Plug-in connector comprising a modular contact device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plug-in connector (1), preferably a plug-in connector (1) for connecting at least one electrical conductor, a mating connector and / or a base strip, the plug-in connector comprising at least one contact device (100, 200, 300) for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals, wherein the at least one contact device (100, 200, 300) has at least a first connection element (110, 210, 310) comprising a coupling portion (111, 211, 311) and at least a second connection element (120, 220, 320) comprising a coupling portion (121, 122; 221, 222; 321, 322), the at least a first connection element (110, 210, 310) and the at least a second connection element (120, 220, 320) being in the form of individual parts and the coupling portions (111, 121; 211, 221; 311, 321) being designed to contact one another, preferably to contact one another variably in a plug-in direction (X), in order to form the at least one contact device (100, 200, 300).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Connectors with modular contact device

[0003] The present invention lies in the field of electromechanics and relates to a connector with at least one contact device for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals, wherein the at least one contact device comprises at least one first connection element with a coupling section and at least one second connection element with a coupling section. The connection elements are designed as (separate) individual parts and are configured to contact one another to form the at least one contact device.

[0004] Connectors for connecting electrical conductors, which are used, for example, in the field of electrical installation technology for buildings and industrial plants or, for example, in printed circuit boards, generally have integrally formed (one-piece), electrically conductive contact devices made of a metallic material, whereby a conductor connection area of ​​the contact device is often connected to a contact socket of the contact device in a materially bonded manner and without any separation point.

[0005] Furthermore, connectors are known in which the conductor connection area and the contact socket of such an electrically conductive contact device are formed from two separate metallic materials, which are permanently joined together by welding or clinching. The connection must be made before the contact devices are mounted in the connector housing, whereby the contact devices are integrated into the housing in the already joined state.

[0006] From German utility model no. DE 20 2010 010 275 U1, for example, an integrally formed, one-piece electrical contact part with a contact spring arrangement and with a connection means in the form of a contact fork for connecting an electrical assembly, for example an electrical circuit board, is known. The contact part is manufactured in one piece as a simple stamped and bent part from sheet metal. The contact spring arrangement serves to connect an adjacent contact part and for this purpose comprises two contact spring legs that are designed and arranged symmetrically to one another, as well as fork sections arranged opposite the contact spring legs for connection, i.e. for receiving contact spring legs of the adjacent contact part to form a plug-in connection. A cross strut is located on the fork sections, whereby the fork sections and the cross strut form an essentially U-shaped insertion area.Furthermore, the contact fork of the connecting means is formed with two contact forks on the cross strut and rotated by 90° to the contact spring arrangement.

[0007] Furthermore, for example, US Patent No. 4,322,120 discloses a connector with spring contact elements and oppositely arranged spring contact strips for receiving and holding a circuit board. Corresponding tabs for contacting are located at the free ends of the spring contact strips. Further spring elements are arranged on each spring contact strip, forming a clamp for contacting a plug pin of a respective adjacent spring contact element, thus enabling a series of spring contact elements by forming plug connections. In addition, each contact element has a connecting pin. Each contact element is made from a single stamped part.

[0008] In the case of connectors with complex contact devices, for example with different material thicknesses in the conductor connection area and in the contact socket area, not only the manufacturing but also the assembly of the contact device can be very complicated and time-consuming.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved connector in which at least one contact device for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals is optimized, especially with regard to manufacturing, assembly and electrical conductivity.

[0010] The object is achieved by the features of independent claim 1. Further embodiments and applications of the present invention emerge from the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures.

[0011] According to a first general aspect, the present invention relates to a plug connector, preferably a plug connector for connecting at least one electrical conductor, a mating plug connector and / or a base strip, particularly preferably a printed circuit board, with at least one contact device for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals, wherein the at least one contact device has at least a first connection element with a coupling section and at least one second connection element with a coupling section, wherein the at least one first connection element and the at least one second connection element are designed as individual parts and the coupling sections are configured and / or arranged to contact one another to form the at least one contact device, preferably to contact one another in a way that is essentially variable in one plug-in direction and / or preferably in the assembled state of the plug connector.

