Guide device for supporting the establishment of an electrical connection

EP4572020A3Pending Publication Date: 2025-08-20MURR ELEKTRONIK GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2024206535
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-06-06
Filing Date
2024-10-14
Publication Date
2025-08-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing electrical installation technologies face challenges with inflexibility and complexity, particularly in providing the correct cable length and simplifying the connection process, especially in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications.

Method used

A guide device with a guide housing and a guide structure that supports the establishment of electrical connections by guiding contacting movements and ensuring correct contact assignments, along with an insertion mechanism for controlled penetration of contact elements into conductors.

Benefits of technology

The solution simplifies the installation process, ensures accurate cable layout, and provides a flexible and reliable connection technology, addressing the complexities of conventional solutions and enhancing compatibility with IIoT applications.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a 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) which is designed 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 a respective associated electrical conductor (4) of the cable (2).
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Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a guide device according to the type defined in more detail 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 object of the present invention is to further simplify installation technology and to provide 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 with the features of claim 1 and a connection system with the features of claim 15. 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 linear, 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 lead to 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 specify the specific arrangement and assignment of the multiple electrical contact means to the multiple 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 refer to the orientation of the component relative to the cable. The assignment can refer 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 predetermined penetration depth, in particular a piercing depth, in a linearly guided manner by the contacting movement. The predetermined penetration depth is preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, preferably 1 mm to 6 mm, and 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 display, a current penetration depth during the contacting movement, wherein the indexing device is preferably designed as one of the following: a visual scale for displaying 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 onto the guide housing, a locking mechanism in which locking means are provided at the different positions in order to give an operator of the guide device haptic feedback when the pressure element reaches the different positions, a click or snap mechanism in order to give acoustic feedback when the pressure element reaches the different positions, a device with mechanical resistance elements at the different positions, a device with magnetic position markers at the different 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 is screwed onto a thread for this purpose. 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 stably 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 formed 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 formed 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 for contacting is predetermined. 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] The guide device can comprise an insertion mechanism, in particular a screw mechanism, a lever mechanism or a plug-in mechanism, in order to carry out the contacting movement, wherein the insertion mechanism is preferably designed to move the cable in the direction of the component during the contacting movement, wherein the guide device or the insertion mechanism preferably comprises an adjustment mechanism in order to set a predetermined penetration depth of the contact means into the conductors during the insertion mechanism, preferably depending on a cable type of the cable and / or continuously and / or in a plurality of predefined stages, wherein the guide device or the insertion mechanism preferably has an indexing or indexing device which is designed to indicate the current penetration depth for a user during the contacting movement.The introduction mechanism may be one of the previously mentioned introduction mechanisms.

[0025] The screw mechanism is preferably designed as a union nut or comprises a union nut that establishes the electrical connection when screwed onto the component. A lever of the lever mechanism can preferably be mounted on the component. Actuation of the lever can cause the contacting movement. The component preferably comprises a thread, for example an M8 or M12 thread, preferably as an external thread, and the union nut has a matching mating thread, preferably an internal thread.

[0026] The insertion mechanism can, for example, comprise a gripper. The insertion mechanism or the gripper can be part of the component, formed on the component, or separate from the component. The gripper can grip the cable or a cable end section, preferably by clamping or holding the cable or the cable end section by the gripper. For this purpose, the gripper preferably interacts with the strain relief contour and / or the coding of the cable, preferably by the gripper engaging behind the elevation or engaging in the recess. The gripper preferably has the counter coding. In other words, the cable can only be gripped in the intended orientation by means of the gripper in order to establish an intended electrical connection between the cable and the component, in particular between the electrical conductors of the cable and the contact means of the component.

[0027] Preferably, the insertion mechanism not only establishes the electrical connection, but also the necessary surface pressure for a sealing element, in particular an elastomer seal, on the component. The seal can be arranged such that it is in physical contact with the contacting surface when the electrical connection is established. The seal can be produced using a multi-component injection molding process during the manufacture of the component. The seal can seal the transfer line and / or the fluid line and / or the fluid channel from the contact points between the electrical conductors and the contact means and / or seal the contacting surface from the environment of the connection system.By means of the insertion mechanism, the cable, which is held and / or retained by the gripper, can be moved toward the component, preferably to establish the electrical connection between the cable and the component, in particular between the electrical conductors of the cable and the contact means. The insertion mechanism is designed such that the contact means can be contacted at the contacting surface merely by piercing the electrical conductors of the cable.

[0028] The indexing can be implemented as a scale or as acoustic and / or haptic feedback for the user. For example, the clicking noises of a locking mechanism due to the contacting movement can trigger such acoustic feedback. It is also conceivable that clicks of one or the locking mechanism during the contacting movement generate the haptic feedback. The scale can be implemented on the component for this purpose, while the insertion mechanism, in particular a screw mechanism, lever mechanism, or plug-in mechanism, can preferably function as the pointer of the scale.

