the electrical contact means to the electrical conductors. The at least one coding can comprise a mechanical and / or geometric coding in which a geometric profile, in particular a spatial shape and / or contour, extends through the guide device. In this case, the profile can preferably define a guide cavity for a guide means and preferably for a guide pin of the component and / or the cable. This has the effect of predetermining a specific orientation of the component and / or the cable for contacting. Furthermore, it makes it possible to block movement of the component and / or the cable relative to one another in the event of a deviation from the specific orientation. In particular, the contacting movement can thus be prevented.

[0022] The at least one coding can be spatially formed by comprising a geometric and / or extruded profile of the guide device and / or a tube. Particularly preferably, the guide cavity can be designed for the transmission of a fluid, in particular for the transmission of a medium such as air or a liquid. For example, the profile can be formed on the cable in an extrusion process.

[0023] Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least one coding is provided on the guide housing, wherein the at least one coding comprises an electrical coding and / or a color coding, in which a systematic arrangement of the electrical conductors is provided. This has the advantage that a specific assignment of the electrical contact means is predetermined for contacting. The assignment can refer to a specific connection arrangement in which the contacting of the electrical contact means takes place in a fixed sequence.

[0024] Within the scope of the invention, the guide device can be designed as a guide sleeve for the cable. The guide sleeve is particularly characterized by the fact that it fixes the cable in a defined orientation and / or protects it from damage. For this purpose, the guide sleeve can be made of a flexible material such as rubber or plastic and have an internal guide groove that holds the cable securely and stably.

[0025] The invention also relates to a connection system comprising: - a component for connection to an electrical cable, wherein the component comprises at least one or more contact means for contacting each with an associated conductor of the cable, wherein the respective contact means is designed to be electrically conductive, - the electrical cable in which the respective associated conductor is accessible for contacting, wherein the respective conductor is electrically conductive and wherein the respective conductor has an exposed conductor cross-section, - a guide device, in particular according to the invention, for supporting the contacting of the respective contact means with the associated conductor, wherein the guide device has a guide housing which is at least partially electrically insulating, and wherein the guide device has a guide structure which is formed on the guide housing for guiding a contacting movement of the respective conductor and / or the respective contact means for contacting.

[0026] The guide device may further comprise: - an insertion mechanism arranged on the guide structure for controlling the contacting movement in order to insert the respective contact means with a predetermined penetration depth into the associated electrical conductor in an axial direction of the conductor and / or the cable.

[0027] Thus, the connection system according to the invention brings with it the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to a guide device according to the invention.

[0028] It may also be possible for the connection system to be designed to contact the respective contact means with the associated conductor in an axial direction of the associated conductor, in order to electrically connect the respective contact means directly to the exposed conductor cross-section of the associated conductor. For this purpose, the contact means can, for example, be inserted into the conductor cross-section in the longitudinal direction of the conductor. The respective exposed conductor cross-section can be completely exposed in cross-section, i.e., severed, for example.

[0029] According to a further advantage, it can be provided that the respective contact means has a point and / or is needle-shaped in order to contact the associated conductor by piercing the contact means at and / or through the, in particular completely, exposed conductor cross-section. Piercing particularly comprises a contacting movement during which a force can be exerted on the contact means to create an opening or passage in the conductor cross-section.

[0030] It may also be possible for the respective conductor to be designed as a stranded wire, each of which has flexible individual wires to electrically surround a contact element inserted and, in particular, pierced through the respective conductor cross-section. This has the advantage that the individual wires provide a flexible receptacle for the contact element, thus simplifying insertion.

[0031] According to a further possibility, it can be provided that the respective contact means is designed to be introduced, preferably pierced, into the conductor on and / or through the exposed conductor cross-section of the associated conductor, wherein the respective conductor with its exposed conductor cross-section and the contact means introduced, preferably pierced, therein are at least partially surrounded by an insulating sheath and / or shielding. This can have the advantage that the respective conductor, in particular data conductors for sensitive data transmission, is protected from external influences such as electromagnetic interference or mechanical damage. Furthermore, the insulating sheath and / or shielding can also help protect the conductors from moisture and corrosion, which can increase the service life and reliability of the cable.