[0012] The connector according to the present invention is preferably characterized by at least one modular and / or flexibly configurable contact device for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals. The design of connection elements as individual parts and thus as separate parts makes it possible to use comparatively compact connection elements and / or connection elements that are easy to manufacture. A certain degree of modularity of the connection elements as individual parts makes it possible to achieve, for example, different material properties and / or different geometric configurations, which, for example, known contact devices cannot achieve as individual parts, or if so, with excessively high manufacturing effort.

[0013] According to the present invention, the connector is characterized primarily by one or more multi-part contact devices and thus by a certain design flexibility and also simplified assembly.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the coupling section of the at least one first connection element and the coupling section of the at least one second connection element are configured to form with each other at least in sections essentially a positive connection and / or at least in sections essentially a non-positive connection.

[0015] It is possible for the coupling section of the at least one first connection element and the coupling section of the at least one second connection element to be configured to form a plug connection and / or a latching connection and / or a press connection. The connections disclosed herein primarily ensure both a mechanically stable and electrically reliable connection between individual connection elements of the at least one contact device.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the at least one first connection element and / or the at least one second connection element is / are each produced from a sheet metal, preferably from a substantially flat sheet metal or thin sheet metal, wherein the sheet metal of the at least one first connection element has a first sheet metal thickness (sheet metal thickness) and the sheet metal of the at least one second connection element has a second sheet metal thickness (sheet metal thickness), wherein the first sheet metal thickness and the second sheet metal thickness can be substantially the same or different. It is also possible for the at least one first connection element and / or the at least one second connection element to be produced from a solid metallic material, preferably a round material, by at least one machining operation, for example by at least one turning operation and / or by at least one milling operation.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the at least one first and / or the at least one second connecting element to be resiliently designed, at least in sections. This can compensate for any existing manufacturing tolerance or a tolerance arising during assembly, for example. Furthermore, contact between the at least one first connecting element and the at least one second connecting element via the coupling sections can be improved.

[0018] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the at least one first connection element and the at least one second connection element have a different stiffness and / or a different electrical conductivity and / or a different relaxation constant. The stiffness can be understood, for example, in geometric terms, preferably in the form of different material thicknesses. It is also possible for the stiffness to be understood as the strength of the material and thus as a characteristic value with respect to the stress caused by mechanical loads.

[0019] In other words, the respective connection elements can be configured to meet their requirements and / or individually by being designed as individual parts. It is possible for the at least one first connection element to have a receiving section for connecting a component, wherein the coupling section is arranged at a first free end of the at least one first connection element and the receiving section is arranged at a second free end of the at least one first connection element, and the at least one first connection element is designed essentially in the shape of a flat strip between the coupling section and the receiving section, preferably in the shape of an essentially flat strip that is angled in sections.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the receiving section can have two clamping legs arranged spaced apart from one another and / or opposite one another, which are preferably substantially symmetrical and / or substantially fork-shaped with respect to a plane in order to clamp and / or contact the component. The component can be an electrical and / or electronic component. The component can be, for example, a printed circuit board or a connector.

[0021] It is possible that the at least one second connection element is substantially U-shaped and / or substantially bow-shaped and has two coupling sections which are substantially identical to one another and / or spaced apart from one another and / or arranged opposite one another.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the present invention, at least one coupling section can be designed to be substantially flat and / or substantially plate-shaped. This allows, for example, a plug connection and / or a press connection to be realized in a relatively simple manner with a complementarily designed coupling section of the at least one first connection element.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the plug connector has at least one second contact device with at least one first connection element and at least one second connection element, wherein the at least one first connection element of the at least one first contact device and the at least one first connection element of the at least one second contact device are designed to be substantially identical to one another, at least in sections, and / or wherein the at least one second connection element of the at least one first contact device and the at least one second connection element of the at least one second contact device are designed to be substantially identical to one another. The at least one second contact device can have a coupling section and / or a receiving section as disclosed herein in connection with the at least one first contact device.