[0029] The adjustment mechanism can be designed as an adjustable movement limiter for the insertion mechanism, in particular a screw mechanism, lever mechanism, or plug-in mechanism, which preferably limits the maximum penetration depth or the maximum insertion depth of the contact means into the conductor. The adjustment mechanism can be adjustable, for example, by means of a screw or a union nut and / or a rotary movement. Preferably, the insertion mechanism has a movement converter, which can be designed such that an actuating movement, in particular a pressing movement, rotary movement, or pivoting movement, is or can be converted into a contacting movement.

[0030] Within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that the guide device is 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.

[0031] 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 designed to be 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 designed to be at least partially electrically insulating, and wherein the guide device has a guide structure,which is designed on the guide housing to guide a contacting movement of the respective conductor and / or the respective contact means for contacting. ,

[0032] 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.

[0033] The connection system 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.

[0034] It may further 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 pierced into the conductor cross-section in the longitudinal direction of the conductor. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one coding can be formed by means of a rotationally symmetrical cross-section of the cable, in particular by means of a rotationally symmetrical inner and / or outer contour of the cable. The respective exposed conductor cross-section can in this case be completely exposed in cross-section, i.e., for example, severed.The rotationally symmetrical outer contour can be formed by means of a cable sheath or outer circumference of the cable, preferably in that the cable has a cross-section with a circular basic shape and at least one recess, in particular a groove, and / or at least one elevation, in particular a bulge. The recess or elevation, in particular a bulge, is preferably the coding. Alternatively, the outer contour can be free-form or polygonal. The inner contour can be formed by means of a circular fluid line which, due to its position and / or shape within the cross-section of the cable, forms the coding. Alternatively, the fluid line can have a free-form or the shape of a polygon. Due to the coding, the component having the coding can be regarded as a key and the component having the matching counter-coding as a lock.This ensures the intended specific contact between the conductors and the contact means.

[0035] 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.

[0036] It may also be possible for the respective conductor to be designed as a stranded wire, each comprising flexible individual wires to electrically surround a contact means 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 means, thus simplifying insertion.

[0037] 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 to protect the conductors from moisture and corrosion, which can increase the service life and reliability of the cable.

[0038] The electrical conductors of the cable can be twisted together, in particular in the form of one or more pairs, triples, or quads, wherein the at least one coding along the extension of the cable has a continuous course that is coordinated with the twisting such that at every point on the cable along the extension of the cable, the at least one coding and the electrical conductors have the same relative position to one another, in particular in a plane transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the direction of extension of the cable. In other words, the coding on the cable sheath can have a continuous screw-thread-shaped or continuous helical course in the direction of extension of the cable, preferably with a constant pitch that is coordinated in particular with the twisting. The coding can be designed as a recess, in particular a notch or groove, or as an elevation, in particular a shoulder or bead.Electromagnetic interference can be reduced by twisting. By twisting the conductors, induced electromagnetic fields largely balance each other out, thereby reducing susceptibility to interference. However, this changes the position of the conductors along the length of the cable, making contact between the contact elements of the component and the conductors of the cable more difficult. By means of coding and the defined, constant relative position of the coding to the conductors along the cable, this problem can be solved and the intended contact between the contact elements of the component and the corresponding conductors of the cable can be made possible at any point along the cable, since the coding can have a continuous course coordinated with the twist. The different strands can be spaced apart from one another and / or evenly distributed in the cross-section of the cable.If the cable has a fluid line, it is preferred if the strands are arranged evenly around the fluid line, preferably in order to achieve uniform cooling of the conductors or the strands.

[0039] The cable can have a fluid line, in particular a liquid line or gas line, wherein in particular the at least one coding can be formed partially or solely by means of the fluid line, wherein the electrical conductors, in particular the stranding or strands, surround the fluid line along the extent of the cable in order to preferably ensure uniform cooling of the conductors by means of the fluid that can be conducted through the fluid line, wherein the component can have a fluid channel which can be connected to the fluid line of the cable in a fluid-transmitting manner and which can in particular partially or solely form a counter coding. The fluid line and / or the fluid channel preferably bears a counter coding due to the shape of its orits cross section, in particular transversely or perpendicularly to the direction of extension of the cable, and / or by its position within the cable cross section, in particular transversely or perpendicularly to the direction of extension of the cable, contributes to the coding. Contributing to the coding can mean that, for example, a geometry of the cable sheath or the outer contour of the cable also contributes to the coding. In other words, a geometry of the cable sheath or the outer contour of the cable together with the fluid line, in particular the shape and / or position of the fluid line, can form the coding. Alternatively, preferably only the fluid line forms the coding by the shape of its cross section, in particular transversely or perpendicularly to the direction of extension of the cable, and / or by its position within the cable cross section, in particular transversely or perpendicularly to the direction of extension of the cable.

