CONTACT ELEMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an actuator-sensor, AS, interface system with a contacting element as a passive distributor.

[0002] Such a contact element, which can be used as a passive distributor for an actuator-sensor, AS, interface system, comprises a lower part having at least one recess for receiving a cable, and an upper part having a lever element rotatably mounted on the upper part between an open and a locked position, in order to lock the upper part to the lower part in the locked position. Furthermore, such a contact element has at least one contact pin adapted to at least partially penetrate the cable received in the recess in the locked position, in order to electrically contact at least one conductor in the flat cable.

[0003] Contact elements as passive distributors can be used in various systems. One possible application of passive distributors is in an actuator-sensor interface (AS interface). The AS interface can also be abbreviated as ASi and is referred to in English as Actuator-Sensor Interface or in German as Aktor-Sensor Schnittstelle. The AS interface is a standard for fieldbus communication, developed for connecting actuators and sensors to replace parallel wiring. The AS interface has been an international standard according to IEC 62026-2 since 1999. DE 10 2014 012038 A1 discloses a known AS interface system on which the preamble of claim 1 is based.

[0004] The individual actuators and sensors of the AS Interface System can be connected to a continuous cable, such as a flat cable, to connect the individual bus participants. This cable is connected to the individual participants using a technique called piercing. Unlike clamping, this technique avoids splitting the cable into multiple individual wires. A two-core flat cable is often used for this purpose, transmitting both power and functional and safety signals.

[0005] For connecting active I / O devices, the AS Interface System already uses distribution terminals that achieve cable contact via lever force. One such distribution terminal is described, for example, in document DE 10 2006 023 351 B3. Further insulation displacement connectors (IDCs) are described in documents CN 208433536 U, DE 100 57 428 A1, EP 1 704 628 A1, and DE 10 2015 114 134 A1.

[0006] Passive distributors known from the prior art are implemented using insulation displacement connectors (IDCs), which comprise a housing with an upper and a lower part. In the assembled state, the cable is positioned or clamped between the upper and lower parts, and the necessary contact force for the penetration technique is often applied by means of one or more screws that fasten the upper and lower parts together. The contact pins are located either in the upper or the lower part to electrically contact at least one conductor in the flat cable. The interface to the contact pins can be implemented in various ways, such as a multi-pole M12 output, a cable whose conductors are connected to the contact pins, a bridge element to a second cable, or a contact on a printed circuit board.

[0007] However, conventional passive distributors have the disadvantage that contacting them requires a tool, and specific torque settings are necessary for the screw connection described earlier in certain applications. Due to their design, conventional distribution terminals for active I / O devices are not suitable for use as passive distributors.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a contacting element that enables simple and tool-free assembly in confined spaces.

[0009] This problem is solved by an object having the features of claim 1.

[0010] Accordingly, the lower part and the upper part are arranged to be plugged into each other in a straight line in one direction when the lever element is in the open position, and the lever element is adapted to move the lower part and the upper part straight towards each other when moving into the locked position.

[0011] The recess in the lower part can extend partially or completely from one side of the lower part to the opposite side. For example, the recess can have a cross-section, at least in part, that is complementary to the cross-section of the cable used, such as a cable tray. In some cases, the recess can run along a longitudinal axis of the lower part, for example, centrally along the longitudinal axis. The recess can also be designed such that, when a cable is inserted, it is essentially flush with the top surface of the lower part, i.e., it does not protrude beyond the top surface.

[0012] The lower part may also have a retaining geometry, such as mounting tabs, to allow it to be mounted on a substrate.

[0013] When placed on the base, the upper part can, for example, be fitted in a form-fitting manner, forming a housing through which the cable runs from one end to the opposite end of the housing. For this purpose, the upper and lower parts can have complementary connection structures to allow for easy assembly.

[0014] At least one contact pin is located in the upper part and moves with it. For example, two contact pins can be arranged in the upper part in an area above the recess and, in the locked position, at least partially penetrate the cable held in the recess to electrically contact at least one conductor in the flat cable. If a cable with more than two conductors is used, correspondingly more contact pins can be used to electrically connect the additional conductors. The lever element is rotatably mounted on the upper part between an open and a locked position to lock the upper part to the lower part in the locked position.The lever element can be permanently attached to the upper part, thus eliminating the need for separately arranged lever or fastening elements.