[0032] According to a further possibility, the respective conductor can form a line with a surrounding insulating sheath. If multiple conductors are provided, the lines can be color-coded, in particular by using different colors for the insulating sheaths. It can then be advantageous to use corresponding counter-coding on the guide device to color-code a guide structure and preferably openings in the guide housing to the corresponding lines. This can have the advantage of facilitating the installation and maintenance of the lines, since the color-coding allows for quick identification of the lines.

[0033] It is also advantageous if the conductors of the cable are each designed as stranded wires to form a receptacle for inserting the associated contact means of the component, preferably for piercing the contact means in the form of a contact tip into the strands. 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.

[0034] The invention also relates to a method for producing a connection between a cable and a component, comprising the following steps: - Providing a connection system with the cable and the component and a guide device, in particular according to the invention, wherein the component comprises at least one or more contact means each for contacting an associated conductor of the cable, wherein a conductor cross-section is exposed and accessible from the outside in the respective conductor, - Inserting the respective contact means through the exposed conductor cross-section of the associated conductor in order to establish contact between the contact means and the conductor, wherein the insertion is guided linearly by the guide device, and wherein the insertion is controlled by an insertion mechanism such that the respective contact means is inserted with a predetermined penetration depth into the associated conductor in an axial direction of the conductor and / or the cable.

[0035] The method according to the invention thus brings with it the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to a guide device according to the invention and / or a connection system according to the invention.

[0036] Advantageously, the invention can provide that the respective conductor forms a line with a surrounding insulating sheath, wherein the cable is provided by cutting it to a desired length without stripping the respective line, and wherein the introduction of the respective contact means is carried out without prior stripping of the respective line.

[0037] The component is, for example, a connector or a device such as a sensor or actuator or a fieldbus module. The connector can be an M8, M12, or RJ45 connector, for example. Furthermore, the connector can be designed as a substantially cylindrical (such as M8, M12) or rectangular (e.g., RJ45) connector. Furthermore, the connector can have a diameter, in particular a maximum diameter, in the range from 1 mm to 30 mm, preferably 2 mm to 20 mm, more preferably 5 mm to 14 mm. Specifically, the diameter for M8 can be substantially 8 mm and for M12 substantially 12 mm. The diameter can, in particular, refer to the outer diameter of a thread of the connector, which is used for attachment to a device. The cable, in turn, can have an outer diameter in the range from 1 mm to 30 mm, preferably 2 mm to 20 mm, more preferably 3 mm to 10 mm. For example, for M12 cables, the diameters can vary between 4 mm and 6 mm.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The component and in particular the connector can serve to establish a reliable and secure connection to the cable. This can make it possible to receive electrical current for energy transmission and / or signals for data transmission and / or at least one other medium from the cable and / or to transmit them further to a device. For this purpose, the component can have at least one or more contact means, each of which is electrically and / or mechanically contacted with an associated conductor of the cable. In other words, if the cable has multiple conductors, the component can also have multiple contact means, and the contact means can be electrically and / or mechanically connected to the conductors. Thus, for each conductor of the cable to be contacted, an associated contact means can be provided, which is connected accordingly to the associated conductor.It can be provided that only one contact means is connected (contacted) to exactly one associated conductor until all contact means have been contacted with an associated conductor in order to completely establish the connection.

[0040] The respective contact element can be designed as an electrical contact element, i.e., electrically conductive, and the respective conductor can be designed as an electrical conductor. When connecting the cable to the component, the pin assignment of the contact elements can be observed, i.e., the contact elements are connected to the designated conductors of the cable. The pin assignment thus defines which conductors belong to which contact element. In other words, it depends on the specific arrangement and / or assignment of the component's contact elements to the cable's conductors.