[0024] It is possible for the at least one first connecting element and / or the at least one second connecting element to be manufactured at least partially by at least one punching process and / or by at least one bending process, and / or to be formed integrally in one piece. This allows the at least one first connecting element and / or the at least one second connecting element to be individually and optimally adapted to the geometric conditions, for example.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the plug connector has a first housing part and a second housing part for forming a plug connection substantially in a plug-in direction, wherein the at least one first connection element is arranged and / or fastened in the first housing part and the at least one second connection element is arranged and / or fastened in the second housing part.

[0026] This makes it possible, for example, for the at least one contact device to be formed during assembly of the first housing part with the second housing part by contacting the at least one first connection element with the at least one second connection element.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the at least one first connection element is arranged and / or fastened in the first housing part and the at least one second connection element is arranged and / or fastened in the second housing part in such a way that the at least one contact device is formed when the plug-in connection is formed, preferably by forming a plug-in connection of the coupling section of the at least one first connection element with the coupling section of the at least one second connection element essentially in a plug-in direction. The first housing part and the second housing part are preferably separate, i.e. two housing parts manufactured separately from one another.

[0028] The previously described embodiments and features of the present invention can be combined with one another as desired. Further or other details and advantageous effects of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0029] They show:

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a contact device of an embodiment of the connector according to the present invention in a first state in a perspective view;

[0031] Fig. 2 shows the contact device from Fig. 1 in a second state in a perspective view;

[0032] Fig. 3 shows an arrangement of first connection elements of contact devices of an embodiment of the connector according to the present invention in a perspective view;

[0033] Fig. 4 shows an arrangement of contact devices of an embodiment of the connector according to the present invention in a perspective view;

[0034] Fig. 5 shows a first housing part of an embodiment of the connector according to the present invention in a perspective view;

[0035] Fig. 6 shows the first housing part from Fig. 5 with first connection elements of contact devices of an embodiment of the plug connector according to the present invention arranged therein in a perspective view;

[0036] Fig. 7 shows the first housing part from Fig. 6 with first connection elements of contact devices of an embodiment of the plug connector according to the present invention arranged therein in a front view;

[0037] Fig. 8A shows a second housing part of an embodiment of the connector according to the present invention in a perspective view;

[0038] Fig. 8B shows the second housing part from Figure 8A in a further perspective view; Fig. 8C shows the second housing part from Figures 8A and 8B in a

[0039] side view;

[0040] Fig. 9A shows an arrangement of the first housing part from Figs. 5 to 7 and the second housing part from Figs. 8A to 8C to form an embodiment of the connector according to the present invention in a first state in a perspective view;

[0041] Fig. 9B shows the arrangement with the housing parts from Fig. 9A for forming an embodiment of the connector according to the present invention in a second state in a perspective view;

[0042] Fig. 10A shows the connector from Figure 9A in a front view;

[0043] Fig. 10B shows the connector from Figure 10A in a partial sectional view (section AA in

[0044] Figure 10A).

[0045] Identical or functionally equivalent components or elements are identified by the same reference numerals in the figures. For explanations, reference is sometimes made to the description of other embodiments and / or figures to avoid repetition.

[0046] The following detailed description of the embodiments shown in the figures serves to further illustrate or clarify and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

[0047] Figure 1 shows a first contact device 100 of an embodiment of a plug connector 1 (see Figures 9A to 10B) according to the present invention in a first state in a perspective view. The first contact device 100 is configured and / or designed for integration, i.e., mounting, into the plug connector 1 and serves to transmit electrical energy and / or electrical signals. The plug connector 1 is preferably configured and / or designed as a plug connector for connecting electrical conductors on the one hand and for connecting a component on the other. The component and the electrical conductors are not shown in the figures for reasons of clarity. The component is preferably an electrical and / or electronic component, for example a printed circuit board. The plug connector 1 and further components and elements of the plug connector 1 are described in more detail with reference to further figures.The first contact device 100 has at least one first connection element 110 and at least one second connection element 120. Rather, the first contact device 100 is formed by at least one first connection element 110 and by at least one second connection element 120. For the sake of simplicity, the term "at least" is omitted below if necessary. It is possible for the first contact device 100 to have exactly one first connection element 110 and exactly one second connection element 120, and thus a total of only two connection elements 110 and 120. Alternatively, it is possible for the first contact device 100 to have more than two connection elements 110 and 120, which, as individual parts, form the first contact device 100 of the plug-in connector 1.