[0015] For example, the lever element can have a lever arm with which the user can move the lever element from the open to the locked position. For locking, the lever element can have at least one opening, for example a slot-shaped opening, which moves along a guide track (which may be arranged as a pin-shaped projection on the lower part) when moving into the locked position, so that the lever element is simultaneously moved around the pivot point.

[0016] According to the invention, the lower and upper parts are inserted into one another in a straight line, i.e., linearly, when the lever element is in the open position, and a section of the flat cable is enclosed. When moving into the locked position, the upper and lower parts are moved further towards each other in a straight line, i.e., linearly, until, in the locked position, the contact pins at least partially penetrate the flat cable received in the recess.

[0017] The advantageous result of the described design is that a rotary movement of the lever element translates into a linear relative movement of the lower and upper parts towards each other. The linear guide thus eliminates the need for pivoting the upper part relative to the lower part. This allows for space-saving and tool-free assembly of the contact element.

[0018] The contact element is particularly suitable for use as a passive distributor in an AS-Interface system. However, it can also be used in other applications, especially those requiring space-saving installation.

[0019] In one example, the recess for receiving the cable in the lower part is arranged along a longitudinal axis through the lower part.

[0020] For example, the recess can run centrally along the longitudinal axis. In contrast to routing the cable at right angles through the housing, routing it along the longitudinal axis allows for a particularly space-saving installation of the contact element.

[0021] In one example, at least one contact pin is located in the upper part.

[0022] For example, the contact pin or pins can be made of an electrically conductive material and have a cutting edge to penetrate the cable material. Multiple contact pins can be spaced apart in the upper part to each electrically contact a conductor in the cable when the upper part, together with the contact pins, is moved into the locked position. In an alternative example, the contact pin or pins can be located in the lower part, or a first contact pin can be located in the upper part and a second contact pin in the lower part.

[0023] According to the invention, the at least one contact pin has at least one blade-shaped cutting surface arranged on the contact pin parallel to a direction of travel of the cable in the recess, in order to cut into an insulating material of the cable when moved into the locked position, for electrical contacting of the conductor.

[0024] The blade-shaped cutting edge can be tapered to a point so that, when the upper part is moved into the locked position, it first penetrates or cuts into the insulating material surrounding the conductor in the cable, and then makes electrical contact with the conductor. The insulating material can be an electrically insulating material, such as PVC.

[0025] Advantageously, this allows the conductor to be electrically contacted through the insulating material without having to remove the insulation before connecting. Furthermore, the conductor does not need to be re-insulated when the contact element is removed from the cable. Another advantage is that the blade-shaped cutting edge, which is arranged parallel to the cable's direction of travel, unlike, for example, fork-shaped contacts arranged perpendicular to the conductor's direction of travel, causes less damage to the insulating material when penetrating it and prevents tearing at the contact point if the cable is bent.

[0026] In one example, a multitude of contact pins are arranged in the upper part, each having at least one blade-shaped cutting surface, arranged on the respective contact pin parallel to a direction of travel of the cable in the recess, in order to cut into the insulating material of the cable when moved into the locked position, for electrical contacting the respective conductors.

[0027] This allows for the advantageous electrical contact of a large number of conductors running within the same insulating material of the cable. For example, the cable can be designed as a multi-core flat cable in which the conductors are laid parallel to each other and surrounded by the insulating material.

[0028] The contact pins can also be designed in two or more parts and for this purpose each have two or more blade-shaped cutting surfaces, which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of the cable in order to contact a respective conductor at two or more different points.

[0029] An improved electrical contact can be achieved advantageously by using a two-part or multi-part design for the contact pins.

[0030] In one example, at least one connector is arranged on the upper part as an outlet, wherein the at least one connector is electrically connected to the at least one contact pin.

[0031] For example, the connector can be designed as a circular connector and have contacts that can be plugged together with corresponding contacts of a corresponding connector in order to electrically contact the conductors in the cable.

[0032] In an alternative example, an outgoing line, in particular a round cable, is arranged on the upper part, wherein at least one conductor of the outgoing line is electrically connected to the at least one contact pin.

[0033] A connector can be attached to one free end of the outgoing cable, for example. Alternatively, the individual conductors in the outgoing cable can also be connected to electronics via terminals.

[0034] In one example, the lower part has at least one retaining segment, in particular a multitude of retaining segments, to fix the cable in the recess.