[0041] The cable may have at least one electrical conductor. It is preferred if at least two or three or four or more, or a maximum of 10, electrical conductors are provided in the cable. Each of the electrical conductors may particularly preferably be configured as a stranded wire. A stranded wire is understood to be, in particular, an electrical conductor comprising thin individual wires and therefore easily bendable, which is made predominantly of copper, for example. The individual wires may be enclosed by a common insulating sheath (insulation); in this case, the conductor may also be referred to as a stranded wire.

[0042] Furthermore, at least one coding can be provided on the cable. The coding can be formed spatially, i.e. in particular three-dimensionally, on the cable. Furthermore, the coding can be provided on a contacting and in particular cutting surface of the cable. The coding can serve to specify a specific arrangement and / or assignment of, in particular electrical, contact means of the component with the, in particular electrical, conductors of the cable, preferably to specify and / or guide this for the connection. Coding can preferably be understood as a systematic shaping and / or a systematic arrangement of contacts and / or mechanical elements in order to ensure a specific connection configuration. The coding can thus serve to prevent incorrect connections and to ensure the correct alignment of the component (e.g. in the form of a connector) with respect to the cable during the connection process.The coding thus advantageously defines a correct alignment of the component, i.e. the correct orientation of the cable, and enables optimized signal transmission and power supply by ensuring compatibility between the different components.

[0043] 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 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.

[0044] The cable can be designed such that the respective conductor of the cable is accessible for contacting with an associated contact means. This is understood in particular to mean 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 the respective conductor (for contacting) has an exposed conductor cross-section.

[0045] The coding can be provided directly on the cable (and thus not or not only on the connector). In particular, the coding can be formed between and / or in the area of ​​and / or through the conductors and / or the insulation and / or in or on the cable sheath (e.g. inner and / or outer sheath) on the cable. Coding is already known in connectors, in particular through electrical coding, in which the contacts are arranged such that only the correct electrical connection is possible. According to the invention, this coding can be transferred to the cable, i.e. alternatively or additionally provided on the cable, e.g. in the form of mechanical and / or electrical coding. The coding can optionally also be referred to as a coding or connection structure.

[0046] While mechanical coding preferably systematically predetermines a specific shape for at least part of the cable or on the cable, electrical coding allows the cable conductors to be arranged in such a way that only the correct electrical connection to the component is possible. Applying the coding to the cable can have the advantage of significantly simplifying and accelerating the connection process between the cable and component. This is due to the fact that the component can be connected directly and immediately to the cable.

[0047] It is possible for the cable according to the invention to have a coding and / or a connecting structure that runs in the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the cable or the conductors of the cable. The connecting structure can have the coding and / or a plug-in structure and / or a (geometric) profile. Furthermore, the connecting structure, in particular the coding and / or the plug-in structure and / or the profile, can extend over substantially the entire or predominant length of the cable and / or can be provided continuously and / or repeatedly. In other words, the connecting structure can have a structural section that is repeated in the axial direction of the cable.

[0048] The coding or the connecting structure, specifically the structural section and / or the plug-in structure, can comprise at least one or more or exactly one cavities. A part of the component, such as a respective guide pin, can be plugged into the cavity or one or each of the cavities, if necessary. The coding can be provided by a specific geometric shape (in particular a polygon) of the (respective) cavity. Furthermore, the coding can also be defined by a number of corners and / or edges of this shape. It is also conceivable for the coding to be provided by several of the cavities, e.g. based on the arrangement and / or size and / or possibly different shapes of the cavities.

[0049] The coding or connection structure, in particular, makes it possible to significantly reduce the assembly steps required for connecting a cable to a component. Furthermore, even after the cable has been cut to size, the cut cable itself can already exhibit the necessary structure to enable direct connection to the component.

[0050] It is possible for the cut cable to have a plug-in structure, in particular provided by the coding and / or connection structure. 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.

[0051] Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that a contacting surface is provided on the cable at which the respective conductor is accessible for contacting with the associated contact means. The contacting surface can lie in the 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 respective conductor preferably protrudes relative to the contacting surface or is located in a recessed position in the cable. It is also conceivable that a 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.