[0048] Both the first connection element 110 and the second connection element 120 are each designed as individual parts and thus as separate elements. This ensures, for example, a modular design of the first contact device 100 and thus also flexibility in the configuration, manufacture, and assembly of the first contact device 100, which is characteristic of the connector 1 according to the present invention. Above all, extensive and complex manufacturing processes can be reduced or avoided, which will become clearer, among other things, from the following description.

[0049] The first connection element 110 is manufactured integrally in one piece from a first sheet B1, at least in sections, by at least one bending process and / or by at least one punching process. Analogous to the first connection element 110, the second connection element 120 is manufactured integrally in one piece from a second sheet B2, at least in sections, by at least one bending process and / or by at least one punching process. Preferably, the first sheet B1 and / or the second sheet B2 can be a thin sheet and thus a sheet with a sheet thickness of preferably less than 3 mm. The first sheet B1 is characterized by a first sheet thickness D1, and the second sheet B2 is characterized by a second sheet thickness D2, wherein the first sheet thickness D1 can be different from the second sheet thickness D2. The material, i.e. the material of the first sheet B1, can be different from the material, i.e. the material of the second sheet B2.The material of the first sheet B1 and / or the material of the second sheet B2 can preferably be based on copper and / or a copper alloy. Alternatively, the first connection element 110 and / or the second connection element 120 can be manufactured from a solid metallic material by at least one machining process, for example, by a turning process.

[0050] The first contact device 100 shown in Figure 1 is in a first state in which the first contact device 100 is not yet formed by the connection elements 110 and 120. In other words, the first connection element 110 and the second connection element 120 are not yet in contact with each other in order to be able to transmit electrical energy and / or electrical signals.

[0051] The first connection element 110 comprises a coupling section 111 and a receiving section 112. The second connection element 120 comprises two coupling sections 121 and 122. The coupling section 111 of the first connection element 110 is arranged and / or formed at a first free end of the first connection element 110, and the receiving section 112 is arranged and / or formed at a second free end of the first connection element 110. Between the coupling section 111 and the receiving section 112, the first connection element 110 is angled in sections and / or formed in the shape of a flat strip. As can be seen from Figure 1, the first connection element 110 between the coupling section 111 and the receiving section 112 is formed at right angles in sections and extending in different spatial directions.

[0052] The receiving section 112 is configured and / or designed for connecting a component, as disclosed herein. The component can, for example, also be a mating connector or a base strip. The receiving section 112 has a first clamping leg 113 and a second clamping leg 114. The first clamping leg 113 and the second clamping leg 114 serve as spring-elastic elements for clampingly connecting the component, i.e., for detachably connecting the first connection element 110 to the component for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals. The first clamping leg 113 and the second clamping leg 114 are bracket-shaped or curved in sections and are spaced apart from one another and arranged opposite one another. Preferably, the first clamping leg 113 and the second clamping leg 114 are substantially symmetrical and fork-shaped with respect to a plane in order to clamp the component.In other words, a component, which is, for example, essentially plate-shaped and accommodated between the clamping leg 113 and the clamping leg 114, is clamped by applying a compressive force through the clamping legs 113 and 114. The receiving section 112 can also be designed as a contact socket for receiving a contact pin. Instead of the clamping legs 113 and 114, the receiving section 112 can, for example, be designed as a substantially cylindrical clamping socket.

[0053] The coupling section 111 of the first connection element 110 of the first contact device 100 is designed to complement the coupling section 121 in order to form a plug connection and / or a press connection with the coupling section 121 of the second connection element 120. The coupling section 111 preferably comprises a flat plug sleeve or is designed as a flat plug sleeve and is configured and / or dimensioned to receive the coupling section 121 of the second connection element 120 in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner (clamping) substantially in a plug-in direction X in order to mechanically connect the first connection element 110 to the second connection element 120 on the one hand and electrically conductively on the other.

[0054] As can be seen from Figure 1, the second connection element 120 is designed to be substantially symmetrical with respect to a plane. Both the first coupling section 121 and the second coupling section 122 are substantially flat and substantially plate-shaped. The second connection element 120 is preferably configured and / or designed to connect at least one electrical conductor. Analogously to the component, the at least one electrical conductor is not shown in the figures for reasons of clarity.