[0035] The retaining segments can be positioned at least partially above the cable to securely hold the cable in the recess and thus enable easy assembly of the contacting element.

[0036] In one example, the contacting element comprises at least one sealing element, which can be arranged at least partially between the top part and the cable, or wherein the sealing element is formed as one piece with the top part.

[0037] For example, the sealing element can have at least one opening for a contact pin, or several openings for several contact pins and surround at least part of the contact pins to prevent moisture ingress. Alternatively, a sealing element for each contact pin can be arranged at least partially between the upper part and the flat cable.

[0038] Alternatively, the sealing element can also be formed as one piece with the upper part.

[0039] For example, the sealing element, along with the other elements of the upper part, can be injection-molded from a plastic material. The at least one sealing element can also be designed as a sealing contour that is arranged around, or extends around, at least one contact pin to seal between the upper part and the cable (e.g., a flat cable) in the locked position, preventing moisture from penetrating the area around the contact pin. The sealing contour can be designed as a rib-shaped element tapering to a point in the recess towards the inserted cable (e.g., a flat cable). The term "tapered" can also refer to a sealing lip.

[0040] The described one-piece design advantageously eliminates the need for separate or additional sealing elements.

[0041] Furthermore, several sealing elements can be formed in one piece with the material of the upper part, each for a contact pin.

[0042] In one example, the contacting element comprises at least one sealing element formed integrally with the upper part. Alternatively or additionally to the sealing element formed integrally with the upper part, the sealing element can also be formed separately and bonded to the material of the upper part using a joining process, for example, an adhesive bond. This allows, for instance, the sealing element to be made of a first material that has a higher elasticity than a second material of the upper part.

[0043] In one example, the lower part has at least one guide track and the lever element has at least one opening for insertion into the guide track in order to move the lower part and the upper part in a straight line towards each other when moving into the locked position.

[0044] The opening can be slot-shaped, and the guide track can be arranged as a pin-shaped projection on the lower part. The opening can be moved along the guide track according to its path while the lever element is moved around the pivot point.

[0045] This allows for a uniform and linear force transmission in the tightest of installation spaces when moving into the locked position.

[0046] In one example, the lower part has a guide track on opposite side surfaces, the lever element is rotatably mounted on the upper part at two opposite pivot points, and the lever element has two opposite openings to move the lower part and the upper part in a straight line towards each other when moving into the locked position.

[0047] For example, the lever element can be arranged on two opposite side surfaces of the upper part, transverse to the recess. For example, an axis can extend through the upper part, and the lever element is connected to the ends of the axis and rotatable about the axis. Accordingly, the two opposite openings can be moved in parallel guide tracks that may be arranged on the lower part.

[0048] This design offers the advantage of enabling a particularly secure and energy-saving locking of the contact element.

[0049] In one example, the lever element is arranged centrally on at least one side surface of the upper part in the direction of expansion of the upper part along the longitudinal axis and is rotatably mounted.

[0050] A central arrangement allows for a smooth joining of the upper and lower parts when moving them into the locked position.

[0051] In one example, the lever element is adapted to lock into the locked position.

[0052] For example, the locking mechanism can be achieved through the use of detent elements or a corresponding design of the opening and guide track. Advantageously, the locking mechanism signals to the user that the locked position has been reached, and the lever element can be securely held in the locked position.

[0053] For example, two locking elements, designed as material projections, can be arranged on opposite sides of the lever element. When moved into the locked position, the locking elements on the lever element can engage with corresponding locking elements, which are arranged, for example, as corresponding material recesses on the lower part. This allows the contacting element to be advantageously moved into the locked position by manually pressing the lever element and held securely in this position by the interlocking locking elements, thus preventing the contacting element from opening unintentionally.

[0054] According to the invention, the cable is designed as a shape-coded flat cable. Advantageously, shape coding prevents incorrect insertion of the flat cable into the recess and thus provides reverse polarity protection. In one example, the contact element has a further recess for receiving another cable and at least one further contact pin which is adapted to at least partially penetrate the further cable received in the further recess in the locked position.

[0055] Advantageously, several cables, for example flat cables, can be contacted simultaneously with one contacting element.

[0056] The invention relates to an actuator-sensor, AS, interface system, comprising: at least one cable and at least one contacting element, as described herein, as a passive distributor.