[0052] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the respective contact means is designed to be inserted, preferably pierced, on and / or through the exposed conductor cross-section of the associated conductor. In other words, if there are multiple conductors, each of the contact means can be inserted into a conductor cross-section provided for it. Furthermore, the respective conductor with its (respective) exposed conductor cross-section and the contact means (respective) inserted, 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.

[0053] The special design of the cable according to the invention has the advantage that when connecting the cable to the component, there is no need to first strip the cable in a complex process and, for example, use crimp connectors to connect a plug-in connector to the cable. Instead, it may be possible for the component to be connected directly to the cut cable, since the cable already has a structure, preferably a plug-in structure and / or coding, for mechanical and / or electrical contact at the cut surface. The conductors of the cable can also be designed in such a way that they already provide a favorable contact surface at the cut surface. This is made possible in particular by stranded wires with a diameter that allows a contact means to be inserted and / or pierced into each strand.

[0054] It is also advantageous if the at least one coding comprises a mechanical and / or geometric coding of the cable, in which a geometric profile, in particular a spatial shape and / or contour, extends in the axial direction of the cable, e.g. is arranged continuously or repeatedly. The profile can define at least one cavity and in particular a guide cavity, preferably the spatial shape and / or contour of the cavity. In this case, the at least one cavity can be provided for a pin or the at least one guide cavity (for guidance) for a guide means such as a guide pin of the component, so that a specific orientation of the component (relative to the cable) is predetermined for the connection and / or in the event of a deviation from the specific orientation, the connection of the component to the cable is blocked.The specific orientation can also be predetermined by the concrete shape of the at least one cavity, e.g. by the shape of the wall and / or the opening formed by the wall. The opening can, for example, have a rectangular or trapezoidal shape that corresponds to the shape of the pin, in particular the guide pin. This ensures that the component or pin is inserted in exactly the right position and is not crooked or twisted. In other words, the opening of the cavity can be shaped such that the at least one contact means and / or the at least one pin of the component can only be inserted therein if the component is correctly aligned. Furthermore, the at least one cavity can have a length that is designed to correspond to the length of the pin that is inserted into the respective cavity.It is also conceivable that a plurality of cavities form a grid on the contacting and / or cutting surface of the cable, which are arranged in such a way that the at least one contact means and / or the at least one pin of the component can only be introduced there in the correct orientation of the component.

[0055] It is further possible for the or at least one further cavity, and in particular a guide cavity, to be designed for transmitting a fluid, preferably for transmitting a medium such as air or a liquid. Accordingly, the cable can serve not only for transmitting electrical energy, but optionally also for transmitting the fluid, e.g., a medium such as air or a liquid. In other words, the coding can also transmit a medium that differs from electrical energy. This enables a diverse range of uses for the cable. The cable can therefore be designed not only as an electrical cable, but alternatively or additionally also as an air and / or liquid conduction cable.

[0056] According to a further possibility, the at least one coding can comprise a geometric and / or extruded profile of the cable and / or a hose and / or a grommet. In particular, the mechanical and / or geometric coding can be provided by the cable having a specific geometric profile. The specific geometric profile can be provided, for example, by the shape of at least one cavity and / or an opening of a cavity in the cable.

[0057] Furthermore, boundaries such as cable walls can be provided, which, for example, form the opening and the cavity. The boundaries can be arranged and shaped to create the specific geometric profile. The boundaries are made of plastic, for example. The boundaries and / or the profile can advantageously be extruded directly onto the cable, e.g., by forming the boundaries and, in particular, walls within the cable.

[0058] It is also possible for the mechanical and / or geometric coding and / or the profile to be subsequently applied to the cable, e.g., using a guide device and / or a grommet and / or a tube. The grommet can be attached to the cable from the outside. The tube can also be routed inside the cable, for example. This enables simple production of the coded cable. Furthermore, the coding can be arranged inside the cable, in particular within a cable sheath, and / or outside the cable sheath.

[0059] Furthermore, a form of coding may deviate from the (particularly original, geometric) basic shape of the cable, preferably the cylindrical basic shape of the cable, such as a cylindrical structure defined by the cable sheath. In other words, the coding may be a structure specifically provided on the cable, which is specifically intended for the purpose of enabling the specific arrangement and / or assignment as described above.