[0055] Due to the mutually complementary design of the coupling section 111 of the first connection element 110 and the coupling section 121 of the second connection element 120, it is possible to variably or variably contact the two connection elements 110 and 120 with one another in one direction, preferably in the plugging direction X. In other words, the degree of contacting overlap and thus the positive connection can be varied by the position of the second connection element 120 relative to the first connection element 110, or is variable or at least compensates for play if both the first connection element 110 and the second connection element 120 are arranged and / or aligned accordingly in a housing or in a housing part 10 and 20 of the connector 1 (see, for example, Figures 9A and 9B).Figure 2 now shows the first contact device 100 from Figure 1 in a second state, according to which the first contact device 100 is formed by the first connection element 110 and by the second connection element 120 via the coupling sections 111 and 121, which are in partial contact with one another. In other words, the essentially flat and essentially plate-shaped coupling section 121 is received in the plug-in direction X in the coupling section 111, which is designed as a flat plug sleeve, in a substantially form-fitting and force-fitting manner, whereby a transmission of electrical energy and / or electrical signals is ensured due to corresponding electrically conductive material properties.As can also be clearly seen from Figure 2, tolerances resulting from assembly of the first connection element 110 and the second connection element 120 can be compensated for by forming a plug connection between the coupling sections 111 and 121, so that this does not lead to any impairment of the properties for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals in the first contact device 100.

[0056] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an arrangement of first connection elements 110, 210, and 310, as they are arranged and / or fastened in a housing or in a housing part 10 of a connector 1 according to the present invention. The first connection element 110 is assigned to a first contact device 100, the first connection element 210 is assigned to a second contact device 200, and the first connection element 310 is assigned to a third contact device 300. It is possible that more than three contact devices 100, 200, and 300 are used in a further exemplary embodiment of the connector 1 according to the present invention. For reasons of clarity, the second connection elements 120, 220, and 320 of the respective contact devices 100, 200, and 300 are not shown in Figure 3.However, the second connection elements 120, 220 and 320 are shown together with the respective associated first connection elements 110, 210 and 310 to form the respective contact devices 100, 200 and 300 in a further perspective view in Figure 4.

[0057] As can be seen from Figure 3, the receiving sections 112 of the first connection element 110, 212 of the first connection element 210 and 312 of the first connection element 310 are essentially identical to one another and each comprise two clamping legs as disclosed herein, of which the clamping legs 113 and 114 of the first connection element 110 of the first contact device 100 are identified in Figure 3. Furthermore, each coupling section 111, 211 and 311 of a respective first connection element 110, 210 and 310 is designed as a flat plug sleeve or comprises a flat plug sleeve. All coupling sections 111, 211 and 311 are designed to form a plug connection and a press connection essentially in the plug-in direction X.The coupling sections 111, 211 and 311 are arranged opposite the receiving sections 112, 212 and 312 of the first connection elements 110, 210, 310, i.e. on opposite sides of the respective contact device 100, 200 and 300 and offset from one another, i.e. not aligned.

[0058] Figure 4 shows the arrangement of the first connection elements 110, 210 and 310 from Figure 3 and associated or assigned second connection elements 120, 220 and 320 and thus an arrangement of three contact devices 100, 200 and 300 in a further perspective view and in a second state, which represents the formed state with respect to the respective contact device 100, 200 and 300.

[0059] The second connection elements 120, 220, and 320 are preferably substantially identical to one another, as can be seen from Figure 4. Thus, in the connector 1 according to the present invention, for example, the use of certain elements as identical parts can be ensured, which simultaneously leads to a reduction in the required components and elements in the connector 1.

[0060] Due to the design of the first and second connection elements 110, 210, 310 and 120, 220, 320 as (separate) individual parts, the manufacture and assembly of, for example, relatively complex contact devices 100, 200, 300 is possible without the need for complex and laborious manufacturing processes in the form of corresponding bending and / or punching processes. The connector 1 according to the present invention is thus characterized by at least one contact device 100, 200, 300, which is easy to manufacture and assemble, yet has a modular and flexible design.