[0040] The cable can have strain relief contours along its extension on its outer circumference, preferably at regular intervals from one another, particularly preferably in the form of circumferential recesses, in particular grooves or notches, or elevations, in particular beads or shoulders, preferably for a shrink tube or a strain relief, and wherein the component can have a strain relief, in particular a shrink tube designed as a strain relief, which is preferably fastened to the component, for the cable, which cooperates with the strain relief contour of the cable in such a way that the cable is strain-relieved by the strain relief forming a positive connection, in particular with the strain relief contour of the cable, preferably by the strain relief engaging behind the strain relief contour or engaging in the strain relief contour.The strain relief is preferably designed such that the strain relief prestresses the cable against the component, preferably in the direction of extension of the cable and / or in the contacting direction. Furthermore, the strain relief can comprise gripping arms for engaging or engaging behind. The strain relief can be made of plastic and / or formed integrally with the component. The strain relief can also be adjustable so that the prestress of the cable against the component can be adjusted. The prestress can be adjustable in steps or continuously. The strain relief can preferably be designed such that it creates a strain-relieving connection with the strain relief contour during the contacting movement to establish the electrical connection between the cable and the component.

[0041] An electrical connection can preferably be established between the cable and the component, in particular by the contact means being inserted into associated conductors, wherein the connection system comprises a seal, in particular a material-to-material and / or force-fitting and / or positive-locking seal, which seals the connection and in particular a cable section adjacent to the connection from an environment of the connection system, in particular according to IP20 or IP67, wherein the seal can preferably be formed, in particular in the case of a positive-locking seal, by means of a shrink tube or the shrink tube that forms the strain relief. IP20 can be a protection and / or a certification stating that the ingress of foreign bodies is prevented.IP67 can refer to a protection and / or certification that states protection against dust and immersion in water up to a maximum depth of 1 meter for a maximum of 30 minutes. Preferably, IP20 and IP67 refer to the protection classes and / or certifications as they were valid on September 27, 2024, particularly in the Federal Republic of Germany.

[0042] The seal can preferably be formed by means of a sealing compound, in particular adhesive or potting compound, wherein, in particular in the direction of extension of the cable and / or perpendicular to the direction of extension of the cable, a sealing space for receiving the sealing compound can be formed between the cable, in particular the contact surface of the cable, and the component, in which sealing space the sealing compound is located and preferably completely fills the sealing space, wherein the sealing space preferably has a filling opening for the sealing compound, which is in particular closed by the sealing compound, wherein the sealing space preferably has an outlet opening for the sealing compound, which is in particular closed by the sealing compound, wherein in particular a section of the component delimiting the sealing space can be formed from a transparent material so that the degree of filling of the sealing space with the sealing compound can be optically determined.The filling opening allows the sealing compound to be poured into the sealing chamber in its liquid state. Excess sealing compound can be discharged from the sealing chamber through the outlet opening, allowing the determination of whether the sealing compound is evenly distributed within the sealing chamber. The sealing compound is preferably curable and / or electrically insulating. Sealing the openings with the sealing compound prevents foreign matter or moisture from penetrating the sealing chamber.

[0043] The seal can be formed by means of a released content of a microencapsulation, in particular of the cable or component or the guide housing. The content of the microencapsulation can preferably be released by means of heat, radiation, in particular light, preferably in the form of ultraviolet light, contact with an activating substance, or light in combination with moisture.

[0044] The seal can fluid-tightly seal and / or electrically insulate a transition from the fluid line to the fluid channel from the contact points, which can be formed by contacting the conductors with the contact means on the contacting surface, and / or wherein the seal electrically insulates and / or seals the contact points, which can be formed by contacting the conductors with the contact means on the contacting surface, from one another. In this way, fluid leakage or malfunction is prevented.

[0045] The seal can be formed by means of a heat-shrinkable tube, wherein the heat-shrinkable tube is preferably designed as a strain relief for the cable, in that the heat-shrinkable tube forms a positive connection, in particular with a strain relief contour of the cable, preferably in that the heat-shrinkable tube engages behind the strain relief contour or engages in the strain relief contour, and is attached to the component by means of a fastening of the component, in particular the fastening contour of the component, and thus preferably forms a pre-tension of the cable against the component. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the heat-shrinkable tube to serve merely as a seal.