[0057] The underlying concept of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures. These show: Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a contacting element according to one embodiment; Figs. 2A, 2B are sectional views through the component shown in Fig. 2A. Figure 1 The contact element shown is in an open position; Figs. 3A, 3B are sectional views through the component shown. Figure 1Fig. 4A-4D shows the contact element shown in the preceding figures in a locked position; Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of a contact element according to a further embodiment; Fig. 6A-6D shows a further embodiment of a contact element with two recesses for receiving a cable each during the transition from the open position to the locked position; Fig. 7A, 7B shows an embodiment of a contact element with one recess; Fig. 8A, 8B shows an embodiment of a contact element with two recesses; Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of an area of ​​an actuator-sensor, AS, interface system with contact elements described herein; Fig. 10A, 10B shows the contact element shown in the Figures 1 to 4The contact element shown is in the open position; Figs. 11A, 11B are representations of the previously shown in the Figures 10A and 10B The contact element shown is in the locked position; Figs. 12A, 12B are representations of the previously shown in the Figures 10A, 10B , 11A and 11B upper part shown with sealing elements formed in one piece on the upper part; and Fig. 13A, 13B representations of the contacting element shown above with locking elements for locking in the locked position and unlocking from the locked position by means of a tool.

[0058] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a contacting element 1 according to one embodiment.

[0059] The contact element 1 shown has a lower part 3 with a recess 5 for receiving the cable 7, shown as a flat cable. In further embodiments, the cable can, for example, also be designed as a round cable. In the embodiment shown, the recess 5 extends through the lower part 3, centrally in the longitudinal direction, from a first side of the lower part 3 to an opposite second side of the lower part 3.

[0060] Also in Figure 1 It has been shown that the recess 5 has, at least in some areas, a cross-section that is complementary to the cross-section of the cable 7 used. The cable 7 is shown as a shape-coded flat cable with a web-shaped step in the direction of travel, so that the cable 7 can only be inserted into the recess 5 in the position shown.

[0061] The inserted cable 7 can be held in the lower part 3 by means of the tongue-shaped retaining segments 21A - 21N in the recess 5, in order to enable easy assembly of the contacting element 1.

[0062] Furthermore, in Figure 1 shown that the lower part 3 has fastening tabs on one side opposite the recess 5 in order to be mounted on a substrate.

[0063] The lever element 11 shown is rotatably mounted on the upper part 9 at two opposing pivot points 27A, 27B. The arrangement of the lever element 11 on the upper part 9 between an open and a locked position is shown more clearly in the following figures.

[0064] The two contact pins 13A, 13B shown are arranged on the upper part 9 in the assembled state of the contacting element 1 in order to be moved together with the upper part 9, and are adapted to at least partially penetrate the cable 7 received in the recess 5 in the locked position in order to electrically contact at least one conductor 8A, 8B in the cable 7.

[0065] For this purpose, the two contact pins 13A, 13B are spaced apart from each other in the upper part 9 to electrically contact each of the electrical conductors 8A, 8B in the cable 7 when the upper part 9, together with the contact pins 13A, 13B, is moved into the locked position. The two contact pins 13A, 13B shown have tapered cutting edges at one end to allow them to penetrate the insulation of the cable 7 more easily. In the illustrated embodiment, the opposite ends of the contact pins 13A, 13B are connected to contacts of the connector 17, shown as the output. The connector 17 is shown as a circular connector and can be mated with a corresponding connector (not shown) to electrically contact the conductors 8A, 8B in the cable 7.

[0066] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, a sealing element 15A, 15B for each contact pin 13A, 13B is arranged at least partially between the upper part 9 and the cable 7.

[0067] The Figures 2A and 2B show cross-sectional views through the previously in Figure 1 The contact element 1 shown is in an assembled state and in an open position.

[0068] In Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view through the contacting element 1 at a 90° angle to the longitudinal direction, i.e. the direction of the recess 5, and shown in Figure 2B A sectional view in the longitudinal direction is shown.

[0069] In the open position, the upper part 9 is positively fitted onto the lower part 3, and together with the lower part 3 forms the housing of the contacting element 1, through which the cable 7 runs from one end to the opposite end of the housing.

[0070] The lever element 11 is in the open position and the contact pins 13A, 13B are not yet contacting the electrical conductors 8A, 8B in the cable 7.