[0061] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a first housing part 10 of an embodiment of the connector 1 according to the present invention. The first housing part 10 is preferably made of an insulating material, for example, a plastic-based material. The first housing part 10 can be produced by at least one injection molding process and / or by at least one casting process. Alternatively, the first housing part 10 can be produced by at least one sintering process.

[0062] The first housing part 10 has a substantially cuboid-shaped housing base body that is open on one side in a plug-in direction X and is designed to receive a second housing part 20 (see, for example, Figures 8A to 80) while forming a releasable snap-in connection, which will be described in more detail below. To form the releasable snap-in connection, two opposing, unspecified walls or outer walls have a first opening 11 and a second opening 12. Both the first opening 11 and the second opening 12 have a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0063] The first housing part 10 has further walls and / or wall sections and / or partition walls, of which the partition walls 13 are identified in Figure 5. Between the partition walls 13 are correspondingly formed cavities 14 in which the respective contact device 100, 200, and 300, and here preferably only the respective first connection element 110, 210, and 310, is received and / or secured.

[0064] The arrangement and preferably fastening of the first connection elements 110, 210 and 310 in the respective cavities 14 in the first housing part 10 is shown in Figure 6. From Figure 6 it can be seen that the plugging direction X is the same for the second housing part 20 for forming the housing of the connector 1, as well as for the respective second connection element 120, 220 and 320 for forming the respective contact device 100, 200 and 300 (see Figure 4).

[0065] Figure 7 shows the first housing part 10 from Figure 6 with the first connection elements 110, 210 and 310 of the respective contact devices 100, 200 and 300 to be formed arranged therein in the course of forming a plug connection and preferably a snap-in connection of the first housing part 10 with the second housing part 20 in the plug-in direction X.

[0066] Figures 8A to 8C now show the second housing part 20, which is configured and / or designed to form a plug-in connection with the first housing part 10 in the plug-in direction X. Analogous to the first housing part 10, the second housing part 20 can be manufactured accordingly as disclosed herein. Corresponding to the openings 11 and 12 of the first housing part 10, the second housing part 20 comprises a first projection 21 and a second projection 22 opposite the first projection 21 (not visible in Figures 8A to 8C; however, see Figure 10A). Both the first projection 21 and the second projection 22 have a substantially wedge-shaped outer contour in one view.

[0067] The second housing part 20 further comprises three openings for the introduction of electrical conductors in order to contact them with the respective second connection element 120, 220 and 320 for the transmission of electrical energy and / or electrical signals (not further identified in Figures 8A to 8C for reasons of clarity).

[0068] From Figure 8B it can be seen in particular that the respective second connection elements 120, 220 and 320 are arranged and / or fastened in the second housing part 20, of which the coupling sections 121, 122; 221, 222 and 321, 322 are visible.

[0069] In the connector 1 according to the present invention, the contact devices 100, 200 and 300 are thus preferably formed only when the first housing part 10 is plugged together and locked with the second housing part 20 via the respective first and second connection elements 110, 120; 210, 220 and 310, 320.

[0070] As already described, the first housing part 10 and the second housing part 20 are plugged together essentially in the plugging direction X and form corresponding snap-in connections after the first and second projections 21 and 22 have penetrated at least partially into the first and second openings 11 and 12. To illustrate this in more detail, Figure 9A shows, in a perspective view, an arrangement of the first housing part 10 from Figures 5 to 7 and the second housing part 20 from Figures 8A to 8C in a first state for forming the plug connector 1 according to the present invention.

[0071] As can be seen from Figure 9A, the second housing part 20 is not yet in the state where a snap-in connection is formed with the first housing part 10. Figure 9B now shows the arrangement of the housing parts 10 and 20 in a second state, i.e., when a snap-in connection is formed via the openings 11 and 12 and the projections 21 and 22. In other words, Figure 9B shows the fully assembled connector 1. Figure 10A shows a front view of the not yet fully assembled connector 1 from Figure 9A.