[0060] The cable may optionally further include a grommet. The grommet may have a specific profile, e.g., a particular square or round shape, which provides the coding. The grommet may also serve to insulate and mechanically protect the electrical conductors within the cable. The grommet may be made of a high-temperature-resistant material such as polyethylene or silicone and be designed to provide optimal strain relief for the conductors contained within the cable. Furthermore, the grommet may be provided with a special coating that minimizes electrical conductivity and thus reduces the risk of short circuits. The grommet may further include one or more chambers that serve to separate the individual conductors from one another, thus improving electrical insulation and / or (through the shape and / or arrangement of the chambers) providing the coding.

[0061] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that the at least one coding comprises, as an alternative or in addition to the mechanical and / or geometric coding, an electrical coding of the cable, in which a systematic arrangement of the electrical conductors of the cable is provided such that a specific assignment of the electrical contact means of the component is predetermined for the connection. This can be understood to mean that the conductors of the cable have a predetermined arrangement in which the conductors have different (in particular lateral) distances from one another according to a coding specification. These differences must also be provided accordingly for the contact means of the component, i.e. the component must have a corresponding counter coding so that the connection is possible. This ensures that the contacts are correctly electrically connected.

[0062] It is also advantageous if the electrical conductors of the cable are each designed as a stranded wire in order to form a receptacle for introducing at least one electrical contact means of the component, preferably for inserting and / or piercing the respective contact means in the form of a contacting tip, in particular in the axial direction of the cable and / or at a contacting surface. The design as a stranded wire has the advantage that the stranded wire can have several individual wires which, due to their flexibility, can provide better accommodation for the contact means. In particular, the mechanical deformability of the individual wires can therefore be exploited during the connection in order to introduce the contact means into the stranded wire and to obtain reliable contact when inserting / piercing the contact means.

[0063] For the connection and preferably for introducing the respective contact means, i.e. in particular for plugging and / or piercing, a mechanical force can be exerted on the cable or conductor in the axial direction of the cable (i.e. longitudinal direction of the cable) or the conductor. However, a leading contact means and / or a (possibly also leading) guide pin of the component can first be applied to the cut surface of the cable in order to then introduce this contact means into an associated conductor or to insert this guide pin into at least one cavity in the cable. In this process, the further contact means of the component finally touch the conductors of the cable at the cut surface. The force can then be exerted in the longitudinal direction of the cable in order to plug / pierce the contact means into the conductors.This process can also be referred to as “piercing”, which, however, in contrast to conventional solutions, is not carried out laterally on the cable, but axially on the cut surface of the cable.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even in different embodiments.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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 can then be referred to in particular as a counter-coding 27 if it is designed to be complementary to the coding 50 on the cable 2. The coding of the cavity 6 means that a correspondingly counter-coded pin 26, preferably a guide pin 26, can only be introduced into the cavity 6 as a guide means 26 if the alignment of the component 20 with respect 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 can 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] In Fig. 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, for example, be printed. The marking 62 can, for example, be provided 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.

[0084] 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).

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] Furthermore, a Fig. 15 may be provided to visually, haptically or acoustically indicate a current penetration depth 90 during the contacting movement.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] In Fig.11 schematically illustrates a method 100 for establishing a connection between a cable 2 and a component 20 according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. According to a first method step 101, a connection system 1 is provided with the cable 2 and the component 20 and a guide device 70, wherein the component 20 comprises at least one or more contact means 28, each for contacting an associated conductor 4 of the cable 2. In this case, a conductor cross-section 5 of the respective conductor 4 can be exposed and accessible from the outside. Furthermore, according to a second method step 102, the respective contact means 28 is inserted through the exposed conductor cross-section 5 of the associated conductor 4 in order to establish contact between the contact means 28 and the conductor 4. In this case, the insertion can be guided linearly by the guide device 70.Furthermore, the insertion 102 can be controlled by an insertion mechanism 80 such that the respective contact means 28 is inserted with a predetermined penetration depth 90 into the associated conductor 4 in an axial direction A of the conductor 4 and / or the cable 2.