[0071] The Figures 3A and 3B show sectional views through the previously shown contacting element 1 in the assembled state and in a locked position.

[0072] When moving into the locked position, the upper part 9 and the lower part 3 are moved straight towards each other, or linearly, until in the locked position the contact pins 13A, 13B at least partially penetrate the electrical conductors 8A, 8B of the cable 7 received in the recess 5, or electrically contact the electrical conductors 8A, 8B.

[0073] As it is in the Figures 2A, 2B, 3A and 3BAs shown, a rotational movement of the lever element 11 results in a linear relative movement of the lower part 3 and the upper part 9 towards each other. A pivoting of the upper part 9 relative to the lower part 3 is therefore eliminated by the linear guidance.

[0074] The transition of the contacting element 1 from the open position to the locked position is described in the following Figures 4A - 4D depicted.

[0075] The Figure 4A The upper part 9 and the lower part 3 are shown separately. No cable is located in the recess 5.

[0076] In Figure 4B The cable 7 is arranged in the recess 5 of the lower part 3 and the lever element 11 is in the open position. The upper part 9 shown can now be, as indicated by the arrow shown in Figure 4B It is indicated that the lower part 3 is placed on top in a straight line or linear fashion, i.e., vertically from above.

[0077] In Figure 4CFigure 1 shows a state of the contacting element 1 between the open and locked positions. The guide track 23A on the lower part 3, which is inserted into the opening 25A on the lever element 11, is shown. Due to the pin-shaped or hook-shaped design of the guide track 23A and the correspondingly designed opening 25A, the lower part 3 and the upper part 9 are moved in a straight line towards each other when moving into the locked position. The arrow shown in Figure 4C indicates that the lever element 11 is moved around the pivot point 27A for this purpose.

[0078] The lower part 3, in the embodiment shown, as depicted in Figure 1As shown more clearly, a guide track 23A, 23B is provided on opposite side surfaces, the lever element 11 is rotatably mounted on the upper part 9 at two opposite pivot points 27A, 27B, and the lever element 7 has two opposite openings 25A, 25B in order to move the lower part 3 and the upper part 9 in a straight line towards each other when moving into the locked position.

[0079] In 4D Figure Figure 1 shows the contact element 1 in the locked position. In the locked position, the contact pins (not shown) at least partially penetrate the cable 7 received in the recess 5. A corresponding connector (not shown) can be plugged or attached to the connector 17 to electrically contact the conductors 8A and 8B in the cable 7.

[0080] The lever element 11 locks into the locked position due to the pin- or hook-shaped design of the guide track 23A shown and the correspondingly designed opening 25A.

[0081] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of a contacting element 1 according to a further embodiment.

[0082] The contacting element 1 shown differs essentially from the contacting element shown previously in that, instead of a connector, an outgoing line 19, which is shown as a round cable, is arranged on the upper part 9, wherein at least one conductor of the outgoing line 19 is electrically connected to each contact pin 13A, 13B.

[0083] A connector is attached to the free end of the outgoing line 19 shown. In alternative configurations, the individual conductors in the outgoing line 19 can also be connected to electronics via terminals.

[0084] The Figures 6A - 6D Figures show a further embodiment of a contacting element 1' with two recesses 5, 5' for receiving one cable 7, 7' each during the transition from the open position to the locked position.

[0085] The Figure 6A The upper part 9' and the lower part 3' are shown separately. No cables are arranged in the two recesses 5, 5'. Figure 6B A cable 7, 7' is arranged in each of the recesses 5, 5', and the lever element 11' is in the open position. The upper part 9' can now be, as indicated by the arrow shown in Figure 4B As indicated, the lower part 3' can be placed on top in a straight line or linear fashion, i.e., vertically from above.

[0086] In Figure 6CFigure 1 shows a state of the contacting element 1' between the open position and the locked position. The guide track 23A', the opening 25A' and the pivot point 27A' shown can be configured in the same way as on the contacting element 1 in the previously shown figures.

[0087] When moving into the locked position, the lower part 3' and the upper part 9' are also moved in a straight line towards each other. The arrow shown in Figure 6C indicates that the lever element 11' is moved around the pivot point 27A' for this purpose.

[0088] In contrast to the previously shown embodiment, both cables 7, 7' received in the respective recesses 5, 5' are moved into the locked position, which is shown in Figure 6D As shown, the contacting element 1' has two connectors 17, 17' for contacting the conductors 8A, 8B, 8A', 8B' in the respective cables 7, 7'.