[0046] The contact means can lead electrically to electrical contact conductors of a plug arrangement or socket arrangement of the component, wherein the position and / or arrangement and / or assignment and / or dimensioning of the electrical contact conductors differs from that of the contact means, in particular at the contact surface. The course of the guide from the contact means to the contact conductors of the plug or socket can preferably not be straight, but at least at one point along the course can be angled, preferably perpendicular, or curved, whereby the plug or socket is formed on a side of the component that runs transversely or perpendicularly to the insertion direction of the cable or to the contacting direction. The plug can be designed to establish an electrical and / or positive connection with a socket.The socket can be designed to establish an electrical and / or positive connection with a plug. Alternatively, the plug or socket can be formed on a side of the component that faces away from the side of the component on which the cable can be electrically contacted with the contact means. Furthermore, the course of the guide from the contact means to the contact conductors of the plug or socket is designed such that the arrangement and / or assignment of the electrical conductors of the plug or socket differs from that of the contact means. For example, an electrical connection can be established from a small cable cross-section to a large plug arrangement or socket arrangement. Preferably, at least two contact conductors of the socket arrangement or plug arrangement are spaced apart by a greater or smaller distance than the electrical conductors of the cable in the cable cross-section.

[0047] The electrical conductors can preferably extend only and / or directly to one or the contacting surface of the cable and / or be adjacent to it, preferably to enable the contact means, in particular in the form of contacting tips and / or piercing means, to penetrate into the electrical conductors at the contacting surface, wherein the contacting surface preferably runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the direction of extension of the cable, and wherein in particular the contacting surface can be a cut surface of the cable, at which the cable has preferably been shortened to a desired length, and / or a cable end of the cable. The contacting surface can preferably be formed by a cut at any desired point along the extension of the cable, in particular if the coding extends over the entire length of the cable.Preferably, the contact means are designed in such a way that the contact means only allow piercing, in particular without cutting, into the electrical conductors of the cable.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 of the respective conductor is exposed and accessible from the outside, introducing 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 introduction is guided linearly by the guide device, and wherein the introduction is controlled by an introduction mechanism such that the respective contact means is introduced with a predetermined penetration depth into the associated conductor in an axial direction of the conductor and / or the cable.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 can be substantially 8 mm for M8 and substantially 12 mm for M12. 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.

[0054] 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, for example. 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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, it can be provided that the pin assignment of the contact elements is 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 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.

[0059] 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 in alignment with the contacting surface.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] In particular, the coding or connection structure allows for a significant reduction in 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable 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.

[0068] It is also 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 the installation of the cables.

[0069] 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 contacting at the cut surface. The conductors of the cable can also be designed in such a way that they already provide a favorable contacting 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 of the strands.

[0070] 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 exactly in the correct 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 according 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.

[0071] 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 be used to transmit a medium that is different 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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 guided 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.

[0075] 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 predetermined by the cable sheath. In other words, the coding may be a structure specifically provided on the cable, which is provided on the cable specifically for the purpose of enabling the specific arrangement and / or assignment as described above.

[0076] The cable may optionally further include a grommet. The grommet may have a specific profile, e.g., a particular square or rounded 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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 insert 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 called "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.

[0080] Furthermore, it can be provided that a recurring marking is provided which indicates a penetration depth of the electrical contact means, preferably in the form of piercing means. The marking can, for example, be provided on the outside of a cable sheath, e.g., printed on it. The marking can be repeated at fixed intervals in the longitudinal direction of the cable in order to obtain 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 can further simplify and reliably establish the connection. The marking can also assist in orienting the cable for the connection.

[0081] The cable and / or the component and / or the connection system can be designed for Single Pair Ethernet (SPE). In contrast to conventional Ethernet, which usually has four wire pairs or conductor pairs per cable, SPE reduces the need for cables, resulting in compact and cost-effective connections. Such a cable preferably has only one wire pair or only one conductor pair. The cable can preferably comprise a twisted pair of wires or conductor pair. The only one wire pair or conductor pair can be designed to transmit data as well as electrical current or voltage, preferably over distances of up to 1000 meters and / or at a maximum data transmission speed of 10 Mbit / s, 100 Mbit / s or 1 Gbit / s. Furthermore, the cable can be designed to supply a terminal device with electrical current or voltage according to Power over Data Line (PoOL) and simultaneously transmit data.Preferably, the cable and / or the component and / or the connection system can be used in applications related to Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things (IoT), the automotive industry, or building automation, or be suitable for such applications. The conductor pair or the wire pair preferably comprises or consists of copper or a copper alloy. Preferably, the cable corresponds to a single-pair Ethernet cable according to IEEE 802.3bw, preferably as this standard is valid on September 27, 2024, in particular in the Federal Republic of Germany. Preferably, the cable can be designed for full-duplex communication.

[0082] The component can preferably be a Single Pair Ethernet connector (SPE connector), in particular according to the IEC 63171 standard, preferably as of September 27, 2024, in particular with effect for the Federal Republic of Germany. Particularly preferably, the component can be designed as a plug-in connector or circular connector with an M8 or M12 thread. The plug arrangement or the socket arrangement of such a connector can have a thread for attachment, in particular to an electrical device or sensor. Furthermore, the cable and / or the component and / or the connection system can be designed to transmit a maximum power of 50 or 60 watts.