[0072] Figure 10B shows the connector 1 from Figure 10A in a partial sectional view (section AA in Figure 10A). Clearly visible is the second connection element 120 of the first contact device 100, which has a substantially U-shaped configuration, with the coupling sections 121 and 122 serving as legs of the substantially U-shaped configuration, which are substantially flat and substantially plate-shaped. Furthermore, the coupling section 111 of the first connection element 110 of the first contact device 100 and the coupling section 311 of the first connection element 310 of the third contact device 300 can be seen from Figure 10B.

[0073] The web region of the second connection element 120 of the first contact device 100, which faces away from the legs and thus from the coupling sections 121 and 122, further serves for contacting and / or connecting to an electrical conductor in order to transmit electrical energy and / or electrical signals via the first contact device 100. This also applies analogously to the second and third contact devices 200, 300.

[0074] By further inserting the first housing part 10 and the second housing part 20 into one another in the insertion direction X, the coupling section 121 of the second connection element 120 gradually dips into the coupling section 111 of the first connection element 110, which is designed as a flat plug sleeve, in order to form a positive and non-positive connection and thereby to form the first contact device 100 during the assembly of the first housing part 10 and the second housing part 20.

[0075] The connector 1 according to the present invention is characterized, for example, in that different components or elements are assigned different functions and thus requirements such as electrical conductivity, rigidity, relaxation behavior, etc., with respect to components and elements are decoupled from one another or can be specifically assigned to individual components or elements.

[0076] Furthermore, for example, the configuration and / or design and thus the design of the at least one contact device 100, 200, 300 can ensure simplified and thus optimized assembly of comparatively complex connection elements. The contact devices 100, 200, 300 do not have to be completely manufactured, i.e., primarily assembled, prior to integration and assembly into the housing of the plug connector 1, but are formed during the assembly of the other components and / or elements, preferably housing parts, thus eliminating additional work steps. Such connection elements 110, 120; 210, 220; 310, 320 can be relatively compact as contact metals of the plug connector 1 and thus relatively easily transported as bulk goods. Furthermore, due to their design as individual parts, such connection elements 110, 120; 210, 220; 310, 320 can be designed to be relatively robust.As can be seen from the second connection element 120, 220, and 320, the connector 1 according to the present invention is also characterized, for example, by the use of identical parts. By using individual parts to form the contact devices 100, 200, 300, differently configured contact devices 100, 200, 300 with different conductor connection technology can also be realized in the connector 1 according to the present invention.

[0077] The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible, which also utilize the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. Preferably, the present invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the subclaims, independent of the claims referenced.