[0101] 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] Guide device (70) for supporting the establishment of an electrical connection between a component (20) and a cable (2), comprising: - a guide housing (72), and - a guide structure (71) formed on the guide housing (72) for guiding a contacting movement in order to contact at least one or more electrical contact means (28) of the component (20) with an associated electrical conductor (4) of the cable (2), characterized by that the guide device (70) further comprises: - an insertion mechanism (80) which is 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). [2] Guide device (70) according to claim 1, characterized by in that the insertion mechanism (80) is 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. [3] Guide device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the insertion mechanism (80) further comprises: - a pressure element (81) and - a transmission arrangement (82), wherein the transmission arrangement (82) is connected to the pressure element (81) in a force-transmitting manner in order to set the pressure element (81) in motion when force is exerted on the transmission arrangement (82) manually or mechanically in order to introduce, preferably pierce, the respective electrical contact means (28) into the associated electrical conductor (4) by means of the pressure element (81) via the contacting movement, wherein a travel path (93) for the pressure element (81) between a starting position (91) and an end position (92) is determined by the predetermined penetration depth (90) and / or is structurally predetermined. [4] Guide device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an adjustment mechanism (84) is 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 stages. [5] Guide device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the insertion mechanism (80) is designed as a lever mechanism (80), in which a transmission arrangement (82) comprises a lever arm (82) in order to transmit a manual or mechanical force exerted on the transmission arrangement (82) into the controlled contacting movement, in which the control takes place 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 for a user. [6] Guide device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an indexing device (83) is provided to visually, haptically or acoustically indicate a current penetration depth (90) during the contacting movement, wherein the indexing device (83) is preferably designed as one of the following: - a visual scale for displaying the current penetration depth (90), preferably by markings for different positions along a travel path (93) of a pressure element (81) of the insertion mechanism (80), - a locking mechanism in which locking means are provided at the various positions in order to give an operator of the guide device (70) haptic feedback when the pressure element (81) reaches the various positions, - a click or snap mechanism to provide acoustic feedback when the pressure element (81) reaches the various positions, - a device with mechanical resistance elements at the various positions, - a device with magnetic position markers at the various positions. [7] Guide device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the insertion mechanism (80) further comprises: - 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), - a transmission arrangement (82) 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), - the pressure element (81), which is 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) by means of the transmitted movement along a longitudinal axis of the thread (86) in order to thereby exert a force for introducing 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). [8] Guide device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the insertion mechanism (80) further comprises: - a pressure element (81) for transmitting a force directly or indirectly to the electrical contact means (28) in order to introduce it into the associated electrical conductor (4) via the contacting movement, - a holding element (88) which is firmly connected to the pressure element (81) in order to limit the contacting movement when the holding element (88) meets a counter-holding element (89), wherein preferably the counter-holding element (89), and in particular also further counter-holding elements (89) are arranged at regular intervals for the visual and mechanical identification of the predetermined penetration depth (90) on the cable (2) along an axial direction (A) of the cable (2). [9] Guide device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the guide device (70) is designed to predetermine the specific arrangement and assignment of the plurality of electrical contact means (28) to the electrical conductors (4) during contacting, wherein the guide structure (71) is designed to guide the contacting movement in the form of a linear relative movement of the electrical contact means (28) and the electrical conductors (4) to one another during contacting. [10] Guide device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the guide structure (71) is designed on a first side (76) of the guide housing (72) for mechanically guiding the electrical conductors (4), and for this purpose preferably comprises openings (71) on the guide housing (72), and is designed on a second side (77) of the guide housing (72) for mechanically guiding the plurality of electrical contact means (28), and for this purpose preferably comprises further openings (71) on the guide housing (72) in order to guide the electrical conductors (4) and the electrical contact means (28) towards one another starting from the different sides (76, 77), so that the contact is preferably provided in a guided manner in an interior of the