[0083] In principle, unless otherwise stated, conductors are preferably the conductors of the cable. In other words, they can preferably only be conductors of the plug assembly or socket assembly if it is explicitly stated that they are the conductors of the plug assembly or socket assembly.

[0084] Basically, two codings that interact with each other can be referred to as coding and counter-coding.

[0085] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes exemplary 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 orSectional view of a cable according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 10 a top 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 guiding 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 another schematic representation of parts of an insertion mechanism according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 17 another schematic representation of an embodiment of a connection system. Fig. 18a another schematic representation of an embodiment of a component. Fig.18bA further schematic representation of an embodiment of a component. Fig. 19aA further schematic representation of an embodiment of a connection system with a seal. Fig. 19bA further schematic representation of an embodiment of a connection system with a seal. Fig. 19cA further schematic representation of an embodiment of a connection system with a seal. .

[0086] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even in different embodiments.

[0087] In Fig. 1 to 10Embodiments of the invention are shown schematically. Specifically, variants of an electrical cable 2 are shown, which serves for connection to an electrical component 20. The cable 2 can have at least one electrical conductor 4 for this purpose. 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.

[0088] In Fig. 1the 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 the contact means 28 are introduced into the cable 20 and in particular into the electrical conductors 4 of the cable 20 in this state 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, possibly with a threaded screw connection arranged in the area 24, in order to be attached to a connection of a device such as a fieldbus module, actuator or sensor. The cable 2 can therefore be connected to the device for transmitting electrical energy and / or data via the plug connector.

[0089] 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 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 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 can be prevented by other parts of the cable 2. This can then also block the establishment of the connection between the cable 2 and 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 with the electrical conductors 4 of the cable 2.

[0090] 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.

[0091] In Fig. 2 a variant of the component 20 in the form of a plug connector is shown, in which a protruding wall 40 is provided for plug mounting 40 (see also Figs. 6 and 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.

[0092] In Fig. 3 and 4 It is further clarified that the cable can have the plurality of conductors 4 in the form of strands, also called stranded conductors. Each of these stranded conductors can have several fine, twisted wires 12, which may be connected by a Fig. 4recognizable 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 their identification and wiring. To minimize electromagnetic interference, a shield made of a metal braid or a 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.

[0093] In further optional designs of cable 2, the conductors can be highly flexible and provided with 360° full shielding. This full shielding serves to effectively shield against electromagnetic interference (EMC), thus ensuring the integrity of data transmission. Other optional versions include overmolded versions of cable 2 with highly resistant PUR overmolding, which are specially 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 means that the cables can be quickly adapted or replaced as needed, without the need for special tools or specialist knowledge.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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 a corresponding coding 50 is illustrated, in which the contact means 28 of the component 20 are arranged in a corresponding manner with different lateral distances.

[0096] In Fig. 1 , 2 and 5-8A component 20 for connection to an electrical cable 2 is shown schematically. 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 illustrated by a vertical arrow. Furthermore, the at least one electrical contact means 28 can be designed to make the electrical contact in the electrical cable 2—that is, in particular, within the sheath 8.

[0097] In Figs. 6 and 7It is further clarified that a further structure, such as a locking and / or orientation structure 60, can be provided, for example, to further simplify the correct alignment of the component 20 with respect to the cable 2 during connection. The structure 60 is formed, for example, as a groove or material recess on the component 20 and / or on the cable 2.

[0098] In Fig. 8 It can be seen 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.

[0099] Furthermore, Fig. 8a locking pin 45 is shown, which can be provided on the contact means 28 in order 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 in order to fix the established connection.

[0100] Further on, Figs. 8 and 9 clarifies 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. 9recognizable 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 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 be designed accordingly 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.

[0101] In Fig. 8It is further clear 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.

[0102] In Fig. 1It 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 the connection is established, 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.

[0103] In Fig. 10It is shown 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.

[0104] In Fig. 12 According to further embodiments of the invention, a connection system 1 with a component 20 and a cable 2 can be seen. The component 20 can be provided for connection to an electrical cable 2. For this purpose, the component 20 can comprise several 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 Figs. 13 and 14 ).

[0105] 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. 13 As illustrated, 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.

[0106] 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 there from the interior of the cable 2 to the outside (see Figs. 13 and 14 ) or protrude (see Fig. 12 ) and are therefore visible and accessible from outside the cable 2. In Figs. 13 and 14 the respective exposed conductor cross-section 5 is also in the cutting plane.

[0107] 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 ( Figs. 13 and 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 lines 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 ).

[0108] The connection system 1 can be Fig. 12illustrated guide device 70, 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 linear manner for contact, this can also be referred to as a contact movement.