[0078] List of reference symbols

[0079] I Connectors

[0080] 10 first housing part

[0081] II first opening

[0082] 12 second opening

[0083] 13 Wall / wall section / partition wall

[0084] 14 Cavity

[0085] 20 second housing part

[0086] 21 first lead

[0087] 22 second lead

[0088] 100 contact device

[0089] 110 first connecting element

[0090] III coupling section

[0091] 112 Recording section

[0092] 113 clamping legs

[0093] 114 clamping legs

[0094] 120 second connecting element

[0095] 121 coupling section

[0096] 122 coupling section

[0097] 200 contact device

[0098] 210 first connecting element

[0099] 211 coupling section

[0100] 212 Recording section

[0101] 220 second connecting element

[0102] 221 coupling section

[0103] 222 coupling section

[0104] 300 contact device

[0105] 310 first connecting element

[0106] 311 coupling section

[0107] 312 Recording section

[0108] 320 second connecting element

[0109] 321 coupling section

[0110] 322 coupling section

[0111] B1 first sheet B2 second sheet

[0112] D1 first sheet thickness

[0113] D2 second sheet thickness

[0114] X Plug direction

Claims

CLAIMS Connector (1), preferably connector (1) for connecting at least one electrical conductor, a mating connector and / or a base strip, with at least one contact element (100, 200, 300) for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals, wherein the at least one contact element (100, 200, 300) comprises at least one first connection element (110, 210, 310) with a coupling section (111, 211, 311) and at least one second connection element (120, 220, 320) with a coupling section (121, 122; 221, 222; 321, 322), wherein the at least one first connection element (110, 210, 310) and the at least one second connection element (120, 220, 320) are designed as individual parts and the Coupling sections (111 , 121 ; 211 , 221 ; 311 , 321) are configured to contact each other to form at least one contact device (100, 200, 300), preferably in a plugging direction (X) that can be varied.Connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling section (111 , 211 , 311) of the at least one first connection element (110, 210, 310) and the coupling section (121 , 122; 221 , 222; 321 , 322) of the at least one second connection element (120, 220, 320) are configured to form a positive-locking connection and / or a force-locking connection at least partially with each other. Connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling section (111 , 211 , 311) of the at least one first connection element (110, 210, 310) and the coupling section (121 , 122; 221 , 222; 321 , 322) of the at least one second connection element (120, 220, 320) are configured to form a plug connection and / or a snap connection and / or a press connection.Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first connection element (110, 210, 310) and the at least one second connection element (120, 220, 320) are each made of a sheet metal. (B1, B2), preferably made from a flat sheet or thin sheet (B1, B2), wherein the sheet (B1) of the at least one first connecting element (110, 210, 310) has a first sheet thickness (D1) and the sheet (B2) of the at least one second connecting element (120, 220, 320) has a second sheet thickness (D2), wherein the first sheet thickness (D1) and the second sheet thickness (D2) are the same or different. Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one first connecting element (110, 210, 310) and / or the at least one second connecting element (120, 220, 320) is made from a solid metallic material by at least one machining operation. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first connection element (110, 210, 310) and / or the at least one second connection element (120, 220, 320) is designed to be spring-elastic at least in sections.Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first connection element (110, 210, 310) and the at least one second connection element (120, 220, 320) have different stiffness and / or different electrical conductivity and / or different relaxation constants.Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first connection element (110, 210, 310) has a receiving section (112, 212, 312) for connecting a component, wherein the coupling section (111, 211, 311) is arranged at a first free end of the at least one first connection element (110, 210, 310) and the receiving section (112, 212, 312) is arranged at a second free end of the at least one first connection element (110, 210, 310), and the at least one first connection element (110, 210, 310) is formed in a flat band shape between the coupling section (111, 211, 311) and the receiving section (112, 212, 312), preferably in a flat band shape that is angled in sections. Connector (1) according to claim 7, wherein the receiving section (112, 212, 312) has two clamping legs (113, 114) spaced apart from each other and / or arranged opposite each other, which are preferably symmetrical and / or fork-shaped with respect to a plane in order to clamp the component. Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one second connecting element (120, 220, 320) is U-shaped and / or U-shaped and has two coupling sections (121, 122; 221, 222; 321, 322) which are identical to each other and / or spaced apart from each other and / or arranged opposite each other. Connector (1) according to claim 10, wherein at least one coupling section (121 , 122; 221 , 222; 321 , 322) is flat and / or plate-shaped.Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (1) has at least one second contact device (200, 300) with at least one first connection element (210, 310) and at least one second connection element (220, 320), wherein the at least one first connection element (110) of the at least one first contact device (100) and the at least one first connection element (210, 310) of the at least one second contact device (200, 300) are at least partially identical to each other, and / or wherein the at least one second connection element (120) of the at least one first contact device (100) and the at least one second connection element (220, 320) of the at least one second contact device (200, 300) are identical to each other.Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first connection element (110, 210, 310) and / or the at least one second connection element (120, 220, 320) is produced at least sectionally by at least one punching operation and / or by at least one bending operation, and / or is formed integrally in one piece. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (1) has a first housing part (10) and a second housing part (20) for forming a plug connection in a plugging direction (X), wherein in the first housing part (10) the at least one first connection element (110, 210, 310) is arranged and in the second housing part (20) the at least one second connection element (120, 220, 320) is arranged.Connector (1) according to claim 14, wherein the at least one first connection element (110, 210, 310) is arranged in the first housing part (10) and the at least one second connection element (120, 220, 320) is arranged in the second housing part (20) such that the at least one contact device (100, 200, 300) is formed when the plug connection is formed, preferably by forming a plug connection of the coupling section (111, 211, 311) of the at least one first connection element (110, 210, 310) with the coupling section (121, 122; 221, 222; 321, 322) of the at least one second connection element (120, 220, 320) in a plug-in direction (X).

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