[0089] The Figures 7A and 7B show representations of embodiments of a contacting element 1 with a recess 5.

[0090] In Figure 7A Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a contacting element 1 with a connector 17, the structure of which is shown in Figure 1. Figure 7A The contact element 1 shown is already in the Figure 1 shown. In Figure 7B Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a contacting element 1, with an outgoing line 19, in the open and locked positions. The structure of the element shown in Figure 1 is described in Figure 1. Figure 7B The contact element 1 shown is already in the Figure 5 shown.

[0091] The Figures 8A and 8B show representations of embodiments of a contacting element 1' with two recesses 5, 5'.

[0092] In Figure 8AFigure 1 shows an embodiment of a contacting element 1' with a connector 17'. The conductors in the cables shown can be contacted via the connector 17' shown. In further embodiments, such as in the Figures 6A - 6D As shown, the cables can also be connected separately via their respective individual connectors. Figure 8B An embodiment of a contacting element 1' with an outgoing line 19' is shown.

[0093] The Figure 9 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an area of ​​an actuator-sensor, AS, Interface Systems 100 with contact elements 1, 1' described here as a passive distributor.

[0094] In the Figure 9 The illustration shown is two previously presented in the Figures 5 and 7B The contact elements 1 shown are depicted in the open and locked positions, each arranged on a cable 7, 7'.

[0095] Also in Figure 9 An embodiment of a contacting element 1' shown with two recesses 5, 5', as previously shown in Figure 8B shown, for the intake of one cable each 7, 7'.

[0096] The Figures 10A and 10B show representations of the in the Figures 1 to 4 The contact element 1 shown is in the open position.

[0097] In the Figure 10A A side view is shown and in the Figure 10B is a sectional view along the in Figure 10A Line AA is shown.

[0098] In the open position shown, the contact pins 13A, 13B on the upper part 9 do not yet touch the cable 7 received in the lower part 3. The cable 7 is shown as a shape-coded flat cable with a rib-shaped step in one direction, so that the cable 7 can only be inserted into the recess 5 in the position shown. In the embodiment shown, the cable 7 comprises two conductors 8A, 8B, which are surrounded by an insulating material 70. The insulating material 70 is an elastic and electrically insulating PVC material.

[0099] The contact pins 13A, 13B have blade-shaped cutting surfaces that run parallel to a direction of travel of the cable 7 in the recess 5 in order to cut into an insulating material 70 of the cable 7 when moved into the locked position, for electrical contact of the conductors 8A, 8B.

[0100] Furthermore, in the Figure 10BThe sectional view also shows two sealing elements 15A, 15B, which are formed integrally with the upper part 9. As shown, the two sealing elements 15A, 15B are each designed as a sealing contour surrounding the respective contact pins 13A, 13B. The sealing contours shown are designed as web-shaped and taper to a point in the direction of the inserted cable 7.

[0101] The Figures 11A and 11B show representations of the previously in the Figures 10A and 10B The contact element 1 shown is in the locked position.

[0102] In the Figure 11A A side view is shown and in the Figure 11B is a sectional view along the in Figure 11A The line BB is shown.

[0103] As previously described, the lower part 3 and the upper part 9 are designed to be inserted into each other in a straight line in the open position, and the lever element 11 is adapted to move the lower part 3 and the upper part 9 straight towards each other when moving into the locked position. When the upper part 9 is moved into the locked position, the contact pins 13A, 13B initially penetrate the insulating material 70 of the cable 7, or rather cut through the insulating material 70. As the upper part 9 is moved further into the locked position, the contact pins 13A, 13B penetrate further into the insulating material 70 of the cable 7 until they electrically contact the respective conductors 8A, 8B in the cable 7 in the locked position.

[0104] In the embodiment shown, two contact pins 13A, 13B each contact a conductor 8A, 8B. As shown, the conductors 8A, 8B are arranged parallel to each other and are surrounded by the same insulating material 70.

[0105] In embodiments not shown, only one contact pin can be used to contact only one conductor in a single-core cable. Alternatively, a plurality of contact pins can be used, which can be arranged side by side and / or diagonally to each other in the upper part to electrically contact one conductor each in a multi-core cable.