[0109] The guide device 70 may comprise a guide housing 72 with a guide structure 71. The guide structure 71 is in Fig. 12specifically in the form of openings of the guide housing 72 in order to provide the mechanical guidance for the respective conductors 4, in particular lines 13, and / or contact means 28. The guide structure 71 can be designed as shown in Fig. 12 shown to receive the conductors 4, in particular lines 13, on a first side 76 of the guide housing 72 and to receive the contact means 28 on another, opposite (and facing away from the first side 76) second side 77 of the guide housing 72.

[0110] The lines 13 in Fig. 12 may have different colors and thus be color-coded. Corresponding colors may also be provided in the area of ​​the openings 71 to facilitate identification.

[0111] 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.

[0112] A part 44 of the component 20 and / or the guide device 70 in Fig. 12 In the connected state, it can seal the contact surface 9 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.

[0113] In Figs. 15 and 16An insertion mechanism 80 is shown by way of example, 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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 manual or mechanical force is applied 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] Furthermore, a Fig. 15 illustrated indexing device 83 may be provided to visually, haptically or acoustically indicate a current penetration depth 90 during the contacting movement.

[0118] In Fig. 16It is shown 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.

[0119] 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 meets a counter-holding element 89.

[0120] In Fig. 111 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.

[0121] The Figure 17schematically shows an embodiment of the connection system 1 according to the invention, which has an embodiment of the component 20 according to the invention and an embodiment of the cable 2 according to the invention. The cable 2 has a plurality of spaced-apart strain relief contours 172. The strain relief contours 172 are designed as circumferential grooves and are evenly spaced from one another along the cable 2. A strain relief 171 of the component 20 engages in such a strain relief contour 172, wherein the strain relief 171 is formed integrally with the component 20 and prevents accidental pulling on the cable 2 from leading to an unwanted release of the electrical connection between the cable 2 and the component 20. The electrical connection is established by means of pointed contact means, each of which is pierced into only one predetermined electrical conductor of the cable.The electrical conductors of cable 2 extend twisted to one another along the length of cable 2. Cable 2 further comprises a coding 50 which interacts with a counter-coding of component 20 such that, during the establishment of the electrical connection between component 20 and cable 2, the contact means of component 20 only come into electrical contact with the electrical conductors provided for this purpose, as coding 50 and the counter-coding together form a guide and prevent any other contact between the conductors and the contact means. For this purpose, coding 50 of cable 2 is formed on the circumference of the cable as a helical or thread-shaped groove extending in the direction of extension of cable 2. Alternatively, a bead extending in this manner can be provided instead of a groove.The coding 50 has a continuous course along the extension direction of the cable 2 and has the same relative position to the electrical conductors of the cable 2 at every point along the extension of the cable 2, transversely or perpendicularly to the extension direction of the cable 2. In other words, the cable 2 can be shortened to a desired length at any point along the cable 2 in order to establish an electrical connection between the cable 2 and the component 20, since the constant relative position along the cable ensures the desired electrical contact. The contact surface 9, at which the contact means are pierced into the conductors of the cable, is formed at the cable end 217.

[0122] The Figure 18ashows a schematic of an embodiment of the component 20 according to the invention. The contact means 28 for contacting the electrical conductors of the cable can be seen. The contact means 28 lead electrically to contact conductors 180 of a plug 181 of the component 20, where the contact conductors 180 form a plug arrangement 181. The course of the guide from the contact means 28 to the contact conductors 180 of the plug 181 is not straight, but is angled at least once, preferably perpendicularly, whereby the plug 181 is formed on a side of the component 20 that runs transversely or perpendicularly to the insertion direction of the cable 2. Instead of a plug 181 with a plug arrangement 181, a socket with a socket arrangement can be provided.

[0123] The Figure 18b shows a further schematic embodiment of the component 20 according to the invention, which differs from the embodiment of Figure 18adiffers in that the plug 181 is formed on a side of the component 20 that faces away from the side of the component 20 on which the cable can be electrically contacted with the contact means 28. Furthermore, the course of the guide from the contact means 28 to the contact conductors 180 of the plug 181 is designed such that the arrangement and / or assignment of the contact conductors 180 of the plug 181 differs from that of the contact means 28.

[0124] The Figure 19a shows an embodiment of a connection system 1. Here, a strain relief 171 is formed by means of a shrink tube 191. The shrink tube 191 also serves to seal the electrical connection between the cable 2 and the component 20. The shrink tube 191 engages in a circumferential groove that forms the strain relief contour 172. Furthermore, the shrink tube is attached to the component 20.

[0125] The Figure 19b shows a further embodiment of a connection system 1. Here, the cable 2 has a microencapsulation 193, which, upon contact with an activating substance 194, releases a sealing compound that seals the electrical connection between the cable 2 and the component 20 from the environment. Of course, it is also possible for the component 20 to have the microencapsulation, while the cable 2 has the activating substance 194. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the activation, i.e. the release of the microencapsulation, takes place by means of heat, light, radiation, or another suitable means.