guide housing (72). [11] Guide device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one coding (50) is spatially formed on the guide housing (72) in order to predetermine the specific arrangement and assignment of the plurality of electrical contact means (28) to the associated electrical conductors (4), wherein the at least one coding (50) comprises a mechanical and / or geometric coding (50) in which a geometric profile (7), in particular a spatial shape and / or contour, extends through 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 (26) of the component (20) and / or the cable (2), so that a specific orientation of the component (20) and / or the cable (2) is predetermined for the contacting in order to block a movement of the component (20) and / or the cable (2) relative to one another in the event of a deviation from the specific orientation,wherein particularly preferably the guide cavity (6) is 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 guide device (70) and / or a hose. [12] Guide device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one coding (50) is provided on the guide housing (72), wherein the at least one coding (50) comprises an electrical coding (50) and / or a color coding (50), in which a systematic arrangement of the electrical conductors (4) is provided, so that a specific assignment of the electrical contact means (28) for the contacting is predetermined. [13] Guide device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the guide device (70) is designed as a guide sleeve for the cable (2). [14] Connection system (1), comprising: - a component (20) for connection to an electrical cable (2), wherein the component (20) comprises at least one or more contact means (28) for contacting each with an associated conductor (4) of the cable (2), wherein the respective contact means (28) is designed to be electrically conductive, - the electrical cable (2), in which the respective associated conductor (4) is accessible for contacting, wherein the respective conductor (4) is electrically conductive, and wherein the respective conductor (4) has an exposed conductor cross-section (5), - a guide device (70) for supporting the contacting of the respective contact means (28) with the associated conductor (4), wherein the guide device (70) has a guide housing (72) which is at least partially electrically insulating, and wherein the guide device (70) has a guide structure (71) which is formed on the guide housing (72) for guiding a contacting movement of the respective conductor (4) and / or the respective contact means (28) for contacting, characterized by that the guide device (70) further comprises: - an insertion mechanism (80) which is arranged on the guide structure (71) for controlling the contacting movement in order to insert the respective contact means (28) 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). [15] Connection system (1) according to claim 14, characterized bythat the connection system (1) is designed to contact the respective contact means (28) with the associated conductor (4) in an axial direction (A) of the associated conductor (4) in order to electrically connect the respective contact means (28) directly to the exposed conductor cross-section (5) of the associated conductor (4). [16] Connection system (1) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by that the respective contact means (28) has a tip (30) and / or is needle-shaped in order to contact the associated conductor (4) by the contact means (28) being pierced at and / or through the exposed conductor cross-section (5). [17] Connection system (1) according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized bythat the respective conductor (4) is designed as a stranded wire (4) which in each case has flexible individual wires (12) in order to electrically conductively surround a contact means (28) introduced and in particular pierced through the respective conductor cross-section (5). [18] Connection system (1) according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized by in that the respective contact means (28) is designed to be introduced, preferably pierced, into the conductor (4) on and / or through the exposed conductor cross-section (5) of the associated conductor (4), 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). [19] 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 the cable (2) and the component (20) and a guide device (70), wherein the component (20) comprises at least one or more contact means (28) each for contacting an associated conductor (4) of the cable (2), wherein in the respective conductor (4) a conductor cross-section (5) is exposed and accessible from the outside, - Inserting (102) the respective contact means (28) through the exposed conductor cross-section (5) of the associated conductor (4) in order to establish contact between the contact means (28) and the conductor (4), wherein the insertion is guided linearly by the guide device (70), and wherein the insertion (102) is controlled by an insertion mechanism (80) such that the respective contact means (28) is inserted with a predetermined penetration depth (90) into the associated conductor (4) in an axial direction (A) of the conductor (4) and / or the cable (2). [20] Method according to claim 19, characterized by in that the respective conductor (4) forms 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 respective line (13), and wherein the introduction of the respective contact means (28) is carried out without previously stripping the respective line (13). [21] Method according to one of claims 19 or 20, characterized by that the connection system (1) is designed according to one of claims 14 to 18.

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