[0106] Furthermore, in the Figure 11BIt is shown that the sealing elements 15A, 15B rest on the insulating material 70 of the cable 7 in the locked position, or press into the elastic insulating material 70 with a tapered end area in order to seal in the locked position shown, between the top part 9 and the cable 7, so that no moisture can penetrate into the area around the contact pins 13A, 13B.

[0107] The Figures 12A and 12B show representations of the previously in the Figures 10A, 10B , 11A and 11B upper part 9 shown with sealing elements 15A, 15B formed in one piece on the upper part 9.

[0108] In the Figure 12A A perspective view is shown and in the Figure 12B is a detailed view of the in Figure 12A shown with a dashed line outlined area.

[0109] As shown, the two contact pins 13A, 13B are spaced apart from each other in the upper part 9 to electrically contact one conductor in the cable each. The two contact pins 13A, 13B shown have tapered cutting surfaces at one end to penetrate the cable insulation. Furthermore, the contact pins 13A, 13B shown are designed in two parts and each has two blade-shaped cutting surfaces arranged one behind the other in the direction of the cable to contact the respective conductors at two different points for improved contact. In embodiments not shown, the contact pins can also be designed as a single piece with a blade-shaped cutting surface, or as a multi-part piece with several blade-shaped cutting surfaces.

[0110] Furthermore, in the Figures 12A and 12BTwo sealing elements 15A, 15B are shown, which are formed in one piece or integrally with the upper part 9. The sealing elements 15A, 15B are each arranged around at least one contact pin 13A, 13B, or each extend around one of the contact pins 13A, 13B, in order to seal between the upper part 9 and the cable (not shown) in the locked position, so that no moisture can penetrate to the contact pins 13A, 13B. As shown in the detail view in Figure 12B As shown, the sealing contour for this is designed to be rib-shaped and tapered to a point.

[0111] The Figure 13A Figure 1 shows a representation of the previously shown contacting element 1 with locking elements 29A, 29B, 31A, 31B for locking together in the locked position. The locking elements 29A, 29B, 31A, 31B are in the Figure 13A , shown within the dashed areas for a clearer presentation.

[0112] In the illustrated embodiment, two locking elements 29A, 29B are formed as material projections on the lever element 11. When moved into the locked position, the two locking elements 29A, 29B on the lever element 11 engage with corresponding locking elements 31A, 31B on the lower part 3. The corresponding locking elements 31A, 31B are shown in the illustrated embodiment as material recesses corresponding to the material projections on the lever element 11.

[0113] The in Figure 13A The contact element 1 shown can be manually moved into the locked position by manually pressing on the lever element 11 and can be locked in this position by an interlocking of the locking elements 29A, 29B, 31A, 31B shown.

[0114] In the illustrated embodiment, corresponding locking elements are also arranged on the (not shown) opposite side to the side shown. In other embodiments not shown, more or fewer locking elements than shown may be used.

[0115] The Figure 13B Figure 1 shows a representation of the previously shown contacting element 1 with locking elements 29A, 29B, 31A, 31B and with a tool 33 for unlocking from the locked position.

[0116] The in the Figures 13A and 13BThe contacting element 1 shown, with two locking elements on opposite sides of the lever element 11, which engage with corresponding locking elements on the lower part 3, can be locked so firmly by the use of the locking elements that manually moving the lever element 11 from the locked position to the unlocked position is very difficult or even impossible. The contacting element 1 can therefore be moved manually into the locked position, but cannot be manually unlocked for the purpose of secure contact. In this case, a tool 33, such as the one shown in [reference missing], can be used for unlocking. Figure 13B The lever tool shown, depicted as a screwdriver, can be used. Reference symbol list

[0117] 1, 1'Contacting element 3, 3'Lower part 5, 5'Recess 7, 7'Cable 8A, 8A', 8B, 8B'Conductor 9, 9'Upper part 11, 11'Lever element 13A, 13A', 13B, 13B'Contact pin 15A, 15A', 15B, 15B'Sealing element 17, 17'Connector 19, 19'Outgoing line 21A - 21N, 21A' - 21N'Retaining segment 23A , 23BGuide track 25A, 25A', 25B, 25B'Opening 27A, 27A', 27B, 27B'Pivot point 29A, 29BLocking element 31A, 31BCorresponding locking element 33Tool 70Insulating material 100 actuator sensor, AS, interface system AA, B-B section line