[0126] The Figure 19cshows a further embodiment of a connection system 1. Here, a sealing space 198 in the component, which is delimited by the cable 2 and the component 20, is sealed from the environment by means of a sealing compound 195. Preferably, the component 20 has a filling opening 196 for filling the sealing compound 195. Furthermore, the component 20 can have an outlet opening 197 through which the filled sealing compound 195 can exit when the sealing space 198 is already filled with the sealing compound 195. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the component 20 to have a viewing window that delimits the sealing space 198, whereby a filling level of the sealing space 198 by means of the sealing compound 195 can be visually identified by a user.

[0127] For ease of illustration, the contact means are shown in the Figures 17 and 19a to 19c not displayed or not visible due to the selected display.

[0128] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively within the scope 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

[0129] 1System, connection system 2Cable 4Wire, stranded wire, conductor 6Cavity 7Profile 8Sheath, cable sheath 9Contact surface, cut surface 10Filling material 12Single wire 14Condensate seal 20Component 22Locking, unlocking 24Threaded screw connection 26Guide, guiding means 27Counter-coding 28Contact means, pin 29Safety contact means 30-pin tip 40Connector assembly 42Printed circuit board 44Locking, anti-twist protection, sealing 45Locking pin 50 coding 51 first coding 52 second coding 60Structure 62Depth markers 70Guide device 71Guide structure 72Guide housing 76First page 77Second page 80Insertion mechanism 81Pressure element 82Transmission arrangement 83Indexing device, indexing 84Adjustment mechanism 85Nut 86Thread 87Guide space 88Retaining element 89Counterholding element 90Penetration depth 91Starting position 92End position 93Travel path 100Procedure 101First process step 102Second process step Aaxial direction 217Cable end 171Strain relief 172Strain relief contour 180Contact conductor 181Plug, plug arrangement 191Shrink tubing 193Microencapsulation 194Activating substance 195Sealing compound 196Filling opening 197Exit opening 198Sealing chamber

Claims

1. A 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 a respective 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 that the insertion mechanism (80) is designed to insert, in particular 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, and / or that an adjustment mechanism (84) is provided 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.

3. Guide device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatthe 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 manually or mechanically on the transmission arrangement (82), in order to insert, 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, and / or thatthe 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.

4. Guide device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatan 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 different positions to provide an operator of the guide device (70) with haptic feedback when the pressure element (81) reaches the different positions, - a click or snap mechanism to provide acoustic feedback when the pressure element (81) reaches the different positions, - a device with mechanical resistance elements at the different positions,- a device with magnetic position markers at the various positions., 5. Guide device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatthe 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) as a result of 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).

6. Guide device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the insertion mechanism (80) further comprises: - a pressure element (81) for directly or indirectly transmitting a force to the electrical contact means (28) in order to insert 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) encounters 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), and / or thatthe guide device (70) is designed to specify 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, and / or thatthe 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).

7. Guide device (70) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatat 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 predetermine for the contacting in order to block 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 transmitting a fluid, in particular for transmitting 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, and / or 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 contacting is predetermined, and / or thatthe guide device (70) comprises an insertion mechanism (80), in particular a screw mechanism, a lever mechanism, or a plug-in mechanism, to carry out the contacting movement, wherein the insertion mechanism (80) is preferably designed to move the cable (2) in the direction of the component (20) during the contacting movement, wherein the guide device (70) or the insertion mechanism (80) preferably comprises an adjustment mechanism (84) to set a predetermined penetration depth (90) of the contact means (28) into the conductors (4) in the insertion mechanism (80), preferably depending on a cable type of the cable (2) and / or continuously and / or in several predefined stages, wherein the guide device (70) or the insertion mechanism (80) preferably has an indexing (83) which is designed to indicate the current penetration depth (90) to a user during the contacting movement,and / or , that the guide device (70) is designed as a guide sleeve for the cable (2).

8. A 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 designed to be 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 designed to be 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).

9. Connection system (1) according to claim 8, characterized by thatthe 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) and / or that the at least one coding (50) is formed by means of a rotationally symmetrical cross-section of the cable (2), in particular by means of a rotationally symmetrical inner and / or outer contour of the cable (2), and / or that the respective contact means (28) has a tip (30) and / or is needle-shaped in order to contact the associated conductor (4) by piercing the contact means (28) at and / or through the exposed conductor cross-section (5), and / or thatthe respective conductor (4) is designed as a stranded wire (4) which 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).

10. Connection system (1) according to one of claims 8 to 9, characterized by 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), and / or that the electrical conductors (4) of the cable (2) are twisted together, in particular in the form of one or more pairs, three-strands or four-strands, thatthe at least one coding (50) along the extension of the cable (2) has a continuous course which is adapted to the twisting in such a way that at every point on the cable (2) along the extension of the cable (2), the at least one coding (50) and the electrical conductors (4) have the same relative position to one another, in particular in a plane transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the extension direction of the cable (2), and / or that the cable (2) has a fluid line, in particular a liquid line or gas line, that in particular the at least one coding (50) is formed partially or only by means of the fluid line, that the electrical conductors (4), in particular the stranding or strandings, surround the fluid line along the extent of the cable (2) in order to preferably ensure uniform cooling of the conductors (4) by means of the fluid that can be conducted through the fluid line. thatthe component (20) has a fluid channel which is connected to the fluid line of the cable (2) in a fluid-transmitting manner and in particular partially or only forms a counter-coding (27), and / or that the cable (2) has strain relief contours (172) along its extension on its outer circumference, preferably at regular intervals from one another, particularly preferably in the form of circumferential recesses, in particular grooves or notches, or elevations, in particular beads or shoulders, preferably for a shrink tube (191) or a strain relief (171), and thatthe component (20) has a strain relief (171), in particular a shrink tube (191) designed as a strain relief (171), which is preferably fastened to the component (20), for the cable (2), which cooperates with the strain relief contour (172) of the cable (2) in such a way that the cable (2) is strain-relieved by the strain relief (171) forming a positive connection, in particular with the strain relief contour (172) of the cable (2), preferably by the strain relief (171) engaging behind the strain relief contour (172) or engaging in the strain relief contour (172).

11. Connection system (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by thatan electrical connection is established between the cable (2) and the component (20), in particular by the contact means (28) being inserted into associated conductors (28) and / or that the connection system (1) comprises a seal, in particular a material-locking and / or force-locking and / or form-fitting seal, which seals the connection and in particular a cable section adjacent to the connection from an environment of the connection system (1), in particular according to IP20 or IP67, that the seal is preferably formed, in particular in the case of a form-fitting seal, by means of a shrink tube or the shrink tube which forms the strain relief, and / or that the seal is formed by means of a sealing compound (195), in particular adhesive or casting compound, that, in particular in the direction of extension of the cable (2) and / or perpendicular to the direction of extension of the cable (2), between the cable (2), in particular the contact surface (9) of the cable (2), and the component, a sealing space (198) for receiving the sealing compound (195) is formed, in which the sealing compound (195) is located and preferably completely fills the sealing space (198), wherein the sealing space (198) preferably has a filling opening (196) for the sealing compound (195), which is in particular closed by the sealing compound (195), that the sealing space (198) preferably has an outlet opening (197) for the sealing compound (195), which is in particular closed by the sealing compound (195), that in particular, a section of the component (20) delimiting the sealing space (198) is made of a transparent material so that the degree of filling of the sealing space (198) with the sealing compound (195) can be optically determined.

12. Connection system (1) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by that the seal is formed by means of a released content of the microencapsulation (193), in particular of the cable (2) or the component (20) or the guide housing (72), and / or that the seal fluid-tightly seals and / or electrically insulates a transition from the fluid line to the fluid channel from the contact points formed by contacting the conductors (4) with the contact means (28) on the contacting surface (9), and / or wherein the seal electrically insulates and / or seals the contact points formed by contacting the conductors (4) with the contact means (28) on the contacting surface (9) from one another.

13. Connection system (1) according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized by thatthe seal is formed by means of a shrink tube (191), in that the shrink tube (191) is preferably designed as a strain relief (171) of the cable (2), in that the shrink tube (191) forms a positive connection, in particular with a strain relief contour (172) of the cable (2), preferably in that the shrink tube (191) engages behind the strain relief contour (172) or engages in the strain relief contour (172), and is fastened to the component (20) by means of a fastening of the component (20), in particular a fastening contour of the component (20), and thus forms a preferably pre-tension of the cable (2) against the component (20).

14. Connection system (1) according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized by thatthe contact means (28) lead electrically to electrical contact conductors (180) of a plug arrangement (181) or socket arrangement of the component (20), such that the position and / or arrangement and / or assignment and / or dimensioning of the electrical contact conductors (180) differs from that of the contact means (28), in particular at the contact surface (9).

15. Connection system (1) according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized by that the electrical conductors (4) extend only and / or directly to one or the contact surface (9) of the cable (2) and / or adjoin it, preferably in order to enable the contact means (28), in particular in the form of contact tips and / or piercing means, to be inserted into the electrical conductors (4) at the contact surface (9), that the contacting surface (9) preferably extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the direction of extension of the cable (2), and thatin particular the contacting surface (9) forms a cut surface of the cable (2), at which the cable (2) has preferably been shortened to a desired length, and / or a cable end (217) of the cable (2).

Citation Information

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