Claims

1. Actuator sensor, AS, interface system, comprising: at least one cable (7, 7') and at least one contacting element (1, 1') as a passive distributor having: a lower part (3, 3') having at least one recess (5, 5') for receiving the cable (7, 7'); and an upper part (9, 9') having a lever element (11, 11') rotatably mounted on the upper part (9, 9') between an open and a locked position in order to lock the upper part (9, 9') on the lower part (3, 3') in the locked position, and at least one contact pin (13A, 13A', 13B, 13B') configured to at least partially pass through the cable (7, 7') received in the recess (5, 5') in the locked position in order to electrically contact at least one conductor (8A, 8A', 8B, 8B') in the cable (7, 7'), wherein the at least one contact pin (13A, 13A', 13B, 13B') is arranged in the upper part (9, 9'), and wherein the lower part (3, 3') and the upper part (9, 9') are arranged such that they can be plugged into each other in a straight line in a plug-in direction in the open position of the lever element (11, 11'), and the lever element (11, 11') is configured to move the lower part (3, 3') and the upper part (9, 9') towards each other in a straight line as it is transferred to the locked position, characterized in that the cable (7, 7') is in the form of a shape-coded flat cable, and in that the at least one contact pin (13A, 13A', 13B, 13B') has at least one blade-shaped cutting surface, arranged on the contact pin (13A, 13A', 13B, 13B') parallel to a running direction of the cable (7, 7') in the recess (5, 5'), in order to cut into an insulating material (70) of the cable (7, 7'), as the lever element is transferred to the locked position, to electrically contact the conductor (8A, 8A', 8B, 8B').

2. Actuator sensor, AS, interface system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the recess (5, 5') for receiving the cable (7, 7') is arranged in the lower part (3, 3') along a longitudinal axis through the lower part (3, 3').

3. Actuator sensor, AS, interface system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized by at least one plug-in connector (17, 17') arranged on the upper part (9, 9'), wherein the at least one plug-in connector (17, 17') is electrically connected to the at least one contact pin (13A, 13A', 13B, 13B').

4. Actuator sensor, AS, interface system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized by an outlet line (19, 19'), in particular a round cable, arranged on the upper part (9, 9'), wherein at least one conductor (8A, 8A', 8B, 8B') of the outlet line (19, 19') is electrically connected to the at least one contact pin (13A, 13A', 13B, 13B').

5. Actuator sensor, AS, interface system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower part (3, 3') has at least one holding segment (21A - 21N, 21A' - 21N'), in particular a plurality of holding segments (21A - 21N, 21A' - 21N'), in order to fix the cable (7, 7') in the recess (5, 5').

6. Actuator sensor, AS, interface system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one sealing element (15A, 15A', 15B, 15B') arrangeable at least in regions between the upper part (9, 9') and the cable (7, 7'), or wherein the sealing element (15A, 15B) is formed in one piece with the upper part (9, 9').

7. Actuator sensor, AS, interface system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower part (3, 3') has at least one guide path (23A, 23A') and the lever element (11, 11') has at least one opening (25A, 25A') for insertion into the guide path (23A, 23A') in order to move the lower part (3, 3') and the upper part (9, 9') towards each other in a straight line as it is transferred to the locked position.

8. Actuator sensor, AS, interface system according to Claim 7, characterized in that the lower part (3, 3') has a guide path (23A, 23A', 23B, 23B') on each opposite side surface, the lever element (11, 11') is rotatably mounted at two opposite pivot points (27A, 27A', 27B, 27B') on the upper part (9, 9'), and the lever element (11, 11') has two opposite openings (25A, 25A', 25B, 25B') in order to move the lower part (3, 3') and the upper part (9, 9') towards each other in a straight line as it is transferred to the locked position.

9. Actuator sensor, AS, interface system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever element (11, 11') is arranged and rotatably mounted centrally in the direction of extent of the upper part (9, 9') along the longitudinal axis on at least one side surface of the upper part (9, 9').

10. Actuator sensor, AS, interface system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever element (11, 11') is configured to snap into the locked position.

11. Actuator sensor, AS, interface system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a further recess (5') for receiving a further cable (7') and by at least one further contact pin (13A', 13B') configured to at least partially pass through the further cable (7') received in the further recess (5') in the locked position.